Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Implementing Discipline Reform: One District’S Experience With Pbis, Catherine Robert Ed.D.

School Leadership Review

This study examines the case of one large urban school district’s implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to review competing needs and challenges encountered over a four-year period. There are encouraging results supporting the finding of a successful PBIS implementation and plans for continued implementation of Tier I practices and expand Tier II supports. Reducing the continuing disparity between the percentages of African American and White students receiving disciplinary consequences remains a challenge for Middleton ISD. In addition, work remains to reduce the disproportionate number of students receiving special education services who receive higher levels of disciplinary consequences.

Educational Leaders Can Lead The Way For Increased Academic Achievement For Students On The Autism Spectrum, Stephanie C. Holmes, Jennifer Butcher

School Leadership Review

The problem that drove this study was the increasing number of students with autism entering the school system, and the barriers often encountered for both academic and social inclusion for students on the autism spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder, as defined by diagnostic criteria, includes deficits in social-relational communication; social-communication deficits can lead to educational impacts and limit opportunities upon transitioning from the public-school system. The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers to inclusion, from the perspectives of key stakeholders to include Local Education Agency (LEA) representatives, general and special education teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists …

Weaving In Wellness: Infographics For Self-Care, Adair Finucane, Mickey Sperlich, Whitney Mendel

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Human service professionals are at risk for burnout, vicarious trauma (VT), and compassion fatigue (CF) throughout their careers, and contemporary levels of burnout, VT, and CF suggest a need for interventions. Engagement in mindfulness and self-care has been found to buffer these risks while increasing worker wellbeing. This article presents infographics intended for facilitating practical self-care engagement. The accompanying infographics provide guidance for mindful self-care behaviors woven into daily transitions. They present a low-cost means of promoting self-care strategies throughout agencies and organizations. This, along with minimal time commitments for each practice, makes these infographics an accessible intervention for human …

Perceptions Of Recovery While Delivering Medicaid Covered Rehabilitation Services, Zakia Clay, Anthony Zazzarino, Emilie Banz, Ann Reilly

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Many states have shifted to Medicaid reimbursement methods to cover behavioral health services. In doing so, state mental health authorities have incorporated the concept of recovery into mental health policy. Thus, gaining a better understanding of practitioners’ perceptions of recovery in a new fiscal environment is warranted. This qualitative study explores how New Jersey practitioners transitioning to a new state-wide Medicaid payment structure perceive recovery from mental illness. Four themes emerged following a thematic analysis. Future studies that explore perspectives of individuals receiving services could provide useful information for policy makers, agencies, and community stakeholders.

Infusing Counseling Theories With The Integrated Developmental Model: Strengthening Supervision Practices, Deena Shelton, Anthony Zazzarino

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Supervision is vital to all human services professions to help new professionals assimilate to their roles. There are many theory based supervisory methods to guide supervisors, and counseling professionals have suggested that the adoption of a developmental model of supervision prepares the supervisor to partner with supervisees to facilitate feedback related to developmental milestones. This paper explores the dynamics of combining the Integrated Developmental Model (IDM) of supervision with counseling theories that influence supervision styles and offers examples of how IDM is flexible in combining with theoretical approaches by providing examples and information related to its integration with solution-focused supervision …

Closing The 911 Funding Gap: Increasing Revenues For 911 Emergency Dispatch Centers, Randy Ross

Certified Public Manager® Applied Research

Since their introduction, 911 services have grown both in geographic scope and in the level of service provided. The revenue used to fund 911 services consists almost entirely of fees and surcharges on wireline, wireless, and Voice-over-Internet-Protocol telephone lines. These fees and surcharges generate billions of dollars each year, but 911 service revenues still fall short of estimated annual costs. Expenditures for personnel and for technology maintenance and upgrades have also increased over time. American consumers’ use of telephone lines has shifted from primarily wireline telephone lines to primarily wireless and Internet-based telephone lines with smaller fees and surcharges, contributing …

What’S Shaking In Timpson: Why All The Earthquakes?, Leslie Leathers

Certified Public Manager® Applied Research

They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and that is especially true of the vast oil fields located throughout the state. Today, Texas is the #1 oil producer in the U.S., producing more than a million barrels per day. Since the start of the most recent oil boom, the Lone Star State has seen a huge increase in seismic activity. Although earthquakes have been happening for years, scientific data has proven the recent events in the small town of Timpson can be attributed to oil field practices. However, state regulators and politicians still say this science is far from …

How Has The Implementation Of Body Worn Cameras Affected Law Enforcement In Texas?, John Brown

Certified Public Manager® Applied Research

Since 2011, when the first body worn camera program for police officers in the United States was introduced in Rialto, California, researchers have been interested in how such programs might influence U.S. law enforcement. Studies in the past several years have examined various aspects of the effects of body worn cameras, including their impact on public relations, police morale, and law enforcement budgets. Also of note is the importance of police compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and the unique challenges presented by body worn camera records with regard to FOIA. This article seeks to determine the effect …

Public Improvement Districts: A Worthwhile Investment?, John Whitsell

Certified Public Manager® Applied Research

Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) are a financing mechanism used to fund new developments and infrastructure improvements. PIDs are relatively easy to create and can be done by the local municipality. A majority of property owners within the district may petition a local government to create the district. Bonds can then be issued to fund a development or infrastructure improvements. Through an industry analysis and view of the current political environment, PIDs are certainly a beneficial mechanism to fund projects otherwise not feasible due to constraints on city budgets. Local elected officials will want PIDs monitored and only used in proper …

East Texas Council Of Governments: Gobus Fare Collection, Melissa Cure

Certified Public Manager® Applied Research

The purpose of this research paper is to provide the decision makers at the East Texas Council of Governments GoBus rural transit system with information as a basis for the future of how fares are collected, and to look for ways to resolve problems in our current fare collection method. The main issue involves accepting cash and checks because of the large service region GoBus Transit covers. GoBus depends on the bus operators to collect fares and make deposits, which becomes a major problem with accounting. As listed on the official website of SWARCO, an Austrian technology company, an “Automated …

Stuart Beal

Barrio Writers

No abstract provided.

Daniel Gomez

Barrio Writers

No abstract provided.

Meta-Analysis Of Asian Students’ Acculturative Stress In U.S. Higher Education, Chi Yun Moon, Patricia Larke

Journal of Multicultural Affairs

Most studies examining acculturative stress have found that students of Asian decent experience higher levels of acculturative stress in American higher education institutions than do students of European decent, but effect sizes have ranged widely, and the results of comparisons between Asians and other ethnic groups are inconsistent. To obtain estimates of the magnitude of cultural group differences in acculturative stress, meta-analyses were conducted. Meta-analytic review of 13 studies exploring Asian students’ acculturative stress in higher education during the past two decades revealed that students of Asian decent experienced a higher level of acculturative stress when compared to students of …

The Dyadic Dance During Deployment: Veteran And Partner Romantic Attachment, Warren Ponder, Jose Carbajal

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

A strong family unit and dyadic relationship can buffer against the possible development of depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A growing body of literature has been investigating how couples communicate during a combat separation. However, there has not been a robust framework to conceptualize the findings; this paper posits that attachment theory can fill this gap. This study was a cross-sectional retrospective design that included twenty-two heterosexual dyads. Nine modes of communication were assessed: letters, care packages, email, telephone, text with phone, social networking, Skype, instant messenger and instant messenger with video. Also, frequency of communication was examined for …

Using Data To Inform An Educational Staff Training Manual: Pilot Study, Jillian Dawes, John Lum, Jennifer Silber Carr, Nathan Lambright, Stephanie Child

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Evidence-based staff training in education is limited in the research literature. While several targeted components of staff training exist, no prior research has combined evidence-based procedures into a multi-component staff training manual. The purpose of the current pilot study was to improve training for new staff in a special education setting. A needs assessment indicated social validity in developing and implementing programs for behavior support plan training and phasing-in staff during training. Based on this data, a manual was developed to include comprehensive training procedures. While the amount of data was limited, results indicate some initial support for the manualized …

How Does Autism Affect The Processing Of Child Sexual Abuse Trauma?, Jose Carbajal, Regina T. Praetorius

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Children in general are a vulnerable population, but children with neurodevelopmental disorders are even more vulnerable. This case study, which uses secondary qualitative data to focus on a survivor of sexual abuse who has autism, explores how a child with autism interprets and processes being sexually abused. We contrast how a child with autism experiences child sexual abuse with the experiences of children without autism; major differences emerged in terms of how a child with autism normalizes and interprets sexual abuse. The findings of this study indicate mental health professionals need more training regarding the complications autism adds to the …

Accessing Human Services Programs: Areas Of Improvement With Awareness And Communication, Risha Berry, Kaprea F. Johnson

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Lack of accessibility to human services programs is a major barrier to service provision. Archival focus group data from 21 non-profit and public human services agency representatives examined consistency and discrepancies among reported services and services that were identifiable on the internet. This study is important because the internet is often the first step a consumer takes toward seeking help, if the information is not accessible online, this is a barrier to service. Our results found grave discrepancies between available information on websites and reported services during the focus group. Additionally, we found that most websites were not accessible to …

Organizational Change: The Experiences Of Practitioners Transitioning To A Fee-For-Service Model, Anthony Zazzarino, Zakia Clay, Ann Reilly

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Many human service agencies are in the midst of a transition for a fee-for-service model. Through the midst of the transition, organizations must shift the culture of their agency and adapt to the new service delivery approach. Some organizational changes can create feelings of insecurity among staff, fewer resources, and greater potential for employee burnout. Though there is some research that provides valuable information, it often fails to highlight the individual experiences of the worker. This phenomenological study begins to explore the experiences and perceptions of practitioners working in supported housing agencies during the transition to a fee-for-service approach. The …

Does Group Size Matter? The Impact Of Reciprocity On Giving In Local Faith Communities, Jack B. Watson Jr., Karol A. Chandler-Ezell

The Journal of Faith, Education, and Community

We compare and contrast how group size affects the internal structure & relational dynamics of religious communities, ranging from small religious congregations to megachurches (in American society). Classic anthropological economic and evolutionary theory holds that reciprocity, particularly altruistic generalized reciprocity, is most likely to strongly influence small groups, especially kinship-based groups. In the case of non-kin groups, studies of behavior mimicking kin altruism have found that all forms of reciprocity, including extreme giving and high-cost behaviors, are most likely to be found in small social groups with tight bonds, particularly those with shared religious beliefs. In the case of larger …

Cultural Resources Survey For The Granbury East Wastewater Treatment Plant, City Of Granbury, Hood County, Texas (Twdb Project No. 73813), Kevin Stone, Thomas Chapman

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

This report presents the substantive findings of a cultural resources survey for the Granbury East Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Project, which is a component to the Wastewater Phase I Improvements Project reviewed by the Texas Water Development Board [TWDB] under Project No. 73813. The proposed Granbury East WWTP is located within a 10.6-acre (ac) property located at 3121 Old Granbury Road in the City of Granbury, Hood County, Texas.

As the City of Granbury is a political entity of the State of Texas, the City is required to comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). In addition, as the …

Final Report: Intensive Archeological Survey For The Proposed Rockport Center For The Arts, Aransas County, Texas, Scotty Moore

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In March 2020, an intensive archeological survey was completed in order to inventory and evaluate archeological resources within the proposed footprint of a new Center for the Arts, Performing Arts, and Conference Center in Aransas County, Texas.

The project is owned and sponsored by the Rockport Center for the Arts. The project area lies adjacent to the Kline’s Café Building, which has been determined eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Under the current preferred alternative, the Kline Café will be relocated to a location outside of the project area. This action is considered “an adverse …

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey Of An Approximately 14.7-Acre Proposed Solar Array Near Calaveras, Wilson County, Texas, Christopher Shelton

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

On behalf of DG Central 1, LLC (DG Central 1), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted a cultural resources survey of an approximately 14.7-acre parcel proposed for the Calaveras Solar Project (Project). The Project is proposed to occur on a parcel located immediately east of the intersection of County Road 128 and Farm-to-Market Road 775, near the community of Calaveras, Wilson County, Texas. The proposed Project will consist of a main solar array and ancillary facilities all constructed within the 14.7-acre parcel. Expected Project impacts include widespread surficial modifications with deeper impacts in location …

Negative Findings Report Cultural Resources Survey Fabens Lease 13031, University Lands El Paso County, Texas, Jeff P. Turpin

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

On July 23, 2020, TAS Inc. conducted a cultural resource survey of a 10- acre tract intended to host a truck stop on the northwest corner of IH10 and FM 793 two miles northeast of the town of Fabens, in El Paso County, Texas. The project was sponsored by Ya Rehman, Ent, Inc. and was authorized by Texas Antiquities Permit 9518 with Jeff Turpin acting as Principal Investigator. The tract is a southwest-trending dune between two arroyos. The pavement and construction debris from an abandoned gasoline station occupy the southwestern corner. The current survey and shovel test regime found the …

Archaeological Monitoring Associated With Geotechnical Boring For The Cenotaph Relocation In Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, José E. Zapata

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

On October 21, 2019, in response to a request from the City of San Antonio (COSA) Transportation and Capital Improvements (TCI), The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) conducted archaeological monitoring of geotechnical boring associated with the Cenotaph Relocation project in the Alamo Plaza complex in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. The boring samples will be used by Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) to evaluate the soil bearing pressure, the active soil load, the location of the groundwater table, and the soil characteristics. The archaeological work consisted of monitoring two geotechnical bores that formed the …

Archaeological Monitoring Of The Cps Gas Main Service Installation On East Locust Street, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, José E. Zapata

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Center for Archaeological Research (CAR), in response to a request from Adams Environmental, Inc. (AEI), conducted archaeological monitoring for the installation of CPS Energy (CPS) main gas line service in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. The archaeological work consisted of monitoring CPS-related excavation activities associated with the installation of 398 m (1,305 linear ft.) of gas line on East Locust Street. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this undertaking is defined as a 229 m (750 ft.) strip located along East Locust Street, between North St. Mary’s and East Elmira streets, …

Intensive Archeological Survey Of Gisd Parkside School Tract City Of Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas, Caitlin Gulihur, Ann M. Scott

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) has proposed the Parkside School Tract project where school facilities will be constructed southwest of Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas. GISD retained Terracon Consultants, Inc. to conduct a systematic, intensive pedestrian survey of the approximate 18.3-acre project area. Because GISD, a political subdivision of the State of Texas, sponsored the project, the proposed undertaking is subject to compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas and oversight from the Texas Historical Commission (THC). In addition, the survey meets the standards for compliance under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, should federal …

Cultural Resources Investigation Report Of The Proposed Hallsville Isd K-4 Elementary School Project In Harrison County, Texas, James S. Belew, Michael Ryan

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Sphere 3 Environmental, Inc. (Sphere 3) conducted an intensive pedestrian cultural resource survey of approximately 15.12 hectares (37.35 acres) of land designated as the Area of Potential Effects (APE) on October 28, 29, and 31, and November 6, 2019, in response to the proposed undertaking to construct the Hallsville ISD K - 4 School campus. The project sponsor and owner of the project area is the Hallsville Independent School District. The project area is situated wholly within the City of Longview, Texas. The project area is located on the southwest side of Loop 281 and the north side of Page …

Cultural Resources Survey Of Portions Of The Rio Bravo Lng Pipeline On Port Of Brownsville Lands, Cameron County, Texas, Steve Carpenter, Christopher Nielsen, Jessica Ulmer, Mercedes C. Cody, Janaka Greene

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

On behalf of Ecology and Environment, Inc. (E & E), Rio Grande LNG, LLC, and Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC (RB Pipeline), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted cultural resources surveys of portions of the Rio Bravo Pipeline on lands owned or controlled by the Port of Brownsville (Port) in Cameron County, Texas. Rio Grande LNG, LLC proposes to construct a natural gas liquefaction facility and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal (Terminal) in Cameron County, Texas, along the north embankment of the Brownsville Ship Channel. In concert with the Terminal, RB Pipeline proposes to construct an associated pipeline system (Pipeline …

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey Of The Proposed 829.9-Acre Schiel Storm Water Detention Basin Project, Harris County, Texas, Charles E. Bludau, Jeffery D. Owens Jr., Jesse O. Dalton, Eurgene Foster

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. (Horizon) was selected by Berg-Oliver Associates, Inc. (BOA) on behalf of the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to conduct a cultural resources inventory and assessment for the proposed Schiel Storm Water Detention Basin Project in Harris County, Texas (HCFCD Project No. L500-09-00-E003). The proposed undertaking would consist of constructing an extensive system of storm water detention basins and other drainage control measures within an approximately 335.8-hectare (829.9-acre) tract located near Hockley in northwestern Harris County. The project area generally flanks Little Cypress Creek and is bounded roughly on the west by Becker Road, on the …

Cultural Resources Survey Of The Cotulla Water Supply And Wastewater System Improvement Project La Salle County, Texas, David L. Sherman

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

During June 25, 26 and August 29, of 2018 Blanton & Associates, Inc. conducted a cultural resources survey of proposed wastewater and drinking water pipelines and associated facilities within the City of Cotulla, La Salle County, Texas. The area of potential effects (APE) for archeological resources for this project is approximately 23.9 acres and extends to a maximum depth of 25 feet below ground surface.

The APE for non-archaeological historic resources is variable and consists of: the footprint of the proposed pipelines/pipeline easements; the existing boundary of the Cotulla Wastewater Treatment plant; the existing boundary of the La Salle Pump …