Education Commons^™

An Introduction To Adventure Based Counseling Connected To Couples And Families, Amanda L. Schara

Graduate Research Papers

This paper demonstrates the value of Adventure Based Counseling (ABC) combined with couples and family counseling. The growth of ABC has gone through powerful changes from starting out with patients in a hospital to now being utilized in individual, group, couples, and family therapy. Looking at some main theoretical methods in the counseling field the totality of ABC is identified and combined with couple and family therapeutic goals. The importance of couple and family interaction has been diminished in our culture and the evolvement of ABC within those structures leads to a more productive family system.

A Vision For Leading Schools : A Reflective Essay, Karen J. Coates.

Graduate Research Papers

Education has undergone many changes in the past few decades. Many of these changes are due to our changing society, and others are due to those in education who see the need to make changes. Still other changes come from government directives. Our world is not the same world that it was when public.education came into being. The two parent family where mom stays home and dad goes to work as seen in 1950's television shows very rarely exists. Rural one-room schools under county jurisdiction have given way to larger consolidated school districts.

With legal mandates to include disabled children …

Integrating Spirituality Into The Counseling Session : Facilitating Positive Changes, Bruce A. Gregory

Graduate Research Papers

Spirituality and religion can be very important and influential aspects of an individual's life, however the counseling process seems to lack a framework that addresses these two important areas. Although the literature continues to grow, this topic seems to lack a sense of congruence between therapeutic approaches and integrating spirituality and religion into this approach.

This paper briefly examines some of the existing literature on this integration and also incorporates some personal view points. It is hoped that the reader will, at the very least, begin to get a sense of importance in regards to his/her own spirituality and religion …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Katie E. Christiansen

Graduate Research Papers

Defining effective leadership has been done by assembling lists of dispositions and traits that are found among individuals that encompass what a good leader should be. But to be that effective leader, the awareness of the characteristics is not enough. Instead, these idiosyncrasies should be at the core belief system of a leader. If these characteristics become instinctual, then they are represented in an effective leader's actions and they are accessible as a guiding force in times that are the most challenging.

This paper will explain what I believe to be the essential components that encompass my core beliefs I …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Brian J. Price

Graduate Research Papers

Becoming an educational leader is something I have thought about since becoming a teacher. For a school to run successfully, those in charge must have an understanding of their own beliefs and how those beliefs will fit into the vision of the school. In this paper, I will discuss why I became an educator, what I believe about education, why I decided to enter this program to be a principal and what I believe about leadership.

Building Relationships With Students At-Risk, Joanna L. Rahnavardi

Graduate Research Papers

The term at-risk refers to any set of circumstances that have a cause and effect relationship on the student's success. Students defined as at-risk can be a challenging group of students to work with in the classroom and in a counseling setting. This paper will define students at-risk, discuss factors related to students at-risk, and methods to better reach and work with the student at-risk. While building relationships with students at-risk, the counselor's goal is to improve school success, model positive adult relationships, decrease dropout rates of students at-risk, have a more positive school and classroom climate, and improve graduation …

Providing Effective Counseling To Substance Abusers Through The Use Of Biopsychosocialspiritual Strategies, Rachel Phillips

Graduate Research Papers

The field of substance abuse has had a history of relapse. Both In-Patient and Out-Patient Treatment facilities have experienced the "revolving door" effect (Walton, Blow, and Booth, 2001). D.R. Laws found in research he conducted that 80% of the patients treated, relapsed 12 months after treatment and two-thirds of the relapses were within 90 days of treatment (Laws, 1999). The federal government has begun questioning the validity of these programs in light of skyrocketing costs for substance abuse treatment (Craig, 2004). Clinicians have begun to examine the cost effectiveness of their current treatment modalities. This paper will provide an overview …

A Look At Administrative Qualities For Success : A Reflective Essay, Beth Ann Kleve

Graduate Research Papers

It is not just having a degree, and a few classes that help to make a person a good administrator. It is having an understanding and passion about ones own personal beliefs and core values that will help to make the difference between a good administrator and a great administrator.

In the following paper professionalism, leadership, morality, and learning will be discussed further. Examining how each of these areas are important qualities for an administrator to develop and maintain as a leader in a school.

Reducing Suicide Risk Among Adolescents : Treatment And Intervention, Angie Kippe

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescent suicide is very disturbing. Formulating effective prevention and treatment can be elusive. Counselors must become aware of many factors when assessing and treating adolescent suicide ideation and attempts. Facts about suicide and how suicide interfaces with other mental disorders will be examined.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Seabron R. Reese

Graduate Research Papers

As a future educator, I feel the world is in dire need of quality educators to provide leadership far more superior than the previous generations. Education as a profession must involve leaders who can consistently perform to the highest level of expectation day in and day out. As students graduate and enter the workforce, the professions within this workforce entrust educators and exemplary leaders to provide honesty, support and encouragement to our fellow prize holders (our students).

The Role Of Today's High School Counselor In Working With Students With Special Needs, Josh T. Carnelley

Graduate Research Papers

This paper presents the rationale, history, and the legislation that has impacted school counselors' work with special needs students. This paper discusses the many roles a school counselor plays in working with this population. These roles include, but are not limited to, personal counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, consulting with teachers, consulting with families, career and postsecondary plans, and the involvement of the counselor in the evaluation process. Concluding statements from the author will revisit the many roles of the counselor and implications for working with this population in the future.

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Kathlynn W. Breinich

Graduate Research Papers

Communication is the ground work for everything. Without it an administrator cannot effectively move their school forward. However, the school needs a direction to go. When an administrator has a vision, he or she can lead the school in that direction – thus making the school a better place. In order for the school to be effective, it is also helpful to have an administrator that has good organizational skills.

Finally, a school is built for instruction. Above all else, an administrator must remember why they are there, to assist the staff in teaching children. The administrator must hold teachers …

Adolescent Eating Disorders : Causes, Implications, And Treatment, Margaret P. Messenger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research is to better understand eating disorders. Possible causes such. as social and cultural factors, family environment, and personal characteristics are stressed. Health complications for both adolescent males and females are discussed. Therapy approaches such as treatment and prevention for adolescents are also described.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brian M. Moretz

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership is a quality that one wants when leading a school or leading any group of people. The way to describe leadership would be strong, fair, and data driven. All leaders possess many different combinations of the above leadership qualities.

My values, beliefs and the critical elements will go a long way in helping me become the leader I want to become in the near future. They will give me direction and a place for me to come back to when I seem to be falling out of place. My beliefs will always be a part of the way I …

Five Components Essential For Leading A K-12 School In The Twenty-First Century : A Reflective Essay, Gregory A. O'Connell

Graduate Research Papers

Administration is an occupation that requires much time and effort to provide success for students. Success has many critical elements that I will outline in this paper. First and foremost the administrator must have a passion for their role as the instructional, visionary, political, ethical, organizational, and collaborative leader. Managing the physical aspects of the building also engage the learning environment to be safe and successful. One of the last components is quality instruction. District curriculum can only provide to the students what the instructor "feeds" to them. Students need to be provided differentiated instruction to meet their individual needs.

Critical Elements For Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, Joan C. Schueller

Graduate Research Papers

An educational institution will not perform better than its top leader and will not carry a vision that its leader does not promote. Effective leadership is essential in education today with unprecedented demands on educators and the ever-changing culture of children and families. Ethical leadership, instructional leadership, visionary leadership and organizational skills are critical elements of effective educational leaders in our schools.

A Vision Of Educational Leadership, Cheryl J. Bentley

Graduate Research Papers

I believe that an educational leader must walk into any position with something of a dual personality. He or she must be able to examine and interpret the minutiae of research data and best practice, to handle the day-to-day crises of students, staff, and a community, and to work with such details as schedules and commitment of resources. On the other hand, the educational leader must also be able to continually keep sight of the larger context within which all these details exist. And finally, the inspired and inspiring educational leader never ceases efforts to bring the external and internal …

Understanding The Plight Of The Terminally Ill Population, Richelle C. Bouska

Graduate Research Papers

The emotional, physical, social, and relational experiences of the terminally ill population were investigated. The literature strongly stated that the dying process, though physically and psychologically taxing, need not be devoid of meaning. It was also discovered that though patient disease trajectories and emotional experiences are highly individualized many helpful generalizations can be made. The research findings support the belief that mental health practitioners have much to offer the dying person as he or she wrestles with impending death.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, James R. Meyer

Graduate Research Papers

Making every effort to improve student learning is a collaborative effort that includes schools, parents, and the community as a whole. As the pressure to raise test scores continues to mount, schools must see parents and the community as strong allies with a vested interest in schools. Schools have had a tremendous impact on student learning. If we bridge the gap to include parents and the broader community, we will enter into an era of unprecedented effectiveness in promoting student learning.

A Preferred Vision For Exemplary, Character-Based Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Kerry M. Ketcham

Graduate Research Papers

The pivotal personality in the education equation is the educational leader. Without the leadership and guidance of an individual with impeccable personal character, and an unwavering optimistic vision, the educational establishment will shift and toss on a never-ending sea of improvement initiatives – or sink to the lowest common denominator of sorting people into their traditionally proper roles in society. With those characteristics cited above, a leader has an opportunity to deliver on the promise of educational opportunity for more community members. Even with these characteristics, the delivery of that promise is not certain, but it is more likely. And …

A Preferred Vision For Leading K-12 Schools : A Reflective Essay, Tammy A. Kruse

Graduate Research Papers

Every child deserves the learning/development and opportunities to earn a diploma. Since education is the primary building block in becoming a successful citizen, as teachers we should make every attempt for student achievement and the development of citizenship. Every child has the ability to learn if given the correct tools to do so and is given a chance. Educators must be honest and trustworthy individuals to earn students' respect. As educators, we all need to encourage children to enjoy education and to understand that life is about life long learning.

Grief And Loss Associated With Divorce : A Counseling Perspective, Lisa A. Lydon

Graduate Research Papers

Based on grief and loss literature, as well as literature on divorce, this paper examines divorce as a loss that evokes grief in various individuals. A brief definition of grief and loss is first articulated. An emphasis is,placed on the classifications of loss, such as major, physical, psychological, primary, and secondary loss. Divorce is discussed as a major and primary loss with multiple secondary losses associated with it. The perspectives of various professionals as they relate to divorce as a loss are examined. This paper also considers implications to counselors when divorce is viewed as a grief and loss issue.

A Preferred Vision For Leading An Exemplary School : A Reflective Essay, Shauna Dennison

Graduate Research Papers

While all the elements of a school are important, an educational leader needs to lead by example; he/she should be the model. Leadership traits considered absolutely necessary are professionalism, honesty, trustworthy, and the ability to communicate effectively. A well-rounded principal truly has the best interest of the students, staff, and community at heart, and is knowledgeable about all aspects of a district. Precise and timely decision making involving concerned, upset, or maybe even hostile individuals needs to be addressed immediately and effectively. A good leader has common sense, great communication skills, and of course, compassion.

Nature And Its Application With Students Who Have Special Needs, Nicholas J. Hoeger

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the utility of Nature-Assisted Therapy and its processes in conjunction with students who have been identified as having special needs. In addition, it weighs both the pros and cons of applying this method with various populations. Finally, it weighs the value of this approach within the educational setting and identifies common strategies that have been adopted.

Cutting And Self-Mutilating Behaviors Among Adolescent Girls : A Counselor's Role In Understanding And Treatment, Carla C. Hughes

Graduate Research Papers

With the reported incidence of cutting and self-mutilating behaviors in adolescent girls on the rise, counselors need to take a look at the changing role they can play in helping these young girls understand the reasons underlying their self-destructive behaviors. The counselor can also help them find new ways to cope with the deep emotional trauma that precipitates the behavior. Understanding the causes and dynamics of this disorder will lead to better opportunities for effective treatment. This paper is intended to focus on the nature of the disorder and the role of counseling in bringing these young women back from …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Michael J. Irvin

Graduate Research Papers

The key topics of education will be revealed throughout the entirety of this essay. The purpose of education and why leaders are important to school success will be the first topic. The section describes how leaders mold the school and work with teachers to find best practice is key to school-wide success. The next area the essay dissects is how the principal leads learning for students and teachers. School leaders have to bring teachers up to the maximum potential through staff development.

The third section will explain the importance of leadership during the change process. The fourth portion addresses how …

Critical Elements Essential For Exemplary Educational Leadership, Kara T. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

Education is a chameleon that is ever changing. As educators we must be willing to see where change needs to be made and accept the fact that we as individuals may need to change in order to provide the best education that the students deserve. Change is not an easy thing to accept or accomplish. It is more comfortable to sit in the same old place and not look outside our blinders. However we must realize that this does not help students or their parents. Not only does it not help these people it does not help us become better …

Essential Characteristics Of An Effective Educational Leader : A Reflective Essay, Lindsey R. Rice

Graduate Research Papers

An educational leader envisions the future and encourages others to align with the shared vision. He/she is able guide practices toward the vision to make it a reality. By thriving on successes and learning from failures, the vision will become focused and attainable. A leader must know how to tie the community of learners together with a common thread. All must be gazing upon the vision as they act each and every day.

I believe that there are four critical elements essential for exemplary educational leadership. A quality principal emulates visionary leadership, is an effective communicator, is a lifelong learner …

A Preferred Vision For Leading Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Al Blocker

Graduate Research Papers

An ideal school should be a place where every child wants to come and where every child is treated with respect and dignity. Schools should be a place where teachers are respected and feel valued about what they have to contribute. The ideal school should be a place where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated. People should feel this as they walk in the building. As a future administrator, I will do my best to make students and staff and other stakeholders feel appreciated, valued and respected.

Eliminating The Fear Factor : Fostering An Environment Of Equality For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual And Transgender People In Schools, Lana L. Hollar

Graduate Research Papers

The United States of America has been listed as one of the most violent places in the world to live. For gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, the dangers of violence are even greater and are perpetuated by fear and ignorance. GLBT individuals are victims of oppression in the forms of torture, rejection, stigma, social pressure, isolation, and murder. In an attempt to understand why this oppression takes place, this paper will examine the nature of the oppression and how society is responsible for the continuation of it. With understanding, maybe fear can be eliminated and an environment of equality …