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Video available for James Bovaird presentation

James Bovaird, director of the Nebraska Academy for Methodology, Analytics and Psychometric, leads a Sept. 20 presentation as part of the Fall 2019 Methodology Applications Series.

James Bovaird, director of the Nebraska Academy for Methodology, Analytics and Psychometrics, led the first presentation of the Fall 2019 Methodology Applications Series Sept. 20.

His presentation, “Cluster Randomized Trials in Education: Lessons Learned, Migraines Overcome, and Crises Averted,” is now available on video. Full Article

CYFS launches hub for Nebraska’s social, behavioral and educational research

CYFS Research Network

A new platform is available to streamline the process of building connections and identifying research collaboration opportunities among Nebraska faculty in the social, behavioral and educational sciences.

The Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families & Schools has launched the CYFS Research Network, an online hub that makes it easier to connect with diverse researchers, discover their expertise and explore their work. Full Article

Closing the preschool skill gap for disadvantaged children

Rachel Schumacher, fifth-year doctoral student in school psychology, is examining children’s responses to their transitions into school.

Many children growing up in disadvantage enter school without the requisite social, emotional and behavioral skills to be successful. When those children start off behind, they have a difficult time catching up to more successful students.

Because a child’s early school experiences are predictive of their long-term educational trajectory, starting school socially and behaviorally ready is crucial. Otherwise, long-term detrimental outcomes and widening gaps in academic and social success may follow. Full Article

Children take the reins over ADHD challenges with help from horses

Michelle Howell Smith, CYFS research assistant professor, is exploring the effects of equine-assisted activities on children diagnosed with ADHD.

As 12-year-old Joe rides a horse named Indy, his mother watches from the far end of the arena. She smiles as her son interacts with the gentle, giant animal.

Michelle Howell Smith, CYFS research assistant professor, can relate. She has seen the positive effects of equine-assisted therapy with her own daughter, MaKenna, who has autism. Full Article

Partnership approach supports ADHD-diagnosed students one grade at a time

A recent research project explores whether teacher-to-teacher consultation can maintain gains in positive behavior from students with ADHD during their transition from one grade to the next.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is not limited to certain hours of the day. For diagnosed children, the condition is with them every hour of every day, year-round.

And their needs will evolve as they grow older.

Given the chronic and changing nature of ADHD — a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it difficult to focus and control impulsive behavior — effective treatment must be flexible and consistent throughout the child’s life span, both at home and school. Full Article

Taking a bite out of immigrant dental health misconceptions

Patient Oscar Kaled Gonzales gets a checkup from Nebraska College of Dentistry students Olivia Straka and Maddi McConnaughhay at Lincoln's El Centro de las Americas.

Something to chew on: Despite oral disease being mostly preventable, it remains one of the world’s most common illnesses. But for many Latino immigrant families, limited access and high cost make dental services prohibitive.

While studies demonstrate that dental appearance and aesthetics have important implications for positive self-esteem, relationships and employment outcomes, perceptions of dental aesthetics held by immigrant families have not been investigated. Full Article

Project enhances Nebraska STEM access, understanding

Teachers participate in a STEM education class at Henzlik Hall.

Recent studies show that 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to 4G — fourth-generation — broadband network technology.

Which means 15 percent of Americans do not.

In Nebraska, the numbers are better: A recent report by Nebraska Broadband indicates broadband is available to 99.5 percent of the state’s residents. Full Article