Education Commons^™

Counseling Children Of Alcoholics In Schools, Melinda Voss

Graduate Research Papers

Children of alcoholics (CO As) make up a large population of students in the school system. These youth are at high risk for behavioral, emotional, social, safety, and academic problems due to the dysfunction within their homes. This paper will identify (a) the definition and prevalence of children of alcoholics, (b) the effects of parental alcohol abuse on children, (c) possible signs and symptoms displayed by COAs, and (d) implications for school counselors to best meet the needs of these students. School counselors can assist this population by providing the skills and support needed to cope effectively with parental alcoholism …

Counseling Gifted Youth : Problems And Procedures, Susan C. Koldenhoven

Graduate Research Papers

Gifted youth in the United States are a special and often misunderstood population. The purpose of this study is to share research done on this group. The research reviewed gives both general knowledge on the gifted population and how they interact throughout the counseling process. Specifically, the paper discusses characteristics of gifted children, common issues faced by the gifted population, including in the classroom, with peers, and within families. The paper also discusses counseling agendas for gifted youngsters, counseling assets of the gifted child, and effective interventions used for gifted youngsters.

Collaborative Leadership Is A Critical Element Essential For Exemplary Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, William R. Sieck

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers, principals, and parents working together as an educational team to provide the best possible education for our children is a very important task. The efforts of the teachers in the classrooms and the leadership of the principal in the school are very important in this effort. In order for schools to do their best for the students several factors are needed. Many of these are things that need to be nurtured and supported. Some are always considered to be a work in progress.

A viable curriculum that is rigorous and relevant is important. Learning to set appropriate goals and …

A Preferred Way For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Travis M. Axeen

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership education is the beginning step for those interested in the challenge of being a school administrator. A school administrator is a leader in the school and in the community. His leadership encompasses many different areas including vision, instruction, organization, collaborative dealings, ethics, and political areas. Leadership education forces students to begin thinking like an administrator and stresses the importance of a school administrator being an educational leader promoting the success of all students. As administrators we want to promote the success of all students. In order to do this a school vision must be formulated. A visionary leader will …

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And The Benefits Of Guided Mental Imagery In Treatment, Lisa A. Langstraat

Graduate Research Papers

Seventy percent of adults in the United States will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Out of these individuals, 25% will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder is characterized by distinct physiological changes as well as notable psychological symptoms. If left untreated or improperly treated, PTSD exacts significant costs in individual suffering, quality of life, interpersonal relationships, productivity, and increased use of medical and psychiatric services.

The purpose of this paper is to present comprehensive information about PTSD and its impact on those who suffer from the disorder. This paper will also provide a brief synopsis …

Implementing Bibliotherapy: Noah & Friends, Ryan Ealy

Graduate Research Papers

For this project, I have decided to write a series of short stories. It is titled Noah and Friends. These stories will teach students about diversity, peer pressure, and role models. Reading stories can be used as a great therapeutic tool as well a unique way to teach and a fun way for students to learn. Through reading stories students can learn about themselves through characters in books that are dealing with conflicts similar to what they are currently experiencing. This allows them to gain insight about their problems as well as learn different solutions they could try to solve …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Paul R. Henely

Graduate Research Papers

What I believe about leadership and education can be partly explained in the following words. Among the strongest of critical elements included in exemplary leadership in education are building relationships, hiring great teachers and developing the ones you have, maintaining high expectations, and creating a positive climate and culture.

Children Of Incarcerated Mothers, Kisha Smith

Graduate Research Papers

Since 1990, the female prison population has increased significantly. In the United States, there are 721,500 incarcerated individuals who are parents of minor children. Many of these parents are mothers who experienced drug use and came from single parent families living in poverty.

Since 60 percent of children are primarily cared for by their mother, maternal incarceration results in many children being removed from their homes, resulting in internal and external problems as well as academic concerns. In addition, this situation can lead to emotional issues, such as grief and loss, and problems related to social adjustment. Consequently, children of …

A Solution-Focused Approach To School Counseling, Holly Dawn Honey

Graduate Research Papers

Solution-focused brief therapy has only recently been discovered as an effective counseling strategy in a school setting based on its time-limited, positive approach to work with students. Though this approach has not been researched in depth, there have been several studies documenting its effectiveness with school age children. This paper will provide an overall view of solution-focused brief therapy as well as some specific techniques for all levels of school counseling.

The Effects Of Bullying On Elementary Students, Renee E. Bullerman

Graduate Research Papers

Bullying is an ever-present problem occurring within elementary schools across the world. Bullying creates personal, social and emotional, as well as academic problems for the victim. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the various interventions that are implemented in elementary schools in order to combat the effects of bullying. Internal and external characteristics of victims, bullies, and bystanders will be identified. Gender differences related to bullying will be described, as well the effects bullying has on elementary students. Finally, numerous interventions aimed at reducing the effects of bullying will be discussed.

The Effects Of Divorce In A Society With Ever-Changing Family Structures, Rebecca L. Ahlstrom

Graduate Research Papers

Divorce rates have doubled since the 1970s, this has influenced both the structure and the impact of the family. It is imperative not to overlook the large and growing population of children affected by divorce. This paper will discuss the differences of important variables involved, such as age, gender and cultural background. In addition, it will discuss in detail outreach ideas and intervention strategies including small groups, mentoring programs, and bibliotherapy that have all been effective in supporting these children and their families in this crucial change of family structure. Children in single parent and blended families are considered "at-risk" …

Educational Leadership In An Age Of Accountability : A Reflective Essay, Laura J. Medberry

Graduate Research Papers

There are qualities of educational leaders that will lead them to success. A leader can use these qualities to improve the student achievement in a building, the self-concepts of the students and the teachers, and their own professional capacity. Four of these critical elements include the ability to develop a positive culture and climate, the ability to develop leaders within an organization, their ability to think systemically and systematically, and the integrity of their character.

What I Believe About Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, James R. Cook

Graduate Research Papers

The job of a principal has endless responsibilities and expectations. Knowing what your convictions are, morals, philosophy, expectations, and your vision of the future are key components in becoming a principal. Having an understanding of technology and where it can be used to enhance learning will help students become prepared for the future as well as getting the parents and community to support the school district will help in all areas of the school; such as academics, athletics, and the fine arts. Having all of the areas become successful in their own right, will give any principal the feeling of …

Children Of Alcoholics : A Struggle Through Childhood And Adulthood, Christina M. Mcgreevey

Graduate Research Papers

Children of alcoholics are those directly affected by familial alcoholism. Characteristics that are common in children of alcoholics in youth and in adulthood are isolation, approval seeking, fear of angry people, and addiction (Seixas & Youcha, 1985). Treatment for children of alcoholics is available through several forms of therapy including self-help groups and family therapy. The purpose of this paper is to address common characteristics of children of alcoholics, codependency, as well as treatment procedures for this population.

Role-Play And Counselor Education : Bridging The Practice-Theory Gap In Prepracticum Clinical Training, Brian T. Merrick

Graduate Research Papers

Fictitious or imaginary roles within the role-playing paradigm are discussed. The concept of using this model as a method in counselor education is emphasized. Ethical boundaries, diversity, and historical precedents are used to make an argument in favor of role-play. Guidelines for students to create fictitious roles for use in role-play are outlined.

Cyberbullying: A Workshop For Parents, Erin Jackson

Graduate Research Papers

There are many advantages to the new technology that is flooding the American way of life. However, with the good also comes the bad. Cyber-bullying is one example of the negative side of our ever-changing technology. Cyber-bullying can be very devastating for all people involved (Campbell, 2005). it affects the victim, the bully, family, and friends. With cyber-bullying on the rise, even more children will be affected in the future and the effects of this type of bullying will become more widespread.

Play Therapy With Victims Of Child Abuse, Annie E. Jessen

Graduate Research Papers

Child abuse is a very serious issue around the world. An estimated 906,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect in the United States in 2003. Child fatalities are the most tragic consequence of maltreatment. Play therapy provides children with the ideal environment where they feel safe and they may experience their feelings without restriction.

Oftentimes play allows children to distance themselves from experiences that are quite painful if expressed directly to a therapist. When assessing the needs of children, it is important for play therapists to assess the phenomenological impact of the abuse, the family's …

Understanding The Mind-Body Connection For Optimal Health And Healing, Molly M. Cretsinger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the research paper is to understand how a person's attitudes and beliefs shape their life and influence their health and healing. It is fundamental for someone in the helping profession to gain insight into the role of love, faith, hope, and forgiveness in overall health and healing. The key to health and healing is to understand, accept, and believe in the notion of control over one's thinking and the ability to be who one chooses to be. Every day and every thought is a choice. It is crucial for health and overall wellness that individuals take responsibility …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : Reflective Research, Trent A. Jeffrey

Graduate Research Papers

In the field of education, having a great leader is very important. The principal is like a captain of a ship. He can lead that ship right down the middle so that his students and staff can see things from both sides or he can run aground and really cause some problems. Leadership is something that must come from within. You can definitely tell when you are around someone that is a natural leader and someone who is trying their hardest.

A leader is someone who is well read on the new and innovative changes in education. They are caring, …

Online Counseling : Effectiveness, Benefits, Roadblocks, And Ethical Dilemmas, Julia Aguilar Reyes

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides an overview of online counseling and new technologies in the counseling field. Online counseling is defined. Forms of online counseling are analyzed finding that email and instant messaging have become the most widely used methods for counseling purposes. A review of computer technologies and counseling history from the 1950s to today is also examined. Finally, the author presents an overview of the current literature regarding effectiveness studies and the ethical and moral dilemmas that new technologies pose for the future.

Sufficient research is lacking, but a variety of studies provide evidence of the effectiveness of online counseling. …

The High Cost Of Bullying, Ramona J. Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to understand there are not simple solutions towards prevention of bullying. Anti-bullying programs are being implemented throughout the world, and their effectiveness will depend on the commitment of those involved. Bullying is about power; an imbalance of power. Bullying occurs when an individual intentionally inflicts pain on someone else through physical, verbal, or social aggression. Characteristics of the victim and the bully are reviewed along with consequences of each role. Interventions, such as Social Skills Training (SST) as well as empowerment strategies targeting the victims of bullying are useful. But the most effective method …

Keys To Effective Leadership: The Principal's Role - A Reflective Essay, Amy R. Sulzbach

Graduate Research Papers

In the ever-changing field of education, the role of a principal is constantly evolving. An effective principal, has a clear vision to lead her school into the future. The ultimate goal of every administrator must be to help each student within the school achieve their potential, and gain success. They must be willing to collaborate with families, staff members, and the community to make their vision a reality. They must set examples through integrity and fairness, and utilize all available resources to help achieve these goals. I believe that a truly effective principal must be a leader of learning, a …

Leading To Develop A Culture Of Learning : A Reflective Essay, Stacie A. Henderson

Graduate Research Papers

As a principal, being the.instructional leader is a tremendous challenge. An instructional leader is a principal who knows the students in the school and is a constant advocate of what is best for them. Carrying the title of Principal does not automatically qualify you as an instructional leader. Instructional leaders set high expectations for the school community and support those members in reaching the expectations. This is done by being on the front lines, attending to student needs, researching best practice and learning and practicing strategies with the teachers. It is only in this capacity that an instructional leader can …

Self-Mutilation : A Misunderstood Behavior, Carmon Rasmussen

Graduate Research Papers

Self-mutilation is most accurately described as the intentional harm of one's own body. Individuals engage in this behavior as a means of coping with intense emotions. The act of harming one's own body provides a release of endorphins, which provides the self-mutilator with a sense of relief. This behavior is becoming problematic within the adolescent population and a growing concern for those in the field of school counseling. School counselors need to have a strong grasp of the characteristics, functions, and intervention strategies involved with self-mutilation to be effective advocates for this population of students.

Working With Children Suffering From Abuse And Neglect, Shalon L. Frye

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the history of advocacy for the rights and safety of children suffering from abuse and neglect in the United States and more specifically in the state of Iowa. It looks at statistical data concerning the incidence of child abuse and its correlation to age and ability level. It addresses the developmental, psychological, emotional, and physical effects of child abuse. This paper also outlines the role of the school counselor in helping children who are victims of abuse and neglect, as well as gives interventions that may be used to assist this population.

Developing Writers, Ann Craig

Graduate Research Papers

As our nation focuses on educational reforms in reading, math, and science, the place of expository writing within subject areas becomes evident. Students are required to write for different purposes within their classes, often expected to draft, explain, and interpret ideas offered by their educational experiences. Unfortunately, teachers find many of their students unable to understand their directions for writing. An approach that balances writing instruction with self-regulation as students write may help them internalize different aspects of writing expository papers as a means of communication in their classes. This paper, therefore, examines an instructional writing strategy, specifically self-regulated strategy …

Child Sexual Abuse, Anna Maria Opperman

Graduate Research Papers

Reports of child sexual abuse are increasing in the nation and the state of Iowa. Negative effects of child sexual abuse include low self-esteem, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, promiscuity, pregnancy, psychological disorders, eating disorders, and suicide. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2006), two out of every one thousand children in the country have experienced sexual abuse. The author will describe the types of sexual abuse, the abuse process, characteristics of offenders, and manifestations of child sexual abuse. Possible treatment for victims will also be addressed.

Educational Leadership And The Vital Role It Plays, Brian T. Kuhle

Graduate Research Papers

The profession of administration is no simple task. The weight of any decision can be a difficult one. As the corporate executive of any major company, the greatest loss is money. A building administrator in a school system risks not only the financial ruin of the school, but the failed education of a child whose future is dependent upon it. The difficulty involved in the career is evident; therefore, the passion the administrator has toward seeing that every child in the building or district has an equal opportunity to reach his or her maximum academic, social, and physical potential is …

Reflections On Culture, Change, And Service In Educational Leadership, Jonathan J. Dennis

Graduate Research Papers

Educating a child is an overwhelming job that is impossible to do alone. School leaders must develop and nurture a well-articulated vision of success, demonstrate outstanding collaboration with all stakeholders, and model heroically ethical behavior to students and staff. School leaders use reflective practice to become change agents and to create a culture of learning for students and staff.

Leading From Within : A Reflective Essay, John C. Mutum

Graduate Research Papers

The principal is a team member that brings a specialized skill set to the table, for the benefit of the whole team. The principal' s role is that of a leader. The principal functions as the leader of vision, climate and culture, the leader of reflective practice, the leader of change, the leader of learning, and the leader of service. In all of these areas the principal leads from within the team as a member of the team.