Digital Commons Network^™

An Evaluation Of A 21st Century After-School Tutoring Program At A Rural County Middle School, Jimmy H. Ramey

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this research was to evaluate a 21st century after-school tutoring program at a rural middle school. The program was designed to improve achievement, attendance, and behavior.

The evaluation sought to determine if the components were implemented as designed. It also sought to determine what components should be sustained and any unanticipated effects. The evaluation was guided by Stufflebeam’s (2003) CIPP evaluation model. Only the process and product evaluation types were used. Empirical, interview, and survey data were gathered to answer the research questions. In addition, there was a review of various archival documents. Results from the evaluation …

An Exploration Of Staff Retention Among Child Care Center Directors, Gale S. Vanater

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A qualitative phenomenological methodology was used in this study to explore lived experience of staff retention among 15 child care center Directors (Moustakas, 1994; Sokolowski, 2008; Van Manen, 1990). In this study, the researcher also attempted to identify the skills that are critical for successful administration of early childhood education organizations and to discover what leadership training can aid leaders to retain quality staff. The study addressed 3 applicable research questions:

1. What is the lived experience of staff retention among center directors?

2. What leadership attributes promote staff retention in early childhood centers?

3. Which types of leadership trainings …

Teaching Presence And Communication Timeliness In Asynchronous Online Courses, Erik Skramstad

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this study was to examine student perceptions of teaching presence and communication timeliness in asynchronous online courses using a survey research methodology. The community of inquiry model developed by Garrison, Anderson, and Archer (2000) provided the framework of the study while asking the following research questions:

1. What are student perceptions of teaching presence in asynchronous online courses?

2. What is the communication timeliness of instructors for direct feedback on students’ assignments?

3. What is the relationship between instructor communication timeliness for direct feedback on students’ assignments and student perceptions of teaching presence?

Participants were 59 anonymous …

A Study Of The Processes Involved In Sexual Battery Investigations, Kelly S. Boone

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to identify the common and unique processes employed during investigations of sexual battery. While departmental policies and state statutes provide guidance on the processes to be used in sexual battery investigations, there is a great deal of variability in the combination of processes that can be employed to investigate these cases. There is also some degree of variability in the outcomes associated with these investigations. This study examined the processes employed during sexual battery investigations in an effort to identify common themes. Importantly, the study identified the variation in cases that are genuine versus unfounded, …

The Effectiveness Of A State Mathematics, Science, And Technology Initiative On Improving The Science Achievement Of Urban Fifth-Grade Students, Michal Grant Robinson

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide data for use by the science department in an urban school district regarding the Alabama Mathematics, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) to improve science achievement. The initiative offered teachers sustained, ongoing professional development and support in science. AMSTI data indicated an overall increase in student achievement at its sites as measured by the Stanford Achievement Test-10th Edition (SAT-10) and the Alabama Science Assessment.

Fifth-grade students from six schools in the district were involved in the study. Three were intervention schools participating in the AMSTI initiative. Three schools from the same district with similar …

Effects Of Remedial Reading On The Oral Fluency Skill Of Students With Disabilities Enrolled In An Inclusive Setting, Willie B. Green

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Research showed students with poor reading skills face difficulties in general education classes. Schools are face with the challenge of meeting the needs of all students. Therefore, researchers recommended using a research-based reading intervention program to improve students’ reading achievement.

The Reading to Read intervention program was used to supplement reading benchmarks for each student. Instructions were provided and monitored by assistant teachers trained in the Reading to Read procedure. To measure the effects of the program, pretest-posttest scores were compared for 20 students in the treatment group who participate in the interventions and 20 students in the control group …

Effects Of Teacher Training On Implementation Of Research-Based, Reading-Comprehension Strategies With Students With Autism, Katie Roggie

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Mastering reading comprehension is vital to an individual’s long-term success. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) typically struggle with developing reading-comprehension skills. Adequate teacher training in research-based, reading-comprehension strategies is necessary for developing students’ skills in implementation of the strategies. This applied dissertation addressed the lack of training teachers in the research setting received to adequately teach reading-comprehension strategies to students with ASD.

Teachers of students with ASD received in-service, workshop-style training sessions and individualized mentoring sessions. The content was developed and delivered by the researcher based on current literature on reading-comprehension strategies for students with ASD and effective teacher-training …

Impact Of The Four Brain-Essential Learning Steps On Preschool Teachers In The Development Of Instructional Strategies To Create A Positive Learning Environment, Andrea Seidman

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the ways in which the use of the Four Brain-Essential Learning Steps (4BELS) may impact preschool teachers in the development of instructional strategies that create a positive learning environment. For the purpose of this study, a positive learning environment was defined as emotionally safe, of high quality, and using differentiated instructional strategies.

This study sought to answer the following research questions:

1. What factors should be considered when exploring the ability of preschool teachers to implement new instructional strategies using the 4BELS to create a positive learning environment?

2. What …

Developing Athletic Accountability Systems To Control Spending At Historically Black Colleges And Universities, Travis A. Blue

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Athletic departments at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) were not performing well due to anomalies in accounting systems. Further, because the HBCUs lacked the funding, staff, and training necessary to support such programs, strategic plans were needed to help establish better accounting systems in HBCUs. This goal involved training staff within the athletic departments to take full responsibility for their fiscal accountability.

The researcher developed two surveys to provide a quantitative assessment, to make recommendations, and to develop ideas for training that would strengthen the fiscal accountability of athletic department personnel. The research questions for this study were as …

Modern Military Justice: Cases And Materials, Gregory E. Maggs, Lisa M. Schenck

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Modern Military Justice: Cases and Materials (2012) is a textbook written by Professor Gregory E. Maggs and Associate Dean Lisa Schenck (both of the George Washington University Law School) and published by West (ISBN-13: 9780314268037).

This new textbook comprehensively covers the modern military justice system under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Materials from every service within the Armed Forces show how the military justice system addresses all criminal offenses, ranging from minor infractions to serious offenses, such as the misconduct of soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison. The text covers the jurisdiction of courts-martial; sources of military law; military offenses …

The New Kinship, Naomi R. Cahn

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Over the past century, the Supreme Court has articulated numerous doctrines that protect family privacy. These doctrines are not, however, well-suited to the brave new world of families formed through donor eggs, sperm, and embryos. As the number of donor-conceived children born to same-sex and heterosexual couples and to single parents increases, and as these families develop connections to one another, the law has not yet adjusted. This Article provides an extensive mapping of these “donor-conceived family communities,” and it reaches two major conclusions that support the development of these new families. First, relational interests, the traditional focus in family …

An Addendum To Cox And Posner: A Visa To 'Snitch', Eleanor Marie Brown

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Cox and Posner’s landmark contribution is the first article to have highlighted the challenges of information asymmetry in immigration screening. While Cox and Posner have undoubtedly made a significant contribution, there is a critical oversight in their framework: they do not discuss the importance of targeted ex post mechanisms of screening educational elites. This Essay is an attempt to remedy Cox and Posner’s omission. Why is this oversight so problematic? In the post-9/11 world, U.S. immigration policy currently finds itself on the horns of a dilemma. While immigrant educational elites are critical to U.S. economic growth, terrorist networks have stepped …

Users' Perception Of Self-Check System At International Islamic University, Malaysia Library, Hauwa Sadiq, Amina Bagudu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

No abstract provided.

“All Textbooks In The Library!” An Experiment With Library Reserves, Tony Greiner

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In the fall of 2010, a grant of $36,000 allowed Portland Community College Library to purchase and place on reserve a copy of every required text at one of its campuses. A smaller college “center” also placed all required texts on reserve. The program was very popular with students and parts of the reserve collection received heavy use. Compared to the previous fall term, overall use of reserves at the Cascade Campus library rose 35%, and the Southeast Center collection saw an increase of 110%. However, use of the collection was unevenly distributed, with 26% of the books having more …

The Assessment Of Information Prescription Service To Patients With Heart Valve Disease; Applying User‘S Satisfaction Study, Vahideh Zarea Gavgani, Mina Mahami

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Background: The prescription of reliable information to patients is growingly considered as a remedial intervention in healthcare. The charter of patient right recognizes patients’ right to information as a fundamental right. We offered health information “information prescription service (IPs)” to patients in SH. Madani teaching hospital and Shams hospital (Tabriz-Iran) from October 2010 to October 2011 to empower patients in their health care decision making and to take the library service into the practice field where users demand and need information rather than libraries physical space.

Objective: The objective of study was to find out patients’ satisfaction about the physician-prescribed …

Mothers’ Perception Of The Influence Of Interactive Media On Children Cognitive And Social Development In Lagos, Nigeria., Ifeanyi Adigwe

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study attempts to investigate mothers’ perception on the influence of interactive media on children cognitive and social development in Lagos Nigeria. It may be surprising, but recent video game research has demonstrated positive, social, and educational related benefits from video game play. However, many parents and teachers fear the negative effect of video games, worrying that video games will turn their children, into mindless, violent, isolated, unhealthy individuals. While some of these concerns are not completely unfounded, video game research has uncovered a wide array of effects of video game play, including many positive influences of video games in …

The Impact Of Kenya National Library Services (Knls), Kisumu Provincial Mobile Library Services On Education In Kisumu County,Kenya., James Macharia Tutu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The purpose of this study was to establish the impact of KNLS Kisumu provincial mobile library services on education in Kisumu County. Qualitative research approach was used to conduct the study. Interviews were used to collect data and data was analysed qualitatively. Ten schools were sampled for the study, six secondary schools and four primary schools. Personnel working with KNLS Kisumu provincial mobile library services and teachers in sampled schools were interviewed. The study established that the impact of KNLS Kisumu provincial mobile library services on education in Kisumu County was positive. The study recommends the diversification of the mobile …

Faculty Perceptions Of The Value Of Academic Libraries: A Mixed Method Study, Kelly L. Heider, Sandra Janicki, Joann Janosko, Blaine Knupp, Carl Rahkonen

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This article details the findings of a year-long study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Libraries which examined IUP faculty members’ perceptions of the value of library resources and services to both their research and teaching. Through a mixed-method study, which included an online survey and follow-up focus groups, the researchers found that faculty were dissatisfied with IUP Libraries’ marketing initiatives but satisfied with its small embedded librarian program. As a result, marketing and growth of the embedded librarian program became the two main focus areas for improvement in the next academic year.

Prevalence And Determinants For Overweight And Obesity Among Residents Of A Mining Township In Kitwe, Zambia, In 2011: A Population-Based Survey, Cosmas Zyaambo, Olesegun Babaniyi, Peter Songolo, Adamson S. Muula, Emmanuel Rudatsikira, Victor M. Mukonka, Seter Siziya

Faculty Publications

Background: Obesity and overweight in Africa have been attributed to demogra- phic and nutritional changes that have resulted from urbanization and sedentary lifestyles and increased caloric intake without much physical activities. This has put populations at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, dyslipidemia, and cancer. The objective of this study was to deter- mine the prevalence and associated factors for combined overweight and obesity among residents of a mining town, Kitwe, in Zambia.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using a modified WHO glo- bal Non Communicable Diseases Surveillance Initiative STEPs 1 and 2 method of …

A Preliminary Validity Study Of The Modified Fresno Test As A Formative Indicator Of Student Mastery Of Evidence Base Practice Skills Within An Integrated Case Based Physical Therapy Curriculum, Amy Miller

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Evidence based practice (EBP) is a core skill required for physical therapists. This applied dissertation investigated a method to provide formative assessment of EBP skill development for entry level physical therapy students. The study utilized a version of The Fresno Test of competence in EBP, modified for physical therapy (Tilson, 2010). Evidence based practice skills are taught throughout the study site’s integrated case based physical therapy curriculum. Assessment methods addressing EBP skills currently utilized in the program are summative or do not provide standardized assessment of key component skills to guide individual student development.

The Modified Fresno Test was administered …

Applying Peer Modeling In Inclusion Classrooms: A Study On Educators’ Perception, Rossana I. Chiarella

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This study evaluated the effects of educators’ perception on the application of peer modeling strategies in the classrooms. Without teachers’ positive attitude towards peer modeling, it was difficult to apply these strategies effectively. Teachers’ attitudes were determined by their existing perceptions, whereas different perceptions resulted in different dispositions to act and different outcomes. The purpose was to determine how teachers in a school located in south Florida applied peer modeling, and how their perceptions over it played an important role. The researcher attempted to evaluate the importance of peer-model strategies and to demonstrate the true benefit of their proper application …

Preparation, Development, And Transition Of Learning-Disabled Students For Workforce Success, Donna Elizabeth Williams

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This study examined the preferences of career choice and personality topology of students with learning disabilities (SWD) in a public school setting located in the southeastern region of the United States. One purpose of the study was to increase participants’ awareness of the kind of work they are most compatible to do. Another purpose was to define the means by which participants develop, prepare for, identify, and obtain employment. The study consisted of a sample population of 50 SWD and another 50 students without learning disabilities (SWOD). The participants were given 2 self-assessments that provided awareness of personality and vocational …

Educating Parents Concerning Age-Appropriate Practices In A Private School Setting, Joseph T. Picarella

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This dissertation was designed to increase parent awareness of age-appropriate practices in a Grade 2 private school setting. Grade 2 students were experiencing difficulty with transitioning from the home environment to the school environment. There was no program in place to help parents understand the problems with transition and age-appropriate activities to help their children.

The subjects involved in this study attended a series of workshops designed to increase their knowledge, comprehension, and approval of developmentally appropriate practices. Research-based information was shared during the workshops and communication was maintained between the researcher and participants in the study. Subjects observed teachers …

Generational Differences In Work Ethic: A Study Of Four Generations In The Workplace, Kathleen J. Barlow

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which differences in work ethic existed among four generations and two genders in the workplace. Data from four subsets of the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP) were examined (delay of gratification, hard work, morality/ethics, and self-reliance). Popular press has raised awareness of differences in work ethic between generations; however, scholars have disagreed about whether generational differences existed in the workplace. The writer used archival data to examine the work ethic of four generations of workers.

Two research questions guided this study:

1. What differences in work ethic, if any, …

An Ethnographic Case Study Of Elementary Principal Leadership Strategies And The No Child Left Behind Act, Cassandra J. Poole

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

Leadership is regarded as the key to comprehensive school improvement efforts and the principal is expected to lead the charge/change. Book knowledge is good, but the difference between effective and less effective principals is not what they know but what they actually do. What do principals do to meet AYP? Young (2004) pointed out that some principals recognize they can gain the edge and survive by learning from other effective practitioners. NCLB and AYP demand change to meet the mandates that will bring about improvement in student achievement. NCLB has changed the educational landscape. Numerous articles and literature exists on …

Evaluation Of A Special Education Reading Program For Secondary Students, Lorraine Yonally Kibler

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide information regarding the training of personnel, implementation of the programs within the classroom, and outcome results of the “Plugged-in to Reading” program for special education students and staff at two high schools. The reading programs were intended to serve adolescents who are at-risk. The programs had been in use for an average of four years and no evaluation had been done to determine if using the program had improved reading levels for these students.

The researcher designed this study to evaluate the training, utilization, and outcome data of a reading program utilizing a …

Daily Flash Card Drills And Systems Thinking To Master Math Addition Facts, Jerome Ravenna

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This applied dissertation was designed to provide better access to information for the students and staff in an elementary school regarding acquisition and retention of basic addition math facts. Teaching techniques and strategies were explored that would enable elementary students to master essential skills in mathematics.

By the end of the first semester in Grade 1, learners must demonstrate knowledge of basic mathematic facts, especially in addition. Learners are subjected to diversified instruction where schools strive to teach a wide variety of subject materials rather than focus on basic skills and mastery. The result is broader student awareness of many …

A Study Of The Leadership Dimensions Of National Distinguished Principals, Judith Mccollum

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The identification and recruitment of effective school principals who can transform schools in the midst of today’s chaotic economic, social, and global environments require a thorough understanding of the research on effective leadership. Current research indicates that principals who exhibit transformational leadership and, most recently, instructional leadership, are the most successful by all measures, including school climate, teacher empowerment, community support, and high student performance results.

This study focused on a sample of principals from a population who recently received the distinction of a National Distinguished Principal (NDP) to determine if a correlation existed between their leadership dimensions and that …

Exploring The Impact Of Digital Publishing: A Case Study Involving Service-Learning Integrated With Technology, Bridget Ann Bonczyk

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The study explored the long-term academic effects on the educational progress for three students who participated in a technology driven service-learning program. The purpose of the study was to describe the long-term effects of the program on the students’ academic experiences and students’ sense of self-efficacy. The study examined whether or not the associated activities involved in the creation of digital books had an impact on the technology skills the students were presently learning.

The writer developed the child-centered service learning project entitled, RealeWriter and RealeLibrary ~ Leading English Language Learners to Learn and Serve in the spring of 2006. …

Identifying And Mapping The Information Science And Scientometrics Analysis Studies In India (2005-2009): A Bibliometric Study, K. R. Mulla

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The paper describes the bibliometric analysis of 998 articles of on information science and scientometrics (ISS) that appeared in different journals during the period of 2005-2009. The study reveals that, most researchers preferred to publish their research results in journals; as such 91.98% of articles were published in journals. More numbers (329, 32.97%) of articles were published in 2009. The authorship trend shows that, out of 1703 authors who contributed a total of 998 articles, out of which more number of (376, 40.96% ) articles were two authored papers. The degree of collaboration in ISS was 0.78, and the country …