Teacher Candidates' Perspectives On Self-Care: Lessons From The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mary S. Thomas, Penny B. Howell

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

How are teacher candidates conceptualizing self-care during the COVID 19 pandemic?

We initiated focused attention on educator self-care for teacher candidates after identifying this content as a missing yet necessary component of trauma-informed teaching (Authors, 2019). In the fall of 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting every element of candidates’ lives including our now remotely-delivered course, we reconsidered how that content needed to fit into the realities of learning to teach during a pandemic. Following these revisions, we explored the research question, how are candidates conceptualizing self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic? We describe findings and provide recommendations and resources for …

A Special Educator’S How-To Guide To Visual Activity Schedules, Mary Elliott, Rasheeda Swain

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Students with disabilities often struggle with the transitions throughout the school day, which can lead to prompt dependency and the emergence of challenging behaviors. One evidence-based practice is the use of visual activity schedules (VAS). VAS provide a visual list of what will occur throughout the day, in the student’s mode of receptive communication (objects, picture symbols, words). VAS provide predictability to decrease the anxiety that can arise with transitions. The following practitioner’s piece provides guidance geared toward new special education teachers in how to choose the correct VAS symbols and create a VAS that is appropriate for your student’s …

Co-Teaching Strategies: Improving Student Engagement By Increasing Opportunities To Respond, Janet E. Nutt

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Research indicates that effective co-teaching using high leverage practices can maximize outcomes across content areas and positively affect student engagement. This paper discusses practical ways to increase student engagement by increasing opportunities to respond in a co-teaching setting. Specific examples are included for a secondary mathematics co-taught classroom, but the principles can be applied in any subject or setting. A proposed model of professional development and coaching to support effective questioning techniques and increase opportunities to respond is also discussed for the purposes of teacher training and professional development.

Using Cec High Leverage Practices To Prepare Teacher Candidates To Meet Individual Student Learning Needs, Michelle A. Gremp Ph.D, Ced, Julie Harp Rutland Ph.D., Maria L. Manning Ph.D., Mary Jo Krile Ph.D.

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Whether instruction is happening in traditional classroom settings or through a variety of virtual platforms, successful teaching requires that all teachers possess the ability to collaborate with others, evaluate student performance, establish quality learning environments, and individualize instruction. Drawing on the 2017 Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) publication, High-Leverage Practices for K-12 Special Education Teachers (McLeskey et al., 2017), the Special Education faculty at Eastern Kentucky University describe ways in which four intertwined components of collaboration, assessment, social/ emotional/behavioral practices, and instruction are incorporated into teacher preparation courses to equip candidates with skills to meet the individualized learning needs of …

The Why, The Who, The How… A Guide To Planning Effective, Collaborative, Person-Centered Transition Services For Students With Disabilities, Kristie Covington, Lorita Rowlett

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Providing effective transition services and plans for students with disabilities can seem like a daunting task to special education teachers and supporting agencies. Planning effective collaboration and coordination between stakeholders increases the likelihood that students with disabilities will graduate high school and participate in desired postsecondary activities, be it paid employment or postsecondary education (NTACT, 2019). Many special education teachers and supporting agencies are unsure where to start when planning and coordinating transition services; in response we created a document that can be used as a guidance and planning tool to design effective, person-centered, collaborative transition services. The planning tool …

Cultivating An Online Network For Mentoring Preservice And In-Service Teachers, Lisa Amick, Joni Meade, Margaret J. Mohr-Schroeder

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

This report details the work of two initial teacher certification programs at a major university in Kentucky that are implementing two innovative strategies for preservice teachers to network, build community, and grow in their practice. The utilization of Slack, a free online communication platform, has proven successful in getting preservice teachers to share ideas, pose and respond to professional questions, and program information dissemination. The use of a NIC (Networked Improvement Community) is a grant funded endeavor that brought together preservice teachers, their cooperating teachers, and university faculty members to create a professional learning community where a problem of practice …

Amplifying The "A" In Steam Education, Grace Floerke

Honors College Theses

This paper discusses the importance of teachers implementing STEAM education in the classroom. Previously, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (abbreviated as STEM) education was used as a tool to prepare students to excel in career fields that are projected to grow in the near future. However, recently the acronym was changed to STEAM to add “the arts” to the original acronym. It is imperative that the arts are seen as an equal to STEM, as they can complement and enhance the goals STEM is trying to reach. Since not all students possess the same interest, ways of learning, or abilities, …

Incorporate Art Standards In Kindergarten Curriculum, Christina Mattocks

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Preservice Teachers' Attitudes And Knowledge Towards Assistive Technology: Exploring And In-Class Workshop Approach, Stacey Keown, Moriah Smothers, Tori Colson

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) mandates that all students receiving special education services should be considered for assistive technology; therefore, it is imperative that teacher preparation programs prepare preservice teachers to select, implement, and evaluate assistive technology for their future students. This mixed-methods study explored the influence an in-class workshop had on preservice teachers’ feelings of preparedness to use assistive technology in their future classrooms. The participants were all enrolled in a 400-level special education methods course, and their perceptions were assessed by administering a pre- and post- survey. The workshop consisted of an independent online training …

Inclusion, Engagement, And Nearpod: Providing A Digital Alternative To Traditional Instruction, Kristina Buttrey

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Unfortunately, the onset of Covid-19 and the ensuing pandemic led to a shift in the structure of classrooms across all levels of the educational spectrum. The resulting move to more social distancing methods, including a combination of face-to-face and online formats, led to a need for innovative uses of technology. In this article, Nearpod is explored as an alternative way to present information while increasing engagement and inclusivity in the classroom. Research studies and reviews are scrutinized on the use of Nearpod as tool for teachers and pre-service teachers in K-12.

Growing Capacity In Gifted And Talented Education Through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, And Mathematics (Steam), Sheron Mark, Chin-Wen Jean Lee, Peter A. Azmani

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

A graduate-level gifted and talented education (GTE) course for in-service teachers was revised aiming to prepare teachers to integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education into existing curricula to create challenging learning experiences for students identified as gifted and talented. Two university-based teacher educators in science education and GTE, respectively, engaged in action research in order to develop and refine a semester-long STEAM project in the GTE course to accomplish this goal. In all, two elementary, one Music, and one World History teacher participated. Case study analysis explored the teachers’ approaches to developing STEAM-based lessons to expand their …

Entertainment Media Perceptions Of Minorities In Young Adult Adaptations, Kynnadie Bennett

Scholars Week

This is an exploration of stereotypical and racist portrayals of minorities, specifically African-American, Latinx, and Native American communities, in film and television in the past and how that has affected representation in film adaptations of young adult literature. Young adult literature is one of the highest-selling genres in literature, purchased by both young adults and actual adults. In recent years, young adult literature has been adapted into film and television series and while representation has improved since the early years of entertainment history, there are still problems in the industry: many of the stereotypes remain, some minorities lack representation, and …

Generational Giving In Public Higher Education, Christine Bernot

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Competition for donors and dollars between higher education and the non-profit sector has never been greater, with Americans giving nearly $450 billion in philanthropic support to charitable organizations in 2019 (IUPUI, 2020). Alumni of higher education institutions are a natural constituency group with a history of giving back to support student needs and programs.

New research in fundraising for higher education analyzing generational giving behaviors of alumni graduate donors could help universities better understand their giving results and support the innovation of new fundraising strategies and best practices. This quantitative research study used historical giving data to examine the …

An Evaluation Of College Preparedness On Natural Selection Principles Following The Completion Of An Entry-Level Biology Course, Amy Bell

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Evolution education in secondary education has long been a topic of research. The level of knowledge and acceptance of students upon entering college has been studied using various methods; however, no study had provided the perception of preparedness from the student perspective nor had analyzed the individual Natural Selection principles. This study analyzed college freshmen (n=162) in an entry-level BIO 101 course. Participants were given the Conceptual Inventory of Natural Selection Instrument (CINSI) and perception survey questions upon completion of the course. The CINSI data was then analyzed for each of the four Natural Selection principles as well as …

Interdisciplinary Team Teaching Reflections On Praxis And Pedagogy In An Undergraduate Classroom, Danielle Nielsen, Diane Sabenacio Nititham, Marc Polizzi

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Much scholarship available on team-teaching focuses on K-12 programming, with limited examples in post-secondary education. Adding to the growing research on college-level team-taught courses, this reflection describes how interdisciplinary team-teaching can offernot only a pedagogically innovative experience for students but also highlight the strengths of the faculty in their teaching and research areas. In addition to reviewing the differences between interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary curricula, we reflect on our experience deliveringGlobalization as a team-taught course, designing learning outcomes and course material, and negotiating classroom strategies, highlighting successful components and considering future iterations.

An Ethical Evaluation Of Georgia Agriculture Educators And Extension/4-H Agents Regarding Practices And Observations At Youth Livestock Events, Joshua Whitworth

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ethical perspectives and observations of those charged with supervising youth livestock projects in the state of Georgia. Identifying the ethical leadership style of the agriculture/4-H agents and agriculture educators/young farmer advisors, allowed for a closer look at the ethical styles within those who are supervising youth livestock projects. Overwhelmingly, the respondents indicated that they relate most closely with a Duty ethical leadership style, suggesting the respondents will do what is required of them to fulfill the responsibilities of their occupation. Furthermore, observations of practices involved in youth livestock projects were recorded …

Shifting Emergency Remote Teaching Into The Future Of Kentucky Education, Amy Argo

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Kentucky educators discovered the difficulties of a rapid transition to emergency remote teaching. This phenomenological, qualitative research study explores middle and high school teachers’ lived experiences of teaching Kentucky public school students during the shutdown of school buildings during the spring and fall 2020 semesters.

Twenty-nine educator participants freely discussed their greatest successes and barriers concerning parental support, teacher mental health, communication, digital divides, student motivation, and teacher preparedness. This project gives voice to the teachers of Kentucky with a practical significance: effective online instruction can only occur if educators are properly prepared to teach …

The Relationship Between Technical Skill Attainment And Post-Graduation Related Placement Of Secondary Career And Technical Education Students In Missouri, Michael Pantleo

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted using quantitative methods to determine if a relationship exists between former Career and Technical Education (CTE) concentrators’ Technical Skill Assessment (TSA) performance and their attaining related placement after high school. The study included data from 65,606 Missouri CTE concentrators who graduated during the years 2015-2019. To investigate the relationship between TSA assessment performance and attaining related placement, multiple descriptive models were run and disaggregated by CTE program area, gender, race/ethnicity, IEP status, and SES. The data revealed students who pass their TSA assessment are more likely to attain related placement compared to those not passing their …

School Violence And Its Impact On Student Academic Achievement, Kewanis Kennedy

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the occurrence of school violence and its impact on academic success and attendance. This study will encompass K-12 academic institutions in the state of Kentucky during the 2018-2019 academic school year, with an in-depth analysis of data submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education by the 171 participating school districts. The participating schools shared data in the form of disciplinary actions, attendance, graduation rates, academic achievement, and other relevant demographics. The collected data was analyzed to determine if there was a statistically significant difference among attendance rate, graduation rate, math ACT benchmark scores, and English ACT benchmark …

Can Virtual Observations Effectively Prepare Pre-Service Educators For A Career In Teaching?, Krystle N. Gremaud

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to identify if virtual observations of preservice teachers could be an effective alternative means for universities to use when observing students in their various education practicums. If found to be effective, universities could use virtual observations in place of in-person observation as a cost-saving measure during times of financial instability. Additionally, the findings could allow universities to market their teacher preparation programs nationally where states have closed their teacher preparation programs in response to the national teacher shortage. Two surveys were used: The Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale and a Likert scale to determine the perceived efficacy …

Georgia Agricultural Education Teachers’ Perceived Barriers Of Delivering Instruction Through Internet-Based Distance Learning, Cecily Gunter

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

In the late fall of 2019 and early spring 2020 educators across the world were abruptly faced with the issue of teaching curriculum through distance learning platforms. This challenge was even greater for agricultural education teachers to accomplish due to the goal of providing students opportunities for leadership development, personal growth, and career success through hands-on learning opportunities. The researcher conducted a study to examine the perceived barriers of internet –based distance learning by agricultural education teachers in Georgia and to explore the relationship between their perceived barriers and the perception of their level of computer and internet access, their …

Assessing Teacher Candidates’ Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Of Teamwork, Eric Batts

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Educators serve on various school-related teams such as curriculum committees, professional learning communities (PLCs), co-teaching, and individualized education plan (IEP) teams. This quantitative study was designed to assess teacher candidates’ teamwork knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). The results were used to evaluate an educator preparation provider’s (EPP) effectiveness in preparing teacher candidates with teamwork skills needed in today’s schools. Teamwork-KSA, the instrument used in this study, measures an individual’s KSAs in specific teamwork characteristics. The study attempted to answer if there were differences between teacher candidates’ progression through an EPP and Teamwork-KSA results. Teacher candidates’ GPA, practicum experience, and teamwork …

Training And Support Systems And Their Impact On First-Year Teachers In Kentucky, Ashley E. Dunn

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study surveyed elementary school teachers across the state of Kentucky in regards to these four main concepts: (a) identifying the challenges and needs of FYT, (b) identify and explore the trainings provided to FYT, (c) identify and explore the supports provided to FYT, and (d) identifying what is needed to effectively support FYT. The driving question of the study asked: what are the training and support experiences of first-year K-5 teachers and how can these experiences be improved for future educators? Based on this question, the following hypothesis was created: having been provided comprehensive induction programs, FYT will …

Black And Hispanic Student Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of The Career Academy Model, Holly Bernard

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Education reform has been at the forefront of policymakers’ plans since 1817 with the founding of the Connecticut Asylum at Hartford for Deaf and Dumb Persons. Over the following 200 years, various social and economic shifts have increased policymakers' focus on the purpose of education and how institutions can develop contributing members to society. Globalization demands countries to have a well-educated workforce, and in the United States today, education reform has focused on expanding educational opportunities that lead to positive economic growth for individuals and nations as a whole through innovative practices. In short, access to quality education and experience …

Work Ethic And Productivity: The Mediating Role Of Leadership, Everly Tapp

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Employee work ethic and workplace productivity are vital for organizational success. Past research has shown leadership style to be influential on both, with the manager-employee relationship impacting employee’s attitude and output in the workplace. This study investigated the relationship between employee work ethic and workplace productivity, while also examining the impact of transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles on agriculture equipment dealership employees. The leadership style of service managers, as measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) (5x-Short), was compared to the workplace productivity and work ethic scores of the service technicians they manage. Service technician workplace productivity data was …

An Investigation Into Cte Classroom Instructional Strategies, Jonathan Walker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This researcher conducted this ex post facto study with the help of career and technical education (CTE) teachers across the country. The research was a survey of classroom instructional strategy usage, a teacher’s familial impact on classroom instruction strategies used, and the effects of Covid-19 on classroom strategies used. Data suggested that CTE teachers use different instructional strategies based on teacher demographics and that Covid-19 did have an effect on CTE teachers’ use of instructional strategies. This data suggested the five most used classroom instructional strategies were questioning, guided practice, demonstrations, lab activities, and whole group discussion.

Factors That Influence Entrepreneurship And Digital Talent In The Rural Heartland: Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, And Arkansas, Chett Daniel

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The current state of many rural communities demands new, more relevant economic development strategies. Traditional models of rural economic development often rely on farming, natural resource extraction, and industrial type jobs that rely on lower cost labor usually focused on manufacturing of product or food. Farm jobs declined decades ago. Offshoring, and more recently automation is rapidly reducing the number of jobs available in rural areas. Jobs and economic vitality are critical to sustaining or growing communities. While traditional methods of industry attraction are still viable strategies to spur economic activity, rural areas must develop concurrent economic strategies driven by …

Retention And The Sophomore Slump: Understanding Whether Campus Residency Predicts Retention Of Sophomore College Students, Raglena Salmans

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Retention in higher education is an ongoing challenge in America. Traditional research claims a multitude of reasons for freshman college students to stop out, drop out, or transfer colleges. The term sophomore slump was created many years ago as an all-encompassing phrase for the large amount of students who do not return to campus for their sophomore year or end up leaving during the sophomore year. Institutions of higher education are on a continuous journey to retain students and to understand what the cause of students leaving their university is. Campus housing has morphed through the years to provide programming …

The Role Of Parental Generation And Parenting Style With Respect To Work Ethic Of The Millennial Generation, Ember Campbell

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study investigated the possible relationships between parental generation, parenting style, gender, and the work ethic of the Millennial generation. Millennial participants’ work ethic was determined using the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP), with the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) being utilized to determine the parenting style experienced by the 385 participants that comprised the study sample. First, the study investigated the possible difference between parental generation and the work ethic of the Millennial. Second, the study explored the possible difference between parenting style experienced and the work ethic of the Millennial. Finally, the study examined the possible difference between …

Effectiveness Of The Two Plus Two Online Program In Agriscience Education: A Case Study Of Students’ Experiences And Persistence, Ronald M. Howell Jr

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Higher education is changing, and more community colleges find themselves helping to increase the number of students who receive a bachelor’s credential from a 4-year post-secondary institution. This qualitative study was designed to determine the effectiveness of the online two plus two Agriscience Education program at a university in North Carolina. Twelve current and former students provided feedback about their perspectives and lived experiences through semi-structured interviews.

Preliminary findings suggest that both current and former students find the two plus two program very cost-affordable, flexible, and convenient for transferring two years’ worth of credit and courses to earn a bachelor’s …