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Early identification of students needing additional support is a foundational component of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Due to the resource-intensive nature of implementing MTSS, it is critical that universal screening procedures are maximally accurate and efficient. The purpose of this study was to compare the classification accuracy of aimswebPlus reading scores to the Benchmark Assessment System scores. We used data from a mid-size city in Texas to retrospectively compare the classification accuracy between fall aimswebPlus reading composites to the Benchmark Assessment System scores when predicting student performance on the statewide reading test. When classification decisions were made based on the vendor-recommended cut-scores, both measures were insufficiently sensitive for screening in MTSS. Following aimswebPlus' recommended method for establishing local-cut scores improved the sensitivity of decisions, but the specificity values were well below minimally acceptable levels. Limitations, directions for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.

Accurate and efficient universal screening is a foundational component of multi-tiered systems of support for reading. By the time students reach middle school, educators often have extant data available to inform screening decisions. Therefore, the decision to collect additional data to inform screening should be considered carefully. The classification accuracy of aimswebPlus reading, a newly updated version of a popular suite of screening tools, has not been independently examined in middle school since its release. We used districtwide data from a midsize city in Texas to retrospectively examine the classification accuracy of aimswebPlus reading composite scores from the fall and winter benchmarking periods. The criterion measure was the annual statewide reading test administered in spring. To provide a comparison for the aimswebPlus results, we also evaluated the accuracy of screening decisions made based on prior year statewide reading test scores. Decisions made based on the aimswebPlus "default" cut-scores resulted in unacceptable sensitivity for universal screening. Following the aimswebPlus recommended method to establish local cut-scores improved the sensitivity of decisions in each grade and benchmarking season but the sensitivity values still fell below recommendations for minimally acceptable sensitivity. In comparison, decisions made based on prior year state test scores demonstrated adequate sensitivity and specificity in Grades 7 and 8. Directions for future research and recommendations for practice are discussed within the context of study limitations.

BACKGROUND:Program decision-making for trachoma elimination currently relies on conjunctival clinical signs. Antibody tests may provide additional information on the epidemiology of trachoma, particularly in regions where it is disappearing or elimination targets have been met. METHODS:A cluster-randomized trial of mass azithromycin distribution strategies for trachoma elimination was conducted over three years in a mesoendemic region of Niger. Dried blood spots were collected from a random sample of children aged 1-5 years in each of 24 study communities at 36 months after initiation of the intervention. A multiplex bead assay was used to test for antibodies to two Chlamydia trachomatis antigens, Pgp3 and CT694. We compared seropositivity to either antigen to clinical signs of active trachoma (trachomatous inflammation-follicular [TF] and trachomatous inflammation-intense [TI]) at the individual and cluster level, and to ocular chlamydia prevalence at the community level. RESULTS:Of 988 children with antibody data, TF prevalence was 7.8% (95% CI 6.1 to 9.5) and TI prevalence was 1.6% (95% CI 0.9 to 2.6). The overall prevalence of antibody positivity to Pgp3 was 27.2% (95% CI 24.5 to 30), and to CT694 was 23.7% (95% CI 21 to 26.2). Ocular chlamydia infection prevalence was 5.2% (95% CI 2.8 to 7.6). Seropositivity to Pgp3 and/or CT694 was significantly associated with TF at the individual and community level and with ocular chlamydia infection and TI at the community level. Older children were more likely to be seropositive than younger children. CONCLUSION:Seropositivity to Pgp3 and CT694 correlates with clinical signs and ocular chlamydia infection in a mesoendemic region of Niger. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00792922.

ObjectiveThe present study compared sleep sufficiency in youth with current Tourette's disorder (TD), history of TD and matched case controls, and examined predictors of sufficient sleep using a large US population-based survey.MethodParticipants were 673 caregivers of youth aged 6 to 17 years (298 with current TD, 122 with a history of TD with no endorsement of current diagnosis, and 254 matched case controls) from the 2007 and 2011-2012 versions of the National Survey of Children's Health. History and current TD status, current comorbidity (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression) and psychiatric medication status were assessed by yes/no items. Current TD severity was dichotomized into mild or moderate/severe symptoms. Sleep was assessed by parent-reported number of sufficient nights their child slept in the past week.ResultsUnivariate analysis of variance yielded significant group differences in nights of sufficient sleep (F[2,369.70] = 71.53, p < .001), with controls having 1.5 more nights per week relative to both TD groups (p < .001). With respect to predictors of sufficient sleep, the analysis of covariance yielded a significant age × sex × TD severity interaction (F[1,15.84] = 4.28, p = .04) such that older adolescent males with mild TD had significantly fewer nights of sufficient sleep than children (p = .004) and early adolescents (p = .002; F[2,54.93] = 7.45, p = .001). Early adolescent females with moderate/severe TD had fewer nights of sufficient sleep relative to males (p = .008). Comorbidity type and psychiatric medication status did not significantly predict sleep.ConclusionFindings suggest that insufficient sleep in youth with TD persists independently of comorbidity or psychiatric medication status. Findings highlight the importance of clinical sleep monitoring in this population.

Accurate and efficient universal screening is a foundational component of multi-tiered systems of support for reading. By the time students reach middle school, educators often have extant data available to inform screening decisions. Therefore, the decision to collect additional data to inform screening should be considered carefully. The classification accuracy of aimswebPlus reading, a newly updated version of a popular suite of screening tools, has not been independently examined in middle school since its release. We used districtwide data from a midsize city in Texas to retrospectively examine the classification accuracy of aimswebPlus reading composite scores from the fall and winter benchmarking periods. The criterion measure was the annual statewide reading test administered in spring. To provide a comparison for the aimswebPlus results, we also evaluated the accuracy of screening decisions made based on prior year statewide reading test scores. Decisions made based on the aimswebPlus "default" cut-scores resulted in unacceptable sensitivity for universal screening. Following the aimswebPlus recommended method to establish local cut-scores improved the sensitivity of decisions in each grade and benchmarking season but the sensitivity values still fell below recommendations for minimally acceptable sensitivity. In comparison, decisions made based on prior year state test scores demonstrated adequate sensitivity and specificity in Grades 7 and 8. Directions for future research and recommendations for practice are discussed within the context of study limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early identification of students needing additional support is a foundational component of Multi- Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Due to the resource-intensive nature of implementing MTSS, it is critical that universal screening procedures are maximally accurate and efficient. The purpose of this study was to compare the classification accuracy of aimswebPlus reading scores to the Benchmark Assessment System scores. We used data from a mid-size city in Texas to retrospectively compare the classification accuracy between fall aimswebPlus reading composites to the Benchmark Assessment System scores when predicting student performance on the statewide reading test. When classification decisions were made based on the vendor-recommended cut-scores, both measures were insufficiently sensitive for screening in MTSS. Following aimswebPlus’ recommended method for establishing local-cut scores improved the sensitivity of decisions, but the specificity values were well below minimally acceptable levels. Limitations, directions for future research, and implications for practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Twin vaginal deliveries (VDs) are often performed in the operating room (OR) given the risk of conversion to cesarean delivery (CD) for the aftercoming twin. We aim to investigate the rates of conversion to CD for planned twin VDs and identify predictors and outcomes of conversion. Study Design  A retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent a planned twin VD at two large academic medical centers over 4 years. Demographic and outcome data were chart abstracted. Various statistical tests were used to evaluate the influence of perinatal variables on mode of delivery and identify possible predictors of conversion. Results  Eight hundred and eighty-five twin deliveries were identified, of which 725 (81.9%) were possible candidates for VD. Of those, 237 (32.7%) underwent successful VD of twin A. Ninety-five (40.1%) had a nonvertex second twin at time of delivery. Conversion to CD occurred in 10 planned VDs (4.2%). Conversions were higher with spontaneous labor (relative risk [RR]: 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–2.7; p  = 0.003), and having an intertwin delivery interval greater than 60 minutes (RR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.5–10.8; p  < 0.001). Nonvertex presentation of twin B, type of delivery provider, or years out in practice of delivery provider were not significantly different between groups. There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes between VD and conversion groups. There was a significant association between use of forceps for twin B and successful VD (p  = 0.02), with 84.6% in the setting of a nonvertex twin B. Conclusion  Successful VD was achieved in planned VD of twins in 95.8% of cases, and there were no significant differences in maternal and fetal outcomes between successful VD and conversion to CD for twin B. With the optimal clinical scenario and shared decision-making, performing vaginal twin deliveries in labor and delivery rooms should be discussed. Key Points There is a propensity to perform twin vaginal deliveries in the operating room. Rates of conversion to cesarean section are very low. There are no significant differences in perinatal outcomes with conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]