Education Commons^™

Senate Meeting, December 9, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Senate Meeting, November 18, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Dietetic Internship Directors' Involvement With Research On The Research Curriculum In Dietetic Internship Programs, Amanda Margaret Bergschneider Newell

Theses and Dissertations

Research is considered to be at the foundation of the profession of dietetics. It is a required component of the dietetic curriculum and is especially important as a part of the dietetic internship (DI) process. However, there are increasing concerns that dietitians and dietetic educators are not actively involved with research. This disconnect is concerning; therefore, it was the catalyst for the present study. Though many factors likely contribute to this issue, a novel area of inquiry is the influence of the research experiences of DI Directors on the DI curriculum. The theory of experiential learning was utilized as the …

Senate Meeting, November 4, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Institutional Factors Influencing African-American Male Involvement In Undergraduate Student Organizations, John Mark Davenport

Theses and Dissertations

Students attending colleges and universities who have purposeful opportunities to interact with peers and faculty about educational matters and who are challenged with consistent encouragement report higher levels of satisfaction with their collegiate experience and have higher persistence rates than students who do not receive these opportunities (Kuh et al., 1991; Pascarella & Terenzini, 1991; Schroeder & Mable, 1994). In higher education, African-American males are neither retained from admission through graduation at a rate comparable to majority students nor African-American women (AASCU, 1988; ACE, 2008; Harper, 2012). In this study I set out to determine which institutional factors influence African-American …

Senate Meeting, October 21, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Senate Meeting, October 7, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Executive Coaching As A Model Of Professional Development For School Superintendents, Timothy Brian Arnold Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a utilization-focused program evaluation that describes the impact of an executive coaching model on the professional learning of superintendents who participated in the IASA School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL). This program evaluation is a knowledge-focused, or lessons learned-oriented, formative evaluation of the ISAL cohort program. A qualitative approach is used to describe the lived experiences of superintendents who participated in the coaching model provided through the ISAL cohort program. The results were intended to inform general practice and to provide recommendations on the use of a coaching model in the professional development of superintendents for the ISAL …

Senate Meeting, September 9, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Senate Meeting, August 26, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Longitudinal Effects Of School Climate On Middle-School Students' Academic, Social-Emotional And Behavioral Outcomes, Jennifer Lynn Engelland-Schultz

Theses and Dissertations

Millions of youth are at risk for low academic achievement, school dropout, risky behavior, bullying, and mental health concerns, especially those living in rural areas. Protective factors can reduce the likelihood of children and adolescents experiencing these negative outcomes. Research shows that positive school climate is a powerful protective factor for youth. The present study investigated the longitudinal relations between middle school students' school climate perceptions and their academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development over two years. Specifically, 510 students in grades 5-9 from six rural schools rated their support and influence at school as well as their internalizing problems, personal …

Rural High School Special Education Teachers' Perceptions Related To Structured Work Experiences, Abigail Meghan Christina Lies

Theses and Dissertations

This exploratory study examined the perspectives of rural secondary special education teachers and related service professionals on structured work experiences for youth with disabilities. An online survey was developed for this study and distributed to teachers and related service professionals through school principals. Rural schools were identified using the National Center for Educational Statistics. The survey included sections on respondent and school demographics, perceptions on the value of, frequency of participation in, and quality of implementation of structured work experiences. Additional sections included perceptions on the level of influence specific barriers have on the implementation of structured work experiences. A …

Can We Do Better When Students Are A Threat To Self? A Review Of Legal And Policy Implications For Current Practices On College Campuses, Jennifer Ann Hemingway

Theses and Dissertations

Many colleges/universities believe that a student who is a threat to self increases campus risk and liability (Appelbaum, 2006; Massie, 2008; Pavela, 2006 & 2010). This study uses integrated policy analysis to (1) define the policy problem regarding college students who are a threat to self; (2) analyze the current legal opinion of the courts regarding institutional liability when college students are a threat to self; (3) examine the 2010 change to the direct threat provision in Title II legislation; (4) determine the implications for institutional policies and practices. The analysis illustrates, according to the courts and changes in Title …

Effects Of Explicit Reading Comprehension Strategy Instruction For English Learners With Specific Learning Disabilities, Sara Lynn Jozwik

Theses and Dissertations

In this intervention study, I engaged principles of culturally responsive research to examine the effectiveness of explicit reading comprehension strategy instruction for English Learners (ELs) with specific learning disabilities (SLD). This study replicated and extended previous research (Jitendra, Hoppes, & Xin, 2000) by modifying instruction found to be effective for native English speakers (i.e., explicit reading comprehension strategy instruction with a self-monitoring procedure). Modifications included: (a) integrating culturally relevant text, (b) providing native language support, and (c) melding strategies from the fields of teaching English as a second language and special education. Through a co-teaching model, I provided instruction to …

Formative Assessment Strategies: Levels Of Use By High School English And Mathematics Teachers, Danielle Love Hauser

Theses and Dissertations

The levels of use of formative assessment strategies and types of feedback by high school English and mathematics teachers were examined. A non-experimental, quantitative survey approach was used to test whether the levels of use of formative assessment strategies vary by content area taught (English vs. mathematics), teacher's perceptions of their knowledge of these practices, and other teacher demographics (e.g., gender, years of experience, degrees/ qualifications). Survey items on formative assessment strategies included specific items from Classroom Assessment for Student Learning Doing It Right Using It Well. Feedback survey questions were based on Nyquists' typology of feedback. One-hundred twenty-five surveys …

Senate Meeting, April 22, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Ways In Which Participation In Intercollegiate Athletics Contributes To The Learning And Development Of Student-Athletes, R. Chad Good

Theses and Dissertations

WAYS IN WHICH PARTICIPATING IN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS CONTRIBUTES TO THE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENT-ATHLETES

R. CHAD GOOD

155 pages May 2015

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to investigate the impact of Division I intercollegiate athletic participation on the student learning and development of former student-athletes. More specifically, in what did ways these student-athletes perceive gains and losses as related to their overall life and career skills repertoire. The study is somewhat unique considering there is a dearth of qualitative research available regarding this particular research topic.

The study focused on the specific ways in which former …

Senate Meeting, April 8, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Faculty As Institutional Agents For Students Enrolled In Developmental Education, Jennifer Jane Swartout

Theses and Dissertations

Using focus groups, this study sought to understand whether instructors at community colleges who teach developmental education perceive that they act as institutional agents. Institutional agents are instructors who go beyond classroom instruction to advocate for students, provide regular advice and guidance, or act as a "bridge" to resources for the purposes of helping the student build social capital within the institution. The findings of this study suggest that faculty are committed to helping students in developmental education adapt to and be successful in college. However, the conditions under which most instructors work can make it difficult for them to …

For-Profit Higher Education Students: How Are They Different?, Brian James Young

Theses and Dissertations

The for-profit higher education sector has been part of the higher education landscape for over 200 years (Kinser, 2006). For the most part, this sector enrolled students who differed from students who attended public and private nonprofit institutions. Students at for-profit institutions were older working adults with children of their own, or who enrolled in higher education to enhance their careers. Accordingly, they had no time for pageantry, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities (Kinser, 2006). Notably, administrators at nonprofit institutions lacked interest in recruiting these students, because they did not fit into norms of their institutions (Deming, Goldin, & …

A Democracy, If We Can Keep It: Democratic Engagement Policy In Higher Education, Maegan Gorham

Theses and Dissertations

Students will be called upon as American citizens to be knowledgeable, engaged, contributing citizens, and higher education plays a part in the development of this role. Engagement must surpass simple volunteerism in order to more fully realize the potential benefit of democracy and democratic engagement activities. In turn, institutions must respond effectively and responsibly, making informed decisions about educating all students in the safest manner possible. This exploratory policy analysis, with embedded legal research, explores the policy issue, "Is higher education the appropriate venue for instruction on democratic engagement and, if so, do the benefits and rewards of instruction on …

Senate Meeting, March 4, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Military Experience On The Higher Education Experiences Of Veterans, Jeff Dougherty

Theses and Dissertations

Veterans have been an integral part of the student population on higher education campuses since the conclusion of World War II. The purpose of this study was to examine veterans' perceptions of how their military experiences affected their experience as college students. Twenty-six veterans were interviewed at six Illinois higher education institutions. Study findings suggest five ways in which the military experience helped veterans adjust to college: (a) veterans were experienced with group collaboration; (b) veterans held high expectations of themselves; (c) veterans were organized and task-oriented; (d) veterans were experienced learners, and; (e) veterans had experience and ability to …

Best Forms Of Involvement For First-Year Student Veterans For Academic Success, Saipraseuth Chaleunphonh

Theses and Dissertations

This study expands the research for the transition of student veterans utilizing the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill enacted in 2008. It presents a quantitative approach to study the relationship between first-time, full-time student veterans and their non-veteran student counterparts in the area of transition to college life and academic success in the first-year of college. Transition to college life is measured through variables that represent pre-entry attributes, skills gained or lost, and student involvement. The results of the study contribute to the efforts of campus professionals to coordinate services and direct resources in order to better serve and increase the academic …

Senate Meeting, February 18, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Transitioning To A Standards-Based Grading Model At The Middle Level: A Case Study, Jeffrey Scott Szymczak

Theses and Dissertations

Report card grades have long been a part of the system of communication used in our schools to signify student achievement. Letter grades have been with us for centuries, but it was not until recently that educators began recognizing there may be a better way to communicate what a student knows and can do for parents and other schools. While standards-based grades have been common at the elementary level, middle and high schools have been slow to put them to use.

This phenomenological case study was of a seventh and eighth grade school in northeast Illinois in 2013 in the …

Illinois Teacher Evaluation Student Growth Component: A Predecision-Making Policy Analysis, Joshua Robert Olsen

Theses and Dissertations

ILLINOIS TEACHER EVALUATION STUDENT GROWTH COMPONENT:

A PREDECISION-MAKING POLICY ANALYSIS

Joshua R. Olsen

122 Pages May 2015

Public school districts in Illinois are going to face massive changes to their evaluation systems in the coming years. Thanks to the adoption of the Performance Evaluation Reform Act of 2010 and Senate Bill 7 of 2011, teacher evaluation must contain student growth as a significant factor, beginning with the 2016-2017 school year. Not only must student performance on tests become part of the evaluation of teachers, but, moreover, teacher evaluation will play a greater role in the hiring, retention, and release of …

Senate Meeting, February 4, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Raising The Bar: The Stories Of Ged Graduates Transitioning To Community College, David Weatherspoon

Theses and Dissertations

RAISING THE BAR: THE STORIES OF GED GRADUATES

TRANSITIONING TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

David Weatherspoon

216 Pages January 2015

The purpose of this study is to examine the educational stories of GED graduates' pursuit of a college degree. The analysis captures the shared experiences of a select number of students' challenges and barriers during their transition to college. This research explores the links between the concepts of social and cultural capital and locus of control (behavior) by examining how these concepts are logically interrelated. The students were purposefully selected to participate based on their involvement in the community college GED transition …

Senate Meeting, January 21, 2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.