Better Together: An Analysis of Public Participation in Flower Mound, Texas

Public participation has become a buzzword among planners and local officials in the past few decades as citizens demand more transparency and involvement in local matters. This study analyzes the existing condition in Flower Mound based on the CLEAR toolkit developed by the European Committee for Local and Regional Democracy, supplemented by the Town of Flower Mound Resident Survey. The audit evaluates the 5 elements- Can do, Like to, Enabled to, Asked to, and Responded to- that support vibrant public engagement.Ope

A Case Study of an Agency\u27s Three Family Preservation Contracts

This article presents a case study of a nonprofit child welfare agency that delivered family preservation services under three different purchase-of-service (POS) contracts. The research specifically focuses on how certain POS contract provisions and reimbursement rates influence the delivery of family preservation services. The three contacts examined differed on criteria, such as reimbursement mechanism, service volume, definition of clientele, and reimbursement rate. The study found that as reimbursement rates decline and as administrative costs increase, the service provider struggled with cash flow, staffing, fundraising, and service provision, among other things. It is concluded that contract-related resources, policies, and procedures impact provider agencies in multiple, significant ways that are critical to the provision of services and the accomplishment of positive client outcomes

Space activities in the Soviet Union, Japan, and the People's Republic of China

The space programs of the Soviet Union, Japan, and China are discussed. The types of launch vehicles they used and the classes of spacecraft they launched are examined. The political motivations of these nations are analyzed

Consumer Well-Being: A Typology and Examination of Voluntary Simplicity

In the search for ways to positively influence their well-being, some consumers are turning to acts of voluntary simplicity. Ranging in magnitude, these acts involve intentional reduction of their consumption and dependency in some form. The examination of such activities on one’s well-being begins with the analysis of formal interviews with tiny home owners, who take a holistic approach to voluntary simplicity, towards a framework of typical tiny home owners and discover the motivating factors for such a lifestyle choice. The second step is analyzing how these motivating factors may lead to less holistic activities surrounding voluntary simplicity and their potential to affect one’s well-being. Findings show that concern for a financially secure future and one’s environment are prime motivators for acts of voluntary simplicity, and that these acts do indeed improve the well-being of those engaged in the acts

Counter-stories of First-Generation Latinx Alumnae: A Critical Race Theory Analysis

This study includes the experiences of six first-generation Latinx alumnae who attended three private, predominantly-White universities in Southern California. It applied a critical race theory (CRT) framework and an anti-deficit ideology to their experiences. Importantly, because the participants and the researcher are of different identities, the study employed principles of culturally responsive methodologies (CRM). Most quantitative research and existent theory concerning first-generation Latinx collegiate women excludes the voices of first-generation Latinx alumnae, so this study included the telling of their counter-stories concerning their undergraduate experiences. These experiences included identity-threat, microaggressions, and the enactment of White privilege. Additionally, their counter-stories contradict majoritarian stories concerning first-generation students and their families, as well as institutional values of fairness, meritocracy, colorblindness, and diversity. The methodology of the study was CRT counter-storytelling. Concepts of narrative inquiry informed the research design. Counter-stories of the participants were shared during conversations and interviews, then interpreted using the framework of CRT and a method of thematic analysis. All members of the study have graduated with a bachelor’s degree, and their experiences provide direction for additional research concerning first-generation theory as it applies to Latinx collegiate women, as well as implications for policy and praxis regarding the future experiences of Latinx students on U.S. higher education campuses

The Power of Classroom Libraries and Pre-service Teachers

This paper explores how critical classroom libraries are for student success. Research indicates that students who have access to classroom libraries read more and their reading achievement improves. This study investigates the picture-book genre preferences of pre-service teachers and the implications for the books and genres that scored both high and low on the survey. In addition, this study highlights the plight of students who reside in book desserts and do not have abundant opportunities to obtain books outside of the school community

A Comparison Study of Teacher Efficacy and Principal Leadership Behaviors at the Elementary and Middle School Levels

The single most important factor for the success of a student in school is the teacher, yet many factors impact the teacher’s ability to do the job as effectively as possible. Data exists regarding the multiple influences that affect the teacher’s sense of self-efficacy, however, specific data regarding leadership behaviors is limited. Research shows that student achievement is affected by the teacher, therefore it is imperative to determine what leadership behaviors impact teacher efficacy the most. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the impact of principal behaviors on teacher efficacy. Also, the study sought to compare the derived results from elementary school data with that of middle school data to determine if a difference exists between principal behaviors and teacher efficacy at both levels. A multivariate multiple regression was used to analyze the findings. This method was used due to the multiple independent, as well as multiple dependent variables that exist within both measures; the Teacher Sense of Self Efficacy Scale Long Form and the Leadership Practices Inventory. The study found that there was no significant impact of principal behaviors on teacher efficacy for the participating school district. There was, however, a significant difference in the self-efficacy of elementary school and middle school teachers with regard to student engagement. While elementary teachers rated themselves relatively high in student engagement, middle school teachers rated themselves lower in their ability to engage students in learning. District leaders should consider professional development in building middle school efficacy in student engagement

Cultivating Courage to Overcome Bullying Through Diversity Book Clubs

As universities enroll increasingly diverse student populations, fill tenure track positions with minority status faculty, and hire staff members conscientiously, they need transformative narratives and culturally sensitive dialogs as adaptive changes. A small university in the Midwest provided a diversity book club to promote weekly conversation among students, faculty, and staff on issues related to race religion, ethnicity, sexuality and gender. This study examines diversity book club study offerings for courageous responses to bullying and recommends practices to cultivate courage to overcome bullying related to diverse populations on university campuses