Education Commons^™

Board-Head Relationships: The Role Of Relational Trust And Intentional Care In Fostering Head Of School Well-Being, Cassidy Klutts, Albert Cheng

Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications

Given the challenges of school leadership and high rates of school leader attrition, scholars have increasingly given attention to the wellbeing of heads of schools. However, that research has not considered the way governing boards potentially influence head of school wellbeing. We fill this gap by examining how relational dynamics between heads of school and governing boards are associated with head of school wellbeing. Using data from about 140 heads of schools who participated in the Society for Classical Learning’s 2023 Thriving Schools Survey, we find that (a) relational trust between heads and boards and (b) care of the head …

A Comparison Of The Factors That Affect Graduation Rates Of Students Enrolled In Dropout Prevention Programs, Catina R. Thomason

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the factors that affected the graduation rates of students enrolled in five charter high school dropout prevention programs that utilized the same online accelerated curriculum model. The overarching research question was: what factors affected the graduation rates of students enrolled in dropout prevention programs? A mixed methods design was employed to evaluate extant data on graduation rates and attendance rates surveys and semistructured interviews were completed by administrators and teachers to compare data across the five schools. This approach allowed for a comprehensive analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, providing a …

Ethical Ai In Teacher Preparation: Exploring Mindsets To Transform Practice, Joseph Rene Corbeil, Leticia De Leon, Maria Elena Corbeil

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications

This paper describes a survey study on the AI perspectives of pre-service teachers. The study included 115 participants who completed a survey to gather quantitative and qualitative data on their use and perceptions AI, as well as on ethical concerns surrounding its use. The conceptual framework guiding this work is the “Human – AI – Human” developed by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (2024). This framework offered a lens that grounded ethical behavior through a human-guided perspective. This study found that pre-service teachers did not generally prefer to use AI and were concerned with its ethical implications. …

Successful Repair Of Right Atrial Rupture Secondary To Blunt Chest Trauma: A Case Report And Discussion, Joshua D. Mohs, Owen G. Alvine, Sam C. Jensen

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

This case report discusses a successfully treated right atrial rupture secondary to blunt chest trauma. Secondary cardiovascular collapse requiring resuscitation occurred following suture repair of the 3 cm atrial laceration in the operating room (OR). Here we present a 15-year-old male who arrived by emergency medical services (EMS) to the emergency department (ED) as a level 1 trauma activation following a motor vehicle accident. Imaging scan showed a right hemothorax. Persistent labile blood pressures necessitated a thoracotomy. Exploration revealed a 3 cm laceration in the right atrium and prompt suture repair of the laceration was followed by secondary cardiovascular collapse. …

Bringing Data Science To Algebra: Hands-On Linear Regression With Google Sheets, Paul Rummelhoff

Professional Learning Day

Teachers will be guided through a student project using Google Sheets to create scatter plots, residual plots, and trendlines while calculating residuals. They will explore SSR, 𝑟-squared, and the coefficient of determination to interpret mode accuracy. Participants will leave with hands-on activity, datasets, and notes for classroom use, enabling students to analyze real-world data. This approach teaches linear regression, equipping students with analytical tools and introducing data science concepts while reinforcing algebra skills.

Empowering Classrooms With Ai: Practical Uses For Educators, Dr. Evan Glazer, Cassandra Armstrong

Professional Learning Day

Artificial Intelligence tools, like Chat GPT, introduce new opportunities for educators. While some may worry about students using AI to substitute their work, this session will illustrate various examples of how educators can design prompts that enhance classroom activities and stretch students' thinking.

Strong Signal!, David Hernandez

Professional Learning Day

Technology is advancing rapidly, making our lives easier every day. However, this progress also brings an ever-growing demand for faster, more reliable network services. While we enjoy the benefits of technology when everything runs smoothly, network systems face significant physical challenges behind the scenes. This session will explore how mathematics and physics are crucial in building the infrastructure that keeps technology functioning seamlessly. Join us to uncover the hidden science that powers our connected world.

Nsf Ret Program:Integrating Sciencecurriculum, Lassandra Walker, Sarah O’Leary Driscoll

Professional Learning Day

NSF RET Program offers teachers an opportunity to develop a science curriculum. The aim of the curriculum is to demonstrate how the integration of science develops science thinkers and allows students to participate in experimental learning through investigations. Instructor to get students thinking through alternative logics and to see how thought was formed in specific cultural and historical contexts.

Bisecting Science Through The Use Of Art, Joyce Ymoniak

Professional Learning Day

Participants will discover, through art and drawing, how students can understand the inner workings and parts of a bisected specimen. In this hands-on session, we will explore the inner workings of an Indigenous plant. We will also explore the use of both low- and high-end technology within a classroom. Takeaways will include concepts and hands-on activities for use in grades 6-12.

Muscular Measurements With Micro: Bits, Dr. Mark Carlson, Dr. Ashwin Mohan

Professional Learning Day

Participants will assemble a Micro: bit based EMG system and measure muscular movements. They will then analyze the recorded signals to better understand the neurological nature of muscle contraction and appreciate the capabilities of the Micro: bit microcontroller.

Medicine In Chemistry, Dr. John Thurmond

Professional Learning Day

In this session, participants analyze medicines through simple chemical tests that reveal characteristics like solubility and reactivity. Observing reactions, such as color changes, helps participants understand how basic chemical principles are used to distinguish between different compounds. These activities build practical skills for applying chemistry in contexts like quality control and forensic analysis.

Building Thinking Physics Classrooms, Marybeth Senser, Stephen Zownorenga

Professional Learning Day

Come explore an innovative way to rejuvenate high school physics problem solving discussions! Inspired by Peter Liljdahl's bestselling book "Building Thinking Mathematics Classrooms", we discuss the transition away from paper worksheets toward getting students out of their seats, solving problems while standing at vertical whiteboards. This session will address positive effects and common challenges.

Small Streams Of Teaching Practice, Jonathan Litten

Essays in Education

No abstract provided.

The Current Landscape Of Computer Science Education In Illinois: Challenges And Opportunities For Growth, Charity Freeman

Professional Learning Day

This session provides an overview of computer science education in Illinois across K-12 and higher education, highlighting recent progress, persistent challenges, and growth opportunities. Drawing from recent research, participants will explore critical data points about access, participation, and outcomes in Coeducation, as well as gain an understanding of enrollment trends, equity gaps, and successfully implemented support strategies. The session will conclude with actionable recommendations for improving education throughout Illinois.

Real-World Examples For Engaging Students In Chemistry, Dr. Angela Ahrendt, Dr. Jane Proszek Gorninski

Professional Learning Day

What do consumer electronics, water treatment, and cooking all share? Chemistry! Use real-world examples to engage students in introductory chemistry topics such as the periodic table, bonding, chemical reactions, etc. This session will have an interactive discussion about how chemistry is important in everyday life and provide examples of activities and projects you can use in your classroom. Please share at least one idea about how you use real-world examples in your class.

Breakfast Of Champions: Steam In Action, Susan Abraham

Professional Learning Day

Teach your students the fun of STEAM while encouraging them to become future entrepreneurs. Students will learn to develop a cereal - create the cereal box (all 6 sides), market the cereal, price the cereal, and make a 3D model of the cereal from recyclable materials. Students learn how viewpoints can affect consumer costs. They also learn the idea of working for a company challenge as this is a competition based project. Educators will learn to incorporate all subjects (Science, Math, Art, Social Studies, Engineering, and Technology) into this project. Educators will also learn how to involve the whole school …

Strengthening Experiential Learning At Your School, Dr. Paul Gaszak, Dr. Luke Berryman

Professional Learning Day

Experiential learning has become increasingly pervasive across education and is particularly relevant to STEM education. This session will discuss foundational theories and best practices for experiential learning and provide strategies and approaches to scale and enhance experiential learning opportunities in and across your schools. It will be relevant for all grade levels and applicable to educators of all levels of experience with experiential learning.

2025 Euler's Method For Early Calculus Connections, Evan Brummet, Lingyi Meng

Professional Learning Day

Euler’s Method is typically discussed in the context of differential equations. At our school, we present it early in calculus to provide additional perspective on some crucial concepts. Our session will explain how we use notions from Euler’s Method to help explain the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and various differentiation rules. We hope to see you there!

Rigging The Role: Probability, Fairness, And Winning Every Time, Lindsey Herlehy

Professional Learning Day

Step into the world of dice games with a twist! In this session, you’ll explore the fascinating interplay of fairness, strategy, and mathematical reasoning. Through a hands-on dice rolling competition, discover how to analyze theoretical and experimental probabilities and investigate what makes a game “fair.” Then, dive into the ultimate challenge: designing a “rigged” die to outmatch others in a roll-off. Perfect for middle school math classrooms, you'll leave with ideas to captivate learners while connecting probability to the real world. Join us to learn, play, and win—every time!

Supporting The Needs Of High School Students With Disabilities Transitioning To College, Barbara Serianni, Karin Fisher, Stephanie Devine

Empowering Educators Conference

The number of students with disabilities (SWD) attending college has increased, but they have lower graduation rates in comparison to students without disabilities. Our research aims to determine the experiences of college SWD at GSU, and to link this data with interventions to aid SWD transitioning to higher education.

Exploring Tiers Of Vocabulary In Mathematics (Middle And Secondary Levels), Janel Smith

Empowering Educators Conference

Across Georgia, teachers are working to implement the basics of the Science of Reading across all disciplines - including mathematics. A key component of the shifts focuses on vocabulary instruction that is developmentally appropriate to all learners.

In this session, participants will explore vocabulary terms from mathematics content through the organizational framework of tiered vocabulary (Beck, McKeown, Kucan, 2013). Along with a discussion of the use of this framework, several instructional strategies will be modeled and practiced.

This session is focused on middle and secondary levels of instruction.

If You Can't Read The Book, You Only Learn A Little, John Hobe

Empowering Educators Conference

Come and discuss exciting strategies we can do to make certain students can read the materials we provide. We want the students to remember successful school experiences. We will discuss what to do so the students read teacher provided maerials or the books students select successfully.

Exploring Tiers Of Vocabulary In Mathematics (Elementary), Janel Smith

Empowering Educators Conference

Across Georgia, teachers are working to implement the basics of the Science of Reading across all disciplines - including mathematics. A key component of the shifts focuses on vocabulary instruction that is developmentally appropriate to all learners.

In this session, participants will explore vocabulary terms from mathematics content through the organizational framework of tiered vocabulary (Beck, McKeown, Kucan, 2013). Along with a discussion of the use of this framework, several instructional strategies will be modeled and practiced.

This session is focused on elementary-level instruction.

Writing Educational Op-Eds That Engage: From Classroom Stories To Published Pieces, Charity E. Freeman

Professional Learning Day

This session equips educators with the skills and structure to write effective op-ed pieces that translate their classroom insights and expertise into compelling written pieces. Participants will learn the essential components of op-ed writing, including structuring a 700-word piece, crafting engaging narratives, and developing clear theme statements. Through guided practice and analysis of published examples, participants will discover key principles of successful op-ed writing, from incorporating student stories to offering concrete solutions on timely educational issues. Helping Students Understand the Complexity of Ecological and Environmental Issues Through Use and Creation of

New Ai Curriculum Overview, Kavithaa Suresh Kumar, Dan Campbell

Professional Learning Day

Join us for an insightful session on our school's newly developed AI curriculum. We'll discuss its core components, learning objectives, and how it prepares students for a tech-driven future. Engage in conversations about hands-on projects and strategies for fostering critical thinking. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to learn about the IMSA's New AI Curriculum. Don’t miss out on shaping the future of learning!

Learning From Hank's Mistakes In Science Class, Kara Boyle,, Jennifer Fischer,, James Workman

Professional Learning Day

In this interactive presentation, we showcase a fictitious student named Hank and his group overcoming chemistry misconceptions through engaging daily bellringers. These scenarios prompt open discussions among students, encouraging self-awareness and reinforcing expected learning behaviors. These bellringers also help with AP preparation and integrate NGSS science practices in an entertaining and non-threatening way. Participants will participate in conversations to develop scenario-writing skills for various subjects

Musical Instrument Project, Brooke Schmidt

Professional Learning Day

In our Physics: Sound and Light class at IMSA, students make musical instruments to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb." I'll introduce the project here and provide templates for you to replicate the project in your classes. Student samples will also be shared

Helping Students Understand The Complexity Of Ecological And Environmental Issues Through Use And Creation Of Environmental Impact Statements, Jessica Amacher, Desirae Klimek

Professional Learning Day

When discussing environmental issues, threats to ecosystems, and potential solutions, students tend toward a simplified view of these issues and how to fix them. To enrich their understanding of the complexities of these problems and the potential for real-life solutions, we developed a unit in which students create Environmental Impact Statements. This framework encourages students to consider the diverse perspectives of stakeholders in a specific ecosystem and to propose feasible and effective solutions.

Unsown Seeds: Eugenics, Immigration, Civil Rights In Twentieth-Century America, Dr. Shawn Bailey

Professional Learning Day

During this panel, we will discuss the intersection of Progressive Era reforms and the pseudo-science of eugenics, looking at their impact on civil rights and immigration in American history and theories of Nazi Germany. This will include a full lesson plan run-through, with a set of primary sources, a PowerPoint slide deck, and extension assignments available for class use.

Lessening The Elusiveness Of Limits: Let's Learn That Lesson, Dr. Janice Krouse Krouse

Professional Learning Day

What can we do to alleviate the confusion around limits? We’ll examine Algebra 2 topics that might better serve as building blocks for the limit concept with slight shifts in emphasis to existing lessons. Let’s explore ways to help students find more connections and push the limit of their thinking!