Navigation analysis of Earth-Moon libration point missions

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1992.Includes bibliographical references (p. 136-137).by Anthony John Gingiss.M.S

Implementing the LifeSkills Training drug prevention program: factors related to implementation fidelity

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Widespread replication of effective prevention programs is unlikely to affect the incidence of adolescent delinquency, violent crime, and substance use until the quality of implementation of these programs by community-based organizations can be assured.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This paper presents the results of a process evaluation employing qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the extent to which 432 schools in 105 sites implemented the LifeSkills Training (LST) drug prevention program with fidelity. Regression analysis was used to examine factors influencing four dimensions of fidelity: adherence, dosage, quality of delivery, and student responsiveness.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Although most sites faced common barriers, such as finding room in the school schedule for the program, gaining full support from key participants (i.e., site coordinators, principals, and LST teachers), ensuring teacher participation in training workshops, and classroom management difficulties, most schools involved in the project implemented LST with very high levels of fidelity. Across sites, 86% of program objectives and activities required in the three-year curriculum were delivered to students. Moreover, teachers were observed using all four recommended teaching practices, and 71% of instructors taught all the required LST lessons. Multivariate analyses found that highly rated LST program characteristics and better student behavior were significantly related to a greater proportion of material taught by teachers (adherence). Instructors who rated the LST program characteristics as ideal were more likely to teach all lessons (dosage). Student behavior and use of interactive teaching techniques (quality of delivery) were positively related. No variables were related to student participation (student responsiveness).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although difficult, high implementation fidelity by community-based organizations can be achieved. This study suggests some important factors that organizations should consider to ensure fidelity, such as selecting programs with features that minimize complexity while maximizing flexibility. Time constraints in the classroom should be considered when choosing a program. Student behavior also influences program delivery, so schools should train teachers in the use of classroom management skills. This project involved comprehensive program monitoring and technical assistance that likely facilitated the identification and resolution of problems and contributed to the overall high quality of implementation. Schools should recognize the importance of training and technical assistance to ensure quality program delivery.</p

Forcing Fairness in State Taxation

The article recommends amending the Internal Revenue Code to change to deduction for state and local income taxes to a credit up to some defined limit. This change will encourage states without an income tax to enact one at no cost to its taxpayers and will help these states and other states with a low income tax rate find a politically acceptable way to end the financial crisis in which many states find themselves. Recent recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform advocate eliminating the deduction for state and local taxes to finance elimination of other undesirable taxes, such as those on savings and investment. The report, while recommending such elimination, also made a recommendation regarding mortgage interest similar to what this author is recommending on state income taxes, namely, changing the deduction for mortgage interest to a credit. The panel should have recommended doing the same for state income taxes

South Dakota Law Review Dedication to Randall J. Gingiss

The Law Review board dedicated Volume 58 of the South Dakota Law Review to Professor Randall Gingiss. The dedication articles were written by USD Professor Barry Vickrey, Clint Sargent, Esq., USD Professor Patrick Garry, and SD S. C. Justice John Konenkamp