Bridging barriers in inclusive classrooms: Avenues for communication between general education teachers and families

Family-teacher communications have proven beneficial for the academic, social and behavioral success of students at all levels. Research studies have specifically examined this dynamic as it relates to general education teachers and general education families, teachers and families at the primary level, and special education teachers and special education families. However, there is minimal research regarding communication strategies between families of students with disabilities (FSWDs) and general education teachers of inclusive classrooms (GETINs) at the high school level. In order to address this gap in the literature, this action research study investigated the following research questions: 1) To what extent do the perspectives of GETINs and FSWDs at the high school level reflect the social and/or medical models of disability? 2) How do the dynamics of an inclusive classroom impact the communication barriers faced between teachers and families? 3) How can certain avenues and styles of communication foster positive collaboration between GETINs and FSWDs at the high school level? Using Disability Studies as the theoretical framework, this research was conducted using an interpretivist explanatory sequential mixed-methodology approach. Participants consisted of forty FSWDs and thirty-six GETINs. Data was collected using Likert scale surveys, open-ended response questions, and focus group meetings. Both integrative and convergent methods were used to analyze the data. The results of the study confirmed that much of the literature regarding family-teacher communications is applicable and relevant to an area not previously studied, the high school inclusive classroom. This study filled a gap and added to the literature by identifying dynamics that are unique to the inclusive classroom and by providing steps to improve those dynamics. This study also determined specific styles and avenues of communication that GETINs and FSWDs can use to not only collaborate for students, but also with students

Identifying research support needs of members of the canadian health libraries association / association des bibliothèques de la santé du canada

Introduction: The CHLA/ABSC Special Committee on Research undertook this project to identify potential ways in which the Association could support its members in undertaking research. The goal was to inform future CHLA/ABSC research-related service and program offerings. A literature review revealed limited publication related to health librarians\u27 research needs. Method: The Committee developed and distributed an online survey to CHLA/ABSC’s membership. The questions related to demographics, previous research engagement or experience, current research support, work-related research requirements and expectations, barriers and enablers for conducting research, desired research support (topic and format) from CHLA/ABSC, and types of programs that would benefit members the most. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collated and analysed. Data from open ended questions were examined to identify relevant themes. Results: Survey participants (45) were nearly equally divided between academic health libraries and hospital libraries. Forty-three members responded to the English survey, while two responded to the French version. Results showed that the barriers to research, and the research supports needed are similar for both academic health librarians and hospital librarians. Results showed a strong desire for methodological and statistical training. Conclusion: Through this study CHLA/ABSC members identified several kinds of preferred research support. CHLA/ABSC can use these findings to guide the selection and delivery of further continuing education products, as well as the development of specific research support services such as a peer-review program, a research question and answer blog and research mentorship; and also improve communications around CHLA/ABSC’s research services

Southern Sustainability: An Examination of Waste Management Mechanisms within the University of Mississippi Community

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and study local mechanisms surrounding waste management at The University of Mississippi. The research study gathers quantitative and qualitative research to make conclusions about sustainability and recycling practices on The University of Mississippi\u27s campus. The thesis discusses whether those practices are effective for those in The University of Mississippi\u27s community based on the data collected and research conducted. The researcher also offers proposals for the University of Mississippi community based on the research conducted. The gap that exists in the waste management processes at The University of Mississippi was addressed by blending primary research, conducting surveys and interviews, and applying integrated marketing communications campaign tactics. The researcher analyzed 20 sources for the literature review. Since the overall aim of the research study is to analyze and assess the local mechanisms surrounding waste management at The University of Mississippi, an electronic survey link conducted by Qualtrics via email to 33% of the UM population included a range of both general and specific questions from which anonymous data was collected. Nine hundred forty-three surveys were completed providing a response rate of 14.5%. The survey gauged the effectiveness of waste management practices on the University of Mississippi\u27s campus. In contrast, interview data from sustainability experts on campus compared and articulated the why behind the community infrastructures and the account of what real improvements should be made locally from a personal lens with individual anecdotes. Specifically, the state of Mississippi ranks number 50 of the 50 United States regarding sustainability, which motivates this thesis research. However, if there was one recycling bin for each waste bin, would that provide a more sustainable society and induce a habit loop within the community? This thesis considers a rebranding of waste management by reconsidering its position within The University of Mississippi\u27s community. The thesis aims to promote environmental awareness and extend opportunities for communication among University of Mississippi community members. The researcher analyzes the local mechanisms toward waste management and considers how integrated marketing communications tactics could enhance sustainability practices within the University of Mississippi\u27s community. The research considers if integrated marketing communications tactics could enhance sustainability practices within the Ole Miss community

Funding Media, Strengthening Democracy: Grantmaking for the 21st Century

Despite the pervasiveness of media, the amount of philanthropic dollars in support of public interest media remains minuscule and, therefore largely ineffective. The report, based on a survey of the the funding sector, calls on philanthropists to embrace a practice of transparency and information sharing via technology, to determine how existing funds are being used and how they can best be leveraged to increase philanthropic impact within the media field

2013 Nonprofit Needs Assessment: A Profile of Michigan's Most Crucial Professional Development Needs

A new study from Grand Valley State University's School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration, and the Johnson Center for Philanthropy reveals trends in the kind of professional development programming nonprofit organizations in Michigan need.There are over 48,000 nonprofits operating in the state Michigan, employing over 375,000 nonprofit workers. While many industries are struggling in Michigan,the nonprofit sector continues to grow at a rate of 1.3 percent per year. The demand for nonprofit services is also rising and nonprofit workers must work longer hours and take on additional responsibilities to meet increasing demands.Nonprofit and philanthropic employers are recognizing that in order to reduce employee burnout and turnover as well as maintain positive employee morale, they must provide professional development opportunities to their staff. These opportunities can take place internal or external to the organization. Wherever the professional development takes place, it provides many positive benefits to employees, volunteers and organizations

Virginia College Access Resource Study: Region One Report

This research brief shares the results of a MERC study commissioned by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and supported by Virginia 529 about college access in central Virginia. The purpose of college access providers is discussed as well the current areas of need. A list of access providers in Virginia are listed at the end of the brief

Communication and Information Management in the Nonprofit Arts Sector

A survey of a representative sampling of arts organizations finds that their internal and external communication includes a variety of traditional and technological methods, each varying in its preferred usage and perceived effectiveness. While this study was intended to establish a baseline of communication perceptions, behaviors, and impacts, the following conclusions may be reasonably drawn from the survey responses: Communication from arts administrators and organizations, and from others to them, is a major occupier of time. Email in particular dominates average weekly time expenditures.The field's perception of the value and impact of the increased information available to it, and the communication it sends and receives, indicates a struggle with that volume, with a large bloc believing the sheer volume is--or is becoming--unmanageable.While the increase in information being communicated and being received is perceived as having a positive impact on organization productivity, there is a bloc of respondents that believes it is negative on a personal level.Despite the struggle with managing communication of all types and the pervasive feeling among the respondents that there are significant negative impacts on their time and ability to do their jobs, most arts organizations do not have any formal plan to address these issues.Due to the limitations of this survey, it is unclear the extent to which arts organizations are aware of, and are dealing with, communication and information issues, including the challenges posed to staff personnel.Most arts organizations do not have the resources to engage a full-time communications officer.Administrators are challenged to relate the increased information to their specific needs.It may be a myth that executive summaries in reports are the preferred method of reviewing information by arts administrators.For many organizations, this respondent's observation encapsulates the challenge with communication and information management: "We have 20th century resources in a 21st century environment.

More From the #Jury Box: The Latest on Juries and Social Media

This Article presents the results of a survey of jurors in federal and state court on their use of social media during their jury service. We began surveying federal jurors in 2011 and reported preliminary results in 2012; since then, we have surveyed several hundred more jurors, including state jurors, for a more complete picture of juror attitudes toward social media. Our results support the growing consensus that jury instructions are the most effective tool to mitigate the risk of juror misconduct through social media. We conclude with a set of recommended best practices for using a social-media instruction