Upcoming Events »
MI
Macomb/St. Clair County Chapter of the Autism Society of America's Annual
Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2003 from 1 - 4 p.m.
at the St. Lawrence Knights of Columbus Hall, 44425 Utica Road, Utica, Michigan.
The afternoon will include a visit with Santa, crafts, catered light lunch, a
gift and photo for each child. Call 586-447-2235 or email
annetteduda@yahoo.com for details.
11-26-03
Breaking News and
Education YES! »
MI
Schools To Be
Graded - State Supt. Tom Watkins of the
Michigan Department of Education talks to a room of educators Monday night at
the Monroe County Intermediate School District. A group of officials came to
town to talk about the upcoming grades for schools. State officials in county to
explain school performance guidelines.
Breaking News »
MI
HP Wins Laptop
Bid - The laptop computers Michigan sixth graders will
receive as part of the Freedom to Learn program will come from
Hewlett Packard (HP), the Department of Management and Budget
(DMB) told HP officials late Friday afternoon.
Breaking News »
MI
Michigan
Department of Ed Returns Award Money - A team of
Department of Education employees made a seemingly small, but
symbolic gesture to help the state’s budget deficit on Friday
when they gave the state back $2,200 of the $3,000 they were
awarded for streamlining their grant-making process through
the Internet.
Breaking News »
MI
Hardman, Waters
Oppose Mayor's Plan For Detroit Schools - Detroit Mayor
Kwame Kilpatrick's proposed major overhaul in governance of
the Detroit Public Schools was dealt a significant setback
Monday with the announcement of opposition to it from two of
the city's most prominent state legislators.
Breaking News and
Nutrition »
FL
Pediatricians Push for
Healthier School Food in Florida -
Schools may sift out sugar; Proposal would add juice, cut soft
drinks. Visit an area high school or middle school, and you’ll
discover that the student body is getting super-sized.
Breaking News
and Nutrition
»
WA Washington Post Column:
Inundated With Junk Food
at School - One regular feature of
school mornings at our house involves what my wife and I like to call
"the daily debate". The disputants are our two primary-school kids,
and the issue is whether to have them order lunch in the cafeteria or
for us to pack one instead.
Resources Added to: Home
Schooling, Disability Info -
Dyslexia, and
Bella's List of Michigan
Disability/Special Ed/Special Needs Listservs (A-Z)
11-25-03
Breaking News »
U.S.
Senate Passes
Unanimous Consent Agreement on S.1248 - On
Friday, November 21, 2003 the US Senate passed a unanimous consent order
permitting S. 1248 to be introduced on the floor. Senators will not be allowed
to introduce amendments concerning short term objectives or discipline. Sen.
Gregg, from New Hampshire, will be introducing an attorney fee cap amendment
when the bill is opened for debate.
Lead Poisoning »
MI
Upcoming Senate Hearings on
Proposed Lead Screening/Remediation Legislation - Tuesday, December 2, 2003: Senate Families and Human Services, (Chr.
Hardiman, 373-1801), Rm. 210 FB, 3 pm -
SB 753 CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING (Scott) Creates childhood lead poisoning
prevention and control commission. Full
Text;
SB 754 CHILDHOOD LEAD SCREENING (Schauer) Requires childhood lead
screening by health professionals, facilities and health maintenance
organizations of children enrolled in Medicaid. Full
Text;
SB 755 BLOOD LEAD TESTING (Hammerstrom) Requires electronic laboratory
reporting of blood lead testing. Full
Text;
SB 756 LEAD SAFE REGISTRY (Hardiman) Creates lead-safe housing
registry. Full
Text;
SB 757 LEAD HOUSING RENTAL (Clark) Provides penalties for landlords who
repeatedly rent housing units without abating known lead hazards. Full
Text
Job Opportunities »
U.S.
Center for Law and Social Policy Seeking Research Assistant and Policy
Analyst: 2 job openings are now being filled at the Center for Law and Social
Policy in the child care and early education team in Washington, D.C. One is for
a research assistant, the other for a policy analyst. The job listings are at
http://www.clasp.org/Jobs/Jobs_New.
11-24-03
Breaking News and Medication »
U.S.
Bill Seeks
Right Dose For Kids - The government could
require drug companies to test medicines to assure that dosages are appropriate
for children under legislation given final congressional approval Wednesday.
Bridges4Kids NewsDigest »
New edition published November 23, 2003 -
click
here.
Medicaid » Resource Added:
The Special
Education & Medicaid KnowledgeBase is a project of the Region VII
Comprehensive Center and Northrop Grumman Information Technology. The purpose of
the Special Education & Medication KnowledgeBase is to support schools through
the difficult process of claiming Medicaid dollars for eligible services by
explaining in plain language the process of Medicaid claiming. There is no fee
and no registration required to access the KnowledgeBase.
Upcoming Events »
MI
Holiday Ball at the Children's Home of Detroit on Friday, December 5th, 2003
from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Children's Home of Detroit. You are
cordially invited to an evening of glitz and glamour. Dance across the floor to
your favorite musical selections. Share the holiday bliss. Join us in this
holiday celebration for people of all ages with special needs and their family
and friends. Admission is free to Arc members but donations may be made at the
door. Please RSVP to 313-885-8660;
visit
their website or
yahoo group
for more details.
Upcoming Events »
MI
Sterling Heights Boy Scout Troop for older boys and young men with special needs. Members can remain in this
troop and work on badges and rank advancements throughout their life. Recently,
three young men from this troop earned the rank of Eagle Scout (there are some
accommodations for each Scout with special needs). Troop 390 meets at
Schwartzkoff School near 18 Mile and Van Dyke, in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. For more information, call (248) 338-0035.
11-23-03
Website maintenance
performed.
11-22-03
Breaking News and
Job Opportunities »
MI
The Arc Michigan Seeks New Executive Director: The Arc Michigan in
Lansing Michigan, is seeking a dynamic individual with proven
management skills and a deep commitment to citizens with developmental
disabilities and their families. Applicants must possess experience at
the executive level of a nonprofit organization, proven grant writing
skills, fiscal management including budget development, and a minimum
of a bachelor’s degree in human services and/or business.
Click here for more information.
11-21-03
No Child Left Behind »
MI
PowerPoint presentation:
Michigan's 216 "Priority"
Schools. What Do We Do Now?
Breaking News and IDEA
Reauthorization »
U.S.
Senate IDEA
Bill Pushed Closer to a Floor Vote - The
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) has heard that the Senate Reauthorization
bill, S. 1248, has been hotlined for a Senate vote. That means that they are
considering an agreement as to the number of amendments that will be offered in
addition to Senator Gregg’s amended bill.
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 and Statistics »
MI
How to Use the 2003
Michigan Kids Count DataBook (Book coming 1/2004) - (PDF;
size=23k) Learn about Kids Count Data from the 2000 census. This
year's data book also includes county information on children with
disabilities and information on lead poisoning, birth defects,
hospitalizations for asthma, and children receiving special education
and supplemental security income. For more information, contact Jane
Zehnder-Merrell: 800-837-5436.
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.
Home Schooling
and Statistics » Resources: The Michigan
Department of Education keeps basic home school counts, but home
schools are not required to report to MDE:
General Home Schools Information page at MDE;
Statistics on home schoolers: 2002-03: 1,738 students; and
Home School Exemption rules: The home school family is not
required to report to MDE. There are however, forms that non-public
and home school families complete and register with MDE. That is how
MDE gets its numbers for the count of homeschool students. However,
the actual numbers of students/schools could be higher than reported.
Data is also available by county.
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
9th - 12th 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.
Events Calendar » The
Zero to Three 18th National
Training Institute will take place on December 5-7, 2003 in New Orleans, LA -
Click here for more info.