Does the frequency of reading and writing habits contribute to executive functions, intelligence, and learning in adolescents with healthy development?

The influence of the frequency of reading and writing habits (FRWH) on cognition has been investigated by several studies in the literature. However, the implications of FRWH on executive development, intelligence, and academic achievement are not yet clear in adolescents with healthy development. The aim was to verify whether there are differences in executive functions, intelligence, and academic achievement between adolescents with high and low FRWH. Moreover, we aimed to investigate if there are differences in the parental FRWH between adolescents with high and low FRWH. The sample was composed of 47 healthy adolescents, n = 24 with high FRWH and n = 23 with low FRWH. Adolescents with higher FRWH had better performance on measures of vocabulary, Speech Act analysis, and Oral Narrative Discourse. Therefore, a high FRWH has a positive influence on the cognitive development of healthy adolescents, especially with regard to pragmatic language. However, adolescents with low FRWH performed better than those with a high FRWH on an automatic counting task. The interpretation of cognitive performance and academic achievement scores in neuropsychological assessment should consider the FRWH of parents and adolescents. This factor should be targeted by early stimulation interventions to help adolescents achieve the highest possible levels of global development.

Adolescent social skills, perception of social support and motivation to learn: the impact on school performance / Habilidades sociais, percepção de apoio social e motivação para aprender: o impacto no rendimento escolar / Habilidades sociales de los adolescentes, percepción del apoyo social y motivación para aprender: el impacto en el rendimiento escolar

The aim of this study was to verify whether the School Performance variable can be explained by the Adolescent Social Skills (ASS), Motivation to Learn and Perception of Social Support constructs in groups of students that were with and without an age/grade discrepancy in Elementary School and in Acceleration classes. This study also aimed to compare the constructs in the groups. Participants were 500 students from public schools, aged 15 to 18 years, divided into two groups according to the school progression. The Social Skills Inventory for Adolescents, the Learning Motivation in Elementary Education Scale, the Social Support Appraisals Scale and the Class Council Maps of the participating institutions were used. For the data analysis, Multiple Linear Regression was performed and Student's t-test. The results showed that Adolescent Social Skills, Motivation to Learn and the Perception of Social Support better explained the school performance of the regular progression students. When comparing the groups, the regular progression students presented higher mean scores in Empathy, Self-Control, Civility, Assertiveness, Social Development and in the overall total of the ASS scale. The same occurred when comparing the means of Perception of Social Support and Motivation to Learn of students with and without age/grade discrepancy. The data obtained can contribute to preventive intervention actions for academic competences and social skills, aiming at improving school performance and maintaining regular progression. (AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar se a variável Rendimento Escolar pode ser explicada pelos construtos Habilidades Sociais de Adolescentes (HSA), Motivação para Aprender e Percepção de Apoio Social nos grupos de alunos que estão no fluxo regular e em defasagem de idade/ano no Ensino Fundamental e em classes de Aceleração. Foi também objetivo desse estudo comparar os construtos nos grupos. Participaram 500 alunos de escolas públicas, com idades variando de 15 a 18 anos e divididos em dois grupos conforme o fluxo escolar. Utilizou-se o Inventário de Habilidades Sociais de Adolescentes, Escala de Motivação para Aprender no Ensino Fundamental, Escala de Percepção de Apoio Social e os Mapas de Conselhos de Classe das instituições participantes. Para a análise dos dados, foi realizada a Regressão Linear Múltipla e o teste t de Student. Os resultados apontaram que as Habilidades Sociais de Adolescentes (HSA), a Motivação para Aprender (MA) e a Percepção de Apoio Social (PAS) explicam mais do rendimento escolar dos estudantes em fluxo regular. Na comparação entre os grupos, os alunos em fluxo regular apresentaram médias mais altas em Empatia, Autocontrole, Civilidade, Assertividade, Desenvoltura social e no total geral da escala de HSA. O mesmo ocorreu quando comparadas as médias de Percepção de Apoio Social e Motivação para Aprender de alunos com e sem distorção de idade/ano. Os dados obtidos podem contribuir com ações preventivas de intervenção para competências acadêmicas e habilidades sociais, objetivando a melhoria do rendimento escolar e a manutenção do fluxo regular. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar si la variable Rendimiento Escolar puede explicarse por los constructos Habilidades Sociales de los Adolescentes (HSA), Motivación para Aprender (MA) y Percepción de Apoyo Social (PAS) en grupos de estudiantes que se encuentran con y sin retraso de edad/año en la escuela primaria y en las clases de aceleración. La finalidad de este estudio también fue comparar los constructos en los grupos. Participaron 500 estudiantes de escuelas públicas, de 15 a 18 años que fueron divididos en dos grupos de acuerdo con el flujo escolar. Se utilizaron el Inventario de HSA, la MA en la Escuela Primaria, la PAS, los Mapas del Consejo de Clase de las instituciones participantes y los datos de Regresión Lineal Múltiple. Para el análisis de datos, se realizaron regresión lineal múltiple y prueba t de Student. Los resultados mostraron que HSA, MA y PAS explican más sobre el rendimiento escolar de los estudiantes en el flujo regular. Al comparar los grupos, los estudiantes en flujo regular tuvieron promedios más altos en Empatía, Autocontrol, Civilidad, Asertividad, Desarrollo Social y en el total general de la escala HSA. Lo mismo ocurrió al comparar los medios de PAS y la MA de los estudiantes con y sin distorsión de edad/año. Los datos obtenidos pueden contribuir a las acciones de intervención preventiva para las competencias académicas y habilidades sociales, con el objetivo de mejorar el rendimiento escolar y mantener el flujo regular. (AU)

The Effect of School Psychologists and Social Workers on School Achievement and Failure: A National Multilevel Study in Chile.

School achievement and failure have become growing political and social concerns due to the negative consequences of school failure for individuals and society. The inclusive educational movement, which calls for equal access, permanence, participation, and promotion of all students worldwide, poses many challenges for schools and school systems. As a public policy strategy, some countries have provided additional funds for incorporating non-teaching professionals such as school psychologists and social workers in regular K-12 schools. However, there is lack of research on the effects of these psychosocial professionals on student outcomes. This national multilevel study explored the effect of psychologists (n = 8,469) and social workers (n = 3,524) on indicators of eighth-grade (n = 147,531) and 10th-grade (n = 106,347) students' academic achievement and dropout in Chile. A multilevel secondary analysis was performed using national records of non-teaching professionals working as school staff members, achievement scores on the national SIMCE test, and dropout rates based on official records. Results showed that after controlling for individual and school variables known to affect achievement and dropout, schools with psychologists and social workers working as staff members had lower short- and long-term dropout rates. The presence and higher number of school psychologists per school was positively associated with higher math achievement, with a reduced effect in low-SES schools. Lower-SES schools with more social workers had higher math scores. These results support policies that increase funding for school psychologists and social workers, since their incorporation partly explains better school achievement and less school failure when controlling for individual and school characteristics, but emphasize the need to further explore the mechanisms through which school achievement and failure are developed with the support of psychologists and social workers in schools. We discuss the need to regulate the type of prevention and intervention strategies from a whole-school, evidence-based approach, as well as to incorporate psychosocial training modules and comprehensive guidelines as part of professional training programs and as certified requisites for working in schools.

Effects of a Preventive Intervention of Emotional Regulation in the School Context / Efeitos de uma Intervenção Preventiva em Regulação Emocional no Contexto Escolar

Abstract In early childhood education, socio-emotional learning is not always considered with appropriate planning nor based on scientific evidence. Aiming to analyze impact of an Emotional Regulation (ER) Intervention in school achievement and social skills (SS), fifty-five children from public schools were evaluated by Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM), School Achievement Test (TDE) and Social Skills Rating System (SSRS-BR). After nine 50-minute meetings addressing ER strategies, evaluation of SS by the teacher indicated improvement in all aspects of SS in Intervention Group (IG) and worsening of the self-control in Comparison Group (CG). Self-evaluation of SS showed that IG overcame the initial difference in assertiveness and problem avoidance. Results suggest that ER programs can bring benefits to the development of SS.

Resumo Aprendizagem socioemocional nem sempre é contemplada, com devido planejamento e embasamento científico, na educação infantil. Avaliou-se impacto de intervenção de Regulação Emocional (RE) no desempenho escolar e Habilidades Sociais (HS) de 55 crianças de escolas públicas, utilizando-se Matrizes Progressivas Coloridas de Raven (CPM), Teste de Desempenho Escolar e Sistema de Avaliação de Habilidades Sociais (SSRS-BR).Após nove encontros de 50 minutos abordando estratégias de RE, avaliação de HS pelo professor indicou melhora em todos os aspectos de HS noGrupo Intervenção (GI) e piora no autocontrole no GrupoComparação (GC). Autoavaliação de HS mostrou que GI superou diferença inicial na assertividadee evitação de problemas. Os resultados sugerem que programas de RE podem trazer benefícios para o desenvolvimento das HS.

The effect of sleep quality on academic performance is mediated by Internet use time: DADOS study / O efeito da qualidade do sono no desempenho acadêmico é mediado pelo tempo de uso da internet: estudo DADOS

Abstract Objective: The aims of the present study were to analyze the association of sleep patterns with academic and cognitive performance in adolescents, and to test the potential mediating effect of different activities of screen media usage on this association. Methods: A sample of 269 adolescents (140 boys) aged 14 years from the baseline data of the Deporte, ADOlescencia y Salud study completed questionnaires about sleep quality, cognitive performance, and leisure-time sedentary behaviors. Sleep duration was objectively computed using a wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer and academic performance was analyzed through school records. Results: Sleep quality (but not sleep duration) was associated with all the academic performance indicators (all p < 0.05). Analysis of covariance revealed higher grades among adolescents with better sleep quality (PSQI ≤ 5; all p < 0.05). These analyses showed no differences regarding cognitive performance. Internet use time was revealed as a mediator of the association between sleep quality and academic performance, being significant for all academic performance indicators (PM ranging from 15.5% to 16.0%). Conclusions: The association between sleep quality and academic performance in adolescents is mediated by time of Internet use. Overall, reducing Internet use in adolescents could be an achievable intervention for improving sleep quality, with potentially positive effects on academic performance.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a associação dos padrões de sono com o desempenho acadêmico e cognitivo em adolescentes e testar o efeito mediador potencial de diferentes atividades com uso de dispositivos (mídias) com tela nessa associação. Métodos: Uma amostra de 269 adolescentes (140 meninos) de 14 anos, da linha de base do estudo DADOS (Deporte, ADOlescencia y Salud) preencheu uma série de questionários sobre qualidade do sono, desempenho cognitivo e comportamentos sedentários no lazer. A duração do sono foi calculada objetivamente com um acelerômetro de pulso GENEActiv e o desempenho acadêmico foi analisado por meio de registros escolares. Resultados: A qualidade do sono (mas não a duração do sono) foi associada a todos os indicadores de desempenho acadêmico (todos os valores de p < 0,05). A análise de covariância revelou notas mais altas nos adolescentes com melhor qualidade de sono (PSQI ≤ 5; todos os valores de p < 0,05). Essas análises não mostraram diferenças em relação ao desempenho cognitivo. O tempo de uso da Internet revelou-se como um mediador da associação entre qualidade do sono e desempenho acadêmico, foi significativo para todos os indicadores de desempenho acadêmico (PM variou de 15,5% a 16,0%). Conclusões: A associação entre qualidade do sono e desempenho acadêmico em adolescentes é mediada pelo tempo de uso da internet. No geral, reduzir o tempo de uso da internet pelos adolescentes pode ser uma intervenção viável para melhorar a qualidade do sono, com efeitos potencialmente positivos no desempenho acadêmico.

The effect of sleep quality on academic performance is mediated by Internet use time: DADOS study.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to analyze the association of sleep patterns with academic and cognitive performance in adolescents, and to test the potential mediating effect of different activities of screen media usage on this association. METHODS: A sample of 269 adolescents (140 boys) aged 14 years from the baseline data of the Deporte, ADOlescencia y Salud study completed questionnaires about sleep quality, cognitive performance, and leisure-time sedentary behaviors. Sleep duration was objectively computed using a wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer and academic performance was analyzed through school records. RESULTS: Sleep quality (but not sleep duration) was associated with all the academic performance indicators (all p<0.05). Analysis of covariance revealed higher grades among adolescents with better sleep quality (PSQI≤5; all p<0.05). These analyses showed no differences regarding cognitive performance. Internet use time was revealed as a mediator of the association between sleep quality and academic performance, being significant for all academic performance indicators (PM ranging from 15.5% to 16.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The association between sleep quality and academic performance in adolescents is mediated by time of Internet use. Overall, reducing Internet use in adolescents could be an achievable intervention for improving sleep quality, with potentially positive effects on academic performance.

Parents' use of harsh punishment and young children's behaviour and achievement: a longitudinal study of Jamaican children with conduct problems.

INTRODUCTION: Harsh punishment by parents is common in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), yet there is limited evidence from LMIC of the effects of harsh punishment on child outcomes. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective study was conducted with children with conduct problems to examine the associations between parents' use of harsh punishment during the preschool years on child behaviour and school achievement in grade one of primary school. As part of an efficacy trial in 24 preschools, 225 children with the highest level of teacher-reported conduct problems were evaluated and their parents reported on how often they used harsh punishment. Outcome measures in grade one included child conduct problems by independent observation, teacher and parent report, child social skills by teacher and parent report, direct tests of children's academic achievement and language skills, and tester ratings of child attention and impulse control. RESULTS: Children had a mean age of 6.92 years and 61% were boys. All parents reported using harsh punishment. After controlling for child age and sex, socio-economic status, parents' involvement with child and maternal education, frequency of harsh punishment was associated with growth in child conduct problems by independent classroom observations (p  =  0.037), parent (p  =  0.018) and teacher (p  =  0.044) report, a reduction in child social skills by teacher (p  =  0.024) and parent (p  =  0.014) report and poorer attention during the test session (p  =  0.049). CONCLUSION: The associations between frequency of parents' use of harsh punishment with their preschoolers with conduct problems and later child behaviour indicate a need to train parents in non-violent behaviour management.

Girl With Tyrosinemia Type 1 and Executive Dysfunctions Treated With Methylphenidate: A Case Report

Abstract Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1; OMIM 27670) is an inborn error of tyrosine metabolism, caused by a deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase. This defect leads to accumulation of toxic products, which cause liver and kidney dysfunction. In patients with HT1, IQ, executive functioning, and social cognition are also affected. We report here a case report of a Belgian 11-year-old girl of Moroccan ethnicity with HT1. She had attention problems, which had a significant impact on her school functioning. Neuropsychological tests showed very low scores for processing speed and executive functioning. Therapies such as adaptations in the school and private tutoring were not sufficient to improve this. Treatment with methylphenidate showed a significant improvement in the neuropsychological test and school functioning. This case shows the importance of being alert for problems with executive functions in patients with HT1 and to consider psychopharmacological treatment.

School Achievement and Performance in Chilean High Schools: The Mediating Role of Subjective Wellbeing in School-Related Evaluations.

School achievement gaps and school failure are problematic issues in Latin America, and are mainly explained by the socio-economic status (SES) of the students. What schools can do to improve school achievement and reduce school failure is a critical issue, both for school management and teacher training. In this study, we present the association of individual and school-related socio-emotional variables with school achievement and performance, controlling for the effects of SES. A probabilistic sample of 4,964 students, drawn from 191 schools enrolled in year 10 in urban areas of Chile, answered questionnaires assessing subjective wellbeing, social wellbeing in school, school climate, school social wellbeing and students' perceptions of teachers' wellbeing. Using structural equation modeling, and controlling for SES, we modeled subjective wellbeing as a mediator of the relationship between school-related variables, such as school climate and perception of teacher's wellbeing, and (a) school achievement, and (b) school performance. School achievement was computed as a product of (a) the probability of passing the school year, and (b) the percentage of yearly attendance at school. Data on school achievement was drawn from administrative registries from the Chilean Ministry of Education. School performance was computed as the estimated grade point average (GPA) at the end of the school year, based on the students' previous 5-year GPAs, and was also obtained through administrative data of the last 5 years. Findings reveal the mediating role of subjective wellbeing in the relationship between school-related evaluations (students' social wellbeing at school, their perception of teachers' wellbeing and school climate) and school achievement. For school achievement, two variables were mediated (students' social wellbeing at school and school climate). However, for school performance, no significant mediations were found. We conclude that, on the one hand, after controlling for SES, students' individual subjective wellbeing is associated with their achievement and performance in school. We discuss the importance of improving school experiences that may protect and promote students' subjective experience and school achievement and performance, and reduce the probability of school failure and dropout.

Porta de entrada ou porta de saída? Fracasso escolar no ensino médio segundo estudantes e coordenadores(as) de escolas em ribeirão das neves, mg / Front door or exit door? School failure in high school according to students and school counselors in ribeirão das neves, mg

RESUMO: O objetivo deste artigo é entender as motivações para o fracasso escolar (infrequência, reprovação e abandono escolar) na primeira série do Ensino Médio e as maneiras de revertê-lo. Foram realizados grupos focais com estudantes (15 a 19 anos) e entrevistas semiestruturadas com coordenadores(as) em três escolas da Rede Estadual de Ribeirão das Neves em 2014. Os motivos para o fracasso escolar são trabalho, questões familiares (falta de acompanhamento escolar, necessidade de cuidar de irmãos, maridos, filhos), não ter dinheiro para ônibus, violência, falta de interesse nas aulas, professores ruins, uso de drogas, más companhias, bullying e ter tido reprovação anterior. Para reverter o fracasso escolar, é preciso haver ações do Estado (infraestrutura, salários melhores, programas de incentivo à permanência), da escola (professores mais bem-preparados/motivados, novas práticas de ensino, diálogo entre diretoria e estudantes), da família (acompanhamento do desempenho escolar, participação em reuniões) e do próprio aluno (dedicação, atenção nas aulas).

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this article is to understand the motivations for school failure (infrequency, grade repetition and dropout) in the first year of high school and ways to reverse them. Data were collected in 2014, through focus groups with students of 15 to 19 years old and semi-structured interviews with counselors. School failure is due to work; family matters (no supervision of school activities; taking care of siblings, husbands, children); lack of money to pay for transportation; violence; lack of interest in classes; bad quality teachers; drug use; bad companies; bullying; and previous grade repetition. School failure could be reduced with actions by the State (better infrastructure, higher salaries, programs to keep teens at school), the school (motivated teachers, new ways of teaching, more dialogue between directors and students), the family (supervision of school activities, participation in parent-teacher meetings), and the student (more dedication, attention during class).

Associação entre reprovação escolar e aspectos sociais e de saúde em adolescentes de escola pública / Association between school failure and social and health aspects in public school adolescents / Asociación entre el fracaso escolar y los aspectos sociales y de salud en adolescentes de escuelas públicas

Introdução: A reprovação escolar em adolescentes vem sendo objeto de preocupação por parte de profissionais da saúde e da educação, visto que pode comprometer o futuro profissional dos adolescentes, acarretando prejuízos de ordem emocional, psicológica, física e social. Objetivo: Verificar associação entre reprovação escolar e variáveis sociodemográficas, sexuais/reprodutivas, vivência de violência intrafamiliar, bullying e uso de álcool e outras drogas. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo corte transversal, realizada com 239 discentes com idade entre 10 e 19 anos. Utilizou-se a entrevista como técnica de coleta de dados, seguindo um formulário padronizado. Os dados foram organizados no programa Excel e processados no Stata versão 12. Para verificar associação entre variáveis, realizou-se a análise bivariada através do Teste Qui-quadrado (2) de Pearson. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Escola de Enfermagem da UFBA. Resultados: O estudo permitiu identificar associação positiva e estatisticamente significante entre reprovação escolar e as seguintes variáveis: ter tido relação sexual e consumo de álcool. A pesquisa também aponta uma relação do tipo borderline e bullying direto. Verificou-se ainda que o agravo guarda relação positiva com as seguintes variáveis: raça negra, não proferir religião, trabalhar para contribuir com o sustento da família, gravidez, vivência de violência psicológica, bullying relacional e consumo de maconha. Conclusão: O estudo identificou que ter tido relação sexual e consumir álcool são comportamentos que vulnerabilizam os adolescentes para reprovação escolar, sendo necessárias ações educativas, sobretudo, no sentido de sensibilizar o público infanto-juvenil quanto os malefícios da relação sexual precoce e do consumo de drogas. Além disso, ressalta-se a importância de provocar reflexões acerca da responsabilidade dos adolescentes para a prática sexual segura, considerando o conceito de liberdade com responsabilidade.(AU)

Policy Implications of Achievement Testing Using Multilevel Models: The Case of Brazilian Elementary Schools.

Large-scale educational assessment has been established as source of descriptive, evaluative and interpretative information that influence educational policies worldwide throughout the last third of the twentieth century. In the 1990s the Brazilian Ministry of Education developed the National Basic Education Assessment System (SAEB) that regularly measures management, resource and contextual school features and academic achievement in public and private institutions. In 2005, after significant piloting and review of the SAEB, a new sampling strategy was taken and Prova Brasil became the new instrument used by the Ministry to assess skills in Portuguese (reading comprehension) and Mathematics (problem solving), as well as collecting contextual information concerning the school, principal, teacher, and the students. This study aims to identify which variables are predictors of academic achievement of fifth grade students on Prova Brasil. Across a large sample of students, multilevel models tested a large number of variables relevant to student achievement. This approach uncovered critical variables not commonly seen as significant in light of other achievement determinants, including student habits, teacher ethnicity, and school technological resources. As such, this approach demonstrates the value of MLM to appropriately nuanced educational policies that reflect critical influences on student achievement. Its implications for wider application for psychology studies that may have relevant impacts for policy are also discussed.

Influence of school-related factors on smoking among Chilean adolescents: a cross-sectional multilevel study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent tobacco smoking is a major health concern in Chile. Schools may be able to influence adolescent behaviour regarding smoking; however, this topic has received limited research attention in Latin-American countries. Moreover, the prevalence of cigarette smoking varies between schools, and some of this variability may be explained by school factors. This article examines the inter-school variability in student smoking in a large sample of Chilean schools and identifies the school- and student-level characteristics associated with cigarette smoking. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used self-reported student-level data from 45,273 students from 1462 schools and official data from these schools provided by the Chilean Ministry of Education (2007). Student smoking behaviour was used as an outcome, and individual-level and school-level features were used as explanatory variables. Logistic multilevel modelling was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of smoking in the 1462 schools was 39.9 %. The null model indicated that 8 % of the variance in smoking behaviour was explained by schools; and in the final model, controlled by individual- and school-level variables, the variance explained by schools dropped to 2.4 %. The main school-level variables explaining the school influence were school bonding, school truancy and school achievement. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to examine the extent to which student smoking varies between Chilean schools and to identify some of the school factors associated with this inter-school variability. Although most variation in smoking prevalence lies between students within schools, there is sufficient between-school variation to be of interest to educators and policy makers.

Autorregulação da aprendizagem: uma perspectiva holística / Self-Regulated Learning: a holistic perspective

O presente texto tem como objetivo realizar uma abordagem holística dos processos autorregulatórios da aprendizagem. Alicerçada na teoria sociocognitiva de Bandura, esta reflexão sistematizada faz uma análise evolutiva e comparativa entre a forma triárquica da autorregulação desenvolvida por Zimmerman e colaboradores e o modelo PLEA dos processos autorregulatórios da aprendizagem de Rosário.A revisão de literatura subjacente aos dois modelos teóricos realça a importância de os professores discutirem com os alunos, nas tarefas previstas no currículo, a aplicação das estratégias de autorregulação a situações concretas de aprendizagem, treinando a sua transferência para outros contextos e tarefas escolares. Este processo incrementaria as competências de autorregulação dos alunos, a instrumentalidade da utilização de estratégias de aprendizagem e a sua autoeficácia e, como consequência, promoveria o sucesso escolar e a focalização dos alunos em aprendizagens mais qualitativas

The purpose of this study aims to achieve a holistic approach of self-regulated processesin learning. Based upon the socio-cognitive theory of Bandura, this systematic reflexion accomplishes an evolutionary and comparative analysis between the triarchic form of selfregulation, developed by Zimmerman and his collaborators, and the PLEA model for selfregulation of learning by Rosário. The analysis of the different literature concerning the two theoretical frameworks emphasises the importance of discussion between teachers and students, as far as curriculum tasks are concerned, the implementation of strategiesof self-regulation to real learning situations, exercising that way the transference to other contexts and school tasks. This process wouldincrease students' self-regulation skills, the instrumentality of using learning strategies and their effectiveness and, consequently, it would promote school success and the focus on more quality learning experiences

Autorregulação da aprendizagem: uma perspectiva holística / Self-Regulated Learning: a holistic perspective

O presente texto tem como objetivo realizar uma abordagem holística dos processos autorregulatórios da aprendizagem. Alicerçada na teoria sociocognitiva de Bandura, esta reflexão sistematizada faz uma análise evolutiva e comparativa entre a forma triárquica da autorregulação desenvolvida por Zimmerman e colaboradores e o modelo PLEA dos processos autorregulatórios da aprendizagem de Rosário.A revisão de literatura subjacente aos dois modelos teóricos realça a importância de os professores discutirem com os alunos, nas tarefas previstas no currículo, a aplicação das estratégias de autorregulação a situações concretas de aprendizagem, treinando a sua transferência para outros contextos e tarefas escolares. Este processo incrementaria as competências de autorregulação dos alunos, a instrumentalidade da utilização de estratégias de aprendizagem e a sua autoeficácia e, como consequência, promoveria o sucesso escolar e a focalização dos alunos em aprendizagens mais qualitativas (AU)

The purpose of this study aims to achieve a holistic approach of self-regulated processesin learning. Based upon the socio-cognitive theory of Bandura, this systematic reflexion accomplishes an evolutionary and comparative analysis between the triarchic form of selfregulation, developed by Zimmerman and his collaborators, and the PLEA model for selfregulation of learning by Rosário. The analysis of the different literature concerning the two theoretical frameworks emphasises the importance of discussion between teachers and students, as far as curriculum tasks are concerned, the implementation of strategiesof self-regulation to real learning situations, exercising that way the transference to other contexts and school tasks. This process wouldincrease students’ self-regulation skills, the instrumentality of using learning strategies and their effectiveness and, consequently, it would promote school success and the focus on more quality learning experiences (au)

Development of the arithmetic subtest of the School Achievement Test-Second Edition

The School Achievement Test (Teste de Desempenho Escolar, TDE) has been widely used in clinical and educational contexts for the past 22 years. Arithmetic disorders are frequent among children and teenagers, requiring new and updated tasks to assess as accurately as possible school achievement. The last decade has witnessed a growing recognition of the need for significant changes in educational assessment practices. Evidence provided by item response theory (IRT) enabled the link of more detailed information improving assessment quality. The aim of this study was to develop a revised and completely updated version of the Arithmetic Subtest for the School Achievement Test-Second Edition (Teste de Desempenho Escolar-Segunda Edição, TDE-II). To this end, two studies were conducted. The first study focused on item and test construction, while the second study assessed the preliminary version of the instrument. The sample consisted of 302 students in grades 1 through 9 recruited from public and private schools. Factor analysis revealed two factors which explained 74 % of the variance in the data. Both dimensions were closely related to item complexity and difficulty. The subtest was therefore divided into two versions: one for students in grades 1 through 5 and the other for those in grades 6 through 9. Both versions were analyzed based on IRT models, which suggested that the items provided a comprehensive measure of the latent trait. The results provided satisfactory evidence of internal structure and reliability. Results indicated that the Arithmetic Subtest of the TDE-II has adequate psychometric properties for the assessment of arithmetic skills in primary education. Interpretation based on IRT analyses can be helpful for future studies about math education, discriminating even better between learning difficulty and typical groups, with the data to be the basis of math cognition stimulation programs. (AU)

Escolares que Convivem com a Depressão Materna Recorrente: Diferenças entre os Sexos / School-age Children who Live with Recurrent Maternal Depression: Differences between the Sexes

Resumo Há divergências na literatura quanto às diferenças entre os sexos na associação entre depressão materna e desenvolvimento infantil. Neste estudo, compararam-se diferenças entre os sexos relativas ao comportamento e desempenho escolar de crianças que conviviam com a depressão materna, correlacionando tais desfechos. Participaram 40 díades mãe-criança, tendo as mães diagnóstico de Transtorno Depressivo Recorrente. As crianças, de sete a 12 anos, foram divididas em grupos por sexo. Foi realizada aplicação de entrevista diagnóstica, do Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades e do Teste de Desempenho Escolar. As meninas apresentaram mais sintomas emocionais comparadas aos meninos. Constataram-se associações significativas entre comportamento e desempenho escolar apenas para as meninas, sinalizando maior vulnerabilidade destas meninas.

Abstract Research shows divergent data on the differences between the sexes in the association between maternal depression and children development. The objective of this study was to compare differences between the sexes concerning the behavior and school performance of children living with maternal depression, correlating such outcomes. Participants were 40 mother-child dyads, with mothers diagnosed with Recurrent Depressive Disorder. The children, 7 to 12 years old, were divided into groups by sex. The procedures involved the application of diagnostic interview, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the School Performance Test. Girls showed more emotional symptoms than boys. Significant associations between behavior and school performance were found for girls only, indicating greater vulnerability of them.

Evidências de validade do subteste de leitura do teste de desempenho escolar / Evidence of validity of the reading subtest of school achievement test / Evidencias de validad del subtest de lectura del test de desempeño escolar

O teste de desempenho escolar é um instrumento psicopedagógico desenvolvido para crianças da 1ª à 6ª série, cujo objetivo é avaliar de maneira ampla a aprendizagem por meio de três subtestes: leitura, escrita e aritmética. A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades psicométricas do subteste de leitura, utilizando a análise de eixos principais e a teoria de resposta ao item para avaliar a estrutura interna, a dificuldade e a discriminação dos itens. A amostra foi composta de dados oriundos de pesquisas realizadas em quatro Estados brasileiros (N = 1.831). Os resultados indicaram que o subteste de leitura apresenta evidências de unidimensionalidade, avalia com mais precisão estudantes com níveis baixos e médios de habilidade e discrimina estudantes apenas até a 3ª série. Esses resultados indicam que o subteste mostra evidências de validade, mas requer refinamento.

The school achievement test is a psychopedagogical instrument for children from 1st to 6th grade, assessing broadly learning through three subtests: reading, writing and arithmetic. The goal of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the reading subtest, using principal axes analysis and item response theory to evaluate the internal structure, items difficulty and discrimination. The sample consisted of data from surveys conducted in four Brazilian states (N = 1831). Results indicated that the reading subtest presents evidence of unidimensionality, more accurately assess students with low and medium skill, and discriminates students only through third grade. These results indicate that subtest presents evidence of validity, but requires refinement.

Test de desempeño escolar es un instrumento psicológico y pedagógico desarrollado para los niños de 1º a 6º grado, evaluando de manera general el aprendizaje por tres subtests: lectura, escrita y aritmética. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del subtest de lectura mediante el análisis de los ejes principales y la teoría de respuesta al ítem al evaluar la estructura interna, la dificultad y la discriminación de materiales. La muestra consistió en datos de encuestas realizadas en cuatro estados de Brasil (N = 1.831). Los resultados indicaron que el subtest de lectura presenta evidencia de unidimensionalidad, evalua con mayor precisión a los estudiantes con baja y media capacidad y discrimina a los estudiantes sólo hasta el tercer grado. Estos resultados indican que el subtest tiene evidencias de validez, pero requiere de refinación.

Avaliação dos subtestes de leitura e escrita do teste de desempenho escolar através da Teoria de Resposta ao Item / Assessment of the reading and writing subtests of the school achievement test through Item Response Theory

O Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE) avalia a aprendizagem escolar através de três subtestes: leitura, escrita e aritmética. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer quais partes do continuum de habilidades são medidas pelos subtestes de leitura e escrita e a quantidade de informação fornecida, utilizando a Teoria de Resposta ao Item (TRI). A amostra foi composta de 1850 crianças. Os resultados indicaram que o subteste escrita mensura precisamente níveis médios de habilidade e menos satisfatoriamente níveis baixos e altos. O subteste leitura revelou ter discriminação apropriada para níveis baixos e médios de habilidade. As partes do continuum de habilidade que estão sendo medidas adequadamente estão fornecendo alta quantidade de informação, demonstrando que os subtestes leitura e escrita estão funcionando bem. (AU)

The School Achievement Test (SAT) assesses learning through three subtests: reading, writing and arithmetic. The goal of this study was to know which parts of the ability continuum are measured by the subtests as well as the amount of information provided in the reading and writing subtests using the Item Response Theory (IRT). The sample consisted of 1850 children. Results indicated that the writing subtest precisely measures average levels of ability and less satisfactorily low and high levels. The reading subtest revealed to have adequate discrimination for low and average levels of ability. The parts of the ability continuum which are adequately measured provide high amounts of information, indicating that reading and writing subtests are doing well. (AU)

Teste de desempenho escolar: um estudo de levantamento / Test for school achievement: a survey study / Prueba de rendimiento académico: un estudio de recopilación

O Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE), de 1994, é um instrumento psicométrico de aplicação individual que avalia de forma ampla as capacidades fundamentais para o desempenho escolar em três áreas específicas: leitura, escrita e aritmética, voltado para 1ª a 6ª séries do Ensino Fundamental. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar um levantamento das publicações científicas que utilizaram o TDE de 1994 a 2011. Foi realizada busca nas bases de dados nacionais e internacionais. Os dados de 222 publicações foram analisados, e observou-se um aumento gradativo do número de publicações, em especial no biênio 2008-9 com um total de 73 publicações científicas. Verificou-se que o teste segue apresentando relevância, assim como a importância de atualizar o TDE, tendo em vista que o instrumento é amplamente utilizado em todo o país, porém possui normas desatualizadas e não está adequado à nova realidade de ensino brasileiro (Ensino Fundamental de nove anos)...

The test for School Achievement (TDE), published in 1994, is a psychometric instrument that evaluates basic school achievement skills in three areas: reading, writing and arithmetics, from 1st to 6th grades. The goal of the present study was to make a survey of the scientific publications that used the TDE from 1994 to 2011. National and international databases were included. Data from 222 publications was analyzed, and there was a gradual increase in the number of publications, especially in the 2008-09 biennium, with 73 scientific publications. It was found that the TDE is still very relevant, as well as the importance of updating the TDE, due to its wide usage around the country, but outdated norms and inadequacy to the current reality of Brazilian education (basic education of nine years)...

La Prueba de Rendimiento Académico (TDE), 1994, es un instrumento psicométrico para la aplicación individual que evalúa amplias capacidades críticas para el rendimiento escolar en tres áreas específicas: lectura, escritura y aritmética, creado para los estudiantes de primero a sexto grados de la enseñanza primaria. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar las publicaciones científicas que utilizaron el TDE 1994 hasta 2011. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos nacionales e internacionales. Los datos de 222 publicaciones se analizaron, y hubo un aumento gradual en el número de publicaciones, sobre todo en los años 2008-9 un total de 73 publicaciones científicas. Se encontró que la prueba sigue mostrando interés, así como la importancia de la actualización de la TDE, ya que el instrumento es ampliamente utilizado en todo el país, pero tiene leyes obsoletas y no se ajusta a la nueva realidad de la educación brasileña (escuela primaria nueve años)...