Connections Fall / Winter 2011-2012 Mark Your Calendar January 17 Spring classes begin January 30 Tarleton reception at TASA Midwinter Conference January 31 Effective Schools Project Conference – Spencer Henry February 16 Crystal Apple Society Dinner February 28 Effective Schools Project Conference – Allison Zmuda March 31 Texan Tour April 4 Fantastic Field Day April 16 Effective Schools Project Planning Retreat May 3 Cross Timbers School Development Council Spring Workshop May 4 Reflections ceremony for student teachers May 12 Spring commencement June 4 Summer classes begin Tarleton State University College of Education ® Preparing tomorrow’s professionals one student at a time Greetings from the Dean With this issue of Connections, we highlight faculty research that has an impact on people. The College of Education is recognized for excellence in applied research whether the setting is a laboratory, classroom, gym, school or clinic. Researchers solve problems, answer questions, and address needs, while both acquiring and applying knowledge. In this issue you will read about research on relieving the stress and anxiety of military spouses, identifying the needs of children with autistic spectrum disorder, decreasing heart disease among firemen and policemen, and identifying the characteristics of successful public school principals. The faculty research efforts described are representative of the scholarly efforts of many faculty in the college. Many exciting initiatives are also under way in all departments in the College of Education, and a sampling follows: the opening of a new Psychology Research Lab; the Counseling program faculty have begun working to achieve CACREP accreditation; training and webinars provided to a nation-wide audience by the American Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities; the establishment of the Clinical Exercise Research Facility, the creation of a partnership with Hamilton ISD to provide instructional support through pre-service teachers; and the creation of the Renaissance Scholars Program, a university-wide initiative to recruit and prepare academically talented students to become secondary teachers. We appreciate your interest in the activities of the College of Education and look forward to continued success in the new year. I am privileged to serve as Dean and invite your questions and suggestions. Dr. Jill Burk Tarleton’s Instructional Leadership Network Hosts Summer Institute In July, Tarleton’s Instructional Leadership Network hosted a Summer Institute for Secondary Schools. The conference included primarily the leadership team from Houston Lamar High School. Tarleton alum and principal of Lamar, Dr. James McSwain remembered the Effective Schools Project at Tarleton and asked the TILN to provide training for his campus leadership team. The institute was held at the Convention Center on Lake Granbury and a nautical theme seemed appropriate. The three-day training event had as its theme, “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude.” Participants were involved in sessions that focused on the following topics: brain-based learning for high school students, enhancing the instructional learning model, differentiation of instruction in 4G-using technology in the classroom, making use of data for the classroom, and supporting teachers in their professional development. The Summer Institute was such a success that the Tarleton Instructional Leadership Network plans to offer another summer event in 2012 that focuses on secondary schools, especially high schools. For dates and topics for the upcoming conference, please contact Dr. Pam Winn ([email protected]). Members of the visiting Houston Lamar High School Instructional Leadership Team give the TILN a thumbs-up for hosting the summer institute. Another TILN conference is planned for 2012. Inside Research on Effective Principals 2 Heart Disease Education and Fitness 2 Aid to Spouses of Deployed Military Personnel 3 Robert H Elliott Memorial Award presented 3 New COE Faculty 3 Technology to Aid Autistic Students 3 2011 Doctoral graduates 4
Transcript
ConnectionsFall / Winter 2011-2012
Mark Your CalendarJanuary 17
Spring classes begin
January 30Tarleton reception at TASA
Midwinter Conference
January 31Effective Schools Project
Conference – Spencer Henry
February 16Crystal Apple Society Dinner
February 28Effective Schools Project
Conference – Allison Zmuda
March 31Texan Tour
April 4Fantastic Field Day
April 16Effective Schools Project
Planning RetreatMay 3
Cross Timbers School Development Council
Spring Workshop
May 4Reflections ceremony for
student teachersMay 12
Spring commencementJune 4
Summer classes begin
Tarleton State University College of Education
®
Preparing tomorrow’s professionals one student at a time
Greetings from the DeanWith this issue of Connections,
we highlight faculty research that has an impact on people. The College of Education is recognized for excellence in applied research whether the setting is a laboratory, classroom, gym, school or clinic. Researchers solve problems, answer questions, and address needs, while both acquiring and applying knowledge.
In this issue you will read about research on relieving the stress and anxiety of military spouses, identifying the needs of children with autistic spectrum disorder, decreasing heart disease among firemen and policemen, and identifying the characteristics of successful public school principals. The faculty research efforts described are representative of the scholarly efforts of many faculty
in the college.Many exciting initiatives are also under way in
all departments in the College of Education, and a sampling follows: the opening of a new Psychology Research Lab; the Counseling program faculty have begun working to achieve CACREP accreditation; training and webinars provided to a nation-wide audience by the American Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities; the establishment of the Clinical Exercise Research Facility, the creation of a partnership with Hamilton ISD to provide instructional support through pre-service teachers; and the creation of the Renaissance Scholars Program, a university-wide initiative to recruit and prepare academically talented students to become secondary teachers.
We appreciate your interest in the activities of the College of Education and look forward to continued success in the new year. I am privileged to serve as Dean and invite your questions and suggestions.
Dr. Jill Burk
Tarleton’s Instructional Leadership Network Hosts Summer Institute
In July, Tarleton’s Instructional Leadership Network hosted a Summer Institute for Secondary Schools. The conference included primarily the leadership team from Houston Lamar High School. Tarleton alum and principal of Lamar, Dr. James McSwain remembered the Effective Schools Project at Tarleton and asked the TILN to provide training for his campus leadership team.
The institute was held at the Convention Center on Lake Granbury and a nautical theme seemed appropriate. The three-day training event had as its theme, “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude.”
Participants were involved in sessions that focused on the following topics: brain-based learning for high school students, enhancing the instructional learning model, differentiation of instruction in 4G-using technology in the classroom, making use of data for the classroom, and supporting teachers in their professional development.
The Summer Institute was such a success that the Tarleton Instructional Leadership Network plans to offer another summer event in 2012 that focuses on secondary schools, especially high schools.
For dates and topics for the upcoming conference, please contact Dr. Pam Winn ([email protected]).
Members of the visiting Houston Lamar High School Instructional Leadership Team give the TILN a thumbs-up for hosting the summer institute. Another TILN conference is planned for 2012.
Aid to Spouses of Deployed Military Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Robert H . Elliott Memorial Award presented . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
New COE Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Technology to Aid Autistic Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2011 Doctoral graduates . . . . . . . .4
Research Focuses on IdentifyingCharacteristics of Effective Principals
Dr. Pam Winn, associate professor in Tarleton’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, has been conducting research that focuses on the public school principalship. Dr. Winn has experience as an administrator in the public schools. The experience prompted her interest in studying the behaviors of effective principals.
Dr. Winn, along with her colleague Dr. Susan Erwin, assistant professor in Tarleton’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, have been working together, to identify the characteristics of a successful principal in public schools. Together they have collected data from nearly 800 participants from 2000 to present, from public schools in all regions in Texas.
Using the principal assessment data they have collected and analyzed, the characteristics of a successful principal
involve the following: good interpersonal skills, the ability to structure tasks, and involvement with staff functions.
These results characterize the traits of a successful principal and highlight the transition from a managerial principalship to a managerial/leader principalship.
Dr. Winn and Dr. Erwin have found that when principals incorporate the characteristics of an instructional leader with management skills they are significantly more successful in promoting students’ success on their campus.
A new focus that Dr. Winn is working on involves collecting data about instruction and teaching practices that are tied to improving student achievement. Each generation of learners is different and finding ways to improve student achievement is a high priority of all teachers. Dr. Pam Winn, Associate Professor
Heart Disease Analysis, Education Focus of Physical Fitness Research
Dr. Jennifer Blevins-McNaughton, associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology, earned her doctoral degree from Virginia Tech. While in graduate school, she developed an interest in heart disease which is the leading cause for deaths in the United States. This interest led her to establish a research focus in order to help decrease the number of people with heart disease and thereby increase their lifespan.
Dr. Blevins-McNaughton’s research has focused specifically on heart disease in firemen and policemen. These important individuals that serve our community need to be at optimal health. Her research has helped to decrease heart disease in these groups by helping them gain a better understanding of their physical fitness and how it relates to heart disease.
As a part of her research, Dr. Blevins-McNaughton administers a stress test that measures VO2 max (the amount of oxygen consumed to carbon dioxide released), a blood lipid test, and hearing and vision tests.
The research project has recently tested candidates from the Stephenville fire department. The first test conducted was a blood lipid test that checked for C-reactive
protein found in the blood. C-reactive protein is a deposit of protein that indicates the level of heart disease a person has at that given time.
Second, a stress test is given to measure the VO2 max using the new machine purchased by the College of Education for the Kinesiology Department this fall. This new machine uses air displacement while the test subject is on a computerized treadmill that evaluates cardiovascular endurance. Lastly, hearing and vision testing is performed.
After Dr. Blevins-McNaughton has acquired the information and set up a workout regimen for the firemen to help improve their cardio vascular endurance, the subjects are then tested again using the same techniques. At this time they are measured for improvement.
She hopes to encourage the firemen become more aware of the effect that heart disease can have on their lives.
The goals of Dr. Blevins-McNaughton’s research are to improve the knowledge of the students in the kinesiology department, improve the lives of the fireman, and provide the experience for students to become more successful.
Tarleton associate professor Dr. Jennifer Blevins-McNaughton (left) performs a test on a Stephenville firefighter to record VO2 max, which provides data to evaluate cardiovascular endurance.
2
Professor Uses Technology to Help Autistic StudentsDr. James Gentry, an assistant professor
in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, has focused his time and effort on working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research Dr. Gentry has been engaged in examined the needs and goals of children ages five to eight years old with ASD and then determined how technology applications could be used to help meet the student’s needs.
Dr. Gentry and his team work to identify the needs of each individual student, because every student with autism spectrum disorder is unique. After the team identifies the needs of each child, they work on a plan to address student learning needs with the use of technology to enhance the student’s comprehension and social success. The use of SMARTboards, computers, and other assistive
technology devices have been used as tools with children with ASD.
Dr. Gentry’s research has been particularly useful in Weatherford ISD at Mary Martin Elementary School. The success in this school has been attributed to the cooperation of parents and teachers in implementing the techniques assigned to each student.
Each student has a three-year plan for improvement with the overall goal of increasing communication and social skills.
Dr. Gentry plans to continue improving the effectiveness of working with children with ASD.
Each year he works with a new group of students with this disorder at Mary Martin Elementary School and with each group comes a new style or technique to use and improve the success of children with ASD. Dr. James Gentry, Assistant Professor
Tarleton’s College of Education held its annual Reflections ceremony, Dec. 9, and awarded the Robert H. Elliott Memorial Award to Stephen Thacker upon the completion of his student teaching practicum. Mr. Thacker graduated Dec. 17 with a bachelor of music with all-level music certification. He was selected for the U.S. Army Band program as a percussionist and reported for duty, Jan. 17. Pictured (l-r) are Dr. Gary Westbrook, Mr. Thacker, Dr. Teresa Davidian, Dr. Jill Burk, and Dr. Ann Calahan.
Valdez Hopes to Aid Spouses of DeployedMilitary Personnel Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Dr. Diana Valdez, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling, has been doing research focusing on the needs of military families. The purpose of her research has been to identify the kinds and levels of stress and anxiety in spouses of military personnel who have been recently deployed and then develop an appropriate therapy.
The stress and anxiety levels of a military spouse with a deployed or recently deployed partner has increased significantly. Dr. Valdez has been testing a theoretical framework for how to decrease stress and anxiety from spouses with deployed partners.
First, a group of 14 participants were recruited from the local community and placed in one of three groups. The first group
received six sessions of relaxation therapy, the second group received six sessions of clinical hypnosis, and the last group received no treatment.
Each group was tested for anxiety and stress levels during pre-treatment and will be assessed again after treatment.
Dr. Valdez has noted that the 14 participants recruited for this project have completed treatment for relaxation therapy and clinical hypnosis. Their stress levels will be assessed after these protocols.
Dr. Valdez’s hypothesis is that treatment one (relaxation therapy) will be more effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels and the implications for practice would suggest that such therapy could help spouses of deployed military personnel cope better. Dr. Diana Valdez, Assistant Professor
College of Education’s New Faculty Profiles This past year, we have welcomed
the following new faculty members to Tarleton’s College of Education:
Dr. Kylah Clark-Goff is a new assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction teaching English as a second language classes . Her Ph .D . is from Texas A&M .
Dr. Lisa Colvin is a new assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction . Her doctorate was earned at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor .
Ms. Shanan Fowler is a visiting instructor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction . She has earned a master’s degree in professional studies from George Mason University .
Dr. Julia Frink is a new assistant professor in the Department of
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies . She received her doctoral degree from Texas A&M .
Dr. Julie Merriman is a new assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling . She recently completed her doctorate at Texas Tech University .
Dr. Jan Parham is a new assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and coordinator of the TMATE program in Killeen . Her Ph .D . is from Texas State University .
Ms. Joy Royal s a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction . She is currently completing her doctorate at the University of North Texas .
3
Tarleton State UniversityBox T-0570Stephenville, Texas 76402
Mailing list provided by Tarleton’s Office of Advancement Services
Tarleton State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence through diversity .
NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDSTEPHENVILLE TX
76401PERMIT NO.
133
Tarleton STATE UNIVERSITY
Editorial StaffEditor: Don M. Beach • Graduate Assistant: Kevin Lewis
Graphic Production: Kurt MogonyePublished by the College of Education, Tarleton State University
®
The following represents the Spring 2011 recipients of doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership and the title of their dissertations:Joe Alcorta - Dissertation: The Impact of Community Traits, School Attributes, and Student Demographics on Student Achievement. (Chair: Dr. Dale Johnson)John Craft - Dissertation: A Closer Analysis of the Texas Projection Measure as a Method of Assessing Texas High School Academic Achievement. (Chair: Dr. Betty Jo Monk)Elizabeth Dalton - Dissertation: Relationship Between Professional Development Expenditures and Student Achievement. (Chair: Dr. Dale Johnson)Morris Drumm - Dissertation: University Presidents Leadership Frame and Giving. (Chair: Dr. Koy Floyd)Sandra Franklin - Dissertation: An Analysis of the Influence of AVID Program Opportunities on the Learning Outcomes Attributed to College Ready Graduates. (Chair: Dr. Don Beach)
Deborah Hamer - Dissertation: Single-Gender Versus Coeducation: A Study of Two Models of Educating Females. (Chair: Dr. Betty Jo Monk)Laurie McAdams - Dissertation: Congruence of Perceptions Among Texas Early College School Leadership Teams. (Chair: Dr. Betty Jo Monk)Scott McClanahan - Dissertation: An Analysis of Students’ Perceived Advance Placement Program Characteristics With Success in the Program. (Chair: Dr. Don Beach)Robin McDurham - Dissertation: A Comparison of Academic Achievement for Seventh and Eighth Grade Students from Montessori and Non-Montessori School Programs. (Chair: Dr. Don Beach)Kendra Strange - Dissertation: A Study of the Relationship of Student-Teacher Racial Congruence and Student Achievement. (Chair: Dr. Don Beach)John “J.J.” Villarreal - Dissertation: An Analysis of the
Relationship of Lean Performance Management Variables in Texas International Baccalaureate
Middle Years Program Schools and Student Achievement. (Chair: Dr. Don Beach)
Eleven proud graduates received their diplomas in May 2011 upon completion of their Doctor of Education program at Tarleton State University. Gathering for a photo prior to commencement are (l-r) Joe Alcorta, Robin McDurham, John “J.J.” Villarreal, Scott McClanahan, Morris Drumm, Kendra Strange, Elizabeth Dalton, Deborah Hamer, John Craft and Laurie McAdams. Not pictured is Sandra Franklin. Congratulations to Tarleton’s newest doctoral graduates!
