School Effectiveness Framework pilots: an evaluation (research document)

"This report looks at the pilot to introduce the School Effectiveness Framework in schools in Wales. The School Effectiveness Framework (SEF) is an ambitious Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) programme that aims to raise attainment, to close the gap in attainment and improve children and young people’s well-being (WAG, 2008a). It has been developed through three phases and this external evaluation focuses upon the second phase, in which school pilot programmes were established in each of the four regional consortia (Central South Wales, North Wales, South East Wales and swamwac)..." - introduction

Cities Building Community Wealth

As cities struggle with rising inequality, widespread economic hardship, and racial disparities, something surprising and hopeful is also stirring. In a growing number of America's cities, a more inclusive, community-based approach to economic development is being taken up by a new breed of economic development professionals and mayors. This approach to economic development could be on the cusp of going to scale. It's time it had a name. We call it community wealth building

The Effectiveness of Political Quotas in Representing Rwandan Citizens

Political quotas are controversial solutions for addressing the representative problems that arise within democratic institutions. The fundamental reasoning behind a state adopting the usage of political quotas is to promote political empowerment for its citizens. The Constitution of Rwanda ensures that numerically different identity groups have political representation vis-à-vis political quotas. Does this written decree of democratic progress on the macro level extend to effectively elevate the social and political status of individuals within the micro level? The simplified question: are political quotas viable solutions for protecting political representation amongst different sects of a state’s population within democratic institutions? Results conclude that in Rwanda, political representation at the macro level does not necessarily transcend to the micro level—which would ultimately establish equality amongst different identity groups. Political representation is, however; and this is the fundamental benefit of political quotas, a means through which Rwandan citizenry can enter the political discourse and produce shifts within the legal framework to better advance their social, economic, and political rights

The Sensory and Haptic Nature of Art Therapy Materials With Young Children Ages 0-5yrs Old of Complex Trauma

This survey study with an art response aims to further understand how the sensory and haptic nature of art therapy materials can aid in healing within the therapeutic process. Specifically, it will explore young children, ages 0-5yrs old, of complex trauma and how they respond to art materials within the therapeutic process. Surveys were distributed to mental health therapists working with the 0-5 year old population in order to gather baseline information about how young children who have experienced trauma, respond to methods of interventions, including art materials. Through analysis of the participants’ survey responses and artwork, emergent themes revealed insight for further research and reinforced the importance of a consistent, nurturing caregiving relationship. These findings and themes illuminated the importance of relationship and revealed inquiries about the sensory and haptic nature of art materials being utilized for assessment in dyadic therapy with children 0-5 years old