Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1986, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Social Work

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1976, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, 2016, Educational Leadership

Critical Race Theory challenges us to analyze a number of issues such as racial, gender, and class privileges within both formal and informal structures and processes of schooling. In addition, CRT reveals its direct implications for identifying and analyzing traditional notions of the objectivity of law and administrative regulation as it applies to education and schooling. Therefore, CRT in education can be defined as a framework or set of basic perspectives, methods, and pedagogy that seeks to identify, analyze and transform those structural, cultural, and interpersonal aspects of education that maintain the subordination of people of color and hopes to foster ways to engage in critical race analysis and positive change with regard to racial justice in the schools. One of the alleged benefits from Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas was to ensure that Black children would have equal access to the resources of their White counterparts. For the purposes of this study, CRT will be used in an attempt to take a critical look at the impact of achieving unitary status has had on the Rockford Public Schools This study investigates the impact of unitary status on the Rockford Public Schools, focusing specifically on changes that have taken the federal court's order releasing the school district from its earlier desegregation order. The major questions to be explored in this study include: A. What systemic changes have occurred within the Rockford School District as a result of being granted unitary status? B. What stories/experiences are Rockford residents telling about race, desegregation, and schooling? Although unitary status has been acquired, it is clear that much work remains to be done to heal this disjointed community. Revisiting this subject can be a powerfully important step in not only healing the wounds inflicted from this journey, but also provides valuable reflection of root causes for the internal conflict within the district. Th (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Denise Taliaferro-Baszile (Committee Chair); Michael Dantley (Committee Member); Lisa Weems (Committee Member); Sheri Leafgren (Committee Member) Subjects: African Americans; Education; Educational Leadership; School Administration

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2006, Public Health

Healthy People 2010 defines national health goals to increase both the quality and duration of healthy life and to eliminate health disparities among individuals. Evaluation of trends of maternal and child health indicators in Ohio related to Healthy People 2010 goals was performed using birth certificate data representing all live births from 1990-2003 (n=2,169,756). These data were evaluated to assess trends in the total population and by race and age categories. The health indicators evaluated were the rates of low and very low birth weight, early and adequate prenatal care, preterm delivery, alcohol and cigarette abstinence, and Cesarean section delivery. Linear models were developed to assess the trend in rates. Results – Between 1990 and 2003, Ohio progressed toward the Healthy People 2010 goals for all groups in some areas such as early and adequate prenatal care and abstinence from cigarettes. Movement away from the goals is occurring for most age and race groups in Ohio for low and very low birth weight, preterm births, and primary and repeat Cesarean section deliveries. The goal has been met in the areas of abstinence from alcohol in all groups of women in Ohio. The predicted 2010 rates for these indicators follow the same patterns. Conclusions – Between 1990 and 2003 Ohio has progressed toward the Healthy People 2010 goals in some maternal and child health indicator areas. Work remains to be done to achieve many of the goals. This dissertation provides a framework for future evaluation of Healthy People indicators. Additionally, knowledge of trends in health indicators can guide research and the creation of intervention programs. Identifying specific sub-populations for which interventions can be targeted is also a possibility. With limited funding and many women and children in need of help, focused research and interventions are necessary to establish good health in as many women and infants as possible. Programs to improve pregnancy related health outc (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Randall Harris (Advisor) Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health