Education Commons^™

Provider Reported Implementation Of Nutrition-Related Practices In Childcare Centers And Family Childcare Homes In Rural And Urban Nebraska, Dipti A. Dev, Aileen S. Garcia, David A. Dzewaltowski, Susan Sisson, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Zainab Rida, Natalie A. Williams, Carly Hillburn, Danae Dinkel, Deepa Srivastava, Christina Burger, Emily Hulse, Donnia Behrends, Natasha Frost

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Approximately 15 million children under age 6 are in childcare settings, offering childcare providers an opportunity to influence children’s dietary intake. Childcare settings vary in organizational structure – childcare centers (CCCs) vs. family childcare homes (FCCHs) – and in geographical location – urban vs. rural. Research on the nutrition-related best practices across these childcare settings is scarce. The objective of this study is to compare nutrition-related best practices of CCCs and FCCHs that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in rural and urban Nebraska. Nebraska providers (urban n = 591; rural n = 579) reported implementation …

University Of Nebraska At Omaha 2017-2018 Course Catalog, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Graduate Catalogs

The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is a premier metropolitan university that combines the resources of a doctoral research institution with a thriving community in the heart of Omaha.

With a global reach and vision, UNO is large enough to provide opportunities students seek, yet personal enough to include the mentorship they need to achieve academic excellence, creativity, and engaged learningat competitive tuition rates.

UNO is committed to and engaged with the city surrounding it, allowing students unique hands-on opportunities, internships, service learning,applied research, and other collaborative activities that enhance time in the classroom.

This is the ”O” we want …

Engineering Education In Nebraska Schools, Derrick A. Nero

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

Engineering education in Nebraska schools would benefit state and national goals to educate and equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to support, and advance, ever-growing technology-based careers. The major industries of any state rely on a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. Engineering education, as engineering itself, is the interdisciplinary use of science, mathematics, and technology. Engineering education can fully and effectively utilize the collaboration of industry and education for the purpose of developing productive citizens through a defined and supported set of standards for all students in Nebraska schools.

Nccpe Fact Sheet, Nebraska's Coordinating Commission For Postsecondary Education

Student Learning

Originally formed in 1976, Nebraskans amended the state constitution in 1990 to create a new Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education with increased duties and responsibilities.

Voice Disorder Management Competencies: A Survey Of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists In Nebraska, Amy F. Teten, Shari L. Deveney, Mary J. Friehe

Special Education and Communication Disorders Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to determine the self-perceived competence levels in voice disorders of practicing school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and identify correlated variables.

Method: Participants were 153 master’s level, school-based SLPs with a Nebraska teaching certificate and/or licensure who completed a survey, including demographic information and a 25-item voice disorders competency checklist.

Results: Findings indicated school-based SLPs did not feel particularly competent in their ability to assess and treat students with voice disorders. Only 1 response mean was higher than a “moderately competent” level. All other item means were at or below this level. Four correlations indicated …

Getting The Conversation Started: School Library Candidates Speak Out About The Importance Of Culturally Responsive Teaching, Bridget Kratt, Courtney Pentland

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

When hearing the term “culturally responsive teaching,” many people’s thoughts automatically go to race as culture. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha we have made a concerted effort to ensure that our Library Science Education Programs candidates come to realize that culturally responsive teaching is much broader and deeper than just considering our P-12 students’ race.

Early Childhood/Child Welfare Priority, Nancy Edick, Samantha K. Ammons, Melissa Cast-Brede, Ann Coyne, Karen Falconer Al-Hindi, Shari Hofschire, Lisa Kelly-Vance, Jay Killion, Sajda Qureshi, Bridget O. Ryalls, Peter Simi, Peter Wolcott

Foundational Documents

This is the executive summary of a white paper that describes the context, current capacity, areas of opportunity, and next steps for the UNO Early Childhood/Child Welfare Priority (ECCW). It responds to the need for comprehensive integrated systems of services designed to give all young children (birth through age eight) access to what they need in the early years to succeed in school and in life. In this context, UNO recognizes ECCW as critical to our metropolitan university mission. Further, we must come together with early childhood service providers, P-12 districts, parents, policy makers, other University of Nebraska campuses, community …

Assessing The Impact Of Twenty-First Century Rural School Consolidation, Jeanne L. Surface

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

The purpose of the study was to make a qualitative assessment of the impact of school consolidation on several rural Nebraska communities that have recently lost their schools. This research uses a multiple-case study design with interviews conducted in three Nebraska communities. The data from this research fell into four broad themes: social capital changes resulting from consolidation, the effect of the consolidation on the children of the community, the future of the community, and circumstances driving consolidation. Data indicates very differing views about consolidation; respondents with children in school were generally supportive of the consolidation and felt that it …

A Kindergarten For The 21st Century, Nebraska Department Of Education, Westside Community Schools, Umo N Ho N Nation Public Schools, Lexington Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, Head Start-State Collaboration Office, Marjorie Kostelnik, M. Susan Mcwilliams, Lincoln Public Schools, Gordon-Rushville Public Schools, Red Cloud, Northeast Professional Development Partnership, Nebraska State Board Of Education, District 5, Beatrice Public Schools, Platte Valley Professional Development Partnership

Faculty Books and Monographs

Called to action by parents, teachers, administrators, and other early childhood professionals in Nebraska, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), Office of Early Childhood began the process of revising the Kindergarten Position Statement in 2007. NDE’s previous Kindergarten Position Statement was written in 1984 and was a landmark document in the world of kindergarten, not only in Nebraska, but nationwide. The revision of this statement reinforces the expectation of providing high quality experiences for all children to help them reach their full potential, regardless of individual circumstances. The intent of this document is to provide a summary of information about …

Robots, Gps/Gis, And Programming Technologies: The Power Of "Digital Manipulatives" In Youth Extension Experiences, Bradley S. Barker, Neal Grandgenett, Gwen Nugent, Viacheslav I. Adamchuk

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

The study reported here examined the effectiveness of educational robotics combined with GPS/GIS technologies used as "digital manipulatives" in the teaching of concepts in science, engineering, and technology. Based on the success of previous summer camps, the study also examined a scaling-up of the intervention from 38 participants to 147. The 147 youth (ages 10-15) participated in one of six summer camps held in Nebraska during 2008. Results indicate that participants scored higher on the content posttest than the pretest. The study further examined the differential results. The article makes recommendations for further studies, while acknowledging the potential power of …

Evaluating A Four State Workforce Education Project: Questions Of Investigative Interest And Impact, Neal Grandgenett, Elliott Ostler, Applied Information Management Institute, Jeanne L. Surface

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

How can a large scale, multi-state, collaborative workforce development project be evaluated? This article describes the evaluation process of the Midwest Center for Information Technology (MCIT). The project uses “impact threads” to connect the outcomes of the project to strategic evaluation questions. The MCIT project, involving 10 public two-year colleges located in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota, strives to assist partner colleges in enhancing information technology training and related degree programs. The MCIT was funded as a regional center within the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program of the National Science Foundation (NSF). This article details the evaluation plan …

Teachers' Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Block Scheduling In Nebraska High Schools, Steven P. Shanahan

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of block scheduling in seven key areas: staff development, curriculum, teaching methods, students class work, student achievement school climate, and satisfaction. The demographic factors considered included responsibility, years of teaching at this school, years in education, highest level of educational degree attained, type of student schedule used prior to block scheduling, the time at which block scheduling was implemented at this school, and size of the school.

Nebraska Public School Superintendents' Perceptions Of Nebraska's Assessment/Accountability System's Effect On High Schools, Wanda M. Clark

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to determine superintendents' perceptions of the Nebraska assessment/accountability reporting system (STARS) as they effect high schools. Data measuring the superintendents' perceptions of the STARS program included how they perceived the STARS program's effect on teachers, instructional practices, students, building principals, and resources. Demographic information was collected to determine if differences existed between subgroups based on the superintendents' district size, superintendents' years of experience, the district's free/reduced lunch percentage, the district's 11th grade portfolio rating on communication, the amount of STARS funding, and the financial support required from the district.

The Real And Perceived Social And Economic Impact Of School Consolidation On Host And Vacated Communities In Nebraska, Ken Heinz

Student Work

Opponents of school consolidation often argue that when a community loses a high school the community dies a slow death. This paper compares the actual effects of losing or retaining a high school through consolidation to the perceived effects. The actual effects were measured by gathering data on seven indicators. These indicators were: (a) population, (b) per capita income, (c) retail sales, (d) number of retail businesses, (e) pull factor, (f) property taxes, and (g) property valuations. Perceived effects were measured by gathering information from 180 phone surveys conducted with people in nine Nebraska communities that had recently consolidated These …

Omaha Business Support For Work -Based Learning, Keith E. Bigsby

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to examine the demographics of Omaha area employers that participate in and do not participate in work-based learning, to determine the reasons why Omaha area businesses participate in work-based learning and to identify the reasons why or why not companies participate in work-based learning.

Fourth-Grade Teachers' Perceptions Of Nebraska's State Standards Process In Elementary Schools, Richard J. Beran Jr.

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to explore fourth-grade teachers' perceptions of Nebraska's state standards process. Specifically, research questions sought to determine fourth-grade teachers' perceptions of the possible effects of state standards on schools, students, teachers, and administrators. The questions also explored any differences between subgroups based on teachers' gender, teachers' years of experience, schools' socio-economic status, school enrollment, and percentage of students that have met the state standards.

Factors That Influence Omaha Public Schools African -American And Caucasian Males' Decisions To Become Educators, Jerry M. Bartee

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of African-American male educators to Caucasian male educators who are currently in the Omaha Public School District, and to determine if there were differences in demographic characteristics and perceptions that influenced their decision to become educators.

Perceptions Of Nebraska School Leaders Toward The Use Of Digital Portfolios In The Teacher Selection Process, Paul Allan Clark

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to examine Nebraska School administrators' perceptions of digital portfolios in the teacher selection process. The digital portfolio can become another tool that school administrators use to help with the teacher selection process. Before universities or individual students spend a great deal of time and resources in creating and developing a digital portfolio plan, it is important to study the perceptions of the school administrators who may be using the digital portfolio in the teacher selection process. It is important to note whether they perceive a digital portfolio as useful and, if so, what contents …

Perceptions Of Nebraska School Leaders On The Use Of Handheld Computers: Do Handheld Computers Make A Difference?, Veronica A. Huerta

Student Work

The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of Nebraska school leaders on technology and particularly about the use of handheld computer technology. The data gathered and analyzed in this study will provide Nebraska school leaders with the current, data driven research to utilize in their decision making process.

Nebraska Public High School Principals' Perceptions Of How State Standards Impact Schools, Mark William Weichel

Student Work

The purpose of this survey study was to test whether Nebraska high school principals perceive state standards will greatly impact schools in the state of Nebraska. Specifically, research questions sought to determine principals' perceptions of the possible effects of Nebraska state standards and whether or not differences existed between areas such as principals' gender, age, schools' free and reduced lunch percentage, school classification, years as an administrator, and amount of prior standards/assessment/accountability training.

The Current Training Practices And Perceived Training Needs Of Paraprofessionals In Special Education Programs In Nebraska, Enid Ann Schonewise

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) the current training practices for paraprofessionals as perceived by building administrators, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals in special education programs in the state of Nebraska, (b) the perceived training needs of paraprofessionals, as viewed by building administrators, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals, (c) the differences that exist between current training practices and perceived training needs of paraprofessionals and the differences that exist in perceptions of building administrators, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals, and (d) the changes that have occurred in training practices since 1982.

A Comparative Study Of Leadership Behaviors Of Principals From High And Low Socio-Economic Elementary Public Schools In Nebraska, Marilou Niemeyer

Student Work

This study examined the differences, if any, between leadership behaviors of elementary principals from low and high socio-economic schools as defined by the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch schedule. A total of 80 principals with at least one year of experience were asked to participate in this study, a sampling of 40 principals from high socio-economic schools in Nebraska and a sampling of 40 principals from low socio-economic schools in Nebraska as measured by the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Crisis Management Plan Characteristics In Elementary Schools As Perceived By Nebraska Public School Principals, Linda K. Christensen

Student Work

The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of crisis management plans and their elements as perceived by Nebraska elementary school principals. Data were collected by using a survey instrument sent to a stratified random sample of 300 Nebraska elementary school principals. The sample was delineated by school district size, small, medium, and large. The survey, which included 21 questions, was designed to analyze the extent to which crisis management plans were in place. A total of 188 surveys were returned for a return rate of 63%.

Internet Use Policies And Implications For Health Education: A Survey Of Nebraska School Board Presidents, David Dennison, David Corbin, Manoj Sharma, Neal Grandgenett

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes and practices of school board presidents in Nebraska pertaining to Internet use policy-making and its implications on health education. This study utilized a mailed written survey. The data indicated that public school policy makers have significantly different perceptions of health education than of specific selected health education components, i.e., they are not very concerned about access to Internet health education information in general, but they are very concerned about specific areas of health education. Specifically, board presidents were most concerned about access to information about Internet sexuality followed by drug …

Perspectives On The Use Of Internet In Art Classrooms, Donalyn Heise, Neal Grandgenett

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

With the emergence of Internet technology, students have the opportunity to develop skills necessary to live, work and play in the 21st century. More than ever before, students will need to be competent in accessing and managing information from a variety of sources. The Internet allows students to engage in global communication, as well as access the most current information available. For art education, the Internet also provides a real opportunity to blend multicultural, multi-age, gender-inclusive educational reform into the art curriculum by incorporating visual resources and contextual information from many different cultures.

Mcmillan Magnet School: A Case History Of A School Acquiring A Critical Mass Of Computer Technology And Internet Connectivity, Neal Grandgenett, Neal Topp, Bob Pawloski, Pamy Mooney, Kerry Newman, Robert Goeman, Wayne Fisher

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

McMillan Magnet Center is located in urban Omaha, Nebraska, and specializes in math, computers, and communications. Once a junior high school, it was converted to a magnet center for seventh and eighth graders in the 1983-84 school year as part of Omaha's voluntary desegregation plan. Now 'the ethnic makeup of the student population is about 50% black and 50% white, with a few other minorities. This document seeks to archive McMillan's success in its mission to become a technology magnet school, including nationally recognized achievements in ~ethnology integration and Internet connectivity. McMillan's technological leadership came about thanks in large part …

In Praise Of Diversity: A Resource Book For Multicultural Education, Milton J. Gold, Carl A. Grant

Publications

The unique diversity of our cultural heritage and background is slowly but surely being recognized as a valuable asset for our country, one to be cherished and shared. But the very richness and diversity of our heritage make it difficult for the classroom teacher or the college professor to acquire an understanding of the many groups who have contributed so much to the development of our nation.

In Praise Of Diversity: Multicultural Classroom Applications, Gloria Grant, Floyd T. Waterman

Publications

In Praise of Diversity: Multicultural Classroom Applications was written for the classroom teacher who is interested in implementing multicultural education. The book includes 51 activities written in the following subject areas: Social Studies, Language Arts, Science/Math and Art. Included within the activities are two units. A mini-unit on "Understanding Feelings" will assist the student in examining himself/herself and his/her relationships with others; and a unit entitled "Immigration and Migration: Voluntary and Forced" will provide the teacher with an illustrative procedure to incorporate ideas and materials from the Vignettes in the companion document, In Praise of Diversity: A Resource Book for …

Multicultural Education: A Functional Bibliography For Teachers, James Giese

Publications

This bibliography has been prepared to accompany In Praise of Diversity: A Resource Book for Multicultural Education, published by Teacher Corps and the Association of Teacher Educators. In Praise of Diversity brings together in concentrated form information about a number of ethnic and racial groups in the United States and discusses basic issues in multicultural education. This bibliography is also being offered for use by teachers in order to recommend wider sources of printed and audio-visual materials.

Early Childhood Centers In Metropolitan Omaha, Mildred Hill

Publications

Do we as communities recognize the importance of education--early educational experiences? The number of day care and early childhood educational experiences in the metropolitan area would suggest that as a community, we have miles to go and promises to keep if we are to enlarge upon and foster the potential of each child. Our leadership for the next generation will be the product of today's cradle. Early childhood experiences can contribute immeasurably to the cognitive growth of young children. This city needs to be aware of what experiences are now avail able and to see how it can foster the …