Congratulations to Carolyn Tureaud, current ArizonaLEND Trainee for 2024-2025, on receiving an $8,000 scholarship from the University of Arizona Hispanic Alumni Graduate Scholarship Program. This scholarship is awarded to graduate students whose research benefits underserved Latinx communities. The funding will assist Carolyn in advancing her dissertation research as well as compensating research participants for their time.
Exploring Education in Hospital School Programs: A Focus Group Study Applying the Biopsychoeducational Model focuses on understanding the current status of accessible education, through perspectives of children with special health care needs and their caregivers.
The study introduces an intervention known as hospital school programs (HSPs) that prioritizes children, their well-being, and education. HSPs allow children with special health care needs access to education during prolonged hospital stays. The goal of her research is to “expand the educational landscape by comprehending the viewpoint of students who have engaged in non-traditional school settings in order to meet their academic and physical demands.” Using focus groups with participants of HSPs Carolyn’s dissertation aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of these programs and better meet the needs of students.
Carolyn’s diagram, developed as part of her study, highlights the significant benefits that HSPs provide to students. As Carolyn insightfully noted, “Children facing medical challenges often encounter setbacks in their academic progress. This makes flexible and inclusive educational models, such as Hospital School Programs, essential for ensuring equitable access to education.” She further emphasized the profound impact of education on children’s overall wellness, stating, “Schools play a vital role in providing essential knowledge, social skills, and opportunities for personal growth.”
In conclusion, Carolyn Tureaud’s research holds significant promise in advancing education for children with special health care needs. The $8,000 scholarship from the University of Arizona Hispanic Alumni Graduate Scholarship Program is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to improving educational access and outcomes for underserved communities.
