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A lack of information, research, and teacher training exists on the effective implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) or other state standards for struggling learners. The pace and standardization of the curriculum are often at odds with the unique learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds. Researchers in one large urban school district conducted a series of focus groups with special educators to identify their perceptions of these standards and the training needs associated with effective implementation of the standards. The results revealed a pressing need for professional development to facilitate effective implementation of the standards for struggling learners in urban settings. Implications for teacher preparation and urban education are discussed.

The implementation of Common Core State Standards raises challenges for teachers, particularly those in urban settings and those who work with students with unique learning challenges, particularly students with disabilities. This article provides the results of a study that surveyed special education teachers' perspectives related to the implementation of the new state standards in one large urban school district. Analysis of both closed and open-ended survey responses yields information about teachers' experiences, perceptions, challenges, and perceived support needs for successful implementation of state standards with this unique population.

This study was conducted to examine the statistical relationship between problem solving and critical thinking to guide future teaching and research for agricultural educators using the problem-solving approach. Students enrolled in an undergraduate genetics course in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida were prompted to use their critical-thinking skills while answering a problem in the context of biotechnology. Students' critical-thinking skills were assessed through content analysis of a think-aloud protocol. Other cognitive factors assessed included problem-solving style, problem-solving level, and critical-thinking disposition. A path analysis was used to examine how these trait-based variables and use of critical-thinking skills contribute to solving a problem. Of these cognitive factors, only problem-solving level, critical-thinking disposition, and use of critical-thinking skills were included in the revised model. The authors argue that although correlations were significant, they were low and indicated that critical thinking and problem-solving may be more independent than previously thought. Limitations of this study require more research to better understand how these cognitive factors are employed by the learner to solve problems.

Some researchers have argued that science classrooms must move away from rote and passive applications of memorized concepts to the use of critical thinking skills as a primary component in facilitating learning. Yet few studies have examined the effect of overtly teaching for critical thinking on subsequent skill development. The purpose of this study was to assess if overtly teaching for critical thinking, as a teaching method, contributed to explaining increases in critical thinking skill scores of undergraduate students enrolled in agricultural biotechnology. One group of students were taught components of critical thinking and then asked to use the newly learned skills in class. A nonequivalent control group was instructed using the inquiry-based teaching method. The data exhibited significance between groups giving evidence that overtly teaching for critical thinking improves students' critical thinking skills as opposed to using the inquiry-based teaching method. Adding gender to the model did not significantly increase the explanation of variance in critical thinking skills. Also, a weak positive correlation was found between the total critical thinking skill score and the total critical thinking disposition score. (Contains 6 tables.)

Short-term study abroad courses often claim to provide a unique experience for students, but it is not clear how the value translates into a dollar amount. The paper uses the contingent valuation method to assess participating students' pre- and post-trip perceived dollar value of their study abroad courses at an AACSB accredited business school. We identify a number of benefits associated with the maximum willingness to pay and find that the maximum willingness to pay exceeds the actual cost of the trip, sometimes by a large margin. In addition, we offer a set of learning objectives appropriate to business study abroad courses. (Contains 5 tables and 4 footnotes.)

This study examines the relationship between scheduling (3-, 2-, and 1-day-per-week classes) and achievement in college algebra. The study is grounded in spacing effect theory, which examines how variations in the frequency and timing of instruction affect student learning, and involves 116 Florida community college students. Regression analyses controlling for student and teacher attributes show that the 1-day-per-week group consistently scores the lowest on unit tests and final examinations. The findings suggest that although many students may prefer intensive courses or compressed schedules that minimize the time they spend on campus, these scheduling options may not be optimal for learning, at least not in mathematics. (Contains 5 tables.)

Several new bermudagrass cultivars are available and commonly used on golf course fairways. However, little is known about their cultural requirements or how these cultivars perform under lower inputs regimes. A 2‐year study was conducted at University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, to assess performance of four hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. X Cynodon transvaalensis (Burtt‐Davy)] cultivars ('Latitude 36', 'Tifway 419', 'TifGrand' and 'TifTuf'), and 2 common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) cultivars ('Bimini' and 'Celebration') irrigated at either 50% or 80% reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and fertilised at either 0, 146, 244, or 342 kg N ha−1 year−1. Plots were evaluated monthly for turfgrass quality, dark green colour index (DGCI), normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), and Chlorophyll Index, and seasonally for N tissue content. Plots watered at 80% ETo enhanced bermudagrass quality compared to 50% ETo, DGCI and NDVI only in two months out of 24. Latitude 36 and Celebration were the top‐rated cultivars, and their quality was not affected by no N fertilisation. Conversely, TifGrand, TifTuf and Tifway that received no N fertilisation resulted in insufficient quality during the second year of the study. Insufficient quality may be linked to reduced N metabolization compared to the highest rated cultivars. Results show that new cultivars such as Latitude 36 and Bimini could be maintained at sufficient quality levels with reduced water and N inputs in South Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have yielded inconsistent findings on the associations of social support networks with cardiovascular health in Hispanic/Latino adults with diabetes. We examined the cross-sectional associations of structural social support and traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a diverse sample of Hispanic/Latino adults with diabetes. Research Design and Methods: This analysis included 2994 adult participants ages 18-74 with diabetes from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL - 2008-2011). Select items from the Social Network Inventory (SNI) were used to assess indices of structural social support, i.e. network size (number of children, parents, and in-laws) and frequency of familial contact. Standardized methods were used to measure abdominal obesity, BMI, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking status. Multivariate regression was used to examine associations of structural support with individual CVD risk factors with demographics, acculturation, physical health, and psychological ill-being (depressive symptoms and anxiety) included as covariates. Results: There were no significant cross-sectional associations of structural support indices with abdominal obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or smoking status. There was a marginally significant (OR: 1.05; 95%CI 0.99-1.11) trend toward higher odds of obesity in participants reporting a larger family unit (including children, parents, and in-laws) and those with closer ties with extended family relatives (OR: 1.04; 95%CI 0.99-1.09). Conclusions: Structural social support was marginally associated with higher odds of obesity in Hispanic/Latino adults with diabetes. Alternate forms of social support (e.g. healthcare professionals, friends, peers) should be further explored as potential markers of cardiac risk in Hispanics/Latinos with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examined associations between youth and caregiver moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary (SED) time using accelerometry. Topics covered include the correlation of MVPA and SED within Latino families, the idea that physical activity and sedentary behaviors are a function of multiple influences and the variation in the strength of effects of associations between parent and youth activity.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine if hostility is associated with physical and mental health-related quality of life (QoL) in US. Hispanics/Latinos after accounting for depression and anxiety. Methods:Analyses included 5313 adults (62% women, 18–75 years) who completed the ancillary sociocultural assessment of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Spielberger Trait Anxiety Scale, Spielberger Trait Anger Scale, Cook–Medley Hostility cynicism subscale and Short Form Health Survey. In a structural regression model, associations of hostility with mental and physical QoL were examined. Results:In a model adjusting for age, sex, disease burden, income, education and years in the US., hostility was related to worse mental QoL, and was marginally associated with worse physical QoL. However, when adjusting for the influence of depression and anxiety, greater hostility was associated with better mental QoL, and was not associated with physical QoL. Conclusions:Results indicate observed associations between hostility and QoL are confounded by symptoms of anxiety and depression, and suggest hostility is independently associated with better mental QoL in this population. Findings also highlight the importance of differentiating shared and unique associations of specific emotions with health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nothing to disclose. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For five years, Med Learning Group (MLG) has integrated virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools into its educational activities. These tools are used to further engage learners, enhance comprehension, improve recall, and support practice change. The tools are downloadable and promote patient engagement post-activity. Furthermore, MLG has enhanced our programming even more by creating VR rooms for an immersive educational experience. MLG has developed a variety of educational activities which included VR and AR animations based on the pathophysiology of hypercholesterolemia and the mechanism of action of the latest recommended therapies to help in reducing the risk of CVD. Post-activity tests and evaluations show the importance of advanced continuing medical education (CME) VR and AR animations. Outcomes from these programs demonstrate how these advanced modalities result in greater knowledge and competency gains, practice improvements, and patient engagement. The use of VR and AR in CME can enhance cardiologists' understanding of the pathophysiology and current and emerging therapies in hypercholesterolemia care in order to reduce patients' risk of CVD. MLG provided award-winning VR and AR based education on hypercholesterolemia in 2019 and 2020. In April 2021, MLG updated its IMPACT CVD website (https://impact-cvd.com/) and will be sharing digital learning labs at a variety of association meetings throughout the year. The website serves as a hub for clinical practice tools, like downloadable aminations, poster portals, and patient- and HCP-focused toolkits, to promote continuous learning and enhanced patient engagement. MLG is expected to set up VR rooms at the annual meetings for ASPC Conference on CVD Prevention, National Lipid Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, AMCP Nexus, and American Heart Association between July and November 2021. The VR rooms will target the following audiences: cardiologists and lipidologists; managed care professionals; infusion center professionals; and pediatric FH specialists. The VR rooms will include 4 3D/VR themes, a case study, and a 360-degre 4K filmed faculty presentation. Participants of the VR room will be able to design personalized posters on CVD and have access to an AR application. MLG will then create a virtual pathways series based on the VR rooms inclusive of 1-hr online programming. Pre/post-tests, electronic evaluations, and online surveys will be conducted to evaluate the importance of these technologies in creating a long-lasting education experience for HCPs, in turn, benefiting patients. MLG expects this education to reach over 7,500 learners. Outcomes from the pre/post-test, electronic evaluations, and online survey will be ready prior to the 2021 National Lipid Association conference. The poster will show longitudinal learning gains from 2019 - 2021 by specialty. VR and AR have proved to be an asset to the continuing education of HCPs treating patients with hypercholesterolemia. These tools ultimately benefit the patients these providers administer care to and create a lasting effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to examine the statistical relationship between problem solving and critical thinking to guide future teaching and research for agricultural educators using the problem-solving approach. Students enrolled in an undergraduate genetics course in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida were prompted to use their critical-thinking skills while answering a problem in the context of biotechnology. Students' critical-thinking skills were assessed through content analysis of a think-aloud protocol. Other cognitive factors assessed included problem-solving style, problem-solving level, and critical-thinking disposition. A path analysis was used to examine how these trait-based variables and use of critical-thinking skills contribute to solving a problem. Of these cognitive factors, only problem-solving level, critical-thinking disposition, and use of critical-thinking skills were included in the revised model. The authors argue that although correlations were significant, they were low and indicated that critical thinking and problem-solving may be more independent than previously thought. Limitations of this study require more research to better understand how these cognitive factors are employed by the learner to solve problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to compete for multimillion-dollar grants that require researchers to translate their findings for the general public in the form of outreach programs, the University of Florida developed the Scientific Thinking and Educational Partnership (STEP) program. This article describes the evolution of the STEP program, from the creation of a model outreach program called ufgenetics.com--a Web site geared toward media professionals and middle school and high school teachers--to the testing, evaluation, and promotion of that project. The STEP program has garnered over $1 million in grants in just 2 years of existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3 are the major allergens found in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed. We analyzed 60 accessions in the core of the U.S. peanut core collection, along with 88 Florida peanut breeding program lines, by quantification of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) patterns. The core of the core collection showed a wider range of allergen content than the Florida breeding lines; however, average levels of the allergens were the same for both germplasm sources. Geographic origin of the accession had no bearing on the levels of allergens measured. The accession P1 288210 from India had the lowest level of Ara h 1 (7.0%). Accession Pt 372305 from Nigeria had the highest level of Ara h 1 (18.5%), but the lowest level of Ara h 2 (6.2%). Accession P1 494795 from Zambia had the highest level of Ara h 2 (13.2%), but the lowest level of Ara h 3 (21.8%). Null mutants for the major allergens were not detected; however, two accessions, 20 lines, and two peanut cultivars (Florunner and Georgia Red) contained no or little of a 36 kDa Ara h 3 isoform, Ara h 3-im. Comparing the seed protein profiles of the putative progenitors of the peanut A and B genomes, A. duranensis and A. ipaensis, respectively, to the commercial cultivar Georgia Green, allowed the subgenome origin of each allergen polypeptide to be determined. Collectively, these results indicate that eliminating all of the major allergens to create a hypoallergenic peanut is limited with the peanut germplasm currently available and would benefit from reverse genetic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tomato spotted wilt disease was compared in three peanut cultivars, SunOleic 95R, Southern Runner (S. Runner) and DP-1, at two planting dates (April and May) and row spacings (7.6 and 15.2cm) in a 2-year study in Florida. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was detected directly using an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) in both leaf and root crown tissues throughout the growing season to determine the timing and percentage of infected plants. Under low disease pressure, in harvested samples, more April-planted peanuts were infected with TSWV than May-planted. TSWV infection was not affected by plant spacings regardless of disease pressure. Under low disease pressure, from 60 days after planting (DAP), the most susceptible cultivar, SunOleic 95R, had a significantly higher percentage of plants with TSWV compared to the more resistant cultivars. Under high disease pressure, TSWV infection was detected earlier (30 DAP), and there was a clear separation of cultivars, with SunOleic 95R showing the highest infection (75%) followed by S. Runner (55%) and then DP-1 (20%). A higher incidence of TSWV in root crowns compared to leaves was observed for all cultivars. A delayed accumulation of TSWV in a cultivar was a reliable indicator of resistance. The field resistance manifested by peanut may be due to factors that decrease TSWV systemic spread resulting in slower TSWV accumulation in root crowns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]