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  The Influence and Evolution of Cultural Competence in K12 Classroom Practice, Handbook Content, and Discipline Policies

  Twyla Baylor

  Classrooms are becoming diverse nationwide. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2022), the cultural demographics of elementary and secondary high school classrooms consisted of white, black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, Alaska Native, and two or more unidentified cultures. Therefore, teachers, administrators, and staff must create an environment that embraces cultural competence. Also, it is important to remember "when a teacher displays cultural competence, they demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of cultural differences and take action accordingly" (Macqueen et al., 2020, p.116). This study focused on two questions. First, if I surveyed a k12 public school classroom teacher about their perception of the evolution of cultural competence in classroom practices, in what ways would the information alter my understanding of how teachers view cultural competence? In addition, If I reviewed the handbook and policies of a k12 public school, would the policies and handbook information reflect cultural competence, and in what ways, if any, would my understanding be altered about incorporating cultural competence in a handbook and discipline policies? My thoughts regarding the importance of cultural competence in classroom practice and policies were not changed. Cultural competence is necessary to ensure that all students have equitable access.

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  What Determines Investement into Fine Arts Programs in Public High Schools: An Action Based Pilot Study

  Tiandra Bland

  The problem addressed by this study was that the investment in fine arts programs in public high schools is not clearly understood or represented in current research and literature. Determining if the investment is related to funding resources, equity issues, or other issues, might reveal important information about how public high schools invest in their fine arts programs. It could help future administrators or researchers understand how public high school fine arts programs are valued. District and school functionality is determined by how budgets are distributed and allocated to specific programs. Participant roles are important as to they determine fiscal use in schools. Their power is different but important. Sample size may be a limitation due to the representation of two groups.

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  An Exploration of Dress Codes in Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs

  Klaire Brumbaugh and Allison Edwards

  This investigation utilized a mixed methods approach to explore dress code policy in one Midwestern master’s in speech-language pathology program. The dress code was policy was analyzed. In addition, two faculty members participated in a semi-structured interview. Findings suggest that the dress code is intended to be accepting of individuality which is supported by the diverse faculty body.

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  Examining the Self-Reported ACE Scores and Anxiety Levels in Student Teachers: An Action Based Pilot Study

  Alicia K. Green

  This mixed-methods pilot study examined Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and anxiety in student teachers. Data were collected electronically using the ACE questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS21), and six open-ended questions. Results indicate that participants report anxiety and ACEs. This study implies further research is needed on student teachers.

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  Individual Placement and Review Committee Process: Perceptions of Parents of Students Who are Both Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Autistic

  Elyza Z. Polsky

  The purpose of this mixed methods action research pilot study was to examine the parent’s perceptions about participation in the Individual Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process for their deaf/hard of hearing and autistic child. A survey and interview revealed a lack of inclusion by the school of the parent.

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  Exploring the Effectiveness of Employee Job Performance Evaluations in Connection with Job Satisfaction: An Action Based Pilot Study

  Ashley Shannon

  The problem addressed by this study is that a connection between employee job performance evaluations for hourly employees and the influence of the leadership feedback provided to the employee may have a negative impact on their job satisfaction. Performance appraisal is defined as the process of identifying, evaluating, and developing the work performance of the employee in the organization, so that organizational goals and objectives are effectively achieved while, at the same time, benefiting employees in terms of recognition, receiving feedback, and offering career guidance (Islam & Rasad,2006).

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  Manifestation Determination Review Procedures: Are District Guidelines Followed and are the Expressive and Receptive Language Skills of the Student Considered?

  Joan Turner

  This action research pilot study’s purpose was to investigate exclusionary discipline in schools for students with dis/abilities and Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) practices. The researcher created a protocol to answer the following research questions:

  1) If I review 2 manifestation determination meeting documents using an evaluative tool based on district standards, in what ways, if any, will I find evidence that expressive and receptive language of the student were considered?

  2) If I review 2 manifestation determination meeting documents using an evaluative tool based on district standards, in what ways, if any, will I see how district guidelines were followed during the meeting?

  The researcher collected qualitative and quantitative data from two MDR documents from the same student in a rural school district in the Midwest. The findings indicated district guidelines were not always followed and that expressive and receptive language skills of the student were partially considered. This pilot study informed the larger field of research on exclusionary discipline practices for students with dis/abilities.