Sylvia Fisher - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Sylvia Fisher
This study examined how young children entering mental health system of care services who were in... more This study examined how young children entering mental health system of care services who were involved with the child welfare system compared to children with no such involvement in (a) descriptive characteristics and (b) selected outcomes 6 months after entry into such services. The characteristics of the two groups were similar, although children involved in child welfare were exposed to more factors that put them at risk for mental health problems. Children involved with child welfare were more anxious or depressed, which suggests the need for early trauma assessment and trauma-informed services. Surprisingly, children involved with child welfare were more likely to have improved behavior compared to children not involved with child welfare, after other factors were taken into account. One interpretation suggested is that caregivers involved with the child welfare system experienced more oversight, support, and services (they reported receiving case management and family preserv...
A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College, in Florida, to determine the level of sati... more A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College, in Florida, to determine the level of satisfaction with college programs and general perceptions of their college experience among students who applied for graduation during 1991-92. Completed questionnaires were received from a total of 3,764 students. Study findings included the following: (1) with respect to 12 target competencies, 847. of the students were satisfied with their ability to read and understand college-level material, while 797. were satisfied with both their ability to think critically and their self-understanding; (2) with respect to 14 college services, over three-quarters of the respondents indicated that they were aware of the services, although approximately half had not used some of the services; (3) all of the services received satisfactory ratings of at least 80% except for job placement, which was rated as satisfactory by 68.3%; (4) 87.6% of the students rated the quality of instruction as good or excellent, while 90.2% thought that faculty exhibited concern over students and student progress; (5) 78.87. thought that non-faculty personnel exhibited concern for students and their progress; and (6) from a sample of 834 questionnaires which included responses to open-ended questions, "concern for the student" emerged as an important aspect of the educational process for students. The appendices contain 38 data tables and the survey instrument. (BCY) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
Monthly Labor Review, Feb 1, 2002
Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 2012
During the last 3 decades, implementation of systems of care and child welfare class action litig... more During the last 3 decades, implementation of systems of care and child welfare class action litigation have been common, often parallel, strategies used to improve the provision of mental health services for children. This article examines the extent to which the requirements of child welfare consent decrees and implementation plans include indicators of the system of care approach. A review of 10 selected child welfare lawsuits involving mental health services for foster care children was conducted. This review revealed that the principles guiding service provision were more predominant than indicators of interagency collaboration and coordination for services between child welfare and mental health. Findings suggest that building the foundation of systems of care—interagency collaboration—continues to be a challenge.
Individual Psychology: Journal of Adlerian Theory, …, 1993
APA PsycNET Our Apologies! - The following features are not available with your current Browser c... more APA PsycNET Our Apologies! - The following features are not available with your current Browser configuration. - alerts user that their session is about to expire - display, print, save, export, and email selected records - get My ...
In winter 1994, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to det... more In winter 1994, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine students' perceptions of the college's educational goals. Surveys were distributed to students in 200 courses, representing 5% of all classes offered in the term. Using a 5-point scale, students were asked to rate both the importance of 20 educational goals frequently pursued by higher education institutions and their level of satisfaction with M-DCC's attainment of those goals. Surveys were returned from 168 classes for a final sample of 1, 476 student responses. Study findings, based on averaged student ratings, included the following: (1) college-wide, 19 of the 20 goals received ratings above 4.0 in terms of their importance; (2) the five most important goals were maintain high academic quality, prepare students to communicate effectively, maintain an excellent reputation, prepare students for a career upon graduation, and provide students with the opportunity to become broadly educated; (3) over 60% of students agreed that M-DCC addressed these top five goals; (4) no goal item received a disagreement rating of 20% or more; (5) over 83% (n=982) of students were either somewhat or very satisfied with their Miami-Dade experience; (6) students at all sites generally expressed satisfaction for goals related to academic quality; and (7) at the InterAmerican Center instructional site, however, at least 207. of respondents disagreed that M-DCC fulfilled 11 of the 20 goals. (Tables of responses college-wide and by campus and the survey instrument are included.) (KP)
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2020
Journal of Community Health, 2016
Public Health Reports, 2017
Most people know the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a part of the US Depa... more Most people know the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that provides health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically vulnerable, or medically vulnerable. Comprising 5 bureaus and 11 offices, HRSA provides leadership and financial support to state agencies, local governments, community and faith-based organizations, academic institutions, and health care providers in every state and US territory. People recognize HRSA for administering the health center program, the federal organ donation and transplantation program, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the National Health Service Corps and other health workforce programs, and the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program, among other programs. But many people do not know that HRSA also conducts research. HRSA does indeed conduct research, and HRSA staff members frequently author or coauthor published research studies on HRSA's programs. 1-4 In this Executive Perspective, we-2 senior scientists at HRSA-describe the research and evaluation work that our agency does and how we use the results to inform program planning and decision making, improve operations, and ensure that we effectively and efficiently address the public health needs of the populations we serve.
Residential Treatment for Children & Youth, 2016
This is the 12th in a series of papers by the Association of Children's Residential Centers (ACRC... more This is the 12th in a series of papers by the Association of Children's Residential Centers (ACRC) addressing critical issues facing the field of residential treatment. ACRC is the longest standing association focused exclusively on the needs of children and youth who require residential treatment, and their families. The purpose of the papers is to stimulate dialogue and self-examination among organizations, stakeholders, and the field.
A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine the demog... more A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine the demographic and academic characteristics of students by their employment status. Surveys were sent to a sample of 3,045 students classified as unemployed, working 1-20 hours per week, working 21-40 hours per week, or working more than 40 hours per week. Study results, based on responses from 84% of the students, included the following: (1) 827. of respondents were employed, with 42% indicating that they worked 21-40 hours per week, 247. indicating 1-20 hours per week, and 167. indicating more than 40 hours per week; (2) over 86% of.males and 79% of females were employed, while 217. of the males worked over 40 hours a week, compared to 127. of,the females; (3) 847. of Hispanics were employed, compared to 827. of Blacks, 79% of Whites, and 71% of students of other ethnicities; (4) Hispanics were most likely to be working 20 hours per week, while Wite students were most likely to be working more than 40; (5) 84% of the students aged 20-30 were working, with this age group comprising the largest group in the sample; (6) 24% of full-time students were not employed, while almost 48% worked more than 20 hours, compared to only 8% of part-time students who were not employed; (7) 95% of evening students were employed, compared to 76% of day students; (8) 85% of students with a grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 were working, while 787. of those with a GPA above 3.50 were; and (9) all four groups indicated that they were satisfied with their M-DCC experience. (Extensive data tables and the survey instrument are included.) kMAB)
In winter 1994, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to det... more In winter 1994, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine evening students' perceptions of college services. Surveys were distributed to students in 200 credit courses requesting ratings for 21 college services with respect to the importance of the service for their "ideal" college and their level of satisfaction with the service at M-DCC. Of 1,595 students who responded, 493 attended M-DCC primarily at night and were included in the analysis. Study findings' included the following: (1) college-wide, evening students gave mean ratings above 4 to the importance of all 21 services except "a strong intercollegiate athletic program"; (2) the five most important services to evening students were faculty members who are up-to-date, faculty members who are excellent teachers, a library that meets student needs, a flexible schedule of courses, and computers and other equipment to support their program; (3) over 60% of students agreed that M-DCC provided these top five services; (4) however, 25% disagreed that M-DCC provided a library meeting their needs, 25.1% did not think the college provided a flexible schedule, 27% did not agree that M-DCC had an excellent career counseling program, and 23.47. disagreed that staff members were accessible; (5) 351 of the respondents were either somewhat or very satisfied with the Miami-Dade experience; and (6) evening students expressed strongest reservations regarding vocational programming. (Tables of responses college-wide and by three M-DCC campuses and the survey instrument are included.) (KP)
Reading and Writing - READ WRIT, 1999
This study investigated the effects of variations in graphic elements that account for difference... more This study investigated the effects of variations in graphic elements that account for differences in speed and accuracy between reading text aloud from paper versus laptop computer. Variations in accurate reading-aloud performance are attributable to individual differences in the visual accessibility of information due to (1) the experimental manipulations of the independent variables, (2) the subjects' prior exposure to print within the culture, and (3) the educational attainment of the subject. A non-representative sample of 48 female survey interviewers (ages 38–72) were employed in the conduct of this study. Survey interviewers were selected because they gather information using laptop computers; the quality of the survey information collected may be directly associated with the legibility of computerized text on reader performance. Subjects completed a prior exposure to print questionnaire (Stanovich & West 1989) and a demographic data form (IDIQ). Repeated-measures analy...
This study examined how young children entering mental health system of care services who were in... more This study examined how young children entering mental health system of care services who were involved with the child welfare system compared to children with no such involvement in (a) descriptive characteristics and (b) selected outcomes 6 months after entry into such services. The characteristics of the two groups were similar, although children involved in child welfare were exposed to more factors that put them at risk for mental health problems. Children involved with child welfare were more anxious or depressed, which suggests the need for early trauma assessment and trauma-informed services. Surprisingly, children involved with child welfare were more likely to have improved behavior compared to children not involved with child welfare, after other factors were taken into account. One interpretation suggested is that caregivers involved with the child welfare system experienced more oversight, support, and services (they reported receiving case management and family preserv...
A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College, in Florida, to determine the level of sati... more A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College, in Florida, to determine the level of satisfaction with college programs and general perceptions of their college experience among students who applied for graduation during 1991-92. Completed questionnaires were received from a total of 3,764 students. Study findings included the following: (1) with respect to 12 target competencies, 847. of the students were satisfied with their ability to read and understand college-level material, while 797. were satisfied with both their ability to think critically and their self-understanding; (2) with respect to 14 college services, over three-quarters of the respondents indicated that they were aware of the services, although approximately half had not used some of the services; (3) all of the services received satisfactory ratings of at least 80% except for job placement, which was rated as satisfactory by 68.3%; (4) 87.6% of the students rated the quality of instruction as good or excellent, while 90.2% thought that faculty exhibited concern over students and student progress; (5) 78.87. thought that non-faculty personnel exhibited concern for students and their progress; and (6) from a sample of 834 questionnaires which included responses to open-ended questions, "concern for the student" emerged as an important aspect of the educational process for students. The appendices contain 38 data tables and the survey instrument. (BCY) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
Monthly Labor Review, Feb 1, 2002
Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 2012
During the last 3 decades, implementation of systems of care and child welfare class action litig... more During the last 3 decades, implementation of systems of care and child welfare class action litigation have been common, often parallel, strategies used to improve the provision of mental health services for children. This article examines the extent to which the requirements of child welfare consent decrees and implementation plans include indicators of the system of care approach. A review of 10 selected child welfare lawsuits involving mental health services for foster care children was conducted. This review revealed that the principles guiding service provision were more predominant than indicators of interagency collaboration and coordination for services between child welfare and mental health. Findings suggest that building the foundation of systems of care—interagency collaboration—continues to be a challenge.
Individual Psychology: Journal of Adlerian Theory, …, 1993
APA PsycNET Our Apologies! - The following features are not available with your current Browser c... more APA PsycNET Our Apologies! - The following features are not available with your current Browser configuration. - alerts user that their session is about to expire - display, print, save, export, and email selected records - get My ...
In winter 1994, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to det... more In winter 1994, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine students' perceptions of the college's educational goals. Surveys were distributed to students in 200 courses, representing 5% of all classes offered in the term. Using a 5-point scale, students were asked to rate both the importance of 20 educational goals frequently pursued by higher education institutions and their level of satisfaction with M-DCC's attainment of those goals. Surveys were returned from 168 classes for a final sample of 1, 476 student responses. Study findings, based on averaged student ratings, included the following: (1) college-wide, 19 of the 20 goals received ratings above 4.0 in terms of their importance; (2) the five most important goals were maintain high academic quality, prepare students to communicate effectively, maintain an excellent reputation, prepare students for a career upon graduation, and provide students with the opportunity to become broadly educated; (3) over 60% of students agreed that M-DCC addressed these top five goals; (4) no goal item received a disagreement rating of 20% or more; (5) over 83% (n=982) of students were either somewhat or very satisfied with their Miami-Dade experience; (6) students at all sites generally expressed satisfaction for goals related to academic quality; and (7) at the InterAmerican Center instructional site, however, at least 207. of respondents disagreed that M-DCC fulfilled 11 of the 20 goals. (Tables of responses college-wide and by campus and the survey instrument are included.) (KP)
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2020
Journal of Community Health, 2016
Public Health Reports, 2017
Most people know the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a part of the US Depa... more Most people know the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that provides health care to people who are geographically isolated, economically vulnerable, or medically vulnerable. Comprising 5 bureaus and 11 offices, HRSA provides leadership and financial support to state agencies, local governments, community and faith-based organizations, academic institutions, and health care providers in every state and US territory. People recognize HRSA for administering the health center program, the federal organ donation and transplantation program, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the National Health Service Corps and other health workforce programs, and the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program, among other programs. But many people do not know that HRSA also conducts research. HRSA does indeed conduct research, and HRSA staff members frequently author or coauthor published research studies on HRSA's programs. 1-4 In this Executive Perspective, we-2 senior scientists at HRSA-describe the research and evaluation work that our agency does and how we use the results to inform program planning and decision making, improve operations, and ensure that we effectively and efficiently address the public health needs of the populations we serve.
Residential Treatment for Children & Youth, 2016
This is the 12th in a series of papers by the Association of Children's Residential Centers (ACRC... more This is the 12th in a series of papers by the Association of Children's Residential Centers (ACRC) addressing critical issues facing the field of residential treatment. ACRC is the longest standing association focused exclusively on the needs of children and youth who require residential treatment, and their families. The purpose of the papers is to stimulate dialogue and self-examination among organizations, stakeholders, and the field.
A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine the demog... more A study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine the demographic and academic characteristics of students by their employment status. Surveys were sent to a sample of 3,045 students classified as unemployed, working 1-20 hours per week, working 21-40 hours per week, or working more than 40 hours per week. Study results, based on responses from 84% of the students, included the following: (1) 827. of respondents were employed, with 42% indicating that they worked 21-40 hours per week, 247. indicating 1-20 hours per week, and 167. indicating more than 40 hours per week; (2) over 86% of.males and 79% of females were employed, while 217. of the males worked over 40 hours a week, compared to 127. of,the females; (3) 847. of Hispanics were employed, compared to 827. of Blacks, 79% of Whites, and 71% of students of other ethnicities; (4) Hispanics were most likely to be working 20 hours per week, while Wite students were most likely to be working more than 40; (5) 84% of the students aged 20-30 were working, with this age group comprising the largest group in the sample; (6) 24% of full-time students were not employed, while almost 48% worked more than 20 hours, compared to only 8% of part-time students who were not employed; (7) 95% of evening students were employed, compared to 76% of day students; (8) 85% of students with a grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 were working, while 787. of those with a GPA above 3.50 were; and (9) all four groups indicated that they were satisfied with their M-DCC experience. (Extensive data tables and the survey instrument are included.) kMAB)
In winter 1994, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to det... more In winter 1994, a study was conducted at Miami-Dade Community College (M-DCC), in Florida, to determine evening students' perceptions of college services. Surveys were distributed to students in 200 credit courses requesting ratings for 21 college services with respect to the importance of the service for their "ideal" college and their level of satisfaction with the service at M-DCC. Of 1,595 students who responded, 493 attended M-DCC primarily at night and were included in the analysis. Study findings' included the following: (1) college-wide, evening students gave mean ratings above 4 to the importance of all 21 services except "a strong intercollegiate athletic program"; (2) the five most important services to evening students were faculty members who are up-to-date, faculty members who are excellent teachers, a library that meets student needs, a flexible schedule of courses, and computers and other equipment to support their program; (3) over 60% of students agreed that M-DCC provided these top five services; (4) however, 25% disagreed that M-DCC provided a library meeting their needs, 25.1% did not think the college provided a flexible schedule, 27% did not agree that M-DCC had an excellent career counseling program, and 23.47. disagreed that staff members were accessible; (5) 351 of the respondents were either somewhat or very satisfied with the Miami-Dade experience; and (6) evening students expressed strongest reservations regarding vocational programming. (Tables of responses college-wide and by three M-DCC campuses and the survey instrument are included.) (KP)
Reading and Writing - READ WRIT, 1999
This study investigated the effects of variations in graphic elements that account for difference... more This study investigated the effects of variations in graphic elements that account for differences in speed and accuracy between reading text aloud from paper versus laptop computer. Variations in accurate reading-aloud performance are attributable to individual differences in the visual accessibility of information due to (1) the experimental manipulations of the independent variables, (2) the subjects' prior exposure to print within the culture, and (3) the educational attainment of the subject. A non-representative sample of 48 female survey interviewers (ages 38–72) were employed in the conduct of this study. Survey interviewers were selected because they gather information using laptop computers; the quality of the survey information collected may be directly associated with the legibility of computerized text on reader performance. Subjects completed a prior exposure to print questionnaire (Stanovich & West 1989) and a demographic data form (IDIQ). Repeated-measures analy...