IN DEFENSE OF OFFERING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Education and training play major roles in the lives of older adults. They serve preventive, facilitative, remedial, and preparatory functions. In this paper we present demographic changes related to education, outline motives and educational needs of older adults, examine the role of education in reducing the decline in mental functioning, discuss the need to engage underserved segments of the population, and offer suggestions for designing educational programs for older adults.     

Online learning: a strategy for social responsibility in educational access

Socially responsible educational development issues include examination of whether students in diverse situations have access to educational programs. Within a global society that supports equal opportunities for individuals, issues of access to educational content have merit at both individual and societal levels. A framework for thinking about social responsibility in educational access three primary areas is examined. These include (a) meeting the needs of underserved populations, (b) preparing for and capitalizing on diversity, and (c) using access to build society. Online learning offers one viable strategy for social responsibility by providing significant benefits in the areas of educational access for underserved populations, exposure to and experience with diversity, and building social communities through shared electronic communication.     

TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES,EFFICACY, AND WORRY AMONG VOLUNTEER OMBUDSMEN IN NURSING FACILITIES

Training and educational activities for volunteers are thought to benefit both the volunteers and the organizations they serve. Questionnaire data from 754 volunteer ombudsmen in nursing facilities ( M = 69 years of age) were used to test hypotheses about relationships between initial and in-service training, assessment of initial training, preferences for eight specific training and educational activities, demographic characteristics, efficacy, and worry about performing ombudsman tasks. A positive assessment of early training, rather than actual training, contributed directly to greater efficacy and less worry. In-service training enhanced efficacy. Most preferences for training and educational activities were not associated with well-being, but when they were, expressed needs were related to less efficacy and more worry. From the practice standpoint, one focus should be on factors that increase feelings of efficacy, a powerful resource for well-being of volunteers and ultimately for those whom they serve.     

Leadership,partnerships, and organizational development: exploring components of effectiveness in three full-service community schools

Full-service community schools are viewed as an approach to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for underserved student populations. The realization of these goals, however, is not guaranteed. According to Richardson’s (2009) research-based model of highly effective community schools (HECS), the effectiveness of full-service community schools depends on 3 interrelated components: leadership, partnerships, and organizational development. This qualitative case study uses the HECS model to examine different levels of effectiveness among 3 full-service community schools in an urban district in the eastern United States. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of Richardson’s model for practice and research.     

Best Policies and Practices in Urban Educational Reform: A Summary of Empirical Analysis Focusing on Student Achievements and Equity

This article is a condensed report of a 3-year empirical study exploring best policies and practices of urban educational reform, focusing on 22 major urban school districts that were involved in the Urban Systemic Initiative (USI) program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. USI has been a catalyst for large-scale educational reform in mathematics and science. The model was based on 6 educational reform drivers: 4 process drivers (standards-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment; policy; resources; and broad-based support) and 2 student outcome drivers (student achievement and improvement of the historically underserved). Annual data from 21 USI sites were collected for up to 6 years (school years 1993–1994 to 1999–2000). Causal inferential models were explored among the process drivers (independent variables) and outcome drivers (dependent variables), linking policy implementation rubrics to quantitative student outcome data.     

Increasing Educational Attainment and Aspiration in an Underserved Community: The Perspective of Urban-Community Leaders

Latino students are significantly underrepresented in higher education. As the largest and fastest growing racial/ethnic population in the US, this is cause for national concern. Additionally, this rapid population growth is a call for community and school leaders from underserved communities to assess their service areas and focus on interventions to increase the college-going rates of youth. Maywood is a city located in Southeast Los Angeles. Like many other urban areas, Maywood’s largely Latino population is underrepresented in higher education. This research focused on interviewing Maywood’s community and school leaders (n = 24) to gain insight into their perceptions of their role and responsibility to address issues surrounding their community’s low levels of educational attainment. A key theme emerged revealing that leaders understand their community’s educational issues but do not see their role as leaders to directly address this issue to build a college-going culture. Implications for practice in strengthening community partnerships and developing a college-going culture are provided and a series of recommendations for the creation of a college-going culture are discussed.     

COMMUNITY COLLEGE TENURE: TEACH OR RESEARCH?

How responsible community colleges can help determine the degree to which they are serving the educational needs of minorities is the focus of this paper. The authors illustrate the importance of using US Census data and enrollment characteristics to assess how well colleges are serving the needs of all their constituencies. An example of how these data have been used for community colleges in one state is presented. The methodology discussed is seen as effective, however, only when such an assessment is used as the foundation upon which a complete package of services is provided to meet the needs of all students     

Do communities know best?: Testing a premise of educational decentralization: community members' perceptions of their local schools in Ghana

A central premise of the argument for greater decentralization of education in the developing world is that those closest to the school, e.g., community members, have a better understanding of local conditions and are in the best position to make decisions about the educational processes that best serve local needs. This study tested that premise by examining the extent that community members in rural Ghana demonstrated a clear understanding of (a) what school practices were indicative of an effective school and (b) what community members could do to most effectively support their local schools. Results were interpreted with respect to attitude theory, decentralization, and program evaluation. Implications of the findings for the decentralization movement, the professional development of headmasters, and the work of international development organizations are discussed.     

我国特殊需要儿童教育诊断评估的研究现状与发展趋势

教育诊断评估是特殊需要儿童教育的起点,也是特殊需要儿童教育质量的保障。本文对近十年(1997-2006)国内关于特殊需要儿童教育诊断评估的研究成果进行分析、梳理、总结、概括,探讨国内特殊需要儿童教育诊断评估的研究现状及发展趋势,从而为我国特殊需要儿童的诊断评估的发展、完善提供借鉴。目前我国特殊需要儿童教育诊断评估研究反映出四个特征、六个问题与六个发展趋势。     

A neglected dimension in service-learning pedagogy: developing projects from the perspective of rural community stakeholders

This article argues that a commonly neglected dimension in service-learning pedagogy is the consideration of community perspectives in developing these service- learning projects. Areas considered in this study were: (1) Community members’ needs and problems, (2) Community members’ perceived roles and participation, and (3) Community members’ suggested activities and projects. This article focused on the community members of Jaime Hilario Integrated School (JHIS), a Lasallian co-educational primary school located in Sitio Look, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines. Interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were the qualitative research methods used to identify possible service-learning projects that can be implemented by various educational institutions. Five implications were drawn from the gathered data. The first implication is that it is important for educational institutions to ensure that service-learning projects meet the needs of the community. Secondly, various sectors in the community have unique needs to be addressed. Thirdly, aside from the common economic, education, and social services problems, rural poor communities also need trainings on values formation and personal development. Besides the above, it is necessary that community members be involved in the initial planning and development of service-learning projects and not merely participate during the actual implementation. And lastly, given the poor understanding of community members on their roles and participation, clear explanation of the goals of service-learning projects is perceived as a way of strengthening the relationship between service-providers and recipients.     

Attitudes on Barriers and Benefits of Distance Education among Mississippi Delta Allied Health Community College Faculty,Staff, and Students

Online distance education creates increased opportunities for continuing education and advanced training for allied health professionals living in underserved and geographically isolated areas. The purpose of this article was to explore attitudes on barriers and benefits of distance education technology among underrepresented minority allied health students. It also addressed potential issues to geographic isolation that may contribute to the shortage of adequately trained health professionals in the Mississippi Delta. Community college students, faculty, and staff of Mississippi Delta allied health programs were interviewed about their experience, barriers and benefits to participation, and self efficacy with distance education. Four focus groups meetings with 34 participants were conducted to understand perceptions of community college students and professionals about distance education. Exposure to and experience with online and distance learning format, frequent Internet usage, and plans to matriculate to a four-year university are significant factors when examining attitudes on barriers and benefits. Faculty and staff perceive that community college students would be more confident during discussions in an online environment; that an online class will reduce out-of-pocket educational expenses; and online learning will save time by making all course materials accessible from one webpage. Attitudes on benefits to distance education should be evaluated to assess whether distance education programs meet the needs of the students in underserved areas.     

Teacher factors and perceived assessment practices needs of social studies teachers in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study evaluated perceived assessment practices needs among social studies teachers in Cross River State, Nigeria, in relation to some teacher factors (attitude towards social studies, sex, teaching experience and educational qualification). Subjects who participated in this study were 297 social studies teachers (144 males and 153 females) from 116 secondary schools in the state. Teacher Classroom Assessment Practices Needs Questionnaire (TCANQ) and Teacher Attitude towards social studies Inventory were used for data collection in the study. Cronbach coefficient alpha of .81 and .93 were obtained as estimate of construct validity and internal consistency reliability for the Teacher Classroom Assessment Practices Needs Questionnaire and the Teacher Attitude towards social studies Inventory respectively. Independent t-test, one way analysis of variance and Pearson Product Moment correlation were used to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that gender and teacher qualification significantly influence perceived assessment practices needs of social studies teachers. Significant positive relationship was observed between years of teaching experience and expressed assessment practices needs; and between attitude towards social studies and assessment needs. It was concluded that factors such as years of teaching experience, attitude towards social studies, gender and educational qualification significantly influence social studies teachers perceive priority needs in assessment practices.     

Better Allocating University Resources to Create On-line Learning Environments for Non-Traditional Students in Underserved Rural Areas

This article details one university’s efforts to develop graduate courses and programs to better serve the needs of the increasing non-traditional student population in underserved rural areas. A detailed overview is presented, along with the strategic planning outcomes achieved. We hope this article will initiate dialogue among higher education professionals on ways to better meet the academic needs of non-traditional students in underserved rural areas. Erinn D. Lake earned a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.A. in Communication Studies from Edinboro University and a D.Ed. in Administration and Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is the Assistant Vice President for University Planning, Institutional Research, and Continuous Improvement at Edinboro University. Andrew J. Pushchak earned an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Youngstown State University. He is an Assistant Professor for the Educational Leadership Program in the Department of Professional Studies at Edinboro University.     

PERCEPTIONS OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY ABOUT THE NEED FOR GERONTOLOGY TRAINING

America is aging, and quickly. Among the educational institutions that could address this critical issue, none are better suited than community colleges. Community colleges not only educate students but also respond to the emerging needs of the communities they serve. Previous studies have shown that few community colleges have developed an agenda for addressing the impact of aging on our society and that faculty and administrators may not be aware of the potential for expanding aging‐related programs. This study reports the responses of 703 community college faculty representing a broad variety of disciplines and educational backgrounds. As expected, the majority of faculty had little previous training in aging, included no aging content in existing courses, and were uncertain as to whether to include aging content in other courses that they taught. This uncertainty, however, must be tempered by the fact that 61% of the responding faculty were interested in attending a basic training program in aging. Such community college faculty interest and participation could enhance the introduction of aging materials into existing curricula and expand their other educational activities that would ultimately benefit older persons in the community.     

The Global Education Reform Movement and Its Effect on the Local African American Community

This conceptual research paper explores educational reformation through the theoretical work of Appadurai (1996) and Castells (2000) in the flows and connectivity of global networks. It discusses the global, national, and local effects of the neoliberal ideological reformations in education and their effects on the African American student population from underserved communities, specifically drawing from the author’s experience as a high school teacher in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Competition between nation-states and the creation of a so-called model minority have led to a rise in accountability measures in education, resulting in a high-stakes testing regime. The unintended negative consequences of these reformations belie the educational preparation for a student in the global sphere, leading to the further marginalization of African American students in underserved communities.     

Book review of Personas Mexicanas: Chicano High Schoolers in a Changing Los Angeles

Science Education and Student Diversity: Synthesis and Research Agenda (Lee &; Luykx, in press) analyzes and synthesizes current research on how racial/ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic variability affects science achievement among K-12 students who have traditionally been underserved by the education system. The book begins with science achievement gaps among diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. After describing the methodological and other criteria for inclusion of research studies, it summarizes major findings in the literature with regard to the relation of science achievement gaps to science curriculum, instruction, assessment, teacher education, school organization, educational policies, and students' home and community environments. Finally, it proposes a research agenda to strengthen those areas in which the need for a knowledge base is most urgent, as well as those that show promise in establishing a robust knowledge base.     

Legal and educational perspectives of equity in assessment

Equity in assessment concerns all educational authorities and practitioners. While educators commonly consider issues of equity in terms of accommodations for students with special needs, or addressing cultural difference, equity issues in educational assessment have emerged outside these bases. This paper examines equity assessment issues, drawing predominantly on case history from the United States of America (US) with examples from Australia and England, to demonstrate areas that may draw legal consideration. The discussion shows that the legal standard to establish inequity is high and sometimes illogical from an educational perspective. The paper is intended to assist understanding of legal implications of educational assessment in order to reduce the likelihood of legal claims and the resultant redirection of valuable resources from educational provision. The discussion is also intended to broaden thinking on matters that impact on the provision of equitable educational and assessment opportunities for all students.     

LIFELONG LEARNING IN NIAGARA: IDENTIFYING THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

The impact of increasing numbers of retirement communities throughout North America, and specifically the Canadian province of Ontario, has led to the examination of the educational needs of this community‐based, age‐segregated population. A needs assessment of retirees residents in Heritage Village, a retirement community located in the Niagara region of Ontario, was conducted to explore the specific educational interests of this particular population. In addition, the most suitable educational approaches, environments, and learning mediums of residents were examined. Five focus groups, each having approximately 6 participants, were conducted with residents. Groups were organized according to maturity (young or old), residential history (within or out of region), and marital status (married or single/windowed). Most participants were found to be interested in education for leisure and personal development, the latter specifically around health maintenance and quality of life. The educational approaches that were most comfortable with participants centered around adult learning theory. Because transportation was a problem for some participants, on‐site learning in the Heritage Village clubhouse was suggested by many. Experiential learning within a social environment, such as a field trip, was a popular medium discussed, whereas computer learning was seen as less attractive. What is clear is that residents understand their learning needs and delivery systems within the context of the larger retirement community with which they identify through affiliation. Strategies to appropriately plan and implement older adult educational programs specific to an elderly population living in a retirement community are discussed.     

Connecting the Classroom and the Community: Exploring the Collective Impact of One District–Community Partnership

This study explored how one district–community partnership, comprised of seven nonprofit community partners that serve five elementary schools in a single urban school district, improved community literacy. This collective case study used semi-structured interviews to investigate the perspectives of 17 partners and analyzed student assessment data. Results revealed greatest benefits for first grade students and a need for consistent district leadership. This research is viewed through Hanleybrown, Kania, and Kramer’s (2012) collective impact framework.