Preventing overweight and improving parenting skills from birth to age 3 years: preliminary results

Background. Parenting has been associated with child weight status. This study aims to evaluate the effects on parenting skills and BMI-SDS of the BBOFT+ overweight prevention program, compared to care-as-usual (CAU). Method. In a cluster-randomized trial, 2500 parents participated. Parent-reported weight and length were used. Parenting was measured with subscales control and reinforcement of the parenting strategies for eating and activity scale (PEAS) and the warmth subscale from the Child Rearing Questionnaire. Results. The first univariate analyses show that at age 15 months, no statistically significant differences in BMI- SDS, parental control, reinforcement or warmth were found between the BBOFT+ and the CAU group. Further cluster analyses need to be conducted. Results from age 36 months will be presented during the conference, which will include all subscales of the PEAS and an assessment of parenting styles. Conclusion. The intervention does not seem to have an effect on BMI-SDS or parenting

Outdoor School for All: A Pilot Study of a Novel Training for Outdoor School Educators on Inclusive Practices

Outdoor School (ODS) in Oregon is a regular educational experience for Oregon’s fifth and sixth graders. ODS programs and providers have identified training opportunities related to ensuring ODS is accessible and inclusive for all students, particularly students with disabilities. The current study explored the unique educational context of ODS and explored the perspectives of ODS partners on the training needs of ODS educators related to inclusive practices. Using a multiple methods design, guided by an implementation science framework, the feasibility and acceptability of a pilot inclusive practices professional development program that included coaching as a follow up support for ODS educators was examined. The program was rated as both acceptable and feasible by participants. Additionally, participants who received coaching, demonstrated maintenance and gains in their fidelity and reported benefits for students

State-of-the-art analysis of the pedagogical underpinnings of open science, citizen science and open innovation activities

The document corresponds to O2A1 of the INOS Project. This state-of-theart analysis elaborates on the current state of knowledge on learning design in open science, citizen science, and innovation activities, in order to improve their pedagogical value. This includes reporting on the different types of activities, the learning design of these activities, and the learning outcomes of these activities

Mediators of change in children\u27s physical activity.

 The thesis has provided a more in-depth understanding of the causal mechanisms of behaviour change, specifically through identification of potential mediators as well as identification of challenges implementing effective intervention strategies targeting these mediators. A better understanding of these mechanisms is likely to enhance the effectiveness of future physical activity interventions

Advancing Human Assessment: The Methodological, Psychological and Policy Contributions of ETS

​This book describes the extensive contributions made toward the advancement of human assessment by scientists from one of the world’s leading research institutions, Educational Testing Service. The book’s four major sections detail research and development in measurement and statistics, education policy analysis and evaluation, scientific psychology, and validity. Many of the developments presented have become de-facto standards in educational and psychological measurement, including in item response theory (IRT), linking and equating, differential item functioning (DIF), and educational surveys like the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Programme of international Student Assessment (PISA), the Progress of International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). In addition to its comprehensive coverage of contributions to the theory and methodology of educational and psychological measurement and statistics, the book gives significant attention to ETS work in cognitive, personality, developmental, and social psychology, and to education policy analysis and program evaluation. The chapter authors are long-standing experts who provide broad coverage and thoughtful insights that build upon decades of experience in research and best practices for measurement, evaluation, scientific psychology, and education policy analysis. Opening with a chapter on the genesis of ETS and closing with a synthesis of the enormously diverse set of contributions made over its 70-year history, the book is a useful resource for all interested in the improvement of human assessment

Advancing Human Assessment: The Methodological, Psychological and Policy Contributions of ETS

Educational Testing Service (ETS); large-scale assessment; policy research; psychometrics; admissions test