Digital Commons Network^™

Comparing Virtual And In-Person Delivery Modes Of A Preschool Stem School Readiness Program During The Pandemic, Yaebin Kim, Courtney E. Lyons, William P. Evans, Dan Weigel

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This study describes the transition of a preschool STEM school readiness program from in-person to virtual programming during the early pandemic phase, examines in-person and virtual program data to understand the effectiveness of these two program delivery modes, and presents lessons learned from this abrupt transition. Results suggest that in-person and virtual classes were effective and equivalent on parent ratings and program monitoring variables. Future study will be needed to fully determine the cost-benefit impacts of in-person, virtual, and hybrid program delivery models on STEM school readiness and other family engagement programs.

News You Can Use— Helping Older Adults Make Informed Food Choices, Chih-Cheng Lu, Sarah Francis

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Nutrition Education With Seniors (NEWS) program on the food-related challenges faced by older adults. The study used quarterly evaluations spanning 2012 to 2022, focusing on the application of newsletter information; 3,281 surveys were completed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed for sociodemographic analysis, while z-tests with Bonferroni correction compared column proportions. Respondents were primarily female (64.5%), aged 60-69 (52.1%). Many encountered a decreased food supply (47.1%), yet experienced no impacts from these changes (47.3%.) Most used NEWS information for food choices (79.7%) and resource management (83.9%), …

Deck The Halls: A Course To Build The Master Floral Designer Program Through The Pandemic And Beyond, James M. Delprince, Patricia R. Knight

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

MSU Extension developed a virtual workshop on holiday floral design using cut ornamental evergreens in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to maintain interest in a new, hybrid, certificate floral design program titled “Master Floral Designer,” initiated in 2017. Encouraged by high ratings, Extension presented the course in person in 2021. With continued high participant ratings and lower COVID transmission rates, Extension faculty and staff planned to offer the program in 2022 at six locations statewide to increase awareness and enrollment in the certificate program. Results from the statewide workshop showed that 86% (n=32) of the students agreed to …

Changes In Nutrition, Food Safety, And Physical Activity Behaviors: A Comparison Between The Peak Health And Performance And Teen Cuisine Curricula, Tyler B. Becker, Ronald J. Gibbs Jr.

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This study compared the Peak Health and Performance curriculum (PHP) to the Teen Cuisine curriculum (TC) on improving nutrition, food safety, and physical activity (PA) behaviors among youth. The quasi-experimental study was conducted in Michigan middle and high schools and included 1007 5th- through 12th-grade students, who participated in either the PHP or the TC curriculum. There were 465 students in the PHP group and 495 students in the TC group. Nutrition, food safety, and PA behaviors were surveyed before and after each program. Individual curriculum pre- and post-scores were compared using a paired t-test, and between-group changes were examined …

Understanding Extension-Library Partnerships: Results From A Three-State Survey, Noah Lenstra, Gary Deziel

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

When attending to community needs, collaboration across community organizations yields outcomes that are dynamic and sustaining. Given the interest in collaboration across organizations, and the desire to understand how these partnerships occur, this study sought to explore the collaborative efforts of Extension and public libraries in three states: Kentucky, North Carolina, and Vermont. Foundational information was gathered regarding programming within this partnership, alignment of efforts, and the experiences of partnering from the perspectives of both Extension and library staff, including successes and challenges. Most considered collaboration an expansion to their reach and determined that results included enhanced engagement through cooperation, …

Competitive Conquest: Charting The Climb To Pokémon Supremacy, Robert Dilworth

BCoE Publications

This manuscript presents a comprehensive exploration of optimizing Pokémon gameplay through data-driven methodologies, aimed at enhancing competitive performance in high-stakes environments. In the first section, we introduce a robust Pokémon teambuilding algorithm that leverages statistical analysis of championship-winning compositions. By employing multiple linear regression techniques, we predict team performance based on critical factors such as Base Stat Totals (BSTs) and various coverage types. This integration of data science principles into Pokémon strategy underscores the importance of offensive capabilities over defensive considerations, ultimately contributing to advancements in teambuilding strategies. Our proficiency in R programming facilitated the development of an efficient codebase …

Historic Structures Report Of Dorman Hall, Carolyn Oglesby

Reports

For the MFA's Historic Preservation course titled 'Preservation Research Methods,' this is a historic structures report for Dorman Hall located on the Mississippi State University Campus.The purpose of this Historical Structures Report is to document the current condition and history of Dorman Hall. This report may be used in future planning and renovations of the building to further understand the history and current condition of Dorman Hall.

Tobacco Control Youth Initiatives: Mississippi’S Multipronged Approach, Katerina Sergi, Colleen Stouffer, Emily Mcclelland, Tiffany Johnson, Malcolm Huell, Sujan Anreddy, Nell Valentine, Robert Mcmillen

Publications

Despite progress in reducing youth tobacco use, the epidemic persists as a pressing public health challenge, exacerbated by the rise of vaping and flavored products. This article synthesizes the latest evidence on effective youth tobacco control interventions and presents a detailed examination of the comprehensive initiatives implemented in Mississippi over the past six years. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Office of Tobacco Control program evaluations from 2018-2023 are presented, covering school curricula, community events, peer education, advocacy, media campaigns, and other activities delivered by tobacco-free coalitions, physician groups, and partner organizations statewide. Over this period, these multi-level …

Agricultural Producers' Perceptions Of Stressors: A Study On Controllability And Persistency, Mary Nelson Robertson, Devon Mills, Brice A. Fortinberry, Mary Marshall Waller, Hunter H. Thompson, Marina Denny, David Buys

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Farm stress negatively impacts agricultural producers’ (APs) physical and mental health. The average age of agricultural producers has increased in every USDA agricultural census since 1945, and the stressors may be either or both caused or exacerbated by increasing age. The Cooperative Extension Service is well-known for working with APs and is well-equipped to address these concerns for this aging population. To better understand farm-related stressors, this study examines APs’ and Extension agents’ perceptions of major stressors faced by APs. Focus groups were held to identify stressors and determine the controllability and persistency of those stressors. The mean age of …

Beyond Assistance: Amplifying The Lived Experiences Of Marginalized Communities Navigating Support Service Systems In Mississippi, Karla Mccullough, Rodney Washington, Angela A. Omondi

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background

Perceived dehumanizing experiences when interacting with social assistance caseworkers and providers can contribute to negative perceptions of the service system that may impede enrollment and retention of families in need thereby contributing to health disparities.

Purpose

This study aimed to use secondary analysis of qualitative data to explore the interaction between social services workers/providers and recipients from the perspectives of families seeking social support services in Mississippi.

Methods

This study analyzed secondary qualitative data from a sample of (n=15) representatives in Mississippi. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Participants reported perceived dehumanized experiences such …

A Model For Developing Emergency Medical Services Instructor Knowledge, David Hall, Lisa Fee

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

PROBLEM: The task of educating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers requires EMS instructors to possess and convey translational knowledge and skills relevant to out-of-hospital emergency care. Insufficiently prepared or new EMS instructors may lack translational knowledge and skills along these lines and be at a deficit when it comes to educating EMS providers. PURPOSE: The project involved creation, implementation, and analysis of a model state EMS instructor core training program in Mississippi, with the aim of developing translational knowledge and skills for use by EMS instructors. METHOD: The project utilized a revised Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) model and a standardized survey …

Public Support For Tobacco Control Policies Among Mississippi Adults, Emily Mcclelland, Tiffany Johnson, Robert Mcmillen

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Smoking kills 5,000 Mississippi adults per year and more than a third of cancer deaths are attributable to smoking. The annual healthcare costs to Mississippi due to smoking are $1.43 billion.

Purpose: Assess public support for policies that reduce tobacco use.

Methods: Telephone surveys were administered to a representative sample of 900 Mississippi adults in 2023. Participants were asked about their support or opposition to implementing a statewide smokefree law, restricting where people can vape, increasing the state cigarette tax, taxing e-cigarettes, and restricting e-cigarette advertising.

Results: The majority of respondents support each of these five policies, with an …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of An Integrated Nutrition Education Curriculum And The Impact On Preschoolers' Food Liking, Alicia Stapp, Laurel Lambert, Georgianna Mann, Kaitlyn Sills, Kenya Wolff

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Nutrition education during early childhood that includes experiential learning, modeling, and family engagement can support lifelong healthy eating habits.

Purpose: The present study examined the impact of a nutrition-integrated, 32-week supplemental curriculum entitled Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities on children’s exposure to fruits and vegetables, ability to identify fruits and vegetables, liking of fruit and vegetables, and teachers’ perceptions of the curriculum.

Methods: A pre- and post- fruit and vegetable pictorial Likert survey was administered to 261 Pre-K4 children. To investigate teachers’ perceptions of the curriculum, a post-intervention focus group was conducted with 19 teachers.

Results: Significant differences …

The Prevalence Rate Of Syphilis And Hiv Across Different Genders, Races, And Ages From 2017 To 2021 In The Southern Region Of The United States, Nafiseh Gavari, Rita Momah, Jessica Green Collins, Elizabeth Jones

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

This study investigates the prevalence rates of Syphilis and HIV across different genders, races, and ages from 2017 to 2021 in regions 4 (Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama) and 6 (New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana). These regions have been identified as high-risk areas for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Our study seeks to shed light on the trends and disparities in STD prevalence within these specific regions over the specified timeframe. Data were collected and analyzed from the AtlasPlus database, providing insights into the epidemiology of these diseases. The findings reveal increasing trends …

Social Determinants Of Alzheimer’S Disease And Dementia: The Mississippi Landscape, Kenneth R. Butler Jr., Denise Lafferty, Stacee B. Naylor, Kimberly C. Tarver Md

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are those conditions in the environment where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, physical and cognitive functions, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. Numerous social factors are significant contributors to the development and progression of various diseases. Recently, much attention has focused on assessing the impact of social factors on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The objective of this commentary is to describe and assess the SDOH that have been associated with increased risk of ADRD in the context of the social environment in …

The Jackson Water Crisis Across The Lifespan: Living And Dying For Clean Water, Ashley W. Jones, Antonio J. Gardner

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the midst of freezing temperatures from a snowstorm, the city of Jackson, MS faced the potential demise of its drinking water infrastructure. Triggered by the freezing of water pipes in the city and a subsequent fire at a local water treatment facility, the lack of clean, accessible water made daily tasks more difficult for the city’s older adult population who had limited mobility, income, and ability to relocate. This commentary examines the effects of ongoing water infrastructure issues in Jackson, MS and its effect on aging in place. Considerations for a …

Exploring Preservice Elementary Teachers' Reflections Following Facilitation Of Mathematics Discussions In Mixed-Reality Simulations, Liza Bondurant

CoE Publications

This article investigates preservice elementary teachers' (PSTs') reflections after facilitating mathematics discussions within a mixed-reality simulation (MRS) environment. The study aims to explore the immediate and delayed reflections of PSTs. The findings provide insights into the affordances and constraints of MRSs. PSTs' immediate reflections focused on the themes of preparation, questioning skills, and understanding the content, with delayed reflections indicating positive experiences, including improved content knowledge, and discussion facilitation skills. Findings suggest that with enhanced preparation and additional practice opportunities, integrating MRSs into teacher preparation programs has the potential to improve the mathematical discussion facilitation skills of PSTs.

Incremental Growth Through Professional Learning Communities Of Math Teachers Engaged In Action Research Projects, Liza Bondurant

CoE Publications

This study investigates the experiences of a professional learning community (PLC) com- posed of six secondary math teachers enrolled in a graduate math methods course. Through the discussion of educational texts and collaborative inquiry, the teachers identified classroom challenges they aimed to address through individual action research projects. The PLC provided a supportive environment for teachers to share their processes, receive peer feedback, and collectively reflect. This study underscores the value of action research and PLCs in driving educational improvement. By en- gaging in structured inquiry within a collaborative setting, teachers gained insights into pedagogical issues, developed targeted incremental interventions, …

Introduction To The Special Topics Issue On Rural Multilingual Education, Maria Coady, Diego Román

The Rural Educator

No abstract provided.

“I Want To Give Back": Examining The Mestiza Consciousness Of Multilingual Rural Latinx Students From California’S San Joaquin Valley, Mayra Puente

The Rural Educator

In 2016, California residents widely supported the passage of Proposition 58, which allowed non-English languages to be used in public education. This proposition was intended to benefit all students, especially the state’s large Latinx K–12 student population, who tend to speak Spanish and English at home and in school. Yet educational resources to support multilingual students in the state’s rural areas are scarce, and students consequently experience “English-only” learning spaces despite progressive educational policy. This article examines the educational experiences of multilingual rural Latinx students from California’s San Joaquin Valley agricultural region using Chicana/Latina feminist pláticas methodology. Drawing on Anzaldúa’s …

Escuchemos Las Voces Bilingües De Nuestros Educadores Rurales: Who And What Matters For The Education Of Secondary English Learners In A Rural Florida School Community, Nidza V. Marichal

The Rural Educator

Guided by constructive epistemology and grounded in Greenwood’s place-conscious education theory and critical race theory in education, (CRT), this narrative-informed qualitative study critically examines how the lived experiences of three bilingual educators shape their work with English Learners (ELs or multilingual learners, MLs) in a Florida rural school community. Primary data consist of videorecorded interviews and photo elicitation that illuminated teachers’ told life narratives. Findings from this study demonstrate that the voices of the bilingual teachers matter for improving EL education in this rural community. The teachers’ reflections about their “ontological-becoming,” their engagement with the rural school community, and the …

Curriculum Inquiry To Strengthen Teacher Preparation For Supporting Multilingual Learners In Rural Settings, Christiana K. Kfouri, Marjorie W. Rowe

The Rural Educator

Multilingual learners (MLs) represent a substantial, growing segment of the PreK–12 population, including in rural areas. Several forces contribute to the increase of ML students in rural schools (e.g., immigrant labor, refugee crises). As we undergo a major cultural shift from a society that was (misguidedly) viewed as monolingual to one that is now undoubtedly multilingual, many teacher education programs have not sufficiently transformed how they prepare educators for linguistic and cultural diversity. Rural teachers indicate that teacher preparation does not include effective strategies and resources instrumental to meeting the cultural, linguistic, and academic needs of MLs. Moreover, educators may …

Multilingual Educators In Superdiverse Rural Schools: Placing Administrators And Teachers’ Cultural And Linguistic Wealth At The Center Of Rural Education, Carla Paciotto, Gloria A. Delany-Barmann

The Rural Educator

Centered on reconceptualizations of “rural” and “rurality” that reimagine and transcend the “traditional imaginaries” of rural educational settings as places of disadvantage and isolation, this article presents the partial results of a mixed methods study funded by the Spencer Foundation about expanded and pivotal roles played by rural multilingual (ML) teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators in two rural school districts located in U.S. Midwest COVID-19 hotspots. The pandemic made the historical struggles and inequities that ML students face in U.S. schools glaringly evident, as ML families experienced a disproportionately negative impact of the virus on their health and financial stability and …

Rural Undergraduate Students’ Narratives Of English Language Learning Within Multilingual Classroom Contexts: A Namibian Perspective, Annaly M. Strauss, Joanne M. Marshall

The Rural Educator

This article presents findings on how preservice teachers navigate teaching and learning in a multilingual rural environment as English learners (ELs) during their teacher preparation program. The study used a qualitative research design to collect and analyze data. The conceptual framework of the study was based on culturally responsive pedagogy and place-based education theory. In this study, preservice teachers from multilingual rural backgrounds who wished to teach in multilingual rural settings illustrated their coping strategies for rural realities and how the rural context affected their commitment to their studies. The findings revealed preservice teachers’ narratives under the categories of culturally …

Five-Year Review Of The Foundations Onboarding Program For The Uga Cooperative Extension, Virginia Brown, Kristi Farner

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This paper examines the successes and opportunities for improvement of a comprehensive professional development program at a state land-grant university. The Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) recognizes turnover and retention as a systemic issue further compounded by heavy workloads and low salaries. According to the Motivation-Hygiene Theory, job satisfaction can increase when motivating factors, such as personal development opportunities, are implemented. Created over two decades ago, the University of Georgia’s Foundations program has been part of its onboarding process that provides agents and educators with the knowledge and skill development for success in their roles. Since 2016, it …

Aspirational Mexican American Parenting In The Rural South: Multilingualism, Hard Work, And The Middle Class, Alma D. Stevenson, Scott Beck

The Rural Educator

This study examined the parenting choices of Mexican-heritage former child migrant farmworkers who are now financially stable and raising their own children in the rural South. The study yielded multiple significant findings using data collected during semi-structured, bilingual focus groups and analyzed through grounded theory coding. The participants spoke of painful childhood memories of how their poverty and biculturalism left them isolated. Now, as adults, they have sought middle-class belonging for themselves and their children. They described their “pedagogies of the home” as seeking to preserve their linguistic heritage, teach the value of hard work, and facilitate their children’s upward …

Full Issue, Volume 12, Number 2, Donna J. Peterson Dr., Scott Cummings, Elizabeth Gregory North

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Mississippi State University Libraries Government Documents Collection Development Policy, Mississippi State University Libraries

Policies and Procedures

No abstract provided.

Mississippi State University Libraries Records Management Policies And Procedures, Mississippi State University Libraries

Policies and Procedures

No abstract provided.

Mississippi State University Libraries Archives & Special Collections Collection Development Policy, Mississippi State University Libraries

Policies and Procedures

No abstract provided.