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Full-Text Articles in Education

Targeted Funding Of Research And Education And Faculty Perception Of Academic Freedom In Medical Education, Shelly Elliott Dec 2009

Targeted Funding Of Research And Education And Faculty Perception Of Academic Freedom In Medical Education, Shelly Elliott

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine if there was a relationship between targeted funding of research and education and faculty perception of academic freedom at their medical schools. A total of 130 physician and basic sciences faculty from three medical schools assessed academic freedom at their institutions on an academic freedom inventory developed specifically for this study. The lack of a representative sample and the weak explanatory power of the findings limit conclusions that could be drawn. Using multiple regression analysis, the researcher was not able to reject the null for a relationship between targeted funding and academic freedom, using …


Examining Job Satisfaction Online Adjunct Instructors': A Phenomenological Study, Shalyn Lapke Dec 2009

Examining Job Satisfaction Online Adjunct Instructors': A Phenomenological Study, Shalyn Lapke

Theses and Dissertations

The study of job satisfaction for professors in the work place has been prevalent in the research for decades (COACHE, 2007). As online education grows exponentially each year (Allen & Seaman, 2006), this aspect of professorial teaching is emerging as an increasingly critical factor. Many professors that teach in the online sector have taught or are currently teaching in a face-to-face setting as well (Preziosi & Gooden, 2003). Also, many of the professors teaching online courses in the higher education arena are being hired as adjunct instructors. There is a lack of literature dealing with the satisfaction of the educator …


Richmond Public Schools: Post-Court Mandated School Desegregation (1986-2006), Joshua Cole Dec 2009

Richmond Public Schools: Post-Court Mandated School Desegregation (1986-2006), Joshua Cole

Theses and Dissertations

In 1970, cross-town busing was court mandated to enforce school desegregation in Richmond, Virginia. Unitary status was declared in Richmond when cross-town busing ended in 1986. Richmond Public Schools (RPS) no longer operated as a dual school system for blacks and whites after 1986. Class and racial segregation continued to exist in the City of Richmond. RPS remained predominately black and poor. Socio-economic conditions of the city continued to impact the school district. Controversies, mismanagement and low academic achievement stigmatized RPS until state and federal performance measures forced the district to improve. By 2006, RPS was still segregated; however, as …


The Bridge To Postsecondary Education For Students With Disabilities: Perceptions Of Emerging Best Practice In Preparation To Access Accommodations And Communication Across Systems, Sandra Fritton Dec 2009

The Bridge To Postsecondary Education For Students With Disabilities: Perceptions Of Emerging Best Practice In Preparation To Access Accommodations And Communication Across Systems, Sandra Fritton

Theses and Dissertations

Perceptions of college Disability Support Services (DSS) and school system personnel regarding emerging best practices, adequacy of preparation of students with disabilities to access accommodations in college, and communication across systems were examined in this study. Once in college, students with disabilities have a lower rate of completion/success than their peers. Accommodations promote success in college, yet students with disabilities are not accessing them, thereby reducing their success. Adequacy of student preparation to access accommodations and communication across systems affects the access of accommodations by college students with disabilities. This study is qualitative, with 43 participants. It includes DSS personnel …


Perceptions Of The Virginia Elementary Principal's Role In Supporting New Teacher Induction, William Hall Jr. Nov 2009

Perceptions Of The Virginia Elementary Principal's Role In Supporting New Teacher Induction, William Hall Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the perceptions surrounding the role Virginia elementary school principals play in supporting the induction of new teachers. Attention is given to the type of the principal’s support, the frequency of support, and the perceived importance assigned that support. Because the Virginia Department of Education has encouraged the use of one of three specific models of induction (the ETS Pathwise model, Fairfax Virginia’s Great Beginnings model, or the New Teacher Center “Santa Cruz” model) or a locally, research-based model, additional attention is placed on the impact training and experience in one of these models has and the degree …


Blogging Out Of Debt: An Observational Netnography, Wendy Garland Nov 2009

Blogging Out Of Debt: An Observational Netnography, Wendy Garland

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe weblogs in their natural setting and to investigate the nature of collective learning within the debt blogging community. How individuals who blog their experiences with getting out of debt use their weblogs as well as the role of the commenter in the debt blogging process were also researched. Four distinct literature pools were used to frame this study including the theory of social constructivism, the context of communities of practice, the problem of consumer debt, and the medium of blogging. Utilizing observational netnography, six weblogs were researched which were comprised of individuals …


A Case Study Of A Three-Year Pilot Program On One District’S Attempt To Increase The Gifted Identification Of Diverse Elementary School Students By Having A Talent Development Program, Robin Franklin Nov 2009

A Case Study Of A Three-Year Pilot Program On One District’S Attempt To Increase The Gifted Identification Of Diverse Elementary School Students By Having A Talent Development Program, Robin Franklin

Theses and Dissertations

This case study examined ways elementary school students from diverse populations (minorities and children from low socioeconomic status environments) were included in a talent development program, and determined if that inclusion proved to be beneficial for gifted identification. With intentional regard for the idea of talent development, this study sought to uncover the nuts and bolts of one district’s effort to create a program for young elementary school students (K-3). This investigation used interviews, a focus group, document reviews, and standardized achievement measures to study how the talent development program for underrepresented students was created and implemented. A synthesis of …


An Analysis Of Reading Instruction For Fifth Grade Students With Disabilities Served In Inclusive Elementary Classrooms, Elizabeth Dragone Nov 2009

An Analysis Of Reading Instruction For Fifth Grade Students With Disabilities Served In Inclusive Elementary Classrooms, Elizabeth Dragone

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative case study was designed to identify and analyze instructional strategies used by fifth grade teachers to meet the needs of students with disabilities receiving reading instruction in inclusive settings. Seven participants in a large suburban school system were chosen through purposeful, criterion-based sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used to gain information about how teachers use data related to student readiness, interests, and learning profiles to design differentiated instruction. Observations were used to gain information about how the teachers implemented differentiated content, process, and products in the classroom. As more students with disabilities are served in inclusive settings, teachers are …


A Systematic Examination Of Data-Driven Decision-Making Within A School Division: The Relationships Among Principal Beliefs, School Characteristics, And Accreditation Status, Beth Teigen Nov 2009

A Systematic Examination Of Data-Driven Decision-Making Within A School Division: The Relationships Among Principal Beliefs, School Characteristics, And Accreditation Status, Beth Teigen

Theses and Dissertations

This non-experimental, census survey included the elementary, middle, and high school principals at the comprehensive schools within a large, suburban school division in Virginia. The focus of this study was the factors that influence building administrators in using data to make instructional decisions. The purpose was to discover if there is a difference in the perceptions of elementary, middle, and high school principals of data use to make instructional decisions within their buildings. McLeod’s (2006) Statewide Data-Driven Readiness Study: Principal Survey was used to assess the principals’ beliefs about the data-driven readiness of their individual schools. Each principal indicated the …


A Descriptive Study Of Teachers' Instructional Use Of Student Assessmetn Data, Nancy Hoover Nov 2009

A Descriptive Study Of Teachers' Instructional Use Of Student Assessmetn Data, Nancy Hoover

Theses and Dissertations

The overarching question for this study is: to what extent are teachers using summative assessment data in a formative way? A survey research design study was implemented to address this question. A web-based survey was administered to elementary, middle, and high school teachers in a large, suburban school division in central Virginia. The survey data were used to determine the frequency with which teachers administered specific types of summative assessments, analyzed student summative assessment data, made changes in their instructional practice as a result of their analysis, and the level of teachers’ assessment literacy. The results of this study suggest …


A Study Of The Impact Of The Alternative Intervention Program On Improving Student Achievement, Attendance, And Discipline, Beverly Allen-Hardy Nov 2009

A Study Of The Impact Of The Alternative Intervention Program On Improving Student Achievement, Attendance, And Discipline, Beverly Allen-Hardy

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods study sought to examine student perceptions of the impact of an alternative intervention program (AIP), and provide a framework meant to inspire programs in other locations. Focusing on attendance, discipline, and academic achievement data, this study examined what factors motivate successful alternative education students to succeed upon their return to the comprehensive setting, and identify support factors that foster resiliency. Qualitative data were collected through three focus groups of students who were either new to the program, enrolled in the program for at least a nine-week period, and students who successfully completed a nine-week placement. Six adult …


Determining Sensitive And Accurate Measures For Detecting Balance Deficits Associated With Functional Ankle Instability, Shelley Linens Jul 2009

Determining Sensitive And Accurate Measures For Detecting Balance Deficits Associated With Functional Ankle Instability, Shelley Linens

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to determine the balance measures most sensitive and accurate in detecting balance deficits associated with functional ankle instability (FAI). Subjects consisted of those with a history of ankle sprains and resultant symptoms of giving way (N=17; Height=167.72±9.11 cm; Mass=67.81±12.29 kg; Age=23.35±3.62 yrs) and subjects without a history of ankle injuries (N=17; Height=168.16±8.32 cm; Mass=66.22±12.35 kg; Age=23.35±3.26 yrs). Data collection consisted of each subject performing static and dynamic balance tests. Static stability was assessed with force plate measures, the Balance Error Scoring System, foot lift test, and time-in-balance test. Dynamic stability was assessed with the …


The Effects Of Obesity And Surgically-Induced Weight Loss On Exercise Ventilation: Influence Of Central Adiposity And Serum Leptin, Jeffrey Herrick Jul 2009

The Effects Of Obesity And Surgically-Induced Weight Loss On Exercise Ventilation: Influence Of Central Adiposity And Serum Leptin, Jeffrey Herrick

Theses and Dissertations

Truncal adiposity impairs ventilation in obese adults by altering normal ventilatory mechanics. Leptin, an inflammatory adipocytokine, is elevated in obesity and has been shown to alter ventilatory responses to exercise. Leptin’s bioavailability appears to be regulated by its soluble receptor (LRe), which is reduced in obesity. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGBS) is a weight loss intervention that reduces total fat mass and improves several obesity related co-morbidities including pulmonary dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to first evaluate the differences between ventilatory responses to carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2 slope) during progressive treadmill walking in morbidly obese and normal weight females. …


The Human Side Of Change: Towards A Pragmatic, Evolutionary Conception Of Cognition And Emotion In Organizational Change, Jason Smith Jul 2009

The Human Side Of Change: Towards A Pragmatic, Evolutionary Conception Of Cognition And Emotion In Organizational Change, Jason Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation synthesizes and analyzes an emblematic sample of three prevalent psychological approaches to organizational change and learning, giving particular attention to the conception of cognition and emotion. It also explores some of the philosophical and psychological assumptions undergirding these approaches. A web model depicting various epistemological influences is offered as a tool for exploring influences on the psychological research within and beyond this study. A second conceptual model is also offered as a tool for considering the hierarchical treatment and preferential placement of cognition over emotion theory and practice. The project draws on general philosophy, psychology, evolutionary theory, and …


Time Course Of Vascular Function Changes Following An Acute Maximal Exercise Bout In Obese And Normal Weight Males, R. Lee Franco Jul 2009

Time Course Of Vascular Function Changes Following An Acute Maximal Exercise Bout In Obese And Normal Weight Males, R. Lee Franco

Theses and Dissertations

One of the earliest sub-clinical stages associated with atherosclerosis is endothelial dysfunction (ED), which has been shown to predict future cardiovascular events. Chronic exercise is thought to improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of acute exercise on vascular function (VF). Moreover, studies evaluating ED following an exercise training program lack a standardized time frame in which to measure VF. Although most studies require subjects to abstain from exercise for 24 hours prior to any VF measure, no study to date has assessed VF longer than 24 hours after the cessation of exercise. Additionally, no studies have …


The Impact Of Enabling School Structures On The Degree Of Internal School Change As Measured By The Implementation Of Professional Learning Communities, Joseph Tylus Jun 2009

The Impact Of Enabling School Structures On The Degree Of Internal School Change As Measured By The Implementation Of Professional Learning Communities, Joseph Tylus

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract THE IMPACT OF ENABLING SCHOOL STRUCTURES ON THE DEGREE OF INTERNAL SCHOOL CHANGE AS MEASURED BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES By Joseph D. Tylus, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009 Major Director: Dr. William C. Bosher Distinguished Professor, G. Wilder School of Policy Adjunct Professor, VCU School of Education This non-experimental, correlational study looked at the relationship between bureaucratic structures in middle and high schools in bringing about change in individual teacher classroom instructional practices through the centralized …


A Case Study Of The Self-Directed Learning Of Women Entrepreneurs In The First Four Years Of Business Ownership, Julie Carwile Apr 2009

A Case Study Of The Self-Directed Learning Of Women Entrepreneurs In The First Four Years Of Business Ownership, Julie Carwile

Theses and Dissertations

In this qualitative case study, self-directed learning theory was used as the lens to explore experiences of nine women entrepreneurs during the first four years of business ownership as they sought to acquire skills necessary to run their businesses. Data were collected over six months through in-person 90-minute interviews and follow-up questions posed by telephone and email. Qualitative data software was used for coding and thematic analysis, resulting in five broad conclusions related to learning, with additional unanticipated findings. Study participants engaged in a variety of self-directed learning activities, mostly through trial and error experimentation, and possessed varying motivations for …


Frontline Nursing Leaders And Staff Retention In An Acute Care Community Hospital, Beth Torres Apr 2009

Frontline Nursing Leaders And Staff Retention In An Acute Care Community Hospital, Beth Torres

Theses and Dissertations

The current and projected nursing shortage makes it imperative for healthcare organizations to examine factors that promote staff retention. Previous studies identify nursing leadership as a key component influencing staff retention and turnover. This study supplements these studies by identifying key behaviors and attitudes of frontline nursing leaders that influence staff retention. Using a grounded theory qualitative approach, the researcher interviewed 19 frontline nursing leaders in an acute care community hospital. The researcher also explored the extent to which nursing leaders felt current leadership education and training programs support their practices that promote staff retention. The goal of the study …


A Service-Learning Approach To An Arts-Based Technology Course To Increase Pre-Service Teacher Receptivity To Teaching Technology, Elizabeth Essex Mar 2009

A Service-Learning Approach To An Arts-Based Technology Course To Increase Pre-Service Teacher Receptivity To Teaching Technology, Elizabeth Essex

Theses and Dissertations

The following question and sub-question guide this thesis project: 1) How does a service-learning approach in an arts-based technology course increase pre-service teacher receptivity to teaching technology? 2.) What are some barriers to teaching technology for pre-service teachers? A positive service-learning experience provides good learning models which have the potential to address the barriers to teaching technology for pre-service teachers by influencing their self-efficacy. Included in this thesis is a unit plan which responds to these research questions. There are many barriers to teaching technology for teachers including lack of funds, availability and quality of computer hardware and software, teaching …


The Impact Of Mental Challenge On Indicators Of Endothelial Function In Obese Individuals, Chun-Jung Huang Jan 2009

The Impact Of Mental Challenge On Indicators Of Endothelial Function In Obese Individuals, Chun-Jung Huang

Theses and Dissertations

A number of investigators have examined psychological stress-induced endothelial dysfunction, however, the underlying mechanisms for these responses have not been clearly elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of mental challenge on forearm blood flow, total antioxidant capacity (a measure of oxidative stress), the release of norepinephrine (NE; stress induced neurotransmitter), and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses [both lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine and mRNA] in lean and obese individuals. Twelve subjects who had a BMI above 30 kg/m2 and were above 30% body fat were categorized as obese and twelve subjects with a BMI below 25 …