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Outliers: Students in ACTION
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Outliers: Students in ACTION is a monthly publication during the academic year highlighting the students and events in the Science and Math Education in ACTION Choose Ohio First program at BGSU.
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 | | Dr. Brahier communicating information to ACTION students |
Note from the ACTION Director
As we begin another year, I have taken some time to review the academic performances of our ACTION students. To call their work "impressive" would be an understatement. For the Fall Semester 2012, 40% of ACTION students earned a 4.00 grade point average, distributed evenly among all four cohorts. In addition, many were within one "A" of a perfect average. At the beginning of each semester, we host a luncheon or dinner to honor those students, and attendance will be high at this event in January!
Also, in November, we scheduled an annual meeting with our campus partners (such as the University of Findlay and Owens Community College). In preparation for the meeting, I analyzed statistics on the performances of all four cohorts. Again, the results were noteworthy. For example, as of May 2012, Cohort 1 had a collective GPA of 3.46, compared with an average of 2.95 for all rising seniors on the campus. Likewise, Cohort 2 averaged a 3.51 GPA while the entire rising junior class at BGSU averaged 2.86. The bar graph below shows an impressive Cohort 3 who averaged 3.71 going into their sophomore year, while the campus average was 2.49.
Cohort 3 (Current Sophomores) GPA as of Spring 2012 (N = 27, GPA = 3.71)
In my study of our current freshmen - Cohort 4 - I looked at their high school and college admission records. The average high school GPA for Cohort 4 was 3.93, compared to a 3.22 for all freshmen at BGSU. Their ACT scores also predicted much success over the next four years. An example is shown below, where Cohort 4 scored an average of 27.2 on the Mathematics section of the ACT, while the average across campus for incoming freshmen was 21.36.
Cohort 4 (Current Freshmen) Average Mathematics ACT Score
(N = 25, Mathematics ACT = 27.2)
Needless to say, it was fairly simple to make the case to our partners that ACTION students are very successful overall in their academic work. The ACTION Lounge is frequently electric with study groups at the whiteboard and students quizzing one another before exams. The program hires a mathematics tutor to be available right in the residence hall to assist with homework assignments and studying for tests. Research shows that "support networks" such as study groups are essential for success in college, and we are certainly seeing our students demonstrating a high level of performance.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our ACTION students on a job well done and wish them well in the Spring Semester - a semester that will see most of Cohort 1 doing their student teaching with many graduating in May. We will also be selecting Cohort 5 to join us for Summer Bridge in July. To all of our friends and family members, I wish you well in the New Year!
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 ACTION STUDENT PROFILES
Matt Jones - Cohort 1
Senior AYA Math Major
You have gotten very involved at BGSU. Tell us about that. I knew I wanted to be a Resident Advisor (RA) so I sought ways to pursue this goal. Right away my first year, I joined Hall Council and the Resident Student Association (RSA). Living on campus for three years, I held different executive positions in these organizations. This involvement led to other opportunities such as participation on the Dining Advisory Board, Leadership Academy, National Residence Hall Honorary, and more. I have loved all of it!
How have these experiences impacted you over the past 3.5 years? As a freshman, I had the attitude that "I can do almost anything" and I wanted to do everything. I took opportunities that provided leadership since this seemed the best route. Although I still wanted to do it all, by the end of my freshman year, I realized there was still a lot for me to learn. Over time, I have grown up and learned to step back in order to reflect and to be a better leader.
What has been your favorite thing about all these opportunities? I loved every minute of being the RA on the ACTION floor for two years. It was great to be involved with their lives and have them be part of mine. As an RA, I reached out to my residents, but they also weren't shy about reaching out to me. I learned a great deal from my residents; each brought different perspectives and I was able to observe how they interacted and handled different situations.
You have been in the schools part of the time with Methods this semester, and now you are getting ready to begin Student Teaching. Methods was challenging--I knew I had to be organized so I took it week by week, making sure to take breaks from the heavy workload. My placement at Sylvania Northview High is awesome where I am assisting with Algebra and Geometry. I am unsure what to expect as I begin to take over the class, but it will give me a good idea of what it's like to be a full-time teacher. I look forward to conducting research for my ACTION capstone project as I consider ways to ease test anxiety using qualitative feedback in assessments.
Coffee is a big part of your life... Yes, anyone who knows me very well is aware that I can't survive without coffee! I drink a lot of coffee. It all started in third grade when I would make coffee for my mom. I began to drink it out of my Chuck E. Cheese cup and I haven't stopped drinking since! Cold, hot, sugary, or black, it really doesn't matter to me. I do have a favorite coffee shop at home in Dayton that ships in coffee beans from all over the world. But, Starbucks is the most convenient in BG.
Other interesting facts about yourself? I was hired as a secret shopper for BGSU Dining Services. This role involved filling out surveys about my dining experiences and offering input on ways to improve their services. In my work through Dining Services, I worked with the Director and the Advisory Board to re-evaluate and change aspects of the campus' meal plans that were implemented this year. I am also a first generation college student in my entire extended family. They don't always know how to relate to my experiences, but they try very hard and are very proud!
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Serena Newburger - Cohort 3
Sophomore Middle Childhood Education (Science and Mathematics)
What brought you to BGSU? BGSU was my third choice on my list of colleges. I had initially thought I wanted a bigger school since I was looking for more diversity and a large Jewish community. The ACTION program helped me reconsider BGSU and I knew BGSU is a good education school. Being closer to home was another benefit.
Has your experience here been what you anticipated? There is more diversity here than I expected. I have found many people are open to other religions. In fact, during Opening Weekend, I spent a lot of time at the Catholic St. Thomas More church. They found out I was Jewish and accepted me--it was nice to find a safe place. I have also gotten involved in the Jewish organization, Hillel, which has been great.
What other organizations have you gotten involved with? One of the ACTION students (Marc) recruited me to join the BGSU Curling Club Team and I like it so much I am taking a curling course in the spring. I am also currently serving as the Vice President for Collegiate Middle Level Association (CMLA) for middle childhood education majors. My role includes helping with three conferences this year as well as helping to coordinate events such as Halloween Fun Fest. I also attend weekly meetings for Offenhauer's Hall Council.
When did you decide you wanted to teach? I have always liked science and math and enjoyed helping other kids in classes when they needed assistance. In seventh grade, my math teacher was right out of college. He was young, energetic, and handled the class well. I decided I wanted to be like him. Although I made the decision to pursue being a teacher in seventh grade, my mom had known since fourth grade that I would be a good teacher.
Tell us about your trip over Thanksgiving Break. I went to London with my grandpa, five cousins, and brother for six days! We did our best to blend in with the culture there and I practiced my accent. It was hard to get used to driving on the left side of the road. I got to see some cool things such as the Harry Potter set where the movies were filmed, the London Eye (like a huge ferris wheel), the Winston Churchill Museum, and more. It was an amazing trip, but I am not really a big traveller so I came back exhausted.
You just finished your ACTION practicum. What was your project? Supplemental Staffing is an employment agency and I entered information and then did an analysis on the data related to employees such as positive feedback, criticism, application process, interviews, termination, etc. I learned a lot about the job market and was glad I could assist their company with this information.
Random facts about yourself? Ever since third grade, I have been able to recite all 50 of the state capitals. I know a lot of the digits of Pi. I sleep with the door open because I am scared of the dark!
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An Inspiring Event
On December 2, 2012, a number of ACTION students made a decision to be heroes for kids with cancer! The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. This foundation provides more funds in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government.
BGSU hosted an event for St. Baldrick's on campus to provide an opportunity for students and the campus community to shave their heads, volunteer, or donate funds. And, if some weren't quite ready to get shaved, they could "donate" at least 10 inches of hair to be used for wigs instead.
 | | Maggie, Felicia, Amber and Larissa donated at least 10 inches of hair |
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 | | Megan feeling her head with her sister nearby |
Megan Schlosser answered the call to be a hero nearly a year ago. She decided to have her head shaved to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, but more importantly, to raise money to find cures. For Megan, it's personal. Her mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and was given about six months to live; four years later, her mom is still fighting. It was an emotional event for Megan and her entire family. She was the top fund-raiser at BGSU with a total of $2,157 and was featured on the local news and in the papers.
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 | | Molly, Marc, Megan, Nick, Corrinne and Lance took the plunge and had their heads shaved to raise money for cancer research (see individual photos to the right) |
We are so proud of all the students who felt called to participate. As a whole, this BGSU event raised $23,239 for St. Baldrick's Foundation! Each young person was motivated to help cancer research in some way. Some decided months ago and others made a last minute decision - all have a new look to start 2013.
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New Year's Resolutions
We asked Cohort 3 to tell us their resolutions and/or what they are looking forward to related to the upcoming year...
Maggie Dowe: My New Year's resolution is to be more organized.
Kristi Frank: My resolution is to not eat fast food!
Megan Kelly: My New Year's resolution is to keep studying hard. Also, I am most looking forward to going snowboarding soon!
Jaryt Salvo: My resolution is to volunteer at least once a week.
Lauren Brunswick: I want to go to the Rec Center more and eat healthier. I also want to go out of my comfort zone and try new things.
Serena Newburger: Stress less, manage my time better, and volunteer more.
Megan Schlosser: My resolution is to read more leisure books.
Alli Brown: I don't usually make resolutions, but I am very excited to become an aunt in June!!
Felcia Beverick: In 2013 I am excited to go to Texas to see a family friend graduate from high school and can't wait to move into Copper Beach apartments with ACTION students Zoe, Sarah, and Cory.
Lance Kruse: My New Year's resolution is to spend more time with friends and family, making it the holiday season year round.
Ashten Graham: This year I am looking forward to the chance to continue to grow, learn, and meet new people.
Betsie Naylor: In the year ahead, I look forward to finishing my science and math content courses and moving off campus in the fall.
Alexa Woodburn: I am excited to go to Africa for a month this summer as a volunteer with International Student Volunteers.
Rachel Hack: I've become a vegetarian for 2013!
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Upcoming ACTION Events...
EDHD 4160 Capstone Research Session: Tuesday, January 15
Celebration Dinner for Fall 4.0 Students: Tuesday, January 22
Cohort 5 Application Deadline: Friday, January 25, 2013
Cohort 3 Practicum Presentations: Tuesday, January 29
Choose Ohio First Research Symposium: Friday, April 12
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January 2013
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Classes start
Megan Chapman & Sheri Klatt B-day
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EDHD4160
5:30-6:30
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Maggie Dowe
B-day
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Emily
Schroeder
B-day
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Brittany Taylor
B-day
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4.0 Dinner Celebration
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APPLICATION DEADLINE for Fall 2013
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Maria Nielsen
B-day
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Feb 1
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Jake Musal
B-day
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Cohort 3 Practicum Presentations 5:30-6:30
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Steph Bellman B-day
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Anna
Bailey
B-day
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Ariana Sampsel B-day
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 | Sarah Keane graduated and was offered a teaching job even before her diploma was in hand!
As our very first ACTION graduate, of course we are so proud of her. The three and a half years have flown by and now she is ready to apply what she has learned at BGSU and in the ACTION Program. Graduating in December can sometimes make it challenging to find a job. However, Sarah starts a long-term sub position in February teaching Algebra II and Pre-Calculus at Northridge High School in Johnstown, Ohio. A big congrats to Sarah!
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Annual ACTION Holiday Event
Each year, the ACTION Holiday party is a highlight for ACTION participants. With input and assistance from the Student Advisory Board, activities are planned to help cohorts intermingle and get to know each other, while also providing time for cohort members to reconnect.
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The recently renovated BGSU Ice Arena Lounge provided a convenient and festive location for the party. As students arrived, they were assigned a table, which ensured each table had representation from all four cohorts for the planned team building activities. The first task was to create the best igloo and winter scene using marshmallows, frosting, pretzels, and other candy. Each outcome was different but all had a good time working together. After much deliberation, the judges chose a winner.
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Next, the Commonality Game had the students at each table discovering the most things they had in common with each other. Since some had little knowledge of each other before the event, this was an excellent opportunity to find similarities. Several of the groups were able to get a long list of commonalties. All had a chance to meet new people from different cohorts.
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Dinner was delicious with a combination of Nancy's pulled pork, Anne Brahier's homemade mac and cheese, and Kim Verhoff's cakes. To top it off, cookies made by Megan Kemerley and Melissa Matthews were decorated and enjoyed.
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After dinner, Dr. Brahier shared a few words with the students reminding them of the upcoming Common Times for each cohort during Spring semester and other important ACTION updates.
The event concluded with the gift exchange and group photos. Many students commented how much they enjoyed the party and appreciated the opportunity to interact with other cohorts and to be with the entire ACTION "family."
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The New Year for ACTION... The ACTION staff is also looking forward to a new year. And most likely our busiest ever with four cohorts of students in full swing, in addition to an incoming Cohort 5. We have been receiving applications from high school seniors and will begin processing those soon to determine who will be selected as the next ACTION Scholars. As usual, the plan is to accept approximately 25 new students.
In addition to our regular spring ACTION events, we will have two special celebrations this spring-one for all Cohort 1 students and another for those graduating in May. On top of all this, plans for Summer Bridge are already underway! We have a feeling 2013 is going to fly by as quickly as 2012!
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Time is almost up...
The application deadline for ACTION Cohort 5 is Friday, January 25. If you know a high school senior interested in teaching science and/or mathe-matics who is planning to apply, encourage them to fill the application out now at www.bgsu.edu/action. Even if they haven't made a decision on whether to attend BGSU, they should still apply so we receive their application prior to the deadline. |
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As a Choose Ohio First grant program sponsored by the Ohio Board of Regents, our goal is to produce exceptional science and mathematics teachers who will impact the next generation across the state to improve in STEM areas. The need is great for good teachers in these areas.
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