Yvette Q. Getch

Asthma and the School Teacher: The Status of Teacher Preparedness and Training

The increasing number of children with asthma in the nation’s schools necessitates an examination of the preparedness of teachers in the care and management of children with asthma. This article reports the findings of a random sample of 291 public elementary school teachers regarding the knowledge and perception of the training they have received on asthma and its management. Data from this study suggest that teachers are not adequately prepared to assist children with the management of asthma in the classroom. Implications for school nurses on assisting teachers with asthma management are provided.

Teacher Capability and School Resource Scale for Asthma Management

This paper presents the design and evaluation of the Teacher Capability and School Resource Scale for Asthma Management. Based on a sample of 589 kindergarten to eighth grade teachers, the scale yielded two factors: the Teacher Capability in Social and Emotional Aspects of Asthma Management factor (α = 0.83) and the School Resources/Institutional Capability for Asthma Management (α = 0.86). This scale fills a needed gap in the literature regarding assessment tools for school-based asthma management that focus on teacher efficacy.

Teacher Asthma Management and Information Seeking Scale

This article presents the design and evaluation of the Teacher Asthma Management and Information Seeking Scale. Based on a sample of 593 kindergarten to eighth grade teachers, the scale yielded two factors: the Asthma Management (= 0.90) and the Information Seeking Factor (= 0.71). This scale fills a needed gap in the literature regarding assessment tools for school-based asthma management that focus on teacher behavior.

Sexuality education for students who are deaf: Current practices and concerns

A questionnaire was sent to all the Deaf Schools in the U.S. including State Deaf Schools, Private Deaf Schools, and Public Schools that were listed as having a program specifically for students who are deaf. Ninety-two questionnaires were mailed and 76 were returned for a response rate of 83%. The questionnaire elicited information regarding current practices in sexuality education including materials used, mode of communication, media materials utilized, topics covered, and the instructors perception of the quality of materials being used. Results indicate that teachers are spending more than 2 hours per week modifying materials for their sexuality curriculum. Most of the respondents expressed concerns about obtaining materials that are accessible and appropriate for students who are deaf, developing an overall curriculum, obtaining materials for students who have multiple disabilities, and obtaining materials that do not require modification before they are used with students who are deaf.

Feelings of Family Caregivers

In recent years, more attention has been given to caregiving for persons with disabilities and/or chronic illness. Research has been conducted on different aspects of caregiving and the impact the acts of caregiving have on the person providing care. While there are many facets of family caregiving that could be investigated, this chapter will focus upon the feelings of family caregivers, what we currently know about the feelings caregivers experience, the direction of future research, and the implications for improving the quality of life for caregivers and the recipients of caregiving services.