Friday, June 15, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Summer Fun
So, it has been a while.
As most of you know, as of July 1, I am employed by the Pangburn School District. I am VERY excited about the new possibilities this will bring.
We are in sunny Florida. A week or so ago we got to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis take flight. I lived in Florida for 20 years and never took time out to see this incredible waste of tax dollars. I mean, we are paying $3+ per gallon of gas and our government sees fit to spend our hard earned money on what? A multi million dollar mission to repair a broken down RUSSIAN space station. Neil Armstrong must be pissing in his Depends. It really was beautiful though.
Hopefully you will enjoy these pictures.
3...2...1...we have take off!
As most of you know, as of July 1, I am employed by the Pangburn School District. I am VERY excited about the new possibilities this will bring.
We are in sunny Florida. A week or so ago we got to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis take flight. I lived in Florida for 20 years and never took time out to see this incredible waste of tax dollars. I mean, we are paying $3+ per gallon of gas and our government sees fit to spend our hard earned money on what? A multi million dollar mission to repair a broken down RUSSIAN space station. Neil Armstrong must be pissing in his Depends. It really was beautiful though.
Hopefully you will enjoy these pictures.
3...2...1...we have take off!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
The Traditional Family as an Indicator of Student Success on Arkansas Benchmark Tests
This is my paper that some of you asked to see. I could not figure out how to import the actual word file so you won't be able to see the graphs, charts, etc. If you want to see it (which would be very flattering) just post a comment and I'll Email it to ya.
Got an A in the class by the way.
The Traditional Family as an Indicator of Student Success on Arkansas Benchmark Tests
Background
Many studies have been done to show a relationship between educational outcomes and family structure. Specifically, it is the intention of this study to examine the relationship between students living in a traditional family and the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment, and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) scores. Currently, the state of Arkansas requires “Benchmark Exams at grades 3-8, End-of-Course Exams in Algebra I and Geometry, and a Grade 11 Literacy Exam (ADE, 2006).”
The traditional family unit was described by Ginther & Pollak as “families in which all children are the joint children of both parents (2004, 672).” This researcher hypothesizes that students living in traditional families are expected to do better on seventh grade Benchmark Math and Literacy Exams. Furthermore, H0: there will be a statistical significance (α = 0.05) in students living with both their biological mother and biological father. The researcher has noticed from personal work experience that many students in the school district at hand do not live in traditional families. Mere curiosity led to the current study.
Method
Fifty (50) eighth grade students (26 male, 24 female) from an Arkansas delta middle school were given a survey asking their name and who they lived with (Table A1). Most students in the sample are from low income families. More than seventy-five percent of students in the district qualify for free lunch, therefore no students are charged for lunch. Fourteen students (28%) receive some type of special education services ranging from indirect to self contained services. This sample of eighth grade students by no means represents a general population of eighth grade students. There are very few affluent students (if any) in this sample. This will likely skew the results of the study.
Figure A1
Birth Mother/Birth Father
Choices in the survey included birthmother (BM), birthfather (BF), stepmother (SM), stepfather (SF), grandmother (GM), grandfather (GF), aunt (A), uncle (U), brother (B), sister(S), foster-mother (FM), foster-father (FF), adopted-mother (AM), and adopted-father (AF). There was also a space for students to add anyone with whom they live that was not listed on the survey. One student indicated that they lived with their mother’s boyfriend.
Students were insured that surveys would be kept secure but not anonymous. Furthermore, they were told that the only reason for putting their name on the survey would be to connect their survey with their test scores.
After surveys were given, Benchmark test scores were obtained from the previous (2005-06) school year. After scores were put on surveys, names were removed and the list was randomized to insure the students’ identity was removed from the surveys and test scores.
Results
All data analyses were performed using SPSS version 14.0 (SPSS 2005).
When surveys were tallied, the results were not promising. A larger, more diverse sample was clearly needed. As one with average intelligence can gather the range and standard deviation was all over the place for Benchmark Math & Literacy scores (Table A2).
Chi-Square test (Table A3) revealed that it is highly unlikely that in a normal population, the two groups, students living with both biological parents and students not living with both biological parents are not equally as likely.
It was my hope that this study could use a level of significance of 0.05. However, after running independent sample t-tests on SPSS software (Table A4), we would have to use p < 0.861. This is in no way ideal. The outcome of this study can be highly credited to sampling error. There are many other variables that were not or could not be tested. For example, SES data could not be collected because of liability issues with the school and students (even if they could) would not give out that kind of information with any reliability.
Pearson Correlation Coefficients (Table A5) were not significant in math or literacy when students living in traditional families were compared to students living in traditional families (r = 0.071 & r = -0.025 respectively). This suggests that living in a traditional family has little impact on Benchmark test scores.
Despite the hypothesis being rejected, the researcher still strongly holds to the belief that students living in traditional families do better on the Benchmark test for several reasons:
1. The sample was too small
2. The sample was taken from only one school district in the Delta Region of Eastern Arkansas
3. Many other variables were present that were not able to be tested.
Future studies in this area would benefit from including a more diverse selection of geographical regions of the state. This would be beneficial because it would include a wider range of students. A diversity of race, SES, and culture would give a more accurate picture of the problem. A researcher would need to have access to multiple resources including state databases; current census data; and many willing, honest participants.
Another limitation of the research is the fact that the Benchmark scores at the school are generally low (Math μM = 586.30 and μL 534.12). Future research would benefit from not only looking at Benchmark Scores but daily grades as well.
While no definitive results were found, this area is a wide open arena for the state of Arkansas. A more expansive study would be very valuable for educators. From that study, interventions for math and literacy could be derived and implemented for the benefit of the students of Arkansas.
Got an A in the class by the way.
The Traditional Family as an Indicator of Student Success on Arkansas Benchmark Tests
Background
Many studies have been done to show a relationship between educational outcomes and family structure. Specifically, it is the intention of this study to examine the relationship between students living in a traditional family and the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment, and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) scores. Currently, the state of Arkansas requires “Benchmark Exams at grades 3-8, End-of-Course Exams in Algebra I and Geometry, and a Grade 11 Literacy Exam (ADE, 2006).”
The traditional family unit was described by Ginther & Pollak as “families in which all children are the joint children of both parents (2004, 672).” This researcher hypothesizes that students living in traditional families are expected to do better on seventh grade Benchmark Math and Literacy Exams. Furthermore, H0: there will be a statistical significance (α = 0.05) in students living with both their biological mother and biological father. The researcher has noticed from personal work experience that many students in the school district at hand do not live in traditional families. Mere curiosity led to the current study.
Method
Fifty (50) eighth grade students (26 male, 24 female) from an Arkansas delta middle school were given a survey asking their name and who they lived with (Table A1). Most students in the sample are from low income families. More than seventy-five percent of students in the district qualify for free lunch, therefore no students are charged for lunch. Fourteen students (28%) receive some type of special education services ranging from indirect to self contained services. This sample of eighth grade students by no means represents a general population of eighth grade students. There are very few affluent students (if any) in this sample. This will likely skew the results of the study.
Figure A1
Birth Mother/Birth Father
Choices in the survey included birthmother (BM), birthfather (BF), stepmother (SM), stepfather (SF), grandmother (GM), grandfather (GF), aunt (A), uncle (U), brother (B), sister(S), foster-mother (FM), foster-father (FF), adopted-mother (AM), and adopted-father (AF). There was also a space for students to add anyone with whom they live that was not listed on the survey. One student indicated that they lived with their mother’s boyfriend.
Students were insured that surveys would be kept secure but not anonymous. Furthermore, they were told that the only reason for putting their name on the survey would be to connect their survey with their test scores.
After surveys were given, Benchmark test scores were obtained from the previous (2005-06) school year. After scores were put on surveys, names were removed and the list was randomized to insure the students’ identity was removed from the surveys and test scores.
Results
All data analyses were performed using SPSS version 14.0 (SPSS 2005).
When surveys were tallied, the results were not promising. A larger, more diverse sample was clearly needed. As one with average intelligence can gather the range and standard deviation was all over the place for Benchmark Math & Literacy scores (Table A2).
Chi-Square test (Table A3) revealed that it is highly unlikely that in a normal population, the two groups, students living with both biological parents and students not living with both biological parents are not equally as likely.
It was my hope that this study could use a level of significance of 0.05. However, after running independent sample t-tests on SPSS software (Table A4), we would have to use p < 0.861. This is in no way ideal. The outcome of this study can be highly credited to sampling error. There are many other variables that were not or could not be tested. For example, SES data could not be collected because of liability issues with the school and students (even if they could) would not give out that kind of information with any reliability.
Pearson Correlation Coefficients (Table A5) were not significant in math or literacy when students living in traditional families were compared to students living in traditional families (r = 0.071 & r = -0.025 respectively). This suggests that living in a traditional family has little impact on Benchmark test scores.
Despite the hypothesis being rejected, the researcher still strongly holds to the belief that students living in traditional families do better on the Benchmark test for several reasons:
1. The sample was too small
2. The sample was taken from only one school district in the Delta Region of Eastern Arkansas
3. Many other variables were present that were not able to be tested.
Future studies in this area would benefit from including a more diverse selection of geographical regions of the state. This would be beneficial because it would include a wider range of students. A diversity of race, SES, and culture would give a more accurate picture of the problem. A researcher would need to have access to multiple resources including state databases; current census data; and many willing, honest participants.
Another limitation of the research is the fact that the Benchmark scores at the school are generally low (Math μM = 586.30 and μL 534.12). Future research would benefit from not only looking at Benchmark Scores but daily grades as well.
While no definitive results were found, this area is a wide open arena for the state of Arkansas. A more expansive study would be very valuable for educators. From that study, interventions for math and literacy could be derived and implemented for the benefit of the students of Arkansas.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
200+ Brinkley Students Boycott Benchmark Testing
It was reported Wednesday that more than 200 minority students refused to attend school (it is benchmark week in Arkansas). They were led by a local minister. His reasoning was that there are not enough black teachers and administrators in the district. I agree with the superintendent:
"It is indeed a sad comment on our society when certain individuals use their children as pawns to further their own misguided political agenda. This is a personal issue and should not reflect poorly on the fine parents and students of the Brinkley school district. The person leading this action has a long, colorful history of these types of distorted antics."
This action will only hurt the school district because funds are allocated according to test scores. I think the minister responsible should be held liable. I think the Brinkley school district should bring it before a judge and fine all those involved for truancy.
If he is as intelligent as he thinks he is he should look at the number of minoritied who hold a masters and are certified to be an administrator that are in the area. Let's face it. Brinkley is in the delta. Delta schools do not pay as much. You do the math.
"It is indeed a sad comment on our society when certain individuals use their children as pawns to further their own misguided political agenda. This is a personal issue and should not reflect poorly on the fine parents and students of the Brinkley school district. The person leading this action has a long, colorful history of these types of distorted antics."
This action will only hurt the school district because funds are allocated according to test scores. I think the minister responsible should be held liable. I think the Brinkley school district should bring it before a judge and fine all those involved for truancy.
If he is as intelligent as he thinks he is he should look at the number of minoritied who hold a masters and are certified to be an administrator that are in the area. Let's face it. Brinkley is in the delta. Delta schools do not pay as much. You do the math.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
This is disgraceful...
Bryant Teacher Charged With Sexual Assault
Twenty five-year old Joseph Bresnahan is the Assistant Band Director at Bryant High School when he arrived on campus Tuesday morning, he was sent home, suspended with pay.
Tuesday afternoon, he was arrested at his home in Bryant on four counts of sexual assault. The victim was a 15-year old male student. Word of the arrest spread quickly as parents picked their kids up at Bryant North.
"Well, if it's true, they need to fire him and throw him in jail," says Randy Sanders.
Police say the assaults of the 15-year old boy occurred at Bresnahan's apartment in Bryant. Four separate assaults over three months and the last one occurred in recent days.
"It is very important for the parents to pay attention to their kids and start watching what they're doing and pay attention to their reactions to the phone calls they receive and so on," says Sgt. Harold Edmonson with the Bryant Police Department.
FOX16 knocked on Bresnahan's door, but no one answered.
"It's terribly shocking, I mean this is such a nice community, it's such a Christian faith based place, and it is shocking," says Jerry Bowers.
Bryant Police said it's the first time they've ever investigated an alleged sexual assault of a teacher against a student.
Randy Sanders says, "You wouldn't expect it to happen anywhere, but it seems like it happens everywhere. So you just deal with it, I've got a good kid, I'm not worried about her, but you never know."
"You know, of course it's disgusting that anybody in authority would do something like that, it's horrible," says Jerry Bowers.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed to FOX16 that it was the mother of the victim who alerted police Tuesday morning.
Bryant is not Joseph Bresnahan's first teaching job, after graduating from Harding University, he was a Band Director at Vilonia High School for three years.
He goes before a judge Wednesday morning.
Twenty five-year old Joseph Bresnahan is the Assistant Band Director at Bryant High School when he arrived on campus Tuesday morning, he was sent home, suspended with pay.
Tuesday afternoon, he was arrested at his home in Bryant on four counts of sexual assault. The victim was a 15-year old male student. Word of the arrest spread quickly as parents picked their kids up at Bryant North.
"Well, if it's true, they need to fire him and throw him in jail," says Randy Sanders.
Police say the assaults of the 15-year old boy occurred at Bresnahan's apartment in Bryant. Four separate assaults over three months and the last one occurred in recent days.
"It is very important for the parents to pay attention to their kids and start watching what they're doing and pay attention to their reactions to the phone calls they receive and so on," says Sgt. Harold Edmonson with the Bryant Police Department.
FOX16 knocked on Bresnahan's door, but no one answered.
"It's terribly shocking, I mean this is such a nice community, it's such a Christian faith based place, and it is shocking," says Jerry Bowers.
Bryant Police said it's the first time they've ever investigated an alleged sexual assault of a teacher against a student.
Randy Sanders says, "You wouldn't expect it to happen anywhere, but it seems like it happens everywhere. So you just deal with it, I've got a good kid, I'm not worried about her, but you never know."
"You know, of course it's disgusting that anybody in authority would do something like that, it's horrible," says Jerry Bowers.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed to FOX16 that it was the mother of the victim who alerted police Tuesday morning.
Bryant is not Joseph Bresnahan's first teaching job, after graduating from Harding University, he was a Band Director at Vilonia High School for three years.
He goes before a judge Wednesday morning.
Frank Warren In Little Rock
I am super excited about this event!!!!!!
Frank Warren
Saturday, April 21, 2007
10:00–11:00 a.m.
THE WORLD OF ANONYMOUS SECRETS
Frank Warren, The Secret Lives of Men and Women: A PostSecret Book (Culture/Sociology)It started as a community art project, and grew into the third most popular blog on the web. Warren’s postsecret.com has been called “a fascinating public airing of private thoughts.... The range of efforts (meticulous, sloppy, artful, ponderous) will astound you.” Come see what all the buzz is about.
Moderator: Leslie SingerMain Library, Darragh Center
BIO:In 2004, small business owner Frank Warren began asking people to write down a secret and mail it to him anonymously, on a postcard. Postsecret.com, the community art project that resulted from Warren’s request, now attracts over 3 million visitors per month and is ranked as the third most popular blog on the web. Warren’s latest hardcover compilation of postcard secrets is THE SECRET LIVES OF MEN AND WOMEN. Other titles include POSTSECRET and MY SECRET.
Frank Warren
Saturday, April 21, 2007
10:00–11:00 a.m.
THE WORLD OF ANONYMOUS SECRETS
Frank Warren, The Secret Lives of Men and Women: A PostSecret Book (Culture/Sociology)It started as a community art project, and grew into the third most popular blog on the web. Warren’s postsecret.com has been called “a fascinating public airing of private thoughts.... The range of efforts (meticulous, sloppy, artful, ponderous) will astound you.” Come see what all the buzz is about.
Moderator: Leslie SingerMain Library, Darragh Center
BIO:In 2004, small business owner Frank Warren began asking people to write down a secret and mail it to him anonymously, on a postcard. Postsecret.com, the community art project that resulted from Warren’s request, now attracts over 3 million visitors per month and is ranked as the third most popular blog on the web. Warren’s latest hardcover compilation of postcard secrets is THE SECRET LIVES OF MEN AND WOMEN. Other titles include POSTSECRET and MY SECRET.
Monday, March 12, 2007
This Guy Dosen't Even Deserve to Be Alive!
Man Electrocuted While Trying to Steal Copper
March 11, 2007--Posted at 12:40 pm CST
WIDENER- Authorities say a man trying to steal copper from highline electric poles was electrocuted when he touched a live wire.
36 year-old Terry Padgett of Shell Lake, died overnight Thursday. His body was spotted on U.S. 70 near Widener by a motorist, who alerted St. Francis County authorities.
When deputies arrived, they discovered Padgett had been holding a long pole with a cutter on the end. Investigators said downed wire cut from other poles was found nearby.
Copper theft has been a problem for more than a year because of high prices paid at scrap yards.
March 11, 2007--Posted at 12:40 pm CST
WIDENER- Authorities say a man trying to steal copper from highline electric poles was electrocuted when he touched a live wire.
36 year-old Terry Padgett of Shell Lake, died overnight Thursday. His body was spotted on U.S. 70 near Widener by a motorist, who alerted St. Francis County authorities.
When deputies arrived, they discovered Padgett had been holding a long pole with a cutter on the end. Investigators said downed wire cut from other poles was found nearby.
Copper theft has been a problem for more than a year because of high prices paid at scrap yards.
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