Digital Commons Network^™

Kindergarten Readiness And Grade 1 Mathematics Achievement., Faneshia Mcpherson Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

From 2013-2019, all Kentucky school districts have administered a common screener to each student entering kindergarten. In this study, kindergarten readiness—determined by academic skills/cognitive development, language development, and physical development—was a significant predictor of grade 1 end-of-year mathematics achievement. The model predictions show that kindergarten students who met the readiness benchmark had higher grade 1 end-of-year mathematics scores compared to students who entered kindergarten below the readiness benchmark. The model predictions improved substantially with the inclusion of prior level of achievement as indicated by grade 1 beginning of the year mathematics achievement. However, students with stronger readiness skills demonstrated significantly …

Positive Parenting As A Moderator For Reducing Depression In Inner-City Children Exposed To Contextual Risk Factors? A Longitudinal Multilevel Analysis Of A Family-Based Intervention Program., Donghang Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Depression in inner-city children is a serious social problem. Given the existing evidence supporting the links among neighborhood conditions, family functioning, parenting, and child outcome, this study expands the examination of the relationship among contextual factors and child depression from a longitudinal developmental perspective. This study also aims to examine how positive parenting as a protective factor moderates the effect of contextual risk factors on child depression in a sample of low-income, inner-city families. This present study used the secondary data from the Schools and Families Educating (SAFE) Children study (aka SAFE Children Project) with is a longitudinal panel study …

The Many Facets Of Trauma - High Need Index School Principals' Perspectives Of Trauma-Informed Care., Nicole Michelle Fields

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study attempts to add to the literature by shedding light on the best practices for fostering and applying effective trauma-informed care (TIC) in schools and the educational practices and policies through human experience elements. Creating trauma-sensitive, safe, and supportive schools requires a new discernment among principals. It also requires holistic changes to transform school, culture, build supporting infrastructure, and alter curriculum content and intervention (McInerney & McKlindon, 2014). TIC refers to treating the whole person mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. This study interview 14 principals' perspectives in a large urban school district to discover what practices, procedures, …

Social Media And Fear: Social Media As A Catalyst For Political Fear In The United States., Shane R. White

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract: Using the American National Election Study data from the 2012 and 2016 surveys I explore how social media usage shapes fear. This is likely caused by the nature of social media leading to oversharing of sensationalized articles likely to elicit an emotional and fearful response. My findings suggest first that social media usage has a statistically significant effect on whether they would say they are afraid of a candidate (2012) and how afraid they say they are of the candidates (2016). Second, social media has little effect on economic fear, and may actually make people more hopeful about the …

The Ball Is In Your Court: A Phenomenological Study Examining College Athletes With Learning Disabilities And/Or Adhd On College Campuses., Stephanie Thea O'Donnell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Approximately only 1% of scholarly top-tier higher education published research focuses on the experiences of students with disabilities since the passing of the ADA in 1990 (Pena, 2014). Even fewer studies have explored the learning-disabled collegiate athlete experience. The purpose of this emerging phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of college athletes with learning disabilities and/or ADHD at NCAA Division 1 FBS institutions, giving voice to the untold stories, and commonalities amongst this population. This study provides findings grounded in student perspective by examining their experiences related to disability disclosure, self-advocacy, and academic support within the college environment. …

The Use Of Nanoparticles And Electrospun Fibers For Intravaginal Delivery To Treat Viral And Bacterial Infections And Electrophysiological Measurements Of Synthetic Chloride Channels., Farnaz Minooei

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Female reproductive viral and bacterial infections affect millions of women worldwide. Given the diversity and magnitude of these unmet reproductive health challenges, topical administration of antiretrovirals (ARVs) and antibiotics have emerged as promising approaches to maintain and restore reproductive health. However, currently available intravaginal dosage forms often suffer from low user adherence and the need for frequent, daily administration to achieve therapeutic effect. To address these challenges, the broad goal of this research was to focus on the development of new localized nanoparticle (NP) and electrospun fiber dosage forms to prolong the delivery and enhance the efficacy of active agents …

Computational Behavioral Analytics: Estimating Psychological Traits In Foreign Languages., Kristopher Wayne Reese

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The rise of technology proliferating into the workplace has increased the threat of loss of intellectual property, classified, and proprietary information for companies, governments, and academics. This can cause economic damage to the creators of new IP, companies, and whole economies. This technology proliferation has also assisted terror groups and lone wolf actors in pushing their message to a larger audience or finding similar tribal groups that share common, sometimes flawed, beliefs across various social media platforms. These types of challenges have created numerous studies in psycholinguistics, as well as commercial tools, that look to assist in identifying potential threats …

The Corporate Venture Dyad: A Study Of The Impact Of Cultural Distance On Venture Performance., Tommie R. Welcher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Even though corporate ventures (CVs) provide many benefits to established corporations, they continue to fail at a high rate. Whereas research supports that a corporation can gain a parenting advantage over its competitors (Campbell et al., 1995), there is no evidence to support that starting more CVs leads to more successful CVs. Parenting advantage theory postulates that if a corporation with a parenting advantage starts a venture then that venture will be more successful than if any of their competitors had started the same venture (Campbell et al., 1995). CVs are typified by dynamism and innovation, but established corporations have …

In Need Of A Hero? The Creation And Use Of The Legend Of General George S. Patton, Jr., Nathan Curtis Jones

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

During WWII, General George Patton became the hero Americans needed through the creation of a self-crafted brand and with help from journalists. After Patton’s death, opportunists forwarded a legend narrative that developed into a collective memory that morphed over time to meet contemporary challenges. Stakeholders of that collective memory commemorated and memorialized the dead hero for monetary and political gain, to promote patriotism, make military doctrinal changes, and even promote peace. Today, this collective memory has potential for the U.S. Army as it transforms civilians into soldiers and officers. This study contributes to history and memory studies by linking representations …

Predicting Dental Student's Performance On National Board Dental Examination (Nbde) Part I: Exploring Demographic Factors, Dental Admission Test (Dat) Factors, Pre-Program Academic Factors, And Dental Program Academic Performance., Wei-Shao Lin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dental students need to successfully challenge a national licensure examination to be able to practice dentistry. Dental educators currently have difficulty in identifying candidates who are at risk of failing this examination. This non-experimental quantitative study examined existing dental student data from the 2017, 2018, and 2019 graduating classes, using a retrospective and correlational approach to identify possible markers for at risk students. Demographic factors, dental admission test (DAT) factors, pre-program academic factors, dental program academic performance, and National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I performance. A series of independent t-tests and One-Way analysis of variances (ANOVAs) were used to …

Development Of Core Pharmacy Roles With Competency/Epa Alignment And Levels Of Entrustment., Kimberly K. Daugherty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this two-phase embedded mixed-method project was to investigate the extent to which a consensus exists among pharmacy professionals regarding core practice-ready roles for graduates that align with current pharmacy competencies/EPA statements with entrustment levels. Current competencies/EPAs were perceived as mapping to the core roles developed during this study, with some missing competencies. Some of the EPA levels of entrustment varied depending on the role to which it was mapped. Some levels were different than the current recommended EPA entrustment level recommended to be used by schools/colleges. The development of a set of core roles with the mapping …

A Rare Case Of Idiopathic Pyometra In A Premenopausal Patient., Kristina M Mori, Howard D Epstein, Michael C Roossin, Bram H Goldstein

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Pyometra is a very uncommon disease principally occurring in postmenopausal women. It is characterized by the accumulation of purulent material within the uterine cavity. This paper presents the clinical history of a 35-year-old premenopausal woman with otherwise normal menstruation who developed heavy menstruation and was diagnosed with a benign pyometra of indeterminate etiology in March 2017. The patient underwent repeated ultrasound-guided drainage, dilation and curettage, and antibiotic therapy. Biopsies of the pelvic sidewall revealed endometriosis in June 2017. The heavy menstruation and suppurative fluid in the uterus of the patient persisted in which intramuscular leuprolide acetate was prescribed to address …

Technical Services Librarians And Outreach: Communicating Our Value To Engage Students In Critical Thinking About Information, Caitlin Harrington, Rachel E. Scott

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

At the University of Memphis (UM), two technical services librarians were inspired to present at an institutional conference with the goal of engaging students in building professional competencies and, specifically, enhancing their understanding of an increasingly complex information landscape in which they learn and work. This case study presents an example of technical services outreach outside of the library, shares methods used to engage students in thinking critically about the behind-the-scenes work entailed in resource management, and explains some of the ways in which technical services relates to the information students encounter as researchers.

How Can Social Emotional Learning Be Improved During Distance Learning?, Morgan Horn

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Social emotional learning (SEL) is an important aspect of school that does not get enough attention. Many teachers are currently focused on academics instead of how their students are handling the stress of COVID-19 and distance learning. The focus issue addressed in this capstone project is SEL in the online classroom during COVID-19. An argument is made that distance learning causes a higher rate of mental health problems in students in all grade levels. Considerations of the issue should include the perspectives of teachers, parents, and students. The three action options that emerged from an analysis of the data included: …

Closing The Virtual Gap: Resources For At-Home Learning During Covid-19, Francis Nizza

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In this time of COVID-19, at-home learning has become the new normal. In some cases, parents have been thrust into the dual role of at-home worker and at-home teacher. Additionally, disparities arise when you look at education levels of parents and socioeconomic factors. The goal of this project was to identify resources that are available to families to help overcome the many challenges to at-home learning: areas like access to the internet, proper work environments and access to wellness and mental health support, to name just a few. The process was done through collaborating with Learning for Life Charter School …

The Perceived Change In School Climate After Principal Turnover, Jessica Lyn O'Toole

Dissertations

Schools with positive school climate demonstrate higher student achievement (Brookover et al., 1978; Johnson & Stevens, 2006; MacNeil, Prater, & Busch, 2009; Thapa, Cohen, Guffey, & Higgins-D’Alessandro, 2013) and principals contribute to creating a positive school climate (Allen, Grigsby, & Peters, 2015; Cohen, McCabe, Michelli, & Pickeral, 2009; McCarley, Peters, & Decman, 2016). However, principal turnover happens frequently, with nearly half of all principals leaving their position by their third year at the school (School Leaders Network, 2014). When there is a change in the school’s principal, both student achievement and the school’s climate can be negatively impacted (Béteille, Kalogrides, …

The Mathematics Made Possible To Learn During Instruction On Exponential Functions, Alees Teel Lee

Dissertations

Exponential functions are an integral component of the secondary mathematics curriculum with which students struggle. Inherent difficulties students have had around the topic of exponential functions suggested a need for thinking about and examining the teaching and learning related to this content. This study presented the mathematical ideas made possible to learn during instruction related to exponential functions in two College Algebra courses offered at the high school level. Using the variation theory of learning (VTL) as an analytic lens along with thematic analysis, instructional themes, purposes, overarching ideas, and sub-ideas were identified within and compared across two teachers. The …

A Narrative Inquiry Into The Experiences Of Alternatively Licensed Teachers, Courtney A. Berry

Dissertations

Berry, Courtney A. A narrative inquiry into the experiences of alternatively licensed teachers. Published Doctor of Education dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. This dissertation explored the lived stories of alternatively licensed teachers on their experiences of becoming a teacher. Field texts were captured through autobiographical writings and staged encounters that emphasized common perspectives in the field of teacher education including the participants’ experiences prior to teaching, their levels of preparedness, and their continued retention in the field. Participants included three alternatively licensed teachers who were three to six years into their careers. Data were analyzed through narrative analysis and …

Experiences And Perspectives Of International School Leaders: A Case Study From Saudi Arabia, Ahlam Abdullah Alhudithi

Dissertations

Alhudithi, Ahlam Abdullah. Experiences and Perspectives of International School Leaders: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia. Published Doctor of Education dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. International schools have become an important educational sector in the last two decades due to the dramatic growth of these schools. Yet, very few studies have been conducted worldwide regarding international schools' leadership even though the number of these schools is rapidly increasing each year. This study aimed to explore the experiences of school leaders at international schools in Saudi Arabia. The research question guided this study was the following: What are the experiences …

Confluences Of Student Leadership And White Privilege: Exploring Consciousness-Of-Self With White Student Leaders, Jeremy N. Davis

Dissertations

There is a growing body of literature signaling the relevance of race in leadership development, but many conventional models do not prompt exploration of this social identity. The omission of race in leadership curriculum is disadvantageous for all college students, but among White student leaders, it may be a continuance of White privilege. The purpose of this constructivist study was to explore how White student leaders make meaning of their racial identity, and corresponding privilege, through a relevant leadership framework. Racial caucusing was employed as a method to prompt discussion and gather narratives from four White student leaders. Findings from …

A Contemporary Understanding Of The Effects Of The Third Wave Of School Finance Litigation, Jason Richard Kopanke

Dissertations

School finance litigation is often conceptualized as occurring in three waves, with the most recent wave, the third wave, beginning in 1989. Third wave litigation argues for improvements in school funding by claiming that schools are inadequately funded, resulting in students being deprived of their constitutional right to a certain level of education. Despite this third wave’ thirty-one year history, its effects remain understudied. In this secondary data analysis thirty-three cases where plaintiffs prevailed and twenty-nine cases where defendants prevailed were used to examine the effects of third wave school finance litigation on school funding and student achievement, and to …

Perceived Servant Leadership Behaviors And Employee Outcomes In National Collegiate Athletic Association Division Iii, Athletics Departments The Moderating Role Of Trust-In-Leader And Organizational Tenure, Sean Fletcher Daly

Dissertations

ESPN reported that in the 2016–2017 academic year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) surpassed $1 billion in revenue (Rovell, 2018). Trends in revenue and business models have caused scholars, educators, and professionals to call for a reform of how collegiate sport organizations are led (Lapchick et al., 2013; Lopiano & Gurney, 2014). Some believe servant leadership (Greenleaf, 1977) is the answer (Burton & Peachey, 2013; Dodd et al., 2018). Research studies on servant leadership in the sporting context have found it has a positive impact on the development of an ethical climate (Achen et al., 2019; Burton et al., …

Finding Messiaen’S Blackbird: An Investigative Analysis Of Birdsong And Other Techniques Used In Le Merle Noir, Alexandra L. Aguirre-Berman

Dissertations

Aguirre-Berman, Alexandra L, Finding Messiaen’s Blackbird: an investigative analysis of birdsong and other techniques used in Le merle noir. Published Doctor of Arts dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. This document explores Olivier Messiaen’s use of serialism, Greek rhythms, Hindu deçi-tâlas, ‘style oiseau’ and other ornithological information as they relate to his composition for flute and piano, Le merle noir. As a result of this exploration, an investigative analysis of several compositional elements is provided, including ancient Greek rhythms, Hindu deçi-tâlas, serialism, and birdsong in order to process their connection with Messiaen’s blackbird. Messiaen’s blackbird is identified as the Eurasian …

Exploring How Andragogical Principles May Enhance Doctoral Students’ Persistence To Dissertation Completion, Bernice Bush

Dissertations

The Doctorate is a terminal degree, in that, a student has accomplished the ultimate academic achievement within an educational field of domain. Although industries worldwide continually demand ever-advancing scholarly workforces and the innovation developments of higher thinkers, this degree has been impeded by a staggering 50% attrition rate among colleges and universities for decades. Also obstructive to degree attainment has been the phenomenological trend of the All-But-Dissertation (ABD) phase experienced by multitudes of candidates within their courses’ timelines. Researchers have studied these issues over the last century, specifically seeking relevant sources of influence among dozens of student attributes and pursuing …

Using Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support To Improve Student Outcomes, Kevin Daniel Annis

Masters Projects

The passing of NCLB and ESSA creates a mandate that every school must take proactive steps toward every student in their population to be college and career ready. U.S. students are consistently scoring lower on achievement than students from other developed nations. With diversifying student demographics and a relatively stable teaching demographic, schools needed to develop systems to help each student be successful. Many schools have begun to utilize a tiered system of support; however, schools are focused on different aspects of intervention. Effective models of student support include developing a quality school environment, social and emotional learning, response-to-intervention, and …

Benefits Of Inclusion: Supports And Strategies For Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Molly M. Mccain

Masters Projects

Special Education has evolved over the years. One shift has been the placement of students with special needs, specifically those with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). These students are getting out of their special education classrooms and are being mainstreamed in the general education setting with their same aged peers. Studies have revealed there are positive social and academic benefits to inclusion, including increases in peer-to-peer interactions, shared learning opportunities, and access to general education curriculums. Unfortunately, students do not always acquire these benefits because people working with students with ID: students, teachers, and paraprofessionals, are unaware of what inclusion is and …

Trauma-Informed Schools: A Strategy For Problem Behaviors In The Classroom, Timothy Hall

Masters Projects

Students that are making poor behavior choices in school generally are performing lower academically. The growing number of students that are coming to school that have experienced trauma is one reason why students are misbehaving in class. Schools have the opportunity to address this issue by implementing a trauma-informed school methodology. Trauma-informed schools work with students to be aware of the trauma that they have faced and teaches them ways to cope with the symptoms of trauma. This project discusses what trauma is and how it affects students and what schools can do to meet the needs of these students. …

Helping Young Girls Build A Positive Body Image: A Training Workshop For Parents, Jennifer Richardson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research over the years continue to show a rising number of young girls who develop body image dissatisfaction. Research studies have clearly outlined the negative impact of body image dissatisfaction in females, including its adverse effects on self-worth, mental health, and increasing one’s risk of substance abuse. It was expected that as a result of the 4-session workshop, parents will have a better understanding of the negative impact of body image dissatisfaction, causes of body image dissatisfaction, and how to develop a positive body image in young girls.

Parents attended four two-hour sessions held twice a week for two weeks. …

A Four-Session Workshop For Parents Of Children With Autism: Understanding And Managing Challenging Behaviors, And Supporting The Development Of Children With Asd, Vanessa Huizar

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Research studies continue to show that being a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges for many families including understanding ASD deficits and behaviors, and identifying effective ways to manage these behaviors. Because ASD interventions generally take a behaviorally-based approach, parents tend to lack an understanding of child development, positive child guidance practices, ways to build strong parent-child relationships, and methods to engage in enrichment activities that will support their child’s overall development. The purpose of the current project was to create a parent workshop to help parents of children with ASD: 1) understand the …

Student Perception On Flexible Seating And Their Engagement: A Descriptive Research Study, Christina Marie Castro

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This descriptive study examines students’ perspectives of their engagement when seated in flexible seating with choice. The researcher analyzed interview and survey data to answer the following research questions: 1.) What are students’ perceptions of flexible seating with choice? 2.) What are students’ perceptions on their level of engagement with flexible seating with choice?

The purpose of this study was achieved by interviewing and surveying first grade students who have experienced flexible seating in their Title 1 school within Southern California. Using the data from the interviews, this study identified common themes around the perception of flexible seating

among randomly …