Breaking News and Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » From the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs: "Identifying and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resource for School and Home" - (PDF; size=421k) Includes legal requirements..."An educational evaluation also includes an assessment of the child's productivity in completing class work and other academic assignments. It is important to collect information about the percentage of work completed as well as the accuracy of the work. The productivity of the child with ADHD can be compared to the productivity of other children in the class."

Breaking News and Community Living » MI Thumb Area Seeking to Establish a Regional Interagency Coordinating Council to Promote Inclusion of Disabled Residents - For the second time in three months, a Huron County group of citizens met to create a local Regional Interagency Coordinating Committee (RICC). Primarily, the group came to receive input from Terry Hunt and Angela Hoff. Hunt is a representative of the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC). Hoff is a representative of the Blue Water Center for Independent Living (BWCIL).

Upcoming Events » MI FAS/FASD Resource & Support Workshop (Ongoing; once a month) at 31900 Utica Road, Fraser, MI 48026. Join other families that are caring for loved ones with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Each month we will discuss resources in our community. Contact Shelly L. Bania at CARE (Community Assessment Referral Education) sbania@careofmacomb.com for more details.

Breaking News » MI Freeze It For The Kids - Gov. Jennifer Granholm's office is shopping around the idea of pausing the scheduled .10 percent cut in the income tax with the $115 million in projected savings going toward softening the scheduled K-12 budget cuts.

Breaking News » MI Department of Education To Partner on NCLB Requirements - As reported in the Nov. 19 edition of MIRS, the State Board of Education today voted unanimously to have the Department of Education enter into a partnership with outside experts to help ensure that Michigan meets the benchmarks set forth in the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.

Breaking News » MI ED Yes Report Cards Delayed Until January 30 and Other Action From 11/20 Meeting of Michigan State Board of Education - After being inundated with appeals of grades proposed under the Education YES! accreditation system, the Department of Education has put off public release of those report cards until the end of January.

11-20-03

Breaking News » MI Death Probe Frustrates Mom - Portage woman seeks answers about restraint of son at Parchment school. Nearly three months after the death of her son at Parchment High School, Elizabeth Johnson is searching for answers. She doesn't know the cause of his death. She hasn't been told the details of what happened. She doesn't know for sure how or why her son was physically restrained by school staff, or why medical personnel weren't called sooner. Today would have been the 16th birthday of Michael Renner-Lewis III. Instead of celebrating, the Portage mother is filled with frustration at police and school officials as the investigation into the boy's death continues.

Breaking News and Disability Info - Autism » U.S. Government Mapping Out a Strategy to Fight Autism - Propelled by the skyrocketing number of diagnoses of the perplexing brain disorder autism in children, federal officials have for the first time mapped out a long-term, interagency plan to deal with the problem. The plan includes objectives like the development of teaching methods that will allow 90 percent of autistic children to speak; the identification of genetic and non-genetic causes of the condition; and adequate services for all afflicted children in the next 7 to 10 years.

Breaking News and Insurance » MI Blues Praised for MICHiLD Support - Insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has entered into a two-year partnership with the state to fund the MIChild program for uninsured children. More than 34,000 children are currently enrolled in the health insurance program, which is designed for uninsured children of working families. The program typically covers checkups, immunizations, pharmacy, dental, hospital and emergency care, prenatal care and delivery, vision, hearing, mental health and substance abuse services. The partnership will be worth $33 million over the next two years. It will allow the program to continue in its current form, in which qualifying families pay a monthly premium of $5 for their child's health insurance with no additional co-pays or deductibles. [Source: Gongwer]

Breaking News » MI Forum Gets Earful From Youth; Safety, Education are Among Top Concerns - The Detroit Free Press and the Skillman Foundation brought together 100 community leaders, teenagers and others Saturday to discuss the most pressing needs of southeast Michigan youth -- and did they get an earful.

Breaking News » MI Report Calls For Increasing School Taxes - Proposal A of 1994 left school funding to the whims of the economy and is short-changing some schools, particularly those with falling enrollment, according to a report from the Education Policy Center at Michigan State University.

Breaking News » MI Researchers Suggest Property Tax Hike to Keep Current School Funding Levels - Michigan Chamber Calls it a "Nutty" Idea - A pair of Michigan State University researchers suggested today that a two mill property tax increase would protect the $6,700 per pupil funding level through the current budget crisis by eliminating the School Aid Fund’s reliance on the General Fund.  

Breaking News » MI Mayor Proposes Major Changes For Detroit Schools - In a blunt speech Tuesday evening to Detroiters outlining 40 years of failed management of the Detroit Public Schools, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick unveiled a proposal to restore an elected board for the district while more clearly placing the mayor's office in charge of education.

Breaking News » MI 03-04 Budget Deal: Will it Include Cutting School Aid Categoricals? - A deal to complete budgetary cuts and changes to the 2003-04 budget may be reached quickly, a number of sources indicated Wednesday, and part of the impetus for a fast resolution may be the looming problems of the 2004-05 budget. Before that budget is even drafted, officials in the administration of Governor Jennifer Granholm indicated to lawmakers that there could be base adjustments-i.e. cuts-in programs of nearly another $700 million. The Wednesday Michigan Report should have indicated that the Michigan Association of School Boards would be willing to look at categoricals including hold harmless funding as part of the 2004-05 school aid budget negotiations, but would not be willing to consider any proposal that would recapture fund balances from school districts as a means to balance the budget.

Breaking News » MI Michigan Department of Ed. Preps For NCLB - "I brag on you everywhere. Michigan is getting it right." Sandy Kress, former education advisor to President George W. Bush and co-author of the No Child Left Behind Act.

11-19-03

Upcoming Events » MI The Grand Ledge Sun Theatre Presents: "Brother Bear" - A private movie screening for children with Autism or special needs, their families, and caregivers. Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 1:00pm at the Grand Ledge Sun Theatre in downtown Grand Ledge, 316 S. Bridge Street, Grand Ledge, MI. As always, the lights will be a bit brighter, the sound a bit lower, and no need to worry about kids who need to move around or make some noise, etc. (Email if you need better directions). Admission for the show is $3.00.  Grand Ledge is approximately, 1 hour from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Jackson, Flint and Brighton just west of Lansing. For more information contact Colleen Tinsey, 517-622-1959, ctinsey@att.net.

11-18-03

Upcoming Events » MI “Putting The Pieces Together” Conference Series will take place on February 26-27, 2004 at the Midland Holiday Inn, Midland, MI. Featuring Laura Barker, MS, OTR “Sensory Processing-Making Connections” and Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP “Visual Strategies for Improving Communication and Behavior”. Additional information can be viewed at http://www.mcesa.k12.mi.us.
 

11-17-03

Breaking News » MI Mental Health Program is Model For Nation - When Aaron Cook-Garmyn grows up he wants to be a scientist and discover cures for all the world's diseases. While he's at it, he'd also like to invent a snake, a really nice one that eats only vegetation. Aaron is smart, with an IQ of 146 -- just below genius level. But the 14-year-old struggles with obsessive-compulsive traits, like picking at his fingers incessantly. He's been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and has anxiety to the point of once refusing to go outside for the summer for fear a bee would sting him. He can be prone to angry outbursts. He's suffered severe depression.

Breaking News » U.S. Internships for Students with Disabilities - Having a meaningful summer internship is a key factor in successful transition from college to employment. Having a network of contacts to open doors to opportunities is another. The Emerging Leaders internship program for students with disabilities offers both advantages.

Breaking News » MI Put to the Test: Requirements For Teachers' Assistants to Change - School workers who help the neediest students are frustrated, angry and insulted by new demands that force them to prove they are qualified to do their jobs.

11-16-03

Child Care » New Section Added: (Michigan) Licensing, Provider Info, Resources & Start-up Info

Upcoming Events » MI Applying Behavioral Principles to Every-Day Life - This is a 5-week series. All participants must attend the 1st workshop. Week #1: An Introduction to Applied Behavioral Analysis on February 5, 2004; Week #2: Working Through Difficult Behavior at Home & in the Community on February 12, 2004; Week #3: Parenting a Special Needs Child – Coping and Support Strategies on February 19, 2004; Week #4: Overcoming Issues Related to Eating on February 26, 2004; Week #5: Developing an Individualized Toilet-Training Plan on February 28, 2004 (Plymouth, Michigan) For more information call 734-454-0866 or visit http://www.sphlangsys.com.

11-15-03

Bella's List of Michigan Disability/Special Ed/Special Needs Listservs (A-Z) » Page updated.

Upcoming Events » MI OCC/ASA Social Group for Adults in the Autism Spectrum "After Hours" will take place on the 1st Thursday of the the Month from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. at Castle Gardens Condos Clubhouse, 30217 Utica Rd, Roseville, MI 48066. Those 21 years and over with HFA, Asperger's or PDD/NOS are invited to the monthly social outings. Details can be obtained by phoning the OCC/ASA chapter line at (248) 393-3131.

Upcoming Events » MI OCC/ASA Social Skills for Adults in the Autism Spectrum "9 to 5" will take place on the 3rd Thursday of the the Month from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. at the Bloomfield Hills Public Library on Lone Pine/Telegraph. Focuses on addressing the social skills needed on the job or in relationships. Most "9 to 5" meetings are scheduled at the Bloomfield Township Public Library. Space is limited to 18 participants 21 years and older. Please call the OCC/ASA chapter line at (248) 393-3131 for more information.

11-14-03

No Child Left Behind » Policy: Supplemental Educational Services Guidance (Word) - Guidance on supplemental educational services, which refer to additional academic instruction designed to increase the academic achievement of students in low-performing schools.
 

No Child Left Behind » Policy: Charter School Program Guidance (Word) - Non-regulatory guidance addressing questions the U.S. Department of Education has received regarding various provisions of the Charter Schools Program statute, including those related to student admissions to charter schools, the use of lotteries, private school conversions, and the involvement of for-profit organizations in charter schools.

11-13-03

Breaking News » MI Advocates Urge Shifting Some Nursing Patients to In-home Care - The Granholm administration's 10 percent cuts to the Medicaid home care program could be prevented by instead moving 14,025 nursing home patients with no intensive care needs to community-based care, an advocacy group said Wednesday. The Olmstead Coalition, an organization of senior and disability rights groups, briefed a number of legislators during the day on their proposal, which they said would save $512 million. The group said in-home care costs about $46 per day per person compared to $100 per day per person. The administration has indicated it was moving away from its proposal after vigorous public comment against it. [Source: Gongwer]

Breaking News » MI Michigan News November 12, 2003 - Michigan House OKs Exempting Nonviolent Minors From Sex Offender List - Most minors convicted of having underage consensual sex would no longer be required to have their names listed on the state's sex offender registry under legislation unanimously passed Wednesday by the House. Michigan Senate OKs Jail Options for Drunken Minors - Underage persons who consume alcoholic beverages would face potential jail time for repeat offenses and charges could be based not just on possession of beverages but detectable amounts of alcohol in the body under a bill that won passage Wednesday by the Senate. MEA and Michigan Chamber Agree on Use of School Rainy Day Funds - The Michigan Education Association and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce can hardly be described as political soul mates, but on the issue of spending down some of the reserves in some school Rainy Day funds, the two groups appear to be on the same page.

Disability Info - Visually Impaired (VI) and Community Living » New Video Releases with Descriptive Narration from DVS Home Video - DVS Home Video®, an initiative of the Media Access Group at WGBH, announces the availability of six new film titles on home video-fully described for viewers who are blind or visually impaired. These feature films, available to order November 24, include Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Seabiscuit, Matrix: Reloaded, Bruce Almighty and The Lion King-Special Platinum Edition.
 

Literacy and Disability Info - Learning Disability (LD) » Featured Website: Scientific Learning: A new way to learn - The Fast ForWord family of products develops the critical thinking, listening, and reading skills that are necessary for success in the classroom, the workplace and in everyday life. The Fast ForWord family of products use neuroscience principles to create an optimal learning environment that enables you to: Simultaneously develop multiple skill sets to maximize learning, Identify reading and language difficulties, and Attack the underlying causes of these difficulties.

11-12-03

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. Wrightslaw Explains Reading and No Child Left Behind - Because two-thirds of students are not proficient readers when they graduate from high school, No Child Left Behind focuses on teaching children to read.

Breaking News and Parenting » Featured Website: Early Childhood Links

11-11-03

Breaking News » My Brother's Keeper - In thousands of families, an emerging generation must care for a disabled sibling when parents are no longer able. Even when they were ailing, Betty and Alvin Ford refused to talk about their son's future. So when the elderly Mount Washington couple died - little more than a year apart - all responsibility for David Ford fell on his sister's shoulders.

Ask the Attorney » Question: The local school district recently certified my children as learning disabled. In my opinion, my children do not require direct special education instruction or support services. What they do require is just a few basic accommodations to be successful in a regular education setting. That would include such accommodations as extended time on testing, extended due dates on written assignments, etc. The school district has refused to create a §504 Plan, and will not even meet with me to discuss §504. They tell me that as my children are eligible for special education that all services and accommodations must come to them via their IEP. My question is “are my children entitled to separate §504 plans?” Answer: Click here to see John's Answer.

Breaking News » MI Oakland Schools Probed - Sitting at her dining room table surrounded by stacks of documents, Ruth Johnson is fast on the paper trail. For the last nine months, Johnson, a state representative from Holly, has spent hundreds of hours day and night trying to understand the inner workings of a bureaucracy like the Oakland Intermediate School District, how it spends a $240 million budget and why, in Johnson's words, it wastes so much taxpayer money.

Study Topics » Spelling Resource: A free course for spelling help - This free, thirty unit spelling course has been made available courtesy of Marie Rackham, author and producer. She worked as a public school teacher for thirty-four years, teaching at all levels from kindergarten to grade twelve.

11-10-03

Disability Info - Depression » Topic Completed.

Upcoming Events » "Asperger’s Syndrome & Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children & Adolescents" will take place on December 11, 2003 in Grand Rapids, MI and December 12, 2003 in Livonia.  Topics include Autism Spectrum And Pervasive Developmental Disorders (Pdd): An Overview, Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), Subcategories Of Related Conditions: Review And Comparison, AS & Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Strengths And Challenges, Behavioral management Strategies: An Overview Of Effective Interventions, Coordinating Support Systems: Integrating Community Services. For more information visit http://www.health-ed.com/Michigan/MIaspergers.htm.

11-09-03

Miscellaneous resources added.

11-08-03

Upcoming Events » Free Webcast: "Transitions: Managing Change Through and After School" will take place on December 1-5, 2003. Facilitators will provide resources, ideas, and strategies for managing the transition from school. For more information, log onto www.inclusiveschools.org or just join the discussion on the same website anytime between December 1-5, 2003.

Upcoming Events » Free Web Forum: "Supported Literacy Learning: Children with Disabilities and Others Who Need Help," an online forum for educators and families, will take place on November 17-21, 2003. For more information, log onto www.inclusiveschools.org or just join the discussion on the same website anytime between November 17-21, 2003.

Upcoming Events » Telephone Seminar: "Building Reciprocal Relationships with Families: Accountability, Personalism, and Culture in Special Education" will take place on December 1, 2003 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. (EST). This telephone seminar will focus on the challenge of building personalized, reciprocal relationships with families of children in the special ed system. For more information or to register, click here.
 
11-07-03

Breaking News, IEP Issues - Testing, and No Child Left Behind » The Special Ed Dilemma - Advocates say holding special ed kids to the same standards as everybody else is a step forward, but critics say it makes no sense. It produces dumbfounded stares and sighs of frustration. Yes, special education students now have to take regular tests. And the kicker? They are expected to do just as well as students without the same problems.

Breaking News and General Ed Reform - Leadership » Guiding Principles for Principal Professional Development - "E-Lead," a free website resource dedicated to providing states and districts with guidance about and information on the professional development of school principals, was launched through the partnership of the Laboratory for Student Success and the Institute for Educational Leadership. [Source: PEN]

Breaking News » MI Commentary: Family Friendly Jury Duty Bill in Michigan House Judiciary Committee - House Bill 4455 (permitting full- and part-time parents and guardians of children under the age of 4 who care for the child at home at least 20 hours, Monday through Friday, 9 - 5 the OPTION to defer jury duty) is currently under advisement in the House Judiciary Committee.

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » Great Resource: A Translation Guide to Education Jargon - Here's a sentence somebody might say these days in a school near you: "Now that we have to disaggregate scores on a CRT, I don't see how Title I kids are going to make AYP." If you understood that, face it: You're a hopeless education nerd. But parents and other people interested in schools need to recognize some of the jargon common in a discussion about the No Child Left Behind education law.

Breaking News » MI Cut Means 2.9 Percent Less For Schools - School administrators should begin making plans for a $196 reduction in their state per pupil foundation grant of $6,700 per student under a process kicked into gear today by the Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM administration.

Breaking News » MI 'Jail For MIPs' Bill Smoothed Out - A controversial bill that gives judges the option of sentencing jail time for young adults twice convicted of minor in possession of alcohol (MIP) won over some previously skittish lawmakers after it was changed to allow jail time only for those youths who violate their probation.

Breaking News » MI Michigan House Panel Holds Teacher Development Bill - Objections from major education groups may have at least temporarily held off an end to teacher professional development requirements. House Education Committee Chair Brian Palmer had planned Thursday to report SB 366, but instead held off action until next week, saying some members needed further education on the value of the measure.

Breaking News » MI Senate OKs No Grade for Lost MEAP Tests - If the Michigan Educational Assessment Program test sheets for a school were lost, then no accreditation grade could be given that school under a bill passed unanimously Thursday by the Senate.

Breaking News » FL Florida Is First State to Receive Education Flexibility - Florida has been approved under the new State Flexibility Authority Program, making it the first state able to consolidate certain federal formula funds to use as they deem appropriate for state-level priorities, in exchange for increased accountability for student academic progress.

IEP Issues - Transition » Guide for Employing People with Disabilities - In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ED released a guidebook suggesting ways that businesses can find qualified workers with disabilities, put disability & employment research into practice, & learn from successes in integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce.
 

Upcoming Events » MI Autism: One Family's Response will take place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on November 13, 2003. For more information call (734) 434-4215 or visit http://community.mlive.com/cc/wacc.

Upcoming Events » TV & Webcast: Education Beyond High School will take place on November 18, 2003 from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. (EST). What kinds of postsecondary options are available? What types of courses should students take at the middle & high school level to prepare for postsecondary education? These are among the questions to be addressed in "Education Beyond High School: Preparing Academically & Financially." For more information, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/index.html.

Upcoming Events » MI Anger Management for Students Ages 15-18 will take place on November 12th, 19th and 26th and December 3rd, 10th, and 17th from 6:00-7:30 PM at CARE, 31900 Utica Rd., Fraser, MI 48026. Call 586-541-0033 to pre-register or for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Luncheon Lecture Series "Helping Children and Families Cope with Special Challenges" will take place at the Multi Media Conference Room, Balas II Building, 2725 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, MI.  Dates and topics vary: November 13, 2003 from 12 Noon - 2 PM: “Autism: One Family's Response” with Ann Telfer; February 18, 2004 from 12 Noon - 2 PM: “Oppositional Defiant Disorder” with Dushyant Trivedi, M.D.; March 18, 2004 from 12 Noon - 2 PM: “Depression in Children and Adolescents” with Anne Kramer. Contact 734-434-4215 or visit http://community.mlive.com/cc/wacc?display=sched for more information.
 

11-06-03

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Testing/MEAP » MI High School MEAP Results Not Pretty - Maybe Michigan's public high schools would have preferred the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) test results for public high schools had stayed lost. The data that was released was not flattering.

 
Breaking News » MI Joint Adult Ed Committee Formed - The legislature is launching a new bi-partisan, bi-cameral blue ribbon committee on how the state's adult education system can be restructured to survive the $60 million cut it shouldered during the last round of budget talks.

 
Breaking News » MI Michigan School Pro-Ration Notice Expected; M.E.A Opposes Cuts - Michigan's K-12 schools are expected to be notified by the Granholm administration on Thursday of a $349.7 million proration cut in their state aid allotments for the current year, worth about $200 per pupil, sources said Wednesday. That will begin a 30-day time period for the Legislature to consider alternatives or means to mitigate the reduction.

11-05-03

Breaking News » MI Congratulations First Call Ottawa - Michigan's 4th 2-1-1 Call Center! - The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today designated First Call of Ottawa County as the 2-1-1 community resource information and referral answering point for Ottawa County. Congratulations to the whole staff of First Call of Ottawa County for leading 2-1-1 in your community and Michigan.

Professional Development » Attention 9^th - 12^th Grade Teachers: Professional Development Opportunity - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. offers a fully funded study program in Japan. Secondary school teachers (grades 9-12) from Alabama, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Texas and West Virginia - states where Toyota operates major facilities - will be selected to travel to Japan in 2004 to learn first-hand about education, culture, environment and technology and how these affect industry and society. Deadline for applications is January 12, 2004.

Breaking News » VA You Paid for This? School Boards Hiring High Priced Attorneys to Fight Parents! - Hampton Roads taxpayers have paid millions of tax dollars to high powered law firms to represent local school boards, often times in disputes with parents over special education students. The parents of these students say they want due process for their children, to give them every opportunity. But critics argue school boards are spending your money to hire expensive attorneys to defeat the parents and the children.

Ask the Attorney » Question: My son was kicked out of a Charter School for his behavior. I home school him now, but he has been diagnosed with ADHD and his special needs are too much for me when trying to teach him at home. I want to get him back into school, but I know he needs a 504 plan in order for him to be successful. What options do I have? Answer: Click here to see John's Answer.

Legal Research » New list added: Law Related Mega Sites

11-04-03

Breaking News, Supt. Watkins, and No Child Left Behind » MI State Looks to Bridge Student Achievement Gap - Determined to close a yawning achievement gap between Michigan's white and minority students, Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Watkins has created the first state-level position to try to address the stubborn problem.

Charter/Private Schools » New Resources Added: Find a charter school in your area and Michigan Association of Public School Academies

Breaking News, IEP Issues - Testing, and No Child Left Behind » MD Some Parents of Special-ed Students Oppose Plan for Testing - If Maryland's special-education teens were required to pass last year's High School Assessment exams to graduate - which the state is considering requiring all students to do - 90 percent of them would not earn their diplomas.

Upcoming Events » MI Understanding Your Child's IEP-MEAP, MI-ACCESS, Alternative Assessments and District Assessments - This workshop will take place on November 17, 2003 in Pinckney, MI - Click here for more info.

Breaking News and College/Financial Aid » Spring and Fall 2004 Internship Opportunities for College Students with Disabilities - The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) has created a new internship program which seeks to recruit qualified college students with disabilities to intern in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of the federal government. A total of fifty (50) students will be selected to participate in this program in 2004. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) will offer technical guidance and support to implement this one-of-a-kind initiative.

Breaking News » Autism Arts Wants Your Art! - Autism Arts is currently collecting artwork from individuals with an autism spectrum disorder for our 2004-2005 Holiday Card Collection. Deadline for submission is June 15, 2004.

Lead Poisoning » Meeting Minutes Added: Click here to view the Lead Poisoning Prevention Task Force Compliance Subcommittee Meeting Minutes, October 20, 2003. Click here to view the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention: A Call to Action Task Force Education and Outreach Subcommittee Meeting, October 21, 2003.

New Section Added: Downloadable Publications & Resources

Breaking News » MI Granholm Surprised by Cut Support at First Forum - Attendees at Governor Jennifer Granholm's first televised forum on needed budget cuts showed a general interest in holding off the coming income tax cut, but were willing to look at cutting some areas of the budget that surprised even the governor.

Breaking News » MI Human Services Group Says Michigan Tax Cuts Cost State $4.5 Billion - Tax cuts enacted in Michigan since 1999 have cut revenues nearly $4.5 billion, the Michigan League for Human Services said in a study. If the tax cuts had not been enacted, the group argues, "Michigan could have weathered the recent mild recession without making deep spending reductions."

11-03-03

Breaking News and Inspiration » TX Queen for Life: Jones Named Homecoming Queen - The big moment in Cy-Fair High School's homecoming celebration wouldn't come for another two hours, but Shannon Jones had already won the most important contest. That she was on the field at all, posing for photos with the rest of the homecoming court, was a testament to her own personality, her sister's love and changing public attitudes.

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Goals & Objectives and Accommodations » Grading Students with Disabilities - Research tells us what kinds of grading adaptations can produce fair and meaningful grades for all students. Despite decades of research and advice, grading remains a controversial topic for educators.

Breaking News and IEP Issues - MEAP » MI Roeber to Head MEAP Effort - Edward Roeber has been named director of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program office in the Department of Education, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Watkins said Thursday.

 
Breaking News » MI Michigan House OKs Limits on Teen Drivers' Passengers - First-year motorists would face potential limitations on the number of unrelated passengers they can have in their vehicle, but the restriction would have a number of loopholes under a bill narrowly passed Thursday by the House.

Breaking News » MI Early Childhood Education & Care Public Hearings - Early Childhood Education & Care: Be Informed! Get Involved! Please join your State Representatives for Public Hearings on Early Childhood Education & Care, Hosted by the Task Force on Early Childhood Education & Care, Chaired by State Representative Jennifer Elkins. The hearings will take place on the following dates. For further information, please contact the State Representative listed: November 10, 2003, Grand Rapids, MI (Hosted by Representative Michael Sak) 517-373-0822; December 1, 2003, Berkley, MI (Hosted by Representative Andy Meisner) 517-373-0478; December 8, 2003, Harrison, MI (Hosted by Representative Jennifer Elkins) 517-373-8962.

Breaking News » MI Action Alert: Opportunity to Comment on the Development  of the Next Phase of Michigan's MI - Access Alternative Assessment Program - All comments will be read and taken under consideration. Comments are sought from teachers, administrators, parents and all others interested in the education of students with disabilities. Proposed Phase 2.1 Assessment Plan - http://www.cmc2.tv/miacd/phase2.html; Proposed Phase 2.1 Assessment Plan Survey- http://esrealitycheck.com/rc/takeit.asp?i=1295513; If you have questions or concerns, please contact: Peggy Dutcher, Coordinator, State Assessment for Students with Disabilities, Michigan Department of Education, Phone (517) 241-4416, fax (517) 373-7504, dutcherp@michigan.gov.

IEP Issues - Inclusion » Resources Added: A differentiated classroom provides different avenues to acquiring content, processing or making sense of ideas, and developing products. Click here for information on Differentiated Instruction. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a new paradigm for teaching, learning, and assessment, drawing on new brain research and new media technologies to respond to individual learner differences. Click here to learn more.

Breaking News » Featured Website: MI CLiMB - Clarifying Language in Michigan Benchmarks - A Resource Developed by Teachers for the Michigan Department of Education. Provides clarifications, resources, instructional and assessment examples for five content areas: English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts. To view the Michigan Benchmarks, click here (PDF).

Events Calendar » The Wayne County Autism Society presents ASM's Sally Burton-Hoyle on November 5, 2003 in Wayne County, MI.  Dr. Burton-Hoyle will be working with attendees on issues such as goals & objectives, positive behavior support, and more.  Click here for more info.

Positive Behavior Support and Disability Info - Autism » Red & Green Choices - Find 19 Free Printable Charts to Help You Help Children Model Appropriate Behavior. Developed by an intervention resource room instructor working in an inclusionary model school, the "Red and Green Choices" positive behavioral development strategies, work for a wide age range. "Cindy T's Circle Time" is directed to younger students - a full color picture book for teachers to use during class time. "Niki's Next Grade" is a chapter-book story told by Niki who wants to make a "green next grade plan" with no help from adults this time! Powerful and motivating for adults and children!

IEP Issues - Inclusion » Quick-Guides to Inclusion 3: Ideas for Educating Students with Disabilities - This free* e-book will provide you with a quick and easy way to share important information about inclusion with your colleagues! You can download the entire e-book or pick and choose among the guides included in the e-book: Differentiated Instruction, Literacy, Supporting Friendships, Self-Determination, High School Classrooms, and Students Who Use Wheelchairs.
 

11-02-03

Bella's List of Michigan Disability/Special Ed/Special Needs Listservs (A-Z) » Page updated; listservs added.

11-01-03

Upcoming Events » MI MCC/ASA Presents: "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" - A private movie screening for children with Autism, their families, and caregivers. This special viewing will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2003, at Chesterfield Crossing Cinemas, 50675 Gratiot, Chesterfield, MI. Doors open at 9 a.m.; movie begins at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $1.00 for kids and $2.00 for adults. Please RSVP and pay by November 17th. Call 586-264-9086 for more information.

10-31-03

Lead Poisoning »  MI Has Your House Poisoned Other Children? - Check the address of your home against the list of Michigan homes that have contributed to the lead poisoning of infants and children. Log onto http://midata.msu.edu/bll and submit the form to find out.

Find Help For a Child Anywhere in the U.S. » Resource added to all states: Fight Crime: Invest in Kids - Law Enforcement support for programs preventing juvenile crime and violence.

10-30-03

Breaking News and Nutrition » CA Sale of Junk Food at School Banned - The Los Angeles Unified School District decided Tuesday to secede from Candyland. Its 713 campuses next year will be kicking out Twix, Snickers and M&Ms in favor of more healthful treats, such as nuts, baked chips, fruit snacks and pretzels.

Breaking News » MI Education Cuts Loom for Michigan Districts - Laying off teachers, consolidating classes and charging for extracurricular activities are some of the changes local school districts are pondering as state officials decide how to tackle Michigan's latest fiscal crisis. The state is $350 million short in money for schools this year. Officials are weighing whether to make a $196 per-pupil across-the-board cut or trim specific areas, such as vocational studies and programs for at-risk students.

Breaking News and General Ed Reform » MA Massachusetts Governor Details a Plan to Aid Troubled Schools - Saying he is "very, very troubled" over educational achievement gaps, Gov. Mitt Romney wants to encourage underperforming school districts to improve by offering them full-day kindergarten, greater leeway in firing decisions, and merit pay for teachers. The governor hopes to address the lagging MCAS scores in the state's worst school districts with a host of innovative ideas, some of which he said will "challenge the education establishment."

10-29-03

Breaking News and Parental Involvement » CA System Keeps Schools in Touch With Parents - After a gun battle erupted near Stevenson Ranch Elementary School in Santa Clarita two years ago and left two people dead, administrators evacuated the school and scrambled to contact parents to pick up their children. They relied on word of mouth, handmade signs and a phone tree to reach parents. [Source]

Find Help For a Child in Michigan - Jackson County » Children Often Can't Verbalize Their Grief, So Symptoms May be Hard to Spot - In the world of adults, talking represents the most common way to deal with grief. But for children, words are sometimes the last resort. Jennifer Willson, 12, mourned the loss of her grandmother, Barbara Dixon, by decorating a candle in a tin coffee can and setting it out on the waters of a serene Michigan lake.
 

Breaking News and School Climate » Featured Website: L.E.A.N On Us: The Law Enforcement Awareness Network - It is the mission of L.E.A.N. On Us to provide first responders with information and resources that will allow them to better serve individuals within their communities affected by hidden disabilities and mental illness. The Law Enforcement Awareness Network is currently assisting in the development of training programs by identifying needed services. In doing so we feel we will be able to assist in fulfilling the need for such valuable training for First Responder Personnel within all of our communities.

IDEA Reauthorization » The National Association of Protection & Advocacy Systems (NAPAS) has a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the IDEA, S. 1248, and H. 1350 on its website.  Click here to view the side-by-side comparison in PDF format.

IEP Issues - Gifted Learners » Broward Parents Find Programs Inadequate for Gifted Children at Some Schools - Alex Ruiz began reading at age 3. Now the bilingual first-grader already is polishing off Harry Potter novels and adding four-digit numbers. His mother, Dalida, pulled him out of Peters Elementary in Plantation recently, opting for a new charter school. She says she couldn't get his previous school to give him the advanced academics he needs.

Breaking News and School Climate » PA Students' First Lesson: Getting Along in Peace - At Penn Valley Elementary School in Levittown, lessons don't begin until students finish their morning meeting - where they learn to make eye contact, greet one another by name, and often discover something interesting about a classmate. [Source]

Breaking News and Charter Schools » MI How the Unions Killed a Dream - A Philanthropist withdraws his offer to donate $200 million to Detroit's inner city public schools. In 1999, an unassuming Michigan road builder named Bob Thompson sold his construction company for $442 million, an amount he and his wife Ellen believed was far more than they needed for retirement. [Source]

Literacy » Resource Added: The Adolescent Literacy Web Topic is packed full of research-based information on literacy and is now available on the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) Web site.
 

10-28-03

Breaking News » NAMI Conducting Survey on Children and Adolescents with AD/HD - NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) is conducting a national survey of parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with AD/HD. The survey is brief and can be completed in a short amount of time. Survey Deadline is November 7, 2003. [Source: CHADD]

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » MI