Criminal justice outcomes of prosecution of child sexual abuse: A case flow analysis

This study examined the progress and disposition of child sexual abuse cases referred for prosecution in four urban jurisdictions. Most cases were accepted for prosecution. The vast majority of cases carried forward for prosecution resulted in guilty pleas. Only 9% of the total sample went to trial. A majority of the small number that went to trial were convicted. Over 3/4 of those convicted were incarcerated. The rate at which cases were carried forward for prosecution and convicted was comparable to that of a national sample of felony arrests overall, but child sexual abuse cases were more likely to go to trial (p < .005) and received more severe sentences (p < .005). Our results are strikingly consistent with those from previous studies of prosecution of child sexual abuse. A new understanding of prosecution of child sexual abuse is recommended that takes into account the large proportion of cases that do not go to trial.     

Incorporating physical activity‐based interventions in school psychology research and practice: A systematic review

Physical activity provides a myriad of well‐documented social‐emotional, behavioral, and academic benefits for youth. While research suggests that physical activity should be integrated within the school day to support the well‐being of students, an understanding of related empirical work within school psychology research and practice is unclear. School psychologists are well positioned to systematically incorporate physical activity within their intervention practices, particularly given their role and expertise in implementing and evaluating interventions. Authors engaged in a systematic review of 20 years (1998–2018) of physical activity intervention research within 10 peer‐reviewed school psychology journals and six school psychology‐related journals. Authors analyzed 22 studies to glean a comprehensive understanding of the literature base and highlight the ways in which physical activity can be incorporated to support school and student outcomes. Suggestions for research and practice in school psychology are discussed in light of the examined literature.     

Understanding Implementation and Effectiveness of Strong Start K-2 on Social-Emotional Behavior

Strong Start K-2 is a social-emotional learning curriculum, designed for use with children in kindergarten through grade 2. The objectives of this study were twofold. First, authors aimed to evaluate the feasibility and quality of Strong Start implementation. Additionally authors examined the effect of Strong Start on first grade students’ perceptions of emotion and teacher ratings of social behavior and affect. Results suggested that Strong Start was implemented with integrity, and that significant increases in student knowledge about emotion situations and significant decreases in student internalizing behaviors were associated with exposure to the program. Limitations of this study as well as directions for future research are discussed.     

The Impact of Lottery Incentives on Student Survey Response Rates

Lottery incentives are widely used by institutional researchers despite a lack of research documenting the effectiveness of postpaid incentives in general and lottery incentives in particular. A controlled experiment tested the effects of lottery incentives using a prospective college applicant Web survey, with e-mails sent to more than 9,000 high school students. The impact of the level of lottery incentive on response rates and response bias is discussed.     

Promoting Affirming School Athletics for LGBTQ Youth Through Professional Development

ABSTRACT

While physical activity provides ample social-emotional, behavioral, and academic benefits, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth experience bullying, discomfort, and feelings of exclusion in school athletic settings. Authors conceptualize a professional development model entitled School Athletics for Everyone (SAFE). Within this model, physical education teachers are supported in gaining a more comprehensive understanding about the struggles experienced by LGBTQ youth in athletic settings and, subsequently, the ways in which they can be supported through data-based consultative and professional development efforts to promote more affirming and inclusive practices. The role of the school mental health professional is crucial in facilitating content delivery and consultation. Authors review the empirical foundations for this model, provide a case example, and disseminate relevant resources for practitioners. Future directions for research are also discussed.     

THE HIGHER EDUCATION CURRICULUM CRISIS

After presenting data collected from national random samples of administrators and data collected from faculty members in a few selected junior colleges and universities, the authors contend that critics of the undergraduate curriculum may indeed have a basis for their indictments. A set of policy proposals are then presented for consideration.