Susan C. Davies

The Relationship between Curriculum-Based Measures in Oral Reading Fluency and High-Stakes Tests for Seventh Grade Students.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral reading fluency and performance on a statewide reading achievement test for middle grades students. Participants in this study were 75 seventh grade students. One month before the students were administered the state test, each student read three probes from their current basal reader to determine an oral reading fluency rate. The Ohio Grade 7 Reading Test scores were correlated with oral reading fluency rates to determine the extent of the relationship between the results. Results support the use of oral reading fluency assessment as a valid tool for identifying students at risk of not passing the statewide reading achievement test.

Effects of a Self-Monitoring Intervention on Children With Traumatic Brain Injury

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a self-monitoring intervention on teachers’ direct behavior ratings of 3 students with traumatic brain injury. The authors used a multiple-baseline-across-participants design to evaluate the effect of the strategy on each childs classwork and classroom behavior. The self-monitoring strategy included 3 components: self-ratings, matching self-ratings and teacher ratings, and teacher feedback. Results indicated that the strategy improved performance for all three children, as well as self-monitoring accuracy. The authors discuss the implications for future research, including the need for a component analysis of self-monitoring treatments.

School-Based Consultation to Improve Concussion Recognition and Response

Many students who have sustained concussions return to school requiring academic adjustments while their brains heal. However, school personnel often are not trained to accommodate these students. This exploratory project examined the usefulness of school-based training paired with ongoing consultation and continued dissemination of information to improve both concussion recognition and response among school personnel. A case study design was employed in which a school district received training that was followed by ongoing consultation and continued dissemination of concussion resources. This study highlights the importance of involving school psychologists in concussion management programs.

The Development of Intercultural Competency in School Psychology Graduate Students

School psychologists often have the opportunity to work with students and families from varied backgrounds and cultures. While this can be an exciting and enriching part of the job, it can also be daunting for some practitioners, particularly those who are inadequately prepared. A number of strategies have been implemented in school psychology training programs to improve students’ intercultural competency. This exploratory study investigated the results of one university’s short-term study abroad program for school psychology graduate students. Pre- and post- intercultural development assessments were given to school psychology graduate students who completed a course abroad; results were compared to students who took the same course on campus in the United States. Findings indicated that there was no measurable growth in intercultural competence in either group. Implications for school psychology training programs, suggestions for future research, and ways to improve intercultural competency among school psychologists are discussed.

Qualitative Evaluation of High School Implementation Strategies for Youth Sports Concussion Laws

CONTEXT: All 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws governing concussion management and education. These concussion laws, featuring common tenets regarding removal from play, return to play, and concussion education, have shaped school and district policies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the strategies commonly used to implement concussion laws at the school and district levels, as reported by certified athletic trainers (ATs). DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: High schools. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS:  We interviewed 64 ATs from high schools (1 per school) participating in High School Reporting Information Online. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:  Interviews were conducted with participants between April and October 2015 regarding implementation of the 3 core tenets of concussion laws. Research team members independently evaluated the interview transcripts and field notes to identify common themes in implementation strategies. RESULTS: Of the 64 schools represented, 90.6% were public schools, 89.1% sponsored more than 15 sports, and all schools employed at least 1 AT and had a written concussion policy. Four commonly used strategies to implement removal from play were reliance on coaches, immediate response, referral and guidance after injury, and notification of key individuals. Use of assessment or baseline tests, communication among parties involved, reliance on AT assessments, and return-to-learn policies were 4 frequent strategies to implement return to play. Finally, 3 major implementation strategies to effectuate concussion education were use of existing educational tools, timing of education, and concussion training for school professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Although concussion laws were passed at different times and varied in content across states, common themes in implementation strategies emerged across jurisdictions. The identification of strategic approaches to implementation will help ensure proper concussion management and education, reducing negative health outcomes among youths with concussions.