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Background Methods Results Conclusions So What? The ComEx3 community‐based extended maintenance pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to determine the optimal strategy for maintaining the benefits of exercise for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We conducted a process evaluation of this RCT to determine if the trial was implemented per protocol, and to explore the barriers and facilitators of the trial, and mechanisms of impact.This was a mixed methods study consisting of analysis of PR class records, study diaries and interviews of those involved in the trial. We developed a reporting framework from available literature and performed a content analysis.Eleven of the 12 participants in the intervention group attended ≥70% of available classes before the trial was terminated due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Analysis of the study diaries found that adherence to the home exercise program was higher in the intervention than the control group. Analyses of interviews (n = 21) highlighted the complexity of standardising the processes across multiple sites, but revealed behaviour change amongst class physiotherapists who were able to conform with the required processes. Facilitators of participation included the desire to improve function and quality of life, while barriers included illnesses and lack of motivation. Mechanisms of impact included confidence in exercising and benefits from the education sessions.The ComEx3 RCT was implemented as planned largely due to commitment by the research team and the desire by patients to improve their quality of life by attending a PR program that they are familiar with. Successful implementation of PR RCTs requires good organisational skills, clear and consistent trial documentation, broad understanding of participant needs while being conscious of challenges experienced by people with COPD, and dedication by everyone involved in the RCT.This article shows the importance of running a process evaluation alongside an RCT. Although this RCT did not progress to completion, this process evaluation which was guided by a robust framework, will provide guidance for future interventions in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teacher professional development (PD) is a complex, ongoing challenge as educational systems attempt to deliver excellent programming in pursuit of increased student achievement (Opfer and Pedder 2011). This article examines Idaho Total Instructional Alignment (TIA), a model for teacher PD that is currently being utilized in secondary schools throughout the state of Idaho. The implications of this model for effective guidance and support with implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), as well as the factors that indicate readiness of secondary teachers for implementation of the CCSS, are explored.

This article describes how job analysis, a method commonly used in personnel research and organizational psychology, provides a systematic method for documenting program staffing and service delivery that can improve evaluators' knowledge about program operations. Job analysis data can be used to increase evaluators' insight into how staffs administer programs and provide program services, interpretation of outcome data, make comparisons across programs, and assessment of programs' transferability and replication potential. Because of the central role that staffs play in the delivery of client services and client experiences, job analysis has particular promise for evaluating human services and social welfare programs. This article posits that with little added effort, job analysis can be integrated into traditional evaluation activities and the benefits of this addition will be significant. A basic job analysis methodology is described using an example of its application as part of an evaluation of a prisoner reentry program. (Contains 3 tables and 3 figures.)

As the language minority student population in the US increases at a rapid pace, a larger number of teachers are pursuing a primary or secondary certification in English as a Second Language (ESL). This case study describes the professional development efforts to provide an ESL endorsement to a group of K-12 teachers in a large mid-western university. It describes the systemic nature underlying their professional development, highlighting the influence of different constituencies. These range from federal, state, county and district levels to the university teacher preparation program, as well as the teachers themselves. By understanding how these factors influence teachers' professional development, the authors identify important lessons that can be learned by teacher educators.

The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, which opened in mid-September, explores the historical and contemporary influence of Islamic Civilisations through the careful presentation of its fine collection. With an ambitious [...]

Investigated the influence of nonverbal behavior in the context of interactive talk during the assessment of an oral proficiency interview test. Participants were Spanish- and Chinese-speaking international teaching assistants. Found interviewees who employed nonverbal behavior considered appropriate by North American evaluators and who negotiated a degree of control over the interview process were able to compensate for perceived weaker linguistic proficiency. (Author/VWL)

A case study is reported involving a detailed content analysis of the daily journal writing of 20 teaching assistants. Results showed that most students approved of and benefited from journal writing, particularly for improved confidence and language fluency and as an outlet for stress; however, little analytical or reflective writing took place. (Contains 63 references.) (Author/LB)

Questionnaire data from faculty at six engineering schools were analyzed to determine the role of writing in graduate engineering programs and its implications for the design of writing courses. Faculty attitudes and beliefs about the importance of writing skills, and their practices regarding students' proficiency, are discussed. (36 references) (Author/LB)

Describes the economic and demographic changes experienced by rural communities over the past few years and how they have increased rural health professionals' responsibilities. Presents the Community Wellness program and four case histories illustrating how it has strengthened community infrastructure, developed human capital, and created rural leadership. Discusses the barriers to implementation. (CJS)

Examined methods of assisting public school teachers with managing stress by assigning 124 female teachers to either individualized training method or global approach training method. Individual training participants did significantly increase time spent on managing stress. Results also provided data on types of stress experienced, sources of stress at home and work, and effects of stress and burnout. (Author/NB)

Thomas Philip, 2nd Earl de Grey (1781-1859), inherited Wrest Park in Bedfordshire from his maternal aunt in 1833. Almost immediately, in 1834, he embarked on an ambitious building project, remodelling [...]

This article looks at the final days in Paris of the imposing marble statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker (Fig. 1) by the celebrated Venetian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822; [...]

Attitudes toward, and use of, money affects relationships, family stability, and even employment success. Recently, the effect of these issues on college students has been investigated. Eighty percent of undergraduates have credit cards with an average balance of $2,226 and 10 percent have outstanding balances of more than $7,000 (Kendrick as cited in Henry, Weber & Yarbrough, 2001). A survey by VISA found 8.7 percent of those filing for bankruptcy were below twenty-five years old (McBride as cited in Jones & Roberts, 2001). Financial management capabilities are essential to students' personal success and their academic success. Students able to manage their finances are more likely to organize their lives and manage their time in a way conducive to good academic progress (Weaver, 1992). At Idaho State University, lack of financial management is a reason students do not graduate (Eskelson, 2005). This study will evaluate the financial attitudes and perceptions, as well as the spending habits, of university freshmen. Implications are far-reaching and will provide valuable data for university administrators in enrollment management and student affairs, high school counselors, economic educators, and parents. Assisting students with information and strategies to improve their academic success and degree completion is vital., INTRODUCTION A person's ability to manage his money is essential to being successful in life. Effective financial management strategies are important for all members of society, including college students. It [...]

ABSTRACT In a nation of economic uncertainty, productive workers, responsible citizens, knowledgeable consumers, prudent savers and investors, effective participants in the global economy, and competent decision makers need to come [...]

ABSTRACT Today's students, the next generation of consumer decision-makers, display misunderstandings and ignorance about our economic system. Two-thirds of high school students failed a nationally normed test of economic understanding, [...]

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine (1) preferred types of teacher training; and (2) classroom instructional methods utilized in economic education programs within Idaho's K-12 schools, as a baseline for program evaluation and delivery. The individual teacher who is well-trained, and uses instructional strategies involving students, can ultimately have a positive effect on the economic literacy of students in our nations' schools. Teaching economic educational introduces students to a highly useful way of thinking about basic issues in an economic world. An understanding and applications of fundamental economic concepts and principles can help students in the decision-making process. The goal of economic education is to develop in students the thinking skills and economic knowledge necessary to become effective, participating citizens. It is widely recognized that the teacher is the key to what is taught in the classroom. Without well-trained teachers, the best written curriculum may not be taught in the classroom. Instructional methods which concentrate on the achievement of a fundamental understanding of economic concepts, and their application in daily life, will assist students in achieving economic literacy. Therefore, enhanced teacher training and interactive methods of instruction are essential to effective economic education across the curriculum., INTRODUCTION The economic illiteracy of students is a major concern in our society. According to data from a nationally normed test of economic understanding: ** only 34% of high school [...]

The role of fetal cortisol in cardiovascular maturation in late gestation in the chronically instrumented sheep fetus has been studied. The fetal arterial blood pressure (FABP) and fetal heart rate (FHR) of five animals have been recorded continuously from 120 days of gestation to spontaneous term labor. The peak times and amplitudes of cosinor analysis were then compared at 120-126, 127-133 and 134-140 days of gestation. Results showed an increase in FABP but a decrease in FHR which are maintained consistently from 120 to 140 days of gestation. The higher FABP is controlled by the fetal adrenal but do not prevent cortisol from sustaining a higher FABP.

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