Education Commons^™

Book Review: Blomberg, Doug. (2007). Wisdom And Curriculum: Christian Schooling After Postmodernity, Dirk Windhorst

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This essay reviews Doug Blomberg’s Wisdom and Curriculum and responds to various issues raised there. It highlights the value of wisdom in terms of its relationship to embodied practical knowledge and the norms embedded in God’s creation. The concluding comments take issue with Blomberg’s interpretation of Plato.

St. Augustine's Learning For The Glory Of God: Adapting "Faith-Learning Integration" Terminology For The Modern World, Marie Valance, Jaliene Hollabaugh, Thu Truong

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The scholastic debate about use and interpretation of the phrase “faith-learning integration” has spanned over fifty years. Glanzer (2008) proposed that this phrase be discarded and that scholars adopt the terminology “the creation and redemption of scholarship.” This concept is not new to Christian dialogue: it can be found in the writings of St. Augustine. However, there needs to be further clarification of Glanzer’s language in order to make it accessible to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and education levels. This paper will attempt to support both Glanzer’s proposal and a new direction for the discussion and encourage educators to …

Coercion And Consent: Helping Pre-Service Teachers Understand Classroom Authority, Kenneth Badley

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

What should pre-service teachers know about the teacher’s authority? Teacher educators recognize that all teachers will face challenges to their authority to teach. As do professors, teachers will face these challenges throughout their careers, almost certainly beginning during their practice teaching. To that end, most pre-service teachers study classroom management, either in a free-standing class on the topic or as part of other curriculum and instruction courses.

Letter From The Associate Editor, Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Welcome to Volume 5, Issue 1 of the ICCTE e-journal. Before I give you a brief synopsis of what morsels this issue contains, I would like to provide a framework for the next two issues. Volume 5, Issue 2 will reflect the material from the upcoming ICCTE conference and forthcoming papers. Volume 6, Issue 1 will focus on a new idea. We would like to start with some theme issues for 2011. The first will be the theme “Christian colleagues in secular institutions: iron sharpening iron”, so get your pencils sharpened for that. The Lord has many things in store …

Agents Of Hope, Steve Sider, Angie Davids, Amanda Knowles, Annalisa Luimes, Leanne Van Bostelen

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This paper considers the Christian teacher’s “place” in today’s increasingly diverse public school classrooms. Specifically, the paper explores the complexities of working as a Christian within educational systems which promote tolerance of all cultures and religious views. Is it possible for a Christian teacher to remain committed to The Way while employed in a system which encourages pluralism, equity, and diversity? Using insights and responses of participants in a Christian university education course on teaching in multicultural classrooms, a framework is provided to consider what it means to teach as a Christian in multicultural school settings.

A Meta-Analysis Of Supplemental Educational Services (Ses) Provider Effects On Student Achievement, Shanan L. Chappell

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

The 2001 renewal of the United States' Title I program, which provides federal funds to schools with large populations of low-income students, instituted the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) program in which schools in their third year of failing to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) are required to offer after-school tutoring in core subjects to low-income students, provided by public or private tutoring agencies. States are responsible for implementing, overseeing, and evaluating the SES programs; currently, several states and large local school districts have performed evaluations, with many more in the process of publishing results from statewide SES studies. Although state …

The Impact Of Dual Enrollment Participation On Degree Attainment, Peggy Anne Westcott

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Dual enrollment programs continue to grow in the United States; however, little empirical research examines the relationship between this high school experience and future college success and degree attainment. This study examines degree attainment for first-time beginning students who began their postsecondary education at a Virginia Community College during the fall semester, 2002. It follows those students for six years across all institutions attended, comparing degree attainment for two identified groups; students with dual enrollment credit earned prior to fall 2002 (dual enrolled students) and students with no prior dual credit (traditional students). It explores the differences that exist between …

Identity, Gender, And Language In Synchronous Cybercultures: A Cross-Cultural Study, Charlotte Nirmalani Gunawardena, Ahmed Idrissi Alami, Gayathri Jayatilleke, Fawda Bouacharine

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

The integration of the Internet into contemporary society worldwide has had a profound impact on the way we communicate, relate to ourselves, and to each other. Different users, depending on various characteristics such as age, gender, education, and sociocultural background, access the Internet for various communication needs such as exchanging emails, making new friends, or engaging in a serious discussion. Whatever the goal, users need to adjust to this new computer-mediated interactive environment, and they do so either in ways that reveal native cultural values, or reflect the creation of new cultural norms and conventions.

Attitudes Of K-12 School Administrators Toward Speech-Language Programs In Public Schools, Carmen L. Jones

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examined K-12 school administrators' attitudes toward speech language pathology services in public schools. Elementary, middle, and secondary school based administrators, employed in 63 school districts throughout Florida, were solicited to participate in the study in a letter of invitation generated by a web-based design program, Enterprise Feedback Management (EFM) Community. Administrators volunteering in the study were given an assurance of confidentiality and fair treatment concerning their participation. A survey instrument, the Scale of Educators 'Attitudes toward Speech Pathology (SEASP) consisting of 10 demographic items and 34 positive and negative statements about speech and language programs in schools was …

The Effectiveness Of Colored Overlays On Reading Achievement And Attitudes Toward Reading For Students With Scotopic Sensitive Syndrome, Hanan Ali Bagabas

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study investigated the effects on students identified with Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS) or Irlen Syndrome (IS) when using colored overlays as an intervention (immediately and over time) to assess reading performance (rate, accuracy, and comprehension); to measure visual-motor integration; and to assess attitude toward reading. SSS/IS is a visual perceptual problem related to a collection of symptoms that affects an individual's performance when reading. Three participants, all males (one 3rd -grade student, one 4th -grade student, and one 5th -grade student), were identified as having SSS/IS and other learning disabilities.

The study involved five test instruments (Irlen Reading Perceptual …

The Thought Processes Of Administrators As They Review And Make Evaluative Judgment Of A Second-Year Teacher Portfolio: A Qualitative Study, Terri Anne Lasswell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This qualitative study explored the thought processes of administrators as they reviewed and judged second-year teacher artifacts (a portfolio) relative to the Iowa teaching standards and criteria (ITS/criteria). In addition, data was collected pertaining to the tools principals used as they conducted portfolio evaluation and the amount of bearing the portfolio had on a licensure decision.

Data for the study was gathered via a think-aloud process in combination with guided interview questions. Nine principals participated in the study; three each from elementary, middle, and high school. The nine principals were also representative of rural, suburban, and urban geographic/demographic regions. The …

Exploring Mentoring Experiences In College Student Affairs : A Q Methodology Study, Matthew Woodward Clifford

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of new professionals in college student affairs as protégés in mentoring relationships. This study was designed as an exploratory study into the types of mentoring relationships that exist among college student affairs professionals, using Q methodology. The profession of college student affairs can use mentoring relationships to help recruit, train, develop, and retain high-quality individuals. Although mentoring relationships are frequently used to develop college student affairs professions, little is known about these relationships.

Fifty-five new professionals in college student affairs from 29 different states sorted 39 statements describing mentoring relationships …

Teaching About Religion: A Mixed Methods Study Of Teachers' Attitudes, Knowledge, And Preparation, With A Focus On Islam And Muslims, Ramona Hussein

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The subject of religion in public schools has always been controversial. America is a religiously diverse society, and one of the fundamental documents of this country, the Constitution of the United States, prohibits the establishment of a single religion which may seek to influence or control the ―free exercise‖ of all religions.

Indeed the discussion of religion in school is very extensive. The subject includes, but is not limited to the discussion of students‘ religious expression, prayer in school, students‘ religious accommodations, the right of the student to distribute religious literature, as well as the rights of students to form …

Violence Attribution Errors Among Low-Risk And High-Risk Offenders, Vicki Waytowich

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Juvenile offenders have numerous factors that contribute to their delinquency, including family dysfunction, drug and alcohol abuse, negative peer influences, and social cognitive development. One area of social cognitive development linked to deviant behavior is attributional biases. Based on the prior research of Daley and Onwuegbuzie (2004), the purpose of the present concurrent mixed methods study was to explore the differences in the frequency of violence attribution errors among juvenile delinquents; the extent that peer-victimization, self-esteem, and demographic variables predict violence attribution errors among juveniles; and the differences in the types of violence attribution errors between incarcerated (high-risk) and probation …

College Readiness And Academic Successes For Arts Magnet And Traditional High School Graduates, Dianne Crum Dawood

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the arts magnet high school in preparing its graduates for college readiness from the threshold of college admission (high school grade point average and achievement scores) through matriculation to the type of baccalaureate degree awarded.

The setting was 15 public arts magnet high schools and 15 randomly-selected public traditional high schools and the Florida State University System of 11 postsecondary institutions. The research population was four 6-year cohorts of graduates of the 30 high schools in the present study (N = 8,967). Logistic and linear regression techniques, college …

The Effect Of Moral Distress On Nursing Retention In The Acute Care Setting, Cynthia L. Cummings

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive study explored the relationship between moral distress, professional stress and intent to stay in the hospital setting. The study involved 234 nursing participants and was conducted via an online survey over a 90 day period. The survey tool consisted of 51 items taken from known moral distress, professional stress and intent to stay tools. The items were divided into frequency and intensity of occurrence. Various statistical measures were utilized to conclude that moral distress and professional stress factors were significant (p

The River Of Heart: A Novel, Salma Akbar

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The River of Heart: A Novel is the story of Naureen - a young, rebellious girl who finds her voice after her family buries her. In Naureen's village, the family honor is more precious than life, and women pay the price of honor. Naureen falls in love against her parent's wishes. Fearing her father's wrath, Naureen runs away from home. After reading her obituary in a newspaper, Naureen escapes to America with a fake identity. In Iowa City, she takes care of Amma, an elderly, blind woman. From Amma, Naureen learns to be self-reliant. In order to settle a past …

Identifying Communication Skills Necessary For Two-Year College Graduates To Succeed In The Changing And Competitive Workplace, Sarah R. Baker

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Today's job market is increasingly competitive and businesses require job candidates to not only have degree-program expertise, but possess other general workplace skills as well. This poses a unique challenge for community colleges because instructors have just two years or less to prepare students for the workforce. They need to ensure that all career related material is taught as well as other workplace skills such as oral and written communication. The purpose of this study was to identify workplace skills, specifically those related to communication, desired by companies that hire community college graduates and explore a possible need to expand …

A Comparison Of Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Sexual Minority Students And Issues In Schools With And Without Gay Straight Alliances, Kelli Ranae Otis Brus

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' attitudes toward sexual minority students (including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students) and issues related to this population of students. A sample of 166 high school teachers from schools with and without gay-straight alliances (GSAs) were compared on several measures to determine if teachers from schools with GSAs were significantly more supportive toward sexual minority students and issues than teachers in schools without GSAs .. Participants completed research packets containing the Professional Attitude Index Scale (PAIS) (Sears, 1992), a hypothetical situation of homophobia in a classroom for participants to provide …

Using Community Resource Mapping To Improve Systems Of Positive Behavioral Support And Wraparound, Daniel Innes

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This paper will discuss the use of a technique known as resource mapping in an effort to improve systems of Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) and Wraparound provided by the school system. The concept of PBS will be defined and discussed, along with a common student support philosophy known as Wraparound. Next, resource mapping will be discussed along with its associated benefits for schools and communities. Finally the results of a resource mapping project in a medium sized Midwestern community will be presented along with a discussion of the obstacles associated with such a task.

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Student Experiences In The School Environment And School Belonging, Erin E. Welsh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Researchers have worked for years to decrease rates of student dropout by identifying associated factors, and developing strategies to increase school success. Despite these efforts, dropout is a complicated phenomenon, making it difficult to effectively support students. There is a body of literature concerning the connection between students' sense of belonging and its relationship to dropout. This literature is reviewed in light of the effect teachers, parents, peers, and personal characteristics have on belonging and dropout. A second body of research concerning how the physical environment of schools as behavior settings affects student outcomes is also discussed. A survey was …

Methods For Fostering Success In The Transition To High School, Debora E. Hanna Porter

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this paper is to examine newly implemented changes in transition supports at a large high school in the Midwest. Factors that affect success include attendance, environment, student characteristics and self-efficacy, socio-economic status and family support, peer pressure, teacher and school support, and race and gender differences. To determine the success of the new transition program, data were gathered regarding achievement and attendance outcomes for transitioning students in intervention and comparison groups. In addition, differences in outcomes were investigated for socioeconomic status 'groups and gender. Student opinions of the school environment, parent/teacher support, extra-curricular involvement, and the "New …

The Relationship Between Academic Achievement And Physical Fitness In Adolescents, George William Centeio

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In today's schools, there is a major emphasis placed on academic proficiency particularly in the areas of reading, math, and science. Society is also seeing increases in the number of people who are obese and inactive. Some believe that increasing physical activity and/or improving physical fitness will result in better academic achievement of students in school. This study examined the relationship between academic achievement and physical fitness in adolescents. The participants included 200 ( 118 male, 82 female), high school students, at a rural high school located in the Midwestern region of the United States. Student's third trimester, end of …

Teacher Learning In A Tibetan School In Exile: A Community Of Practice Perspective, Pema Yangchen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Using qualitative field techniques, the researcher explored teacher learning in a small community of English language teachers in a rural Tibetan school in India. From a community of practice perspective teachers were studied in terms of what they practiced, what challenges they faced and how they interacted and learned from and with each other.

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to describe practicing teachers' perception of professional development and teacher learning, and (b) to examine teacher learning from a community of practice perspective. Eight female and two male teachers who taught English participated in the study. Prolonged engagement …

Student Learning Goals In Florida Public Universities: The Perceptions Of Student Affairs Professionals, Lindsay Bryant

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Student affairs administrators support student learning through interaction outside the classroom. Student affairs administrators have started to guide their work under student learning goals. In order for the student affairs professionals to work under student learning goals, it is imperative to have an understanding of which learning goals student affairs administrators perceive to be the highest priority to teach students.

This study is a descriptive study that examined student affairs professionals perceptions of specific learning goals for undergraduate education and specifically examined academic and student development learning goals. Data were gathered using the Student Learning Goals Inventory (SLGI), an …

An Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Functional Behavioral Assessment For Students With Emotional Behavioral Disabilities, Megan Kale Brose

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is defined as "a set of assessment procedures used to identify variables that promote and maintain challenging behavior and based upon this assessment, interventions are selected that alter one or more of these variables" (Stichter & Conroy, 2005, pp. 19-20). FBA has received a great deal of attention since the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)l997 amendments, which require the use of FBA for all special education students upon referral of alternative educational placements due to behavior resulting in disciplinary action. There has also been considerable questioning of and need for research in …

The Need For Ecumenical, Denominational And Empirically-Supported Christian Psychotherapy Approaches In Public Settings, P. Scott Richards

Faculty Publications

James Skillen has written an important and broad- ranging article about the place of Christian counseling in public settings. I will focus my brief comments on what I regard as some of the implications of the following statement: "You ought to be able to conduct your counseling and psychiatric practices in a thoroughly Christian manner within a public or semi-public accrediting system that provides public-legal protection and equal access for a diverse range of professional and disciplinary approaches. You should not have to stuff your practice into a private box if it is distinctively Christian any more than another professional …

Ethical Challenges And Opportunities At The Edge: Incorporating Spirituality And Religion Into Psychotherapy, John C. Gonsiorek, P. Scott Richards, Kenneth I. Pargament, Mark R. Mcminn

Faculty Publications

Incorporating spirituality and religion into psychotherapy has been controversial, but recent contri- butions have argued the importance and provided foundations for doing so. Discussions of ethical challenges in this process are emerging, and this contribution discusses several preliminary issues, relying on the Resolution on Religious, Religion-Based and/or Religion-Derived Prejudice adopted by the American Psychological Association in 2007, as guidance when used with the American Psychological Association’s (2002) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Specifically, this discussion of preliminary challenges addresses competence, bias, maintaining traditions and standards of psychology, and integrity in labeling services for reimbursement. Commentators deepen the …

Satisfaction Levels Of Piedmont Virginia Community College Students With The Tutoring Services, Michael Kutnak

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the satisfaction level of students who used and participated in tutoring services offered at Piedmont Virginia Community College to determine future funding and continuation of the program.

Identifying Enrollment Factors At New River Community College, Keith Mcallister

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine significant factors that facilitated enrollment increases at New River Community College.