27th Student Academic Conference Schedule

This study explores the perspectives of preservice teacher candidates on the topics in education they perceive as the most important and urgent as they prepare for their first year of teaching. Utilizing quantitative methodology, the study aims to identify and prioritize educational topics preservice teacher candidates believe are critical to their professional development. Participants are asked to rate the topics based on two criteria: urgency and importance. Each topic is rated on a scale from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates unfamiliar with the topic, 1 indicates low urgency or importance, and 5 indicates high urgency or importance. The findings will provide insight into the current priorities and the concerns of future teachers, informing the teacher education program about areas that require immediate attention and resources. This study aims to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of teacher education programs to ensure teacher readiness during their first year in the profession.

   From the moment we are born, our family is influencing our lives. Whether it’s from the clothes we wear, the school we go to, or even the career we choose to pursue, the whole trajectory of someone’s life can be influenced by their family. The purpose of this study is to investigate any correlations between one’s family structure and behavior to their own behavior. By better understanding this concept, we may be able to conduct further research to prevent negative behaviors and reinforce positive behaviors in children, which can influence someone’s life for the better. 
The sample for this dataset was first graders and their family members from elementary schools in Phoenix and San Antonio. Mostly, the population consists of first graders from low-income, Latino households. 3,084 first graders were surveyed in addition to their family. Over 200 teachers were also surveyed. 
A cross-sectional survey was used from the 2007/2008 school year until 2015. It was distributed through the mail, given through telephone interviews, and used physically in schools with pencil and paper and written questionnaires. The schools used in this study were picked depending on their positive background with FAST and other social service agencies. 
The findings of this research either had no correlating variables or slightly correlating variables, leading to no major, new findings. If anything, this study shows that more studies need to be conducted to enlighten us in the “murky areas.” With larger sample populations, more conclusive results may be given.