Third graders speak: Experiences and perspectives of reading and writing in urban public schools

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences and perspectives of reading and writing among third grade students attending urban public schools. The study took place in a large urban district in the Northeastern United States and included two elementary schools, four classrooms, and 24 students. The study was designed and conducted as qualitative research. 24 students were interviewed at two different times in the school year using (1) a picture protocol for the first interview and (2) a semi-structured interview protocol for the second interview. Analysis of the 48 interviews yielded findings in three areas: (1) The role of choice in motivating and engaging readers and writers; (2) The importance of a working relationship between a teacher and student in the classroom; and (3) The distribution of reading levels in urban classrooms compared to those in middle-to-upper class public classrooms. The results confirmed the centrality of the student-teacher relationship. These findings have implications for effective teaching practices that include the ways in which the teacher organizes and arranges for instruction to meet the broad needs of students

Extracellular Electron Transfer Powers Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm Metabolism

Enterococci are important human commensals and significant opportunistic pathogens. Biofilm-related enterococcal infections, such as endocarditis, urinary tract infections, wound and surgical site infections, and medical device-associated infections, often become chronic upon the formation of biofilm. The biofilm matrix establishes properties that distinguish this state from free-living bacterial cells and increase tolerance to antimicrobial interventions. The metabolic versatility of the enterococci is reflected in the diversity and complexity of environments and communities in which they thrive. Understanding metabolic factors governing colonization and persistence in different host niches can reveal factors influencing the transition to biofilm pathogenicity. Here, we report a form of iron-dependent metabolism for Enterococcus faecalis where, in the absence of heme, extracellular electron transfer (EET) and increased ATP production augment biofilm growth. We observe alterations in biofilm matrix depth and composition during iron-augmented biofilm growth. We show that the ldh gene encoding L-lactate dehydrogenase is required for iron-augmented energy production and biofilm formation and promotes EET.NRF (Natl Research Foundation, S’pore)MOE (Min. of Education, S’pore)Published versio