Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership , Franklin University, 2023, International Institute for Innovative Instruction

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were significant statistical differences between scores on constructed response and computer-scorable questions on an accelerated middle school math placement test in a large urban school district in Ohio, and to ensure that all students have an opportunity to take the test. Five questions on a placement test given in the spring of 2018 were changed into questions that could be graded by computer for students taking the test in the spring of 2021. The data was examined for each test first using whole group data. Significant statistical differences were found in each of the five questions, with four questions having a higher mean as a constructed response item and one having a higher mean as a computer-scorable item. No significant differences were found when scores were analyzed by gender, and only one question had statistical difference when analyzed by ethnicity. Correlation was calculated between each student's placement test score and their Math 8 state test score. Similar correlations were found between the two assessments during both testing years. To ensure that all students are provided an opportunity to succeed in an accelerated math pathway, all must need to be given access to helpful pre-testing materials and encouraged to take the placement test. Recommendations were made to continue using computer-scorable questions to provide an opportunity to identify as many qualified candidates for acceleration as possible.

Committee: Valerie Storey (Committee Chair); Kevin Daberkow (Committee Member); Courtney McKim (Committee Member) Subjects: Education; Educational Leadership; Educational Tests and Measurements; Mathematics; Mathematics Education; Secondary Education

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2022, Civil Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

This research reviewed the current and future uses of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for bridge applications in the state of Ohio. Since most designers, owners and contractors are unfamiliar with the material and only a small percentage of all bridges utilize it, UHPC is still considered a relatively new material. Monitoring and understanding its performance in current applications will undoubtedly provide useful insights for future applications. Advantages of UHPC discussed include rapid strength gain that can be utilized in Accelerate Bridge Construction, fiber content which provides post cracking strength, high bond strength which shortens development lengths of reinforcement, and the flowable material which allows UHPC to better penetrate tighter spaces. Disadvantages of UHPC such as material cost, increased labor and time are also discussed. In addition, recommendations for future UHPC applications are provided that would benefit designers, owners and contractors through valuable insight that was gained during these research objectives. The first objective was to review the performance of UHPC in the Sollars Road adjacent prestressed concrete box beam bridge in Fayette County. The design of the UHPC longitudinal joint (shear keys) included dowel bars but eliminated intermediate diaphragms, transverse post-tensioning, and a composite deck. Comparing truck loading data from 2014 shortly after bridge construction was completed and 2017 during this study, the load distribution has improved to some extent and the bridge is responding to loading in a similar manner which implies minimal to no cracking of the UHPC shear keys. This simplified design may be a realistic alternative to solve the typical issue of cracking in the longitudinal joints (shear keys) and associated reflective cracking in composite decks for adjacent prestressed concrete box beam bridges. This improved behavior with UHPC joints may result i (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Eric Steinberg Ph.D. P.E. (Advisor) Subjects: Civil Engineering