Steven Dick | University of Louisiana at Lafayette (original) (raw)
Papers by Steven Dick
Introduction: Increased emphasis in boosting academic achievement in schools has led to declining... more Introduction: Increased emphasis in boosting academic achievement in schools has led to declining amounts of
time allotted for physical activity. Studying the impact of physical fitness on academic achievement is essential
to understanding the role physical activity may have on academic performance. The objectives of this study
were: 1) To assess the obesity and fitness levels of school children in Louisiana 2) To compare the fitness levels
with academic performance using standardized test scores.
Methods: The sample for assessing overall fitness levels and obesity status consisted of 19,695 students from
public schools in Louisiana. Results from standardized test scores (reading and math) were matched for students
in grades 4, 8 and 10 (n = 5321). Obesity status was calculated using body mass index (BMI), while PACER,
trunk lift, curl up, push up and shoulder stretch were used to measure fitness levels. Pearson’s Chisquares were
calculated for analyzing categorical variables and multiple analysis of variance (MANCOVA) tests were
performed to analyze fitness levels with raw test scores (continuous variables).
Results: Students who achieved healthy fitness zones for fitness tests scored significantly higher (P < 0.05) in
both math and reading. Similarly, students who had healthy BMI performed significantly better (P < 0.05) in
math and reading compared to those who were obese or overweight.
Conclusions: Greater emphasis should be given to improve physical fitness levels of students. Incorporating
interventions to promote aerobic activities will not only help reduce childhood obesity but can also improve
academic outcomes
Do-Re-Me! (DRM) is a comprehensive music education course for prekindergarten and kindergarten ch... more Do-Re-Me! (DRM) is a comprehensive music education course for prekindergarten and kindergarten children. This report provides an evaluation of the possible effects of the program on prekindergarten and kindergarten students in select schools. Preliminary evidence demonstrated a positive effect on preschool students but that effect was traced to one school in the second year of program implementation. Additional years may produce evidence of a stronger effect as the remaining schools fully implement the DRM program. The findings warrant additional quantitative and possible qualitative evaluation.
A powerpoint outlining the changes in the laws as it applies to student data in Louisiana given r... more A powerpoint outlining the changes in the laws as it applies to student data in Louisiana given recent changes in the law.
This report presents the current progress of the Ensuring Literacy for All (ELFA) Initiative whic... more This report presents the current progress of the Ensuring Literacy for All (ELFA) Initiative which began in the 2004-05 school year under the name Reading First (RF). Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques were used, including analysis of student performance data from local and statewide assessments; surveys of principals, coaches, coach/interventionists, and teachers; and focus group interviews with members of district management staff and regional coordinators. These data were used to measure the effect of ELFA on closing the performance gap between students who have been historically low-performing in literacy and their more successful peers. After seven years of implementation, ELFA schools continue to support accelerated gains for students over non-ELFA schools. The ELFA Initiative does make a positive difference in serving disadvantaged populations.
Leadership -the principal ensures a "defined" block of reading instruction, and intervention occu... more Leadership -the principal ensures a "defined" block of reading instruction, and intervention occurs each day through the use of research-based instruction as evidenced by walk-throughs and formal observations. In addition, the principal regularly attends grade-level meetings and monitors the staff in analyzing assessment data to design and adjust instruction.
• The number of participating schools rose 39% last year. In 2008-09, the Louisiana Department of... more • The number of participating schools rose 39% last year. In 2008-09, the Louisiana Department of Education added 43 schools to its literacy initiative, for a total of 153 schools. • ELFA has clearly improved student performance over five years. While growth was somewhat flat in 2008-09, over the last half decade (2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009) students in ELFA schools are generally outscoring their non-ELFA counterparts. • ELFA has improved the performance of below-benchmark students. Students below benchmark on entry to kindergarten at ELFA schools have a better chance of becoming fluent readers by the end of third grade than below-benchmark students at non-ELFA schools. • ELFA has given the greatest help to the most disadvantaged . In an especially bright star in the data galaxy, students who begin kindergarten with the least cultural capital and lowest performance in reading readiness are the very ones showing the biggest gains from the program. • A refined professional development model is developing. ELFA training now takes place primarily at the regional and local levels. As we capitalize on local expertise, resource allocation grows more efficient. However, quality of training may vary more since LDE released control of participation and accountability requirements. • Instructional effectiveness continues its positive trajectory. While the caliber of instruction improved once again this year, there is ample room for further gains across all cohorts and grades. • There is a need to sustain and expand the program. LDE and LEAs should continue to design plans and seek and/or reallocate resources to maintain and enlarge the ELFA components.
This report presents the current progress of the Ensuring Literacy for All (ELFA) Initiative impl... more This report presents the current progress of the Ensuring Literacy for All (ELFA) Initiative implemented beginning in the 2004-2005 school year. Extensive research was conducted to ascertain the degree to which ELFA is aiding students in reaching higher levels of literacy in Louisiana. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were used. Student performance data from local and statewide assessments, careful analysis of teacher mobility information, survey instruments of regional coordinators, literacy coaches, and intervention specialists, focus group interviews with LDE staff and regional coordinators, and site observations of a small sample of schools were conducted to gain a clear picture of the successes and challenges of the initiative in its sixth full year of implementation.
Because newscasts have evolved into a lucrative profit center for many local television stations,... more Because newscasts have evolved into a lucrative profit center for many local television stations, broadcasters desperately seek ways to boost the perceived credibility of their news brands. Audience perceptions, however, are sometimes vulnerable to forces that have little connection to objective reality. In particular, there is growing evidence that expected outcomes can circumvent critical thinking and alter audience evaluations of program content. In this controlled experiment, a type of placebo effect was revealed whereby audiences that were told that a particular newscast was ranked “number one” gave the program better overall credibility evaluations than equivalent test audiences who were told that the identical program was ranked last in its market. Implications for the management and marketing of television news are discussed.
The burgeoning business enterprise of neuromarketing applies sophisticated brain research techniq... more The burgeoning business enterprise of neuromarketing applies sophisticated brain research techniques to uncover consumers' subconscious emotional disposition and cognitive interest. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the business-to-business brand message strategies employed by these firms to attract clients. To that end, the researchers used grounded theory to conduct a constant comparative qualitative analysis of 22 prominent neuromarketing company websites. Their findings revealed several intertwined marketing themes intended to (a) legitimize neuroscience and (b) differentiate firms from their neuromarketing competitors.
Social Media Go to War, Jan 2013
After decades of oppressive rule, populist revolts occur in rapid succession in a half dozen coun... more After decades of oppressive rule, populist revolts occur in rapid succession in a half dozen countries in North Africa and the Middle East. Why now? What factors caused the public to stand up and revolt at this time? For many years, some civil society activists had been working for change. Others had to face the terrible decision to stand up to a powerful and potentially violent government. How does one make the decision to risk reputation, property and even life for the greater good? This chapter explores long-standing theories of social change, collective action and adoption behavior to create taxonomy of factors that affect the individual’s decision to join a movement. The goal is to examine microeconomic forces that cause a person to choose to join.
Reading First in Louisiana continues in the fourth year of implementation in 25 districts and 111... more Reading First in Louisiana continues in the fourth year of implementation in 25 districts and 111
schools. The first three years showed year-to-year growth in all grades as measured by an
increase in the percentage of students on benchmark and a decrease in the percentage of students
considered at risk (See Table 1).
Communication Technology Update and …, Jan 1, 2008
... When the Solutions Research Group asked viewers what seven channels they would want to keep, ... more ... When the Solutions Research Group asked viewers what seven channels they would want to keep, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox were the top four mentioned. In two 2007 surveys, Discovery,ESPN, History, and HBO rounded out the top seven. ... NEC brings IPTV over IMS. ...
Introduction: Increased emphasis in boosting academic achievement in schools has led to declining... more Introduction: Increased emphasis in boosting academic achievement in schools has led to declining amounts of
time allotted for physical activity. Studying the impact of physical fitness on academic achievement is essential
to understanding the role physical activity may have on academic performance. The objectives of this study
were: 1) To assess the obesity and fitness levels of school children in Louisiana 2) To compare the fitness levels
with academic performance using standardized test scores.
Methods: The sample for assessing overall fitness levels and obesity status consisted of 19,695 students from
public schools in Louisiana. Results from standardized test scores (reading and math) were matched for students
in grades 4, 8 and 10 (n = 5321). Obesity status was calculated using body mass index (BMI), while PACER,
trunk lift, curl up, push up and shoulder stretch were used to measure fitness levels. Pearson’s Chisquares were
calculated for analyzing categorical variables and multiple analysis of variance (MANCOVA) tests were
performed to analyze fitness levels with raw test scores (continuous variables).
Results: Students who achieved healthy fitness zones for fitness tests scored significantly higher (P < 0.05) in
both math and reading. Similarly, students who had healthy BMI performed significantly better (P < 0.05) in
math and reading compared to those who were obese or overweight.
Conclusions: Greater emphasis should be given to improve physical fitness levels of students. Incorporating
interventions to promote aerobic activities will not only help reduce childhood obesity but can also improve
academic outcomes
Do-Re-Me! (DRM) is a comprehensive music education course for prekindergarten and kindergarten ch... more Do-Re-Me! (DRM) is a comprehensive music education course for prekindergarten and kindergarten children. This report provides an evaluation of the possible effects of the program on prekindergarten and kindergarten students in select schools. Preliminary evidence demonstrated a positive effect on preschool students but that effect was traced to one school in the second year of program implementation. Additional years may produce evidence of a stronger effect as the remaining schools fully implement the DRM program. The findings warrant additional quantitative and possible qualitative evaluation.
A powerpoint outlining the changes in the laws as it applies to student data in Louisiana given r... more A powerpoint outlining the changes in the laws as it applies to student data in Louisiana given recent changes in the law.
This report presents the current progress of the Ensuring Literacy for All (ELFA) Initiative whic... more This report presents the current progress of the Ensuring Literacy for All (ELFA) Initiative which began in the 2004-05 school year under the name Reading First (RF). Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques were used, including analysis of student performance data from local and statewide assessments; surveys of principals, coaches, coach/interventionists, and teachers; and focus group interviews with members of district management staff and regional coordinators. These data were used to measure the effect of ELFA on closing the performance gap between students who have been historically low-performing in literacy and their more successful peers. After seven years of implementation, ELFA schools continue to support accelerated gains for students over non-ELFA schools. The ELFA Initiative does make a positive difference in serving disadvantaged populations.
Leadership -the principal ensures a "defined" block of reading instruction, and intervention occu... more Leadership -the principal ensures a "defined" block of reading instruction, and intervention occurs each day through the use of research-based instruction as evidenced by walk-throughs and formal observations. In addition, the principal regularly attends grade-level meetings and monitors the staff in analyzing assessment data to design and adjust instruction.
• The number of participating schools rose 39% last year. In 2008-09, the Louisiana Department of... more • The number of participating schools rose 39% last year. In 2008-09, the Louisiana Department of Education added 43 schools to its literacy initiative, for a total of 153 schools. • ELFA has clearly improved student performance over five years. While growth was somewhat flat in 2008-09, over the last half decade (2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009) students in ELFA schools are generally outscoring their non-ELFA counterparts. • ELFA has improved the performance of below-benchmark students. Students below benchmark on entry to kindergarten at ELFA schools have a better chance of becoming fluent readers by the end of third grade than below-benchmark students at non-ELFA schools. • ELFA has given the greatest help to the most disadvantaged . In an especially bright star in the data galaxy, students who begin kindergarten with the least cultural capital and lowest performance in reading readiness are the very ones showing the biggest gains from the program. • A refined professional development model is developing. ELFA training now takes place primarily at the regional and local levels. As we capitalize on local expertise, resource allocation grows more efficient. However, quality of training may vary more since LDE released control of participation and accountability requirements. • Instructional effectiveness continues its positive trajectory. While the caliber of instruction improved once again this year, there is ample room for further gains across all cohorts and grades. • There is a need to sustain and expand the program. LDE and LEAs should continue to design plans and seek and/or reallocate resources to maintain and enlarge the ELFA components.
This report presents the current progress of the Ensuring Literacy for All (ELFA) Initiative impl... more This report presents the current progress of the Ensuring Literacy for All (ELFA) Initiative implemented beginning in the 2004-2005 school year. Extensive research was conducted to ascertain the degree to which ELFA is aiding students in reaching higher levels of literacy in Louisiana. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were used. Student performance data from local and statewide assessments, careful analysis of teacher mobility information, survey instruments of regional coordinators, literacy coaches, and intervention specialists, focus group interviews with LDE staff and regional coordinators, and site observations of a small sample of schools were conducted to gain a clear picture of the successes and challenges of the initiative in its sixth full year of implementation.
Because newscasts have evolved into a lucrative profit center for many local television stations,... more Because newscasts have evolved into a lucrative profit center for many local television stations, broadcasters desperately seek ways to boost the perceived credibility of their news brands. Audience perceptions, however, are sometimes vulnerable to forces that have little connection to objective reality. In particular, there is growing evidence that expected outcomes can circumvent critical thinking and alter audience evaluations of program content. In this controlled experiment, a type of placebo effect was revealed whereby audiences that were told that a particular newscast was ranked “number one” gave the program better overall credibility evaluations than equivalent test audiences who were told that the identical program was ranked last in its market. Implications for the management and marketing of television news are discussed.
The burgeoning business enterprise of neuromarketing applies sophisticated brain research techniq... more The burgeoning business enterprise of neuromarketing applies sophisticated brain research techniques to uncover consumers' subconscious emotional disposition and cognitive interest. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the business-to-business brand message strategies employed by these firms to attract clients. To that end, the researchers used grounded theory to conduct a constant comparative qualitative analysis of 22 prominent neuromarketing company websites. Their findings revealed several intertwined marketing themes intended to (a) legitimize neuroscience and (b) differentiate firms from their neuromarketing competitors.
Social Media Go to War, Jan 2013
After decades of oppressive rule, populist revolts occur in rapid succession in a half dozen coun... more After decades of oppressive rule, populist revolts occur in rapid succession in a half dozen countries in North Africa and the Middle East. Why now? What factors caused the public to stand up and revolt at this time? For many years, some civil society activists had been working for change. Others had to face the terrible decision to stand up to a powerful and potentially violent government. How does one make the decision to risk reputation, property and even life for the greater good? This chapter explores long-standing theories of social change, collective action and adoption behavior to create taxonomy of factors that affect the individual’s decision to join a movement. The goal is to examine microeconomic forces that cause a person to choose to join.
Reading First in Louisiana continues in the fourth year of implementation in 25 districts and 111... more Reading First in Louisiana continues in the fourth year of implementation in 25 districts and 111
schools. The first three years showed year-to-year growth in all grades as measured by an
increase in the percentage of students on benchmark and a decrease in the percentage of students
considered at risk (See Table 1).
Communication Technology Update and …, Jan 1, 2008
... When the Solutions Research Group asked viewers what seven channels they would want to keep, ... more ... When the Solutions Research Group asked viewers what seven channels they would want to keep, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox were the top four mentioned. In two 2007 surveys, Discovery,ESPN, History, and HBO rounded out the top seven. ... NEC brings IPTV over IMS. ...