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Michael Offutt Blog
Michaels Book on Goodreads!
What a fun interview! And the book sounds like intriguing. Good luck, Mike!
Alternate universes are always fun! Always dug the Star Trek episodes that featured them. And blogging is the best thing in the world for an author or writer.
Great interview!
But Michael, I am special. I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm a genius, but . . .
*laughs* Great interview. And your book sounds great. Now stem those nerves and prepare to reap the glory.
Great interview Leigh! Love it!
Michael's book sounds so cool, I need to check it out. I'm a Belgariad fan too--though Aunt Pol is my favorite. Great interview :)
After thought: I think God is an engineer :)
@Judy: Thank you.
@Alex: You use wormholes sir to place yourself everywhere in the blogosphere at the same time. Do not deny it.
@Deb: "Special" has so many negative connotations.
@Kelley: Thanks. I thought I was too wordy.
@Angela: My thoughts exactly.
Wow, that is some seriously hefty backstory, which is normally a meh thing, but it was really interesting! I love - LOVE! - how you applied scientific principles to religion. Looking forward to it.
Glacially slow? I think that may be an understatement. Ha! I liked the interview a lot since Leigh chose original questions. Why can't I come up with these? Nice to meet you Leigh and Michael is a hoot. And I don't even think he's trying. I'm excited about the release date of Slipstream.
Great interview! Love your questions, Leigh.
@Amber: You know, that kind of back story makes writing a query letter super difficult (almost impossible) because how do you relate all that in just a few sentences so that an agent doesn't just shake their head and say, this story lacks focus?
Great interview! Loved it. Michael, I think we need to talk about promoting our books in May. (If my due date remains the same, that is.) :)
Dang. That final quote is hard core.
That's exactly why we have a bird feeder. :)
Great premise. I'll have to make sure your book is on my tbr list.
This is awesome Michael! Thanks again for coming to share today!
Thanks Leigh and Michael for the great interview. It's always nice to get an inside glimpse at a writer's life ...
Interesting interview. I'm with Micheal on supporting writers through reading books, reviewing and just being buddies. We need as much support as we can get.
I like the look of your page and I like Michael's interview.
Great interview!
It sounds like a really interesting book, based on the back story--Jordan must have a lot on his shoulders. :P
Seeing dinosaurs would be cool.
Great interview! So fun! I LOVE your new header BTW ;)
You know, for a non-religious dude, that's a pretty interesting story you have there. I'm looking forward to it.
I'm with you on Garion, too. The Belgariad is awesome.
Excellent interview. I feel I know your book a lot better now, Michael. I also adore your advice about reading. I've read three dozen books this year, and I want to add another six before the year is through.
Great backstory. Almost wish you kept it mum though. It feels like that should be a big reveal at the end of the novel. Really looking forward to reading it.
@Rusty: It's not really that big of a reveal. My short story that I hope to find a home in a sci-fi magazine explains everything above.
@Andrew: I write fiction Andrew. How is any of the above affected in any way by my personal beliefs if it is all fiction? I think you are confused.
Enjoyed the interview. I like alternate universes. I followed Star Trek for years! Great questions Leigh.
How did you ever scale down a story so complex into four paragraphs---that I understood? Well done! And now I'm even more excited to have Slipstream on my TBR list. I love that you're not going into this whole publishing thing w/ dollar signs in your eyes.
Great interview, Leigh!
Nice interview! I've seen Michael around the blogosphere, so I'll have to check out his book when it comes out. Publishing is glacially slow.....I hate waiting, but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end!
Anyways, I stumbled across your blog today and I've had fun reading through the recent archives. I'm Kate, and I'm an agented YA writer from Utah....I'm looking forward to more of your posts!
And here I thought bird feeders gave something for the squirrels to do.
The more I hear about this book, the more I want to read it.
Hmm... no, not confused. Experience has told me that most non-religious people will not write a story dealing heavily with religion unless it is specifically to bash religion (as with Philip Pullman).
Don't get me wrong, I think it's great. Just unexpected.
And it's a very interesting concept... the way the universe splinters. My mind is already going on that.
Banned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)
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Obat Herbal Sakit Payudara Bengkak
Obat Kejang Perut
Obat Asma Tradisional
Obat Darah Rendah Alami
Obat Pelangsing Perut
Obat Penyakit Gula Darah Tinggi
Obat Herbal Kanker Otak Terbaik
Obat Herbal Kadar Gula Darah Rendah
Pengobatan Penyakit Radang Usus Buntu


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Featured in The New York Times
and The Wall Street Journal!
Steven & William Ladd
Saturday, September 15–Saturday, November 3
The Invisible Dog Art Center
Opening Reception
September 15, from 6-10pm
Performances at 7 & 9pm
Co-presented with the Invisible Dog Art Center
The Brooklyn-based brothers, Steven & William Ladd use locally-sourced materials to create energetic, meticulously crafted installations inspired by their shared childhood memories and life experiences.
In Shaboygen, they recall the memory of narrowly escaping a fiery death one morning when their car was suddenly engulfed in flames while they were on their way to school. Using intricately sewn, handmade boxes, the brothers resurrect this traumatic event. The delicate textile landscape appears painstaking yet spontaneous, creating an intimate, emotional piece that reflects the creative process behind the work, as well as the personal story it recalls.
Recent Buzz & Reviews
Les inRockuptibles
With this stunning 2012 edition, Crossing the Line deserves to have an alter ego in France that is able to return the compliment to the talent of young American artists.
Scènes: Manhattan transfert
Patrick Sourd, November 7, 2012
Lucien Zayan on the Birth of the Invisible Dog Arts Center
Jeremy M. Barker, September 14, 2012
French Morning
Invisible Dog lance sa 4ème saison en musique
Matthias Keil, September 13, 2012
The New York Times
Weekend Miser: Oh, Brothers
A.C. Lee, September 13, 2012
The Wall Street Journal
Thinking Inside the Box
Lizzie Simon, September 9, 2012
Free & open to the public
Venue Info
The Invisible Dog Art Center
51 Bergen St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Map & Directions
Images: Shaboygen © Andrew Suckerman; Steven and William Ladd © Nick Lee; Shaboygen © Andrew Zuckerman
© French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) • 22 E 60th St, NYC • 212 355 6100

subset: commoncrawl


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About Joaquín Achúcarro
Described as "one of the greats" by ABC in Madrid and "the consummate artist" by the Chicago Sun-Times, internationally acclaimed Spanish pianist Joaquín Achúcarro has performed recitals in 60 countries and has played with over 200 orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, La Scala of Milan, London Symphony, London Philharmonic, Philarmonia, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, RIAS Berlin, Sydney Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, National de France, Hallé, City of Birmingham, Royal Scottish, RTA Ireland, Western Australia, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Sta Cecilia Roma, RAI, Arena de Verona, Orchestra Verdi, and the National Orchestras of Spain, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, among many others. He has performed under an impressive list of 342 of the world´s greatest conductors, such as Abbado, Boult, Chailly, Mehta, Menuhin, Ozawa and Rattle.
Born in Bilbao, Spain, Achúcarro studied in Madrid, Paris, Vienna, and Salzburg. His international career was launched with his victory in England at the 1959 Liverpool International Competition and subsequent debut with the London Symphony, and from that time, he has maintained an uninterrupted concert schedule. Since 1989, Achúcarro has held the specially endowed Joel Estes Tate Chair in piano at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, adjusting his teaching periods to his busy performance schedule. He is also a Professor at the Summer International Courses of the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy.
He has received Spain's highest honors in the arts including the Premio Nacional de Música, the Gold Medal of Fine Arts, and the Great Cross of Civil Merit honoring his lifetime achievement. He was also named "Artist for Peace 2000" by UNESCO and "Beloved Son" by the city of Bilbao, and received the "Universal Basque" awarded by the Basque Government..


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Mission - Vision - History
The mission of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc. is to empower our community by raising awareness of breast health issues through outreach, education and support services, in order to facilitate the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
The vision of the agency is to create a community where every person diagnosed with breast cancer becomes a survivor, and fear and doubt are replaced with knowledge and hope.
Founded in 1991, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc. (DBCC) began as a small group of community volunteers who were committed to decreasing the mortality rate of breast cancer in Delaware. In 1994, a working committee was formed to support the National Breast Cancer Coalition's goals to research the cause of breast cancer and pursue optimal treatments and cures. The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition originally operated under the auspices of Women in Wellness. In 1997, DBCC became its own 501c(3) non-profit organization serving to raise awareness of breast health issues in Delaware through outreach, education and support to help facilitate the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
One of the first projects the organization undertook was the development of the "Living and Giving" exhibit that continues to reside in the DBCC's headquarters. This exhibit is a photographic tribute to 16 breast cancer survivors to provide hope and empowerment to those newly diagnosed. Other notable early ventures included establishing a State Tax "Check-Off" and the formation the Annual Breast Cancer Update.
In 2000, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition's board of trustees hired Vicky Cooke, the first full-time executive director, and opened an office in Downtown Wilmington. Thanks to Bayhealth Medical Center, in 2001, DBCC opened their first office in Dover and subsequently in 2007, a final office was opened in Lewes allowing the agency to become statewide.
Over the past 25 years, DBCC has developed and implemented programs tailored to the unique needs of different populations, including young women with breast cancer and the formation of Young Survivors in Action, African-American women, Latinas, lesbians, and women with disabilities. DBCC has conducted many educational sessions and outreach programs for the general public, referred thousands of adults for free or low-cost cancer screenings, and has removed barriers to cancer screenings by providing interpretation, transportation and support services. DBCC is the only organization that offers Peer Mentor support for newly diagnosed patients and the breast cancer update has grown to draw a crowd of over 400 attendees. The organization holds the operating contract for the State of Delaware's mobile mammography van that screens approximately 800 women a year. Each year, DBCC serves almost 6,000 individuals through programs and services.
To help generate income for the organization, DBCC operates two upscale resale shops in North Wilmington: Great Stuff Savvy Resale and Great Stuff Home. In addition to serving as a source of revenue, the shops provide another avenue for breast health education and outreach.
DBCC has grown through the years because of strong board leadership and community partners. The Board of Trustees now includes County Associations, giving an opportunity for more individuals to be involved with the organization. DBCC is fiscally strong and will continue to be an organization that adapts new programs and services for the needs of people with breast cancer.
Today, DBCC remains the only organization in the State of Delaware focused solely on breast health issues as they affect the women and men who live here. DBCC also serves surrounding communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland. They are Delaware's most trusted breast cancer resource.


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Experiment and code
Experimental principle
The principle of such experiment is very simple. The voltage data is sensed by the temperature sensor LM35, which would be sent to the analog port (A0 is used in this experiment) on the Arduino board. Then the Celsius (Centigrade) temperature can be output by the linear relationship between the voltage and temperature. For example, in this experiment, we know the linear relationship for the temperature LM35 by one Celsius temperature/10mV. Thus, we can get the voltage value n from the analog port A0 connected LM35 on the Arduino board. Not that, the data n is discrete and located on the range of 0~1024. So, we should change the discrete data n into a continuous voltage to get the Celsius temperature. In fact, the computation is simple. We know that, as for the analog ports A0~A5, the value range is 0~1024, and 1024 is corresponding to 5V. Therefore, if we know the value in A0 port, then we can obtain the discrete voltage value within 0~1024; i.e., the value is n. Then, we can compute the Celsius temperature. Assume that the continue voltage in port A0 on Arduino board is denoted by U. Then, we have the following compute formula by the principle A0 and the linear relationship between Celsius temperature and the continuous voltage.
where vol is the Celsius temperature we should compute, n can be achieved from analog port A0 on the Arduino. Therefore, we can compute the continuous voltage in A0 by equation (1). Then, we substitute the U into equation (2), the Celsius temperature can thus be obtained. In addition, the value of vol (i.e., Celsius temperature) could display on the serial monitor on the Arduino software platform.


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Many beginners at landscaping are overwhelmed by the sheer number of different types of perennials available. It's bad enough that one has to study up on the planting zones and growing requirements of the various types of perennials one is considering. But a major obstacle for many beginners is more fundamental than that: namely, having to learn the names of these perennial flowers.
To study the different types of perennials, you first have to know what you're studying -- by name. Or, at least, it helps. Why? Because without knowing a plant by name, you're missing out on all the handy reference material written about it on the Web. The Web is all about searching. But to search for information using, say, Google about the different types of perennials, you first need to learn their names. Otherwise, it's hit or miss. I.e., you'd have to Web-surf until you stumbled across pictures of the various kinds of plants in which you're interested, thereby identifying them. While success is possible through this tedious approach, there are better methods.
I recently discussed the importance of learning the names of perennials with Darlene, a reader of this Web site, and I offered her a learning tip. Darlene had asked the following questions:
Could you please tell me, what is the best way to approach rearranging the different types of perennials in my gardens? I am a beginner gardener, and I have planted quite a few types of perennials, but I am not happy with the way they look now. My problem is I can't remember the names of these perennial flowers. I would also like to know how to control the ones that take over.
The gist of my response was as follows:
"Hi Darlene,
"I've got one answer you'll probably like, and one you probably won't like. Let's begin with the 'bad news.'
"It's an absolute must that you learn the names of those perennial flowers! Communicating information over the Web about the various types of perennials is totally dependent on folks knowing the names of the perennial flowers in question. If I give you information about X and you think I'm talking about Y, the result could be disastrous.
"Make no mistake about it: there's a lot you need to know when planting flower beds. You have to know the requirements of each plant: the amount of sun and water needed, type of soil it likes, etc. Wish I had a shortcut to suggest, but there isn't one: you need to get on a first name basis with the different types of perennials you have.
"A good way to learn the names of perennial flowers is to visit nurseries regularly. Nurseries label their stock, thereby facilitating identification. Don't worry: you don't always have to buy something! For each visit, make it a point to identify three new types of perennials. Take notes, take flower pictures! Next visit, reinforce whatever you learned on your prior visit, plus learn three more types of perennials.
You'll quickly become adept at the names of perennial flowers, provided you have the time for this pursuit. It's really quite fun! Before you know it, you'll find yourself applying your new knowledge when you're out and about. Driving by the homes of neighbors, for instance, you'll find yourself pointing out the types of perennials that they are growing in their yards. For the curious, such knowledge sometimes leads to a desire to learn more about the origins of plant names.
"In your second question, you say you'd 'like to know how to control the ones that take over.' Here are a couple of ways:
- Be vigilant and diligent. As soon as you see a shoot pushing up where it doesn't belong, pounce on it and dig it up.
- Some people have success installing containers of some sort that do, literally, "contain" those types of perennials that tend to take over. For instance, I've heard of people purchasing barrels or tubs (either metal or plastic) on the cheap, removing their bottoms with a hacksaw, sinking the container into the ground, then installing the plants in the center. The roots won't be able to break out of their confines, so the plants don't take over."
Now that you've begun your study of perennials, consult my list of popular types of perennials for some examples and more specific information.


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suddenly, the alarm sound ( beeb sound) in reverse mode has stopped. no accident or damage to my rear bumper. i dont know if it is programmable ? any one practice this malfunction in the CX 9 2013 ?
thanks for the reply, but in middle east i dont have this button. it is automatically on .
in the same time, the reverse camera is on. the alar is on. but not beebing same as before. the sound like there is malfunction.
i hope someone face this issue before.


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Fireforce - One Man's War in The Rhodesian Light Infantry
"a tour de force" - Paul L. Moorcraft
"It (Fireforce) is one of the few books to emerge from that era which is brutally honest, and intensely moving." Joy Cameron-Dow - SABC personality
"Fireforce will be to the Rhodesian War what Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front was to World war 1. A high claim indeed, but perhaps valid, for this moving book is a classic indeed." Jim Mitchell - The Star
About Fireforce
Fireforce is the compelling, brutal but true account of Chris Cock's service in 3 Commando, The Rhodesian Light Infantry, during the bush war... It is a book which does nothing to glamorise or glorify the war. For, as Chris Cocks found at such a young age, war is merely a catalogue of suffering, destruction and death.
Fireforce is now in its second edition. The new edition includes narrative previously excised from the first edition, a wealth of photogarphs, a comprehensive roll of honour for Cock's regiment and an assortment of technical appendices that provide the fine attention detail that has contributed to this book's success over the years.
Available from the publisher, Covos Books, Fireforce is priced at R180 plus postage and packing. Payment by cheque or Visa / Mastercard only.


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Whiting Petroleum (WLL) issued an operational update on its activity in the Bakken area in North Dakota, where the company is active in the Sanish and Parshall fields.
Sanish Field
The Sanish Field is a major area of development for Whiting Petroleum, and the company plans to drill 86 gross, or 48 net operated wells in 2010. Most of these wells were targeting the Bakken formation. The company is operating nine rigs here in 2010.
Whiting Petroleum is currently building out the infrastructure to develop its acreage in the Bakken area. The company recently built a 17 mile, 8 inch diameter pipe with a capacity of 65,000 barrels of oil per day, to connect to an existing pipeline in the area.
Lewis and Clark Prospect
Whiting Petroleum is currently developing the Lewis and Clark prospect in Golden Valley, Billings and Stark Counties, North Dakota, where the company has 329,339 gross, or 211,128 net acres under lease. The company believes that it has 500 drilling locations here.


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It was a spur of the moment thing – the domain that is. While the friends were having dinner at TGI Fridays yesterday, I took the pleasure within the span of an hour to find myself a reliable webhost, registered and voila, enaphotography.com was born.
Of course the whole idea of my personal domain is not something new. I had always wanted a platform to display my work. No, I'm not forgetting about Flickr (which is a whole different story to be blogged about) but I needed a medium in which I can present my photos in professional and uncluttered way. In addition, the idea of blogging publicly again is intriguing and exciting. Don't expect anything extraordinary though – I'm not good when it comes creative writing but I do plan on sharing with you guys tips & tricks that I've picked up in the arena of photography.
I'll try my best to update this as regularly as I can but there's only so much I can do with a full-time job. I will begin with this blog while actively designing my portfolio which will be located at enaphotography.com when it is ready.
In the mean time, welcome to Ena Photography readers. Welcome to the life of an actuarial analyst with a passion in photography, computers, and anything .com related.


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Many thanks to Andy! Our school Halloween disco was a great success. The children thoroughly enjoyed the music and games and many parents commented on how good you were with the children. You led the evening very well and we felt totally at ease in you doing so.
Great service, would highly recommend.


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Surge of Federal Law Enforcement Resources Aim to Reduce Gun and Drug-Related Crime
Attorney General Eric Holder and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter today announced the Department of Justice (DOJ) and City of Philadelphia's Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (VCRP), which directs additional federal agents and technological resources to assist local law enforcement in combating violent crime.
"The Violent Crime Reduction Partnership is the next stage in efforts by the Philadelphia Police Department, federal law enforcement partners like ATF, DEA, FBI and U.S. Marshals, and prosecutorial agencies like the District and U.S. Attorney's Offices, to target the most violent offenders in the City of Philadelphia and bring them to justice," said Mayor Nutter. "We are grateful for the partnership and support of Attorney General Eric Holder and the entire Department of Justice as we work together to make the streets of our city safer."
The VCRP, which was formed on June 4, 2012, is made up of more than 50 federal law enforcement officials, including agents, investigators and intelligence analysts and representatives of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. These federal agents are working in close collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia District Attorney's Office to prevent and combat violent and drug-related crime across the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
During this four-month "surge" of federal law enforcement resources, these federal agencies are helping to build capacity, enhance training, coordinate community outreach efforts, bolster intelligence analysis capabilities and helping plan and execute sophisticated criminal investigations and prosecutions. Additionally, federal funding for the VCRP initiative provides new, state-of-the-art equipment designed to support ballistics identification in gun-related crimes.
One such device is called the Integrated Ballistics Identification System which has the latest automation features and 3-D imaging technology, allowing firearms examiners to capture higher quality images of cartridge cases enhancing the ability of the Philadelphia Police Department and its partners to solve violent gun-related crimes.
In just the past six weeks, the partnership is already producing results. To date, VCRP has seized more than 80 firearms and netted more than 300 arrests for violent crime, drug, firearm and other offenses. As federal agencies are working closely with the Philadelphia Police Department in the target neighborhoods, the majority of those cases are being prosecuted in the local court system. The most recent federal case resulting from the ongoing VCRP arose on July 18, 2012, when ATF agents and Philadelphia police officers arrested eight suspects who were allegedly planning an armed robbery of drug traffickers. Each of the eight defendants in U.S. v. Whitfield was charged by criminal complaint.
"In these times of budgetary challenges – when police departments and other agencies are confronting growing demands with increasingly limited resources – the need for coordination among all relevant authorities has never been more critical," said Attorney General Holder. "This surge of federal resources in Philadelphia – as well as others going on in certain cities — will enhance our ability to work with local law enforcement by targeting federal agents and others to the areas where they're most needed so that we can better protect these communities."
Attorney General Holder and Mayor Nutter were joined by VCRP participating agency leaders: U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Zane David Memeger, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, Special Agents-in-Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
"The Violent Crime Reduction Partnership is the next stage in efforts by the Philadelphia Police Department, federal law enforcement partners like ATF, DEA, FBI and U.S. Marshals, and prosecutorial agencies like the District and U.S. Attorney's Offices, to target the most violent offenders in the City of Philadelphia and bring them to justice," said Mayor Nutter. "We are grateful for the partnership and support of Attorney General Eric Holder and the entire Department of Justice as we work together to make the streets of our city safer."
U.S. Attorney Memeger said, "The Violent Crime Reduction Partnership is already proving to be an effective tool for investigating and prosecuting serious violent offenders in Philadelphia's highest crime neighborhoods. As U.S. Attorney, I remain committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens of my district, particularly for those who should not have to live with rampant violence and drug trafficking in their neighborhoods. My office will continue to support Police Commissioner Ramsey and the city of Philadelphia to combat the violence and other crimes that plague the city. I would like to commend the tireless efforts of the agents working for ATF, FBI, DEA and the Marshals Service who are making this initiative a success."
"It is my hope that the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership will help us reduce the senseless acts of violence that currently plague the city of Philadelphia. By continuing to combine our resources and working together locally and nationally, I truly believe we will improve the safety and quality of life for all of our citizens," said Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.
"ATF, along with the Philadelphia Police Department and our DOJ partners, will focus on those who have no qualms about diminishing the quality of life in Philadelphia," said ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Sheree L. Mixell. "Those violent career criminals who illegally possess, purchase and use firearms to carry out their criminal activities, will be identified and targeted for federal prosecution through this very important initiative."
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Division George C. Venizelos said, "The FBI, in this joint and coordinated effort to attack violent crime in Philadelphia, will work with our partners to disrupt and dismantle the criminal enterprises and organizations that seek to profit from violent crimes. This joint initiative not only rids our communities of criminal predators, but also sends the clear message that federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies are working together to aggressively address the violent crime and drug problems that plague our communities."
Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA Philadelphia Division Vito S. Guarino said, "Gun violence in Philadelphia has taken the lives of many people and brought pain and suffering to many families. Guns are frequently used by drug traffickers and organizations to protect their drugs, cash, territory, and also to intimidate citizens from providing information to police and to deter them from testifying in court. The DEA has committed its investigative resources to the Philadelphia Police Department and is working cooperatively along with other federal partners to confront gun violence and make Philadelphia the safe city that its citizens deserve."
U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania David B. Webb said, "The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to supporting the surge and improving the safety of the citizens of Philadelphia by continually targeting and apprehending the most dangerous fugitive felons, particularly those wanted for violent gun crimes."
Earlier this year, ATF personnel completed a similar four-month "surge" in Oakland, Calif., which Oakland Police Department officials have credited with contributing to a significant reduction in crime. The Justice Department is currently examining ways to provide this type of targeted assistance and relief to other metropolitan areas, as needed.


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More often than not the terms reward and recognition are used interchangeably by reason of the similar meaning habitually attached to the two different words. These expressions, notwithstanding, are actually associated with two dissimilar concepts and are, or rather, should be used in practice by employers to achieve two different objectives. Many employers are conceivably not fully aware of these differences, but having crystal clear ideas about their real meaning and aim can definitely help employers to design and introduce in their organizations more effective and consistent total reward systems.
Limaye and Sharma (2012) claim that recognition is mostly intended to thank employees for doing the "right thing", whereas rewards are basically offered to individuals to compensate them "for their efforts and contribution" to organizational success. The Authors also contend that whilst recognition is mostly expressed in the form of non-financial means, reward is aimed at meeting individual financial expectations.
Rather different appears to be the definition of reward provided by Stewart (2011), who defines reward as a financial or non-financial item conferred to an employee for "completing/reaching an achievement/milestone." This definition is indeed evidently overlapping with the definition provided by the same Author of recognition; the difference between the two terms apparently being exclusively due to the different motive for the award, in both cases represented by events occurring before the acknowledgment, to wit: the attainment of a significant objective in case of reward; the behaviour exhibited, the efforts made or the performance of a feat favouring the attainment of the organizational objectives in the case of recognition. These definitions of reward and recognition could have been indeed regarded as consistent in the event a further definition, for instance, that of compensation or remuneration, would have been considered to refer to base pay. In this case rewards and recognition would have been provided by employers to award individual special achievements, deeds and results, whereas compensation or remuneration, that is to say base pay, in exchange for employee regular work. The definition provided by Stuart basically omits to include the fixed component of financial reward, which should be indeed regarded as unavoidable; reward appears to be thus entirely composed of variable components. Adding a third element would have led to a classification very similar to that used by British Airways, which makes a distinction between:
- Reward, which is associated with base, fixed pay;
- Incentives, which are offered when employees attain their objectives;
- Recognition, whose purport is basically that to say "thank you" to employees for their achievements (Rose, 2011).
Considering the term reward as also including incentives at large, the difference between reward and recognition would essentially result to be time-related. Rewards are promised by employers to individuals from the outset of the working relationship, whereas recognition arises as an after-the-fact award (Silverman, 2004). Yet, rewards represent an important part of the working agreement; these are in fact agreed, identified and included in detail in the written contract of employment, whereas recognition is not usually part of any legal written contract. As aptly summarized by Rosabeth Moss Kanter (Rose, 2011): "compensation is a right, recognition is a gift."
Inasmuch as employers regularly paying salaries and financial rewards to their employees can be deemed legally compliant, those who do not implement any recognition schemes and allow their employees to benefit from its introduction can be considered as somewhat of breaching the psychological contract. Nowadays, individuals are no longer expected to receive from their employer the payment of the financial rewards contractually agreed only, but also to be recognized and acknowledged for their efforts, achievements and exceptional contribution.
An additional significant element underpinning the differences actually existing between reward and recognition can be identified in the definition provided by Juran (2003), who defines rewards as the money paid by employers to individuals in the forms of salary increases, bonuses and promotions, which are linked to the assessment of individual performance and are habitually offered in private, and recognition as the appreciation of commendable performance and remarkable achievements expressed by means of events or ceremonies aiming at giving these publicity and visibility. Similarly, but even more explicitly, Ostendorf (APQC, 2002) suggests that "recognition is more than likely going to be public. Rewards don't have to be."
The reason for recognition needing visibility is associated with the same scope justifying the introduction of these schemes, that is to say thanking individuals for their particular contribution and efforts. A public formal "thank you" is clearly likely to produce much positive effects than a private one would and is also likely to be remembered for a longer period of time by the individuals concerned. What matters the most is the message which recognition in reality aim at conveying. Irrespective of the incidence of the tangible, para-financial component of the identified form of award, the main element of recognition invariably rests with the "thank you." Completely different is the case of rewards, these have been contractually agreed and represent thus somewhat of a debt for the employer; these are hence practically due to the employees, not negligibly, for the largest part regardless of their performance and behaviour.
The establishment of recognition programmes within organizations helps employers to differentiate salary from the other initiatives (Rose, 2011). This process is basically enabled by a psychological state which Jeffrey (2003) calls separability. The tenet at the basis of this human attitude is that individuals essentially tend to aggregate and separate things and phenomena according to their sources and the way these are perceived. Employees who receive in addition to their base pay cash supplements for their outstanding performance, efforts or achievements, especially whether later consolidated into fixed pay, are likely to regard the overall amount of money as deriving from their regular work and to disregard the circumstance that part of the overall sum of money has been received by virtue of a particular accomplishment, something special. Recognition initiatives are, by contrast, much more likely to be remembered for a longer period of time and are thus habitually appreciated by individuals the most. The same perceptions are likely to be generated by the payment of non-consolidated cash bonuses awards, keeping these amounts separated from salary will help individuals to differentiate these and induce employees to attach to them a much greater significance and value (Rose, 2011).
The so-called "memory value", mainly based on non-financial and para-financial rewards, definitely represents an additional distinct asset of recognition programmes. Its concept is underpinned by the idea that individuals are most likely to remember non-cash and para-financial awards, rather than money. Findings of an investigation carried out in 2006 by Workspan revealed that a remarkable 18 percent of respondents did not even remember how they spend their cash awards. Inasmuch as individuals may be delighted and proud to show to their relatives and friends an object that they have received as a "thank you" from their employers, these are likely to be even ecstatic to tell their relatives and friends about, for instance, a voucher for a holiday to a popular tourist destination received from their organization. In the latter case the memory of the benefit received is destined to last longer (Rose, 2011), also thanks to the pictures which will be taken and showed to friends in different occasions and perhaps posted and shared online in social networks.
Recognition awarded by means of non-financial and para-financial rewards provide individuals with external in addition to internal visibility. This clearly makes employees even gladder and prouder of their work, giving them to understand that whether their employer is publicly awarding them is because the activities they have performed and the results they have yielded are deemed by this meaningful and useful for the attainment of the business objectives. Yet, by means of recognition programmes an employer can give employees to understand that the organization is giving them genuine opportunities to express their potential and engage in activities which are appreciated and valued by the employer. This should in turn provide individuals a sense of self-fulfilment which should ultimately contribute to increase their gratefulness and loyalty to the employer.
The emotional impact spawned by non-financial and para-financial awards, which can also result amplified by the circumstance that these are handed to employees on occasion of specifically planned public events, is also correlated to other two mental processes called by Jeffrey (2003) evaluability and justifiability. The concept of evaluability is concerned with the value which different individuals can place on a non-financial or para-financial award, which in some circumstances might also be perceived as higher than the real purchasing cost of the item or service provided by the organization. The idea of justifiability is instead associated with the circumstance that, albeit individuals could have actually bought by themselves the items they receive from their employer as a "thank you", they do not in that consider those items or services particularly costly and in some ways not necessary for themselves and their families. This, nonetheless, does not entail by any means that employees would not justify and appreciate receiving them whether offered by their employer for the results these have produced.
Para-financial rewards will be even more welcomed and appreciated by individuals whereas these have been chosen by an employer taking heed of the beneficiary likely expectations and wants. This will unquestionably proof that the employer has dedicated time and thoughts to the individual and that its efforts were focused on providing the employee with something s/he would have genuinely appreciated; by no means that the employer is giving anything, maybe even cheap and outdated, just for the sake of offering something (Rose, 2011).
Reward managers and specialists, nonetheless, have to be extremely careful when designing and most of all managing these schemes and need to do whatever they can to prevent the flip side usually associated with these programmes implementation, which can trigger dissatisfaction and discontent amongst the individuals not receiving any form of award (Armstrong, 2010).
As maintained by Rose (2011), it is somewhat of ludicrous that employers spend more than a half of their overall annual budget in reward and employees neither appreciate their worthiness nor "understand what it is about." The real true is that in many cases employers too have not totally clear how and why they offer rewards to their employees. This is certainly causing confusion amongst employees, but also amongst managers. Whether reward is intended as the sum of pay and incentives, and recognition as a means to say "thank you" to individuals, managers need to be aware that in order to award a specific achievement is not a salary increase that they have to propose to the employer for their report. Likewise, whether these want to acknowledge the regular and sustained outstanding performance of a direct report it is not a flat-screen colour TV that they have to suggest to properly award the employee. In order to prevent triggering potentially dangerous downsides, unintended negative outcomes and inadvertently foster undesired behaviour the mechanic of reward programmes have to be first and foremost clearly identified and hence shared with the entire organization management.
The BA model distinguishing fixed salary from incentives and recognition schemes, outlined earlier, is fairly clear to understand and thus to explain and execute. Yet, this scheme enables managers and employees to promptly identify and associate the specific reason for the award with each component of reward:
- Base salary – based on the organization salary grade system;
- Incentives – for outstanding performance and results;
- Recognition – to thank employees for specific achievements and behaviour.
Longo, R., (2013), Reward vs recognition, Milan: HR Professionals [online].
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TORONTO, ON, February 1, 2012 - The all-new Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe burst on the scene for 2010 and immediately garnered positive accolades from top media thanks to its dramatic styling, excellent performance and the latest in advanced technology. The ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the original design prototype, the ZDX features the forward thinking design elements consisting of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.
"The ZDX is designed to be a luxury performance coupe, plus," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "The dynamic coupe styling combined with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract a new customer to the Acura brand."
Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in North America, the ZDX broke new ground for Acura in many ways and was the first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA, allowing exterior and interior designers to work closely together throughout the entire design process. Staying true to the original sketch from Acura's first female designer, Michelle Christensen, the ZDX features sensuous curves, deeply sculpted shoulders and strong character lines.
Inside, the 2012 ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refinement and sophistication ever offered from Acura. Every ZDX interior features a hand-stitched leather dashboard, door panels and sculpted centre console.
The rich leather appointments give the ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and front passenger. The cabin is well lit thanks to extensive use of LED lighting along with the natural light coming from the moonroof that is part of the longest glass roof in the industry. The panoramic glass roof incorporates dual sunshades that open and close at the touch of a button.
The luxurious cockpit gives way to a generous cabin that provides comfortable seating for up to 5-passengers. The ZDX's flexible utility allows it to be a perfect weekend getaway vehicle, with 779 L (26.3 cubic feet) of space behind the second row seats and a total of 1,623 L (55.8 cubic feet) of cargo area when the second row seats are folded flat. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects (such as golf bags) by removing side panels located in the rear cargo compartment sidewalls. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage compartment that provides 62 L (2.2 cubic-feet) of space.
The ZDX not only boasts head-turning style but also delivers outstanding on-road performance. The 3.7-litre SOHC V-6 engine generates 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for excellent acceleration, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the ZDX sporty driving characteristics while simultaneously enhancing fuel economy.
Standard on the ZDX is Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system that expands the ZDX's appeal by providing outstanding cornering ability as well as excellent all-season capability. Standard on the ZDX are 19x8.5-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels— the largest standard wheel in the Acura lineup.
Befitting its "sports coupe" design, the 2012 ZDX is longer, lower, wider and has a significantly wider track than its primary market competitors. The ZDX rides on a 2,750 mm (108.3-inch) wheelbase with an overall length of 4,887 mm (192.4 inches). It has an overall width of 2,174 mm (85.6 inches), stands 1,596 mm (62.8 inches) tall and it makes use of a 1,719 mm (67.7-inch) track front and rear. Consequently, these dimensions allow the ZDX to offer a driving character that is as confident as its appearance is dramatic.
Like all Acura models, the ZDX comes generously equipped including the panoramic glass roof and hand-stitched leather interior. Also standard are Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity, power operated tailgate and a high powered audio system (with CD player, AM/FM radio, XM® Radio and USB audio connectivity with iPod® integration).
Technology features include an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and a multi-view rear camera.
The 2012 ZDX is equipped with the latest generation of the 3.7-litre V-6 engine that continues Acura's longstanding mission to provide V-8 level horsepower and torque with the size and fuel efficiency of a six cylinder engine. The all-aluminum V-6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for excellent acceleration, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and exciting high-rpm power.
Helping broaden the powerband while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency of the 3.7L V-6 is a unique 2-rocker arm design VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain system applied to the intake valves. In addition, special high-lift camshaft specs during VTEC® operation, a dual-stage induction system and an electronic Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system team to improve engine performance.
Performance and fuel economy are further enhanced by the ZDX's Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission that is designed to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast drivers. Estimated city/highway fuel mileage of 12.7/8.8 L/100 km and a 79.5 L fuel capacity allow the ZDX to have a long cruising range. Plus, the ZDX complies with the latest TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV regulations.
Standard on the ZDX is Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, which has been performance proven on Germany's famed Nürburgring road course and is specially tuned for real-world driving conditions. Setting new standards for power delivery and handling response, SH-AWD® actively varies the torque distribution between front and rear axles as well as between the left and right rear wheels to maximize available traction under most driving situations. This "torque vectoring" of engine power operates seamlessly and allows up to 70 percent of the overall power to be sent to the rear— of which 100 percent of that power can be channeled to one rear wheel. The result of torque vectoring is the creation of a "yaw moment" that enables the ZDX to better rotate around a corner while minimizing vehicle understeer.
The ZDX chassis is tuned to provide an ideal balance of handling precision, road isolation and damping. In front, MacPherson struts team with coil-over springs and forged-aluminum lower control arms for precise handling with generous wheel travel. The use of hydro-compliance suspension bushings and a front subframe that "floats" on rubber mounts helps provide superb road isolation. The ZDX's multi-link rear suspension mounts to a separate steel subframe and employs aluminum uprights for reduced unsprung weight. The rear suspension uses specially-tuned coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bar for optimum ride and handling.
The exterior design goal for the ZDX was to merge the emotional appeal of a sports coupe with excellent all-season ability and good ground clearance to allow for moderate off-highway use. The unique design of the wide rear fenders and aerodynamic cabin give the ZDX a decisive and powerful appearance, while the panoramic glass roof provides occupants with a clear view of the world around them.
The unique moonroof design teams with the surrounding glass structure to make for the longest glass roof in the automotive market— stretching from the leading edge of the windshield to the trailing edge of the tailgate glass. In the front section of the glass roof is the moonroof that tilts and slides up and back along the outside of the roof. This opening design helps to preserve maximum interior headroom while also retaining the dramatic and personal "sports coupe" design of the cabin greenhouse. A fixed glass panel over the rear seat area further brightens the cabin. Dual motorized sunshades cover both the front and rear glass panels should the ZDX occupants choose to reduce sunlight entering the interior, while a mesh fabric pop-up air deflector achieves a new standard for wind-noise performance when compared to a traditional blade-type wind deflector.
Opening the power-actuated tailgate reveals an impressively detailed rear cargo area that offers 779 litres of space behind the rear seats. Lined with premium loop-style carpet, the rear cargo area also offers a hidden 62 L (2.2 cu. ft.) cargo bin located under the floor. Hidden behind removable side panels are additional storage areas in the rear cargo-compartment sidewalls. Like the under-floor access panel, the removable side panels have satin-metal release handles, and can be stored in the under-floor cargo bin to generate a wide load space designed to accommodate up to four golf bags. With the second-row seats folded, the ZDX offers a fully carpeted near-flat load floor and a total of 1,623 litres of cargo space.
Combining premium materials with a new standard of attention-to-detail and craftsmanship, the ZDX interior takes its place as the ultimate expression of Acura interior design. Following the original "2+Freedom" design concept, the ZDX interior emphasizes the needs of the driver and passenger, while also offering enough rear cargo capacity for a weekend trip or a piece of bulky cargo. For occasional use, the ZDX's second-row seats can comfortably accommodate two full-size adults for long rides, or three passengers for shorter rides.
Within the interior, new manufacturing processes allow top-grade leather to precisely follow complex, flowing shapes on the instrument panel, centre console and door panels. LED interior lighting and a striking centre instrument panel that blacks out when not in use give the ZDX a clean, technical feel.
Standard ZDX interior features include leather seating surfaces, a supportive 10-way adjustable power-actuated driver seat and an 8-way adjustable power passenger seat. Also standard is the panoramic glass roof, power tailgate and a dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system with automatic humidity control and rear seat vents.
Advanced Technology
The 2012 ZDX also features luxurious full-grain Perforated Milano Premium Leather for the seating surfaces, a Keyless Access System with pushbutton start and an Acura Navigation System with bilingual Voice Recognition™. The system has a full VGA high-resolution 8-inch colour display, uses navigation data stored on a built-in 60 GB hard disk drive (HDD) for impressively quick operation.
ZDX also features an advanced audio system - the renowned Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker Premium Audio System with a 435-watt Digital Sound Processing amplifier, and a built-in 15-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system that allows the ZDX owner to download and store up to 3,500 songs** for later playback. The Acura/ELS Surround® audio system offers DVD-A, DTS™, CD player, AM/FM tuner, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio along with USB port and AUX jack connectivity.
In keeping with Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative, the 2012 ZDX provides excellent safety for its passengers, including the application of Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.ACE™ is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes by utilizing a network of connected structural elements to more evenly distribute crash energy throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.
In addition, a special frame member located below the ZDX's front bumper is designed to help engage the front bumper of a lower height vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more efficiently.
Passive safety features include a dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), dual-chamber side airbags with a front passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), front seats with active head restraints, knee bolsters for front occupants, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system with integrated load limiters.
Numerous standard "active safety" features that help the ZDX driver minimize the risk of collision include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
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Last updated: 27 August 2014
Regional Southwest Florida Workshop for
Potential Water Quality Data Providers to the GCOOS
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, 28 June 2012
A workshop for potential water quality data providers from the Southwest Florida region was held at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) facility in Sanibel, FL, on June 28, 2012. This workshop, sponsored by the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association (GCOOS-RA), was by invitation and was attended by 27 individuals whose names and affiliations are given in Appendix 1.
At 10:00 am on June 28, SCCF Board member Dr. Claude Crawford welcomed participants and provided information about the SCCF, including that during its 40 year history approximately 70% of the island has become protected lands. After welcoming the attendees on behalf of the SCCF, Dr. Eric Milbrandt, SCCF Research Scientist, provided an overview of meeting logistics and the agenda. The final agenda is given in Appendix 2.
Dr. Alex Rybak, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and SCCF Research Scientist, introduced Dr. Worth Nowlin, GCOOS-RA Board of Directors, who briefly introduced the meeting objectives and deliverables. Nowlin provided an introduction to the Global Ocean Observing System, the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), and the GCOOS Regional Association, emphasizing the benefits of data sharing and focusing on the integration of distributed observational/forecast systems into a System of Systems. He explained that we currently do not have capabilities for routine and rapid detection of changes in the ocean and atmosphere, or for their prediction, over a broad spectrum of time and space scales. However, the GCOOS-RA is seeking new data providers to help remedy these deficiencies. The integrated water quality monitoring system from rivers to the Gulf is to be a pilot study in Southwest Florida that then can be expanded throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Rybak commented that the GCOOS-RA is adaptable and willing to work with each data provider as needed, making it as easy as possible on them. He then introduced Dr. Matt Howard, GCOOS Data Management Coordinator, who provided an overview of the development and operation of the GCOOS Data Portal. Howard informed participants that the IOOS data management goal is to develop automated and largely unattended data systems to deliver high quality data and products to consumers. Required elements and services to achieve this include a data catalog, data discovery and online browse tools, access and transport, metadata, archive, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC). IOOS will require QA/QC on all data streams to award certification, which will give some protection to providers from civil liability issues. Some data providers choose to become full-fledged IOOS nodes. Others provide their data to the GCOOS Data Portal and let the Portal serve the data back out in an IOOS-compatible manner. The GCOOS-RA wants to make the barrier to data sharing as low as possible. The GCOOS minimum provider requirements are: shared data will be publically available, providers will use FTP to move files to GCOOS, file names include the date and time, and the data providers conduct minimal levels of QA/QC and provide minimum metadata (e.g., parameters given, units). GCOOS currently is not incorporating data products from providers, only the data.
Following Howards presentation, potential GCOOS data providers were invited to give seven-minute presentations on their organizations water quality programs. There were five presentations prior to lunch, an invited talk during lunch, and another eight presentations post-lunch.
Milbrandt and Rybak provided an overview of the 11 SCCF stations that make up the River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network (RECON). The impetus for the system was the need for freshwater management of Lake Okeechobee and its watershed. Data are transmitted in real time. The biggest advantage of their system is that it has plug and play capabilities and is easy to view and graph parameters. The SCCF is seeking to deploy an offshore buoy next year to measure wave height (for boaters) and to add meteorological capabilities to the stations that currently lack these. Data are publicly available at http://recon.sccf.org/.
Dr. Li Zhang, Assistant Director, Everglades Wetland Research Park at the Kapnick Center in Naples, a Florida Gulf Coast University facility, is using a YSI 6600 system in her research to understand how wetlands function and to determine if and how we can enhance mangrove restoration. She currently has one station for near-shore mangrove restoration and is trying to establish two more sites, one in the cypress area, and initiate a geochemistry project. Data, including salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and turbidity, as reported on a 30-minute cycle, are available on their website (http://www.fgcu.edu/swamp/realtimedata.html).
Erin Rasnake, Environmental Manager, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has a water quality monitoring system in the Fort Myers area in the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Continuous, but not real-time-data, are collected and put in the Storage and Retrieval (STORET) Data Warehouse, which has no capacity for continuous, real-time data. There have been several stations and parameters monitored since 2008. Other variable parameters have been measured (e.g., DO, metals, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), flow rate, sea grass), in other locations (e.g., Estero Bay, Caloosahatchee, Imperial and Gordon Rivers), and using several different data management solutions (e.g., Excel, Access, STORET, FDEP Statewide Biological (SBIO) data base).
Melynda Brown, Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve, and Julie Drevenkar, Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, provided information on three locations that have been monitored using YSI 6600 multi-parameter Water Quality sondes since July 2004. Data treatment follows protocols of the Centralized Data Management Office (CDMO) of the National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRS). Data files are downloaded monthly into Excel spreadsheets. Near-real-time-data are not generally available, but can be provided upon request. There has been a strong Corp of Volunteers collecting discrete water samples for Charlotte Harbor since 1998 – the Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN). Nineteen data streams (field and laboratory) are uploaded to STORET and the Charlotte Harbor Water Atlas. Program points of contact are Cheryl Clark (email@example.com); Melynda Brown (email@example.com); and Heather Stafford (email@example.com).
Eduardo Patino, USGS Southwest Florida Coastal Monitoring Network, has instruments ranging from the southern tip of Charlotte Harbor to Cape Sable. These have been deployed for varying lengths of time, the oldest an 11-year station in the Everglades, but most for three to five years. Most stations report sea level, discharge, and water quality parameters and are reported on 15-minute intervals. Data are available at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/sw. Patino routinely collaborates with county, city and state agencies. GCOOS has automated access to the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) storage site and currently ingests data on a daily basis. Howard said it would be easy to a write script to ingest the data in near-real-time. However, he would need to know where 'Mile Zero' is for the USGS 'upstream' miles reported with the measurement sites.
Invited lunch speaker Dr. Gary Kirkpatrick, Mote Marine Lab (MML), described a Harmful Algal Bloom pilot study planned in Southwest Florida. Funded by GCOOS and in collaboration with GCOOS and the University of South Florida (USF) College of Marine Science, MML and USF will coordinate glider operations on the West Florida Shelf to get a better understanding of how to forecast and track harmful algal blooms. The team will work to establish protocols for glider data acquisition by numerical models and integration with satellite data. Previous work resulted in showing that forecasted information from numerical models disagreed with information provided as sensors moved through the bloom. One focus will be concentrations of Karenia brevis at the pycnocline. Compared to the previous coordinated mission that only had surface circulation available to guide the area operations, the 2012 mission will use a vertically integrated model circulation.
Keith Kibbey, Lee County Surface Water Monitoring Program, Lee County Environmental Laboratory Division of Natural Resource Management, reported that his team does not collect continuous data or report information in real time, with the exception of one site measuring atmospheric data. Weekly, bi-monthly, and monthly discrete sampling is conducted at 33 estuary (bay and tributary) stations (e.g., Estero Bay, Pine Island, Caloosahatchee River) and at several beach sites using YSI 650 MDS-600 XL instruments and Campbell data loggers. Most data are stored in a Structured Query Language (SQL) data base. Because the team has an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) mass spectrometer, they monitor many metals. Most recently, they are collecting DO saturation data to accommodate new DEP DO criteria. Long term data are stored on their website in Access format and can be queried. Kibbey stated that data are loaded to STORET one to four times per year and to the Water Atlas nightly.
Alina Corcoran, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, oversees the FWC HAB project. Jim Ivey oversees the HAB Marine Observation Network (HABMON), formerly called MARVIN under Cindy Heil's leadership. Currently, there are three data sondes; a full system on the MML dock, a YSI sonde in Tampa Bay, and a HABMON floating platform scheduled to be deployed in Old Tampa Bay this summer to monitor Pyrodinium bahamense. Data are currently reported to the USF Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMPS) site and transported to FWC/FWRI.
Lindsey Visser, NOAA AOML, reported on behalf of project PIs Michelle Wood, Chris Kelble, and Libby Johns. NOAA AOML has 77 stations along the Atlantic reef track and the southwest Florida Shelf, 40 of these in Florida Bay. A variety of discrete and flow-through data are collected and shared via AOMLs website (see aoml.noaa.gov/phod/sfp/index.php). However, only contour plots are uploaded, not raw data, which is why AOML is interested in partnering with GCOOS.
Christina Panko Graff, Water Quality Program Manager, FDEP Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas Rookery Bay NERR, reported that most of her program funding is from NOAA. Like all 28 System-wide Monitoring Programs (SWAMPs) in the NERRs network, monitoring data goes to the CDMO. The CDMO keeps NERR data standardized, following the same QA/QC protocols, and with similar data dissemination mechanisms. Some stations in Rookery Bay have been operational since 1996; two currently have telemetry capabilities. Most have a 15-minute sampling interval, but data are typically collected from the sondes every two to four weeks. Information is made available at CDMO as provisional data immediately. Real-time data are available through the RTD application link on the CDMO website. Metadata are uploaded to CDMO on a quarterly and annual basis and only then does it become authenticated. A query tool was recently developed and data are fed into IOOS via the GCOOS and SECOORA data portals.
Jon Perry, Water Quality Monitoring, Sarasota County, is focused on monitoring flow rates to establish guidelines for storm water discharge. The information available includes nutrient and general chemistry from 40 discrete sampling stations sampled monthly since 1992 and from 30 coastal creek sites since 2006; monitoring of biological parameters (e.g., seagrass and oyster mapping, scallop and spat monitoring) from 40 creek-side stations; and water level and meteorological data from four sites along the coast with a 10-year record. Some data are stored in STORET, incorporated into the Water Atlas, and served via an internal website. A pollution loading model (Spatially Integrated Model for Pollutant Loading; SIMPLE) is also run.
Brad Robbins, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) could not attend, but relayed the message that participants should contact him at email@example.com to access SFWMD data sets.
Lisa Beever, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP), presented on behalf of Judy Ott. She reported that the main challenge for monitoring in the CHNEP network, which consists of several funding, sampling, and lab partners, is that there is no consistent method of monitoring throughout the study area. For example, there are random sampling and fixed sampling sites, the latter usually in areas of poorer water quality. Random water quality sampling has been done by CHNEP partners since 2002 through the Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN). The CHEVWQMN 'volunteers' are professionals working for other agencies (e.g., county and state agencies, aquatic preserves) who report information to CHNEP in a standardized form for further analysis. Data are displayed in the USF Water Atlas. Beever reported that CHNEP only recently gained access to STORET data.
Jason Scolaro and Jan Allyn, USF Water Atlas Web Content Manager and Data Base Applications Team Leader, respectively, provided an overview of the USF Water Atlas. The Atlas is a warehouse to help manage water quality data from a variety of Florida county programs, provide interactive maps and tools for viewing data, and offer an online venue to recruit and organize volunteers. The Water Atlas is a 'fee-for-service' program which tries to achieve economies of scale by sharing website templates and services among participants. Displayed in addition to data are maps, histories, current information, and other materials requested by the participants. Recently, New College of Florida has been contracted to create spatial maps and the USF team is working to develop a section on the website to host data collected by volunteer citizen groups.
Ray Leary, FDEP Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA), reported that the Water Quality Priority Issue Team of the GOMA is focused on monitoring coastal pathogens, methyl mercury, and Harmful Algal Blooms. The team's primary need is a catalog of monitoring programs, a resource the GCOOS-RA is currently working to develop.
There was an open discussion period following the invited presentations. Key points of discussion include the following:
- Participants asked about the types of data the GCOOS-RA is interested in sharing. GCOOS staff clarified that there are only certain data sets they are currently able to integrate and serve via the portal. The portal began with only atmospheric and physical ocean data, but is being broadened to include biogeochemical data such as dissolved oxygen and nutrients. The broadening will continue to include selected model output and water quality data. Many wanted to know if GCOOS is only interested in real-time data. Howard answered that the initial effort is for real-time data. However, the portal will be broadened to include non-real-time (legacy) data.
- When asked if GCOOS is also a data archive, Howard explained the difference between backup and archive. Backup sites may not store the complete data or metadata and may not keep them permanently. The U.S. IOOS is trying to make archive mandatory, so GCOOS will need to help data providers comply. It is possible that the National Oceanographic Data Center and other national archives will provide the archive solution.
- One of the benefits to joining GCOOS is that data can be shared, collaborators identified, and new projects built upon existing data. Ray Leary emphasized that participants study regions and subjects for which data have gaps. Colleagues present at the workshop could likely fill many of the existing gaps if all made their data accessible on the GCOOS Data Portal€"it would be a large-scale regional water quality database.
- There was discussion about how to fix issues on the portal if problems are corrected in-house after information is pushed to the GCOOS site. The consensus was that there are currently no automated updates to correct for bad data. However, these could be tracked in the database and fixed manually once tagged. Howard stated that National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) currently turns off a data channel if bad data are received and then sends a report to notify the provider.
- Because many of the data providers have different data objectives, there is the issue of merging multiple data sets. Minimum data and metadata requirements are needed for the future if there is to be adequate precision and accuracy to make data comparable once integrated. Despite use of different equipment, there needs to be quality parameters for data providers.
- Barbara Kirkpatrick, MML, inquired how participating programs determine if people are satisfied with their data products and asked what drives the monitoring strategies. Jon Perry responded that customer needs typically guide the monitoring plans, though few formal assessments have been conducted. Some programs have a Board of Directors to guide development of their monitoring implementation plan.
Next Steps and Benefits of Partnering with GCOOS
- There is a tremendous amount of water quality data being collected in the Southwest Florida region in a conscientious way. The best path forward requires the group to identify what data should be shared (i.e., are needed by users). Then, the GCOOS portal can be developed to facilitate data use and create layers to compare data from multiple sources. Because the GCOOS-RA has limited human and financial resources, a decision has to be made about how far upstream into the estuaries data will be included.
- One benefit of partnering with GCOOS, as stated by Alex Rybak, is that when providers apply for federal grants, they have to describe ways they will share data. The easiest and fastest way to share is to work with GCOOS.
- An interesting area of possible collaboration is for the data providers to pool resources to gain telemetry capabilities. Eric Milbrandt stated that there might be opportunities to share Blue Tooth costs to telemeter from buoy to dock. A partnership between Charlotte Harbor and USGS was used as an example. This economy of scale might help alleviate the obstacle of no modem for many of the participants. It could also reduce program costs if less frequent field work is needed to access data loggers.
- Eric Milbrandt expressed the need for understanding regional patterns. Looking at trends in data, salinity contour maps, and HAB event maps on a regional scale drives SCCF needs. The capability to make regional maps would be a valuable asset on the portal.
- Meeting participants requested that GCOOS host a web page on the website for the Southwest Florida Water Quality data providers.
Appendix 1: Names and Affiliations of Attendees
|Kristie Anders
|Lisa Beever
|Melynda Brown
|DEP Charlotte Harbor AP
|Cheryl Clark
|Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
|Alina Corcoran
|Claude Crawford
|Julie Drevenkar
|Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
|Bridgette Froeshke
|Christina Panko Graff
|Rookery Bay NERR
|Matt Howard
|Keith Kibbey
|Lee City
|Barbara Kirkpatrick
|Mote Marine Lab
|Gary Kirkpatrick
|Mote Marine Lab
|Ray Leary
|Jay Leverone
|Barbara Linstrom
|AJ Martignette
|Eric Milbrandt
|Worth Nowlin
|Eduardo Patino
|John Perry
|Sarasota County
|Erin Rasnake
|FDEP South
|Alex Rybak
|Jason Scolaro
|USF Water Atlas
|Chris Simoniello
|Lars Soderquist
|Jennifer Thera
|FDEP South
|Lindsey Visser
|Li Zhang
|FGCU Wetland Center
Appendix 2: Final Agenda for SCCF-hosted New Data Providers Workshop
Regional Southwest Florida Workshop for Potential Data Providers to the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS)
Objective: To identify water quality monitoring programs and organizaitons in Southwest Florida, introduce them to GCOOS, and to invite them to partner with GCOOS as data providers.
Time & Location: Thursday, June 28, 2012, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Nature Center Conference Room, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957
|Registration & coffee
|Welcome to SCCF'S Nature Center, Mr. Erick Lindblad, Executive Director
|Dr. Worth Nowlin (GCOOS Board): Introduction to GCOOS and benefits of data sharing through GCOOS
|Dr. Matthew K. Howard (GCOOS Data Portal lead): Development and operation of the GCOOS Data Portal
|7-minute presentations from invited organizations: What is being observed?
|Lunch (provided) with invited speaker – Gary Kirkpatrick: Mote Lab and USF's plan to link gliders data to the GCOOS Portal during a red tide monitoring mission
|7-minute presentations from invited organizations: What is being observed?
|Discussion and questions
|Matthew Howard: Next Steps for new data providers


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I am not a statistician. Though I studied statistics at university, it was a very long time ago. Further, I know very little, beyond what is mentioned in this post, about standardised testing. I'm probably not using the correct terms when I speak about test errors. Read everything below with a critical eye, and take my claims with a grain of salt… and sorry for the typos, at the end of writing I just wanted to push "publish."
Time to read: 11 minutes
Part of my job at school this year has been looking at NAPLAN data. This isn't something that anyone really wants to do. This is post is about what I've discovered. I'm using dummy data for privacy reasons, yet all findings mentioned in this post is in line with what I found using data from my school.
People more qualified than me have written about the limitations of NAPLAN, in particular Margaret Wu, who makes it clear:
Still, it is hard for many school leaders to understand what this means for their yearly NAPLAN data, and even harder to communicate to other stakeholders. As such, I created a tool that allows school leaders and data nuts to visualise how NAPLAN errors our data.
Major Types of Errors
There are two types of major errors which hang ever present over NAPLAN data 1) student error, and 2) test extrapolation error.
Student Error
Student error acknowledges the fact that if a student gets 18 out of 25 in a spelling test this week, that doesn't mean that they'll get 18 out of 25 in a spelling test next, or the week after that, and so on. Of course, we wouldn't expect someone who gets 18/25 to get 2/25 the next week either. So we know it is a predictor. Wu suggests +/- 12.5% is a good guide. Which means that our student who this week spelt 18/25 words correctly will probably get 15 to 21 words correct next week. Student error acknowledges that students sometimes make silly mistakes, and also, sometimes they get lucky and answer a question correctly that they usually wouldn't.
Test Extrapolation Error
The second error accounts for the ability of the test to accurately represent the development that it is seeking to assess. Take for example, NAPLAN's 2017 Year 3 spelling test.
In this test there were 26 questions. If you answer zero out of 26 correctly you are in band 1. If you answered any question correctly, you are in band 2 or higher. In fact, 3 questions cover the entire band 2, 6 cover band 3, 5 cover band 4, 5 cover band 5, and 8 further questions cover bands 6 and above. Given that each band is supposed to represent a year's worth of learning, how well can 3, 4 or 5 questions (in the case of bands 2, 3, 4, and 5) represent all the words that students in these bands should know? How well does each of these words, represent 20% of the total words of bands 4 or 5? Can we really believe the test can determine that a student who answers two of the five band 4 words correctly knows about 40% of the band 4 words?
Of course, this is assuming NAPLAN's tests have increase in linear difficultly where once students encounter a word they cannot spell they cannot correctly answer any of the harder words in the test. In this year's spelling test this could not be further from the truth.
As part of our toolkit for analysing NAPLAN data, we were provided a spreadsheet with the test questions ranked in order of difficulty. We were also provided with the state percentage correct for each test question. For the spelling tests in years 3 and 5 (I didn't check years 7 and 9), what NAPLAN believed was the order of difficultly did not correlate with the perceived linear difficultly of the words. For example, when tested while 91% of the state correctly answered the first and third easier questions, only 56% of state correctly answered what was considered to be the second easiest question!
In fact, according to Victorian state averages, band two contained the first, third and seventh hardest words. Band 3 which is supposed to have the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th hardest words, in fact contained the 4th, 10th, 14th and 16th hardest words. And, rather than the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th hardest words, band 4 contained the 2nd, 8th, 15th, 20th and 21st hardest words. Therefore, a student who is identified in band 2, having only been able to answer the three easiest question, may in all likelihood have answered what was perceived to have been the hardest question in band 3!
It is true that actual difficultly and perceived difficultly in numeracy, reading and grammar line up much more accurately than spelling in the NAPLAN. Yet, none of these anywhere close to being accurate to the point where a question can pinpoint a specific point in a student's development.
The test extrapolation error therefore describes the difference between the test and reality. How well can the test, and in NAPLAN's case maybe only three or four questions represent a student's actual development?
When accounting for the these two errors it is clear that an individual student's NAPLAN score is an approximation of the student's development. How accurate an approximation is open to debate.
NAPLAN uses scaled scores to convert, in the case of the 2017 year 3 spelling test, into NAPLAN bands. A scaled score of between 0 and 270 places a student in Band 1, a scaled score of between 271 and 322 places the student in Band 2, and so on with each subsequent band, up to Band 9, comprising 52 points. Twelve correct answers in a test doesn't place a student in the same band. Each and every test is scaled differently with the raw score in a test is uniquely converted to the scaled score.
ACARA publish equivalence tables each year, apparently the 2o17 tables are due out in December, which show how the raw score (number of correct answers) is translated into a NAPLAN band for each test. As you can see the 2016 year 3 spelling test was scored a bit differently to the 2017 test, with a student needing three correct answers to achieve band 2.
What is not apparent, that while the scaled scores are precise to five decimal places, students cannot get any score, instead they get the score that corresponds with their raw score. In the case of the above table, two students with raw scores of 3 and 4, are given scaled scores of 296.25472 and 316.08247 respectively. There is no way to achieve a score between these two points. Considering that this equates to 20 points and a year's worth of learning is 52 points, NAPLAN cannot, and is not, precise. For those who believe NAPLAN can show learning to a year or months, this gap of 20 points is a gap of 4.6 months! Hardly precise.
It is true, that in the middle the equivalences tables, each question usually has a scaled score gap of 9 or 10 points. Though this still equates to two to three month increments, even if we believe their aren't any student errors or extrapolation errors.
Let's look further at the table.
I'm going to leave most of data in this table to the real statisticians, but I will focus on Scale SE column. NAPLAN defines a scaled standard error for each scaled score. In the table above, you can see a raw score of zero, translates to a scaled score of 182.95034 with a scale standard error of 61.60665. The scale standard errors, quickly reduce from this high of 61 to 36, then 30, and for many of the tests become as low as 20 or 21.
ACARA does not, anywhere that I can find, communicate what the scale standard error is compensating for, though, I would assume that it is an attempt to allow for the test extrapolation error. They do, though make it clear, in some documents, that the scale standard error correlates to a single standard deviation. Which means that there is a 68% likelihood that a student's development falls within 1 standard deviations of the scaled score, a 90% likelihood within 1.64 standard deviations, 95% likelihood within 1.96 standard deviations.
If we assume that this error is normally distributed, then a student with raw score of 4 in the 2016 year 3 spelling test, would be 68% likely to have a NAPLAN score between 291 and 251. They would be 90% likely to have a NAPLAN score between 275 and 257, which is just under two NAPLAN years difference. And, 95% to have a NAPLAN score between 267 and 365, a difference of 98 NAPLAN points or nearly two NAPLAN years!
Visualising NAPLAN Errors
Take, for example, a fictitious student who had a raw score of 14 on the 2015 year 3 reading test. I'm using 2015 as a example, because later I'll look at relative growth, between a student who sat the year 3 test in 2015, and the year 5 test in 2017.
This score of 14 rounds to a scaled score of 310 (band 2), with a scale standard error of 26.42. Remember band 2 begins at 270 and ends at 322. Using NAPLAN's scaled score and scale standard error, I randomly generated 10,000 scores within the normal distribution, in order to see the range of possibilities and their likelihood. This is the result, the last found columns show bands 1 to 4, with the green highlight indicating the band that NAPLAN places the student in. Note: The code also highlights in orange when probabilities are greater than 20%, an arbitrary decision.
With an initial raw score of 310, it is unsurprisingly, most likely (61%) that the student is in band 2. However, as the student sits close to the top of band 3 (310 as opposed to 322) there is also a 32% chance they might be actually be in band 3. There is also a small chance, that they are also in bands 1 (7%) or 4 (1%)!
What about a student that sits just in band 3? In the same test if a student has a raw score of 15 they will be allocated a scaled score of 323.23804, 13 more NAPLAN points that a student (a quarter of a NAPLAN year) than the student with a raw score of 14. Random sampling 10,000 times suggests a 50% likelihood that a student just in the band, by 1.23804 points, is in actually in that band.
There is around a 46% probability that the student is in the band (band 2) below, and again a small chance that the student is actually in band 1 (2%) or band 4 (2%).
The probabilities of a student who sits in the middle of band 2 (297 points), looks like this:
Much more likely, 67% to be in the band than the students on the edge of the band, but also quite likely 15% and 17% that they are in the bands below or above. As such, it is relatively easy to imagine how likely an individual student's results are accurate. NAPLAN's rule of thumb, as we're using their errors, might be, if a student sits in the middle of the band then there is about a two in three chance that they've been place in the correct band, if they are on the edge it is about 1 in 2.
And, in a cohort of 20, 30, 50, or more students, that is a lot of students who are probably placed in the wrong band.
ACARA would probably argue that in writing and spelling unlike reading and numeracy, the scale standard errors, in the middle of the table, are around 19 not 25. Yet, even then this only appears to increase the accuracy by about 4%.
What if NAPLAN underestimates the test error?
I wanted to explore who bigger errors effect NAPLAN's results, as personally I'm sceptical that 25 scale standard error points are enough to adequately account for all of the errors in this type of test. As I discussed in the first section of this post.
The three fictitious students we are following are shown below with their relative probabilities based on the official NAPLAN errors.
If the standard error is increased by 10 (see table below), the confidence that the bands are accurate, drops considerably. For the student in the middle of band, from 66% to 52%, for the student just in the band from 49% to 44%, and for the student near the top of the band, from 49% to 40%.
When the test is increased by a further 10 points, to 20 points the results for these three students are:
And, a further 10 points, taking the errors to a bit more than a full NAPLAN year.
If NAPLAN's scale standard errors are accurate, then the results at the single student level are really only a guide, with a best being a two in three chance of placing the student in their actual band. Yet, if these standard errors, which are usually around the number of points that equates to two questions, are underestimated then the accuracy of NAPLAN is even worse.
When considering 1) the simple errors (or correct guesses) that a student might make in the test, and 2) the ability for 3, 4 or 5 questions to test and assess a whole band's learning, are we satisfied that a scaled error of 19 to 26 accounts for these? If NAPLAN published their research maybe we would be able to more accurately assess these questions, but until then I, for one, am highly sceptical.
Understanding Relative Growth
One of the measures that many Victorian schools are being encouraged to include in their four year strategic plans are NAPLAN relative growth measures. But can they be trusted?
NAPLAN describes relative growth as such:
The above table seems to suggest that relative growth is understood as being relative to a student's prior performance NAPLAN. Yet, in reality relative growth is concerned with a student's performance relative to other students. The points range is dependent on the actual scores of the students and differs from test to test, and question to question.
NAPLAN relative growth compares a student's improvement in NAPLAN over a two year period. To do so, a student is compared with all other students who obtained the same raw scores two years prior. For example, a student with a raw score of 14 in the year three reading test is compared with all of the other students who also scored 14 in the same test. The scores from this group in the test two years later, are analysed to determine the raw scores that correlated with the bottom 25% and the top 25%. The students who score below the 25% mark are determined to have produced low growth, the students above the 75% mark are determined to have high growth, and the students between the marks are determined to have produced average growth.
NAPLAN does not release the 25% and 75% for each question, however they can be somewhat reverse engineered based on the reports they data they do release to schools. For reading year 3 2015 to year 5 2017, the relative growth looks something like this, based on the data I obtained from my school, using data from 59 students, and no doubt is not 100% accurate. Note: the students placed below are dummy data.
In the above table, low growth is shown in red, average growth in yellow, and high growth in green. The y-axis show the raw scores and bands for the year 3 test, and the x-axis shows the year 5 test raw scores and bands.
As with the indicative NAPLAN table, it is clear that the range of scores for average growth narrows as the raw scores increase. A student with a raw score of 14 in year 3 needs a raw score of between 12 and 20 to have average growth, and a raw score of 21 or more to produce high growth. As such, for students with lower scores in the year 3 test, the range of subsequent scores for the students with average growth is about nine questions.
Another student who has a raw score of 35 in year 3, needs a raw score between 32 and 36 to produce average growth, and 37 or higher to produce high growth. That is, 50% of all students who scored in 35 in the year 3 test, score in the range of 32 to 36, a five question spread, in the year five test. This average range which can be as narrow as four or five questions for higher performing students, make relative growth a worrisome measure for school effectiveness, especially when we factor in the errors previously discussed.
Let's now look at how relative growth applies to our three example students. In 2015, they sat the year 3 reading test and their results and probabilities are shown below.
In 2017, they sat the year 5 reading test and their results and probabilities are shown below.
In the table below, our three fictitious, example students were:
1. Jane Smith, who had a raw score of 13 in year 3, and 10 in year 5, resulting in her being categorised as having low growth.
2. Kristi Lidija, who had a raw score of 14 in year 3, and 14 in year 5, resulting in her being categorised as having average growth.
3. John James, who had a raw score of 15 in year 3, and 21 in year 5, resulting in him being categorised as having average growth.
Note: As ACARA doesn't publish these figures, I can only guess where the 25% and 75% marks sit. For example, I reasonably confident that the 25% mark for year 3 raw score of 14 is that a year 5 raw score of 11 is low growth, while a year 5 raw score of 12 is average growth. However, I've had to guess the scale scores (based on previous year's data) and I estimate they are about 12 NAPLAN points apart. Is the 25% mark half way between these two scaled scores? Who knows? All these educated guesses, make the following probabilities only estimates.
We can see in the above table that all three students sit close to edge of the ranges, in my school's real data this was very much the case. This is also more likely for students in the higher bands where the average range can narrow to only four or five question, as described at the start of this section.
In the case of the student with low growth, we can see below, that the probability that they are correctly identified as low growth is approximately 62%. If this student had answered one less question correctly in the year 3 test, or one more question correct in the year 5 test, then they would have be categorised as having average growth. As per the previous examples, these probabilities have been calculated by random sampling.
Similarly to students who scaled scores are next to the band limits. Students whose relative growth places them next to limit, results in probabilities around 50%.
In practice, NAPLAN relative growth is a so unreliable that I cannot believe that it is a suitable measure and I would personally discourage anyone from using it. The narrow range of questions that define average growth, compounded by the error inherent to NAPLAN's testing method make it an extremely unreliable measure.
Note: The code I use only has relative growth limits for reading 2015 year 3 to 2017 year 5, as it is time consuming to reverse engineer. I also use another method, but this method is much less reliable. Hence the different results when you use the two relative growth reports in my code.
Five-Year Trend Analysis
I actually started my NAPLAN journey looking at the five year trend analysis. The code needs to run on a server and is much less user friendly, so I haven't released it as yet. My findings suggest that five year trends are more accurate than other NAPLAN data, but at the most they in the ball park of around 80% accurate in accurately predicting the trajectory of the graph from year to year. Over the summer, I seek to include this into the code base and update this post.
A demo of the code used in this project can be found at:
The code can be downloaded at:
Any comments, corrections and suggestions are appreciated.