Analysis of Learning Disabilities Among Children Essay Example

Purdue University (Nilsen, 2009). Dr. Nilsen’s research is primarily on help for children and families involved in the court system (Nilsen, 2009). She “engaged in the child welfare system and domestic violence court” (Nilsen, 2009). Her clinical efforts include working with “children, adolescents, and their families” (Nilsen, 2009).

. Dr. Moria Ann Szilagyi, M.D., Ph.D is nationally recognized for her work in foster care health (Szilagyi, 2009). Dr. Szilagyi edited the national health care standards: “Fostering Health: ‘Health Care for Children and Adolescents in Foster Care’ published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).” (Szilayi, 2009). Dr. Szilagyi is vice Chair of the Healthy Foster Care America Coalition and the Task Force on Foster Care of the Averican Academy of Pediatrics Association, the Child Welfare League of America, and the National Association of Family Court Judges in shaping the national foster care agenda. (Szilagyi, 2009). Dr. Szilagyi “funded research focuses on improving comprehensive primary care for children in foster care and enhancing timely identification and appropriate management of behavioral and mental health conditions for children and youth foster care” (Szilagyi, 2009).

Dr. Emma L. Jones Forbes earned her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Rochester and BA in Psychology at Barnard College and practices psychology in Rochester, NY (Forbes-Jones, 2009). Dr. Jill Suzanne Halterman, M.D., M.P.H.’s primary interests include: “asthma and improving the quality of care” (J. S. M.D. M.P.H., 2009). Dr. Halterman is currently participating in four projects. The first project is Asthma and prematurity intervention. The second is preschool and school-based asthma screening programs. The third is office-based asthma screening programs, and the last is pilot work to reduce secondhand smoke

exposure.

Considering the extent of each of the researcher’s educational background and the experience each has with research one is lead to think that these researchers are more than qualified to produce a valid research project. Methods

“The data was obtained through a cross-sectional survey of children entering kindergarten in 2003 in the Rochester city School District in Rochester, New York. All parents or caregivers of children entering kindergarten complete a detailed s health and developmental survey called the Parent’s Appraisal of Children’s Experiences (PACE) Survey” (Jee, et al., 2008). This survey was used to screen parental perspectives to include: the child’s skills in different areas, health status, family situations, and other experiences. The analysis was limited to children between ages four and six at the time the survey was done.

The parents or caregivers were asked to complete the PACE survey to help the school district assess the needs of the children, and the survey was part of the enrollment process. The response rate of this study was 80% among 1619 children (Jee et al., 2008). This survey included “demographic data about participation in preschool and day care programs, general health information, and assessment of the child’s development skills in a variety of areas” (Jee et al., 2008).

“Cross-sectional research involves the comparison of two or more groups of participants during the same, rather limited time span” (Smith& Davis, 2010). This type of research allows the researcher to examine a test group that shares certain characteristic such as educational level. In this study, cross-sectional research fit quite well. Results

According to the study, the sample included 1619 children with a response rate of 80%. The mean age was 5.1

years, and 51% were boys. Also according to the study, 16% of the children were white, 61% were African American, and 23% were Latino. The study stated that nearly 60% were Medicaid recipients, and 65% had a mother who had completed at least a high school degree (Jee et al., 2008). According to the results, it was noted that the children experienced increased learning difficulties during times when they were dealing with parental separation, when compared to children who did not experience parental separation (Jee et al., 2008). It is also reported that children who were separated for shorter periods of time experienced some difficulties, but they became more pronounced after two months of separation (Jee et al., 2008). Discussion

This study shows that separation from parents is common in many urban settings; however does it show that there is a common link between parental separations and learning difficulties? Although these researchers are thoroughly qualified scientists they have and are capable of producing valid proof, their research may not have proven their hypothesis. Although parental separation may be a factor for learning difficulties there may be other factors which may cause these difficulties.

In conclusion, when analyzing the works of a researcher there are many factors to consider. One must first wonder about his or her qualifications then research his or her methods and results and validate the findings. Once all of that has been done one is able to discuss all factors involved.