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Small high school reform boosts districtwide outcomes

A study by New York University researchers found that small high school reform leads to improved graduation rates and test scores in both new and existing larger schools. The reform resulted in a 13 percentage point increase in graduation rates among students in small high schools compared to those in continuously operating schools.

SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Researcher·DateApr 28, 2015

LGBT teens who come out at school have better self-esteem, study finds

A new study found that LGBT teens who come out at school have higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression as young adults. Researchers analyzed data from the Family Acceptance Project and found that coming out was associated with better well-being outcomes. The study suggests that being open about one's sexual orientation or gend...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateFeb 9, 2015

Anyone who is good at German learns English better

Research by University of Zurich linguist Simone Pfenninger found that students with strong German language skills tend to excel in English, even if they start learning the latter at a later age. In contrast, early foreign language learning can sometimes hinder L1 development in the short term.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism·DateDec 10, 2014

Skipping college makes young people more likely to abuse pain pills

Young adults who don't attend college are at high risk for non-medical prescription opioid use and disorder, while college-educated peers are more likely to misuse stimulants. The study analyzed data from 36,781 young adults aged 18-22, revealing a significant gap in substance abuse patterns between college graduates and non-graduates.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateDec 1, 2014

Young adults ages 18 to 26 should be viewed as separate subpopulation in policy and research

The Institute of Medicine and National Research Council report highlights the critical period of young adulthood, characterized by brain maturation and increasing health risks. The committee calls for improved educational, economic, social, and health supports to promote equal opportunities and reduce disparities among young adults.

Smart teens rub off on teammates

A new study at Brigham Young University found that high school students who participate in extracurricular activities with members who get good grades are more likely to attend college. The type of team or club doesn't matter, as long as the student is surrounded by peers with high GPAs.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateSep 16, 2014

Low-income students in charter high schools less likely to engage in risky behavior

A new UCLA-led study reveals that high-performing public charter high schools in Los Angeles significantly reduced the likelihood of engaging in risky health behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, among low-income minority adolescents. These students also scored better on standardized tests and exhibited improved cognitive skills.

Your high school GPA could affect your income

Researchers at the University of Miami found that a one-point increase in high school GPA raises annual earnings by around 12% for men and 14% for women. The study also shows that African-Americans with high GPAs are more likely to graduate from college than their white counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEastern Economic Journal·DateMay 19, 2014

Universal neuromuscular training an inexpensive, effective way to reduce

Researchers found that universal neuromuscular training for high school and college-age athletes significantly reduced ACL injuries by 63%. The study also showed that implementing such a program would save an average of $275 per player, per season in injury-related costs, making it a cost-effective preventative measure.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 8, 2014

Snobby staff can boost luxury retail sales

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that consumers who experience rudeness from sales staff are more likely to purchase and wear luxury brands. The study suggests that a 'snobbish' attitude is beneficial for high-end retailers, but only if the salesperson appears authentic.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 29, 2014

Study shows first link between altitude and concussion

A new study reveals that high school athletes playing at higher elevations suffer fewer concussions than those closer to sea-level. The researchers analyzed concussion statistics from athletes playing multiple sports in 497 high schools and found a significant decrease in concussion rates among all sports played above 600 feet.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 9, 2013

How teens choose their friends

A national study led by Michigan State University scholar finds that course-taking influences teenage friendships. Students in similar academic pursuits form close bonds, and small classes often create opportunities for friendships.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateNov 15, 2013

October 2013 Educational Researcher examines gender gap in college enrollment

The October issue of Educational Researcher explores the role of sorting between boys and girls across public U.S. high schools in explaining the gender gap in college enrollment, particularly for black and Hispanic students. The study reveals that even modest amounts of gender sorting contribute to gender inequality in college entry.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateOct 29, 2013

No longer a man's race

A Northwestern University study analyzed data from over 400,000 runners in 10 large 10km road racing events. The top groups of men and women appear to be getting faster, with more sub-hour finishers among women. An increasing percentage of finishers are completing races in more than one hour.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateOct 25, 2013

Why do young adults start smoking?

Researchers at the University of Montreal identified three risk factors associated with young adult smoking onset: impulsivity, poor school performance, and higher alcohol consumption. This study suggests that targeted prevention campaigns for young adults aged 18-24 could help prevent smoking initiation.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateSep 16, 2013

Young adults on the autism spectrum face tough prospects for jobs and independent living

Two studies found that young adults on the autism spectrum have worse employment outcomes, including lower pay rates, and are less likely to live independently after high school. Despite this, half of young adults with ASDs did become employed, suggesting potential for improvement with effective preparation and support.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 4, 2013

ACL injuries may be prevented by different landing strategy

A new study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that women who land stiffly or in a 'knock-kneed' position are at higher risk of ACL injuries. The researchers used motion analysis software to monitor landing strategies of 82 physically active men and women, revealing a significant gender disparity in ACL tear rates.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateSep 3, 2013

Scientists develop new way to measure cumulative effect of head hits in football

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a new metric called Risk Weighted Cumulative Exposure (RWE) to capture players' exposure to the risk of concussion over a football season. The study found that impact frequency was greater during games than practices, but overall exposure was greater during practices.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 18, 2013