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Getting Ready to expand early childhood reach

Lisa Knoche, CYFS research associate professor and principal investigator of the Getting Ready Preschool Development Grant

For the past 15 years, the Getting Ready research program has helped enhance school readiness for children age 5 and younger by bringing evidence-based parent engagement strategies to early childhood programs throughout Nebraska.

Thanks to additional, recent funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Preschool Development Grant, Nebraska researchers will move those strategies into practice. Full Article

‘Coach Approach’ builds preschool teachers’ capacity to foster mathematics reasoning

From left, Rachel Schachter, co-principal investogator; Holly Hatton-Bowers, project consultant; and Kelley Buchheister, principal investigator

Although kindergarten is widely recognized as the beginning of a child’s formal academic journey, preparation for that journey is crucial. Research shows that solid early childhood experiences provide substantial benefits for children’s success.

High-quality, early mathematical instruction is particularly important. Children’s early mathematical knowledge also predicts reading achievement even beyond kindergarten. Full Article

Identifying, controlling selection bias in tests of differential item functioning

Marc Goodrich and Natalie Koziol are exploring ways to identify and combat selection bias in differential item functioning.

As demand increases for employees with expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, representation of Latinos in STEM fields continues to lag.

As of 2011, Latinos represented only 7 percent of the American STEM workforce, despite accounting for more than 16 percent of the U.S. population. Full Article

Brain imaging brings predictors for cochlear implantation success into focus

From left, Randa Ismail adjusts an fNIRS cap on Grace Oh.

For someone with hearing loss, a successful cochlear implant can change their world.

But because results vary among implant recipients, it is crucial to determine strong candidates for whom an implant will likely be successful.

A cochlear implant (CI) is a complex electronic device that can effectively restore hearing in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. While the CI does not restore normal hearing and differs from hearing aids, which amplify sounds, it does provide a useful representation of sounds by directly stimulating the auditory nerve. The CI’s success depends on how well the auditory nerve functions. Full Article

Promoting cultural understanding through the dialogue of dance

Student and Yazidi participants inspect part of the “Unquiet Harmony: The Subject of Displacement” exhibit at the Sheldon Museum of Art.

While constantly evolving technology such as the internet, smartphones and social media have connected the world like never before, various polls and surveys reveal that many people feel more isolated than ever.

In many ways, society has become polarized in recent years. For educators, the growing challenge is to find effective ways to ensure their schools are places where all students’ voices are heard and welcomed. Full Article

CYFS marks 15th anniversary with celebration, special edition annual report

For 15 years, CYFS has impacted lives through research that advances learning and development.

For the past 15 years, the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools has worked tirelessly to impact lives by conducting, supporting and sharing high-quality research in the social, behavioral and educational sciences.

For the next 15 years, the center has no plans to slow down. Full Article

Methods for making data publicly available outlined at NAECR Knowledge event

Erica DeFrain, University Libraries assistant professor, answers a question about making research data publicly available during an Oct. 29 NAECR Knowledge event.

For early childhood researchers, sharing a study’s findings with the public is a key element of their work. But a myriad of considerations can sometimes make the process confusing.

More than a dozen early childhood researchers gathered Oct. 29 for the NAECR Knowledge presentation, “Making Your Data Publicly Available.” Erica DeFrain and Leslie Delserone of University Libraries joined Jeffrey Stevens, associate professor of psychology, to lead a discussion about best practices for releasing research data to the public. Full Article