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With Onslaught of Emails and Ads, Conservative Groups Push Teachers to Drop Their Unions

Within days of the Supreme Court’s decision to abolish union fees for nonmembers, conservative groups—including ones with ties to Ed. Secretary Betsy DeVos—launched email, social media, and billboard campaigns to try to convince teachers not to join their unions.




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'This Road Just Got a Lot Harder': Teachers' Unions Hit With New Round of Lawsuits

In the wake of the 'Janus' Supreme Court case, teachers' unions are facing more than a dozen legal challenges backed by right-leaning groups that could further dampen their membership numbers and finances.




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Schools With Segregationists' Names: Where They Are and Who They're Named for

Education Week found 22 public schools named after politicians who signed the Southern Manifesto opposing school integration after the 1954 Brown v. Board Supreme Court decision.




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Hidden Segregation Within Schools Is Tracked in New Study

When schools reduce racial segregation between schools, racial isolation within the classes inside those schools goes up, according to an analysis of 20 years of North Carolina data.




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An original of the airwaves, with a joke for every occasion

Lou Grant




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Obituary: Alan Gray: A man whose veins ran with whisky

Alan Gray – An Appreciation




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Three Tenn. Teens Charged With Rape and Assault After Allegedly Hazing Teammate

Three high school basketball players in Tennessee were charged with aggravated rape and aggravated assault in late December after allegedly sending one of their 15-year-old teammates to the hospital.




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Fighting for School Desegregation: An Interview With John A. Stokes (Video)

In 1951, John A. Stokes joined other black students in a strike over the condition of their school and subsequently became a figure in Brown v. Board of Ed. Hear his story and the message he wants to share with students today.




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Region 2 reach final with Olomouc win

Eoin Hayes struck either side of half-time as Region 2 accelerated away from Olomouc, a 4-1 victory enough to take them into Sunday's UEFA Regions' Cup final as Group B winners.




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Lisboa and Istanbul finish off with a draw

Ramazan Kallıoğlu struck deep into added time for the ten-man hosts, to hand Lisboa a third Group A draw, David Cardoso's goal not enough to earn them victory.




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Theatre with Mark Brown

The Importance of Being Earnest




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Theatre & Dance with Mark Brown

The Metamorphosis




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Film view with Damien Smith

RADIOACTIVE (12A)




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Letters: SPFL has thrown money at immediate issue without making any fundamental changes

LIKE many of your readers, I would imagine, I am a fairly enthusiastic armchair football supporter with no real club affiliation.




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Preschool Class Size—Within Reason—Doesn't Matter, Study Finds

Keeping preschool class sizes at or under 20 children, and keeping child-teacher ratios at 10 to 1, will work for most children in preschool, according to a new study.




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Google Maps Celebrates 15 Years With New AR, Commuter Options

To celebrate 15 years of Google Maps, the popular mapping program gets a redesign, a host of new features, and an installation in New York's Madison Square Park.




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Allowing people to be who and what they are, without fear of prejudice, is the hallmark of a civilised society

If you have never given your gender much thought, count yourself lucky. If that tick in the box on almost every form requires no more effort than a flick of the wrist, be aware that for many people gender is not so straightforward.




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With camps shut, families face summer in the great indoors




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How To Be an 'Intrapreneur' Within a School

Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool that can be used within an established institution to foster innovation and accelerate promising initiatives. Leading a startup project within an organization is called "intrapreneurship" and there are many ways to do that within a school setting.




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This Is What's Really Wrong With Facebook

Russians buying ads aren't the problem. It's a lack of employees policing the truly harmful and dangerous content and a lackluster communications strategy.




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Twitter and Facebook Are Publishers, Not Platforms

Social networks are calling themselves platforms rather than publishers to skirt around legal issues, and it has to stop.




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Students' Confidence, Not Grades, Take a Hit in Schools with Short Grade Span, Study Suggests

The move to middle school can be a rougher adjustment for students who were high achievers at their elementary schools, finds a new study.




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Old pals act: as an exhibition of his photographs of John Byrne opens in Edinburgh, David Eustace on his long friendship and working relationship with the artist and playwright

For three decades now, the artist and playwright John Byrne has been sitting regularly for photographer David Eustace, the Glasgow-born photographer who left school at 16 and joined first the navy and then the prison service before settling on a career behind a camera.




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Connecting With English-Learner Families: 5 Ideas to Help Schools

English-language-learner families are less likely to attend parent-teacher conferences and other school-related events, which means they miss out on important opportunities to communicate about their children's academic progress.




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Federal ELL Official Leaves for Job With Rosetta Stone

José Viana led the office of English-language acquisition since April 2017. The Education Department has not announced a successor.




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Black-White Achievement Gaps Go Hand in Hand With Discipline Disparities

As black-white achievement gaps widen in schools, so, too, do disparities in discipline rates between black and white students, according to a study published Wednesday of 2,000 schools.




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Houston District Settles Lawsuit With Teachers' Union Over Value-Added Scores

The Houston school district has settled a federal lawsuit brought by the teacher's union over the school system's controversial teacher evaluation system, which involved a secret algorithm.




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Grassroots festival with EURO focus

Youngsters in Northern Ireland celebrated UEFA EURO 2012 with a specially-themed event for UEFA Grassroots Day, one of several activities arranged across the country.




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Cost-effectiveness of Outpatient Management for Febrile Neutropenia in Children With Cancer

Febrile neutropenia is a common complication in children with cancer. Traditionally, even low-risk episodes have been managed entirely in an inpatient setting, and discharge of the patients has been delayed until resolution of fever and sustainable hematopoietic recovery.

The results of this decision-analytic model evaluating low-risk febrile neutropenia episodes suggest that the substantially higher costs of inpatient management cannot be justified on the basis of safety and efficacy considerations or patient/parent preferences. Uncertainty remains whether intravenous or oral treatment might be the preferable route of drug administration in an ambulatory setting. (Read the full article)




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Adjunct Corticosteroids in Children Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Corticosteroids inhibit the expression of many proinflammatory cytokines released during the course of community-acquired pneumonia infection. Corticosteroids have been found in some studies to be associated with improved clinical outcomes in adults with pneumonia. No studies have investigated corticosteroid use in children with pneumonia.

Results showed that corticosteroid treatment in children with pneumonia is common and its use is highly variable across institutions. Although corticosteroid therapy may benefit children with acute wheezing treated with β-agonists, corticosteroid therapy may lead to worse outcomes for children without wheezing. (Read the full article)




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Closely Spaced Pregnancies Are Associated With Increased Odds of Autism in California Sibling Births

Autism has been associated with pregnancy and birth complications that may indicate a suboptimal prenatal environment. Although the interpregnancy interval (IPI) may affect the prenatal environment, the association between the IPI and risk for autism is not known.

Using full-sibling pairs from a large population, the authors examined the association between autism and IPIs. Second-born children conceived after an IPI of <12 months had more than threefold increased odds of autism relative to those with IPIs of ≥36 months. (Read the full article)




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Impact of Bisphosphonates on Survival for Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

The use of steroids as a treatment for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy results in a slower progression in weakness. Bisphosphonates often are used in conjunction with steroid therapy to enhance bone health.

The combination of steroids and bisphosphonates seems to be associated with significantly improved survival rates compared with treatment with steroids alone. (Read the full article)




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Antihypertensive Prescribing Patterns for Adolescents With Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension is a growing concern in adolescents due to its association with the obesity epidemic. Recent studies have examined underdetection and underdiagnosis of hypertension in adolescents but medical management of primary hypertension in adolescents is not well-described.

Our study describes patterns of antihypertensive prescribing for adolescents with primary hypertension including the use of monotherapy versus combination therapy by physicians of different specialties and factors associated with receipt of antihypertensive therapy over a multi-year period. (Read the full article)




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Symptoms and Time to Medical Care in Children With Accidental Extremity Fractures

A delay in seeking medical care for children with significant injury often raises a concern about child abuse, but there are few data describing the range of responses children display after accidental fracture for providers to use in comparison.

This study presents the range of responses exhibited by children after accidental fractures and identifies factors associated with a delay in seeking medical care. No child was asymptomatic, although a minority did not manifest all expected responses after their injury. (Read the full article)




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Peer-led Education for Adolescents With Asthma in Jordan: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

The prevalence of asthma and smoking among adolescents in Jordan is high. Well-designed, school-based, peer-led education programs can have a positive impact on asthma self-management in adolescents. Student peer leaders can be useful and responsible partners in health promotion programs.

A peer-led asthma education program —Adolescent Asthma Action—for adolescents developed in Australia was adapted to suit non–English-speaking cultures in the Middle East. Peer-led education led to improved self-management of asthma and motivated students to avoid smoking. (Read the full article)




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The Natural Course of Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy With Respiratory Distress Type 1 (SMARD1)

Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 (SMARD1) is a progressive, inherited neuromuscular disease manifesting with diaphragmatic paralysis in the first year of life. All patients need mechanical ventilation.

We describe the natural course of SMARD1, developed a scoring system, and defined prognostic values. The clinical outcome of the patients was heterogeneous, and residual enzymatic activity of the IGHMBP2 protein was associated with a more benign disease course. (Read the full article)




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Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Is Not Associated With Sickle Cell Crises in Children

Children with sickle cell disease are at high risk of complications from influenza infection and have been recommended to receive annual influenza vaccine since the 1970s. Few safety studies, however, have examined the safety of influenza vaccine in this population.

This large cohort study did not find an association between influenza vaccination and hospitalization for sickle cell crises in children with sickle cell anemia. (Read the full article)




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Histologic Chorioamnionitis Is Associated With Reduced Risk of Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants

Chorioamnionitis is associated with preterm birth and an increased risk of common adverse outcomes of prematurity, including early-onset sepsis and neurodevelopmental impairment. The effect of chorioamnionitis on postnatal immune function and risk of late-onset infection is unknown.

Chorioamnionitis, which complicates many preterm births, is independently associated with a significantly reduced risk of late-onset sepsis in preterm infants. The findings suggest that chorioamnionitis may modulate the development of postnatal immunity in a clinically significant manner. (Read the full article)




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Shared Decision-Making and Health Care Expenditures Among Children With Special Health Care Needs

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) account for more than one-third of pediatric health care costs. Little is known regarding the impact of shared decision-making (SDM) over time on child health care expenditures and utilization.

In a national sample, we found that increasing SDM was associated with decreased health care costs and utilization for CSHCN. Results support prospective studies to determine if pediatric interventions to foster SDM reduce the financial burden of caring for CSHCN. (Read the full article)




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US Estimates of Hospitalized Children With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Clinical Trials

Clinical trials in children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are challenging. To date, no work has been published that permits clinical investigators to estimate the number and compositional features of sites from which to recruit children with severe TBI into clinical trials.

Children with severe TBI are infrequent. Less than 5% of all US hospitals discharged more than 78% of severe TBI cases. To maximize enrollment efficiency for future clinical trials, attention has to be paid to selecting appropriate hospital sites. (Read the full article)




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The Value of the Medical Home for Children Without Special Health Care Needs

The medical home is associated with beneficial outcomes in children with special health care needs and in the entire pediatric population. It is unknown if it benefits the majority of the pediatric population (ie, children without special health care needs).

This study is the first to demonstrate an association between the medical home and beneficial health care utilization, child health, and health-promoting behavior outcomes in children without special health care needs. (Read the full article)




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Calculation of Expected Body Weight in Adolescents With Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are characterized by preoccupation with weight and shape, which is manifested by a refusal to maintain a normal weight. An exact determination of expected body weight (EBW) is critical for diagnosis and clinical management of these disorders.

The McLaren and Moore methods present with several limitations when calculating EBW for adolescents with eating disorders. A commonly agreed upon method for EBW calculation such as the BMI percentile method is recommended for clinical and research purposes. (Read the full article)




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Association of Center Volume With Mortality and Complications in Pediatric Heart Surgery

Previous analyses have suggested that center volume is associated with outcome in children undergoing heart surgery. There are limited data regarding factors that may mediate this volume–outcome relationship.

A multicenter analysis of 35 776 children revealed that the higher mortality observed at lower volume centers may be related to a higher rate of mortality in those with postoperative complications, rather than a higher rate of complications alone. (Read the full article)




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Bronchoscopic Findings in Children With Chronic Wet Cough

Chronic wet cough is a common symptom well recognized by pediatricians. Protracted bacterial bronchitis is defined as more than 4 weeks of wet cough that responds to antibiotic treatment. Diagnosis of protracted bacterial bronchitis is not readily accepted by pediatricians

Children with chronic wet cough often have bronchitis, which is evident during bronchoscopy. Purulent bronchial secretions suggest the presence of bacterial infection. Children with chronic wet cough frequently have a bacterial infection of the lower airway. (Read the full article)




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Citizens' Values Regarding Research With Stored Samples From Newborn Screening in Canada

Newborn screening (NBS) programs may store bloodspot samples and use them for secondary purposes, such as research. Recent public controversies and lawsuits over storage and secondary uses underscore the need to engage the public on these issues.

This public engagement study identifies values underlying citizens’ acceptance of and discomfort with research from NBS samples. Well-designed methods of public education and civic discourse on the risks and benefits of storage and secondary uses of NBS samples are required. (Read the full article)




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Late Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Patients With Kawasaki Disease

The effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment of patients with Kawasaki disease within 9 days of illness has been established. However, the effectiveness of such treatment ≥10 days after illness onset has not yet been clarified.

Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment ≥10 days after illness onset was observed to be effective for achieving inflammation resolution. Patients who are strongly suspected to have Kawasaki disease and demonstrate ongoing inflammation should therefore be treated as soon as possible. (Read the full article)




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Fetal and Maternal Candidate Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Associations With Cerebral Palsy: A Case-Control Study

Candidate genes involved in thrombophilia, inflammation, and preterm birth have previously been associated with cerebral palsy. Most studies to date have included small cohorts, did not allow for multiple testing, and require replication.

This study of children with cerebral palsy and their mothers did not confirm previously reported candidate gene associations. Prothrombin gene mutation was associated with hemiplegia in children born at term to mothers with a reported infection during pregnancy. (Read the full article)




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Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure With Heliox in Preterm Infants With Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is a noninvasive ventilatory support that may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Heliox, a helium-oxygen mixture, has shown positive effects, especially in obstructive diseases.

NCPAP with heliox reduces the need for mechanical ventilation in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome in comparison with NCPAP with medical air. (Read the full article)




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Discharged on Supplemental Oxygen From an Emergency Department in Patients With Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is the most common cause for hospital admission in patients aged <1 year. Hypoxia is a common reason for admission. Despite a multitude of studies looking at various treatment strategies, no clear benefit has been found.

With oxygen therapy being the main therapeutic option, home oxygen offers a novel way to manage bronchiolitis. This study shows that home oxygen is a safe and effective way to decrease hospital admissions in a select group of patients. (Read the full article)




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A Statewide Trial of the SafeCare Home-based Services Model With Parents in Child Protective Services

Neglect cases in Child Protective Services often receive home-based interventions, but their success in preventing maltreatment recidivism has been elusive. Structured, behavioral skills models, such as SafeCare, are promising but have not been tested in full-scale implementation trials.

This cluster trial experiment demonstrates significant maltreatment recidivism reduction due to implementing the SafeCare model in a fully scaled-up statewide system. The findings support adopting the SafeCare model for these types of services. (Read the full article)