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Working With Latinx Immigrant Families In The United States: A Culturally Informed Structural Family Therapy Approach, Bailey Brown, Rebecca Los
Working With Latinx Immigrant Families In The United States: A Culturally Informed Structural Family Therapy Approach, Bailey Brown, Rebecca Los
Student Projects
As the Latinx population in the United States steadily grows, it is imperative that mental health practitioners grow their understanding of this population to be able to provide culturally competent services. There is a unique set of stressors faced by Latinx immigrants in the United States, especially Latinx immigrant youth. These stressors pose a disruption to Latinx immigrant family systems, leading to internalizing and externalizing symptoms. To better understand the stressors Latinx immigrants face and their impact on families, research was conducted on this population's statistics, characteristics, common issues, problems, and risk factors. In addition, research was conducted on approaches …
Domestic Violence In Sioux County: Raising Awareness And Stimulating Empathy, Jenna Aalbers, Bailey Brown, Kenzie Kurtz, Linden Sutton
Domestic Violence In Sioux County: Raising Awareness And Stimulating Empathy, Jenna Aalbers, Bailey Brown, Kenzie Kurtz, Linden Sutton
Student Projects
Domestic violence is a pertinent problem in Sioux County, Iowa, yet community members tend to be unaware of its existence and relevance. That is because it operates in a sly cycle, largely undetected by those outside the family. There is a general lack of public discussion and understanding about domestic violence, which tends to be viewed as a private, family matter. Despite this, the impacts of domestic violence extend beyond the family, and there are systemic factors that serve as barriers and risk factors for domestic violence survivors. This paper highlights the conditions of domestic violence in general as well …
Families With Fathers In Minimum Security Prison: A Family Treatment Approach To Treating Families With Fathers In Prison, Alexandria Davis, Madison Schrack
Families With Fathers In Minimum Security Prison: A Family Treatment Approach To Treating Families With Fathers In Prison, Alexandria Davis, Madison Schrack
Student Projects
The population of those in prison is increasing, and many of those who are in prison have families. Much research has been done on the effect prison has on prisoners, but not as much has looked at the children and what the effect is of having a parent, specifically their father, who is absent in prison. It is important to understand the possible behaviors, risks, and challenges that children face. This research essay looks at what it is like for children between the ages of 5 and 10 to have a father in minimum security prison while also examining the …
Model Of Evidence-Based Practice: Children Experiencing Domestic Violence In Rural Areas, Linden Sutton, Mckenzie Kurtz
Model Of Evidence-Based Practice: Children Experiencing Domestic Violence In Rural Areas, Linden Sutton, Mckenzie Kurtz
Student Projects
Domestic violence is often something that occurs between an abuser and a victim. However, children are also deeply affected by any type of abuse that they witness or experience. More specifically, children in rural areas face more challenges and barriers preventing them from experiencing the freedom to simply be a child. This study examined theories and interventions to treat children experiencing domestic violence. The researchers developed a treatment curriculum based on solution-focused brief therapy to address this population. Overall, solution-focused brief therapy is an effective treatment for children who have either witnessed or experienced domestic violence in a rural setting.
Families Of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients, Jenna Aalbers, Grace Laman
Families Of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients, Jenna Aalbers, Grace Laman
Student Projects
Cancer is an illness that does not only impact the patient, but also the people around them. It can be especially difficult for families who are affected as it impacts the lifestyles of everyone. Approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected each year to occur in the United States, so this is an issue that will continue to be prevalent. (American Cancer Society, 2022). Research has shown that there are many effective methods that can be used to help families. This includes methods such as family-based dignity intervention (FBDI), meditation, and open communication strategies. It is important for social …
Food Insecurity: Bringing Awareness Of Food Insecurity In Sioux County, Alexandria Davis, Grace Laman, Rebecca Los, Madison Schrack
Food Insecurity: Bringing Awareness Of Food Insecurity In Sioux County, Alexandria Davis, Grace Laman, Rebecca Los, Madison Schrack
Student Projects
Food is crucial to survival and maintaining a healthy lifestyle; however, not everyone can access and afford food. People may have difficulty due to poverty, location of grocery stores, or societal issues. Research was conducted to understand the numerous aspects of food insecurity in adults, children, and families across America. It was also intended to create awareness of food insecurity in Sioux County.
The Beacon, November 16, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, November 16, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, 2023-2024
Underrated Thanksgiving traditions; Upcoming engineering program; "1989" re-release of ragged love songs; "The Marvels" falls short of being "marvelous"; Christmas concert exemplifies ensemble; Quiz: What Taylor Swift era are you?; NW Students excited to serve in the spring; Thanksgiving traditions vary among students; Business celebrated with Global Entrepreneurship Week; Engineering program preview; Everyone should have a mullet; Women in male dominated careers; Raider volleyball wins GPAC tournament; RSC fitness center treatment and upkeep; Men's soccer is in the national tournament; Documentary dispels misconceptions;
The Beacon, November 10, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, November 10, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, 2023-2024
Veterans Day: Paying Tribute at NW; Explanation of U.S. support for Israel; Artist Poppy's counter-cultural album; Much anticipated movie lacking direction; Theatre Professor shares story of grief; Behind the scenes of Northwestern's "Matilda"; Students enjoy various activities in the cold; The Israel/U.S. "Special Relationship"; What does Monsma's office contain; Honoring American Veterans; Is it really not that deep?; A moniker of the male lifestyle; Raider volleyball ranked first in NAIA; Women's basketball season with strong start; Cold temperatures did not affect player performance; Collective pursuit of vocational thriving; NW hosts "Disability and the Gospel" conference;
The Beacon, October 20, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, October 20, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, 2023-2024
NW professors share opinions on AI; How voting impacts lives and futures; Sheeran offers confusing, bland album; Hulu original subverts every expectation; Spotlight on student short stories; NW student poetry slams the soul and heart; The nicknames that surround Northwestern; Professors are cautious about AI usage; Students enjoy a late-night murder mystery; Is your vote worth it?; Is our entertainment declining?; I have friends that are gay; Steve does sports: New on Instagram; Full schedule for NW cheer and dance teams; Football demolishes school record of wins; NW community7 partners for change; Beloved annual tradition returns with new flavor;
The Beacon, October 6, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, October 6, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, 2023-2024
Students dive into culture with SOS; Embracing childhood creativity; Heartfelt addition to indie rock genre; Eerily plausible sci-fi story comes to screen; Show highlights friendship and whimsy; Rend Collective coming to Raider Nation; Tim Tebow, Craig Groeschel talk leadership; Students embark on summer missions trip; Sustainable shopping available in Orange City; Cultivating creatively; The corn is too tall; The importance of storytelling; NW's tennis teams defeat Mount Marty; Busy Saturday ahead for NW student athletes; Athletes of the week: Volleyball and soccer; Escaping routine to reflect on identity;
Professional Learning For Paraprofessionals: A School Improvement Plan, Brooke Pfaltzgraff
Professional Learning For Paraprofessionals: A School Improvement Plan, Brooke Pfaltzgraff
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Dallas Center Elementary is a small kindergarten through fourth grade elementary school in the rural town of Dallas Center, Iowa, just outside of Des Moines. In the past, the school has had difficulty training and retaining paraprofessionals to ensure quality support for their special education students. A review of literature was conducted to determine implications for limited training, best practices, and benefits to training paraprofessionals. Feedback from current employees was also considered in designing this school improvement plan and professional learning calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. The professional learning for paraprofessionals will also support the building wide social emotional …
The Effectiveness Of Individual, Small-Group, And Whole-Class Interventions At The Secondary Level, Rebecca Miller
The Effectiveness Of Individual, Small-Group, And Whole-Class Interventions At The Secondary Level, Rebecca Miller
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if academic interventions in reading, writing, and mathematics can have an effect on student achievement at the secondary level. Additionally, the goal was to determine if individual, small-group, or whole-class interventions were the most effective. The researcher gleaned data from the 2022-2023 school year based on two individual interventions, nine small-group interventions, and one whole-class intervention. The researcher is an Instructional Coach and had a part in planning for and/or implementing all of these interventions. This research was conducted to help decide if the use of academic intervention is beneficial …
Establishing Scope And Sequence For Newcomers And English Learners, Tyler Robyn
Establishing Scope And Sequence For Newcomers And English Learners, Tyler Robyn
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research findings show that English Learners are the fastest growing subgroup in American public schools. It is the responsibility of the public schools to provide an appropriate and supportive education to these students. Past studies have also examined the history of English learners and the unique challenges they pose, newcomer programs, English learners’ inclusion in the mainstream classroom, and strategies for teaching English learners. With research findings in mind, a school improvement plan was created to revise a current ESL program in a rural Iowa school district to increase student achievement in language acquisition and core content knowledge. This plan …
Improving Opportunities For Students By Creating Pathways For Taking Art, Denise Hingst
Improving Opportunities For Students By Creating Pathways For Taking Art, Denise Hingst
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
According to research, art education has gone through a decline, causing a lack of opportunities for students to experience the development of creativity in the general classroom. These opportunities for students in the schools in this study become even harder at the secondary level. With these small schools, it falls on the leadership of the administration to solve the scheduling dilemma for all the students. A school improvement plan is put into place to help increase the pathways for taking art by extending the day at one of the schools and changing the schedules to better help both schools work …
The Effectiveness Of Behavior Management Systems In Grade 5 Classrooms, Mihaela Colteanu
The Effectiveness Of Behavior Management Systems In Grade 5 Classrooms, Mihaela Colteanu
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project, conducted over a 6-week period, aimed to enhance classroom management techniques in response to evolving educational trends which emphasize students' self-regulation and intrinsic motivation. The study focused on a control and experimental group of grade 5 students, implementing two distinct behavior management systems: one grounded in a behavioral approach utilizing rewards and sanctions, and the other based on positive strategies. The researcher, a secondary school English teacher with 8 years international teaching experience, collected data through observations and interviews with former teachers. Even though the initial hypothesis proposed the superiority of a balanced system encompassing both …
Improving Students' Assessment Performance By Reducing Stress And Anxiety In The Testing Environment, Andrew Soelter
Improving Students' Assessment Performance By Reducing Stress And Anxiety In The Testing Environment, Andrew Soelter
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The driving focus of this action research was to better understand how teachers and school districts can help with students' anxiety and stress surrounding assessments. This better understanding of anxiety and stress is crucial to improving academic performance not only on assessments but also across their academic life. A quantitative study was conducted with 88 students spread over two unique content types. 30 students were part of the control group, and the rest of the students were split between one of four different interventions which attempted to reduce students’ assessment anxiety and stress to lead to performance increases. The results …
The Need To Integrate Computer Science, Brittany Zimpfer
The Need To Integrate Computer Science, Brittany Zimpfer
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan outlines a detailed three-year strategy designed to integrate computer science into the K-5 curriculum. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach, the action plan employs a multi-tiered strategy combining a standalone curriculum with embedded activities. Drawing insights from successful educational practices and leveraging resources, the plan strategically aligns the curriculum with CSTA standards while fostering hands-on learning experiences at various grade levels. The timeline features foundational teacher training, curriculum integration, community engagement events, and consistent assessment processes. The plan aims to create an environment where both students and educators actively participate in the dynamic landscape of computer science education. …
Strengthening The Home And School Partnership: An Improvement Plan To Educate Parents On Child Development And School Initiatives, Jennifer N. Robinson
Strengthening The Home And School Partnership: An Improvement Plan To Educate Parents On Child Development And School Initiatives, Jennifer N. Robinson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan considers the implementation of a parent education program. Following the review of literature that proves the significance of parental involvement to increase academic achievement and improve social-emotional development, a needs assessment was established that displays a lack of parental understanding on new education initiatives and child development. With the addition of a parent education component, the home and school partnership will be strengthened ultimately increasing student achievement, improving student behavior, alleviating teaching burnout, and improving overall education.
The Developing Independence Of Toddlers, Maggie Harbaugh
The Developing Independence Of Toddlers, Maggie Harbaugh
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project was driven by the researcher’s interest in whether three-year-old children exhibited more negative behaviors then two-year-old children. The researcher used two different types of surveys for mothers and teachers to answer. This survey took 5-10 minutes to complete, and they had two weeks to complete it. The research was conducted to see which age of children displayed worse behaviors. The researcher is an assistant director in her 10th year of teaching early childhood students. The findings showed that two-year-olds have more behavior problems then three-year-olds have.
Implementation Of Star To Support Students With Disabilities, Lexis Barkema
Implementation Of Star To Support Students With Disabilities, Lexis Barkema
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This paper examines the use of a comprehensive autism program in a school district, looking specifically at an elementary school in North Central Iowa. The school does a great job of providing support and interventions for students with autism, disabilities, and specific learning needs with the resources they currently have available to them. This school improvement plan provides a detailed outline of using a comprehensive autism program to better serve and meet the needs of students in their specific need areas. The plan will provide professional development, support, and resources for teachers and paraprofessionals who are implementing the program.
The Impact Of Small-Group Multisensory Instructional Techniques On Kindergarteners’ Letter Sound Knowledge, Karly Walker
The Impact Of Small-Group Multisensory Instructional Techniques On Kindergarteners’ Letter Sound Knowledge, Karly Walker
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was driven by the researcher’s interest in multisensory instructional techniques and the effect it can have on kindergarten students’ letter sound knowledge to aid in strengthening pre-reading skills. The researcher compared results of a control (traditional learning) group versus a treatment (multisensory learning) group of eight at-risk students while monitoring progress weekly using FastBridge earlyReading letter sound subtest. The research was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of multisensory instruction within small group learning. The researcher used a four-way factorial design test to analyze the control and the treatment group’s pre- and post-test scores in letter sound fluency. …
Does Pre-Selected Technology-Based Games Improve Alphabet Knowledge In Preschoolers Compared To Peer Learning Small Groups?, Nicole Gray
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project was to determine if peer-learning strategies increases student alphabet recognition at the preschool grade level more than computer-based literacy programs. Data from 14 preschool students was included in this seven week investigation in which students in the groups learned early literacy utilizing the literacy curriculum Fundataions. Students were split into two research groups, one utilizing peer-learning strategies and games, and the other utilizing a computer-based literacy app. Quantitative data consisting of pre-and post-test data was collected over seven weeks. Data examined number of uppercase and lowercase letters identified. After the seven weeks of …
Strengthening Student Success, Lacey Ruden
Strengthening Student Success, Lacey Ruden
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was driven by the researcher’s interest in student planners and the effect they can have on student success by reducing the number of missing assignments. The research was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of student planners in a school setting. The researcher is a seventh-grade science teacher in her nineteenth year of teaching. The researcher conducted a study for four weeks with two seventh-grade classes. One group used student planners as a control group, and the other group of students did not use student planners. The findings revealed a trend of increased student success as students using …
Improving Student Achievement With Social-Emotional Learning, Samantha Featherstone
Improving Student Achievement With Social-Emotional Learning, Samantha Featherstone
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research shows that social emotional learning can positively improve student success both emotionally and academically. Social emotional programs, skills, and overall learning within school systems benefit staff, students, and stakeholders. When there is a lack of a clear and organized social emotional curriculum, students suffer and lack necessary skills to have long-term success both academically and personally. Using various research findings, a school improvement plan was created to construct a school-wide social-emotional system that includes both a research-based program and a variety of social emotional skills. This plan also ensures ongoing professional development for staff to implement with fidelity. The …
Improving School Community Cohesion Through Restorative Justice Practices, Megan Wagaman
Improving School Community Cohesion Through Restorative Justice Practices, Megan Wagaman
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Van Allen Elementary is one of 21 elementary schools in the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD). Van Allen Elementary serves 455 students and has 32 certified educators on staff. ICCSD is a High Reliability School (HRS) with a current focus on level one, which includes leading indicator 1.6: safe, supportive, and collaborative culture. As of October 2023, Van Allen Elementary has 75 total behavior referrals for the 2023-24 school year. There is a restorative team made up of certified educators and the building principal; however, the problem is teachers and administration do not have an adequate amount of training …
Improving School-Community Relationships, Rhea L. Cano
Improving School-Community Relationships, Rhea L. Cano
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This School Improvement Plan responds to the challenge that schools alone cannot address the many obstacles students face. Research has shown that when schools develop positive and supportive partnerships with parents and the community, the overall benefits for students are overwhelming. Rather than three separate entities guiding students, the combination of the school, parental, and community support systems satisfy the critical role of positive school and community relationships in nurturing students' development and meeting diverse learning needs. As revealed by the 2021 Conditions for Learning Family Survey in the Clayton Ridge School District, the school-community relationship has been damaged by …
Improving Collaboration: A School Improvement Plan, Jennifer Trimble
Improving Collaboration: A School Improvement Plan, Jennifer Trimble
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The inspiration for this school improvement plan was seeing the need in my school building for departmentalized PLC collaboration following the MTSS framework. Research findings show that PLC collaborations following an MTSS framework provide teachers and students with many beneficial supports that increase student learning and teacher knowledge. Informed y a literature review, this school improvement plan creates a departmentalized PLC collaboration that follows an MTSS framework within the school setting.
Using Tier 2 Interventions To Close The Achievement Gap In The Middle Grades, Megan Vanderloop
Using Tier 2 Interventions To Close The Achievement Gap In The Middle Grades, Megan Vanderloop
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in a school district or building creates equitable learning opportunities for all students. Charles City MIddle School (CCMS) has spent the last few years focusing on tier one, which is the universal tier provided to all students. Now that CCMS has implemented strong tier one instruction across the building, their tier two supports for students are an area in need of improvement. The purpose of this school improvement plan is to implement an effective WIN (What I Need) time in seventh and eighth grades at CCMS. Providing interventions outside of the classroom on top …
Improving Reading Skills For Early Elementary Students, Kayla Bucheit
Improving Reading Skills For Early Elementary Students, Kayla Bucheit
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Research findings have indicated areas for improvement in early literacy programs in schools, and schools have been slow to respond, leaving students and teachers unsupported in the methods and knowledge needed for students to become fluent readers. Past studies have pointed to the need for teachers to have content knowledge of explicit instructional practices that focus on phonological and phonemic awareness. When students can manipulate sounds and letters, they are better able to decode and segment words, resulting in reading fluency. Using research findings, this school improvement plan was created to outline how to transition to explicit instructional methods while …
The Beacon, September 29, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, September 29, 2023, Beacon Staff
The Beacon, 2023-2024
Husband and Wife Join NW Faculty; Multicultural Church in Sioux Center; Mitski's melancholic reflection on love; Stereotypical, sappy, sports story falls short; Crafternoon: Creating beauty out of love; Students' candid conversations at The Table; Student Government Association Election Success; Medenwalds enjoy the NW welcome; Dr. Wacker's office stands out, students love it; Multiple cultures, one church; Have people lost all hope?; Social ministry and Jesus; Golf teams playing great season so par; New PRs for NW cross country at Wayne; All NW varsity teams receive NAIA award; Students stirred by communal worship; Celebration of culture, cuisine and contributions;