Public Perceptions Regarding Sex Offenders and Sex Offender Management

This study was an observation of the public\u27s knowledge and perceptions on sex offenders, sex offenses, and sex offender management policies. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 282 students at East Tennessee State University. Along with the basic demographic variables, respondent\u27s field of study was measured as a main independent variable. For example, it was hypothesized that students studying within the criminal justice field would hold more accurate beliefs concerning the sex offender population. Overall, the study proved to be statistically insignificant. Multivariate analysis did show, however, that certain demographic variables were more predictive in determining an individual\u27s support towards sex offender management policies

The Career Experiences of Noninstructional Itinerant Staff in K–12 Public Schools with Demonstrated Longevity

Shortages in noninstructional itinerant staff (school nurses, school psychologists, school social workers) have been especially difficult for K–12 public school districts, as these individuals have critical responsibilities within the school setting that they are uniquely qualified to complete. Noninstructional itinerant employees face challenges such as isolation, role confusion, and high workloads that professionals who work in other settings or instructional colleagues may not encounter. They may also be impacted by their responsibilities related to meeting the increasing mental health needs of the students they support. The aim of this qualitative research study was to consider the experiences of 14 noninstructional itinerant professionals - five school nurses, five school psychologists, and four school social workers - who have been employed in the same K-12 public school setting for at least 10 years. Several themes emerged as the findings of the study: passion/purpose, expertise, working conditions, connections, and personal characteristics. A majority of the noninstitutional itinerants in this study reported finding deep purpose in their work and having a long-term impact on the lives of students. For most professionals, this factor may mitigate adverse working conditions such as lower pay and higher caseloads. In the area of working conditions, the school schedule emerged as a leading motivator, as it provided for a better work-life balance. Another dominant factor was connections with administration, which influenced the level of inclusion, provision of adequate workspace, and professional input. The personal factors that impacted longevity were the noninstructional itinerants’ level of flexibility and resiliency

Food sovereignty and convergence spaces

In this paper we reflect on the Civil Society and Indigenous Peoples’ Mechanism to the UN Committee on World Food Security as a policy convergence space for the global food sovereignty movement. Addressing a gap in the convergence literature around inclusivity, we assess the extent to which the Mechanism is a diverse and inclusive space. More specifically, we analyze whether constituencies and quotas have worked as effective tools to protect diversity while avoiding fragmentation. We further contribute to the growing literature on convergence spaces by highlighting what changes and challenges occur when convergence is situated and managed in relation to a more formal institutional space. Analyzing how the it has addressed the two challenges of fragmentation and institutionalization, we show how the Mechanism has moved towards greater inclusivity and diversity by reinforcing weaker constituencies, changing its name, and opening up to new constituencies. At the same time, we identify five issues which require further attention if the Mechanism is to remain an inclusive convergence space: risk of a concentration of power; the role of NGOs; gender equality and generational balance; multiple identities that cut across constituency categories; and, tensions related to sub-regions.</p

Food Systems: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Analysis and Learning

This paper introduces an innovative, interdisciplinary food systems programme based on an open source pedagogical model that facilitates learning through the use of technology developed at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). We begin by explaining the structure and goals of the UOC and briefly introduce the UOC’s e/learning model. We then consider the development of the Department of Food Systems, Culture and Society and explain our rational for focussing on food governance. We focus primarily on a set of mandatory introductory courses for the Master’s Diploma in Food, Society and International Food Governance. These courses, which make up a certificate in Food Systems Analysis, lay out the fundamentals of our approach to the study of food systems. Finally, we consider an analytical framework used to examine the sociopolitical context of contemporary food systems. Here, food systems are approached as an arrangement of activities clustered around trade liberalization, neoliberalized social formations, and a condensed state, which produce complex forms of food governance

Arts in Mind: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Museum Programs for Persons Living with Young-Onset and Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

This paper reflects on Arts in Mind, an ongoing museum-based program for those with Young-onset Alzheimer’s or in the early stages of memory loss. Co- developed in 2019 by the authors, an art therapist with experience in Alzheimer’s clinical trials research and two museum educators. Arts in Mind is a monthly program that invites people living with Young-onset Alzheimer’s and their care partners to look at and make art together. Arts in Mind responds to a previously unmet need for programming specifically designed for the Young-onset Alzheimer’s population and individuals in early stages of the disease. Sessions are anchored in the art encounter, accessible, responsive, and experiential. Additionally, the program a site of mentorship for the next generation of art therapists, museum educators and medical professionals. This paper offers a replicable and sustainable partnership model for museum and art therapy- based memory loss programs for an often overlooked population