College of Education – FY 2005 Research Abstracts
SCHOOL OF APPLIED HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (SAHEP)
Evaluation of the Oklahoma State Parks System
The researchers will develop and implement a statewide recreation needs assessment incorporating a scientific survey. They will identify characteristics, needs, wants, opinions, and usage patterns of the expected population. The researchers will also develop and implement a statewide Geographic Information System (GIS) database of public and private outdoor recreation space. This GIS database will be utilized in planning and is designed to be made available to the general public. A benchmarking survey of five comparable government park systems nationwide ascertains industry standards, best practices, and funding methods. The evaluation will result in an action plan incorporating all these elements and future operational recommendations with corresponding cost-benefit analyses.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
PIs: Lowell Caneday, Deb Jordan
College of Human Environmental Sciences/Bureau for Social Research: Christine Johnson
Data collected from up to 18,000 participants in selected Oklahoma public schools (the largest U.S. study to date) will focus on two key areas: 1) experiences of children with special needs in regard to bullying, and 2) a comparison of central administration, principals, teachers, and students to see whether they have the same perceptions about the occurrence of bullying in their schools.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Department of Health through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
PI: Patricia Hughes
Programs offered will address the career interests of graduate students in this region interested in preparing for academic careers. Participants include students from OSU’s five doctoral psychology programs housed in SAHEP in the College of Education and in the Psychology department in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as students from five partner institutions (Langston University, the University of Central Oklahoma, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University).
Sponsor: American Psychological Association
PI: Sue C. Jacobs
This contract reimburses OSU for instruction included in specified continuing education programs.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society
PI: Jerry Jordan
Project CREATES conducts research on transforming teaching and learning as teachers and artists develop and deliver high-quality academic instruction infused with high-quality arts instruction for students attending high-risk schools in the Tulsa community.
Sponsor: Barthelmes Foundation
PI: Diane Montgomery
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR-UP)
A comprehensive five-year program called GEAR-UP utilizes diverse public and private two-year and four-year institutions, a state agency, non-profit community-based organizations, and Tulsa Public Schools. As a main objective, the program works with approximately 1,200 middle school students and encourages them to stay in school, study, and prepare for college or vocational training.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Education
PI: John Romans
Practicum Programs
Programs provide students with pre-professional clinical experience.
Sponsor: Associated Centers for Therapy, Inc.
PI: Teresa Bear
Sponsor: Stillwater Medical Center
PI: Tona Palmer
Sponsor: Stillwater Public Schools
PI: Terry Stinnett
Sponsors: Payne County Youth Services, Stillwater Domestic Violence Services
PI: Carrie Winterowd
SCHOOL OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES (SES)
Defense Ammunition Center (DAC) Training Evaluation Plan Development and Implementation
Researchers developed a custom training evaluation plan for current, in-person training, as well as the design, delivery, and effectiveness of current and future electronically-delivered training. Implementation and evaluation of the plan will occur at various DAC facilities. The project has also included the review and selection of a learning management system along with the development of scorm-based instructional design.
Sponsor: Defense Ammunition Center/SI International, Inc.
PIs: Sandra Goetze
SES: Laura Barnes, John Curry, Kerri Kearney, Stacy Otto, Catherine Sleezer
CIED: Tom Collins
This project evaluates the peer education HIV prevention-intervention programs at targeted women’s prison sites.
Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Oklahoma State Department of Health
PI: Adrienne Hyle
This project evaluates the peer education HIV prevention-intervention programs at targeted men’s prison sites.
Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Oklahoma State Department of Health
PI: Adrienne Hyle
Assessment of Comparison of Perceived Sleep Quality and Comfort Based on Selected Durations of Bedding System Use
This study will attempt to: 1) assess sleep and comfort among selected durations of bedding systems use, 2) compare stress and sleep quality among selected durations of bedding system use, and 3) ascertain the break-in period for new bedding systems. Results of this study may enable bedding system manufacturers to more accurately predict system longevity and will enable consumers to choose bedding systems with more confidence and accuracy.
Sponsor: International Sleep Products Association
PI: Bert Jacobson
Oklahoma Center for Community Education
The Center endeavors to increase accountability of community education programs in Oklahoma through assessment, communication, and training. The Center works in partnership with a consortium advisory council made up of group members to implement the effort. The training includes institutes, workshops and teleconferences, baseline assessment information, an electronic newsletter, and a webpage. Updating the Community Education Practitioners’ Handbook and developing a final report on the status of Community Education in Oklahoma will complete the project.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Department of Education
PIs: Bert Jacobson
SES: Deke Johnson, Director
NASA Aerospace Education Services Program
Through this program, Oklahoma State University administers the activities of the Aerospace Education Services Program (AESP) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which provides teachers, students, NASA Explorer Schools (NES) as well as the general public nationwide with information about NASA’s latest programs and research. OSU disseminates information through teacher workshops, demonstrations, and lecture programs provided by 35 education specialists, 12 NES Coordinators and eight Digital Learning Network (DLN) Coordinators based at 10 NASA space flight and research centers across the nation. Specifically, the program provides for aerospace education community involvement programs; assistance to NASA Explorer Schools; courses and workshops for elementary and secondary school teachers and pre-service teachers; assistance with curriculum enhancement and development activities at the national, state, and local levels; presentations for delivery on education television and radio; presentations for civic clubs and professional organizations; special services at science and technology centers; and professional development programs for aerospace specialists. This national program offers a number of these activities in selected inner city areas.
Sponsor: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
PI: Steven K. Marks
NASA Teaching from Space Cooperative Agreement
Under a contract with NASA, Oklahoma State University is responsible for the general administration of the Teaching from Space Program (TFS). This program provides logistical support for curriculum development, support to Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers (NEAT), education product development, education payloads and operations for the Space Shuttle and the international Space Station, and education conferences associated with the program.
Sponsor: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
PI: Steven K. Marks
Aerospace Education High School Summer Academy
The OSU Aerospace Education High School Summer Academy makes it possible for 30 students who are between their sophomore and junior years or junior and senior years in high school to engage in active study of aerospace education concepts. This experience provided on-campus classroom activities, as well as regional field trips to study the impact of aviation and space exploration on society.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
PI: Steven K. Marks
This project seeks to increase the number of American Indian teachers in the U.S. by providing training funds (tuition, fees, and books) to eligible students to enable them to complete requirements for teacher certification.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Education/Tenskwatawa, Inc.
PI: Margy McClain
A previous program developed and pilot tested an evaluation needs assessment that was disseminated to community-based organizations, State Health Department employees, and regional members of community planning. This continued effort will focus on strategic planning and conducting outcome evaluations for two clinics that are implementing prevention case management programs.
Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Oklahoma State Department of Health
PI: Catherine Sleezer
SCHOOL OF TEACHING AND CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP (STCL)
Students from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska will visit the OSU campus to present projects in a regional competition in science, mathematics, and engineering.
Sponsor: Academy of Applied Science
PI: Caroline Beller
Vitalizing Electromagnetic Concepts to Obtain Relevancy: VECTOR
Researchers will develop and implement a two-course sequence in electromagnetics based on proven teaching methods. The project aims to make electromagnetics curriculum relevant to students, utilize modern engineering tools and techniques to teach fundamental concepts, pipeline students into the electromagnetics-photonics curriculum, and evaluate VECTOR as a test-bed for future development of exemplary curricular materials.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
PIs: Richard Bryant
Electrical and Computer Engineering: Charles F. Bunting, James C. West, R. Alan Cheville
Geometry: Visualization and Manipulation for Understanding
Researchers conduct week-long professional development workshops on visualization and manipulation for understanding of geometry in order to improve the content knowledge of mathematics teachers from high-need LEAs at two different locations in the state. Both workshops provide teachers the opportunity to work with the latest technology and geometry software and to incorporate those technologies and other geometric models with appropriate lesson plans and assessments based on the PASS objectives. Scientifically-based research techniques measure the workshops’ impact on student achievement.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
PIs: Darlinda Cassel, Stacy Reeder, Juliana Utley
Langston University: Betsy Showalter
University of Central Oklahoma: Adele Hanlon
Preparing Inclusive Personnel Partnership Project
This project prepares children and youth with disabilities to meet challenging state standards and make successful transitions to adult life through the establishment of a sustainable model of personnel preparation and professional development. The partnership with Perry Public Schools redesigns content and delivery of pre-service personnel preparation programs for general/special educators and related service providers.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Department of Education
PIs: Bob Davis, David Yellin
SAHEP: Terry Stinnett
Professional Development Institute for Mentor Teachers
Oklahoma State University's College of Education, in collaboration with Stillwater Public Schools, provides Coaching Skills for Effective Teaching, a funded program to prepare mentor teachers in the state's Residency (induction) Program to effectively support first-year teachers. The program works with approximately 100 educators throughout the state.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation
PIs: Leah Engelhardt
Stillwater Public Schools: Diana Leggett
Textual Scaffolds for Beginning Readers: What Differences Do They Make in Developing Specific Literacy Behaviors and Eventual Reading Autonomy?
This study will examine the effects of beginning reading materials, using decodable or leveled test. The findings will allow teachers to selectively choose either format based on students’ needs. The results of the study will determine: 1) if a choice between formats produces the intended effect—autonomy—by the end of second grade, and 2) how these formats affect literacy behaviors over two years.
Sponsor: The Spencer Foundation
PI: Heidi Anne Mesmer
OSU Writing Project
An affiliate of the National Writing Project, the OSU Writing Project is a collaborative school-university program dedicated to improving the quality of instruction in elementary and secondary schools through staff development training for teachers. The OSU Writing Project offers a summer institute for classroom teachers who want to improve their own writing skills and involve their students in more writing activities. Teachers must apply to the summer institute and those accepted receive a stipend towards tuition and books. Participants study current theories of teaching writing and share their own best practices. The 2004 project was the 13th in a row to be funded by the National Writing Project, Berkeley, California.
Sponsor: National Writing Project
PIs: Margaret Scott
English: Carol Moder, Britton Gildersleeve
Career and Technology New Teacher Induction Process
This service and research grant uses collaborators among ODCTE, 22 technology centers, and Occupational Education Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma and OSU. Working as a team with local administrators, a local instructional mentor, and a higher education representative, first-year teachers identify strengths, challenges, goals, and strategies in order to move from surviving to thriving in development of the skills for effective teaching.
Sponsors: Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, Local Technology Centers
PI: Mary Jo Crawford Self
Star Schools-The New Millennium: Improving Math and Science in Middle Schools
A principal component of OSU's Star Schools project focuses on integrating technology into math and science instruction. Specifically, the program will utilize the World Wide Web to deliver materials and models to train teachers in: 1) use of digital information storage and management, 2) use of office productivity software, 3) use of educational software packages, 4) use of multimedia production tools, 4) effective WWW searching strategies, 5) use of digital communication tools, 6) web development, and 7) appropriate use of information technology tools in the classroom.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Education
PIs: Susan Stansberry
Center for Science Literacy: Bruce Ackerson
Mathematics: James R. Choike
Microbiology: Brian Decocq
Geology: James Puckette
Chemistry: Mark Rockley
Computer Science: Blayne Mayfield
Rural Alliance for Improving Science Education (RAISE)
RAISE seeks to enrich the learning environment of 6th-12th grade students while providing OSU graduate students with first-hand opportunities to experience the teaching profession. Graduate students (RAISE Fellows) pair with 6th-12th grade science teachers. The interdisciplinary area of Geographic Information Science (GISci) serves as the focus for fellows and teachers to develop innovative science curricula. Summer workshops were offered in July 2004. Dissemination of lesson plans and other materials developed by fellow/teacher teams will occur regionally through summer institutes and nationally through a project website.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
PIs: John Steinbrink
Geography: Thomas Wikle, Joel Helmer
Professional development workshops focus on strategies for teaching adults in the areas of reading, learning disabilities, work-based education, family literacy, assessment of basic skills, English as a second language, and other relevant adult education and literacy topics.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Department of Education
PI: Paige Braughton
National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM)
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education-Rehabilitation Services Administration, the NCRTM, supports the collection and dissemination of human resource development materials created by the national vocational rehabilitation community. The Clearinghouse, established at OSU in 1961, reaches an international audience of rehabilitation practitioners and counselor education programs, special educators, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, and community rehabilitation programs. Its library contains more than 7,000 titles of printed and audio visual materials on topics related to people with disabilities. It provides document delivery, reference, and research services to the national rehabilitation community.
Sponsor: U.S Department of Education
PI: Charles Feasley
A Professional Development Institute on Algebra and Its End-of-Course Assessment
The project delivers professional development to middle school algebra teachers emphasizing content, pedagogy, equity, and assessment. The program uses student-centered, learning-by-discovery, classroom-ready lessons to demonstrate and model the training. Project goals are to: 1) provide training on strategies in content, pedagogy, equity, and assessment that are effective in helping students learn algebra at high levels; 2) illustrate how student assessment information can be used to make instructional planning more effective; and 3) train teachers on strategies that promote personal professional growth by means of leadership, peer coaching, and self-reflection training. Project goals will be accomplished with a five-day Summer Institute, follow-up meetings, and extensive support during the academic year by means of the USDOE-funded “Algebra for All” website.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
PIs: Gayla Hudson
STCL: Susan Stansberry
Mathematics: James R. Choike
STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
ACE-ing Your Future in Education
Academic Commitment to Education (ACE) encourages: 1) high school students to focus on a teaching career, 2) minority students to enter the teaching profession, and 3) students to specialize in high-demand teaching areas.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
PIs: Bob Davis (STCL)
Student Academic Services: Cathy Orsack