Education Commons^™

Technology Capacity Development Through Oss Implementation: The Case Of Public Higher Education Institutions In Ethiopia, Nigussie Tadesse Mengesha

The African Journal of Information Systems

The Open Source Software (OSS) literature gives little attention to the study and practice of domain specific end-user OSS implementation in general and in the public sector of developing countries (DCs) in particular. This paper, however, investigates the trajectories of two OSS-based information systems (IS) implementation projects in a developing country (DC) context with the aim to uncover the practice-based learning and resource sharing evident among locally situated and globally dispersed developers and users. The result of the interpretative case study research shows that the OSS philosophy and practice of software development, implementation and ownership, facilitates for the emergence of …

School Principal Profiles: Comparing China And The United States, Tak C. Chan, Ruiqing Du

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

By comparing principal profiles in China and the United States) this study would contribute to a better understanding of school leadership in the two countries. Participating principals included 144 from two states in the United States and 77 from seven provinces of China. A researcher designed Likert-scale questionnaire covered the principals) profiles in seven leadership areas: character) professional knowledge) professional skill) administrative style) administrative duties) personnel management) and student affairs management. This was supplemented by a survey of three open-ended questions on principal's responsibilities) challenges) and fulfillment. The findings of quantitative data were compared with those of qualitative data. Results …

Interdisciplinarity: A Catalyst For Faculty Engagement Win Internationalization, Lisa Kim Childress

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

Despite the benefits of international scholarship to higher education institutions, faculty engagement in internationalization remains a major challenge for many universities. This study sheds light on this problem by investigating the strategies used by two institutions to engage faculty in internationalization through interdisciplinarity. This study found that as interdisciplinarity emphasizes comparative approaches, it prompted faculty to advance the comprehensiveness of their scholarship through the integration of cross-cultural perspectives. Notably, this study presents a model to assist institutions in overcoming endogenous obstacles by providing three infrastructural components--time, place, and financial resources--for faculty to engage in interdisciplinary and international scholarship.

Education And Hispanics In Hypergrowth Areas: The Georgia Question In American Schooling, Robert A. Devillar, Binbin Jiang

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

No abstract provided.

Catholic Schools, Urban Neighborhoods, And Education Reform, Margaret F. Brinig, Nicole Stelle Garnett

Notre Dame Law Review

This Article explores the implications of a dramatic shift in the American educational landscape—the rapid disappearance of Catholic schools from urban neighborhoods. Primarily because of their strong track record of educating disadvantaged children, these school closures are a source of significant concern in education policy circles. While we are inclined to agree that Catholic school closures contribute to a broader educational crisis, this Article does not address well-rehearsed debates about educational outcomes. Rather than focusing on the work done inside the schools, we focus on what goes on outside them. Specifically, using three decades of data from the Project on …

Effects Of Management-Development Practices On Hospitality Management Graduates' Job Satisfaction And Intention To Stay, Edwin Torres, Howard Adler

Hospitality Review

Companies have long recognized the importance of training and developing their managers to prepare them for their short- and long-term careers. Formal management-development programs and other less formal means of management development abound in the hospitality industry. Therefore, one may ask whether the entry-level managers for whom these programs are designed perceive them to be effective. The present study explores management-development practices, procedures, and techniques, and their effects on job satisfaction and organizational commitment

The New Multiracial Student: Where Do We Start?, Jackie Hyman

The Vermont Connection

In 2004, one in 40 persons in the United States self-identified as Multiracial. By the year 2050, it is projected that as many as one in five Americans will claim a Multiracial background, and in turn, a Multiracial or Biracial identity (Lee & Bean, 2004). With racial lines becoming more blurred, it is increasingly important for practitioners in higher education to address the issues surrounding identity development in Multiracial college students. By looking at a personal narrative of a Biracial woman, recent studies of Multiracial identity development, and the daily challenges that Multiracial and Biracial students face concerning their identity, …

Transnational Student Identity Development Through The Cosmopolite Lens: Benefits And Challenges Of Straddling Cultures, Jennifer Jang

The Vermont Connection

Have you ever felt like you are completely alone, or stuck between worlds? In this age of globalization, there is an increasing number of students who were raised in multiple countries and cultures. Why do these students find it so difficult to answer the question, “Where are you from?” How do childhood experiences influence one’s sense of identity, social interaction patterns, relationship attachment styles, and worldview? This moral conversation explores the characteristics of transnational students, identifies benefits of their experiences, examines their unique challenges, and uncovers their associated life patterns from straddling cultures. Through my personal narrative as a self-defined …

Breaking The Silence: Examining Personal Preparedness Of Supporting Students Living With Hiv/Aids, Christopher Purcell

The Vermont Connection

Often, when an article is written, it implies a certain level of expertise on the part of the author. I do not know if one can ever be an expert on supporting friends, family members, and students living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. This article is not a declaration of finite practices of being an ally to these individuals. Rather, it draws from personal reflection, public health research, and student affairs theory to make sense of a personal journey where HIV/AIDS has touched nearly every aspect of my life: family, friends, colleagues, and students. This article asks the reader to …

Exploring Inclusive Education From The Perspective Of Preservice Teachers, Elizabeth Collett, Mary Jane Harkins Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This study investigates the nature of preservice secondary teachers’ perceptions of the Individual Program Plan (IPP) process enrolled in a two-year Bachelor of Education program in a university in Eastern Canada. Teachers’ perceptions have been a vital feature in the successful implementation of the IPP process, and inclusion in general. Therefore, it will be crucial for educational leaders and stakeholders to have a clear understanding of preservice teachers’ perceptions of the IPP process and the factors that affect those perceptions prior to entering the profession. Results suggested that secondary preservice teachers’ tended to hold generally positive perceptions of the IPP …

Welcome, Patricia R. Renick Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Welcome to the Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education and Happy New year and Happy New Decade. Our journal continues the conversation concerning inclusive education with this new edition.

Ms. Elizabeth Collett and Dr. Mary Jane Harkens explore inclusive education from the perspective of pre-service teachers. Their opening paragraph has some very powerful statements.

Mr. Charles Zascavage and Dr. Victoria Zascavage provide a compelling look at adapting and redesigning a web-mastering course with increased achievement for both students with special needs and general education students. The perspective is from a business education teacher and supervisor.

Ms. Christina DeRoche provides a qualitative …

Examining The Relationship Between Early College Credit And Higher Education Achievement Of First-Time Undergraduate Students In South Texas, Carl A. Saltarelli Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between early college credit and the success of first-time undergraduate students in South Texas. Many high school graduates are entering college with credits earned while they were enrolled in high school. Researchers have examined the value of early college credit in easing students’ transition from high school to college. Additionally, researchers have investigated the value of early college credit in enhancing students’ early college persistence rates. This researcher focused on the relationships between early college credit and college student achievement of first-time undergraduate students. In the study, student achievement was …

Teacher And Students' Perceptions Of A Modified Inclusion Classroom Environment, Elizabeth Kirby Fullerton Ph.D., Caroline Guardino Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of this study was to examine how modifying the inclusion classroom impacts teacher and students’ perceptions of their learning environment. Prior to intervention the teacher was interviewed providing information about her preferred modifications. Following the intervention the teacher completed a rating scale and a post interview. The students completed a classroom environment student survey (CESS), to assess their perceptions of the classroom before, during, and after modifications were made. Twenty fourth grade students, as well as their teacher participated in the study. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.

Attitudes Of Mathematics Teachers Towards The Inclusion Of Students With Learning Disabilities And Special Needs In Mainstream Classrooms, Dorit Patkin Ph.D., Tsafi Timor Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of 36 elementary school teachers towards the inclusion of students with learning disabilities in Mathematics in mainstream classes. The research related to three aspects: teachers’ knowledge of learning disabilities, teachers’ perceptions of the physical inclusion of these students, teachers’ perceptions of their responsibility towards the curricular inclusion of students with learning disabilities and towards curricular adaptations. Findings indicate that teachers’ knowledge of the topic is partial, whereas teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion are positive with regard to the three aspects of the research. The study yielded a need to incorporate the …

Response To Intervention: Right On Track, Charmion B. Rush, Nicole Dobbins Ph.D., Stephanie A. Kurtts Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of response to intervention, or RTI, is founded on the premise that, with data-based decision making and evidence- based practices, children who otherwise may have been identified with a mild educational disability will receive early instructional intervention and thus have the opportunity to remain with their peers in general education settings. For RTI to be successful, educational professionals need to have the core building blocks for implementation. A comprehensive RTI plan integrates academic interventions with behavioral supports to catch struggling learners early. Identification models that include RTI may lead to better achievement and behavior outcomes for all students. …

Inclusive Practices In Tennessee: An Investigation Of Co-Teaching In Middle Tennessee Schools, Vance L. Austin Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

With the advent of Inclusion (circa 1992) predicated on the principle of the “Least Restricted Environment” (USDOE, 2003) and the recent “No Child Left Behind” legislation, schools and school districts around the country began educating students with disabilities in general education classrooms. Arguments for and against the efficacy of this practice flourished among teachers and researchers alike. Nevertheless, state education and local education agencies (SEAs and LEAs) adopted the recommended initiative and began to institute inclusive practices within most of their schools. This service delivery change created a dilemma for the general education teachers who considered themselves unprepared for the …

Improving The Web Mastering Curriculum For The Included Classroom, Charles Zascavage, Victoria Zascavage Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Following the mandates of the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Deduction Improvement Act (IDIEA) and No Child Left Behind (2001) high schools have included students with cognitive disabilities into business classes. Although some teachers believe that the inclusion of mild to moderate intellectually disabled students into the general business education classroom may increases academic achievement for the special needs student; it continues to be widely debated as to whether it benefits the typical student or not. This study examined the issues of inclusion from the perception of a business faculty member, a special education district supervisor, a high school special education …

Examining The Relationship Between Early College Credit And Higher Education Achievement Of First-Time Undergraduate Students In South Texas, Carl A. Saltarelli Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between early college credit and the success of first-time undergraduate students in South Texas. Many high school graduates are entering college with credits earned while they were enrolled in high school. Researchers have examined the value of early college credit in easing students’ transition from high school to college. Additionally, researchers have investigated the value of early college credit in enhancing students’ early college persistence rates. This researcher focused on the relationships between early college credit and college student achievement of first-time undergraduate students. In the study, student achievement was …

Students With Learning Disabilities: The Application Of Goffman's Stigma In The Inclusive Classroom, Christina Deroche

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This case study provides a qualitative glimpse into one inclusive classroom in Northern Ontario. It explores the nature of peer interactions of students with learning disabilities (LD) and uses Goffman's concept of stigma to analyze how students with LD react or act within the classroom. Twenty-five children were observed on a daily basis for seven weeks and participant observation was the primary method of data collection. Of these 25 children, 9 had a LD. This study found that sadness, aggression, and competence were recurring themes in student-peer interactions. This study reveals that the major themes presented reflect what studies have …

Quality Of Sports Participation By Pupils With Disabilities In Inclusive Education Settings In Masvingo Urban, Martin Musengi Ph.D., Tapiwa Mudyahoto Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

The study sought to analyze the extent to which pupils with disabilities participated in sports and Physical Education in inclusive education settings. To this end, it examined how sports are adapted to suit these pupils and explored other factors which contributed to the pupils’ benefit or lack of benefit from sports. A qualitative descriptive survey design which employed questionnaires and structured interviews collected data from 30 primary school pupils with disabilities, 20 primary schoolteachers and five school heads. The study found that teachers and non-disabled peers have low expectations of pupils with disabilities as potentially competent athletes. The teachers view …

Co-Teaching Beliefs To Support Inclusive Education: Survey Of Relationships Between General And Special Educators In Inclusive Classes, Ida Malian Ph.D., Erin Mcrae

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

Co-teaching is a prevalent approach to providing effective instruction in inclusive classes. The purpose of this study was to determine teachers’ perceptions of compatibility and discrepancy between their approaches to teaching, personal characteristics and efficacy of co-teaching. Noonan’s Co-teacher Relationship Scale was adapted to survey the co-teachers statewide. Results of the statewide survey of Arizona general and special educators teaching in inclusive classes are presented as they relate to their responses. Various aspects of co-teaching relationships and teacher implementation of co-teaching models are discussed. The authors derive attributes of co-teachers in Arizona that indicate compatibility and sustainability of co-teaching arrangements. …

The Evolution Of A New College Course In Behavior Management: A Case Study In Collaboration And Compromise, Richard L. Mehrenberg Ph.D.

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This article describes the development of a new behavior management course for both elementary and special education pre-service teachers at a Pennsylvania college. The evolution of the course is detailed through a four stage process:(a) identifying stakeholders, (b) defining priorities, (c) content collaboration, and (d) reaching a compromise. The study concludes with a discussion of what yet needs to be accomplished and strategies for implementation.

What Teachers Wish Administrators Knew About Co-Teaching In High Schools, Geraldine M. Nierengarten Ph.D., Trudie Hughes

Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education

This article presents the results of individual and focus group interviews with the co-teaching partner teachers comprised of general and special educators. In particular, the analysis reveals the teachers’ perceptions regarding what principals need to know and understand to support co-teaching in their schools. The co-teaching teams identified the following factors as important for the success of co-teaching in a high school classroom: teacher training, administrator training, compatibility, planning time, student schedules, natural proportions, respect and value for the teaching assignment, administrative support, and professional development. The teams also identified student and teacher benefits from participating in a co-taught classroom.

Political, Not Partisan: Service-Learning As Social Justice Education, Laura E. Megivern

The Vermont Connection

By engaging in purposefully designed community work, we can involve students in conversations about social justice and their roles as community members. Service-learning is an engaged pedagogy that encourages students to explore social justice in depth. Social justice work, as well as service-learning, can often encourage students to become involved politically in issues they encounter. Given the Millennial Generation’s distaste for polarized political debates and the potential for overly political discussion to silence students, how can service-learning programs continue to support students’ social justice education and political engagement while avoiding partisanship? This article introduces the concept of justice-based service-learning (JBSL) …

Vocationalism In Higher Education, Joshua Arnold

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

In their recent book, The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness, Donald Opitz and Derek Melleby (2007) note how “expectations have profound implications on what students actually find when they arrive at college” (p. 15). In recent decades, a paradigmatic shift has occurred among college students concerning their views of the purpose of a college education. Student expectations have grown increasingly pragmatic, utilitarian, and vocational in nature. This shift toward a vocational emphasis has had a profound impact on the landscape of higher education, changing the shape of many institutions and how higher education is both viewed and offered in …

Christian Higher Education In The Global Context: Implications For Curriculum, Pedagogy And Administration, Kevin Kehl

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Religion In The National Agenda: What We Mean By Religious, Spiritual, Secular, Leslie C. Poe

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Disputed Issues: Contending For Christian Faith In Today’S Academic Setting, Caleb Farmer

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’S Semester At America’S Holiest University, Jessica Rimmer

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.

Turnaround Leadership For Higher Education, Chris Abrams

Growth: The Journal of the Association for Christians in Student Development

No abstract provided.