Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2008. / Adviser: Lisa A. Dieker. Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-136).

The number of students dropping out of school is reaching crisis proportions. Compensatory alternative high schools are successful intervention programs for dropout prevention and school social workers offer services in these schools to support students at-risk of dropping out of school. The potential benefits of meditation as an intervention for this population have not been studied and this study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness meditation as a cognitive-behavioral strategy to help alternative high school students improve social and behavioral functioning. Participants were 35 alternative high school students in Grades 10 through 12 (N = 35; 19 boys and 16 girls). The research design in this study used both quantitative and qualitative methodology. Concept Mapping, a mixed-method approach, developed by Trochim (1989) allowed quantitative statistical analysis of qualitative data. In addition, teacher ratings and narrative qualitative data were also collected and analyzed. Concept Mapping yielded eight clusters reflecting the conceptual domain of student perceptions of the changes from the mindfulness meditation intervention: Improved Stress Management, Enhanced Self-Awareness, Enhanced Emotional Coping, Enhanced Ability to Pay Attention, Improved State of Mind, More Time Spent Being Calm, Improved School Climate, and Enhanced Student Engagement. Particularly important for students was the potential for meditation to relieve stress and to improve school climate. Students may value certain meditation benefits over others based on gender, age, or grade. Student behavioral and emotional strengths showed a statistically significant increase following the intervention as evidenced by teacher ratings on the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale (BERS-2)/Teacher Rating Scale. The mean for the Pre-Intervention ratings of students (M = 90.03, SD = 11.42) was lower than the mean Post-Intervention ratings of students (M = 100.60, SD = 13.28), t(27) = -3.97, p < .001. Qualitative analysis yielded two overarching themes: the benefits and the challenges of mindfulness meditation for students. Meditation is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that allows vulnerable students to enhance psychosocial, cognitive, and behavioral strengths. / text

This study is an exploration of the possibility of pedagogical partnership between low socioeconomic public high school principals and their classroom teachers for the purpose of advancing critical thinking skills and critical consciousness development in their students. This study will explore the viability of these partnerships through the perspectives of associate superintendents, principals, and teachers. The exploration will seek to determine the participants’ willingness to partner pedagogically, their readiness to advance critical thinking and critical consciousness development in their students, and their perception of district and state policies that might help or stand in the way of such development. / text

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

No description available.

A Comprehensive Career Needs Survey was designed to assess the career needs of junior high and senior high school students. The survey consisted of questions regarding students, teachers, parents, counselors and administrators evaluation of career education and support needs in Southern Alberta. Due to the recent research that suggests that adolescent perceptions of their needs, often differ from teacher or parent perceptions, it was important to examine how adolescents perceive "career" and "occupation" and how this perception evolves overtime and through developmental stages. Quantitative results show that the themes of "occupation" and "career" do not differ significantly across grade level, nor are there any prevalent themes within grade levels. However, the results of the qualitative research suggest that the way in which individuals think about these themes does evolve throughout developmental stages. Based on this research, it is suggested the Career Education begin earlier, be more integrated and comprehensive. In addition, increased adolescent involvement in future needs assessments is also recommended. Implications for teachers and counselors will be discussed. / ix, 108 leaves ; 28 cm.

Thesis (Ph. D. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Language, Literacy, and Sociology)--Vanderbilt University, May 2008. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (PhD)--Macquarie University, Australian Centre for Educational Studies, School of Education, 2008. / Bibliography: p. 159-177.