Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Factors That Influence Adequate Yearly Progress Within Elementary School Settings, Shannon Marie Hennrich

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the recent past, standards and access to resources for accountability and equity have been implemented nationally in schools. For example, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, was a federal mandate designed to raise the academic expectations and accountability of all learners. In addition, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 were created to protect the rights of all individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal funds and ensure equal access to knowledge. Additionally, English language learners (ELL) must be included in the general …

An Imperative For Change: Bridging Special And Language Learning Education To Ensure A Free And Appropriate Education In The Least Restrictive Environment For Ells With Disabilities In Massachusetts, Maria De Lourdes B. Serpa

Gastón Institute Publications

English Language Learners (ELLs) are the fastest-growing group of school-age students in public schools across the nation, and in Massachusetts. In this state, even as the total student enrollment declines slightly, the number of ELLs grows steeply. They number 68,820 in the 2010-2011 school year, an increase of 9,662 from the year before.

The number of ELLs identified as also having a disability doubled in Massachusetts (a striking increase of 115.4%) from 2001-2002 to 2010-2011. The proportion of ELLs placed in Special Education has increased by 5 percentage points, from 9.8% to 14.8%. This time period coincides almost exactly with …

The Rhetorics Of Constructing Hiv/Aids In The United States And China: A Comparative Analysis Of Two Online Discussion Forums, Jingwen Zhang

All Theses

This thesis focuses on the cross-cultural comparison of the public rhetorics that construct HIV/AIDS in two online discussion forums from the United States and China. Social constructions of HIV/AIDS have previously been explored in specific countries and cultures; however, comparative studies have rarely been conducted, especially by applying rhetorical cultural analysis focusing on online discourses. Responding to these gaps in research, this study combines two underexplored dimensions -- comparative rhetorical analysis and online discourse -- to show how online communications, metaphors, and topoi identified in discussion forum posts reveal and construct the idea of HIV/AIDS in the public sphere for …

Connective Complexity Methods For Analysis And Prediction In Engineering Design, James Mathieson

All Theses

Complexity is an aspect of engineering design that is often addressed directly with the principle that 'designs should be simple'. However, such a principle fails to offer an effective means of quantifying the complexity of a given design for comparison and decision making. The measurement of complexity within a specific representations and domains has been well established. However, such measurements are inherently limited in their applicability and not always clear in their implications. This research presents a method of measuring complexity from different engineering representations in a consistent manner and explores the application of these measures.
The development of a …

The Impact Of Trade Costs In Indonesian Agri-Food Sectors: An Interregional Cge Analysis, Irlan Rum

All Theses

An interregional Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) approach is used to measure the impact of variable internal trade costs have on regional consumer welfare and interregional market integration within the Indonesian economy. Existing high interregional price differences in the agri-food markets suggest the presence of variable internal trade costs, which serve as effective barriers to interregional trade. Given the important role of agri-food markets in both food security and income generation for rural households, these price differences can have significant welfare impacts on both producers and consumers. Reducing the costs of trade between Indonesia's various regions could facilitate interregional trade. Trade …

St. Thomas And St. Denis Parish Church: An Anglo-Franco Alliance In The Lowcountry, Robert Shelton Converse

All Theses

Now vacant and seldom used, St. Thomas and St. Denis Church is a small, neo-classical building constructed in 1819 to serve one of the original colonial parishes carved out of Berkeley County, South Carolina. Even though it has been included in numerous publications devoted to the history of religion in early South Carolina, this church has never been systematically recorded nor has its role been thoroughly explored. This thesis, which grew out of an effort to create a complete set of documentation drawings, explores the history of St. Thomas and St. Denis Church.

Domestic Determinants Of Preferential Trade Agreements, J Vomocil

All Theses

The purpose of this paper is to expand previous research on the economic determinants of preferential trade agreements, both by using a updated data set and also by including new potential non-trade and domestic explanatory variables. I find that the differences in primary market sectors of trading partners, the differences in level of infrastructure, the size of countries' agricultural sectors, and differences in countries' degree of democratization are all significant factors in bilateral PTA creation, along with several other variables. While results may not be as strong as in earlier studies, there are several plausible explanations for this, and the …

The Role Of Pragmatic Competence In Second Language Acquisition, Leah J. Reigle

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio is the culmination of the author’s years spent observing and studying language in the pursuit of a Master’s degree in Second Language Teaching at Utah State University. Included here is the author’s personal teaching philosophy on effective language instruction, written with a college-level EFL classroom in mind. In addition, and relating to this teaching philosophy, are three additional artifacts addressing the significance of pragmatics in second language acquisition. These artifacts demonstrate the author’s understanding of the roles of culture, language, and literacy in a second language classroom. An annotated bibliography supporting the author’s perspective and philosophy on language …

Fostering Effective French Communication In The Classroom, Lindi Brown

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio is a compilation of work the author completed while in the Master of Second Language Teaching (MSLT) program at Utah State University. It is focused on her beliefs of how French should be taught in a university classroom. It also includes three artifacts addressing how a challenging aspect of the language should be taught, how authentic literature can be utilized in the classroom, and why the French culture should be incorporated into the curriculum. Finally, there is an annotated bibliography of books and articles which have shaped the author’s beliefs and opinions about teaching French as a foreign …

Russia At War: Chechnya, Georgia, And Theories Of Foreign Policy, Tyler J. Pack

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The conflicts in Chechnya and Georgia are for Russia the seminal policy events of the turbulent post-­‐Soviet era. Learning about Russian conflict policy thinking with respect to these cases should help to illuminate broader Russian foreign policy objectives and tendencies. Even though the Chechen Wars were by nature domestic conflicts, I believe that trends and patterns from that case, combined with insights from the Georgian conflict, can help identify strengths and weaknesses of major Russian foreign policy theories.

Though there are many such theories, I see that most fall into one of two broad categories. While there is some overlap, …

A Sociocultural Approach To Esl For Adult Learners, Whitney Putnam

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The following portfolio is a collection of work submitted for the Master of Second Language Teaching (MSLT) program at Utah State University. Within this portfolio is the author's personal philosophy on effective language teaching written with a college-level ESL classroom in mind. Following the teaching philosophy are different artifacts and reflections, all related to the philosophy on teaching, but separate in topic. The three artifacts demonstrate the author's understanding of the role of language, culture, and literacy in a second language classroom. Also included in this portfolio is an annotated bibliography containing the scholarly works which support the writings here.

Teaching Communication In The Chinese As A Foreign Language Classroom, Xia Wu

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio is a collection of the author’s teaching beliefs and approaches regarding Chinese as foreign language teaching, which she developed during her time in the Master of Second Language Teaching program. The centerpiece of the portfolio is the author’s personal teaching philosophy. It is followed by three artifacts. The language artifact analyzes one of the complexities encountered by learners in the Chinese as a foreign language classroom: the three particles 的 (de), 地 (de), 得 (de). The culture artifact illustrates the difference between American and Chinese language teachers. The literacy artifact talks about using literature circles in the CFL …

Reform Of Secondary Education In Post-Communist Estonia: Advancing Or Dismantling Social Cohesion, Cassandra Jo Garcia

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The concept of integration in the most basic of senses refers to intermixing of groups of people that were previously segregated. Estonia, as the focal point of this study as opposed to another post-Soviet nation, is unique in that it is such a small country, and this state possesses a variety of traits that distinguishes it from other states in the process of reform and from other multicultural states. Over 25% of the population of Estonia speaks Russian as their mother tongue, and currently the youth of these Russian-speaking communities are feeling the weight of the integration process. Education reform …

At-Risk Hispanic Students' Perception Of Afterschool Programs: A New Model Targeting The Needs Of English Language Learners, Cynthia Wise Galvan

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this study was to explore 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) as support systems for at-risk Hispanic youth. Expanding upon previous theories that analyzed afterschool programs and bilingual programs separately, this study sought to understand how 3rd, 4th and 5th grade at-risk Hispanic youth attending the 21st CCLC, Afterschool Centers on Education, perceive the afterschool programs in a small school district in South Texas. The study analyzed five afterschool program constructs pertaining to what literature says are best practices for afterschool programs and bilingual programs inclusive of safety, self-esteem, interactive, and engaging, language, and cultural characteristics. This …

A Case Study Of Spanish Language Use In A Texas Border Colonia, Maria E. Diaz

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This case study reveals a Spanish language marginalization in a South Texas community of mostly Latinos, who are the fastest growing group in the U.S. (Colombi & Roca, 2003); furthermore, approximately 77% of English language learners (ELLs) have Spanish as their heritage language (Hopstock & Stephenson, 2003). Nevertheless, ELLs do not receive much academic literacy support in their first language in many schools (Zehler et al., 2003). Thus, out-of- school social practices play an important role on maintaining a native language (e.g., Burrows-Goodwill, 2009; Reyes, 2006). However, researchers have not explored this phenomenon in Texas border colonias, or unincorporated areas …

Spanish/English Language Definitions For Applied Behavior Analysis Terminology, Claudia Arteaga

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Experimental analysis of behavior has grown enormously within recent years. Mexico is one of the main centers of this growth and therefore, as a result, specific Spanish terminology has developed. This thesis offers a list of suggested Spanish translations for terms and definitions in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a resource in support of bilingual students in the area of experimental analysis of behavior. The first and second chapters explain the origins and history of ABA and its development in the world and specifically in Mexico. The third chapter provides details about the methodology. A book entitled …

The New Woman Persona In “Dracula” And The “Twilight” Series: An Elliptical Struggle Of Social Order, Silvia E. Herrera

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This thesis will explore the existence of the New Woman persona found in the Gothic works, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series. By exploring this persona, we can shed light on the internal struggle, comprised of Victorian gender roles and one’s desire to seek greater liberation, which results in the presence of an elliptical struggle that finds itself at a constant state of progression and digression. In order to have a greater understanding of the New Woman persona, we must explore both works’ themes of the uncanny figure, sexuality and female heroism. Through the exploration of these themes, …

“Combustible Sinners” And Other Stories, Myra Ivette Infante

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This is a collection of six short stories with a critical introduction. The characters in the short stories are all connected (sometimes remotely) to a small, Mexican, Pentecostal church in South Texas. The critical introduction explores the religious background and evolution as a Chicana writer of Myra Ivette Infante.

Triangular Desire In Sandra Cisneros's “Never Marry A Mexican”, Laura V. Bazaldua

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

This thesis focuses on desire in Sandra Cisneros’s short story “Never Marry a Mexican” in her collection Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories. Cisneros alters the typical configuration of triangular desire in Western literature by focusing on two females and one male. This thesis analyzes the protagonist’s mimetic desire, applying the Girardian model of triangular desire, for her lover’s wife and how it illustrates her internalized racist views. This analysis examines the correlation between mimetic desire and the protagonist’s, an individual of color, investment in the illusion of whiteness.

Her desire is fundamentally a drive toward Megan, who represents the …

French-Born Settlers In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, 1821-1900 : Immigration, Influence, Integration And Identity, Olivier Schouteden

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The thesis analyzes the French-born people who settled in the Lower Rio Grande Valley between 1821 and 1900. It focuses on four key elements which are inter-related: Immigration, influence, integration and identity.

This study answers two complex questions: what was the influence exerted by the French-born settlers on the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and what was the influence of the area on their settlement, integration, and identity? Such an investigation aims to fill the gap in knowledge on the French and European presence in the 19^th century Lower Rio Grande society, and to broaden our understanding of the immigration …

The Last Of The Rephaim: Conquest And Cataclysm In The Heroic Ages Of Ancient Israel, Brian R. Doak

Faculty Publications - George Fox School of Theology

This dissertation explores the role of giants in the narrative and historiographic worlds of symbol, geography, and religion in ancient Israel. The Nephilim, Anaqim, Rephaim, Emim, Zamzumim/Zuzim, some Gibborim, and other individuals (e.g., Goliath) can all be classified as “giants”—not only with respect to their height and other physical properties, but also with respect to the negative moral qualities assigned to giants in antiquity. Previous interpreters have treated giants as merely a fantastical prop against which God’s agents emerge victorious. I argue that giants are a theologically and historiographically generative group, through which we gain insight into central aspects of …

Runes: Past And Present, Elliott S. Evans

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study is to illustrate how the primary function of runes has changed through history. In doing so this study also begins to document the reemergence of runes especially in Asatru circles. Runes were historically employed for utilitarian purposes whereas they have been imbued with magical qualities in the eyes of their modern users. By using a modified version of the speech act theory, the notion of "magic" is linguistically operationalized and used to demonstrate the stark contrast between the primary purpose of historical runic texts and modern ones.

Political Textbooks In A Political World: A Case-Study Of An Estonian History Textbook, J. Berkeley Bentley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the 1990s, the Estonian state was characterized by a relatively rapidly developing political scene. The developments occurred in such a short time period as to render the national history textbook ineffective and thus ill-suited to its perceived use as a tool of socialization into the state, providing an excellent case-study of the limitations of the relationship between textbook and state. This study analyzes the narrative of an Estonian national history textbook produced in the mid 1990s and uses the product of that narrative analysis to map the shifting political winds as represented in the professional rhetoric of the Estonian …

Rate Of Response-Independent Events As Discriminative Stimuli, Andres Garcia Penagos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The study of stimulus rates is relevant to understanding how discrete events integrated in time come to function as a single molar unit that can be discriminated from other comparable units. Two experiments examined the roles of stimulus rates as discriminative stimuli in a conditional discrimination paradigm. Pigeons responding according to a fixed interval (FI) schedule of reinforcement were presented concurrently with pairs of stimulus rates (response-independent blackouts of the operant boxes), so that access to food was granted if the pigeons pecked a comparison key associated to each stimulus rate. One-blackout versus two-blackouts stimulus rates were used on the …

Asian Migrant Writers In Australia And The Negotiation Of The Third Space, Jacqueline M. Highland

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis is a comparative study of three selected texts by Australian novelists
Yasmine Gooneratne, A Change of Skies,(1991) Adib Khan, Seasonal
Adjustments (1994) and Brian Castro, Birds of Passage ((1983). All three writers
explore the experiences and perceptions of their protagonists in relating to the
landscape, people and cultural traditions within the Australian context into which
they have migrated from different Asian countries. Brian Castro’s central
characters, Lo Yun Shan and Seamus O’Young, are drawn from two contexts, the
former from the 19th century China while the latter is a contemporary Australian
born Chinese. Gooneratne’s and Khan’s protagonists hail …

Two Heads Are Better Than One: Collaboration Between Classroom Teachers And English Language Learner Specialists, Angela B. Bell

Theses and Dissertations

In the age of accountability in education, teachers are expected to meet the needs of all of their students, including English Language Learners (ELLs). In the field of study relating to ELLs, collaboration between classroom teachers and ELL specialists is suggested to support ELLs. What is unknown, however, is the extent to which collaboration is happening, the contextual and interfering conditions of collaboration, and the consequences of collaboration or non-collaboration.

In this qualitative grounded theory study, I investigated whether and how elementary classroom teachers and English Language Learner (ELL) specialists collaborated to instruct ELLs. The research questions were:

1. What …

How To Remain Childlike, Billy Ray Middleton

Dissertations

How to Remain Childlike examines themes of place and identity, focusing on how regionalism impacts the individual’s perception of self. The stories herein, set in the post-millennial South, focus on characters with a worldly recognition of prevailing misconceptions that cast Southerners as unsophisticated and anti-intellectual. Though these characters recognize the beauty of the South, they possess ambivalence toward the region, a desire to be less insular and more cosmopolitan. This ambivalence, a love for the South coupled with a longing to escape it, highlights the importance of place in the process of self-definition.

The Role Of Attachment And Language In Analogical Reasoning, Tamra Elizabeth Beckman

Dissertations

The present study examined the relationships between attachment and analogical reasoning within two domains: social reasoning and physical reasoning. Verbal reasoning was assessed as a possible mediator of these relationships. This study was conducted with 67 typically-developed children between the ages of nine to 11 years of age who were recruited from The University of Southern Mississippi's student population and from schools in Hattiesburg, MS and Ocean Springs, MS. Attachment security was assessed using the Kerns Security Scale (Kerns, Klepac, & Cole, 1996), and verbal reasoning was assessed with the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-3rd edition (Weschler, 1991). Analogical reasoning …

Is There A Correlation Between Differentiating Instruction And English Language Learner Achievement?, Melissa Monique Deangelo

Dissertations

Minority students and English language learners are underachieving. Schools with a culture of every student, every day, have the ability to break generational cycles and to change the future of these students that has been predicted by circumstances. This case study examined and analyzed the differentiated instructional practices and implementation at three elementary schools, and determined if there was a correlation between differentiated instruction and success of English language learners. More specifically, the purpose of this case study was to examine (a) the extent of the principles of differentiated instruction present in the classroom (b) differentiated instruction in response to …

The Readiness Of Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder For Self-Directed Learning, Melissa Sue Wright

Dissertations

This study investigated the readiness for self-directed learning of adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as their overall educational experiences. Using Guglielmino’s Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Adults (SDLRS-A), the researcher investigated whether the following factors were significantly related to adults with ADHD and their readiness for self-directed learning: gender, age of diagnosis, treatment for a period of at least six months, level of education, and the existence of co-morbid conditions. Fifty-four adults who were at least 18 years old and self-reported a formal diagnosis of ADHD participated in this study. There were 22 (41.5%) males and …