2,068 research outputs found
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 peopleās 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
Stable isotope probing: Technical considerations when resolving Ā¹āµN-labeled RNA in gradients
RNA based stable isotope probing (SIP) facilitates the detection and identification of active members of microbial populations that are involved in the assimilation of an isotopically labeled compound. Ā¹āµN-RNA-SIP is a new method that has been discussed in recent literature but has not yet been tested. Herein, we define the limitations to using Ā¹āµN-labeled substrates for SIP and propose modifications to compensate for some of these shortcomings. We have used Ā¹āµN-RNA-SIP as a tool for analysing mixed bacterial populations that use nitrogen substrates. After incubating mixed microbial communities with Ā¹āµN-ammonium chloride or Ā¹āµNā we assessed the fractionation resolution of Ā¹āµN-RNA by isopycnic centrifugation in caesium trifluoroacetate (CsTFA) gradients. We found that the more isotopic label incorporated, the further the buoyant density (BD) separation between Ā¹āµN- and Ā¹ā“N-RNA, however it was not possible to resolve the labeled from unlabeled RNA definitively through gradient fractionation. Terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of the extracted RNA and fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis of the enrichment cultures provided some insight into the organisms involved in nitrogen fixation. This approach is not without its limitations and will require further developments to assess its applicability to other nitrogen-fixing environments
A qualitative research study to explore young people's disengagement from learning
"The āOne Walesā agreement includes a commitment to establish an āenquiry into disengagement from learning amongst children and young people to look at evidence of what worksā. In response, a research project was commissioned to investigate young peopleās experience and perspectives on their disengagement from learning. The research fills an evidence gap on personal accounts of disengagement from young people in Wales. As such it therefore represents a useful source of information to support the review of young people who are not in education employment or training (NEET)." - Welsh Assembly Government website
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