Professional Learning Communities in the Expanded Learning Field

This white paper uses twelve evaluation reports of the Professional Learning Community (PLC) initiatives, as well as interviews with PLC participants and facilitators, to better understand how the PLC model is used in the Expanded Learning field, to demonstrate the benefits to participating staff and expanded learning programs, and to share best practices for youth-serving organizations interested in using PLCs

Recent Progress in Steroid Synthesis Triggered by the Emergence of New Catalytic Methods

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154510/1/ejoc201901466_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154510/2/ejoc201901466.pd

Genome-wide Analyses Identify KIF5A as a Novel ALS Gene

To identify novel genes associated with ALS, we undertook two lines of investigation. We carried out a genome-wide association study comparing 20,806 ALS cases and 59,804 controls. Independently, we performed a rare variant burden analysis comparing 1,138 index familial ALS cases and 19,494 controls. Through both approaches, we identified kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) as a novel gene associated with ALS. Interestingly, mutations predominantly in the N-terminal motor domain of KIF5A are causative for two neurodegenerative diseases: hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG10) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 (CMT2). In contrast, ALS-associated mutations are primarily located at the C-terminal cargo-binding tail domain and patients harboring loss-of-function mutations displayed an extended survival relative to typical ALS cases. Taken together, these results broaden the phenotype spectrum resulting from mutations in KIF5A and strengthen the role of cytoskeletal defects in the pathogenesis of ALS.Peer reviewe

MOAD in the Classroom 2016-17 Evaluation Findings Report

MoAD in the Classroom (MIC) is an arts-based visual literacy and cultural studies program for third graders in the San Francisco Bay Area. Participating classes received two instructional visits to their classrooms by MIC instructors who introduced visual arts vocabulary, museum themes, and the current museum exhibitions. Classrooms also made two trips to the museum, during which they saw the exhibitions that they talked about in class, learned how to view and talk about art, and participated in hands-on art activities

Community Schools Collaborative 2016-17 Evaluation Report

San Pablo commissioned Public Profit to conduct an external evaluation of the Community Schools Collaborative. We used a mixed methods study design to explore the quality and benefits of the Collaborative. Programs primarily provided services directly to youth ("Direct Services Programs"). In addition, City funds supported community schools coordinators, a case manager, and family engagement consulting services ("Indirect Services Programs"). The evaluation adopted different approaches for these two program types

Making Wise Decisions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Right Data System

Making Wise Decisions is a free toolkit for nonprofits that want to find a data system that meets their needs.Developed by experts in program evaluation and data system development, Making Wise Decisions offers user-friendly, step-by-guidance to organizations that are considering adopting a new data management system. The toolkit includes an interactive self-assessment that nonprofits can use to refine their list of likely data systems, alongside team-based activities to use to navigate the process start to finish. It cuts through the jargon and sales-speak to equip nonprofits with the tools they need to find the right data system

2016-17 Sparkpoint Community Schools Evaluation Findings Report

SparkPoint Community Schools (SPCS), a program of United Way Bay Area, helps families gain a stable financial footing while simultaneously supporting students' well-being and academic success. Traditionally, financial education has not been a part of the community schools model; programs focused on youth services and did not offer opportunities for parents to increase their own education or job skills. The SPCS model uses a two-generation approach – involving both youth and their parents – to shift the paradigm by strengthening whole families.In the 2016-17 program year, Public Profit undertook a mixed methods approach to evaluating SPCS program activities at the initiative's six sites. We used client interviews, staff interviews, participant surveys, administrative data, and staff focus groups to explore implementation fidelity, participation patterns, household economic improvement, and child academic improvement

SF EXCEL After School Program 2016-17 Evaluation Report

San Francisco ExCEL is the After School Programs office of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), responsible for administering and monitoring federal and state funding for school-based after school programs and for aligning programming with district goals for student success. In the 2016-17 school year, 22 community-based organizations operated ExCEL programs in 88 schools throughout San Francisco