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In reading through the district stories about using curriculum as a framework for improvement, many innovations were interwoven into ancillary efforts for curriculum development. As these are part of the stories of district curriculum development, we thought that discussions of these "ancillary efforts" were important. The innovations considered in this chapter are: Power standards, Professional learning communities, Common assessments, Data-driven decision making, and Walk-through's. We will consider these as if they were being implemented alone, and assess their power to produce student achievement gains using the ASIA framework. References to the district stories will be given. © 2014 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Working with districts over the past 15 years to write and implement a balanced curriculum has been a wonderful experience; especially as so many of the districts that I worked with saw their student achievement improve (Squires, 2013). Now, thousands of students are getting better results because the curriculum was developed and well implemented using the Balanced Curriculum model. As is evident by the chapters about other school districts, the balanced curriculum is not the only way to get improvement, as the districts highlighted in this book also used curriculum as a framework for improving achievement. In this chapter I will highlight lessons learned along the way about developing and implementing curriculum. Using ideas described in chapter 6, we will highlight what major roles need to know and be able to do in planning, developing and implementing curriculum. For those with experience of working within a district, this will give one model to compare your district's curriculum writing and implementation efforts. We begin by dividing the effort into three areas: planning, writing, and implementing curriculum. To plan, we create a planning team to guide the process of writing and implementing curriculum. We don't separate curriculum writing from curriculum implementation because how the curriculum is implemented will, in part, depend on how the curriculum was written. We believe that such curriculum development and implementation has the potential to last over several years, and we believe that such an effort needs people who can stay the course over those years, so the effort is not wasted. © 2014 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

In high-resolution scanning probe microscopy, it is becoming increasingly common to simultaneously record multiple channels representing different tip-sample interactions to collect complementary information about the sample surface. A popular choice involves simultaneous scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) measurements, which are thought to reflect the chemical and electronic properties of the sample surface. With surface-oxidized Cu(100) as an example, we investigate whether atomic-scale information on chemical interactions can be reliably extracted from frequency shift maps obtained while using the tunneling current as the feedback parameter. Ab initio calculations of interaction forces between specific tip apexes and the surface are utilized to compare experiments with theoretical expectations. The examination reveals that constant-current operation may induce a noticeable influence of topography-feedback-induced cross-talk on the frequency shift data, resulting in misleading interpretations of local chemical interactions on the surface. Consequently, the need to apply methods such as 3D-AFM is emphasized when accurate conclusions about both the local charge density near the Fermi level, as provided by the STM channel, and the site-specific strength of tip-sample interactions (NC-AFM channel) are desired. We conclude by generalizing to the case where multiple atomic-scale interactions are being probed while only one of them is kept constant. © 2015 American Chemical Society.

This research focuses on inservice science teachers’ conceptions of nature of science (NOS) before and after a two-week intensive summer professional development (PD). The PD combined traditional explicit NOS instruction, numerous interactive interventions that highlighted NOS aspects, along with documentary films that portrayed NOS in context of authentic scientific discovery. Reflective dialogue was used throughout the professional development to encourage constructivist learning. The PD addressed seven commonly held NOS tenets that are deemed significant to K-12 science teachers. Finally, qualitative methodologies were used to analyze the Views of Nature of Science Questionnaire (VNOS-D) and the associated interview data to explore subtleties within each NOS tenet and to gain a richer understanding of how the teachers’ NOS understanding differed before and after the PD. © 2015 by iSER, International Society of Educational Research.

Introduction: The educational system of Jamaica is designed whereby performance is assessed based on formal evaluation (or test). This test culture places immense pressure on students at the primary level to successful complete some examinations in order for placement into select schools. Objectives: The present study seeks to evaluate psychological stress among students who take the G.S.A.T examination in the Corporate Area schools in Jamaica and assess whether psychological stressors influence academic performance. Methods: For this research, mixed methodology was employed to investigate the phenomenon of stressors among students who took the 2013 G.S.A.T examination. For the survey instrument (questionnaire), the large volume of data were stored, retrieved and analyzed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (S.P.S.S) for Windows version 21.0 (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA). Findings: The overall academic performance of the surveyed respondents was high (75.8 ± 19.4; 95% CI: 72.4- 79.2), with students in the preparatory school (92.4 ± 4.1) outperformed those in the primary school (71.0 ± 19.4)- t-test =10280, P < 0.0001. The level of stress experienced by those in the public school was greater (29.9 ± 6.0; 95% CI: 28.9 - 30.1) than those in the private school (26.0 ± 3.9; 95% CI: 24.5- 27.4- t-test=-3.300, P=0.001). Five factors determine overall academic performance: 1) stress level, 2) parental involvement, 3) school type, 4) nervous on taking the first G.S.A.T examination and 5) school choice (traditional or non-traditional high school). The five factors accounted for 35.8 percentage points of the variance in overall academic performance (Adjusted R2). Conclusion: Parental involvement is crucial in academic performance among students who took the 2013 G.S.A.T examination and students experienced moderately high stress, which offers some insight in the examination and the information can be used to better guide policy formulation. © 2015 Bourne PD, et al.

Background: For millennia, women with multiple sexual partners have been labeled and stigmatized as whores, prostitutes, promiscuous and commercial sex workers. However, there is little literature comprehensively addressing factors related to reproductive health in this group. Aim: The aim of the current study is to elucidate the reproductive health matters of women who have multiple sexual partners. Setting and design: The data use for this research is taken from the Jamaica Reproductive Health Survey, 2007. Stratified random sampling is used to design the sampling frame. Materials and Methods: The current study extracts a sample of 225 respondents (from 7,168 women ages 15-49 years) who indicate having had multiple sex partners. Statistical analysis used: Data are analyzed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences for Windows, Version 21.0. Multiple logistic regressions were used to analyze factors that explained current method of contraception. Results: Women with multiple sex partners on average are involved with men at least 9.5 years their senior, and 72% of them have become pregnant. Currently, contraception use can be explained by social class (middle class, Odds ratio (OR) = 0.08, 95% CI= 0.01 – 0.59); age at first sexual intercourse (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.68 – 1.21); employment status (employed, OR = 5.07, 95% CI = 1.06 – 24.36); and marital status (married or common-law, OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.02 – 0.38). Conclusion: The early sexual initiation among young women is a public health problem because of the increased incidence of teenage pregnancy and increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, which must be addressed with the same intensity and resource allocation used to fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). © 2015, Chevron Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved.

The Connecticut shoreline is one of the most intensively developed in the country. In many locations, development has relied on the buffering capacity of broad beaches for protection against storms. Much of this development is at risk due to an insufficient understanding of regional beach dynamics. The coast is commonly regarded as “protected” by the presence of Long Island. Nonetheless, Irene and Sandy imposed significant property losses on coastal cities. The most severe damages were due to wave impact in areas with narrow beaches. Small differences (as little as 21 m) in beach width proved to be significant during these storms. Sheltering by Long Island does not prevent coastal erosion during local storms. In the long run, it does prevent the rebuilding of the beach during fair weather by limiting the energy available for shoreward transport. This dynamic makes the beaches naturally erosive and their buffering capacity transient at best.

Weightlifting movements require sufficient body speed to squat down and catch the barbell. Body speed can only be maximized if the correct positions are reached before the turnover and catch phases. The snatch from full extension (SFFE) and the clean from full extension (CFFE) allow the athlete to transition from the full extension position to a quick squat underneath the barbell. The SFFE and CFFE can be included into the warm-up or cooldown periods of a training session, focusing on the respective lifts. Correct body positions and speed, as opposed to barbell load, should be emphasized.

This book provides a hands-on approach to learning ARM assembly language with the use of a TI microcontroller. The book starts with an introduction to computer architecture and then discusses number systems and digital logic. The text covers ARM Assembly Language, ARM Cortex Architecture and its components, and Hardware Experiments using TILM3S1968. Written for those interested in learning embedded programming using an ARM Microcontroller. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and indicators of cognitive function. Design: Randomized clinical trial (Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Trial). Setting: Eight US academic centers. Participants: A total of 1601 adults ages 70-89 years, sedentary, without dementia, and with functional limitations. Measurements: Baseline ABI and interviewer- and computer-administered cognitive function assessments were obtained. These assessments were used to compare a physical activity intervention with a health education control. Cognitive function was reassessed 24 months later (interviewer-administered) and 18 or 30 months later (computer-administered) and central adjudication was used to classify individuals as having mild cognitive impairment, probable dementia, or neither. Results: Lower ABI had a modest independent association with poorer cognitive functioning at baseline (partial r= 0.09; P < .001). Although lower baseline ABI was not associated with overall changes in cognitive function test scores, it was associated with higher odds for 2-year progression to a composite of either mild cognitive impairment or probable dementia (odds ratio 2.60 per unit lower ABI; 95% confidence interval 1.06-6.37). Across 2 years, changes in ABI were not associated with changes in cognitive function. Conclusion: In an older cohort sedentary individuals with dementia and with functional limitations, lower baseline ABI was independently correlated with cognitive function and associated with greater 2-year risk for progression to mild cognitive impairment or probable dementia. © 2015 AMDA - The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.

This volume explores the conditions under which women are empowered, and feel entitled, to make the health decisions that are best for them. At its core, it illuminates how the most basic element of communication, voice, has been summarily suppressed for entire groups of women when it comes to control of their own sexuality, reproductive lives, and health. By giving voice to these women’s experiences, the book shines a light on ways to improve health communication for women. Bringing together personal narratives, key theory and literature, and original qualitative and quantitative studies, the book provides an in-depth comparative picture of how and why women’s health varies for distinct groups of women. Organized into four parts-historical influences on patient and provider perceptions, breast cancer the silence and the shame, make it taboo: mothering, reproduction, and womanhood, and sex, sexuality, relational health, and womanhood-each section is introduced with a brief synthesis and discussion of the key questions addressed across the chapters. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.

In 2002, the Institute of Medicine published Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, which reported that racial and ethnic minorities experience a lower quality of healthcare than nonminorities, even when they have income and insurance. That report pointed to stereotyping and bias within the healthcare system as the primary culprit and made recommendations about developing culturally competent healthcare as the fundamental way to reduce health disparities. Since then, cultural competency in health communication has become the touchstone for targeted health communication and disease prevention efforts for women and minorities. Unfortunately, this goal will never be achieved unless we hear from the women who continue to fall through the cracks of the still-broken healthcare system. Indeed, in the 21st century, there remain social and cultural norms that manifest themselves via institutional and interpersonal barriers to effective health communication along the lines of race, class, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality that unduly impact women as a group. These social and cultural norms are defined as a pattern of behavior in a particular group, community, or culture, accepted as normal and to which an individual is expected to conform. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.

This chapter talks about Michael and Ethan's case study, where two people were involved in being in an interfaith relationship. The author's primary goal was to help each become empathic and to understand the other's position on coming out and being a public couple. A secondary goal was to increase their communication in articulating their feelings surrounding coming out officially. Working from an existential approach, the author encouraged them both to explore their meanings associated with religion, their families, and each other. He used the Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) approach, and insights of integrating sexual orientation and religious identities, spiritual interventions, and dealing with discrimination. Building on the strength-based model, the author identified positive assets that each brought to the relationship individually and in a partnership. Each was willing to develop a plan that represented a middle ground between their two positions. © 2015 by the American Counseling Association. All rights reserved.