The development and testing of an optical scanner-based system of classroom data analysis

The purpose of this study was to develop a data gathering technique which has all the advantages of verbatim data capture coupled with the ease of data input, storage, and analysis by a microcomputer coupled with an optical, mark-scanning machine. The problem for this study was to develop and test a comprehensive list of teacher behavior descriptors to be used as a resource in interpreting holistic data capture during a classroom observation and to develop a means for encoding all necessary data describing salient teachers\u27 and students\u27 classroom behaviors in a format suitable for optical scanner input to a microcomputer;This study had an experimental group of 57 and a control group of 58. Subjects were located in three different training sites (i.e., Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Kansas). The experimental group received time to review the training manual and practice at least two trial exercises of observing classroom simulation videotapes, script taping, and recording data on the formative 22-item computer evaluation form. The control group received time to read placebo material and also view the same classroom simulation videotape, script tape, and devise their own means of recording data. Finally, both groups completed a computerized summative evaluation form consisting of ten items. This summative instrument was developed by selecting the most appropriate items directly from the formative instrument. The scores from both groups were compared with those of the expert jury\u27s. This Iowa State University jury consisted of a team of individuals knowledgeable in effective teaching research;The experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group. The control group had a mean score of 4.38, while the experimental group had a mean score of 7.00. The difference was significant at the.01 level;This research supports the importance of a training manual (containing both definitions and examples) to support a quality instrument for interpreting classroom data capture. At the conclusion of each training session, participants were provided with the opportunity to verbally respond concerning the format and scope of the instrument. Minor revisions will be made and further research will continue

An Interview with Sam Kerman: Co-founder of TESA (Teacher Expectations and Achievement)

This is a program which facilitates the opportunity for teachers to work together and grow professionally

Increasing resilience to cascading events: The M.OR.D.OR. scenario

The growing complexity of global interconnected risk suggests that a shift has occurred in the way emergency planners need to improve preparedness and response to cascading events. With reference to the literature from the physical, social and political sciences, this paper analyses extreme space weather events and cyberattacks. The goal of this work is to produce a replicable scenario-building process, based on cross-disciplinary understanding of vulnerability, that could be complementary to probabilistic hazard assessment. Our hypothesis is that the technological and human component of critical infrastructure could be the primary vector for the escalation of secondary emergencies. While not themselves having direct implications in terms of loss of life, elements that are common to different risks could provide particular challenges for disaster management. Our findings identify some vulnerable nodes, such as Global Navigation Satellite System technology and remote-control systems, that could act as paths for the escalations of events. We suggest that these paths may be common to various known and unknown threats. We propose two scenarios of Massive, OveRwhelming Disruption of OpeRations (M.OR.D.OR.) that could be used for testing emergency preparedness strategies, and increasing the response to highly complex, unknown events. The conclusions highlight the open challenges of seeking to increase societal resilience. The limitations of this work are described, as are the possible challenges for future research

Hybrid Microwave Treatment of SRS TRU and Mixed Wastes

A new process, using hybrid microwave energy, has been developed as part of the Strategic Research and Development program and successfully applied to treatment of a wide variety of non-radioactive materials, representative of SRS transuranic (TRU) and mixed wastes. Over 35 simulated (non-radioactive) TRU and mixed waste materials were processed individually, as well as in mixed batches, using hybrid microwave energy, a new technology now being patented by Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC)

Immobilization of hazardous and radioactive wastes into glass structures

As a result of more than three decades of international research, glass has emerged as the material of choice for immobilization of a wide range of potentially hazardous radioactive and non-radioactive materials. The ability of glass structures to incorporate and then immobilize many different elements into durable, high integrity, waste glass products is a direct function of the unique random network structure of the glassy state. Every major country involved with long-term management of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) has either selected or is considering glass as the matrix of choice for immobilizing and ultimately, disposing of the potentially hazardous, high-level radioactive material. There are many reasons why glass is preferred. Among the most important considerations are the ability of glass structures to accommodate and immobilize the many different types of radionuclides present in HLW, and to produce a product that not only has excellent technical properties, but also possesses good processing features. Good processability allows the glass to be fabricated with relative ease even under difficult remote-handling conditions necessary for vitrification of highly radioactive material. The single most important property of the waste glass produced is its ability to retain hazardous species within the glass structure and this is reflected by its excellent chemical durability and corrosion resistance to a wide range of environmental conditions

Nuclear Waste Glasses - Suitability, Surface Studies, and Stability

Every major country involved with long-term management of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) has either selected or is considering glass as the matrix of choice for immobilizing and ultimately, disposing of the potentially hazardous, high-level radioactive material. There are many reasons why glass is preferred. Among the most important considerations are the ability of glass structures to accommodate and immobilize the many different types of radionuclides present in HLW, and to produce a product that not only has excellent technical properties, but also possesses good processing features. Good processability allows the glass to be fabricated with relative ease even under difficult remote-handling conditions necessary for vitrification of highly radioactive material. The single most important property of the waste glass produced is its ability to retain hazardous species within the glass structure and this is reflected by its excellent chemical durability and corrosion resistance to a wide range of environmental conditions

Foreword

School improvement is the driving force that continues to propel futuristic optimism in improving education for all students

Educational Considerations, vol. 18 (2) Full Issue

Educational Considerations, vol. 18 (2) Spring - Full issu

Table of contents and editorial information for Vol. 18, no. 2, Spring 1991

Table of contents and editorial information for this special issue School Improvement - Diversity for Effective Interactions in Enhancing Quality Educatio