Browsing by Author "Blevins, Jennifer"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Disrupting the Status Quo: Case Study of Paladin Career and Technical High School's Use of Restorative Practices
    (2018-08) Blevins, Jennifer
    This dissertation research is a qualitative case study to describe and explore the experiences of staff and students using restorative practices at Paladin Career and Technical High School (Paladin), a 9-12 grade charter school in Blaine, Minnesota. Restorative practices were introduced in schools as an alternative means of handling problems as they arise; however have expanded as a whole school approach to build community, develop empathy, improve school climate and prevent problems before they occur. The aim of this study was to describe, 1) The process and turning points in integrating restorative practices at Paladin, 2) The students and staff understandings of restorative practices and the impact, 3) The implications for future school-based restorative practices at Paladin, and 4) What this case study analysis suggests about school-based restorative practices, policies and impact in general. All phases of the research were carried out through a critical race lens. Data at Paladin was collected through the review of archival documents and school policies, participant observations and interviews with seven staff and seven students. The research suggests Paladin disrupts the status quo for students and staff by making the system fit the individual not the individual fit the system, restoring self, strengthening interpersonal relationships, being a safer school, and focusing on solutions not suspensions. Key findings and potential implications are discussed for Paladin, restorative practitioners, other school stakeholders and for public policy.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Understanding the health beliefs and practices of East African refugees
    (American Journal of Health Behavior, 2013-03) Simmelink, Jennifer; Lightfoot, Elizabeth; Dube, Amano; Blevins, Jennifer; Y Lum, Terry
    Objectives: This study explores East African refugees’ perceptions, ideas and beliefs about health and health care, as well as the ways in which health information is shared within their communities. Methods: This study consisted of two focus groups with a total of 15 participants, including East African community leaders and health professionals. Results: East African refugees in the US have strong cultural, religious and traditional health practices that shape their health behavior and influence their interactions with Western health care systems. Conclusions: Health care providers who understand refugees’ beliefs about health may achieve more compliance with refugee patients.