Major Advisors: Suzanne Martin, Ph.D., Laura Blasi, Ph.D. Universities in the United States of America are faced with numerous challenges concerning quality assurance such as the quest for Continuous Quality Improvement. Implementation of technology has been a priority of many developing institutions of higher education. A large metropolitan institution of higher education has put into practice a technology based, on-line program quality assessment system, for its academic and administrative programs. This dissertation was a study of the changes reported over four years, 2001-2005, within ten initial teacher preparation undergraduate programs at the College of Education at this institution. Using a mixed method approach, this study addressed the following primary questions: 1. Since the system was introduced; a. Has the process of monitoring quality in the academic units changed? b. If changes have occurred in the program plans, how have they been documented and implemented? 2. What are the limitations/benefits of the system, as perceived by its users? This study is a case for its readers to understand the process of quality improvement as practiced in a college of education within a metropolitan university.

This thesis examines the apparent discrepancy in success between Iran and North Korea when it comes to developing nuclear weapons. Both states at one time sought to acquire nuclear weapons for internal political and external security reasons. But whereas North Korea successfully detonated its first atomic bomb in 2006, Iran was pressured into an agreement in 2015 which put significant restraints on its nuclear programme. This thesis finds that there were multiple contributory factors that lay behind these differing outcomes. Specifically, it finds that while both nations had similar motivations to acquire nuclear weapons, their economic/military capabilities and the external pressure against their ambition differed in one case from the other. The ability of North Korea to deter a potential military attack from the United States together with the regime's ability to rely on its Chinese and South Korean partners for diplomatic protection as well as its own brutality towards its own population played the key role.

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of alternative middle school programs utilizing a longitudinal, mixed methods design and was driven by research questions which analyzed trends in attendance, discipline, and Standard of Learning test pass rates in history and science for 8th, 9th, and 10th grade. It also examined student perceptions concerning preparedness for high school, skills previously taught, transition to high school, and relationships with peers and adults. Data on attendance, discipline, and SOL scores were collected from 34 students from the 2009-2010 8th grade cohort who attended one of two alternative middle schools. Attendance data indicated a decrease in the number of absences each year from 8th – 10th grade, ranging from two days to 53 days per student. Discipline data reflected a drop in discipline referrals, each year, from 8th to 10th grade. The greatest improvement in discipline, indicated by a decrease in per student referrals, occurred between 9th and 10th grade. History SOL results indicated a pass rate that remained between 70% - 71% for grades 8-10. The test results for the science SOL showed a drop in number of students passing from 8th to 9th grade and increasing from 9th to 10th grade. An analysis of interviews with twelve students found that they perceived their alternative middle experience as having a positive effect on relationships, both with peers and adults, and a desire to graduate. They attributed an improvement in relationship skills and ability to select positive relationships with alternative middle school attendance. Students consistently noted small class size, as experienced in the alternative middle school, as an influence on both behavior and achievement. Students previously considering dropping out of school felt their alternative middle school experience had contributed to their changed mindsets and goals. Overall this study indicated that students attending the alternative middle school for 8th grade perceived their experiences as providing greater social rather than academic preparation for high school. In addition, best practices are similar for high school and middle school alternative programs.

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to research strategies of successful afterschool programs and their effectiveness in promoting student achievement and closing achievement gaps. Many afterschool programs have boasted of their ability to improve student achievement. Some students who participated in afterschool programs have shown an increase of improved academic performance. However, studies have indicated that students are still performing below grade level on national and state curriculum standards. Data have shown that fifth graders across the state ofGeorgiaare struggling in math, social studies, and science. Effective academic afterschool programs may have assisted struggling students in raising their Criterion Reference Competency Tests (CRCT) scores. Afterschool programs have the ability to help students socially, emotionally, culturally, behaviorally and academically. The variables addressed in the study are (a) program effectiveness, (b) student motivation, (c) parental involvement, (d) successful program structure, (e) student attendance, (f) student involvement/ socialization, (g) climate of the program, and (h) student expectations. Data were gathered using observations, face-to-face teacher interviews, document analysis, teacher questionnaires, and student questionnaires. The sample was 24 (18 students from school A and 6 students from school B) fifth grade students in two select afterschool programs whose CRCT data were compared to students in the same school but do they did not attend the afterschool program. The comparison group was 18 fifth grade students from school A and 15 fifth grade students from school B. The CRCT test data revealed how well students may perform on standardized tests even if they do not attend the afterschool program. Although CRCT test data were used to help determine the effectiveness of the afterschool program in improving academic achievement in fifth grade students, there may be other factors that contributed to student success. The fifth grade students were selected because they are mandated to takeGeorgia’s standardized CRCT. In mostGeorgiacounties, if students do not pass all parts of the CRCT, they will not be able to move on to the next grade level. The results revealed that students in the study enjoyed attending the afterschool programs. After review of the CRCT data, it was determined that most of the study participants and the non-study participants mostly met or exceeded in reading and math. School A had an adequate study group of 15 students. School B only had four students’ CRCT test scores. Two students in school B scored below grade level in math. The study also revealed that there may be other factors as to why students perform well on the CRCT.

Transitioned perinatally HIV-infected patients may be at increased risk for poor outcomes, yet the impact of transition and of transition programs on health are not well understood. This research examined: (1) post-transition mortality, (2) engagement in adult HIV care, (3) transition experiences, and clinical and sociodemographic influences, including transition program exposure. Data were collected from patients who had transitioned from a Florida pediatric clinic to adult HIV care between January 2003 and September 2012. Post-transition mortality and care engagement were assessed in a retrospective analysis of medical record data. Fisher exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for significance testing. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated to assess strength of associations. Stratified analysis controlled for confounding. Transition experiences were examined in a mixed-methods study, with qualitative data from a computer-assisted survey subjected to thematic analysis. Of 51 transitioned patients, nine (18%) had died by May 2014, five (56%) in the first post-transition year. Of 42 survivors, 33 were eligible; 27 (82%) provided consent. Post-transition mortality was high, particularly in those severely immunosuppressed (CD4 count <100/mm3; RR =6.0, 95% CI =1.88-19.19 [P=.005]) at transition. When controlled for CD4 count, employment was associated with decreased (adjusted RR= 0.19; 95% CI=0.04-0.88 [P=.02]), and high school non-completion with increased (adjusted RR= 3.0; 95% CI=1.37-6.40 [P=.07]) mortality risk. The number of kept HIV appointments decreased from last pre-transition (Median = 5, IQR 4-6) to first post-transition (Median = 2, IQR 1-10; P=.002) year; the proportion of poorly engaged increased from 3% to 35% (P=.006), with no significant changes between first and second post-transition years. Non-Hispanic black and low-income participants were less likely to be regularly engaged in adult HIV care one year post-transition. Transition program exposure did not significantly affect mortality or care engagement. Most of 27 received transition services, but 59% had trouble doing well in adult care. Needs for patient-centered care, with caring, personal patient-provider relationships and accessible HIV care, characterized post-transition experiences. This research suggested that transitioned perinatally HIV-infected young adults are at risk for poor health outcomes. Systematic programs using a socio-ecological framework to include multi-level interventions and post-transition support may improve outcomes.

Introduktion: Mobbning är ett av våra största folkhälsoproblem. Mobbning är något som påverkar inte bara barn i skolåldern utan kan även leda till psykisk ohälsa och ett riskbeteende hos vuxna vilka blivit utsatta för mobbning under uppväxten.Syfte: Litteraturstudiens syfte är att undersöka vilka faktorer som får ett preventionsprogram mot mobbning i grundskolan att fungera, vilken effekt de har samt hinder vid implementeringen. Metod: En systematisk litteraturstudie har valts som metod. Totalt 10 vetenskapliga artiklar är inkluderade i studien utefter relevant information om syftet. Fyra teman har valts: Lagar, policys och engagemang, modern teknik och upplägg, tidsfaktorer och resurser. Resultat: Preventionsprogram mot mobbning har visat sig vara effektiva. Införandet av lagar och policys ger en bra grund för motverkan av mobbning i skolan. Hjälpmedel för elever, via filmer, spela spel och föra diskussioner kring mobbning har ökat empatin. Dock finns det begränsningar då inte alla länder har samma ekonomiska förutsättningar eller infrastruktur. Slutsats: Införandet av lagar och policys skapar en bra grund för länders arbete för att motverka mobbning i skolan. Preventionsprogram mot mobbning kan ses som komplement eller arbetas in som fristående program för att minska mobbning och främja den psykiska hälsan. Lärare och skolpersonal behöver få undervisning och kunskap kring mobbning, dels för att kunna vara behjälpliga i situationer när mobbning uppstår och dels för att kunna säkra och stärka en trygg skolmiljö. / Introduction: Bullying is one of our biggest public health issues. Bullying affects not only children of school years but can also result in psychological ill-health and risk of developing risk behaviors in adulthood for those who were bullied while growing up.Aim: This literature review identifies factors contributing to effect prevention programme against bullying in primary and secondary school. Method: A systematic literature study has been chosen as the method for this study. A total of 10 scientific articles are included in this study, selected based on relevant information related to the aim. Four themes arose from the analyses: laws, policies and engagement, modern technology and arrangement, time factors and resources. Result: Prevention programmes against bullying can be effective. With a foundation of laws and policys helps prevent bullying in school. Learning resources for students, for example movies shown in classrooms, boardgames and conversations about bullying have increased empathy among the students. However, there are limitations as not all countries have the same economic conditions or infrastructure. Conclusion: The introduction of laws and policies offers good grounds for countries in their work to prevent bullying in schools. Bullying prevention programmes can be seen as a complement or incorporated as independent programmes to reduce bullying and promote mental health. Teachers and school staff need to be further educated and gain more knowledge about bullying, both to be of help in situations when bullying occurs and also to be able to secure and strengthen a safe school environment.

Doctoral students and graduates of the program in Higher Education, Division of Higher Education, North Texas State University, enrolled during the summer semester of 1980 were selected as the sample for the study. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the doctoral program by (1) determining doctoral students' and graduates' experiences and reactions to the program, (2) measuring the extent that perceptions about the program by students differ from or are similar to those of graduates, (3) comparing these findings to an earlier study by Brice (19 74), (4) presenting conclusions and recommendations based on the findings of the study which could aid in the administration of the doctoral program, and (5) providing information for planning new program policies or supporting those already in existence.

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Latinx population is growing rapidly, however, they are falling behind in educational attainment. In Tennessee, 17% of Latinx adults have earned an associate degree or higher, compared to 32% of all adults. This study focuses on improving Latinx students' access to STEM higher education in the Northeast Tennessee region. A survey was conducted among Latinx students who identified legal, financial and social challenges as barriers in their journey to higher education in STEM fields. An innovative collective impact model is proposed as a solution for this socially complex problem. Early data shows positive effects of the initiative.

Master’s thesis deals with issues of personal management in multinational companies, evaluation of company’s strategy success rate, management and international manager’s performance assessment. Furthermore, investments into manager’s development are evaluated and cultural standards of Czech rep. and France are compared. Based on research, suggestions, which might be useful for future development of company and its managers, are listed in the final part of the thesis.