Digital Commons Network^™

Restorative Justice Conflict Resolution Video, Laura Zarate

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Monterey County juvenile felony and misdemeanor rates are above the state of California’s average. Restorative Justice Partners (RJP) is a nonprofit organization located in Marina that works with those affected by crime and offenders to make things as right as possible. Restorative Justice in the Schools is a program that provides students, teachers, classified staff, and families with training on restorative justice and how these practices can be implemented at school or home to create a safe, collaborative learning and living environment. Creating a video depicting a realistic student conflict with steps to perform a mediation allowed teachers and classified …

Understanding Student Behavior Through Positive Behavior Internventions And Supports, Melissa Castro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There are too many behavioral issues in the classroom. The Salinas Union High School District implements positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) for students from middle school through high school. These behavioral issues usually disrupt students' learning which impacts their academic success and chances of graduating. The purpose of the PBIS understanding behavior powerpoint is a five lesson plan for staff and students to understand behaviors and how to apply a positive intervention in order to have a positive school climate where students feel welcomed and supported. An email was sent to all staff with instructions to review the presentation …

Examining Barriers To Accessing Substance Use Treatment: An In-Depth Analysis Of High Rates In Monterey And San Benito Counties, Jessica Bravo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project explores barriers to effective substance use disorder treatment in Monterey and San Benito counties, and was implemented by Valley Health Associates, a nonprofit agency that provides prevention and outpatient treatment services. The organization primarily serves both youth and adults affected by substance use disorders, including those facing systemic obstacles that limit access to care. Contributing factors include limited transportation options, high client-to-counselor ratios, and a lack of community awareness regarding available resources. The initiative gathered client input through interviews and surveys to identify challenges and suggest solutions. Expected outcomes include improved service accessibility, enhanced community outreach strategies, and …

The Csumb Well-Being Compass: A Student Guide, Giselle Miller

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Food insecurity, stemming from a limited awareness of available resources, often challenges new domestic and international students navigating California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). This can potentially hinder their academic and social integration. The CSUMB Basic Needs department addressed this critical issue through a resource development project, creating and evaluating a comprehensive digital resource guide designed to connect new students with essential food resources and other crucial support services for academic success. This evaluation involved a feedback survey of 32 student staff and faculty across campus. The findings indicated that an overwhelming majority found the guide very or extremely helpful, …

Monterey Bay Parenting Student Experience Needs Assessment, Erin Bartucci

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Parenting students have a higher risk of dropping out of college before they obtain a degree due to academic pressures, financial difficulties and a lack of social support networks. The Care and Basic Needs department at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) provides resources and services to the 7,713 college students that are enrolled to meet their basic needs and improve their overall well being. Out of the total student population, there are approximately 600 known parenting students that attend CSUMB. This project used mixed methods research to conduct a needs assessment to better understand the parenting student population that …

Teaching Anti-Bullyig Strategies To Elementary School Students, Mariah C. Montanez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Anti-bullying education is often absent from after-school programs. Children who are not exposed to anti-bullying education in their after-school programs might experience bullying that could be carried over from school, and could develop negative self-esteem, have academic difficulties, and experience feelings of depression. When elementary-school-aged children in after-school programs learn about anti-bullying skills, they are more likely to develop conflict resolution and management strategies and increase their respect and compassion for their peers. Therefore, I have created a two-day anti-bullying lesson for elementary-aged children in the Campus Kids Connection program at Soquel Elementary in Santa Cruz, California.

Increasing Awareness On Stressors Faced By Immigrants And Their Families In The United States, Jessica N. Guerrero

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper attempts to provide awareness of the multifaceted stressors that adversely affect the immigrant community, particularly immigrant high school students in the United States. Challenges such as language barriers, discrimination, acculturation, adaptation, and loss of identity contribute to risks of anxiety, depression, social isolation, and suicidal ideation among these students. Recognizing the pressing need to address this issue, this capstone project involves developing and implementing a one-day educational workshop for English Learner (EL) students at Alisal High School in Salinas, California. Grounded in Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, specifically the "identity vs. role confusion" stage, the workshop aimed to provide …

Teaching Self-Care And Stress Management Techniques For Behavior Technicians, Daijah M. Mottu

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Often, people working in helping professions, like behavior technicians, do not get sufficient training on how to manage stress and take care of themselves, which makes burnout common. Without the skills to handle the emotional and psychological demands of their work, they can become unhappy in their jobs, face mental health struggles, and find it hard to provide quality care to their clients. Providing tools for self-care and stress management can improve their well-being and help them stay effective in their work. To help increase stress management and self-care, I created a one-day workshop for behavior technicians employed at the …

First Generation College Students Navigating Higher Education, Katy Gonzalez Barron

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

First generation college students struggle navigating higher education. First generation college students may experience challenges understanding the college system, which increases their stress. When first generation college students learn strategies to navigate college life such as accessing financial resources and connecting with mentors, it reduces their overall stress. As a result, I have created a one-day workshop on using college financial resources and mentor groups for AVID students at Rancho San Juan High School in Salinas, California.

Increasing Adolescents' Awareness Of The Impact Of Sleep And The Importance Of Healthy Sleep Habits, Vanessa Jennifer Diaz Salazar

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Middle school students often do not get the recommended amount of sleep each night and are unaware of the importance of sleep, negatively affecting their development. Poor sleep can affect their emotional well-being, academic performance, and physical health. When middle school students learn about better sleep hygiene, they can build better habits. To address this problem, I created a two-day lesson for eighth graders at the Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula in Seaside, California.

Increasing Mental Health Awareness In High School Athletes, Kaitlyn R. Melendez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Student-athletes often struggle to balance the demands of multiple academic and athletic responsibilities. These demands may harm student-athletes’ mental health by increasing anxiety, stress, and poor academic performance. When student-athletes develop effective coping skills, they can reduce their overall stress and enhance their overall well-being. To address this issue, I created a 45-minute workshop for the cross-country team at Marina High School in Marina, California.

Increasing Awareness About Cell Phone Use And Social Media In Adolescents, Cameron Penrod

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

High school students often lack the knowledge and awareness of the effects that cell phones and social media have on their daily lives. Being unaware of the negative effects, high school students may find themselves becoming easily distracted by their cell phones, engaging in limited classroom activities and discussions, and experiencing lower quality peer relationships. Understanding the role technology plays in their lives, high school students may show improvements in their digital literacy and critical thinking. In order to address this lack of awareness in high school students, I have created an interactive presentation for students in the English Language …

Increasing Social-Emotional Skills Of First-Grade Students, Faviola Montoya

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

First-grade students have not yet fully developed their socio-emotional skills around managing their emotions. Children who have not been able to develop their socio-emotional skills may bully other students and receive more discipline from the teacher. When the children learn how to manage their socio-emotional skills, they will become kinder and helpful to each other. To address this issue, I have created a three-day lesson plan for first graders at Monte Bella Elementary School in Salinas, California.

Effects Of Teen Parents On Elementary School Students’ Academic Performance And Well-Being, Victoria Canchola

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone research project examines the academic achievement and general welfare of elementary school children who have teenage parents. With the help of literature review, original qualitative research, anonymous surveys were sent to teachers and teen parents. The result findings uncover the difficulties faced by children of adolescent parents in terms of educational attainment. Highlighted findings revealed the complex interplay of socio-economic disadvantage, inadequate parental self-efficacy, emotional distress, and heightened learning environment barriers that these students face. These in turn affect their trajectory of development. In addition, responses from teachers indicated the chronic underachieving academically, exhibiting behavioral problems of the …

Effects Of Increased Use Of Technology In Early Years Of Child Development, Candy Guadalupe Pena Romero

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research project examines how the increased use of technology in early years can have a significant effect on child development, both positive and negative. In this research project, besides conducting an extensive literature review, interviews with three teachers from an early childhood education center and an administrator were interviewed and parent surveys were conducted. The result findings revealed that the increased use of technology in early years affects children’s development. The project also suggests that finding a way to balance technology with traditional play and face-to-face interactions could be a good way to promote healthy development in …

Effects Of Social Emotional Learning On The Mental Health Of Elementary School Students, Desirae Pineda

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The effects of social emotional learning (SEL) can positively affect the mental health of elementary school students. SEL helps students gain knowledge and skills that will help them be successful in life. All SEL skills play a role in how the child succeeds in class, at home, and in life in general. Through the use of literature review, surveys of kindergarteners, second and third graders, and teachers, the result findings indicated that the majority of students use the SEL skills taught in class. However, as for kindergarteners, even though they may be too young to fully understand SEL, but through …

The Benefits Of Experiential Outdoor Learning For Elementary School Students, Jillian R. Witt

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research project aims to delve deeper into the benefits of experiential outdoor learning that contributes to the growing body of knowledge and practical applications of this dynamic educational approach of elementary school students. Through the use of literature review, interviews with program workers and school administrators and survey with educators and past students, the result findings indicated that experiential outdoor learning benefits elementary school students despite some cost challenges, but provided them with more opportunities to learn from outdoor activities to increase their academic achievement, improve their cognition, and enhance their social skills with a deeper sense …

Educating After-School Program Staff On Trauma-Informed Care, Emma Lowery

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

After-school program staff often lack training on trauma-informed practices. Without a clear understanding of trauma-informed care, staff may not appropriately handle situations where a student's behaviors may be rooted in trauma, which can make emotional and behavioral outbreaks worse. By training after-school program staff on trauma-informed practices, the staff can more effectively support students and give them a sense of belonging in the program, while potentially decreasing negative behaviors. In order to address this issue, I created a two-day training session to educate staff at Barrett Elementary School in Morgan Hill, California on the principles and practices of trauma-informed care.

Impact Of Resource Allocation Process On Elementary School Teachers And Students, Liliana Leon-Ramirez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Public elementary schools are valuable institutions in any given society or a community. Students attend school a few days a week to learn/educate themselves and to be able to create a sustainable future for themselves. With any great school system, there exists quality education for all students. Quality education may look different to everyone, but it usually consists of factors, such as providing a foundation for equity in society, allowing sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved, and breaking cycles of poverty, which are ultimately a basic human right. By having access to high-quality education, students are able to learn …

Impact Of Private Early Childhood Education On Academic And Social Preparedness Of Preschoolers, Destiny E. Rizo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping a child's academic and social development. This senior capstone examines how private preschool programs influence kindergarten readiness in both academic and social domains. Through a literature review and interviews with early childhood educators, this project explores the specific practices within private programs that contribute to children's preparedness. The result findings indicated that smaller class size, individualized instruction, and enriched learning environments are the key factors that could really support early learning success for children. As a future educator, this research highlights the value of incorporating these strategies into public school curriculum …

Effects Of Early Access To At-Home Electronics On The Well-Being Of Young Children, Vanessa Wheeler

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research project examines how early access to electronic devices at home affects the well-being of young children. As screen time increases among young children, there are growing concerns about how it can impact their health, development, and social skills. Through the use of literature review and surveys with parents and teachers, the results revealed that too much screen time could lead children to problems, such as sleep issues, language delays, emotional hardships, anxiety, and depression. Given this, the results from this study will help guide parents and educators on how to manage screen time for young kids.

Impact Of Parental Involvement On The Academic Performance Of Elementary School Students, Natalia Rauda

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone project examines parental involvement's impact on elementary school students' academic performance, focusing on the roles that teachers, school liaisons, and parents play in fostering engagement. The study utilized qualitative methods, including interviews with a kindergarten teacher, a school liaison, and a parent, to explore the various dimensions of parental involvement and its influence on student success. Key findings reveal that early involvement, such as practicing foundational academic skills at home, is critical for academic readiness. Ongoing support throughout the school year, including communication between home and school, enhances student learning outcomes. However, challenges such as time constraints, …

Impact Of Parental Involvement On Elementary School Student Development In Pursuit Of Higher Education, Valeria Guapo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The purpose of this senior capstone is to examine the relationship between parental involvement and elementary school students' academic trajectories, with a focus on their pursuit of higher education. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and through the use of literature reviews, interviews, and surveys with college students, teachers, and parents, the results revealed that parental involvement is a big part of students' educational performance and mental well-being in many aspects. This research investigates how parental involvement in elementary education influences students' academic achievement, motivation, and aspirations for higher education. The findings highlight the significance of parental involvement in …

2022 Annual Operations And Maintenance Report 2022 Bres Annual Summary Report For Work Completed In Quadrant 2, Butte-Silver Bow Department Of Reclamation And Environmental Services

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The Illusion Of Stability In Family Law, Kaiponanea T. Matsumura

Vanderbilt Law Review

Stability is universally accepted as a central value in family law. Within the context of adult relationships, stability determines which relationships the law will recognize and support. Within the context of parent child relationships, stability determines who will be recognized as a parent, whose parental rights will be terminated by the state, and who, among fit parents, will receive custody. This Article challenges stability’s pride of place in family law, identifying three problems with the law’s use of stability.

First, stability is often used in a circular way. Lawmakers treat stability as a requirement—a trait to which the law responds—even …

A Crust Of Bread: Religious Resistance And The Fourteenth Amendment, Kurt T. Lash, Stephanie Hall Barclay -- Professor Of Law

Vanderbilt Law Review

In Employment Division v. Smith, the U.S. Supreme Court denied heightened constitutional protection to religiously motivated exercise burdened by neutral and generally applicable laws. The history presented in this Article suggests that the Smith approach conflicts with the original understanding of the Fourteenth Amendment. Out of the crucible of religious abolitionist resistance to the Fugitive Slave Act emerged a substantive theory of constitutional religious freedom: American citizens should have the right to obey the Biblical command to care for the needy and provide the hungry a “crust of bread,” even if doing so was contrary to neutral and generally applicable …

Bridging Ancient Wisdom And Modern Logic: Neutrosophic Perspectives On Body, Mind, Soul And Spirit, Maikel Y. Leyva Vázquez, Florentin Smarandache

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Prediction Of Sleep Disorders Using Novel Decision Support Neutrosophic Based Machine Learning Models, Nihar Ranjan Panda, Surapati Paramanik, Prasanta Kumar Raut, Ruchi Bhuyan

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

M-Polar Quadripartitioned Neutrosophic Graphs With Applications In Decision-Making For Mobile Network Selection, Basavaraj V Hiremath, Durga Nagarajan, Satham Hussain S, Hossein Rashmanlou, Farshid Mofidnakhaei

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

No abstract provided.

Resistance And Survival In The Life Of A Gang Radical: The Prison And Post-Prison Experience Of Antonio Fernandez, David C. Brotherton

Publications and Research

In this chapter, based on life history interviews with Antonio Fernandez, former leader of New York ‘s Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, I trace his life course development since his release from prison, including its turning points and trajectories. Through this analysis, I describe the pathways of this complex and contradictory historical social actor as he recounts and reflects on his experiences of survival, resistance, adaptation and transformation over more than a decade of confinement. During this period in total institutions, often carrying the stigma of King Tone, he learned to be patient, not to rise to the bait …