Education Commons^™

Mastering Critical Thinking Competencies In Online Graduate Classes, Douglas Hermond, Tyrone Tanner

Administrative Issues Journal

Many colleges of education have embraced online course delivery as an expeditious means of delivering graduate programs. It behooves us to ensure that this delivery method does not compromise our ability to provide these students with necessary critical thinking competencies. This research was designed to determine the degree to which participants in online graduate courses value critical thinking and the degree to which they developed these skills. The results indicated that students both valued understanding, judgment, caution/skepticism, originality, and reflection/action, and developed them in their online classes. The implications confirm that online platforms allow for the development of critical thinking …

Protect Students’ Educational Futures Through Social Capital Opportunities In Sport And Non - Sport Extracurricular Activities, Roxanne Long

Administrative Issues Journal

his study provides empirical support that extracurricular participation correlates positively and significantly to future education, both directly and indirectly. However, which type of extracurriculars are best for students in their pursuit of higher education, sport or non - sport activities? Rooted in Social Capital Theory, the present study focuses on which type of participation provides the best capacity to acquire social capital that correlates to gains in higher education. Structural equation modeling was used with a representative, longitudinal sample of 5,239 ninth through twelfth graders. Total effects reveal that mixed participation (at least one sport and one non - sport …

Teacher Hiring: The Disconnect Between Research Based Best Practice And Processes Used By School Principals, Laurie Kimbrel

Administrative Issues Journal

Student success is dependent on teacher quality; therefore, it is imperative that principals hire the teachers most likely to experience success as measured by the impact on student outcomes. This study investigated teacher hiring processes to determine the extent to which practices that are supported by selection science and teacher quality research are utilized by school principals. Data were gathered using a survey e-mailed to principals in ten states in the southern and western regions of the United States. Analysis indicated that principals do not use consistent processes and vary the hiring approach based on their opinion of conditions. Principals …

Admission Assessment: Linking A Standardized Admission Exam To Nursing Program Outcomes, Anita C. Reinhardt, Teresa Keller, Alyce Kolenovsky, Hallie Keller, Pamela Schultz

Administrative Issues Journal

This article reports the results of an academic program evaluation in which standardized admission test scores are compared to intermediate and final program outcomes. We used two intermediate program measures of progress-first semester nursing grades and performance on a standardized exit exam prior to graduation. Program final outcomes compared are student attrition and graduate nurses’ performance on the NCLEX-RN. The analysis resulted in identifying statistically significant relationships between entrance exam scores and first semester grades. Statistically significant relationships were seen between entrance exam scores and performance on a pre-graduation exit exam. There was a statistically significant relationship between entrance exam …

Attaining Philosophical Alignment: Localizing Systemic Change Through Adaptive Professional Development, Laura B. Kent

Administrative Issues Journal

This article describes the impact of an adaptive professional development program for K-8 mathematics teachers to enhance their implementation of standards that were streamlined to promote improved student learning and achievement. Students from the participating district scored higher than the state average and a neighboring district during the three years of implementation. Survey data showed growth in teacher enactment of dynamic problem-posing lessons during the three years of professional development. Peer classroom observations and shared reviews of student work samples were considered pivotal to teachers changing their instructional practices.

Tenure Clock Policy Transparency For Biological Clock (Family Friendly) Events, Michelle Mceacharn, Katherine Boswell, Kriti Chauhan, Sarah O. Siereveld

Administrative Issues Journal

The intention of this study is to investigate the transparency of information on university websites regarding the policies in place related to leave and/or tenure clock extensions for child-related events such as childbirth, adoption, or placement of a foster child. The main purpose is to improve awareness about the policies existing in academia related to these events. The secondary purpose is to determine whether major institutional characteristics affect the family-friendly policies of these institutions. Nearly 80% of the institutions studied communicated some type of information on their website related to tenure clock extension policies. An analysis of the data from …

Letter From The Editors, Administrative Issues Journal Editors

Administrative Issues Journal

No abstract provided.

Involvement Of Adults Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing In Ehdi Programs, Elizabeth Shuler-Krause, Karl R. White

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Consistent with a position statement of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH, 2007), several key organizations and groups have supported involving deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) adults in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) systems, including providing families of children who are DHH with opportunities to interact with adults who are DHH. This article reviews the available data on the involvement of adults who are DHH in EHDI systems to determine the availability of opportunities for families who have children who are DHH to interact with adults who are DHH, how families feel about these experiences, and to …

Letter From The Editors

Administrative Issues Journal

The summer 2019 edition of the AIJ begins with an exploration of the relationships between clients, headhunters, and candidates throughout the executive recruitment process in Executive recruitment triads from an agency theory perspective by Carlos Baldo, Ramón Valle-Cabrera, and Miguel Olivas-Lujan.

Executive Recruitment Triads From An Agency Theory Perspective, Carlos Miguel Baldo, Ramon Valle, Miguel Olivas-Lujan

Administrative Issues Journal

The relationships between clients, headhunters, and candidates during the executive search process has not been researched using agency theory as the theoretical framework. This is puzzling, as the existence of common objectives and information asymmetries between these three parties make agency theory an ideal one to explain the interactions between them. We addressed this gap by developing six testable propositions for researchers. Practitioners may also benefit from the study as understanding the human assumptions in the process of executive recruitment may help increase the chances of achieving positive outcomes.

A Review Of Some Diverse Models Of Summer Bridge Programs For First-Generation And At-Risk College Students, Berverlyn Grace-Odeleye, Jessica Santiago

Administrative Issues Journal

Many colleges are pursuing innovative alternative approaches for the development of education I that aims to accelerate students’ progress in gaining important academic competencies. Summer bridge programs are one such approach. These bridge programs offer underprepared and at-risk students the opportunity to advance toward college-level coursework during the summer before their freshman year. These summer bridge programs have grown increasingly popular, as a strategy for providing students with the foundational college courses, knowledge and skills required for college success. Many integrated programmatic approaches and resources have been developed to address this issue, including general education freshman courses in reading, writing, …

Introducing A Virtual Emergency Operations Center Into A Higher Education Curriculum, Harry Hueston, "Chip" George K. Orton Iii

Administrative Issues Journal

At West Texas A&M University, faculty members in the Criminal Justice and Emergency Management programs teach students how to deal with man-made and natural disasters. These program courses require students to learn about the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) in addition to passing certain requirements. Each student must pass NIMS courses 100 and 200 as part of their coursework where students are given the opportunity to work through a table-top exercise involving a natural or man-made disaster. Over the past several years, due to the success of these exercises, one of the criminal justice professors proposed a funding project to …

Not Too Small To Be Strategic: The State Of Academic Program Review Guidelines And Instrumentation In Public Institutions, Veronica F. Mcgowan

Administrative Issues Journal

In higher educational settings, the academic program review process allows academic units to solicit feedback, make data-driven decisions regarding effectiveness and sustainability, and report to stakeholders. In order to discover trends and best practices in the current state of academic program review in higher education, examined was a sample of 53 processes representing a range of small-to-large public institutions in the United States in the categories of associate-degree granting, bachelors-degree granting, and masters-degree granting. Using a content analysis methodology, outcomes assessment and the use of data results featured prominently with 86.7% of the sample requiring their incorporation in academic program …

Less Than/More Than: Issues Associated With High-Impact Online Teaching And Learning, Ricardo Montelongo

Administrative Issues Journal

The increased presence of online education in higher education in the United States continues to challenge educators in their perceptions of teaching and learning experiences in virtual environments. While critiques of online education typically focus on its “less than” shortcomings, this literature review encourages educators to take a “more than” approach when providing institutional support. Online education provides beneficial outcomes for faculty, students, and administration when viewed for its potential in providing innovative teaching and learning. The financial challenges involved in providing these practices are addressed to justify investment in faculty effort, organizational support and professional development, and equitable student …

The Accounting Doctoral Shortage: Accounting Faculty Opinions On Hiring Jd-Cpas As Accounting Educators, Ramsey L. Cardwell, Ronald O. Cardwell, J.T. Norris, Michael P. Forrest

Administrative Issues Journal

Objectives: Prior studies have noted that the number of PhDs in accounting are far below the number needed to meet program hiring needs. This paper reviews how the JD-CPA alternative credential is viewed by three academic accreditation bodies (SACS, ACBSP, and AACSB), the American Bar Association (ABA), and current accounting faculty at SACS-accredited institutions of higher education. Methods: An online survey was distributed to accounting educators at 439 institutions accredited by SACS, with 248 complete responses received. Individual demographics and institutional information were summarized statistically. Responses to two questions assessing inclination to hire an otherwise-qualified JD-CPA candidate using …

The Relationship Between Admission Criteria And Pre-Service Teacher Preparedness For A Small Rural Educator Preparation Provider, Gerald Mihelic, Chancey Bosch, Kim Boyd, Mary Lou Miller

Administrative Issues Journal

Pre-service teacher preparedness is a measurement of a teacher candidate’s ability to become an effective teacher (Clark, Byrnes, & Sudweeks, 2015). A growing number of Educator Preparation Providers’ (EPPs’) accrediting agencies are insisting that to improve pre-service teacher preparedness, EPPs must increase the rigor of their admission criteria. However, the research is inconclusive regarding whether a relationship exists between admission criteria and pre-service teacher preparedness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Educator Preparation Provider’s (EPP’s) current teacher education program admission criteria and pre-service teacher preparedness measurements to determine if the EPP should increase …

Using Curriculum Mapping And Visualization To Maximize Effective Change, Kelli Schutte, Chris Mccullick, David Line

Administrative Issues Journal

This paper shares the process of developing a fully integrated assessment framework and model for a mapping curriculum. The foundational aspects of this model are the development of layered outcomes that occur at each level of the curriculum and the linking of courses together to ensure building blocks that are progressive within a program. The presented framework not only measures this integrated nature but also allows for assessment that is both summative and formative. A view of the different aspects of curriculum application—from knowledge building, application of knowledge, and transferability of knowledge to new contexts—is a focus of the course …

Letter From The Editors, Administrative Issues Journal Editors

Administrative Issues Journal

No abstract provided.

Examining The Relationship Of Textbooks And Labs On Student Achievement In Eighth Grade Science, Don Jones, Marie-Ann Mundy, Lavonne Fedynich, Anacita Sugalan

Administrative Issues Journal

One of the most important objectives of teachers, parents, school administrators, and students is to improve student scores on standardized tests, such as the State of Texas Assessment for Academic Readiness (STAAR) in eighth-grade science. This quasi-experimental study examined the science achievement scores between schools that used different textbooks and labs when delivering instruction. This study utilized a quantitative approach, using archival data and survey design. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multiple regression were used to analyze the data while controlling STAAR eighth-grade reading scores to reveal significant differences between classes. The sample and population for this study were predominantly …

"This Doesn't Happen Here": Child Sex Trafficking In Rural Oklahoma, Denise Blum, Tania Benoiton, Sean Kinder

Administrative Issues Journal

The sex trafficking of minors is a hard-to-detect and underreported crime. Its insidiousness makes it exceedingly difficult to recognize, and treatment, once a victim is recovered, is long-term and costly. Urban areas are in the spotlight when it comes to the trafficking of minors. However, the unsuspecting rural context consists of specific dynamics that may make children in the countryside more vulnerable than in the city. Using the case of an Oklahoma town, the researchers conducted a presentation on child sex trafficking for school personnel at a K-8 rural school. They administered pre- and post-surveys and conducted follow-up interviews with …

State Of Practice In Accessible Instructional Material Policy In Public Post-Secondary Settings, Veronica Mcgowan

Administrative Issues Journal

For many students, easy access to instructional materials is an expectation of course enrollment. However, for students with disabilities, obtaining instructional materials may involve hurdles such as transcription, captioning, and requesting a braille or large-print version. In order to explore themes related to accessibility and services for students with disabilities, the goal of this study was to examine the similarities and differences between publicly communicated policies related to accessible instructional materials in public post-secondary educational settings. To that end, this study consists of website-provided accessible instructional materials policy of 60 higher educational institutions, representing five American geographic areas and four …

Universities Can Learn Too: Extracting The Value Stram From Small-Dollar Transactions, Richard J. Palmer, Mahendra Gupta, James Brandt

Administrative Issues Journal

Based on survey responses of 350 colleges and universities in North America in 2017, we find that the majority of benefits from purchasing card use are falling to a minority of card-using educational institutions. This study examines the extent to which p-card programs at colleges and universities in North America “fail to launch,” and presents an outline for program selfassessment, identifies common obstacles in implementing a successful p-card program, and provides a roadmap to rehabilitate a languishing p-card program.

Macc Curriculum And Cpa Exam Passage Rates: An Exploratory Study, Evan M. Shough, Beth Stetson, Aubree Walton, Kaimee Tankersley

Administrative Issues Journal

The growing popularity of Master of Accounting programs can be attributed to multiple factors, but the states’ adoption of the 150-credit hour educational prerequisite for Certified Public Accountant licensure was clearly influential in stimulating enrollment growth. Despite the growth and importance of Master of Accounting programs, comparative data of program prerequisites and curriculum is scarce. Equally limited are empirical analyses of the effects of graduate curriculum upon CPA Exam passage rates. To address the paucity of information, we examined the program prerequisites and curriculum of 283 Master of Accounting programs, all of which are based in the United States and …

The Relationship Of Academic Indicators And Professional Disposition To Teaching Skills: A Secondary Data Analysis, Justin J. Wageman, Sarah K. Anderson, Stacy Duffield, James Nyachwaya

Administrative Issues Journal

This study compared teaching skill evaluations and professional disposition evaluations for candidates accepted and denied admission to an educator preparation program based upon GPA and testing requirements. The study sought to determine the relationship between academic and non-academic indicators and teaching skills. The data revealed academic indicators of GPA and test scores do not relate to teaching skills. A correlation was found between non-academic indicators, professional dispositions, and the teaching skills evaluation score. The results suggest professional dispositions may be a stronger indicator of success for admission to educator preparation programs and future licensure than GPA and test scores.

Ready For Action: Developing Classroom Teams To Prepare Students For The Business World, Bradley Wesner, Ashly Smith, Traci Austin

Administrative Issues Journal

The ability to work in teams is one of the most highly valued professional skills. Preparing students to operate effectively in workplace teams, therefore, is naturally a priority for business and management faculty. Managing course-based teams, however, can be a challenging and complicated process for many instructors. This article offers instructors practical solutions to those challenges. After a brief review of relevant literature on workplace and course-based teams, the authors provide the results of a survey of 207 current undergraduate business students conducted in the fall of 2015 in which the authors sought to determine: (1) the factors that influence …

Overcoming Employer Perceptions Of Online Accounting Education With Knowledge, Rhonda J. Richards, Robert Stevens, Lawrence Silver, Stephanie Metts

Administrative Issues Journal

Accounting education is moving toward an online learning environment. While many universities teach in the face-to-face environment, or at least offer that option, there are also many universities offering online accounting education. Attitudes and intentions of potential employers of accounting students need to be understood by academics as well as by university students. Accreditation and training can play a key role in effective online accounting education. The purpose of this study was to identify and examine factors that have a significant impact on employer perceptions of online accounting education. A survey was developed from literature review and interviews and then …

Letter From The Editors

Administrative Issues Journal

The Summer 2018 issue of the AIJ focuses on challenges and opportunities in our educational system.

School Board Governance In Changing Times: A School’S Transition To Policy Governance, Katherine Curry, Sean Kinder, Tania Benoiton, Jessica Noonan

Administrative Issues Journal

The expansion of the school choice movement and greater flexibility allowed by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) means that education governance is emerging as an important issue for school effectiveness. This longitudinal case study sought to gain an understanding of the implementation of a new governance structure, Policy Governance, in a private, independent school with deeply entrenched culture and patterns of behavior. Findings suggest an immediate positive influence on leadership and culture in the district, including a “trickle down” effect on shared leadership. However, challenges to sustainability indicate that even strict adherence to the model, unanimous support among board members, …

Enhancing The Cultural Competency Of Prospective Leaders Via A Study Abroad Experience, Douglas Hermond, Mathias R. Vairez, Jr., Tyrone Tanner

Administrative Issues Journal

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether an experiential learning opportunity, specifically a study tour experience, would improve the cultural intelligence of prospective educational leaders and would challenge them to expand their own cultural understanding and behavior. Several prospective leaders who enrolled in a graduate program in Educational Leadership volunteered to attend a study abroad program that was intended, in part, to enhance their cultural competence. They were then asked to complete a survey that measured the four domains of cultural intelligence, namely metacognition, cognition, motivation and behavior. They were also asked to respond to prompts about how …

Developing The Capacity Of Culturally Competent Leaders To Redress Inequitable Outcomes: Increasing Opportunities For Historically Marginalized Students, Sheri Williams

Administrative Issues Journal

Objective: This study investigated the practices and impact of interdisciplinary faculty at a flagship university in the American Southwest who were engaged in the process of redesigning curriculum in order to center candidates on what they need to know and do as culturally competent school leaders.

Method: Participants were 31 interdisciplinary faculty involved in preparing candidates for leadership in early childhood and elementary and secondary education, in diverse contexts including high need and Native American-serving schools. The qualitative study utilized document analysis of faculty’s multi-year work in developing the capacity of candidates to increase opportunities for historically marginalized students. An …