Volume 2, Issue 2, 2008

International Baccalaureate programs are designed to prepare graduates who can do well in their post-academic careers. This study was designed to find out what IB graduates from one urban high school perceived as to the influence on college credits, college choice and/or college major and career opportunities? A survey was used to collect their perceptions. Fifty IB graduates received the survey. Thirty-two responded. Ten percent were interviewed. Results showed that the program had significant influence on their careers. The quality and the benefit of the program were above average. There were a relationship between their careers and pursuing international studies program in college. It was recommended that the urban high school’s Board of Public Education recruit more students to their IB programs. Full Article
 

Infusing media training into a course in school-community relations
Anthony Harris

Abstract
Both ISLLC (Standard 4) and ELCC (Elements 1.5, 4.1) emphasize the importance of school-community relations in advanced leadership programs and as an element of effective school leadership. The inclusion of such standards is based on the notion that schools that communicate effectively and maintain good relations with the community are likely to receive the support of the community. One way to help ensure effective communications by school leaders is to ensure that they have the necessary skills to effectively communicate with the public (Fiore, 2006). This article discusses an approach one professor uses in aiding aspiring superintendents in becoming more media savvy.  Full Article

The Use of Video Feedback and Semi-Structured Interviews for Reflection Among Pre-service Teachers   Sandy Kimbrough, Jason Davis, Leah Wickersham

Abstract
A variety of feedback strategies, including video feedback, have been employed to provide accurate and meaningful feedback to pre-service teachers about their own teaching. In addition, semi-structured interviews following teaching sessions can serve as an opportunity for self-analysis of desired teaching behaviors. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of video feedback and semi-structured interviews following teaching sessions for physical education pre-service teachers. Self-confidence and positive perceptions about their own teaching resulted and all participants improved in several target behaviors (use of feedback and use of student names) from the first round to the second round of teaching.  Full Article

A Statistical Decision Tree for the Helping Professions
Van Wiesner, Daniel G. Eckstein, Chi-Sing Li,Raymond Zepp

Abstract
A decision tree is presented for assisting students and practitioners in the helping professions in determining the best-fit statistical method to use in research. By following a series of focused questions, the user will select the most appropriate statistical procedure through this process. Examples of various procedures are drawn from current literature and comments are offered on the use of the statistics. Specific functions within Microsoft EXCEL are also identified. Three supplemental Internet statistical decision making tree resources will also be cited.  Full Article

Development and Validation of the Sex Education Confidence Scale (SECS)
Tara Tietjen-Smith, Rick Balkin, Sandy Kimbrough

 

Abstract
Sex education is a highly discussed, controversial topic in the literature. Instruments measuring knowledge about sexual health exist, but none measure how comfortable educators are teaching sex education. The purpose of this study was the development and validation of items for the Sex Education Confidence Scale (SECS). This Scale was intended for use with teacher preparation students and practicing teachers in health and physical education. Overall, the psychometrics of the SECS were quite sound, with evidence for internal structure demonstrated through strong factor loadings. Strong reliability estimates were evident on the three scales across a representative and diverse sample.  Full Article




The WISC-IV General Ability Index in a Non-clinical Sample
Gail M. Cheramie, Mary E. Stafford, Sarah S. Mire

Abstract
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV; Wechsler, 2003) yields a Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) based on ten subtests. An alternative global score, the General Ability Index (GAI), can be calculated when the profile meets certain criteria that involve variability with respect to the cognitive factors of working memory and processing speed. The prevalence of the GAI in clinical samples of children (e.g., students with learning disabilities and attention disorders) has been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of children who met the GAI criteria in a non-clinical sample and to determine which of the criteria used for the GAI are most frequently met. The results indicate the prevalence of meeting the GAI criteria is high in a non-clinical sample and similar to results obtained in clinical samples, most non-clinical students have a GAI score higher than the FSIQ. These results imply that the GAI cannot be associated only with clinical samples.  Full Article