Ineffective pathways and the price of conjecture

The inclusion of children with special educational needs into mainstream schools needs effort and cooperation by all those involved. Both educators and medical professions need to be skilled in identifying and supporting neurodiversity. This study explores the cross-professional understanding and support of four of the most prevalent neurodiversities: autism spectrum condition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental coordination disorder and dyslexia, to evaluate the efficiency of the diagnostic pathway and the subsequent support. Questionnaires were distributed throughout a number of training events for medical and educational practitioners asking what a condition was, and how it could be supported. Using a thematic analysis, data from 189 responses were examined and cross-referenced with diagnostic criteria, in addition to identifying the overarching themes of support. Results show a serious gap in awareness and knowledge of neurodiversity in both medical and educational sectors, followed by a cacophony of intervention, breaking the pathway for diagnosis before it begins and ultimately failing children and their families.     

The effect of class size on the teaching of pupils aged 7 – 11 years

There is still little consensus on whether and how teaching is affected by small and large classes, especially in the case of students in the later primary years. This study investigated effects of class size on teaching of pupils aged 7 – 11 years. We used a multimethod approach, integrating qualitative information from teachers' end-of-year accounts and data from case studies with quantitative information from systematic observations. Results showed that there was more individual attention in smaller classes, a more active role for pupils, and beneficial effects on the quality of teaching. It is suggested that teachers in both large and small classes need to develop strategies for more individual attention but also recognize the benefits of other forms of learning, for example, group work.     

Double standards and first principles: framing teaching assistant support for pupils with special educational needs

Teaching assistants (TAs) are part of a growing international trend toward paraprofessionals working in public services. There has been controversy over TAs’ deployment and appropriate role when supporting the learning of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools. Such debates have been transformed by findings from a large study of school support staff in the UK (the DISS project). The findings from this study show that TA support has a negative impact on pupils’ academic progress, especially pupils with SEN. The findings render the current system of support for SEN highly questionable: TAs have inadvertently become the primary educators of pupils with SEN. This paper sets out the likely explanations for the negative effects in terms of three ‘frames’ – deployment, practice and preparedness – and then uses these frames to identify specific implications for pupils with SEN. We offer suggestions on how to make the most productive use of TA support.     

Intensities of exercise during match-play in FA Premier League referees and players

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between intensities of exercise during match-play of elite-standard soccer referees with those of the players from the same match. Match analysis data were collected (Prozone? Leeds, UK) for 18 elite-standard soccer referees (age 26-49 years) on FA Premier League matches during the 2008/09 English FA Premier League season (236 observations). Running categories for referees and players were as follows: total distance covered (m); high-speed running distance (speed >19.8 km · h(-1)); and sprinting distance (speed >25.2 km · h(-1)). Analysis of the distance-time regression coefficients revealed no differences between the referees' and players' within-match rates of change for total distance covered (-0.594 ± 0.394 vs. -0.713 ± 0.269 m · min(-1); P = 0.104), high-speed running (-0.039 ± 0.077 vs. -0.059 ± 0.030 m · min(-1); P = 0.199), and sprinting (-0.003 ± 0.039 vs. -0.021 ± 0.017 m · min(-1); P = 0.114). In addition, there were no differences between across-season rates of change for total distance (-26.756 ± 40.434 vs. -20.031 ± 25.502 m per match day; P = 0.439) and sprinting (-9.662 ± 7.564 vs. -8.589 ± 4.351 m per match day; P = 0.542). These results show that elite-standard soccer referees' intensities of exercise during match-play are interrelated with those of the players and thus demonstrate that referees are able to keep pace with the players during FA Premier League matches.     

Journalistic and other Media Writing Guides

John Hohenberg's The Professional Journalist (New York: Holt, Rinehart CI Jinston, 1978—price not given)

Griffith, John L., and Edward G. Weston. Programmed Newswriting (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1978—$4.50, paper)

Blanche G., and Wayne A. Danielson. Programmed News Style (Prentice Hall, 1978—$4.98, paper)

Lee, Robert, and Robert Misiorowski, Script Models: A Handbook for the Media Writer (New York: Hastings House, 1978—$8.95/4.50)

Hall, Mark W. Broadcast Journalism: An. Introduction to News Writing (New York: Hastings House, 1978—$7.95/4.95)

Bolch, Judith, and Kay Miller. Investigative and In-Depth Reporting (New York: Hastings House, 1978—$9.50)

Williams, Paul N. Investigative Reporting and Editing (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1978—price not given)

Kelley, Jerome E. Magazine Writing Today (Cincinnati, Ohio: Writer's Digest, 1978—$9.95)

Nelson, Roy Paul. Articles and Features (Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 1978—price not given)

Pearsall, Thomas E., and Donald H. Cunningham, How to Write for the World of Work (New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston l978—price not given),

Mills, Gordon H., and John A. Walker, Technical Writing (New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1978—price not given)     

Intensities of exercise during match-play in FA Premier League referees and players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between intensities of exercise during match-play of elite-standard soccer referees with those of the players from the same match. Match analysis data were collected (Prozone® Leeds, UK) for 18 elite-standard soccer referees (age 26–49 years) on FA Premier League matches during the 2008/09 English FA Premier League season (236 observations). Running categories for referees and players were as follows: total distance covered (m); high-speed running distance (speed >19.8 km · h^?1); and sprinting distance (speed >25.2 km · h^?1). Analysis of the distance–time regression coefficients revealed no differences between the referees' and players' within-match rates of change for total distance covered (?0.594 ± 0.394 vs. ?0.713 ± 0.269 m · min^?1; P = 0.104), high-speed running (?0.039 ± 0.077 vs. ?0.059 ± 0.030 m · min^?1; P = 0.199), and sprinting (?0.003 ± 0.039 vs. ?0.021 ± 0.017 m · min^?1; P = 0.114). In addition, there were no differences between across-season rates of change for total distance (–26.756 ± 40.434 vs. ?20.031 ± 25.502 m per match day; P = 0.439) and sprinting (–9.662 ± 7.564 vs. ?8.589 ± 4.351 m per match day; P = 0.542). These results show that elite-standard soccer referees' intensities of exercise during match-play are interrelated with those of the players and thus demonstrate that referees are able to keep pace with the players during FA Premier League matches.     

Neuromuscular,physiological and perceptual responses to an elite netball tournament

ABSTRACT

To examine responses to an International netball tournament, female athletes (n= 11) played three matches over consecutive days. External (accelerometry) and internal (heart rate; HR, session; sRPE, and differential; dRPE, rating of perceived exertion) load measures quantified match intensity. On match-day mornings, and three days after match 3, well-being (brief assessment of mood; BAM+), biochemical (creatine kinase concentration; CK), neuromuscular (jump height; JH, peak power output; PPO) and endocrine function (salivary cortisol; C, testosterone; T, concentrations) were assessed. External load was similar between matches whereas dRPE and sRPE were greatest for match 3. Following match 1, CK increased, whereas BAM+, JH, C and T decreased. Following two matches, BAM+, PPO, and T decreased with CK increasing versus baseline. Following consecutive matches, CK (likely moderate; 27.9% ± 19.5%) and C (possibly moderate; 43.3% ± 46.8%) increased, whilst BAM+ (possibly moderate; ?20.6% ± 24.4%) decreased. Three days post-tournament BAM+, T, PPO, and JH decreased. Mid-court elicited higher mean HR (possibly moderate; 3.7% ± 3.8%), internal and external intensities (possibly very large; 85.7% ± 49.6%) compared with goal-based positions. Consecutive matches revealed a dose–response relationship for well-being and physiological function; a response evident three days post-tournament.