When you think of special education, what comes to mind? You might picture students with developmental delays, speech or language impairments, or other observable challenges. While these are accurate, it’s important to remember that special education also supports students with a range of less visible needs. Despite this, society often focuses on more severe disabilities.
Special education programs are designed to provide personalized support tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. This support helps students thrive and succeed, making special education a valuable resource. So why does it often carry a negative connotation?
Join us as we explore the stigma surrounding special education and discuss strategies to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
As beneficial as special education classes can be for students who need additional support, a stigma still surrounds these programs. Society often casts special education in a negative light, resulting in various forms of discrimination. This stigma can lead to isolating students in special education programs from their peers, setting lower expectations for their abilities, and providing fewer opportunities compared to their classmates in general education classes.
This stigma may stem from common misconceptions about special education programs, including:
The stigma surrounding special education can have a significant impact on students and their families. Students may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or become overly aware of their unique needs, which can undermine their confidence. Additionally, caregivers often face emotional challenges, such as worry and stress. Financial difficulties are also a factor. These stresses often arise as they work hard to make sure their children are included in social and educational activities and receive the support they need.
Fortunately, there are several proactive steps that educators can take in removing the stigma of special education, shifting society’s perception of it, and recognizing it for the valuable resource it truly is, such as:
Whether you’ve worked in education or you have a friend or family member in the special education system and have witnessed their triumphs and struggles, you can take a stand against the biases in special education. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer three entirely online master’s degrees that provide a well-rounded foundation in special education to prepare you for a career in this rewarding field:
The time to make changes in the lives of students with disabilities is now. Be the change you want to see in the world—apply to the program of your choice today!
Sources:
https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/special-education-student-growth-teachers-understaffed-20efa9da
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg
https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/education/3-myths-about-special-education-debunked/
As store aisles fill with skeletons, ghouls, and endless bags of candy, children begin the great debate over whether to be witches or firefighters for Halloween. Meanwhile, adults across the country start adding gargantuan bags of candy to their normal grocery lists in preparation for trick-or-treaters.
This raises the question: Has trick-or-treating always been a part of Halloween? And what were the origins of this spooktacular holiday?
Grab your favorite fun-sized candy bar as we dive into the history of Halloween.
Halloween’s roots trace back thousands of years to the Celtic pagan festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-win”). Celebrated on November 1st, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter: a harsh, biting season often associated with death. The Celts believed that on October 31st, the last night of their calendar year, the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest.
To celebrate, they lit fires and left offerings for the spirits. Some Celts dressed up as animals to avoid being kidnapped by spirits or faeries and taken to the other plane. Druids, respected community leaders, would use this night to tell the fortunes of the community for the upcoming winter months.
In the early 600s, the Catholic church designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day to commemorate the saints of the church. November 2nd became All Souls’ Day, a day to pray for deceased loved ones. All Saints’ Day was also known as All Hallows, and the day before it (October 31st) was aptly named All Hallows Eve.
As Christianity spread into Celtic regions, the holiday began to blend with the traditional customs of Samhain. Eventually, parts of all three holidays would blend into what we now know as Halloween, but it would still be over a thousand years before trick-or-treating and other modern-day Halloween traditions emerged.
Around the 8th century, the earliest analog to trick-or-treating may have begun in Ireland and England during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations. On those days, underprivileged individuals would visit wealthy families, offering prayers for the souls of the family’s dead relatives in exchange for pastries called “soul cakes.” Eventually, children took up this activity, going door to door and asking for gifts like food and money.
Early settlers brought their spin on Halloween traditions to Colonial America, but not everyone reveled in the celebrations. Because of the strict religious beliefs held throughout many of the colonies, only Maryland and some of the southern colonies took part in Halloween-related festivities.
As Native Americans and diverse European immigrants shared their customs and beliefs with settlers, America slowly formed its own version of the holiday, complete with activities such as:
By the 1800s, Halloween had become known as a night for pranking and tricking unlucky bystanders, effectively putting the spook in spooky season. Teenagers would jump out from dark corners to scare their younger siblings. Children tripped innocent bystanders with hidden ropes as they walked by in the dark. In 1887, a few tricksters even put molasses on the seats of a chapel before church began.
Eventually, the media began to rebrand the holiday as something more positive for the youth of America. Unfortunately, President Truman’s idea of replacing Halloween with “Youth Honor Day” didn’t take off as he’d hoped. Thankfully, another idea had been circulating since the 1930s and was slowly gaining adoption. Since children were already banging on doors and demanding sweets from strangers, why not teach them to do so politely (and recommend adults have candy at the ready)? Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, magazine articles and television and radio programs began promoting this new Halloween activity, known as “trick-or-treating.”
Today, typical Halloween celebrations consist of mostly civilized transactions between adult neighbors and costumed children knocking on doors and sweetly holding out their cauldrons, buckets, and pillowcases for the goods.
If the history of Halloween intrigued you, why stop there? With an online Master of Arts in History, you can turn your passion for the past into a lucrative career as an educator, historian, legislator, and more.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s 30-credit online MA in history is designed for busy people like you. Its 100% online format lets you complete coursework from anywhere, whether you’re on your lunch break or aboard a flight to your next historic travel destination.
Of course, if you want to participate in live courses, we have you covered. As an online MA in history student, you can enroll in graduate-level synchronous live-remote courses. If you’re interested, contact Department Chair Dr. Ana Martinez-Catsam for more information.
Are you ready to make history by earning an advanced degree in a subject you’re passionate about? Apply today.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/samhain
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/when-halloween-was-all-tricks-no-treats-180966996/
If you think of a school as a well-manned ship, who is at the helm steering it towards success? While many educational leaders contribute to a school’s progress, the principal serves as the critical role of captain, guiding students and educators toward excellence. How? By creating a supportive environment that fosters high-quality teaching and engaged learning.
A key approach many principals are adopting to ensure the pursuit of educational excellence is transformational leadership: a dynamic method that emphasizes creating a shared vision that motivates both students and faculty to excel. Join us as we explore the essentials of transformational leadership and uncover four strategies principals use to inspire and motivate everyone on board.
Transformational leadership is a method of guiding a team—consisting of faculty, parents, and students—toward a shared vision for the school. Leaders achieve ‘buy-in’ from these stakeholders by creating an inspiring vision, leading by example, and celebrating individual and collective achievements.
While instructional leadership was a staple for educational leaders in the 1980s, transformational leadership rose in popularity in the 1990s and has since become a leading method for school improvement. That’s not to say that instructional leadership doesn’t have a role in education. The two approaches share several positive characteristics, such as:
Transformational leadership takes these efforts one step further, however, by inspiring and motivating the entire school community to embrace changes in education, which can contribute to long-term success.
In addition to these commitments, transformational leaders in education also:
Below, we explore four transformational leadership strategies often used by successful educational leaders:
Instead of siloing departments, transformational principals and other educational leaders encourage teamwork among all teachers and staff. They establish set times for collaboration and involve all stakeholders in the decision-making process. This approach allows them to share ideas, discuss effective teaching methods, identify areas for improvement, and explore potential interdisciplinary lessons. The result is more cohesive lesson plans and a stronger sense of community.
Everyone has different needs, whether they’re students or educators. Transformational leaders ensure that students receive personalized learning plans tailored to their unique needs. For instance, teachers could offer differentiated reading levels for the same text or create learning centers that cater to different learning styles. Both teaching strategies allow students to learn using methods that resonate with their individual preferences.
From an educator’s perspective, transformational leaders can go beyond simply offering generalized professional development. They encourage teachers to become intellectually stimulated by their continued educational pursuits, inspiring them to try new and innovative methods to improve their students’ learning outcomes.
Educational leaders with a transformational mindset are always open to new ideas and promote innovation among their fellow faculty members. Whether implementing new teaching methods, incorporating different forms of technology, providing multiple learning platforms, or completely revamping the curriculum to make it more engaging, they inspire and drive continuous improvement in their schools.
Becoming a transformational leader starts with you. If you’re an educator with a vision for the future and a passion for inspiring others to be their best selves, you’re one step closer to becoming a leader in education.
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, our online ELCC-recognized Master of Arts in Educational Leadership will lead the way toward the next chapter in your career: an administrative role in education. Our 30-credit online program covers all the essential topics relevant to leadership roles in a school setting, taking the guesswork out of selecting courses that may not align with your career path.
You can also expect the following from our accredited master’s program:
Have any questions for us? Feel free to reach out, and when you’re ready to take the next step and become a leader in education, the application is only a click away.
Sources:
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-transformational-vs-instructional-leadership-which-is-better/2021/10
https://thoughtexchange.com/blog/transformational-leadership-in-education/
Labor Day wasn’t always about end-of-summer sales and long weekends. It was created to honor the hard-fought contributions of American workers—and to advocate for better working conditions during a time when laborers often endured 70-hour workweeks. Before diving into beach plans or backyard barbecues, it’s worth asking: Why do we celebrate Labor Day—and how did it begin?
Let’s explore the true origins of this national holiday and how its meaning has evolved over time.
The first unofficial Labor Day occurred in New York City on September 5, 1882. On this day, thousands of union members marched to Union Square, petitioning for shorter workdays and better working conditions. While this looming victory for workers across the country was worth celebrating, the holiday’s origins go back much farther.
Decades prior, in the 1830s, employees in most manufacturing industries were working seven days a week, laboring under a monstrous 70-hour workweek. These unsustainable working conditions were exactly what union organizers focused on when trying to establish a shorter workweek and workday. They also attempted to help workers get more days, like Labor Day, off.
Although employees succeeded in establishing a Labor Day parade in 1882, it didn’t immediately become a public holiday. It took over a decade for half of the states in the U.S. to recognize and honor the day as a holiday. Even then, it wasn’t until President Grover Cleveland signed the Labor Day bill in 1894 that it became a national holiday.
At its inception, Labor Day celebrated the contributions of countless workers to the United States economy. It also recognized the achievements of the labor movement in securing higher wages and improving working conditions.
In the years following its national adoption in 1894, workers around the United States continued to celebrate Labor Day in a formal, celebratory fashion. They hosted parades on the streets and had picnics that highlighted the exuberant strength and hard work of the local labor unions.
As we fast forward to today, the days of political parades are largely gone. In their place are the most relaxing of leisurely activities: a trip to the beach, a barbeque with your closest friends, and simply enjoying a day off work.
Perhaps the most significant shift in the holiday’s celebration is the modern commercialization of Labor Day. If you scroll through commercials or social media ads, you’ll likely be bombarded with endless “Major Labor Day Sales You Can’t Miss” campaigns from car dealerships, local appliance businesses, and clothing stores.
The original meaning of Labor Day seems to have become lost in translation over the past century. Whereas society once used the day to formally celebrate slow and steady improvements in the workplace, it’s now seen as our last chance for a final summer hurrah before the start of fall, complete with holiday sales galore.
From a sociological perspective, Labor Day reflects the evolution of our societal values. Originally, it was a time to honor labor unions’ achievements and contributions to improving workers’ rights. Today, it symbolizes the importance of incorporating rest and leisure into our lives.
The holiday also demonstrates our changing cultural attitudes toward labor. In the past, when labor movements were strong and influential, Labor Day’s focal point was advocating for labor rights. In contrast, during more periods of a stable economic and work environment, the focus shifts to leisure and consumer consumption.
Labor Day’s shift in meaning shows how society’s perception of work and rest has evolved over time. While the essence of celebrating workers’ contributions remains, the way we observe Labor Day today reflects modern societal changes, emphasizing personal relaxation and economic activity, like treating yourself to a new kitchen appliance in the spirit of the holiday.
Labor Day is more than just a Monday off work. It’s a holiday rooted in advocacy, history, and social change. Here are some common questions people have about its purpose and transformation over the years:
If you have a passion for social justice, UTPB’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program explores several crucial elements of society, including how humans interact in group settings, the diversity of cultures on an international scale, and what influences social behavior. During your core courses, you’ll discover leading theories on human interaction and sharpen your critical thinking, research, and communication skills for a promising career in numerous industries.
We know your time is valuable, and our program’s convenient online format allows you to complete coursework in your time frame from almost anywhere. In addition, we offer competitive tuition rates, excellent networking opportunities, and multiple start dates throughout the year.
If you’re ready to expand your knowledge in sociology and prepare for a rewarding career in a field you’re passionate about, take the first step. Apply today.
Sources:
https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2023-09-01/have-we-forgotten-the-true-meaning-of-labor-day
Other articles you may be interested in:
When someone struggles with depression, homelessness, or discrimination, who steps in to help? A psychologist? A social worker? A sociologist? These three fields all address human challenges, but they explore humanity from very different angles: one from society, one from the mind, and one from the front lines. So what are the similarities and differences between sociology, psychology, and social work? This guide clears up…
Lunar eclipses don’t happen often, but when they do, everything seems to slow down. People step outside. Neighborhoods get quieter, tuned in to the skies above. Suddenly, something outside of our control brings us all together for a shared moment of collective awe. Eclipses remind us that we’re all living under the same moon, no…
How many times a day do you unlock your phone to scroll through your favorite feed? Ten? Twenty? Lost count after breakfast? You’re not alone. The average American checks their phone 205 times a day and spends about two and a half hours of that time on social media. Whether you’re catching up on family…
Are you passionate about upholding ethical standards and advocating for others ? Do you thrive on the intellectual challenge of legal debates? If so, you’ve likely dreamt of the day that you can finally tell the world, “I’m an attorney.”
However, becoming a lawyer involves seven or more years of schooling after high school—not to mention passing the bar exam and meeting state-specific requirements. In the words of the iconic Elle Woods in the film “Legally Blonde”: “What, like it’s hard?”
With tenacity and passion, turning your dream of becoming a lawyer into reality is challenging but entirely achievable. Today, we’ll explore the role of a lawyer and the steps needed to embark on this career path.
The better question is: What don’t lawyers do? Beyond prosecuting and defending criminals, many attorneys specialize in crucial areas that help us during important life events, such as buying houses, drafting wills, and handling divorce proceedings.
However, your role as a lawyer will vary based on your specialization. Before delving into some of your typical responsibilities, let’s outline some common types of lawyers:
The specialty you choose will determine whether you spend most of your time preparing for and partaking in court proceedings and trials, but here’s a list of some typical responsibilities for most lawyers:
Below, we discuss the general steps involved in becoming a lawyer.
After graduating from high school, completing a four-year undergraduate program is the first step to earning your Juris Doctor (JD) degree. While there isn’t a specific major required for law school admission, certain majors can provide foundational skills necessary for your graduate studies, such as:
After earning a bachelor’s degree, you’ll begin studying for the LSAT, which measures your knowledge and readiness in four areas:
The first three sections are multiple choice, while the writing section (as you might expect) requires a written argument on behalf of one of two competing policy options.
We recommend preparing for the LSAT while earning your bachelor’s degree. You can tailor your courseload to include courses that will strengthen your ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and analyze precisely, such as UTPB’s Introduction to Philosophy or Psychology and Law, both offered through our online BA in psychology program.
After taking the LSAT, you can begin applying to the law schools of your choice. Most law schools will accept students with an LSAT score of 150, while more prestigious schools require scores of 160 or higher. Other requirements may include your undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, or a personal statement.
It typically takes full-time students about three years to complete their JD coursework. Part-time students may extend this to four or five years.
According to U.S. News, the first year of law school is often the most demanding, as students are adapting to new and rigorous schedules. Justin Hansford, a law professor at Howard University’s School of Law, suggests that the second year offers more flexibility, allowing students to explore specialties and define their professional identity. In the third year, the focus shifts to preparing for the bar exam and entering the legal profession.
Most states offer the bar exam twice yearly, in the winter and summer. After graduating from your JD program, you’ll apply for admission to the bar and spend a few months intensely studying for the exam. The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, with 25 being unscored pretest questions.
Of the 175 scored questions, there are 25 randomized questions from seven subject areas, including:
Depending on the state where you plan to practice, additional requirements may be necessary, such as state-specific law exams or participation in a mentorship program. Check your state’s guidelines to confirm any further requirements after passing the bar exam, and prepare for the exhilarating moment that you’re sworn in as a licensed attorney!
As you pursue a legal career, mastering essential skills like critical thinking, communication, negotiation, time management, and analysis is crucial. While law school refines these skills, you can build a strong foundation through one of the online bachelor’s programs offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin.
We offer several relevant online undergraduate programs that are ideal for aspiring lawyers, including:
With year-round start dates and a flexible online format, you can complete your studies at your own pace. Explore our offerings and choose the path that’s right for you.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-lawyers
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/law/pre-law-majors/
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/law-admissions-lowdown/articles/lsat-writing-sample-what-to-know
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/what-the-lsat-is-and-how-to-prepare
https://www.usnews.com/education/articles/how-long-is-law-school-and-what-is-it-like
It’s no secret that universities are competitive, and their programs are equally so. Whether you’re a student searching for the most prestigious graduate literacy program or an educator aspiring to join the ranks at a globally recognized university, there’s one credential you’re looking for: ILA recognition.
According to the International Literacy Association’s website, ILA National Recognition is a rare distinction that is awarded to outstanding licensure, certificate, and endorsement literacy programs. Earning ILA recognition shows that a particular program follows a rigorous set of standards to prepare literacy professionals for excellence in their field. Essentially, if you see a literacy program with ILA recognition, you know they represent the best of the best.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Literacy proudly boasts this coveted recognition, and today we’re exploring exactly what that entails.
Founded in 1956, the ILA is a professional membership organization recognized by 128 countries around the world. It supports educators, researchers, and experts alike and is committed to “improving the quality of literacy learning across the globe in ways that are respectful, responsive, and ethical.”
The ILA establishes benchmarks for excellence in literacy education, whether you’re a literacy coach or reading specialist. According to its website, members of the ILA publish cutting-edge research, create evidence-based resources for educators, provide relevant professional development opportunities, recognize exemplary teacher preparation programs, and support literacy leaders with financial awards and grants.
The ILA recognizes multiple types of achievements, including outstanding literacy programs, awards for educators and researchers, and innovative literacy projects and research approvals. Although many literacy programs and individuals apply for ILA recognition each year, only a handful are selected to receive the distinction.
To obtain the honor, the program or person must undergo a thorough evaluation process. Of UTPB’s ILA recognition, Assistant Professor of Literacy Dr. Tara Wilson said, “We applied for this recognition by writing a very extensive self-study that was then evaluated by ILA. ILA paid specific attention to how well our program aligns with the national reading specialist standards which are research and evidence-based.”
Our ILA recognition reflects our dedication to offering a top-tier education for our students. Students immediately become part of a distinguished community of literacy professionals shaping the future of literacy-based education. And with an education from an ILA-recognized program, you’ll be confident, poised, and prepared to help improve students’ reading, writing, and communication skills.
UTPB’s ILA recognition demonstrates that our program’s instructional methods, curriculum design, and assessment practices surpass industry standards. Students in our graduate literacy program can feel confident that they’re receiving a rigorous and enviable education from experienced professors. Coursework is tailored for working professionals seeking to elevate their career as reading specialists, literary coaches, curriculum developers, or other lucrative careers in the literacy space.
With a structured and impactful lineup of courses, our comprehensive 30-credit online graduate program is meticulously designed to deliver essential skills and knowledge, focusing solely on what matters. Courses such as Vocabulary and Spelling Practicum and Clinical and Remedial Reading Practicum equip you with the expertise needed to excel in current or future roles.
But the advantages don’t stop there. We also offer the following competitive benefits:
Choose the literacy program that sets you apart from the rest. Apply today and start making a meaningful impact in the field of literacy education.
Sources:
https://www.literacyworldwide.org/get-involved/awards-recognition/national-recognition
https://www.literacyworldwide.org/about-us/our-mission
https://www.utpb.edu/success/2022/01/college-of-education-national-literacy-recognition
If you have a passion for learning languages and are fascinated by other cultures, have you considered turning those interests into a career? As a Spanish major at UTPB, you’ll not only dramatically improve your Spanish-speaking abilities but also sharpen other must-have language skills that are highly sought-after in today’s job market.
Join us as we explore some of the most rewarding careers available with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Spanish and discuss some of the language skills employers will be excited to see on your resume.
With a degree in Spanish, you’ll be one step closer to unlocking careers in a diverse range of industries, including education, business and communication. Below, we’re exploring some of the most esteemed careers for Spanish majors to help you decide which might be the best fit for you.
The career options don’t stop there. While some may require additional schooling, there are other impactful roles to consider that might better align with your interests, including:
When asked about the most in-demand language skill for Spanish majors, most people would answer fluency in Spanish—and they wouldn’t be wrong. But that’s not the only skill that employers are looking for.
People who major in Spanish can master several other enviable skills that help their resume stand out. Some of these skills include:
Spanish is the native language for approximately 456 million people worldwide, providing a significant advantage in the workforce for those who are proficient. No matter which career path you choose, The University of Texas Permian Basin is dedicated to providing you with the skills you need to excel in your career.
Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re a seasoned veteran looking to advance in your role, UT Permian Basin has several entirely online programs to help you achieve your goals:
Find the online program that aligns with your goals and apply today!
Sources:
https://www.worlddata.info/languages/spanish.php
Picture this: The year is 2022. The number of COVID-19 cases is tapering off. Many work-from-home employees are being called back to the office, and intercontinental vacations are on the rise again. It seems like life is finally returning to its pre-pandemic normal.
Except, you notice that an alarming number of establishments have one not-so-typical thing in common: They all have signs on their front doors that say, “Now Hiring” in big, bold letters. From the signage at your favorite local coffee shop to the printed poster at the bank’s teller window, everyone needs new employees—but why?
Enter the Great Resignation, a period that began in 2021, during which approximately 47 million employees in the United States quit their jobs. While many Americans didn’t immediately notice resignation rates rising, within a year, it was clear that people were leaving their positions en masse in favor of better work opportunities and an improved work-life balance.
Today, we’re discussing the causes of the Great Resignation and how it’s impacted the United States economy in the months and years since.
There’s no one particular catalyst for the Great Resignation. Rather, people left their jobs for myriad reasons, including:
Since the start of the Great Resignation, there have been numerous short- and long-term implications for the U.S. economy, including:
Whether you’re interested in helping individuals with their personal finances or you’d rather work with businesses on a corporate level, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers several programs tailored to working professionals. Each program is 100% online, so you can complete the courses in a time frame that aligns with your schedule.
Depending on what stage of your career you’re in, we have three online programs to choose from, including:
Once you’ve chosen a program that aligns with your interests and aspirations, apply today to begin paving the path to your future.
Sources:
https://fortune.com/2022/12/29/baby-boomers-great-resignation-quit-rates/
https://www.investopedia.com/the-great-resignation-5199074
https://www.worktango.com/resources/articles/10-industries-great-resignation
https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsegal/2024/05/14/how-and-why-the-freelance-workforce-continues-to-grow-and-change/
When COVID-19 struck in 2020, the world as we knew it was thrown into complete chaos. Suddenly, many of us couldn’t leave our homes to complete simple tasks like grocery shopping or even taking a walk. Countless parents became tutors to their children, who were learning via Zoom calls. And when someone showed symptoms of the virus, they were encouraged to isolate themselves even further to avoid spreading the illness to others.
While some were able to heal at home, many faced COVID-related complications, such as pneumonia, sepsis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, which often required medical care. With patient beds dwindling and an unforeseen surge of patients being admitted to hospitals, healthcare management had to quickly adjust its protocols in favor of innovative and flexible solutions.
Today, we’re exploring some of the lessons that healthcare management has learned in the wake of COVID-19 and how it’s continued to change to be more prepared for any medical challenges the future brings.
Numerous factors ensure a healthcare facility runs smoothly. During the peak of COVID-19, many of those standard practices were abandoned as the needs of patients and medical staff evolved with the virus. Fortunately, those in healthcare management roles acted quickly, adjusting protocols and policies to ensure the safety and best health outcomes for everyone involved, including:
Before COVID, if you wanted to see a healthcare provider for an illness or health condition, your options were often limited to scheduling an appointment and seeing a doctor in person. However, with the six-feet rule in place, and with the rate of infection being so high, healthcare management quickly adopted another form of healthcare for patients: telehealth visits.
With telehealth appointments, patients could receive care from medical professionals without ever having to leave their homes. This minimized the risk of transmission and also made healthcare more accessible to those in rural areas and individuals with mobility issues.
In January 2021, there were over 126,000 COVID-19-related cases in hospitals across the United States: a staggering figure when compared to the 31,000 cases reported in January 2024. When caseloads become too high to easily manage, many hospitals resorted to flexible staffing models to handle the surges in patient volume. This included:
With the help of data analytics, healthcare systems more easily leveraged several types of data that helped management predict critical information, such as:
Access to real-time data helped healthcare management teams better prepare for logistical challenges, including allocating critical supplies such as ventilators, personal protective equipment, and ICU beds.
Living in a post-pandemic world, there are numerous adaptations that healthcare facilities worldwide have made in preparation for another potential pandemic, including:
The University of Texas Permian Basis offers two unique online programs designed to give you the skills needed to excel as a leader in the healthcare industry. Below, we discuss each healthcare management degree program to help you determine which best aligns with your current skillset and interests:
BAAS in Healthcare Leadership
Our online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Healthcare Leadership is perfect if you already have some experience in healthcare and have an associate degree in applied science. This accelerated online bachelor’s program will provide strategies and skills for complex problem solving, project management and forecasting, and overcoming common constraints in the workplace.
BBA in Healthcare Management
The online BBA in Healthcare Management is ideal for those entirely new to the healthcare field. The program consists of 120 credits: a combination of general education courses and major-related courses that will provide skills in several key areas, based on your professional goals, such as:
Both of our programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible and cost-effective, these degrees can be completed at your own pace. Once you’ve selected the program that’s right for you, take the next step and apply today!
Sources:
https://ijsra.net/sites/default/files/IJSRA-2024-0291.pdf
https://ourworldindata.org/covid-hospitalizations
Summer isn’t just about vacations and sunshine (though we appreciate those irreplaceable aspects, too). It’s also when some of the most important historical events and global milestones took place. From the birth of a nation to a cultural revolution and even a journey to the moon, these three historical events happened during the summer months and changed the world forever.
The preamble to the Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
When the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the Revolutionary War was already well underway. While the document didn’t start the war, it did give voice to the colonies’ decision to break permanently with Britain. It gave a moral and political justification for independence, rallied support, and helped shape the vision of the United States as a country founded in liberty and self-government.
In the context of summer, Independence Day has inspired many cherished summer traditions. Watching fireworks at the city square, hosting family barbecues, and donning patriotic attire to celebrate the Fourth of July are all traditions that stem from this significant event.
The 1960s marked a period of revolution and social upheaval in the United States, with significant issues coming to the forefront and reaching a climax during the Summer of Love.
But what exactly was the Summer of Love?
It was a pivotal moment in the counterculture movement, representing a shift that emphasized artistic expression, the rebellion of youth, and the exploration of alternative lifestyles, psychedelic drugs, and spirituality.
The epicenter of this cultural phenomenon was the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, California, in 1967. Approximately 100,000 young people gathered there to embrace these ideals and support causes such as:
Music was a driving force in the Summer of Love, and it served as a powerful tool to express feelings of social and cultural reform. Just two years later, the Woodstock Music and Art Fair took place in New York, a festival that continues to influence many of today’s summer music festivals.
If the Declaration of Independence marked the start of political freedom for the U.S., the Apollo 11 Moon Landing in the summer of 1969 symbolized human exploration and technological advancement. The idea was born in 1961 when President Kennedy proposed that the U.S. would perform the world’s first manned lunar landing before the decade’s end.
However, the U.S. wasn’t the only country with ambitious plans to reach the moon first; the Soviet Union also vied for the title. After eight years of effort, however, the American Apollo 11 lunar module safely landed on the moon’s surface on July 20, 1969. It was that day that Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the craterous lunar surface, famously proclaiming, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Similar to Independence Day, the moon landing created a sense of unity and pride among United States citizens. It symbolized the ingenuity of NASA and the spirit of exploration and established the U.S. as a leader in space innovation. Today, the legacy of the moon landing lives on in summer activities like space camps, which inspire young minds, and in the countless stargazers who look to the sky during the warm summer nights, dreaming big about their future.
Curious about how summer has played a role in shaping U.S. and world history? Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about the season’s most impactful events.
From adding to your skillset as a post-secondary educator to becoming a historian who archives materials in museums and historical sites, there’s a range of careers that let you embrace your passion for history while also making a living. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer a 30-credit online program tailored to working professionals interested in developing valuable historical context while advancing their careers.
In as little as two years, you can complete your Master of Arts in History 100% online. This degree not only equips you with advanced knowledge on a wide range of topics in American and world history but also provides the opportunity to pursue more advanced roles and earn a higher salary.
With year-round start dates, affordable tuition, and thesis and non-thesis program options, what’s stopping you from beginning the next chapter in your career?
Sources:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration
https://www.nasa.gov/history/july-20-1969-one-giant-leap-for-mankind/
https://daily.jstor.org/the-summer-of-love-wasnt-all-peace-and-hippies/
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