Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Special Education Transition Services On The Post-Secondary Education Preparedness Of Students With Emotional Disturbance: A Study Of Student Perceptions, Cyrhonda Denise Hill-Shavers

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the post-secondary special education transition planning experiences of currently enrolled college students with emotional disturbance (ED). In addition to exploring students’ perceptions of their experiences, understanding, through the narrative analysis of semi-structured interviews, the role special education transition planning played in their perceived level of post-secondary education preparedness upon high school graduation was sought. The research revealed students with ED are most likely to participate in career-based special education post-secondary transition planning. In addition four overarching themes were revealed which included defined by my disability, invisibility, employment vs. post-secondary education, and college …

The Experiences Of Latina/O Executives In Higher Education, Leonard A. Savala Iii

Dissertations

This study will examine the experiences of Latina/o executives (President, Chancellor, Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President, Chief Academic Officer (CAO)/Provost, Central Senior Academic Affairs Officer, Dean of Academic College, Senior Administrative Officer, Senior External Affairs Officer and Chief Enrollment Management Officer, or any administrator with Vice President in their title) in higher education. Throughout the United States there are very few Latina/o executives at either community colleges or four-year universities. Of those Latina/o executives, most serve at community colleges instead of four-year universities. Those Latinos who have served in executive positions have acquired a wealth of knowledge through their …

Problem-Based Learning (Pbl) In The College Chemistry Laboratory: Students’ Perceptions Of Pbi And Its Relationship With Attitude And Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Lloyd Madalitso P. Mataka

Dissertations

A convergent mixed methods research study was used to investigate whether or not students who participated in the problem based learning (PBL) environment improved their self-efficacy beliefs (SEBs) in and attitudes toward chemistry. The study also investigated the students’ views of the PBL environment. The Chemistry Attitude and Experience Questionnaire (CAEQ) was used as a pre- and post-test to determine changes in students’ attitudes and SEBs. The PBL Environment Inventory (PBLEI) was used to investigate students’ views of the PBL environment. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to re-validate both instruments with the study group: students in general chemistry laboratories at …

Reassurance In Negative Space, Elizabyth A. Hiscox

Dissertations

This dissertation, Reassurance in Negative Space, is a poetry manuscript that deals with intersections of grief, gender, environment, and art in contemporary society. One of its guiding properties is an interest in the ekphrastic mode of composition: poetry in response to a work of visual art. American Hybrid poet-editor Cole Swensen discusses what has emerged as a new “hybrid” poetry that combines conventional approaches with more experimental forms; a stable first person narrator with fragmentation or juxtaposition, for example: “Hybrid poems often honor the avant-garde mandate to renew the forms and expand the boundaries of poetry—thereby increasing the expressive …

Like Oil And Water: How Federalism Muddies The Waters Of Interest Group Decision-Making, Melissa Shaffer-O’Connell

Dissertations

Federalism often creates additional decisions for interest groups in determining how best to advocate for their policy recommendations in the legislative process. Should they focus their advocacy at the local, state, or national level of government? What activities should they use at each level of government? This dissertation examines interest group behaviors in water quality policy in the Great Lakes region from 1940 to 2000, in oil policy in the Beaufort Sea region from 1970 to 2000, and in both policy areas in 2010-2013. I evaluate the reasons for interest group decisions in choice of tactics and targeted level of …

Relative Roles Of Host Exposure And Parasite Establishment In Producing Patterns Of Infection Using Eptesicus Fuscus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) And Its Helminths As A Model System, Elizabeth Warburton

Dissertations

Parasite abundance and community structure could vary depending on conditions that are both extrinsic and intrinsic to the host. Variation in parasite burden, resulting from heterogeneous exposure to parasites or heterogeneous establishment of parasites in the host, often drives transmission dynamics. Changes in parasite community structure influence parasite species diversity and thus, diversity of infection within a single host or entire host population. I sought to quantify relative roles of exposure and establishment in producing patterns of infection using bats, Eptesicus fuscus, and their helminths. I utilized subsets of data from bats captured in 16 colonies from three states …

Oncolytic Tanapoxvirus Expressing Flic Causes Regression Of Human Colorectal Cancer Xenografts In Nude Mice, Steven J. Conrad

Dissertations

Cancers of the colon and rectum are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and existing therapies often perform poorly for individuals afflicted with advanced stage disease. Oncolytic virotherapy is an emerging therapeutic modality which shows great promise for addressing this serious medical need. Herein we describe the in vivo testing of recombinant variants of the tanapoxvirus (TPV), a virus endemic to equatorial Africa which causes a mild and self-limiting disease in humans. Recombinant tanapoxviruses were made deleted for the 66R gene, the 2L gene, or both. Some of the recombinants were armed with mouse chemotactic protein 1 (m …

Testing A Model Of Maladaptive Perfectionism And Depression Symptoms: The Roles Of Emotional Disclosure, Emotion Regulation Strategies, Adult Attachment, And Shame, Angela M. Garrison

Dissertations

Previous research has supported a link between maladaptive perfectionism and higher levels of depression symptoms. However, researchers have not yet investigated the ways in which emotion regulation processes may mediate this relationship. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate emotional disclosure, emotional avoidance, and rumination as mediators of the relation between maladaptive perfectionism and depression symptoms. Additionally, this study also investigated the role that insecure attachment orientations play in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and use of particular emotion regulation strategies. Further, the role of shame in the emotion regulation processes of individuals with higher levels of …

Biophysical Characterization Of The First Four Metal-Binding Domains Of Human Wilson Disease Protein, Alia V.H. Hinz

Dissertations

Wilson disease protein (WLNP) is a P_1b-type ATPase crucial for maintaining copper homeostasis in humans. Mutations in this protein result in the autosomal recessive disorder Wilson disease, a condition characterized by copper accumulation in the liver and brain. WLNP provides copper for incorporation into cuproproteins and exports excess copper into the bile for excretion. There are six metal-binding domains (MBDs) in WLNP, found within the first 650 amino acids of this 1,465 amino acid protein. Though each MBD has a different amino acid sequence, all MBDs possess a similar ferredoxin fold with a conserved hydrophobic core and a …

Correlational Studies Of Organophosphate Levels And Endocrine Disruption, Immunomodulation, And Altered Glucose Homeostasis In A Human Population Study, Carrie Mckean

Dissertations

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides have become the most widely used insecticides since the removal of organochlorine pesticides (“Ch4 Organophosphate Insecticides.pdf,” n.d.) and are generally the most toxic of all pesticides to vertebrates (Soltaninejad & Abdollahi, 2009). As a result, ongoing research has been aimed at further understanding potential health effects from exposure.

The aim of this dissertation research project is to investigate and characterize correlations of OP body burden with human health effects. This research involves an investigation into three pertinent areas concerning OP exposure: thyroid disruption, altered hematology biomarkers, and alterations of glucose homeostasis. Data under investigation come exclusively from …

Implementing A Flexible Approach To Teacher Assignments And Placement Of Students With Special Needs: A Policy Advocacy Document, Kim M. Morley

Dissertations

In February 2013, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) informed school districts that they were considering changing the rules related to special education class size and the percentage of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) who can be enrolled in regular education classrooms. As of January 17, 2014, the rules related to special education staffing and the percentage of regular and special education students in classrooms are still pending approval by ISBE (Special Education Today, 2014). The purposes of this project are as follows: to advocate for the maintenance of the current rule while building in some flexibility, to …

Services For Parentally Placed Catholic School Students Under The Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Julie Cantillon Phd

Dissertations

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which Congress enacted in 1975 with subsequent revisions, states that school districts are to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Public local education agencies (LEAs) including school districts have an obligation to identify, locate, and evaluate private school students suspected of having a disability—the "child find" process. Students enrolled by their parents in private schools are not entitled to a FAPE if they choose for their children to remain in private school after the children have been identified as having a …

Breast Cancer Presentation Delay Among Women In The United Arab Emirates, Yusra E. Elobaid

Dissertations

Breast cancer is the commonest type of malignancy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with more than 65% of women diagnosed at an advanced stage. Routine clinical screening has aided in the early detection of breast cancer. However, more than 71% of breast tumors are self-detected. Therefore, exploring factors influencing delayed presentation to treatment after self-detection of breast tumors by Emirati and Arab women in the UAE is essential for improving the survival and the development of effective and targeted health intervention programs. This project explores the reasons behind delayed presentation to treatment by symptomatic women. It uses several approaches, …

Community College President's Health Habits: A Prescription For Job Performance In Rural Illinois, William J. Peacy Iii

Dissertations

According to current reports, the experts are predicting a mass exodus of senior community college leaders, including presidents. News reports have indicated that some community college presidents have retired due to health problems. For whatever reason, it will cost the institutions to replace the presidents. The presidents are the decision makers of the community college. The presidents provide the guidance to the institution. In order to accomplish the duties of president, they need to have the physical and mental capacity to endure long hours required to complete these tasks.

The purpose of the study was to explore the health and …

An Investigation Of The Difference In Student Achievement During The Middle School Transition Years, Brandon Patrick Eggleston

Dissertations

Transition years and grade configurations for middle level students have been a topic of debate since the onset of middle schools in the 1970s. With increased educational accountability, some school districts are beginning to change back to K-8 configurations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in student achievement during the transition year and provide information to school administration as to the optimal year to transition students from elementary to middle school. Transition year achievement was examined among 5th -7th grade students in Missouri and grade configurations were compared by analyzing 8th grade achievement in three separate …

Strategic Community Engagement As Perceived By Five Superintendents, Judith A. Dymond

Dissertations

In these challenging times with school districts facing mandates for accountability, they can only accomplish these ambitious long-term mandates by engaging the greater community. Thus, any superintendent who is planning on improving student academic achievement and being employed in the district long-term will find it imperative to engage the community and develop community partnerships. This study utilized interviewing, a qualitative methodology, to gain insight into how five superintendents effectively engaged their communities. Findings revealed five effective strategies and actions for success: embracing community values, partnering with community organizations, building trust internally and externally, developing a systems approach to communication, and …

Creating A Comprehensive Supportive Policy That Provides Equal Educational Access For The Mentally Ill Student: A Policy Advocacy Document, Lesley S. Roberts

Dissertations

The purpose of this policy advocacy document is to create a comprehensive policy supporting the education of students with mental illness disorders. Critical issues of school attendance, credit recovery, reintegration, and staff professional development formed the four parts of the policy statement. An examination of critical issues impacting students with mental illness, as well as an analysis of the educational, economic, social, political, moral, and ethical issues were used to inform the creation of this policy. Stafford High School in Stafford School District (psuedonym) is highlighted as an implementer of the proposed policy, as as a model for other districts …

Incorporating An Assessment Of Mastery Motivation In Elementary School Students Within A School Psychological Evaluation, Lesley S. Roberts

Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to explore and determine a systematic way of measuring Mastery Motivation in students. Mastery Motivation is a dimension of intelligence that leads a student to master tasks for the intrinsic feeling of efficacy rather than for extrinsic reasons (MacTurk & Morgan, 1995). The inquiry process was an ongoing collaboration among a group of practicing elementary school psychologists. Conversations were recorded and analyzed. The result was the creation of an informal observational tool for measuring Mastery Motivation to be used a school psychological evaluation. This tool was made available for the participating school psychologists to …

The Illinois State Seal Of Biliteracy: A Policy Advocacy Document, John L. Finan

Dissertations

This report advocates for my district's participation in the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy Program, which became law in August, 2013. This program places value on developing bilingual or multilingual citizens. Through the demonstration of proficiency in English and one or more foreign languages, students can earn the State Seal of Biliteracy, which is recognized on high school diplomas and transcripts. Due to the inherent educational value of language study and the importance of developing cross-cultural 21st century skills, this report analyzed the educational, economic, social and political contexts within which the decision to participate in this program was made. …

Field Methods For Rapidly Characterizing Contaminant Mobility In Paint Waste During Bridge Rehabilitation, Zhan Shu

Dissertations

Currently, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) uses a conservative approach of classifying all paint waste as hazardous from bridges undergoing rehabilitation which were constructed before 1989. This practice stems from the fact that there is no approved reliable, fast, and efficient method for classifying paint waste in-situ as non-hazardous. The main objective of this study was to develop a model that can predict the leachability of trace metals in paint waste generated during bridge rehabilitation. A statistically significant number of bridge sites were sampled based on hypothesis testing. Samples were then evaluated for total concentration of Resource …

Predicting Mortgage Arrears: An Investigation Into The Predictive Capability Of Customer Spending Patterns, Jamie Roche

Dissertations

The management of credit risk and mortgage arrears has become a very important area in financial services and banking. This dissertation set out to build a statistical model, which incorporates customer spending habits and the current equity value of a property, capable of predicting arrears. Current literature identifies many themes such as negative equity and unemployment that are common occurring factors in mortgage arrears but a multi-faceted approach was required to build a model capable of accurately predicting arrears. Property equity values were included in the model by taking the current outstanding value of the loans and using a property …

The Mpt Assessment Deployed Via Digital Mobile Application, Niall Duffy

Dissertations

This project will look at the area of the Matching Person and Technology assessment (MPT). This project will be to develop a version of the MPT that can be deployed as a mobile application. The key research being performed in this project will be the analysis of the results given on the mobile application when compared to those given via the traditional paper method. The MPT is a very large assessment; because of this there are a number of different specific assessments like workplace and education assessments (Cook, A.M. and Hussey, S. 2001). Because of the size of the assessment …

Quantitative Measurement Of Reciprocal Social Behavior Among Toddlers Aged 18 To 24, Rebecca Sarah Light-Pearlman

Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts in early childhood. It is characterized by impairments in reciprocal social behavior, impaired language, and stereotypic behavior/restricted interests (Pine, Luby, Abbacchi, & Constantino, 2006). One in 68 children is affected by ASD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). The prevalence of ASD is rapidly increasing. New estimates show a 23% increase in the number of cases since 2009 and a 78% increase in case numbers since 2007 (CDC, 2013). The purposes of this project were to: (a) establish normative parameters of reciprocal social behaviors, among toddlers aged 18 to …

Validation Of The Transportation Burden Questionnaire Among Family Caregivers Of Older Adults, Bryant James Price

Dissertations

Because family caregivers provide a substantial amount of informal care to dependent loved ones, the potential burden such care may place on family members is an important area for clinical research and intervention. While the provision of transportation is recognized in the literature as a caregiving task and a component of global burden, few studies, to date, have addressed this as a distinct concern for measurement and intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine if an item set focused specifically on transportation burden would be additive to accepted global measures of burden in a volunteer sample of caregivers. …

Development From Abroad? Transnational Remittance And The Institutionalization Of Diaspora Engagement In Africa., Todd Bryan Combs

Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impacts of transnational remittances and the institutionalization of diaspora engagement on development in Africa. Remittances to Africa are now around $50 billion annually and larger than inflows of foreign aid and investment. African governments continue to realize the potential contributions of their diasporas to development through not only remittances but through skills, expertise-sharing, and coordination of efforts. In 2000, four African countries had national-level institutions nominally dedicated to the diaspora and its potential to effect development: now 36 of the 54 governments have such an institution. An assessment of the political economy of remittances and governmental …

Cities Awash In A Sea Of Governments: How Does Political Fragmentation Affect Cities And Their Regions?, Laura E. Wiedlocher

Dissertations

Is political fragmentation within the metropolitan area and within central city government a cause of central city decline or just the benign evolution of governance? Advocates of regional governance consider political fragmentation, the number and types of governments in a metropolitan area, a causal factor in decline. However a multiplicity of governments offer individual households greater choice and variety, in other words fragmentation represents the will of the people. All metropolitan areas are fragmented to some degree and whether or not this is harmful to cities and their regions is the empirical question considered. Political explanations on the impact of …

Teacher Perceptions And Implementation Of Positive Behavior Support In Urban Language Immersion Schools, Jeffrey Joseph Pauls

Dissertations

Teachers at every level of schooling recognize the need for establishing a positive learning environment. Creating this type of classroom is a worthwhile but elusive goal due to ineffective approaches to managing student behavior. This is a common challenge for teachers and schools of every kind and every level but may be magnified for schools with specialized missions, such as language immersion schools. This dissertation examines teacher perceptions of a classroom management and behavior support system called Positive Behavior Support, or PBS, specifically within urban language immersion schools. Research questions explored include: 1) In what ways do teachers at urban, …

Researching The Real: Transforming The Science Fair Through Relevant And Authentic Research, Rosemary Mcbryan Davidson

Dissertations

This teacher research study documents the processes used to help students in an all-female, religious-based high school create science fair projects that are personally meaningful, scientifically sophisticated and up-to date in terms of science content. One-hundred sixteen young women in an honors chemistry class were introduced by their teacher to the methods used by science journalists when researching and crafting articles. The students then integrated these strategies into their science fair research through collaborative classroom activities designed by their teacher. Data collected during the process included audio and video tapes of classroom activities, student interviews, process work, finished projects, email …

Baby Doll Therapy In Dementia Patients, Barbara A. Braden

Dissertations

Dementia is a condition exhibited by emotional and physical states such as anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, inability to care for oneself, wandering, defiant and sometimes violent behavior, and other unsafe actions. Chemical restraints are often used to control agitated behaviors, but are not always effective and produce untoward effects. A review of the literature for alternative therapies to chemical restraints indicated that doll therapy has provided purposeful activity that can help dementia residents feel useful. In most instances they are less agitated, sleep better, relate to others better, and have an over-all positive affect improvement (Baumann, 1990, Higging, 2010, & James, …

A Policy Framed Analysis Of The Valley Of Death In U.S. University Technology Transfer, William Ker Ferguson

Dissertations

At least as far back as the enactment of the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 there has been an ongoing desire on the part of politicians, policy-makers and the public in the U.S., to obtain greater economic returns on the federal investment in publicly funded university research. Today among policy-makers there is an apparent belief that a capital shortage in the mid-stages of technological development is the rate-limiting factor, preventing the maximum flow of university inventive knowledge from entering the marketplace. The consequence is a Valley of Death demise for the vast majority of university inventions. In order to mitigate the …