The role of professional development and learning in the early adoption of the New Zealand curriculum by schools.

This paper is set in the context of Phase One of the Ministry of Education Curriculum Implementation Exploratory Studies (CIES) project. The schools selected for this study were considered early adopters of the revised New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) (Ministry of Education, 2007). The paper provides theoretical insights and research evidence related to the role of professional development and learning in the early stages of implementation of the revised curriculum. A key finding common to most schools was the progressive development of a professional learning culture led by the principal that focused on pedagogy and student achievement prior to the introduction of the curriculum. The establishment of this culture involved processes that were task-oriented, reflective, consultative and collaborative. While there are strong parallels between the experiences of primary and secondary schools in the study, some important differences have also been noted

Unveiling the Path to Equitable Knowledge. Challenging Knowledge Monopoly: Access, Equity, and Quality in the Digital Era.

In the digital age, the privatization and monopolization of knowledge have become prominent issues, particularly in the field of medical education and practice. Influential platforms like Amboss and the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation AO have emerged as gatekeepers, controlling access to medical knowledge through paywalls and potentially shaping treatment approaches. Concerns arise due to the selective dissemination of information, where conservative treatment approaches may be downplayed. In contrast initiatives that prioritize equal access to knowledge have been introduced, such as the WHO Surgery at the District Hospital program and internationally renowned textbooks like "Primary surgery" and "War surgery." Another area of concern is authorship, with a growing emphasis on advocating for equal cooperative authorship and challenging hierarchical structures. Alternative models promoting inclusivity and diversity in the authorship process are being explored. Additionally, there is a pressing need to prioritize quality over quantity in scientific publications. Strategies such as rigorous peer review processes and emphasizing impactful research are being discussed to address this issue. The implications of knowledge monopolization and dissemination are not limited to developed countries. Russian pirate platforms have significant implications for knowledge dissemination, copyright protection, and research availability, particularly in the Global South. Language barriers and biases against certain regions or nations further amplify the underrepresentation of voices in the scientific community. Interdisciplinary dialogue is crucial in advancing equitable knowledge access and exploring alternative approaches in the digital era. By fostering open discussions, the aim is to deepen the understanding of knowledge monopolies, encourage equal access to information, and seek innovative solutions in authorship, publication, and knowledge dissemination. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive and accessible landscape for the advancement of knowledge across various disciplines. All authors contributed equally

Unveiling the Path to Equitable Knowledge. Challenging Knowledge Monopoly: Access, Equity, and Quality in the Digital Era

In the digital age, the privatization and monopolization of knowledge have become prominent issues, particularly in the field of medical education and practice. Influential platforms like Amboss and the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation AO have emerged as gatekeepers, controlling access to medical knowledge through paywalls and potentially shaping treatment approaches. Concerns arise due to the selective dissemination of information, where conservative treatment approaches may be downplayed. In contrast initiatives that prioritize equal access to knowledge have been introduced, such as the WHO Surgery at the District Hospital program and internationally renowned textbooks like "Primary surgery" and "War surgery." Another area of concern is authorship, with a growing emphasis on advocating for equal cooperative authorship and challenging hierarchical structures. Alternative models promoting inclusivity and diversity in the authorship process are being explored. Additionally, there is a pressing need to prioritize quality over quantity in scientific publications. Strategies such as rigorous peer review processes and emphasizing impactful research are being discussed to address this issue. The implications of knowledge monopolization and dissemination are not limited to developed countries. Russian pirate platforms have significant implications for knowledge dissemination, copyright protection, and research availability, particularly in the Global South. Language barriers and biases against certain regions or nations further amplify the underrepresentation of voices in the scientific community. Interdisciplinary dialogue is crucial in advancing equitable knowledge access and exploring alternative approaches in the digital era. By fostering open discussions, the aim is to deepen the understanding of knowledge monopolies, encourage equal access to information, and seek innovative solutions in authorship, publication, and knowledge dissemination. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive and accessible landscape for the advancement of knowledge across various disciplines. All authors contributed equally

Moving Ahead: Factors contributing to successful transition of people with intellectual disabilities from congregated to community-based residential options in two regions in Ireland

This report details the findings of a research project entitled Moving Ahead. The project aimed to examine factors that contribute to the successful transfer of people with intellectual disabilities from congregated to community-based living in two regional areas in Ireland. It was undertaken by a team of researchers from Ireland and the UK, led by Dr. Christine Lineha

The key components of cancer nurse coordination: An integrative review

With one in three New Zealanders experiencing a diagnosis of cancer during their lifetime, the New Zealand (NZ) national health care system plays a pivotal role in providing services to ensure optimal health outcomes for people diagnosed with this disease. In 2003 the NZ Cancer Control Strategy (NZCCS) set overall aims and objectives for improving care and reducing inequalities, and as one of many programmes driven by the strategy, the Cancer Nurse Coordinator Initiative (CNCI) was launched in 2013. The aim of this initiative is to practically support individuals and targeted populations who may otherwise experience barriers to accessing timely cancer care, and to provide this support the Cancer Nurse Coordinator (CNC) role was created. The CNC role is an advanced practice nursing specialty that is new to NZ, which resulted in a level of confusion and uncertainty regarding the concept and components of the role. The objectives of this dissertation were to identify common key components associated with care coordination services for cancer patients provided by nurses, and compare these with the NZ CNCI. An integrative review of international literature was performed to examine the topic. In order to best compare international practice to the NZ situation, inclusion and exclusion criteria were created that were in line with the current parameters of service for the CNCI; that is newly diagnosed adults with cancer, who were not receiving palliative care. Three synthesised findings were found, these focused on: the care given to the patient, interactions with health professionals and the system surrounding the patient, and the characteristics surrounding the role of the nurse. The findings from the integrative review were examined further and compared to the 2015 evaluation of the NZ CNCI programme. It was found that the key components of cancer care coordination as demonstrated by the CNC of NZ correlate with those articulated in the international literature for similar nursing roles

Mapping the National Disability Policy Landscape

This report was undertaken as part of the Moving Ahead project, a research study that aimed to examine the role of factors that contribute to the successful transfer of residents with intellectual disabilities from congregated to community-based living arrangements in two regional areas in Ireland. The study was undertaken by a team of researchers from Ireland and the UK, led by Trinity College Dublin

Living Arrangement Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review

This is one of a pair of reports prepared for the Moving Ahead Project. Its partner policy review, Mapping the National Intellectual Disability Landscape (Linehan et al., 2014), outlines current disability services, practices and policies in Ireland. This rapid scoping review provides a brief overview of national and international research exploring living arrangement options for people with intellectual disabilities

What counts as evidence? The communication of information about older people between health and social care practitioners

This paper draws on a study to provide an evidence base for strategies and effectiveness of the transfer of information about older people between health and social care practitioners at the health and social care interface. It reports on the development of a systematic approach to the review of the related research literature and presents some key findings. It goes on to discuss some methodological issues arising from a review covering both health and social care research. By locating this study - a systematic review - within the wider debate on evidence-based practice, this paper considers the nature and scope of this form of evidence alongside other forms of evidence and their use in professional practice. It concludes with some observations regarding the relevance of the findings from this study for both practice and further research

The Ritual of Los Dias De Los Muertos and Community Art Therapy.

This article explores a possible connection between Los Dias de los Muertos, cultural community art-making, group dynamics, drive theory and art therapy. The position that this article advances is that community and cultural rituals serve a purpose for the art therapist. These cultural rituals may operate as a “third hand” or facilitate sublimation, therein directing emotional discharge as well as, eliciting creativity and group cohesiveness for the community at large. These possible connections are relevant for the cross-cultural art therapist, in that the power of community art making appears to provide a creative cultural outlet as evidenced by the celebration of Los Dias de los Muertos in Mexico. This cultural outlet may enhance kinship and cultural group cohesiveness.Key words: art making, art therapy, community, drive theory, grief, group dynamics, healing, ritual, sublimation, symbolism