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Middle-school math classes are key to closing racial academic achievement gap

A University of Illinois study suggests that challenging middle-school math classes and increased access to advanced courses can close the racial academic achievement gap. The research found that students who take more advanced math courses in middle school have better academic outcomes and are less likely to fall behind.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateApr 20, 2009

US culture derails girl math whizzes

A study finds that many girls with exceptional math talent exist but are rarely identified due to a lack of respect for math and role models. The US pipeline for nurturing top math talent is badly broken, with 80% of female faculty hired at top research universities born in other countries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateOct 10, 2008

Government use of school league tables completely unjustified

New research published in 'Significance' magazine finds that UK school league tables are based on flawed methodology, leading to inaccurate judgments of a school's quality. The study suggests that the tables do not provide sufficient evidence to support institutional choice or accountability.

SourceWiley·JournalSignificance·DateMay 28, 2008

Study says death gap increasing in US

A study published in PLOS ONE found a widening gap in death rates between Americans with less than high school education and college graduates. The study analyzed data from 1993 to 2001 and found that mortality rates among the most educated decreased significantly, while those with less education remained relatively unchanged.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2008

When the rules of the game are broken: Research studies sports injuries related to illegal activity

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that more than 98,000 high school sports-related injuries were directly linked to illegal activities, with the highest rates in girls' soccer and volleyball. The research suggests that reducing illegal activity through rule enforcement and education may reduce sports-related injuries.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalInjury Prevention·DateFeb 29, 2008

Physical education and active play help teens maintain normal weight as adults

Participation in physical education decreases the likelihood of being an overweight adult by 5-28%. Wheel-related extracurricular activities show the most significant impact on maintaining a healthy weight into young adulthood. Regular physical activity is crucial for reducing obesity risk, especially during adolescence.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 7, 2008

Why do high school seniors drink?

A new study identifies four major motivators for high school senior drinking: experimentation, thrill-seeking, relaxation, and coping with life issues. Students who drink for these reasons show the heaviest and most problematic drinking behaviors, according to the study published in Prevention Science.

SourceSociety for Prevention Research·JournalPrevention Science·DateDec 4, 2007