Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Adults With Intellectual Disability Or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Executive Summary, Kimberly I. Snow Mhsa, Ba, Stuart Bratesman Mpp, Taryn Bowe, Julie T. Fralich Mba

Disability & Aging

This chartbook describes Maine’s historical trends in meeting the needs of adults with ID/ASD through institutional and community based services in comparison to other states; a detailed analysis of the population’s utilization of different types of services and their costs in SFY 2010; the implementation of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) as a means of identifying the supports needs of the adults with ID/ASD; and the complement of providers serving this population in Maine.

Torch (November 2014), Brandon Baldwin, Civil Rights Team Project

Torch: The Civil Rights Team Project Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Roundtable On Community Engagement And Collective Impact., Melody Barnes, Paul Born, Richard Harwood, Steve Savner, Stacey Stewart, Martin Zanghi Msw

Children, Youth, & Families

To advance the conversation about how to engage the community in collective impact, the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions gathered scholars and practitioners for an honest discussion. In this roundtable, the participants discuss why it is important to involve the community actively, how it can be done within a collective impact initiative, and the challenges and pitfalls of engaging the community.

Mainecare Health Homes Enrollment In The First Year Of Implementation, Kimberley S. Fox Mpa, Carolyn E. Gray Mph, Katherine Rosingana

Population Health & Health Policy

The MaineCare Health Homes Initiative is designed to improve care coordination for MaineCare members with complex chronic medical conditions. The program is being implemented in two stages: Health Homes (HH), which began in January 2013, focuses on members with chronic health conditions. Behavioral Health Homes (BHH), which began in April 2014, is designed to meet the needs of people with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) or Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED).

The HH first stage builds off the State’s existing multi-payer Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Pilot project and Medicare Advanced Primary Care Practice (MAPCP) Demonstration by providing addon payments to qualifying …

Torch (September 2014), Brandon Baldwin, Civil Rights Team Project

Torch: The Civil Rights Team Project Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Torch (June 2014), Brandon Baldwin, Civil Rights Team Project

Torch: The Civil Rights Team Project Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Using Chipra Immunization Measures For Primary Care Quality Improvement: Leveraging Registry Data From The State Of Maine’S Immunization Information System To Calculate Practice-Level Quality Measures, Kyra Chamberlain

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This report describes key challenges and successes of a federally-funded, cross-organizational effort to use registry data from the State of Maine’s Immunization Information System to calculate childhood and adolescent immunization measures in support of a nine-month, multi-practice learning collaborative which resulted in significant increases in immunization rates and adoption of recommended immunization-related office system procedures. Also highlighted are lessons learned about promoting the use of standardized immunization measures for quality improvement (QI), supporting primary care practices in using and understanding data for QI activities, and emphasizing the value of public-private collaboration in achieving shared goals.

Characteristics Of Working Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Recipients In Maine, According To The 2011 American Community Survey, Victoria Ryan

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). SNAP is designed to provide assistance in purchasing food to low income households in the United States. In Maine, individual benefits are administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Formerly (and still colloquially) known as the Food Stamp program, SNAP makes a dollar-value benefit, based on income, household size, household expenses, and a host of other factors, available to households via a debit or Electronic Benefit Card for the purchase of unprepared food from grocery and convenience stores, …

Human Trafficking In Maine: Protection, Prevention, And Prosecution: The Need For A Stand-Alone Statute, Laura M. Cyr

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

The United States enacted the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 to combat the crime of organized firms engaging in the trafficking of humans. The TVPA has resulted in competing definitions and competing agendas which contribute of a public misunderstanding of the nature and scope of human trafficking as a domestic policy issue. Early goals of protection of victims, prevention of future trafficking crimes, and prosecution of traffickers have not been met with empirically driven success. This paper outlines obstacles facing evidence-based legislation in the state of Maine which currently has no stand- alone law protecting victims of sex …

The Price Of A Healthy Diet: For Whom Is It Affordable?, Katheryn L. Harkleroad

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This exploratory study addressed the gaps that current research has ignored. What have been missing are studies that focus on tangible costs of realistic, practical, and healthy meal plans. This study was not intended to measure a national average cost of eating a healthy diet. Rather, its focus was to examine the cost of healthy diet in a specific location.

Strategic Planning In The Non Profit Sector: Creating A Strategic Plan For Affinity 2014-2017, Emilee Taplin-Lacey

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

The purpose of engaging in the creation of a strategic plan for Affinity is to integrate knowledge acquired through participation in the Public Policy and Nonprofit Management Master’s Degree program at the Muskie School of Public Service. In addition, my facilitation of a strategic planning process for Affinity is meant to meet the requirements of graduation and represents my capstone project in this regard.

Recreation And Tourism In Maine’S Moosehead Lake Region: A Survey Of Summer Visitors, Erica Kaufmann

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This study hoped to shed light on the overall importance of outdoor recreation to attracting overnight visitors to Maine’s Moosehead Lake region, including how many come to participate in outdoor recreation and what kinds of activities they participate in. The study also hoped to learn where visitors recreate most in the region, how they obtain information about where to recreate, and whether visitors distinguish between public and private lands that are accessible for recreation.

Improving Home Suitability For Aging In Place: A Review Of Programs To Assist Maine's Seniors Make Necessary Home Repairs And Energy Efficiency Updates, Andrea Westbye

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

With its median age of 42.7 years, Maine is the oldest state in the nation and it is getting older. The population 65 and older is growing at a rapid pace and this expansion presents many challenges to communities, particularly in the area of housing. Most seniors want to stay in their homes for as long as possible and adequate, accessible, safe, and affordable housing is a primary factor for successful aging in place. Low income seniors face additional difficulties when aging in place. This paper looks at the availability of home repair/modification and energy efficiency programs for Maine’s low …

Safe Routes For Portland: A Comparative Analysis Of The Walking School Bus Model For Maine Schools., Rebecca Spitko

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This purpose of this paper is to identify the effects an increase in active transportation to and from school would have on both commuters and communities, and to examine how to create a successful environment for active transportation models in Maine.

An Assessment Of The Health Needs Of Maine Veterans And Their Access To Veterans Administration Health Care Services, Kristin Brawn

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

On a state level, only a few assessments have been conducted, which indicate that Maine veterans are also experiencing similar mental and physical health issues; however, it does not appear that the adequacy of Maine’s VHA services to meet the needs of Maine’s veterans has been comprehensively evaluated. It is unknown whether the physical and mental health needs of Maine’s veterans are currently being met. Therefore, this project proposes to determine if there is a similar problem among Maine’s veterans in regard to health issues and lack of access to VHA health services, as has been reported at the national …

Implementation Of A Proficiency-Based Diploma System: Early Experiences In Maine, Erika K. Stump, David L. Silvernail Phd

Proficiency-Based Education

Following the passage of No Child Left Behind, there has been increased attention among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners on the emergence and implementation of standards-based education. Existing literature documents both the promise of standards-based education and the various potential obstacles to achieving success that teachers, administrators, and policymakers confront. The present study examines the early implementation process of proficiency-based education standards in the state of Maine, per Maine law LD 1422: An Act to Prepare Maine People for the Future Economy. Under LD 1422, all schools are expected to establish a proficiency-based diploma system by 2018. Using a two-phase, qualitative …

Torch (April 2014), Brandon Baldwin, Civil Rights Team Project

Torch: The Civil Rights Team Project Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Maine Child Welfare Ncands Data: An Available Tool In Efforts To Reduce Child Maltreatment, Leah A. Bruns

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

By not developing programming interventions in recognition of these evidence supported predictive variables, we risk the inevitable continuation of rising child abuse rates and fatalities. The importance of accurate Child Welfare Data cannot be underscored, if we can predict with great accuracy which children will likely be victimized, then we should be able to design targeted abuse prevention programs that will have a greater impact. In light of this research this capstone attempts to better understand child maltreatment, recurrence, and the current 4 child welfare service structure in Maine.

A Comparison Of A Value-Added Status Model Versus A Value-Added Growth Model For Identifying High Performing Maine Middle Schools, Ida A. Batista

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This study focuses on the model developed for funding purposes since it is a high stake identification and has been the consistent method used for funding purposes within the state for at least the last ten years. The purpose of this study is to explore identification of higher performing Maine middle schools (grade 6 – grade 8) using student longitudinal data in a growth model evaluating growth versus the current value-added model of identification.

Identifying High Crime Areas Using Spatial Analysis, Elisa Trepanier

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Crime incident locations and trends are examined spatially using GIS to produce maps that pinpoint high crime areas or Hot Spots Crime mapping aids police departments by identifying areas to allocate limited resources where and when they are most needed. This project introduces the availability of GIS technology to smaller police departments as a tool to assist in the development of crime prevention strategies. In this model crime incident reports for Windham, Maine are geocoded and patterns of motor vehicle and structure burglaries analyzed for date, time and location of incident. An addressing protocol is followed to protect victim privacy …

Super Pacs 2012, Joseph Miller

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

The 2010 Supreme Court ruling in the case of the Citizens United vs the Federal Election Commision dramatically changed how elections are financed in the United States. That landmark case let to the creation of Super Political Action Committees (Super PACs). These organizations have the ability to raise limitless amounts of money and spend thses funds however they see fit on candidtaes of their choosing.

This case study will test six hypotheses. These hypotheses deal with two major actions. The first action is the conduct of Super PACs and the manner in which they went about choosing races to involve …

A Vision For Berwick: A Case Study Of The Citizen Initiated Visioning Process For Downtown Redevelopment In Southern Maine, John Stoll

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

This Capstone follows the downtown redevelopment visioning process in Berwick from the initial presentation to Town Officials up until formal adoption as an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan. Berwick has a monumental task ahead of it as the Town looks to redevelop an 11 acre abandoned factory site that is located directly where a downtown should be. Residents of Berwick had to work with Town Staff to navigate a considerable amount of lingering controversy and to rebuild trust between the public and local government. Members of the Downtown Vision Committee worked tirelessly to reach out to the community through education …

Broadband Policy In Maine: The Efficacy Of The Current Approach And A Vision Of The Future, Ethan Wiley

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

Today in Maine anemic internet speeds reinforce a digital divide between rural and urban areas. Even where adequate connectivity is possible its adoption rate lags behind. In order to overcome this technical solutions are necessary such as streamlining access and building capacity. It will require additional incentives to bring levels to an ideal state as well as public enlightenment to the increasingly vital role that broadband performs. Until this happens the deficit that the state faces in access and adoption will continue to hamper progress in business, health, education and other arenas.

Torch (February 2014), Brandon Baldwin, Civil Rights Team Project

Torch: The Civil Rights Team Project Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Maine State Retirement And The Unfunded Liability: A History Of Legislative Changes And Financial Trends 1991 – 2013, Christopher J. Hanks

Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations

Maine has seen membership in the Maine Retirement System fluctuate from 1991 to 2013 while members receiving benefits has increased year over year. In an article published in the Portland Press Herald on July 24, 2010 titled Maine’s Unfunded Pension Liability Looms as Election Issue, the unfunded liability is reported as having increased from $3.1 billion to $4.4 billion through the recent financial crisis beginning in 2008.

The unfunded liability exists because of insufficient historical general funding and increases in retirement benefits without increases in funding numerous times.

The Impacts Of Public Charter Schools On Students And Traditional Public Schools: What Does The Empirical Evidence Tell Us?, David L. Silvernail Phd, Amy F. Johnson Phd

School Funding - Essential Programs and Services (EPS)

The goal of this BRIEF was to compile and analyze the available evidence of the impacts of public charter schools on students and schools. Using a series of five common claims made by proponents and opponents of public charter schools as an organizer, the existing empirical evidence was reviewed. The analysis revealed that student performance in charter schools is very mixed. In some cases studies have found positive effects in achievement, others negative effects, and still others no effects. The presence of charter schools has resulted in positive changes in some traditional public schools, while in other cases there appear …

Implementation Of A Proficiency‐Based Diploma System In Maine: Phase Ii ‐ District Level Analysis, David L. Silvernail Phd, Erika K. Stump Phd, Anita Stewart Mccafferty, Kathryn M. Hawes

School Funding - Essential Programs and Services (EPS)

This report describes the findings from Phase II of a study of Maine's implementation of a proficiency‐based diploma system. At the request of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs of the Maine Legislature, the Maine Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) has conducted a two‐phased study of the implementation of Maine law LD 1422: An Act to Prepare Maine People for the Future Economy. Phase I of the study in 2012‐2013 reported on the preliminary development, costs and impacts of standards‐based school programs in Maine. Phase II of the study focused on examining school districts in Maine implementing a …

The Personal And Professional Characteristics Of Master Therapists And Matched Controls, Barbara A. Granville Phd

All Student Scholarship

This dissertation is an attempt to replicate the results of a study conducted by Len Jennings(1996) which provided the data underlying the "cognitive, emotional, and relational" (CER) model of therapist excellence. As outlined in Jennings'(1996) research protocol, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with ten master therapists chosen through a snowball sampling technique. Unlike the original study, this dissertation includes a matched control group intended to provide insight about the generalizability of the categories/domains of CER.

The Decision To Self-Regulate: A Comparative Study Of Marinas In New England And The Netherlands, Carry J. Oostveen-Buterbaugh Phd

All Student Scholarship

This research investigates the participation of marinas in the New England region of the United States, and in the Netherlands in environment self-regulation , while examining specific sources of influence on the decision to self-regulate. Environmental agencies in both countries have implemented industry specific self-regulatory programs, the Clean Marina Program, and the Blue Flag Program, to encourage marinas to implement best management practices, and reduce the environmental impacts of nonpoint source pollution.While traditional economic theory asserts that taking on environmental responsibilities beyond those required by law will jeopardize a business' economic performance, many small businesses have chosen to self-regulate.