Future directions for implementation science at the National Cancer Institute: Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Moonshot initiative seeks to accelerate cancer research for the USA. One of the scientific priorities identified by the Moonshot’s Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) of scientific experts was the implementation of evidence-based approaches. In September 2019, the NCI launched the Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3 or “Centers”) initiative to advance this Moonshot priority. The vision of the ISC3 is to promote the development of research centers to build capacity and research in high-priority areas of cancer control implementation science (e.g., scale-up and spread, sustainability and adaptation, and precision implementation), build implementation laboratories within community and clinical settings, improve the state of measurement and methods, and improve the adoption, implementation, and sustainment of evidence-based cancer control interventions. This paper highlights the research agenda, vision, and strategic direction for these Centers and encourages transdisciplinary scientists to learn more about opportunities to collaborate with these Centers.

Integrated Methods Block

At a large, urban university, the clinically based preparation of undergraduate elementary education teacher candidates has been transformed. Following the Blue Ribbon Panel Report (NCATE, 2010), faculty created a more intense, integrated, and rigorous clinical experience for teacher candidates, which required more engagement, monitoring, and collaboration among methods faculty and PDS PK-6 schools, while immersing the candidates in a more realistic setting. This chapter describes how (a) methods curricula were reconfigured to include integrated clinical assignments, (b) opportunities were created for candidates to experience extended time in clinical classrooms, (c) university faculty liaisons were present at each PDS clinical school to provide on-site support, feedback, seminar instruction, accountability, and increased communication between the university and the school, (d) new evaluation instruments were implemented to gather and report teacher candidate knowledge, skills, and dispositions, and (e) technology was utilized, allowing teacher candidates opportunity to present and reflect on experiences.

Integrated Methods Block

At a large, urban university, the clinically based preparation of undergraduate elementary education teacher candidates has been transformed. Following the Blue Ribbon Panel Report (NCATE, 2010), faculty created a more intense, integrated, and rigorous clinical experience for teacher candidates, which required more engagement, monitoring, and collaboration among methods faculty and PDS PK-6 schools, while immersing the candidates in a more realistic setting. This chapter describes how (a) methods curricula were reconfigured to include integrated clinical assignments, (b) opportunities were created for candidates to experience extended time in clinical classrooms, (c) university faculty liaisons were present at each PDS clinical school to provide on-site support, feedback, seminar instruction, accountability, and increased communication between the university and the school, (d) new evaluation instruments were implemented to gather and report teacher candidate knowledge, skills, and dispositions, and (e) technology was utilized, allowing teacher candidates opportunity to present and reflect on experiences.

Using the March of Dimes "Becoming a Mom" Prenatal Program to Improve Maternal Attitudes and Knowledge

BACKGROUND: Premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome were identified as issues contributing to infant mortality in Kansas by the state’s Blue Ribbon Panel. The March of Dimes Becoming a Mom (BAM) prenatal program was implemented in four counties identified with high infant mortality rates and significant birth numbers (Geary, Saline, Sedgwick, and Shawnee) by the Kansas Blue Ribbon Panel. The purpose of this study was to identify the changes in prenatal attitudes, knowledge, and health outcomes among BAM program participants. METHODS: A collaborative community-based model incorporating multidisciplinary teams was created to address the health disparity gap in birth outcomes. Patients participated in multiple prenatal education sessions using a curriculum developed by the March of Dimes. A pre-/post-test design was implemented for the prenatal sessions. Changes in attitudes were assessed using descriptive statistics. Paired t-tests were used to assess the difference in knowledge questions from pre- and post-tests. Health outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Participants were 69% White, 87% spoke English, 64% were under age 26, 41% were employed full time, 45% had some high school or had a diploma, 39% had Medicaid, and 49% were enrolled in WIC (N=114). Participants demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge among 14 out of 32 questions including: identifying signs of preterm labor, what to do during preterm labor, postpartum symptoms, and baby sleep position. There were also changes in prenatal attitudes including: need for prenatal care as soon as possible, continuing prenatal care when feeling healthy and not smoking during pregnancy. Relative frequencies were tabulated for week of delivery, infant birth weight, type of delivery, and presence of maternal and infant medical conditions. CONCLUSION: The March of Dimes BAM program participants reported improvements in prenatal knowledge. The BAM program can improve maternal knowledge through a community-based collaborative model of care. The combined prenatal education program with quality prenatal care can result in better maternal and child health outcomes.

Simulation-Based Engineering Science Challenges of the 21st Century

Since “Seldom have so many independent studies been in such agreement: simulation is a key element for achieving progress in engineering and science” [National Science Foundation (NSF) Blue Ribbon Panel Report on Simulation-Based Engineering Science: Revolutionizing Engineering Science through Simulation (NSF Press, May 2006)], we attempt to outline briefly new 21st century computational challenges and their potential impact on our future. We present not only the progress in computational science and engineering and/or cyberinfrastructure, but also the necessary steps to overcome the existing educational, cultural and organizational obstacles as well. The authors identify themselves with presented ideas, which have already been expressed in the past (e.g. in different position papers and reports on research directions formulated during discussion panels and workshops organized, among others, by WTEC [Information on http://wtec.org/reports.htm]).

Integrated Methods Block

At a large, urban university, the clinically based preparation of undergraduate elementary education teacher candidates has been transformed. Following the Blue Ribbon Panel Report (NCATE, 2010), faculty created a more intense, integrated, and rigorous clinical experience for teacher candidates, which required more engagement, monitoring, and collaboration among methods faculty and PDS PK-6 schools, while immersing the candidates in a more realistic setting. This chapter describes how (a) methods curricula were reconfigured to include integrated clinical assignments, (b) opportunities were created for candidates to experience extended time in clinical classrooms, (c) university faculty liaisons were present at each PDS clinical school to provide on-site support, feedback, seminar instruction, accountability, and increased communication between the university and the school, (d) new evaluation instruments were implemented to gather and report teacher candidate knowledge, skills, and dispositions, and (e) technology was utilized, allowing teacher candidates opportunity to present and reflect on experiences.

Kennesaw State University

As teacher educators in the United States, our capacity to prepare competent P-12 educators who are ready to meet the challenges of 21st century schooling has been called into question (Darling-Hammond, 2006). Low student achievement and high teacher attrition rates have resulted in a national call to prepare prospective and practicing teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to collaborate with colleagues and to provide an equitable and quality education for all students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds (Darling-Hammond, 2010). For example, the NCATE Blue Ribbon Panel on Clinical Preparation and Partnerships for Improved Student Learning (2010) recommends the transformation of clinical practice in order to better prepare prospective and practicing teacher with programs that create opportunities: (a) for partnerships with schools to advance shared responsibility for teacher preparation; (b) for prospective teachers to learn by doing; (c) for transforming curriculum, pedagogy, structure and delivery; and (d) to ensure prospective teachers will know how to collaborate with colleagues.

Big GAAP/Little GAAP: Will The Debate Ever End?

There has been an ongoing debate for decades, especially since the inception of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), over the appropriate application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to private companies. This so-called Big GAAP vs. Little GAAP debate has now come to a crisis point. The Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) has taken a position that is contrary to the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Standard Setting for Private Companies (the Panel) presented in January 2011, despite having been represented on the Panel. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), also represented on the Panel, has responded by taking a strong stand in favor of the Panels position and against the new FAF recommendation and Invitation to Comment, published on October 4, 2011. Additionally, the International Accounting Standards Board has developed a set of reporting standards for small and medium size enterprises (IFRS for SMEs) that has not been recognized in the US. In this paper, we examine the history of the Big GAAP/Little GAAP debate in the US and internationally. We find substantial support for reducing requirements of private companies and recommend that International Financial Reporting Standards for Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (IFRS for SMEs) be used for public companies of all sizes to be consistent with standards that have been accepted globally.