The Role of Internal Communication and the Effect on Employee Engagement

The purpose of this project was to build and evaluate internal communication interventions that would enhance employee engagement. The desired outcome of the communication team’s efforts was to show a significant increase in employee engagement, as compared to peer institutions

Developing Leadership Skills

An analysis of current leadership theory is presented, along with a summary of the major literature findings. Emphasis is placed on providing ideas which have practical as opposed to theoretical application. A sub-theme in the article is that leadership skills can be learned or taught, and the manuscript challenges institutions to implement leadership development programs, such as the Kellog Leadership Project

COMPARISION OF ALTERNATIVELY CERTIFIED AND TRADITIONALLY CERTIFIED MISSOURI HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SELF-EFFICACY DURING THE INDUCTION PERIOD

Sixty percent of America’s teachers choose traditional baccalaureate programs while the remaining choose one of several alternative pathways. While certification/training is certainly important to preparing effective teachers, other research indicates that teacher efficacy serves as the foundation of teacher behaviors and classroom practice. The purpose of this study (N = 94 induction high school science teachers) was to determine the relationships between certification pathway and opportunities to observe modeling; between years of experience and personal teaching efficacy; and teachers’ perceptions of what characteristics/ experiences best explain personal teaching efficacy. The Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale was used in an on-line survey for Phase 1 (n = 91), to measure teacher self-efficacy. In Phase 2, a basic qualitative study was conducted using telephone interviews (n = 2) and a focus group (n = 4) along with a series of short essay questions from the online survey (n = 91). The findings indicate a significant relationship (p = 0.01) between years of teaching and overall personal teaching-efficacy, student engagement, and instructional strategies; a relationship between opportunities to see modeling and certification pathway, where traditionally certified teachers had significantly more opportunities (p = 0.000); and a relationship between classroom management and opportunities to see modeling (p = 0.005). Qualitative analyses confirmed that traditionally-prepared teachers saw a range of “modeling” and model teachers; respondents related such opportunities to more effective teaching, especially in the realm of classroom management. As more teachers choose alternative certification, it is imperative that adequate opportunities to observe teaching strategies are modeled during the certification process and once teachers enter the classroom; they must have intrinsic and extrinsic support to be successful

A Very Special Place

Neil McNeil High School Celebrates 50 Year

Attitudes Toward Mental Health, Attitudes Toward Mental Healthcare, and Access to Mental Healthcare: Variations Based on Key Demographic Factors

The objective of this study was to discern what factors may cause variations in a person’s attitudes toward mental health and mental healthcare, as well as their access to mental healthcare. The factors that were the focus of this study included: race/ethnicity, age, religiosity, gender identity, location, and socioeconomic status. Method: A total of 132 participants participated in the online study. Participants were asked to answer questions that assessed their attitudes about mental health and mental healthcare as well as the access to mental healthcare in their community. The survey also consisted of several demographic questions which asked participants about their age, race/ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, their location, and their level of religiosity. Results: There are several statistically significant differences in attitudes toward mental health, mental healthcare, and access to mental healthcare based on demographic factors. There is also a significant correlation between an individual’s religiosity and their attitudes toward mental healthcare. These differences are caused by a variety of social and cultural differences. Conclusion: While this research study is a step in the right direction to begin remedying problems within the mental healthcare system, there is still a significant amount of work to be done. More research should be conducted to see if there are other differences in attitudes toward mental health and mental healthcare, as well as access to mental healthcare based on other demographics such as sexual orientation

The role of forensic accounting in U.S. counterterrorism efforts

The September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center directed international attention to the financial component of terrorist operations. The demand for forensic accounting specialists is increasing rapidly because of a growing intolerance for fraud and terrorist activity. This research paper argues that forensic accountants have and will continue to have a vital role in United States’ counterterrorism efforts in the post-9/11 era by detecting acts of fraud and money laundering. Comprehensive review of relevant literature including books, peer-reviewed articles, government databases, court records and news media reveals that forensic accountants are equipped with special skills and analytical tools that make them valuable members of terrorism task forces. The soft skills of forensic accountants typically include attention to detail, self-motivation, professional communication, and integrity. Technical skills include broad industry knowledge, data gathering techniques, advanced financial statement interpretation, and ratio analysis. Literature review also indicates that government organizations are relying more on financial analysts for gathering evidence and preparing summary reports for investigations, prosecutions, and court proceedings. Additionally, a demand exists for forensic accountants in private-sector companies to implement and monitor systems of internal control (e.g. fraud and enterprises risk management frameworks) and communicate threats to the FBI or Department of Homeland Security. While past research mainly includes retrospective analysis of terrorist financing, this paper will argue that forensic accounting will continue to be relevant due to technological change and shifting political, legal, and financial climates