Pattern Grading Approaches – Assessment of Grade Rules and Fit as Applied to Merchandise

Over the past decades, as the population has changed in sizing, company fit structures have changed to accompany this growth. Company grades rule charts have shifted to generally accommodate a population that is growing larger, both bigger and taller (Smith & Norris, 2004). In addition to this fit shift, there is continued discussion over the use of vanity sizing strategies of contemporary apparel manufacturers. Whether companies are exercising accurate conveyance of anthropometric population growth, or vanity sizing, these changes filter down through the design and production processes of a company. Hence, while teaching grading in fashion design and production classes, a clear understanding of the meaning of grade rules is critical to success in the fitting functions of pattern-making. For production managers, application of accurate grade rules translates to sales in the extended size ranges, thus impacting the bottom line of a company. The purpose of the study was to include students in the active learning process to 1) gain greater appreciation for the translation of grade rules to apparel in various size categories, 2) compare and contrast grade rule use by various companies, and 3) evaluate similarities or differences between companies and grading strategies

CHARACTERISTICS, PREDICTORS, AND GROWTH TRAJECTORIES OF CHILDREN WHO EXIT SPECIAL EDUCATION AND THEIR GENERAL AND SPECIAL EDUCATION PEERS

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics and predictive factors for children receiving special education services, and if they received special education services, factors associated with them discontinuing those services before eighth grade. In addition, a second purpose was to determine whether there are differences in the reading and mathematics growth trajectories of children who exit special education, children who remain in special education, and children who attend general education classes and how those growth trajectories vary by characteristics such as race and gender. I used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study - Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K), a study of a nationally representative sample of children attending kindergarten during the 1998 school year and followed through eighth grade. I used a subsample of the data to compare the characteristics and predictive factors of children receiving special education services or exiting from special education using chi-squares, t-tests, and logistic regression analyses. Using hierarchical linear modeling, I analyzed data on the academic growth trajectories of children who exited special education, remained in special education or never received special education. The results of my study indicate that large number of children exit special education between kindergarten and eighth grade and the children who exit special education differ from their general and special education peers both in their characteristics and their academic growth rates in reading and mathematics. Finally, I discuss the implications of these findings for policy and future research

“I must turn idolator”: religious inversion and the quest for genuine faith in Moby-Dick

This thesis explores the major religious themes of repentance, redemption, and expiation in Moby-Dick. While critics have examined some of these themes in isolation, my thesis will demonstrate how Melville takes these Christian doctrines and inverts them in order to display a shift from traditional religious practice to a genuine faith for those outside of God\u27s covenant people. Using Father Mapple\u27s sermon on Jonah as a paradigm through which to see the other religious inversions, I will explore how Ishmael repents of a false view of immorality, finds redemption through an immoral union, and follows a wicked captain who offers the hope of expiating spiritual guilt. When seen together, these inverted religious themes help us understand the cohesive nature of Melville\u27s religious allusions in Moby-Dick, and also explains how Melville can express in a letter: I have written a wicked book and feel spotless as the lamb

SLIDES: NEPA and Adaptive Management

Presenter: Denise A. Dragoo, Partner, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., Salt Lake City, UT 22 slide

Niche Design: Integrating A Curriculum Progression Specializing in Children\u27s Wear

Specialty niche markets are an area for intensified study within a design program. With current statewide and university pressure to limit credit hour requirements and a broadly developing set of design resources and industry trend incentives, finding the balance within the design curriculum can be challenging. Thus, as program curriculum is surveyed and adapted from year-to-year, this instructor’s program has identified and developed a methodology for introducing a specialized niche in the children\u27s wear apparel market. A strategy of programmatic content implementation at progressive levels with broadening scope has been useful in adding essential niche content to a capped curriculum. Selected specialty niche market classifications have been neatly integrated into existing design curriculum to allow students to build specialization into their degrees. Students blend foundational design concepts and classifications with niche target markets, which in turn enhance their marketability in the industry

SLIDES: NEPA and Adaptive Management

Presenter: Denise A. Dragoo, Partner, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., Salt Lake City, UT 22 slide