Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Teachers And Parents For Students With Learning And Behavior Disorders, Tamesha Stone

Integrated Studies

Teacher collaboration is crucial to student success. The achievement of the student’s goals and objectives is ultimately up to the student but relies on the teacher’s ability to set up the correct educational plans. Teachers should be looking at students’ progress and struggles individually so that those students who need to be accommodated for are not neglected. It is easy to overlook a learning disability when students react to their educational weaknesses with aggressive or inappropriate behaviors. Generally, in cases like these, a student would need to be assessed for learning and behavior disorders. By definition, a learning disorder is …

The Importance Of Play In Early Childhood Education, Addye Sawyers, Addye Olivia Sawyers

Integrated Studies

While the origins and purpose of childhood play has been discovered and documented for some time, the inclusion of play in early childhood education is a concept which has not found its way into the core structure of early childhood classrooms until more recent years. As the need for early learning programs continues to grow, so does the need for developmentally appropriate and beneficial early childhood learning intervention. In this paper, we will review prominent theories and recent research on stages of childhood development and learning, the purpose of early childhood education in the U.S., the nature of play and …

Safety In Industrial And Occupational Settings, Dylan Hicks

Integrated Studies

Safety procedures and standards in the workplace have adapted to encompass a large variety of different hazards and threats in the workplace. Psychological and physical hazards are sometimes difficult to detect but are essential to understanding and researching different protective methods for limiting bodily harm to an individual. Federal and state agencies have been established for the purpose of creating, testing, and regulating the new safety standards as well as revising old measure as new technology and research arise that provide better results. The main categories that are at high risk for causing harm are chemical, biological, fire, air quality, …

How Physical Exercise Impacts Learning Abilities And Self Awareness In The Classroom, Jason Michael Rosselli

Integrated Studies

Abstract

For many years ever since the author started elementary school back in 2003-2004 and all the way up to recently being taught in military classes while in the Army, the paper will describe what he has experienced as well as many other problems staying awake in class or fully comprehending the learning material due to lack of energy or lack of sleep from the night before. This paper will talk about how falling asleep in class has been a notorious landmark as to why students will struggle in a class or why that teacher does not enjoy having that …

Is America Ready For Universal Healthcare, Heather Early

Integrated Studies

The American healthcare system noted by politicians, medical professions, American citizens, and health care insurance companies is very complicated. With medical professions complaining of not receiving payment for provided procedures from either patient are insurance companies. American citizens were complaining they cannot afford health insurance or pay for procedures, making citizens not go to medical providers for care.

Furthermore, insurance companies do not get payments for insurance policies from citizens and payout payments to medical providers at a high procedure rate. Politicians have tried to fix the issues by mandating all American citizens have health insurance; they are employer-provided or …

The Use And Acceptance Of The English Canon In The High School Classroom, Matthew D. Dobbs

Integrated Studies

The literary canon has been viewed in the high school ELA classroom for many generations. The works it contains are now somewhat dated and there are certain movements claiming it should be replaced with different types of modern literature. This paper seeks to address how the canon is viewed in the classroom, including what problems people associate with it, and what solutions to those problems are available. The literary canon is a staple in ELA education and will continue to be for some time to come.

Keywords: ELA, Canon, Education

Mental Health Teletherapy: An Essential Mental Health Resource After Covid-19, Yvette Wilson

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this paper is to present an exceptional summation of knowledge in human services while focusing on the specific aspect of online mental therapy. This thoroughly investigated paper discusses the challenges our society currently faces with mental healthcare amidst COVID-19 and how online therapy is one venue that we have, for a long time, chosen not to utilize in the past, but must now recognize its viability as a solid, therapeutic resource for the mental healthcare industry. This paper seeks to confront the various reasons for opposing online therapy and share evidence of ongoing programs that have embraced …

A Need For Change; Critical Issues Facing Kentucky's Correctional System, Candace Harper

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Protecting the public, rehabilitating offenders, and reducing recidivism while increasing desistance are essential goals for the Department of Corrections. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the department, several areas need evaluation, and improvement. The focus on reducing recidivism should begin with reconsideration of the methods used to measure an offender's progress and success. The theory that the current measurement of recidivism is unreliable data needs to be investigated and other methods of measurement should be considered. Another aspect that needs inspection is how Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can affect the positive progression that evidence-based programming provides, and how PTSD …

How Covid-19 Is Affecting Ltc Facilities, Rachael M. Simcox, Rachael Simcox

Integrated Studies

Historically, viruses have had major impact on society. Some viruses are relatively harmless, while other are a death sentence. We are currently facing a highly communicable virus that is vigorously making its way around the globe, having a devastating impact on the management and delivery of everyday care in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF’s). In December 2019, a new coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan China. While rapidly spreading in China, it only took a month to make its way to the United States, resulting in the Trump Administration declaring a national emergency, only two months later, on March 13, 2020. Shortly …

Women In The Military, Amanda Bostick

Integrated Studies

Since the beginning of the United Stated military, women have served their country in one way or another. Even when women were banned from serving, they found ways. Through the years, women have faced and overcome many challenges that the military has exposed them to. Many of these challenges have caused medical issues in both mental and physical areas. Women have had to prove their worth and capabilities and continue to do so today. They have faced sexual harassment, abuse, and rape often to be ignored when they speak out and seek help from leadership. Females have faced many challenges …

Climate Change, Pollution, And Green Energy, Irene R. Robertson

Integrated Studies

Two of the largest issue’s humanity faces today is climate change and pollution. What needs to be sought out for is why climate change is happening at an accelerated rate and what can be done to either slow it down or completely stop it. Pollution is another problem that is causing detrimental damage to the planet. Future generations are at risk if people today do not change and look for cleaner solutions. The intent of this projects is to give clear information on climate change, pollution, the scientific research it is currently undergoing, and green technology. Having a complete understanding …

Employee Turnover: Costs, Causes And Cures, Gayla Crisp

Integrated Studies

Employee turnover is a severe problem in today’s workplace. The number of people quitting their job has risen steadily in the last 10 years, which is costing organizations exorbitant amounts of money. Replacing a less productive worker with a more productive worker can increase revenue, but replacing a valuable employee can cost the organization significantly in various ways, potentially equaling 150% of the lost employee’s salary, or even more. There are many causes of employee turnover, most of which are preventable, and it is important for management to study these issues to determine what actions to take to prevent excessive …

The History Of The Us Army’S Physical Fitness Testing, Amanda Lynch

Integrated Studies

The Army organization has and has always had the foundation of physical fitness. Dating back to 1906, fitness has remained a baseline for soldier readiness. The fitness testing has changed and adapted to the status of the Army, the resources, technology, and tactics used. This includes, but is not limited to wartime versus peacetime, draft force into volunteer force, and the complete integration of women into the force. It is apparent that the physical fitness knowledge of society versus the knowledge of military varies based on the time, and this has influenced the overall fitness of Americans. All the fitness …

Esg Investing: Past, Present, Future, And Why You Should Care, Amy L. Harvey

Integrated Studies

This paper discusses ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) investing, also known as socially responsible investing, green investing, and ethical investing. This paper will inform the reader on the past, present, and future of ESG investing. It will dive deeper into each category and discuss the correlation between the issues and investing principles. Different business philosophies will be compared along with corporate responsibility. The pros and cons of ESG rating systems will be discussed and reviewed. This paper will answer if ESG investing is profitable for the business and help determine the impact it has on our planet.

The Role Of Play In Early Child Development: An In-Depth View, Misty Bone

Integrated Studies

Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research.” Play is a crucial component in a young child’s overall maturation as it relates to the five domains of development. Through exploration, discovery, and opportunities to create and grow one’s imagination, play fosters many learning experiences. Research of founding theorists such as Vygotsky, Piaget, Montessori, Frobel, Steiner, and Parten suggest that a direct correlation can be made between the influences of play and a child’s overall development in the five domains. This review will define play and the five domains of development while looking at the various influences related …

Cheap Labor And The Effects On The American Economy And Worker, Brian Proctor, Brian Proctor

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This study shows how American companies have used cheap labor in the past and present to do smaller jobs or to make individual pieces or parts that were to be put together and used in larger products. This cheap labor came from both foreign and domestic sources. In recent times, however, these companies have picked up and moved their entire productions outside of the United States greatly impacting the American economy and workers. These moves have been called outsourcing or off-shoring and have played a major part in the decline of some of the larger manufacturing cities such as …

The Ineffectiveness Of The War On Drugs, Tristen Miller

Integrated Studies

The War on Drugs does not improve health and public safety, but rather serves as a tool of institutional racism and militarism. Despite increased spending on drug enforcement efforts, rates of incarceration and overdose deaths remain high. Through analyzing research done on arrest records in areas such as the state of California; Seattle, Washington; and New Haven, Connecticut, the disparity in arrests of black and white Americans becomes apparent. Additionally, analyzing the effectiveness of War on Drugs policies in Afghanistan, Colombia, and Mexico, reveals ulterior motives for American military intervention. Military intervention and incarceration have proven ineffective at addressing the …

Barriers To Implementation Of A Technology-Based Mental Health Intervention In A Rural Setting, Becky F. Antle, Lesley M. Harris, Jesse H. Wright, Tracy D. Eells, Amy Cappiccie, Sara M. Williams, Rebecca Katz, Ashley Logsdon, Jesse Owen

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

This study utilized qualitative focus groups with rural health providers and patients to explore barriers to implementation of a technology-based mental health intervention for the treatment of depression in a primary care setting. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was implemented in both urban and rural primary care practices to test the feasibility and effectiveness of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for depression. Early implementation identified lower rates of willingness to participate in the intervention by rural patients. Subsequently, focus groups were conducted with rural providers and patients to explore barriers to participation and strategies to overcome these barriers in future …

Exploring Regional Differences In Social Work Pedagogy: Attitudes Toward Poverty, Michael L. Burford, Peter A. Kindle, Laura Brierton Granruth, Elena Delavega, David H. Johnson, Susan Peterson, Mary Caplan

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

This study explores regional differences in student learning outcomes from pre and post-test surveys of undergraduate and first year graduate social work students (N = 373) enrolled in a social welfare policy class at six different CSWE accredited institutions. As expected, overall results showed a shift in student attitudes away from a personal deficiency explanation for poverty, a decline in stigmatization of poverty, and toward a more structural explanation for the causes of poverty, but significant differences were reported by geographical region. Future research should explore the instructor, pedagogical, and geographical factors that may help of hinder attitudinal preparation …

Grow Your Own: Educating Social Workers In Rural And Frontier Areas To Address The Behavioral Health Workforce Crisis, Michelle M. Levy, Christina D. Boyd

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Workforce shortages in behavioral health are a longstanding reality in most rural areas. Given the increasing impact of mental health and substance abuse in rural communities, it is critical to seek solutions to address the inadequate number of behavioral health professions in these areas. This paper focuses on a university’s efforts to prepare and support master’s level social workers for practice in their rural and frontier communities to address behavioral health workforce shortages.

Attuning To Need: Reconceptualizing “Help” In Poor Rural Areas, Jennifer M. Frank, Laura Brierton Granruth, Brittany Leffler, Rachel Preibisch, Dawn Watson, Heather Girvin, Mary Glazier

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Social isolation is closely linked to overall health and well-being and is a serious concern for those in rural areas. Our research seeks insights into the needs experienced in poor rural areas by utilizing letter writing between students and community agency participants as a research methodology. In the letters, we observed that community participants relied upon friend and family style relationships and even viewed their agency relationships as such. This suggests that transforming "professional helping relationships" into alliances that are less impersonal might be in order. Such relationships and connections seemed conducive to the development of empowering self-efficacy. This finding …

President’S Report, July 2020-June 2021

Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal Archive

President’s Report, July 2020-June 2021

Bill Mulligan

Lifting The Heavy Vocal Load: Slps And Their Vocal Habits, Sydney Sedlock

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Novice speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are a vulnerable population that is at-risk for dysphonia. Previous literature has highlighted the high vocal-demand occupations of teaching and entertaining but there is minimal research to understand the prevalence of dysphonia in SLPs. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of vocal fatigue and vocal loading in novice SLPs in western Kentucky to increase awareness of the vulnerability for dysphonia in this population. This investigation was descriptive in nature using a survey format and was sent to SLPs in the western Kentucky region. A total of 21 SLPs responded to the survey. …

An Evaluation Of College Preparedness On Natural Selection Principles Following The Completion Of An Entry-Level Biology Course, Amy Bell

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Evolution education in secondary education has long been a topic of research. The level of knowledge and acceptance of students upon entering college has been studied using various methods; however, no study had provided the perception of preparedness from the student perspective nor had analyzed the individual Natural Selection principles. This study analyzed college freshmen (n=162) in an entry-level BIO 101 course. Participants were given the Conceptual Inventory of Natural Selection Instrument (CINSI) and perception survey questions upon completion of the course. The CINSI data was then analyzed for each of the four Natural Selection principles as well as …

Black And Hispanic Student Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of The Career Academy Model, Holly Bernard

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Education reform has been at the forefront of policymakers’ plans since 1817 with the founding of the Connecticut Asylum at Hartford for Deaf and Dumb Persons. Over the following 200 years, various social and economic shifts have increased policymakers' focus on the purpose of education and how institutions can develop contributing members to society. Globalization demands countries to have a well-educated workforce, and in the United States today, education reform has focused on expanding educational opportunities that lead to positive economic growth for individuals and nations as a whole through innovative practices. In short, access to quality education and experience …

Training And Support Systems And Their Impact On First-Year Teachers In Kentucky, Ashley E. Dunn

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study surveyed elementary school teachers across the state of Kentucky in regards to these four main concepts: (a) identifying the challenges and needs of FYT, (b) identify and explore the trainings provided to FYT, (c) identify and explore the supports provided to FYT, and (d) identifying what is needed to effectively support FYT. The driving question of the study asked: what are the training and support experiences of first-year K-5 teachers and how can these experiences be improved for future educators? Based on this question, the following hypothesis was created: having been provided comprehensive induction programs, FYT will …

Dirofilaria Immitis Prevalence In Canis Latrans In Kentucky, Melanie Ann Brandon

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Dirofilaria immitis (canine heartworm) was found in forty-two (42) of the two hundred seventy-five (275) Canis latrans (coyote) necropsied in the state of Kentucky from November 27, 2019 through March 3, 2021. Thirty-five (35) of the positive cases were from western Kentucky region with the other seven spread across the state. With this group of coyotes, one hundred fifty-eight (158) were male and the other one hundred six-teen (116) were female. The estimated age ranged from a pup to senior dogs. A little over forty percent of the dogs were obtained through coyote/predator tournaments; the remaining were acquired from pest …

School Violence And Its Impact On Student Academic Achievement, Kewanis Kennedy

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the occurrence of school violence and its impact on academic success and attendance. This study will encompass K-12 academic institutions in the state of Kentucky during the 2018-2019 academic school year, with an in-depth analysis of data submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education by the 171 participating school districts. The participating schools shared data in the form of disciplinary actions, attendance, graduation rates, academic achievement, and other relevant demographics. The collected data was analyzed to determine if there was a statistically significant difference among attendance rate, graduation rate, math ACT benchmark scores, and English ACT benchmark …

Georgia Agricultural Education Teachers’ Perceived Barriers Of Delivering Instruction Through Internet-Based Distance Learning, Cecily Gunter

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

In the late fall of 2019 and early spring 2020 educators across the world were abruptly faced with the issue of teaching curriculum through distance learning platforms. This challenge was even greater for agricultural education teachers to accomplish due to the goal of providing students opportunities for leadership development, personal growth, and career success through hands-on learning opportunities. The researcher conducted a study to examine the perceived barriers of internet –based distance learning by agricultural education teachers in Georgia and to explore the relationship between their perceived barriers and the perception of their level of computer and internet access, their …

Can Virtual Observations Effectively Prepare Pre-Service Educators For A Career In Teaching?, Krystle N. Gremaud

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to identify if virtual observations of preservice teachers could be an effective alternative means for universities to use when observing students in their various education practicums. If found to be effective, universities could use virtual observations in place of in-person observation as a cost-saving measure during times of financial instability. Additionally, the findings could allow universities to market their teacher preparation programs nationally where states have closed their teacher preparation programs in response to the national teacher shortage. Two surveys were used: The Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale and a Likert scale to determine the perceived efficacy …