Teaching English language learner students in US mainstream schools: Intersections of language, pedagogy, and power

This study explored to what extent two groups of mainstream teachers in the midwestern region of the USA with differing degrees of English Language Learner (ELL) specific universitypreparation reportedly engaged in practises that incorporated the native languages (L1) of ELL students in instruction. The study further examined specific strategies reported by mainstream teachers in promoting L1 use in instruction as well as challenges identified in implementing this practise. The study utilized a mixed-method design that included analyses of survey data from a quantitative study (n=227) and qualitative analyses of teacher discourse from course documents and open-ended survey questions. Findings indicated that while both groups of teachers reportedly engaged in practises that promoted L1 use in instruction to some extent, teachers with at least three courses of ELL-specific university preparation appeared to engage in these practises to a much greater extent than those without such preparation. This paper explores the implications of results from this study for teacher education programmes in the USA with the responsibility of preparing teachers to effectively serve growing numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse student populations

VARIABILITY IN GROWTH, PIG WEIGHTS AND HOG MARKETING DECISIONS

Variability in pig growth is an intrinsic characteristic of swine production. The optimal marketing strategies are identified to minimize the negative economic impact of variability for a typical all-in-all-out swine finishing facility using a recent pricing matrix and data featuring swine production in the Midwestern region. Our results show that compared with marketing all pigs from a 1,020 head barn on the same day, marketing pigs in six truckloads on different dates as groups of pigs grow to more optimal size significantly improves the profitability of production as variability increases. This finding is in line with recent producer response to new pricing matrices that prove stronger price incentives for marketing more uniform pigs. We also find that studies on optimal marketing strategies without taking into account variability in pig weights can result in exaggerated optimal marketing weights and profits of production. Growth variability management and marketing strategies continue to be essential to the economic viability of the swine industry.Marketing,

Leadership Development in a Midsize Nonprofit Midwestern 0rganization

This action research project addresses the leadership development challenges of a midsize nonprofit in the Midwestern region of the United States. By looking at the first two phases of the program offered, the state of information on other similar organizations leadership development efforts, the state of information on mentoring options, and the application of Kouzes and Posners [2012J leadership theory of Exemplary Leadership, the project lays out the plan for the third phase of development

The Correlation between the Season of Birth and Early Child Development in Healthy Children: Evidence from the Midwestern Region of the United States: A Pilot Study

Background and Purpose: Research has been conducted in countries like Japan and China assessing the impact of various factors on gross motor development. One variable that has been researched and discussed within studies in other countries is the relationship between gross motor development and birth season. This study aimed to address the impact of birth season on gross motor development, specifically within the Midwestern region of the United States. There is limited research regarding this topic within the Midwestern region of the United States. Materials and Methods: Parents of 114 children completed self-reports on their children’s gross and fine motor development using age-appropriate questions from the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Parents were provided with an online survey version of the ASQ. Data was based upon closed-ended questions and analyzed using the percentages of responses for each category. Results: Findings indicate that of the sample, winter born children scored higher on gross motor development and fall born children scored higher on fine motor development aspects of the ASQ than their counterparts born in other seasons. Conclusion: While statistically significant correlation cannot be drawn from these results, the trend observed is in agreement with other similar research. Further research should be conducted to look at other factors that may coincide with or have greater impact on motor development than birth season

The Agricultural Economics Profession at 100 Years: A Profile and Projections for the Future

Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

FOOD RETAILING CONSOLIDATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Agribusiness,

The Iowa African-American Journal, Winter 2002/Spring 2003, Vol. 8, no. 2

Newsletter for the Iowa Commission on the Status of African-American