Laura A. Lowe

Generation NXT: Building Young Engineers With LEGOs

This paper describes key success factors for the implementation and development of a LEGO robotics engineering outreach program for elementary school students in West Texas. The outreach program not only aims at getting young students excited about engineering but at the same time aims at improving retention rates among electrical and computer engineering freshman-level college students by involving them as paid mentors. It particularly takes into consideration the rural character of West Texas, which provides hardly any electrical and computer engineering job opportunities, and the fact that a university with a college of engineering serves as academic hub for the area.

Using the Child Behavior Checklist in Assessing Conduct Disorder: Issues of Reliability and Validity

To determine the reliability, validity, and usefulness of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and its supplements in the identification of conduct disorder, an extensive review of the literature cur rently available on the CBCL and its supplements was conducted. Research revealed that the CBCL and its supplements were reliable and valid. The extent of knowledge concerning its use fulness in detecting conduct disorder was somewhat limited; however, the available information suggested that the instruments were highly sensitive to the disorder, if not particularly specific. The CBCL and supplements are useful tools in social work practice, including the identification of conduct disorder, if used in combination with other assessment instruments.

The Effectiveness of Wilderness Adventure Therapy Programs for Young People Involved in the Juvenile Justice System

ABSTRACT This study examines a sample of 35 male children and adolescents involved with a northeastern district of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Subjects who participated in wilderness adventure therapy programs are compared to those who participated in group home programs. The study examines the rates of recidivism among the subjects within each group. Pearson correlations, t-tests, and ANOVA were used in the data analysis. No significant differences were found in recidivism rates.

Defining Social Work: Does the Working Definition Work Today?:

The components of the working definitions constellation that makes up social work practice are examined. This article suggests that the working definition, as stated, is not appropriate today. It is suggested that it is not the knowledge and methods of social work practice but the values and purpose underlying social work that define it. It is emphasized that the definition of social work should be inclusive of different attitudes and opinions, yet limited, avoiding the incorporation of other problem issues. Furthermore, it is suggested that the definition, if inclusively stated, can remain constant through time and environment. It is also suggested that alternatives have been offered that may be more appropriate in the current environment of global awareness and sensitivity. More inclusive statements, although allowing for growth and change in the profession, do not necessitate change in the definition itself.

Preventing Dating Violence in Public Schools: An Evaluation of an Interagency Collaborative Program for Youth

Abstract Many communities offer programs aimed at improving teen dating skills and knowledge about violence and sexual behavior. This research study evaluates one such program, operated by an interagency collaborative. Each of four participating community agencies provided one hour of curriculum during one week of health class. Lecture, group activities, and films were used in the intervention. A 0 X 0 design was used to examine changes in knowledge and attitudes among 74 students. Results indicate that most students began with fairly high knowledge levels and appropriate attitudes. Nevertheless, the program did appear to have a positive impact on those who exhibited less knowledge about and more tolerant attitudes toward exploitive dating behaviors at pre-test. Implications of results for the school context are discussed.

Service Learning Collaborations: A Formula for Reciprocity

Service learning offers opportunities for both educational institutions and the community. To demonstrate the possibilities this pedagogy can offer, this article discusses a service learning experience partnering students with a hospice agency. Using mixed methodology, impact on students, patients, and staff are examined. Results indicate that students improved their attitudes toward the elderly, and death and dying; they also believed the experience caused personal and professional growth. Interviews with patients highlighted the importance of relationships and recognition, and staff identified benefits to students, patients, and the hospice agency. The conclusion is made that service learning is best perceived in a light of reciprocity and that this method of engagement offers opportunities for educators and practitioners. Finally, some tips are given for practitioners interested in developing such collaborations.

Specialized Social Work Education: The Case for Social Work With Offenders

In the past, social workers have taken a lead in working with individuals involved with justice agencies and advocating for system change. Despite the fact that offender populations continue to increase in size and need, today there appears to be minimal involvement in this system by social workers. Using a mail survey of 400 social workers belonging to one of two U.S. professional organizations, we explore the impact of social work education on the likelihood of professionals choosing to practice with criminal offenders. Results indicate that social workers exposed to offender issues through specific coursework or offender internships during education are more likely to choose to work in justice settings. Implications of these findings for social work education are addressed.

Residential Treatment for Sexually Abusive Youth: An Assessment of Treatment Outcomes

Objective: This research study assesses the effectiveness of participation in a multimodal/holistic residential treatment program on changing deviant sexual interests and functional impairment among sexually abusive youth. Method: A one-group pretest posttest design was utilized to examine pretest (intake) and posttest (discharge) scores for 58 youth between the ages of 9 and 18. Outcome measures included Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) and the Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest—Adolescent (AASI). Results: The results indicate significant improvement from pretest to posttest scores. Length of stay was not found to influence these impacts. Conclusions: The applications of these results to understanding the effectiveness of residential treatment for sexually abusive youth and the assessment of treatment outcomes for these youth are explored and discussed.

Academic Librarians’ Attitudes about Civic-Mindedness and Service Learning

Although discourse on the civic engagement of libraries as institutions is plentiful, there has been little discussion of librarians as individuals. Librarianship is more than being a trustee of information. It includes responsibility for the common good. Libraries provide tools for education on social and political issues, but they can also collaborate in activities that improve well-being in their communities. Participating in service learning is one way that librarians on academic campuses can get involved. This study used a standardized scale to measure civic-mindedness among academic librarians and examine characteristics and activities, including service learning, related to variation in its scores. Results indicated that although most respondents made financial or service contributions, the group mean on the civic-mindedness scale was only moderate. Librarians who volunteered, had interest in service learning, or participated in community activities were more civic-minded than professionals who did not. Implications for the profession are discussed.