Video self-modeling in children with autism: A pilot study validating prerequisite skills and extending the utilization of vsm across skill sets

Given the recent interest in the use of video self-modeling (VSM) to provide instruction within iPod apps and other pieces of handheld mobile assistive technologies, investigating appropriate prerequisite skills for effective use of this intervention is particularly timely and relevant. To provide additional information regarding the efficacy of VSM for students with autism and to provide insights into any possible prerequisite skills students may require for such efficacy, the authors investigated the use of VSM in increasing the instances of effective initiations of interpersonal greetings for three students with autism that exhibited different pre-intervention abilities. Results showed that only one of the three participants showed an increase in self-initiated greetings following the viewing of videos edited to show each participant self-modeling a greeting when entering his or her classroom. Due to the differences in initial skill sets between the three children, this finding supports anecdotally observed student prerequisite abilities mentioned in previous studies that may be required to effectively utilize video based teaching methods. © 2013 Copyright 2013 RESNA

Spending instructional time wisely: A case study using brief intervention probes to determine the most effective strategy

Single case studies are helpful in analyzing the details of implementation of an individualized intervention program. Their exploratory nature can result in more case studies, which can be compared to allow for better understanding of an intervention\u27s usefulness. This case study investigated the effectiveness of using brief intervention probes for two different evidence-based interventions to identify the most effective teaching strategy for a struggling elementary school reader. Following initial grade level placement, two intervention probes were tested by rapidly switching between them, then analyzing the data. The intervention that yielded the most gains in words correctly read (WCPM) was selected and implemented to increase the likelihood for success. Results were promising as WCPM increased by 37 words from baseline to intervention. The study provides a glimpse into a much-needed area of research regarding using brief intervention probes to determine the most effective specific interventions prior to implementation. This research provides recommendations for use within any intervention model, especially Response to Intervention. © 2011 Canadian Society for the Study of Education

Spending instructional time wisely: A case study using brief intervention probes to determine the most effective strategy

Single case studies are helpful in analyzing the details of implementation of an individualized intervention program. Their exploratory nature can result in more case studies, which can be compared to allow for better understanding of an intervention\u27s usefulness. This case study investigated the effectiveness of using brief intervention probes for two different evidence-based interventions to identify the most effective teaching strategy for a struggling elementary school reader. Following initial grade level placement, two intervention probes were tested by rapidly switching between them, then analyzing the data. The intervention that yielded the most gains in words correctly read (WCPM) was selected and implemented to increase the likelihood for success. Results were promising as WCPM increased by 37 words from baseline to intervention. The study provides a glimpse into a much-needed area of research regarding using brief intervention probes to determine the most effective specific interventions prior to implementation. This research provides recommendations for use within any intervention model, especially Response to Intervention. © 2011 Canadian Society for the Study of Education

The Unique Challenges Facing HIV-Positive Patients Who Smoke Cigarettes: HIV Viremia, Art Adherence, Engagement in HIV care, and Concurrent Substance Use

Evidence suggests that smoking may have negative associations with HIV health outcomes. The smoking rate in our sample of people living with HIV (N = 333) was triple that of the general population (57% v. 19%). Regression analyses revealed that smokers (v. non-smokers) reported lower medication adherence (unstandardized beta = 9.01) and were more likely to have a detectable viral load (OR = 2.85, 95%CI [1.53–5.30]). Smokers attended fewer routine medical visits (β = −0.16) and were more likely to report recent hospitalization (OR = 1.89, 95%CI [0.99, 3.57]). Smokers ranked “health” as less important to their quality of life (β = −0.13) and were more likely to report problematic alcohol (OR = 2.40, 95%CI [1.35, 4.30]), cocaine (OR = 2.87, 95%CI [1.48–5.58]), heroin (OR = 4.75, 95%CI [1.01, 22.30]), or marijuana use (OR = 3.08, 95%CI [1.76–5.38]). Findings underscore the need for integrated behavioral smoking cessation interventions and routine tobacco screenings in HIV primary care

Happa: The New Frontier of Marginality and Disruption of Long-Static Racial Constructs

Recent reports have noted a rise in interracial marriages, which some say represents a positive change in attitudes toward race and ethnicity. However, the available data shows interracial marriages more often entail a union where one person is the member of the dominant group (e.g., White European). So, why is the percentage of marriage between non-dominants so rare? This chapter discusses whether this is a result of minority groups adopting majority attitudes toward other ethnic groups—a reflection of interethnic group conflict between ethnic groups—or just a reflection of the population and patterns of integration. Still, in its own way, this pattern may reinforce ethnic stereotypes and attitudes to the benefit of the majority group and the continued marginalization of ethnic groups