Leveraging Case Study Research: A Mechanism to Measure Teaching Effectiveness

This article shares findings from a descriptive, multiple case study assessing graduate outcomes 2.5 years after the completion of a teacher education program. Case study was used as an alternative to value-added measures to holistically examine complex attributes of effective teaching. Mixed methods data collection included graduate and supervisor surveys, self and supervisor evaluation of skills and dispositions, interviews, and classroom observations. Results indicated participants effectively applied the knowledge, skills, and dispositions the program was designed to achieve in the areas of Learner and Learning, Content, Instructional Practice, and Professional Responsibility. Three major recommendations emerged: 1) the necessity to develop established proficiency levels for new teachers related to diverse learners, 2) the need for shared responsibility of outcomes and targeted induction support, and 3) support for supervisor evaluation as a viable mechanism for education program accountability of teaching effectiveness of graduates

Age and Diet Affect Gene Expression Profile in Canine Skeletal Muscle

We evaluated gene transcription in canine skeletal muscle (biceps femoris) using microarray analysis to identify effects of age and diet on gene expression. Twelve female beagles were used (six 1-year olds and six 12-year olds) and they were fed one of two experimental diets for 12 months. One diet contained primarily plant-based protein sources (PPB), whereas the second diet contained primarily animal-based protein sources (APB). Affymetrix GeneChip Canine Genome Arrays were used to hybridize extracted RNA. Age had the greatest effect on gene transcription (262 differentially expressed genes), whereas the effect of diet was relatively small (22 differentially expressed genes). Effects of age (regardless of diet) were most notable on genes related to metabolism, cell cycle and cell development, and transcription function. All these genes were predominantly down-regulated in geriatric dogs. Age-affected genes that were differentially expressed on only one of two diets were primarily noted in the PPB diet group (144/165 genes). Again, genes related to cell cycle (22/35) and metabolism (15/19) had predominantly decreased transcription in geriatric dogs, but 6/8 genes related to muscle development had increased expression. Effects of diet on muscle gene expression were mostly noted in geriatric dogs, but no consistent patterns in transcription were observed. The insight these data provide into gene expression profiles of canine skeletal muscle as affected by age, could serve as a foundation for future research pertaining to age-related muscle diseases

Testing a global standard for quantifying species recovery and assessing conservation impact.

Recognizing the imperative to evaluate species recovery and conservation impact, in 2012 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) called for development of a "Green List of Species" (now the IUCN Green Status of Species). A draft Green Status framework for assessing species' progress toward recovery, published in 2018, proposed 2 separate but interlinked components: a standardized method (i.e., measurement against benchmarks of species' viability, functionality, and preimpact distribution) to determine current species recovery status (herein species recovery score) and application of that method to estimate past and potential future impacts of conservation based on 4 metrics (conservation legacy, conservation dependence, conservation gain, and recovery potential). We tested the framework with 181 species representing diverse taxa, life histories, biomes, and IUCN Red List categories (extinction risk). Based on the observed distribution of species' recovery scores, we propose the following species recovery categories: fully recovered, slightly depleted, moderately depleted, largely depleted, critically depleted, extinct in the wild, and indeterminate. Fifty-nine percent of tested species were considered largely or critically depleted. Although there was a negative relationship between extinction risk and species recovery score, variation was considerable. Some species in lower risk categories were assessed as farther from recovery than those at higher risk. This emphasizes that species recovery is conceptually different from extinction risk and reinforces the utility of the IUCN Green Status of Species to more fully understand species conservation status. Although extinction risk did not predict conservation legacy, conservation dependence, or conservation gain, it was positively correlated with recovery potential. Only 1.7% of tested species were categorized as zero across all 4 of these conservation impact metrics, indicating that conservation has, or will, play a role in improving or maintaining species status for the vast majority of these species. Based on our results, we devised an updated assessment framework that introduces the option of using a dynamic baseline to assess future impacts of conservation over the short term to avoid misleading results which were generated in a small number of cases, and redefines short term as 10 years to better align with conservation planning. These changes are reflected in the IUCN Green Status of Species Standard

Multiple measures of student learning: a case study examination of completer impact

Evaluating the impact of new teachers on student learning is a requirement for accredited teacher preparation programs. This article shares findings from a mixed methods, multiple case study investigating P-12 student learning in the classrooms of six graduates two-three years after completing a teacher preparation program. Data collection included student engagement surveys, de-identified student growth percentile scores, teacher selected pre-post assessment data, and structured phone interviews with each graduate. Results indicated a majority of students from participants’ classrooms demonstrated learning growth, and participants viewed their teaching as effective. Implications for programs include pre-service opportunities to identify and respond to authentic student engagement and opportunities to build collective teacher efficacy. Additional insights describe pre-service teacher training to measure student progress and measure impact based on classroom assessments. The investigation provides a replicable case study design for teacher educators to examine relationships between teacher preparation, program graduates, and P-12 student outcomes

Aviation High School Student Notebook: Learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Through an Exciting Introduction to the Aviation Industry

This interactive student notebook addresses a growing need for 21st century skills in aviation and provides an exciting and engaging context to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This curriculum introduces aviation as an industry and the study of the fundamentals of flight, while exploring the various career opportunities available within the aviation industry. Students will learn about the science of flight, aviation history, career paths, aerodynamics, principles of navigation and flight control and related operations and services. Students will develop skills and possibly a passion to pursue a career in the aviation and aerospace industry

Aviation High School Facilitator Guide: Teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Through an Exciting Introduction to the Aviation Industry

This Aviation High School Facilitator Guide and corresponding interactive Student Notebook address a growing need for solid instruction, inquiry, and development of future-ready competencies and interest in aviation at the high school level. This guide delivers the resources for high school teachers to utilize science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction to provide an excellent introduction to aviation. The content promotes aviation as an innovative field and includes exploration of aviation as an industry, the study of the fundamentals of flight, and an introduction to the diverse career opportunities available within the industry. The Facilitator Guide and accompanying online Instructor Resources include plans for research-based teaching of technical information, standards-based activities, assessments, and resources all designed to engage students’ different learning styles. Lessons are designed to be taught independently within any subject (science, technology, engineering, math, history, language arts) or used as a comprehensive aviation-themed curriculum for grades 9–12. The lesson plans incorporate engaging and interactive activities, including recommendations for using small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and flight simulators to demonstrate and reinforce aeronautical knowledge and key flight concepts. This guide covers 14 essential topics divided into chapters to engage the next generation of the aviation workforce: Aviation Training Aircraft Basics Airport Operations Aircraft Weight & Balance and Performance Aviation Communications People, Events, and Trends in Aviation Careers in Aviation Aerodynamics of Flight Aircraft Systems Flight Maneuvers Airspace Weather Aeromedical Factors Navigation and Flight Planning Aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards for Math and Language Arts, and North Dakota Aviation Content Standards

Monogenic Early-Onset Lymphoproliferation and Autoimmunity: The Natural History of STAT3 GOF Syndrome.

Background In 2014, germline signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations were first described to cause a novel multisystem disease of early-onset lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity. Objective This pivotal cohort study defines the scope, natural history, treatment, and overall survival of a large global cohort of patients with pathogenic STAT3 GOF variants. Methods We identified 191 patients from 33 countries with 72 unique mutations. Inclusion criteria included symptoms of immune dysregulation and a biochemically confirmed germline heterozygous GOF variant in STAT3. Results Overall survival was 88%, median age at onset of symptoms was 2.3 years, and median age at diagnosis was 12 years. Immune dysregulatory features were present in all patients: lymphoproliferation was the most common manifestation (73%); increased frequencies of double-negative (CD4−CD8−) T cells were found in 83% of patients tested. Autoimmune cytopenias were the second most common clinical manifestation (67%), followed by growth delay, enteropathy, skin disease, pulmonary disease, endocrinopathy, arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, neurologic disease, vasculopathy, renal disease, and malignancy. Infections were reported in 72% of the cohort. A cellular and humoral immunodeficiency was observed in 37% and 51% of patients, respectively. Clinical symptoms dramatically improved in patients treated with JAK inhibitors, while a variety of other immunomodulatory treatment modalities were less efficacious. Thus far, 23 patients have undergone bone marrow transplantation, with a 62% survival rate. Conclusion : STAT3 GOF patients present with a wide array of immune-mediated disease including lymphoproliferation, autoimmune cytopenias, and multisystem autoimmunity. Patient care tends to be siloed, without a clear treatment strategy. Thus, early identification and prompt treatment implementation are lifesaving for STAT3 GOF syndrome. Key word