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Taking a fresh look

A new study by Northwestern University researchers uses complex systems and computer modeling to better understand educational policies. The approach, which treats education as a complex system, has been applied to school choice and student tracking, revealing promising results in understanding policy implications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2010

Challenges and opportunities for improving community college student success

A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher systematically examined 25 years of rigorous research to explain community college student success and identify remedies for dropouts. Key findings include the importance of institutional practices, federal and state resources, and incentives for college and student performance.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateOct 4, 2010

Wives as the new breadwinners

Research suggests wives are more likely to enter labor force when husbands stop working during economic downturn, highlighting shifting gender roles in families. Jobs in health and education industries provide a reliable source of income for families during recession.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateSep 13, 2010

Premier issue of new Childhood Obesity journal launched by Mary Ann Liebert Inc., publishers

The premier issue of Childhood Obesity aims to provide physicians, nurses, and policymakers with actionable content on environmental and policy changes, patient education, and clinical advances in the field. The journal features an editorial by US Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin and a series of essays on addressing childhood obesity.

Pennsylvania makes inroads into reducing child obesity

In Pennsylvania, school districts set goals to reduce childhood obesity through improved snacks and nutrition education, resulting in a 75% increase in healthy food options. However, physical activity opportunities remained stagnant despite legislation requiring it, leaving room for improvement.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 26, 2010

Can we change society?

The role of society in preventing chronic diseases such as CVD is crucial. Governments, industries, and civil society must collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles and environments. The impact of societal changes on health outcomes has been observed in countries like Finland, where CVD mortality has decreased by over 70%.

Market-style incentives to increase school choice have opposite effect

A study by University of Illinois expert Christopher Lubienski found that market-based approaches to school choice lead to exclusionary strategies, favoring affluent students. Schools compete to attract high-need students, but often leave them marginalized, and instead target 'active families' with resources.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·DateJul 15, 2009

Community provides essential support to military families

A new article in Family Relations explores the concept of community capacity building to provide essential support to military families. The framework outlines a collaborative approach to connecting isolated families with support services, enhancing family strengths and preventing stressful experiences from becoming crises.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateApr 8, 2009

Educational Researcher devoted to report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel

The National Mathematics Advisory Panel's final report was subject to scrutiny in a special issue of Educational Researcher, with experts discussing the report's limitations and potential solutions. Researchers highlighted concerns over quantitative focus, lack of clear framing, and failure to address achievement disparities.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateDec 8, 2008

The Bamako call to action: Research for health

The Bamako call to action emphasizes the importance of knowledge translation, regional alliances, and robust regulatory frameworks in strengthening health systems. Countries committed to allocating at least 2% of national health budgets to research and funding funders to invest at least 5% of health sector aid to research.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 27, 2008

School voucher adoption affected by political decision-making

A comparative study reveals that school vouchers were more easily adopted in Sweden due to its efficient parliamentary coalition system, whereas the US federal government's divided power hindered adoption. The study shows how political institutions impact policy-making in education reform.

SourceWiley·JournalGovernance·DateOct 15, 2008

Study shows how civil war refugees cope with the unknown

A new study on Sudanese refugee children separated from their parents during the civil war reveals that they employed various coping mechanisms to deal with uncertainty. The children turned to peers for information about their families and formed alternative families within the camps, showing resilience in the face of adversity.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateOct 2, 2008

What's fear got to do with it?

The Politics of Education Association Yearbook explores how fear shapes the education system, impacting beliefs about education and student outcomes. Guest editors Rick Ginsberg and Brice Cooper examine current issues in education and their effects on students, teachers, and administrators.

SourceSAGE·JournalEducational Policy·DateJan 23, 2008

Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics by NPs and MDs continues

Nurse practitioners (NPs) were found to prescribe antibiotics more appropriately and in line with clinical guidelines than physicians (MDs) for patients with Medicaid insurance. Increased adherence to accepted clinical guidelines and involvement in quality assurance programs are needed to reduce excessive antibiotic use.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners·DateOct 6, 2005

Unwed mothers are less likely to marry, study shows

A new study by Cornell University researcher Daniel Lichter found that unwed mothers are less likely to improve their socio-economic status through marriage. Married women with children are significantly less likely to be poor than unmarried mothers, with only 6% of couples living below the poverty line.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Forces·DateSep 27, 2005

Nutrition services are an essential component of school health programs

Three leading national nutrition organizations support comprehensive school health programs, providing integrated nutrition education, access to nutritious meals, and healthy school environments. The goal is to promote balanced nutritional and physical activity habits for all children, reversing childhood obesity trends.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateApr 8, 2003