Improving Support Service Decision-Making: Consumer feedback regarding updates to VISTA

This study provides data from 73 educational team members who used an updated version of the Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA) to assist them in planning educationally necessary support services for 11 students with multiple disabilities in general education classes. These data provide evaluative consumer feedback about changes in VISTA based on limitations identified through previous research. The results indicated that the changes were perceived positively by consumers, particularly related to overall quality, practicality, and more substantive involvement of parents and general education teachers in support service decision-making. Study respondents also identified areas in need of continued improvement in VISTA. Implications for future research, development, and practice are discussed.     

Development and evaluation of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) best care practices in long-term care online training program

ABSTRACT

We developed online training modules focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) designed to improve best care practices in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, as a part of a federal grant focused on improving geriatric education for interprofessional (collaboration among different professions providing patient care) team members working in primary care settings. Faculty and clinicians with ADRD-expertise created and implemented an online asynchronous “ADRD Best Care Practices in Long-Term Care” program that includes audio-visual recorded presentations, a threaded case study, and supplemental information. Prior to enrolling in the course, participants complete a demographic survey and a modified 15-item version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale. After completing the modules, participants complete a satisfaction survey and the ADKS. A total of 94 participants completed both the pre- and post-surveys. Satisfaction evaluation data showed that the majority of participants reported that the information presented was very clear (74.5%), was useful for their work (88.3%), and would improve the care that they provide to their geriatric patients (93.6%). Out of 15 possible.     

Urban teachers’ implementation of SRSD for persuasive writing following practice-based professional development: positive effects mediated by compromised fidelity

Reading and Writing - Writing allows access to venues often limited by poverty, disabilities, and geography. Promoting writing skills can create bridges to overcome the isolation that often keeps...     

Ambidexterity lost? Compromising innovation and the exploration/exploitation plan

Although innovation is central to a firm's success and a top priority for most technology managers, firms commonly report disappointment that innovation outcomes do not match their original plans. This paper examines the difference in intended innovation and realized innovation using an exploration/exploitation framing. Its focus is on changes to defined innovation plans that occur after planning phases end. Extant literature and field research form the basis for hypotheses that are then tested using a large scale survey of an entire population of small and medium-sized high-technology enterprises (SMEs).Findings of compromised exploration in favor of exploitation, during the development phase, is quantified. Firms divert resources away from novel emergent exploration and into existing product development, thereby undercutting innovation plans. Intended innovation, established during the planning stages, is found to be compromised.Our hypotheses, that agency and resource dependence underpin a shifting between explorative and exploitative development, have support. The paper's theoretical contributions include the application of novel agency and resource dependence perspectives onto innovation. It informs ambidexterity research by indicating where, how much, and why erosion in the balance of exploration/exploitation occurs and provides new avenues for research into low innovation outcomes.     

Bolstering students’ written argumentation by refining an effective discourse intervention: negotiating the fine line between flexibility and fidelity

Instructional Science - Effective interventions are needed to bolster students’ argumentation capacities, an area in which they consistently struggle. Quality Talk (QT) is an approach to...     

Education Is the "Core" Problem That Industry Must Face

The question of formulating an educational policy has secured limited attention since 1951. The acute engineering shortage of 1955-1956 gave industry food for thought. Disclosures of the progress made by the U.S.S.R. alarmed our military and congressional personnel. The launching of Sputnik I awakened large segments of the public to the inadequacies of the national treatment of educational matters. There is need to look ahead. Responsible scientists have foreseen tripling of world population by next midcentury; food production, resource utilization, and energy production must be brought to levels to permit life at desired standards. The most critical element necessary for all this is adequate technical manpower. There is a need for about three times the number available at present rates of growth. The solutions require such magnitude of effort and support that joint endeavors by government, industry, and educators must be found.