Breaking News » MI Job Opportunity: Executive Director, Michigan Head Start Association - Full-time in Lansing. Responsibilities include establishing relationships with state human services agencies, directing & participating in advocacy activities, planning & implementing meetings, managing member services, overseeing financial matters, researching & writing funding proposals, and handling internal administrative matters. Knowledge about Head Start and the legislative process required. MA degree in child development, early childhood education, non-profit management or related fields recommended. Must be able to travel. Submit resume & references to MHSA, 115 W. Allegan; Suite 520; East Lansing, MI 48933 Deadline for receipt of resumes: February 20, 2004. EOE.

Breaking News and Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » MI Fowlerville Schools Tackle Bullying - When Sharon Brasch's son, who uses a wheelchair, told her he'd been punched by someone at Fowlerville Junior High School, she wasn't shocked.

Professional Development » Online Mentoring Program for Mathematics and Science Teachers: Southwest Consortium for the Improvement of Mathematics and Science Teaching - Since 1992 the Eisenhower Southwest Consortium for the Improvement of Mathematics and Science Teaching (SCIMAST) has supported meaningful reform of science and mathematics education in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Breaking News and Disability Info - Autism » More and More Autism Cases, Yet Causes Are Much Debated - No one disputes it. Cases of autism, the baffling and often devastating neurological disorder that strikes in early childhood, are rising sharply. [New York Times article; requires free account to read it online.]

Breaking News » UT Bill Touts Vouchers for Special Needs Students - It sounds good: vouchers for special-needs students to attend private schools that are better equipped to meet their educational needs. But critics say it could be a step backward to segregation if lawmakers pass a bill that would give as much as $5,375 in state funding to each parent of a special-needs child to help pay private-school tuition.

Breaking News and Alternative Schools » MI Academy Offers At-risk Youth a Second Chance - Michigan National Guard aids students at Battle Creek site.

Upcoming Events and Disability Info - Celiac Disease » Celiac Awareness - Tandem Tracks for Celiacs: "Follow our odyssey as we cycle from Canada to Mexico, a distance of 1830 miles, during the summer of 2005 to promote the awareness of Celiac Disease." Follow Steve and Alessandra, a father and daughter team, as they pilot their tandem bicycle the entire distance, carrying food, camping equipment and all supplies with them on the bike. For more information on Celiac Disease, visit http://ttfc.org/faq.html.

Upcoming Events » MI Free Parent Workshop: "Prevention of Bullying, Teasing and Intimidation" will take place on February 11, 2004 from 6:30-8:15 p.m. at the Fowlerville High School auditorium, 7677 Sharpe Road, Fowlerville, Michigan. The presenter is violence prevention consultant Marcia McEvoy, author of "Preventing Youth Suicide: A Handbook for Educators and Human Service Professionals." Door prizes will be given away, and free child care will be provided. Contact McEvoy Consulting at (616) 453-1998 or via e-mail at mmcevoy@tds.net.

Breaking News and Lead Poisoning » MI Lead Poisoning Bills Pass State Senate - Legislation aimed at protecting children against lead poisoning passed the state Senate on Thursday.

Upcoming Events » MI Support Parent Training, sponsored by the Family Support Network of Michigan, will take place on February 26, 2004 from 9:30 - 3:00 at the Sveden House Restaurant, 13 Mile Road at Harper, St. Clair Shores (Shores Shopping Plaza). Breakfast and lunch will be included. Childcare and mileage can be reimbursed; If you would like to give informal moral support to fellow parents of children with special needs please attend this FREE training. For more information or to register by February 19th call Jeannie on the CSHYCS Family Phone Line at 1-800-359-3722.

01-28-04

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » Easing the Teasing Strategies - Children can learn the strategies listed below that will empower them and reduce feelings of helplessness. When children realize that there are effective strategies they can use in teasing situations, their coping skills are strengthened.

Link to Important Programs, Partnerships, and Websites Related to the Education of Children (Michigan) » Resources added including The Arc Michigan, Family Information Exchange (FIE) and the ARC/FIE Key Player Packet (New edition coming soon!)

Summer Camp » Success Oriented Achievement Realized (SOAR) - SOAR is a wilderness adventure program for youth with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder and serves both males and females, ages 8 – 18 offering programs in Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Wyoming, Belize and Costa Rica. Programs are available in the summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. SOAR is not a therapeutic boot camp or wilderness therapy program. However, neither is SOAR a traditional summer camp. SOAR utilizes the natural environment and adventure activities to work with students on personal goal attainment and to provide them with opportunities for success. SOAR encourages students to explore their incredible talents and gifts with the belief that their future is intertwined with these strengths and abilities.  

01-27-04

IEP Issues - Therapy » Music Therapy Resources - Parents and educators will find that the resources listed on this page are filled with dozens of easy-to-duplicate ways to integrate music at home or school.
 

Charter/Private/Alternative Schools » List of private schools updated.

01-26-04

Breaking News » MI Lead Hearing in Lansing on January 27, 2004 - The Department would like to notify those interested that two bills will be in hearing tomorrow and that speakers are welcome. The Landlord penalty bill will be at the House Office Building at 124 North Capitol at 2:30 in room 308. The bill on requiring Medicaid providers to test 80% of Medicaid eligible children for blood lead will be in the Senate Office Bldg. at 3:00 p.m. Call 517-373-6339 for more details.

Upcoming Events » MI The next meeting of the Michigan Child Care Task Force will take place on February 4, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. ­ noon in the Lake Ontario Room (3rd floor), State Library of Michigan, 717 West Allegan, Lansing, MI 48909-7507. Call (517) 373-1580 with questions or for more information.

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » VA Virginia Seeks To Leave Bush Law Behind - The Republican-controlled Virginia House of Delegates sharply criticized President Bush's signature education program Friday, calling the No Child Left Behind Act an unfunded mandate that threatens to undermine the state's own efforts to improve students' performance.

Breaking News » Featured Website: Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) - The AAICPC was established in 1974 and consists of member states from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is not only statutory law in all 52 jurisdictions, it is also a binding contract between all parties. The ICPC establishes uniform legal and administrative procedures governing the interstate placement of children. ICPC is the best means we have to ensure protection and services to children who are placed across state lines.

Children At-Risk » Resource Added: The National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) http://www.dropoutprevention.org was begun in 1986 to serve as a clearinghouse on issues related to dropout prevention and to offer strategies designed to increase the graduation rate in America's schools.

Charter/Private/Alternative Schools » List of private schools updated.

Upcoming Events » U.S. 16th Annual At-Risk Youth National FORUM will take place on February 22-25, 2004 in Myrtle Beach, SC. For more information, download the Program (PDF) or Registration Brochure (PDF).

01-24-04

Bridges4Kids NewsDigest » New edition published January 23, 2004.

01-23-04

Breaking News and Children At-Risk » AL Ninth Grade Key to Success, but Reasons Are Debated - With the rising use of standardized exams to measure school performance, ninth grade is becoming a watershed moment at many schools across the country. Increasingly, educators say, students at risk of failing pivotal tests commonly given in the 10th and 11th grades are being held back, sometimes more than once. Frequently, such students become so discouraged that they drop out.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)" will take place on February 19, 2004 at Clinton County RESA, 1013 S. US 27, St. Johns, MI 48879. This workshop will provide an excellent introduction to ASD. Participants will identify communication, social and behavioral characteristics of ASD, as well as important features of select programs/approaches for intervention with ASD. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Crossing the Communication Divide" will take place on February 23, 2004 at the Holiday Inn, 38123 West 10 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48335. Come to this workshop to learn: 1. How non-speaking people describe their experience of life through videos and writing. 2. What some of the most recent published ideas about brain differences in autism are. 3. What Facilitated Communication is and is not. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Paraprofessional Training" will take place on March 5, 2004 at Ingham ISD, 2630 Howell Rd., Mason, MI 48854. This workshop will focus on: An overview of autism spectrum disorders, reframing behavior as communication, the relationship between anxiety, sensory issues and behavioral challenges, how to develop a visual and social “bag of tricks” and home/school communication tips. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Positive Behavior Support and the New IDEA and Discussion About the Implications for Michigan Students" will take place on March 10, 2004 at Macomb ISD, 44001 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038. This workshop will provide an overview of how Positive Behavior Support can help students with Autism spectrum disorders better access the general curriculum in school. The current status of IDEA reauthorization and its implication for Positive Behavior Support will be discussed with participants. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Paraprofessional Training" will take place on March 12, 2004 at Washtenaw ISD, 1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. This workshop will focus on: An overview of autism spectrum disorders, reframing behavior as communication, the relationship between anxiety, sensory issues and behavioral challenges, how to develop a visual and social “bag of tricks” for and home/school. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Sensory Integration in the Home and Classroom" will take place on March 19, 2004 at Monroe County ISD, 1101 S. Raisinville Road, Monroe, MI 48161. This workshop will include a basic introduction to sensory integration and the relationship to behavior in the home and classroom. Participants will learn to identify behaviors, when to seek help from a therapist trained in sensory integration and simple activities to calm and organize children and adults. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.
 

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Autism/Asperger Syndrome and Medication" will take place on March 23, 2004 at Mott Children’s Health Center, 806 Turri Place, Flint, MI 48503. This workshop will focus on: 1. The characteristics of coexisting disorders, and the medical diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. 2. The impact of Asperger Syndrome on the educational system and a discussion of programming. 3. An examination of the positive and negative effects of common medications used to treat individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Social Skills for Asperger Adolescents" will take place on March 26, 2004 at Livingston ESA, 1425 W. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843. This workshop will focus on: methods of teaching social skill that adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome find so difficult. Using recently developed materials and techniques, participants will learn strategies to help students overcome the social barriers they experience. The development and design of the Clawson “Peer Power Program” will also be discussed. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Crossing the Communication Divide" will take place on March 29, 2004 at Traverse Bay Area ISD, 1101 Red Dr., Traverse City, MI 49696. Come to this workshop to learn: 1. How non-speaking people describe their experience of life through videos and writing. 2. What some of the most recent published ideas about brain differences in autism are. 3. What Facilitated Communication is and is not.Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.
 

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Understanding 'Behavior' in Autism Spectrum Disorders" will take place on April 2, 2004 at Wayne RESA, 33500 Van Born Rd., Wayne, MI 48184. By understanding the fundamentals of Autism Spectrum Disorders and the origins of actions (“behavior”), this workshop will provide participants with strategies and techniques to positively support persons in their schools and communities. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Special Education Law" will take place on April 23, 2004 at Macomb ISD, 44001 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038. This workshop will introduce the basic principles and laws governing special education eligibility and program development. The attendees will learn about special education laws and how they apply to schools and will also learn how to develop their ability to advocate for their children in the special education arena. Attendees will receive information about their rights, problem solving, planning, communication and negotiation. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI Autism Society of Michigan Spring Focus Workshop "Autism/Asperger Syndrome and Medication" will take place on May 12, 2004 at the Clarion Hotel, 3600 Dunckel Rd., Lansing, MI 48910. This workshop will focus on: 1.The characteristics of coexisting disorders, and the medical diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. 2. The impact of Asperger Syndrome on the educational system and a discussion of programming. 3. An examination of the positive and negative effects of common medications used to treat individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/calendar/springfocus2004.html or call 517-882-2800 for more information.

01-22-04

Breaking News and Lead Poisoning » MI Lawmakers Take Aim at Lead Problem - The Michigan House Health Policy Committee passed four bills Tuesday aimed at reducing childhood lead poisoning that range from requiring Medicaid HMOs to test more children to creating a registry of lead-safe rental housing. The bills parallel several separate but similar bills that are up for a third and final reading in the Senate. And while lead activists are thrilled by the bipartisan support of the package, some are also privately hoping the bills do not get tied up in committee, or watered down or passed without learning what does and doesn't work in other states.

Upcoming Events » MI EOT&TA's Early On® Annual Conference “Understanding Development: Making a Difference for Children in Early On” will take place on May 13-14, 2004 at Lansing Community College. Come join us for an educational, enlightening, and enjoyable conference. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Mary Bigler, an internationally known educator and humorist. Laugh and learn as she celebrates the joys and challenges of working with special young children in early literacy and reading. For more information, download the PDF flyer (size=206k), visit our website at www.eotta.ccresa.org, or call (866) 334-5437.

Breaking News » MI RFP for Mentor Michigan VISTA Program - ConnectMichigan Alliance is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) and Application Guidelines for the Mentor Michigan VISTA program. Key dates for the RFP are January 28 and 29, 2004: Technical assistance conference calls. February 9, 2004: Intent to Apply forms are due. March 8, 2004: Full proposals are due. Full details are in the available PDF document (PDF; size=326k).

Breaking News and New Legislation » MI House Panel Ponders Classroom Purchase Tax Exemptions - Today, the House Tax Policy Committee took testimony on a pair of bills (HB 4261 and HB 4525) that would create tax breaks for teachers and school administrators who spend their own money to purchase supplies for their classroom. The idea has appeared in the form of legislation during previous sessions but has never been enacted. The impression emerging from today's hearing was that the legislation is a work in progress. (1-04)

01-20-04

Breaking News » Calling All Heroes: Volvo for Life Awards Asks "Do You Know a Hero?" - If you do, consider nominating your hero for the Volvo for Life Awards, the nation’s largest annual search for and celebration of everyday heroes, with more than $1 million in financial contributions. Visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com to nominate a hero. You have until February 14th, 2004.

Upcoming Events » MI "Creating a P.L.A.C.E.: A Parent's Insight Night" will take place on April 3, 2004 from 6 – 9 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church, 26355 W. Chicago Rd., Redford, MI 48239. This event, hosted by the Adoption Parenting and the Attachment Coalition of Michigan, features Daniel A. Hughes, Ph. D., a premiere leader in understanding the effects of abuse and neglect on childhood development. Dr. Hughes will be presenting his ideas on how to strengthen parent/child connections, especially with children who have been abused or neglected. Dr. Hughes will explore ways to tap into a parent’s own inner wisdom, allowing them to translate a child’s needs into attachment opportunities. Admission is $15/person, registration required to guarantee a seat. Click here or call 248-345-2410 or 248-891-8139 for more details.

Home Schooling and Summer Camp » Grand Rapids Academic Summer Program For All Michigan Kids: The GRASP program is a nine week correspondence summer program written by Grand Rapids Public Schools staff in math and reading. It is designed for children who have completed grades K-8. Children receive a packet of materials for the nine weeks of summer, and mail in a lesson a week. The lessons are scored, results recorded, and lessons returned to the children.
 

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » A PBS Training Forum will be held in conjunction with the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders 2004 conference on February 25, 2004 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM in the Empire Room (A & B), Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Arrangements have been made for a Training Forum to occur in conjunction with the Midwest symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders 2004 conference: "Closing the Gap Between Research and Practice". The conference will have a variety of presentations and workshops relevant to PBS. In fact many of you from the mid west may already be planning to attend. Information about the conference, registration and hotel can be found at www.mslbd.org. There is no fee for attending the Forum and all are welcome whether or not they are attending the conference. Contact via email janderso@csuhayward.edu or fax 510-885-7457.

01-19-04

Upcoming Events » MI Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Seminars: Beaumont's HOPE Center specializes in the treatment of children with autism. To learn more about intervention using behavior analysis, the Hope Center offers seminars for parents who are considering enrollment in the HOPE Center as well as others who are interested about learning more about ABA. Seminars will take place on March 13-14, 2004, April 17-18, 2004, May 15-16, 2004, July 17-18, 2004, August 14-15, 2004, September 18-19, 2004, October 16-17, 2004, and November 13-14, 2004. All to be held at Beaumont, Royal Oak, Administrative Building, Classroom #2, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road, (west of Woodward). Call 248-691-4731 to register or for more information.

 
01-17-04

Upcoming Events » U.S. The National Capacity Building Institute "Issues of Transition and Postsecondary Participation for Individuals with Hidden Disabilities" will take place on March 31 and April 1, 2004 at the Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. The Institute will explore issues related to the transition and postsecondary participation of youth with "hidden" disabilities, which includes learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, psychiatric disabilities, emotional disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other such disabilities that cannot be "seen." Individuals with these disabilities are often overlooked and misunderstood, despite the protection offered under Federal disability law and growing recognition that hidden disabilities profoundly effect many aspects of a person's learning and everyday life. Visit their website for more details or to apply by mail, please contact: Velina Sugiyama, NCSET, Center on Disability Studies, 1776 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96822, Tel: 808-956-5688; email: velina@hawaii.edu.

Upcoming Events » U.S. School-Based Strategies for Supporting Students’ Development of Self-Determination Skills in the Context of Leadership and Standards-Based Reform will take place on April 13, 2004 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LA. The purpose of this Capacity Building Institute is to share practical strategies and plans for increasing student self-determination. Leading researchers and practitioners will provide insights into how to use self-determination to increase academic achievement and how schools, districts, and states can scale-up implementation of self-directed learning. We invite special education teachers and administrators, state and district transition coordinators, researchers, general educators, families, and other interested stakeholders to attend this exciting event! This Capacity Building Institute is hosted by the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Contact 888/CEC-SPED or visit http://www.cec.sped.org/index.html.
 
Upcoming Events » U.S. 2004 Council For Exceptional Children Convention & Expo will take place on April 14-17, 2004 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn about Best Practices, Research You Can Use and More; Find a wealth of information targeted just for you! Choose from more than 600 workshops, lectures, demonstrations, mini-workshops, panels and poster sessions: Find out how NCLB and the new IDEA will affect you; Learn strategies for success with autism, discipline, and other challenges; Hear the latest information on transition, technology, and more; Get guidance on meeting the needs of diverse learners; Browse innovative educational tools at the Expo; Visit the Career Center and find a job; Attend the Teacher of the Year and Yes I Can! Award ceremonies. Contact 888/CEC-SPED or visit http://www.cec.sped.org/index.html.

 
01-16-04

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » NCLB Parents Guide in Spanish - "No Child Left Behind: A Parents Guide" is now available on the web in Spanish. It summarizes NCLB, answers questions about the law, & tells what it means for parents.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan (BAAM) 2004 Convention will take place on March 18-19, 2004 at the McKenny Student Union Building, Eastern Michigan University Campus; Keynote speech "What Descriptive Approaches to Behavioral Assessment Don't Tell Us About Behavioral Function" Brian Iwata (University of Florida). This workshop will describe the underlying assumptions of functional analysis methodology, summarize the most commonly used assessment procedures, and present an intervention model based on assessment results. A series of case studies will be used to illustrate the way in which assessment outcomes influence treatment selection. Emphasis will be placed on the translation of research findings into application, with ample use of case studies.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » Intervention Central: find forms, classroom behavior report card resource book and other downloads.

Bridges4Kids NewsDigest » New edition published January 16, 2004.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) » The Kentucky Department of Education and Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at University of Kentucky announce the Behavior Institute 2004: A three-day conference in June 2004.

Study Topics - Spelling » Resource Added: Spelling it Right comprises seventy pages of advice and free worksheets on spelling and is used by many parents, students and teachers in North America and the UK. It is featured in internet educational directories throughout the world, including those specializing in homeschooling.

Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » Information & Resource Sheet #9: Coaching and AD/HD in Adults - Coaching is a relatively new field that has become more prominent in recent years. In general, coaches help individuals reach their fullest potential in life. As a specialty within the broader field of coaching, AD/HD coaching has emerged among the many approaches, services and treatments for AD/HD.
 

Upcoming Events » MI MI-ACCESS Teleconference will be broadcast live on January 21, 2004 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. See PDF flyer for web cast and satellite information. The teleconference is designed to provide District and School MI-Access Coordinators information to help the W2004 assessment administration process go smoothly. Agenda: 1. The New Office of Educational Assessment; 2. What’s New with Assessment Materials for 2003/2004; 3. MI-Access Coordinator and Assessment Administrator Manual •Design and use •Content •Relationship to accuracy and NCLB; 4. Organizational and Procedural Suggestions from a District MI-Access Coordinator’s Perspective; 5. Quality Control to Ensure Accurate Reporting; 6. Interim Phase 2 BRIGANCE; 7. What’s New for Preparing and Shipping Materials; 8. Issues Related to No Child Left Behind (NCLB); 9. MEAP Pre-ID Answer Document; and 10. Final Questions from Viewers. See PDF flyer or email mi-access@tasa.com with any questions. Video tapes and DVDs will be available after the event (PDF flyer) for a fee.

Upcoming Events » U.S. Live Webcast: "Welfare Reform: Implications for TANF Recipients with Disabilities" will be broadcast on January 21, 2004 at 2:00 PM Central. Webcast features Johnette T. Hartnett, Ed.D., Eileen Sweeney, J.D. and Michael Collins. For more information or to download the accompanying handouts visit http://www.ilru.org/online/handouts/index.html.

Upcoming Events » U.S. LDA of New Jersey: "Excellence in Education: Children First" will take place on April 23, 2004 at the Sheraton at Woodridge Place, Iselin, NJ.  For more information, contact Terry Cavanaugh, (973) 335-8824 or email tccavanaugh@cs.com.

Upcoming Events » INTERNATIONAL Destination Success 2004: "Exploring Best Practices" will take place on May 10-12, 2004 at the Casino Rama Hotel, Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit http://www.destinationsuccess.org/.

01-15-04

Breaking News » MI News From 1-13-04 Meeting of the Michigan State Board of Education - (Including Return of Federal Funds, Ed YES! Appeals, and Mentoring) While the rest of the state is worrying about trying to make ends meet, the Department of Education is doing its share to be sure that it brings in the maximum amount of federal money and spends all of that money, officials told the State Board of Education at its meeting Tuesday.

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. US Dept. of Ed Claims States Have Unprecedented Flexibility to Implement NCLB - The diversity among approved state accountability plans & state consolidated applications shows that states have great flexibility in the design of their systems & implementation of particular NCLB provisions. ED issued a document that describes this flexibility & provides examples.

No Child Left Behind » U.S. US Dept of ED has issued regulations for including students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in Title I assessments & also regulations for implementing changes in Title I of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
 
No Child Left Behind » U.S. NCLB Guidance & Regulations - A new provision of NCLB gives local school districts greater flexibility in meeting the act's requirements for students with disabilities.
     

01-14-04

Breaking News » VA Program Teaches Police About Autism's Effects - If you meet him, Nick Proffitt's autistic son will likely avoid eye contact with you. If you ask him a question, chances are he'll repeat the question and direct it back at you. As is the case for many people with autism, the 11-year-old is hypersensitive to light and sound and doesn't like to be touched - he is even reluctant to hug members of his family.

IEP Issues - Gifted Learners » UT Meeting Needs of Gifted Students: Children Face Problems and Challenges Often Overlooked - Maria slept with books — not stuffed animals — and was reading well before kindergarten. Zach was reading instructions to board games and teaching peers how to play them at 5 years old. And Rebecca could say the alphabet and identify letters at 18 months.
 

Disability Info - Articles » Using fMRI Technology to Understand Hyperlexia - Georgetown University Medical Center researchers today published the first ever fMRI study of hyperlexia, a rare condition in which children with some degree of autism display extremely precocious reading skills. Appearing in Neuron, the case study uncovers the neural mechanisms that underlie hyperlexia, and suggest that hyperlexia is the true opposite of the reading disability dyslexia. Hyperlexia is found in very rare cases in children who are on the "autism spectrum," meaning they display some characteristics of autism. Like autistic children, children with hyperlexia have extreme difficulty with oral communication, social interaction and expression, and yet can read surprisingly well at a very young age.

Upcoming Events » MI Imagining Robert: My Brother, Madness and Survival will air on January 18, 2004 at 12 a.m. ET on Detroit Public Television. Imaging Robert is the story of two brothers, one who has suffered the horrors and sadness of mental illness for 38 years — the other, a prize-winning novelist who has been his brother's primary caretaker. Based on the life experiences of Jay and Robert Neugeboren, Imaging Robert illustrates the reality for families that cope, over the course of a lifetime, with a condition for which in most cases, there is no solution. The documentary includes extensive interviews with both brothers, home movies and films that Robert made 40 years ago during college. For more information, visit http://detroitpublictv.org/joe/programs.shtml.
 
Upcoming Events » MI The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's will air on January 21, 2004 at 9 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Television. Three victims and their families bring you up close to the intense, real-world experience of Alzheimer's disease. Early-stage victim Gladys jokingly denies problems with her memory. Fran wrestles with the middle stages of Alzheimer's, tormented by uncontrollable outbursts of anger, sadness and confusion. Late in the disease, Isabelle is robbed of everything but the ability to sense human touch and the presence of a family who stands by as she nears the end. This program goes inside these families' compelling caregiving experiences to witness their tenacity, frustration, grief and humor. Science itself is the fourth dramatic character, as the documentary follows the trials and triumphs of researchers battling Alzheimer's on the front lines. The follow-up show, hosted by David Hyde Pierce, presents an opportunity for those affected by or concerned about the disease to find answers to their big questions. For more information, visit http://detroitpublictv.org/joe/programs.shtml.
 

01-13-04

Breaking News, ADA and Recent Court Cases » U.S. New York Times Editorial: Lane v. Tennessee - Can disabled people be forced to crawl up the courthouse steps?

Disability Info - Hearing Impaired (HI) » Pioneering Implants for Deaf People - Two deaf women in the US have become the first people to undergo the risky procedure of having implants in their brainstems. The devices are designed to restore hearing by directly stimulating nerves. Some deaf people have been given implants that sit just outside the brainstem, but these do not work very well.

Breaking News and Disability Info - Learning Disabilities (LD) » Scientists Discover New Gene Essential for the Development of Normal Brain Connections Resulting From Sensory Input - Biologists at the University of California, San Diego and the Johns Hopkins University have discovered a gene that plays a key role in initiating changes in the brain in response to sensory experience, a finding that may provide insight into certain types of learning disorders.

IEP Issues - Therapy » Birmingham's Variety FAR Conservatory of Therapeutic and Performing Arts: An instructional and therapeutic center for persons with mental, physical, and/or emotional impairments. The FAR Conservatory offers Art Therapy, CAMP FAR OUT, Dance/Movement Therapy, Gymnastics, Ice Skating and Hockey, Music Therapy, Softball, Special Group Classes, and Theater Arts Therapy.
 

Disability Info - Asthma » Asthma Could be Several Diseases Masquerading as One - Age at onset and inflammatory cells define patient subsets, guide treatment.
 

Home Schooling » Best and Worst States for Homeschoolers - Considering homeschooling? You might want to relocate to Alaska, Michigan, Idaho, Texas or Oklahoma. These states, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) have legal environments relatively friendly to  homeschooling. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, North Dakota and Pennsylvania, on the other hand, impose some of the most restrictive laws on homeschooling families, according to the HSLDA.
 

01-12-04

Breaking News » U.S. Autism Society of America's Annual Awards and Scholarships Program - The Autism Society of America (ASA) is now accepting nominations for the 2004 ASA Awards and Scholarships. The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 27, 2004.

Breaking News » MI School Corruption Trial May be Postponed Yet Again - A March trial date in federal court for 10 people accused in the East Detroit Public Schools corruption case may be pushed back yet again, according to attorneys involved in the case. Some of the defendants - which include two well-known former school superintendents and a retired police officer - were indicted in 2002, but due to a variety of factors, the trial continues to be postponed.

Disability Info - Celiac Disease » Check out the new List of Celiac Support Group Websites by State compiled by Jane Trevett, Co-Founder, Greater New Haven Celiac Group (PDF; 1 page; size=53k).

Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » Focusing The Mind - Interest rises in non-drug therapies for attention deficit in children. Some parents of children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder will try just about anything to avoid drug treatment — homeopathy, chiropractic, massage, even faith healing. "There's a label, a stigma that goes with drug treatment," said Dr. Regina Bussing, a child psychiatrist at the University of Florida who conducted a recent survey of 1,600 families in that state.
 

Breaking News and General Ed Reform - Leadership » CA Co-principals: Divvying up a Monster Job - At Polytechnic High School here, everyone wants a piece of Principal Shawn Ashley. They all also want a piece of Principal Gwen Mack. One minute, a teacher is complaining about kids loitering in the halls. The next, an aide is hauling in a boy caught in the girls’ bathroom. Then a custodian is griping about co-workers. Ashley and Mack take it all in stride.
 

Breaking News and Literacy » Children of the Code: PBS Documentary on Reading - In collaboration with New Horizons for Learning, Learning 1st Productions and Implicity, transcripts of many of the interviews will be published in advance of the series broadcast. The first in the series is the interview with Dr. Grover Whitehurst, Director of the Institute of Education Sciences and Assistant Secretary of Education of the U.S. Department of Education. The interview can be found by clicking here. The website, Children of the Code, expects to publish a new interview every few weeks. Click here to see the index of transcripts that will be coming soon. Click here to be  notified of future interview releases.

Upcoming Events » MI Promoting Functional Speech in Children with Autism with Emphasis on the Kaufman Assessment and Strategies will take place on Saturday, March 27, 2004 at the University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College, 120 St. Joseph Street in Alumni Hall Rm.100 (3 blocks south of Bloor St 1 block west of Bay St.). Presented by Tamara Kasper MS/CCC-SLP, BCaBA; Learn research-proven strategies to assist children with autism in developing speech and refining articulation skills. These strategies, based on research in the field of speech-language pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis are especially appropriate for children who are experiencing difficulty in development of speech and may have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and "verbal apraxia." Click here to download the PDF flyer (1 page; size=124k) for more information or to register.

Parenting - Siblings » Sibling Support Project - The Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to the interests of brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs. The Project's primary goal is to increase the availability of peer support and education opportunities for brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs.
 

01-11-04

Ask the Attorney ≈ Question: My question is in regards to a high school special needs child. My child would love to take choir at the high school she attends. However, whenever we ask about the class, they say it is a "very competitive" class. I take this as code for really meaning that she would bring down the level of their success. Do I have a right to insist she belong? Finding classes to help her mainstream outside of the special education classroom is getting exceedingly difficult. Answer: Click here to see John's Answer.

01-10-04

Upcoming Events » MI Successful INCLUSION Strategies and Techniques for DIFFERENTIATING CURRICULA to Meet IEP Requirements for Students with Mild to Moderate Special Needs (Grades 6-12): Lansing (March 16) - Click here for more information.  Troy (March 15) Click here for more information.

Upcoming Events » MI 2004 Association for Community Advocacy (ACA) Training schedule (Dates & Locations vary). Check our calendar for more information on these topics: Medicaid and Home Help; SSA/SSI Applications and appeals; School Advocacy, child care ADA; Samantha Abeel: learning disabilities; SSA Work Incentives; Case Management/Supports Coordination and Public Benefits: FIA, Section 8, SSA; Advocacy in your own agency; Justice system: how to assure equity; Preventing guardianship; Self Determination; and Self-Advocacy, Self Employment, ADA. For more information or to register, contact The Association for Community Advocacy, 1100 N. Main, Suite 205, Ann Arbor, MI 48104; 734.662.1256 or 734.662.2699 (fax).
 

01-09-04

Breaking News and Disability Info - Dyslexia » Dyslexics: Left Behind - Despite the law, schools don't do enough to identify, educate dyslexics, advocates say.

No Child Left Behind and Ed YES! » Michigan-Achieves.org - a website funded by the Michigan Department of Education under a federal Title II Grant. Michigan Achieves is a consortium of professional associations in Michigan whose mission is to communicate and implement the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act and Education YES!

Parenting and Home Schooling » Collection of Games, Experiments, Projects and Diversions For Parents & Teachers

Upcoming Events » MI The 2004 Youth Symposium will take place on January 16-18, 2004 at the Howard-Miller Community Center in Zeeland, Michigan. You are invited to join high school students and recreation programmers in a Youth Symposium that is being hosted by the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, and other state agencies. It kicks off with the "Get Youth Involved" workshop beginning at 12:00 noon on January 16th. The cost of the symposium is $75 for adult community leaders and $35 for students. For registration documents or more information e-mail MML Youth Coordinator Dave Kinchen at Dkinchen@mml.org or call Farmington Hills Youth Director Todd Lipa at 248-473-1841. If you have any questions or would like any further information, please contact Lori Crothers from the Michigan Municipal League's Lansing office at (517) 485-1314.

Disability Info » E-ssential Guides: Topic-specific PDF Booklets - Whether you and your child are just starting out on the LD Journey, or you’ve hit a new roadblock, our E-ssential Guides put you on the fast-track to information! Each guide focuses on a specific topic and includes articles and expert interviews, along with suggested resources. Download a guide, print, and go!

College & Financial Aid » No Word Yet From Yale? Web Site May Know Why - At the Web site www.ThickEnvelope.com, anxious students and parents can gauge their likelihood of getting admission into 80 of the nation's most competitive universities. (You must register (free) with New York Times online to read this article.)
 

Breaking News and General Ed Reform - Leadership » NY Principal Apple of His Eye - It didn't take an army of cops to turn around troubled Hillcrest High School in Queens. It took a tough principal. One day after announcing plans to flood the city's 12 most dangerous schools with more police, Chancellor Joel Klein made a surprise visit to the Jamaica school that just two years ago was one of the most violent in the city. The drop-in was designed to show that Klein thinks principals, not cops, are ultimately responsible for the safety in their schools.

Breaking News and General Ed Reform - Leadership » NC Women Lead Few School Districts - The path to the superintendent's office can be difficult. Leaning slightly in her chair, Orange County schools Superintendent Shirley Carraway reflects on the path she took to her corner office in Hillsborough. The journey of a few paces from the front door was years long, navigating through male-dominated territory and leaping hurdles of preference, prejudice and perception. It's a voyage that many women don't get to make.

Upcoming Events » MI EMU's one-day conference "No Child Left Behind" will take place on February 5, 2004 at Eastern Michigan University. Joyce Epstein, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships and EMU’s 2003-2004 John W. Porter Chair in Urban Education will be leading a morning of dynamic dialogue on the topic. The afternoon is reserved for a workshop, led by Dr. Epstein, on ways that school-based parental involvement teams can work more effectively. Additional information and registration forms can be found at http://www.ce.emich.edu/winterconference/.

Upcoming Events » MI Norman Kunc: Rediscovering Our Right to Belong will take place on February 18, 2004 from 7-9 p.m. at the Farmington Hills Training Center. Everyone Together presents this fabulous opportunity for Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne County parents only; $5 donation to cover speaker fee at the door. Seating is limited. Register with UCP Metro Detroit (248) 557-5070.

Upcoming Events » MI CHADD of Eastern Oakland County Support Group Information 2004: Dates throughout 2004 from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Meetings take palce at Way Elementary School on W. Long Lake Rd. just east of Telegraph in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Support groups listed include parent group, adult group and spouse group. Click here or call (248) 988-6716 with any questions.
 

12-31-03

Upcoming Events » MI ADHD, Aspergers, OCD and Tourettes: Assessments and Clinical & Classroom Interventions for Children & Adolescents will take place on March 4, 2004 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and March 5, 2004 in East Lansing, Michigan. ADHD, Aspergers, OCD and Tourettes are becoming familiar labels clinically and educationally. The number of children being diagnosed with these disorders has increased substantially over the last 10 years. We know each disorder has a profound impact on the individuals social, communication and behavioral development both at home and at school. Participants will review the latest research and progress in neuroscience, evaluate individual differences and manifestations of each disorder as well as co-morbid disorders, etc. Call 715-836-9900 or visit www.meds-pdn.com for more details or to register.

 
12-30-03

Upcoming Events » MI Your Child's Brain: How It Works will take place on January 13, 2004 at Pinckney Community Schools, Navigator Media Center, Pinckney Michigan 48169. This workshop, hosted by the Parent Education Network, will feature Dr. Kathie Nunley, author of Students' Brains: The Parent/Teacher Manual will discuss the latest brain development research as it relates to education. Registration Not Required; No Cost. Email the Parent Education Network at parentednet@yahoo.com for more details.

Upcoming Events » MI Understanding Your Child's IEP: What is Assistive Technology? will take place on January 20, 2004 at Pinckney Community Schools, Pathfinder Center, Pinckney Michigan 48169. At this workshop, hosted by the Parent Education Network, MATR will provide an overview of Assistive Technology. No registration required; No Cost. Email the Parent Education Network at parentednet@yahoo.com.

Upcoming Events » U.S. The Learning Disabilities Association's 41st Annual International Conference "At The Crossroads: Challenges and Choices" will take place on March 17-20, 2004 at the Atlanta Hilton, 225 Courtland St., NE, Atlanta, Georgia. Come join thousands of other: Parents, Adults with Learning Disabilities, Teachers and other Professionals, for four exciting days of learning and sharing! Choose from over 200 topics on: Adult Literacy Instruction, Advocacy, Medical Issues, Assessment, Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Parenting/Family, Cultural Diversity, Professional Preparation, Early Childhood, Social Skills, Employment, Technology, Environmental Impact, and Transition. For more details, call (412) 341-1515, email: info@ldaamerica.org or visit http://www.ldaamerica.org/New.html.

Upcoming Events » MI Practical Strategies for Working with Students with Asperger's, High-Functioning Autism, and Nonverbal Learning Disorders (Grades K-12) will take place on January 26, 2004 at the Holiday Inn, Livonia, MI. For more information, call (800) 260-8180.

Upcoming Events » MI The Autism Society of Michigan's Spring Conference "Autism Spectrum Disorders and Bullying" will take place on April 30, 2004 at the Holiday Inn Livonia West. The presenters will be Richard Howlin, PhD and Rebekah Heinrichs. More info coming soon to www.autism-mi.org.

Upcoming Events » MI Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) will take place on February 26-27, 2004 at the St. Joseph ISD, 62445 Shimmel Road, Centreville, MI. Contact Pamela Zandt at (269) 467-5400 or pamz@sjcisd.org.
 

12-29-03

Breaking News » MI K-12 Teacher Scholarships for the 8^th Annual Institute on Service-Learning - The scholarships are sponsored by State Farm and they help defray the cost of registration fees for the institute, lodging expenses and they provide funds to start new service-learning projects. Applications must be received by January 9, 2004. The 2004 Institute on Service-Learning will be held at Grand Valley State University. Participants will then return to their school and implement a service-learning project. Each scholarship recipient will receive Institute registration, $65.00 to cover an overnight hotel stay and $50.00 to help with a service-learning project upon returning to their respective schools. At least 15 new service-learning projects will be developed throughout the state as a result of this program. Click here to download the pdf containing the application and more information [size=110k].

12-28-03

Breaking News » FL Teacher's Aide Charged With Abusing Autistic Students - A 60-year-old teacher's aide at a Duval County elementary school accused of abusing several of her students faces criminal charges and lost her job. Graceil Jones was arrested last Friday after investigating reports from school security officers that the teaching assistant at Pinedale Elementary has struck at least three students, at least two of them disabled.

Search » AskERIC Update: The resources at askeric.org have moved to a new home, the Educator's Reference Desk. Through this new site you can still access AskERIC's 2,000+ lesson plans, 3,000+ links to online education information, and 200+ question archive responses. While the question answer service will no longer be active, The Educator's Reference Desk provides the same search interface to the ERIC Database, providing access to over one million bibliographic records on educational research, theory, and practice. AskERIC Update will not be available at this site, but we have created a page with all the ERIC database tips we've provided to you over the years at http://www.eduref.org/Eric/Help/dbfaqs.shtml.

12-27-03

Upcoming Events » U.S. The Foster Family-based Treatment Association's 18th Annual Conference on Treatment Foster Care will take place on July 18-21, 2004 in Nashville, TN. Contact Stacey Teller-Horowitz or Melissa Cole, Foster Family-based Treatment Association, 294 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601; 800-414-3382; 201-489-4593; steller@mdu-inc.com or visit http://www.ffta.org.

Upcoming Events » U.S. Independent Living Resources, Inc.'s Advocacy in Action: Becoming a Powerful Voice for Youth! will take place on July 20-22, 2004 at Research Triangle Park, NC. Contact Nancy Carter, Program Coordinator, Independent Living Resources, Inc., 411 Andrews Road, Suite 230, Durham, NC 27705; (800) 820-0001; (919) 384-0338; email nancy.carter@ilrinc.com or click here for more information.
 

Upcoming Events » U.S. American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)'s 12th Annual Colloquium will take place on August 4-7, 2004 in Hollywood, CA. Contact Tricia Williams, APSAC, PO Box 26901, CHO 3B3406, Oklahoma City, OK 73190; (405) 271-8202 or visit http://www.apsac.org.

Upcoming Events » International The Fifth National Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome will take place on September 12-15, 2004 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Contact Steven Franks, National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, 2955 Harrison Boulevard, Suite 102, Ogden, UT 84403; (801) 627-3399; email sefranks@mindspring.com or visit http://www.dontshake.com.

Upcoming Events » International The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN)'s 15th International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect will take place on September 19-22, 2004 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Contact Secretariat Office, C/-ICMS PO Box 3496, South Brisbane Qld 4101, Australia, (617) 3844-1138; ispcan2004@icms.com.ua or visit http://www.congress2004.com.

Upcoming Events » U.S. The 2004 Child Welfare League of America Biennial Leadership Summit "Is the System Broken? Creating the Will, Wisdom and Ways to Meet the Needs of America's Children" will take place on October 20-22, 2004 in Hilton Head, SC. Contact the Child Welfare League of America, National Headquarters, 440 First Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 638-2952 or visit http://www.cwla.org/conferences/conferences.htm.

12-23-03

Medicaid/SSI/FSS » The Arc: Michigan’s Investment in Medicaid is Critical to Residents with Mental Retardation, Cerebral Palsy, and Related Disabilities [PDF; 2 pages; size=166k] - Medicaid is a federal/state program that provides health, community-based and institutional long-term services and supports, for children and families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In 2000, more than 1.36 million Michigan residents received services through Medicaid, including 282,072 people with disabilities.
 

Professional Development and Home Schooling » Resources Added: Sites For Teachers: "The Net's Best resource for Teachers" includes teaching resources, clipart, plus insect, dinosaur, ocean, and animal units.
Also, at Web English Teacher "educators can take advantage of online technology to share ideas and to benefit from the work of others. Beginning teachers can find guidance; experienced teachers can find inspiration. Think of it as the faculty library and faculty workroom on a global scale. Because the most important part of teaching isn't the technology."

Upcoming Events » U.S. The 2004 TASC Protection & Advocacy Skills Building Conference will take place on January 14-16, 2004 at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA 92108. Abuse and Neglect Detection and Prevention Skills Training, NITA Fact Investigation and Motions Skills Training; contact nachama@napas.org or phone 202-408-9514. Click here for web info.
 

Upcoming Events » U.S. The 22nd Annual Protecting Our Children Conference "Putting Our Minds Together to Leave No Indian Child Behind" will take place on April 4-7, 2004 in Denver, CO. For more details, contact Kim Just, Conference Coordinator, National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), 5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97239, (503) 222-4044, justkim@nicwa.org or visit http://www.nicwa.org.

Upcoming Events » U.S. Putting It Together Seminar will take place on April 20-24, 2004 in Raleigh Durham, NC. For more info, contact Nancy Carter, Independent Living Resources, Inc., 411 Andrews Road, Suite 230, Durham, NC 27705, (800) 820-0001 or (919) 384-0338; nancy.carter@ilrinc.com or click here.

Upcoming Events » U.S. Prevent Child Abuse America National Conference "Spreading the Magic of Prevention" will take place on May 16-19, 2004 at the Disney World Resort, FL. Contact Ann Johnson, Prevent Child Abuse America, 200 South Michigan Avenue, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604, (312) 663-3520, ajohnson@preventchildabuse.org or http://www.preventchildabuse.org.

12-22-03

Positive Behavior Support » Schools Experiment to Maintain Order - Based on the theory that positive behavior has to be mastered before reading and math, elementary schools focus on disruptive students.

12-20-03

Upcoming Events » U.S. The Autism One 2004 Conference will take place on May 27–30, 2004 in Chicago, IL. A conference for parents and professionals for the care, treatment, and recovery of children with autism. The conference organizers are themselves parents of children with autism. The tracks include: 1. Biomedical Treatments, 2. Behavior/Communication/Education Therapies, 3. Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4. Government/Legal/Personal Issues. Visit http://AutismOne.org for more details.

12-19-03

Upcoming Events » MI The next meeting of the Michigan Child Care Task Force (MCCTF) will take place on January 7, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. ­ noon in the Lake Ontario Room (3rd floor), State Library of Michigan, 717 West Allegan, Lansing, MI 48909. For more information call (517) 373-1580.

12-18-03

Breaking News and IDEA Reauthorization » Data Disconnect - Some policymakers have been asking us for "evidence" to support our arguments.

12-17-03

Breaking News » You Can't Raise Achievement Until the Barriers That Poverty Creates are Eliminated - The role of the principal is as diverse as the community s/he serves. The ultimate goal for all schools is improved student achievement, but the methods for achieving this goal vary in each community.

Early Childhood & Early On » Conference Call Series: Social Emotional Development - The next conference call in the series on social-emotional development in young children, sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation, will be on Wednesday December 17, 2003. Call the number listed below anytime between 3 p.m. December 17th thru 3 p.m. December 21st.  Links lead to the PowerPoint presentations that accompany the call are below. Dr. Edward Feil will present "Screening for Challenging Behavior in Preschool" followed by Professor Jane Squires' presentation "Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional - A New Tool for Identifying Social-Emotional Difficulties in Young Children" (additional PDF ASQ attachment here). Georgetown University has arranged with the conference call company to make a tape-recording of the presentations available for 5 calendar days on a toll-free number: 1-888-348-4629, pass code: 292155. No tape recording of these calls are available for sale.

State & National Links and Cultural Issues » Resource Added: The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal (Spanish) (English) - Whatever you want or need from the U.S. government, it's on FirstGov.gov. You'll find a rich treasure of online information, services and resources.

Early Childhood & Early On » Brain Development Series: Brain Child: Teachers Toting New Brain Research into Schools - New brain research prompted elementary school principal Kathy Whitmire to scratch the word "unreachable" from her vocabulary. Brain Child: Roundup of Early Childhood Resources - All over the country, organizations, agencies, government entities, institutes, community leaders and parents are working to make life better for young children and their families. Armed with the latest research on brain development, these programs and efforts are all geared to maximize children's potential. Brain Child: Early Education a Jumpstart For Life - If you can understand the words in this story, you can thank your parents for spending time singing and talking to you when you were in the womb. Then, if they continued to talk to you after you were born, introduced you to challenging problems and spent a great deal of time reading to you until you were at least 3, you developed learning skills that stayed with you for the rest of your life. Brain Child: Early Brain Development Key for Future - Advocates for building better brains in children are doing nothing less than trying to start a revolution. Brain Child: Barriers to Early Childhood Education - Educators and child development experts know what needs to be done to get kids ready to learn. They know that money spent trying to help kids catch up with their peers in fourth, eighth or 12th grade would be better spent in the first few years of life. Brain Child: A Primer for Developing Baby's Brain - It's child's play, really. Playing right with your baby in the first three years of life can have a profound influence on the kind of child and adult he or she becomes. Here's why. When a baby is born, the brain cells begin making trillions of connections with each other as it starts to experience its environment.

12-16-03

Lead Poisoning » Lead Levels of Edibles Grown in Contaminated Residential Soils: A Field Survey (PDF) by Mary E. Finster, Kimberly A. Grayand Helen J. Binns [PDF; 13 pages; size=169k] - Plants grown in lead contaminated soils can accumulate lead from the adherence of dust and translocation into the plant tissue. In order to evaluate the potential health hazard due to the consumption of plants grown in residential gardens contaminated by lead, a survey of the lead concentrations in a typical array of edible vegetables, fruits and herbs was conducted. Some edible portions of the leafy vegetables and herbs, however, were found to have lead levels that, if consumed, could contribute to the total body burden of lead. Therefore, urban gardeners should test the lead levels in their soils and develop strategies to ensure safety.

Early Childhood & Early On » Brain Development Series: Brain Child: Finding the Key - By the time we drop them into the kindergarten pool, some of our children start swimming through society like little Olympians. Others dog paddle or tread water. They will learn in due time. Others just start sinking. Brain Child: Science Findings on Brain Development - An infant is staring at his mother's versatile face, not a trace of understanding in his still-focusing eyes. And yet behind that wide-eyed gaze and soft cap of bone, an electrical storm is taking place. Brain Child: Universal Kindergarten Offered in Many States - One 4-year-old entered Mandy Deal's pre-kindergarten class this school year not able to name different colors or shapes and not knowing her own last name. Now the child can do all those things, plus write her first and last name and count to 20. Brain Child: Public Policy is a Child's Third Parent - Parents are every baby's first teachers. Brain Child: Financing Early Childhood Education - Tasha Mora grew up amid nightly gunshots, drug deals and filth. The 24-year-old mother of four says a public investment in her early childhood got her out of her Austin, Texas, ghetto and into a kid-friendly suburb with her husband and children. Brain Child: Early Head Start Gives Extra-early Boost to Toddlers - Amy Lee looks like she is watching her youngest son play. But really, she is watching him develop his mind. He is 2 years, 8 months old.

Special Education and IEP Issues » Complaint Procedures for Special Education - click here (PDF).

12-12-03

Breaking News and Bullying » What Bullies Want - Bullies are popular and their classmates think they're cool, according to new research from UCLA, which points to the need for a new approach to addressing the problem in schools. [Source]

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. Video Webcast: Sec. Paige Announces New No Child Left Behind Provision For Students With Disabilities - Originally broadcast on December 9, 2003; U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman John Boehner and children with disabilities gathered for a press conference to discuss how all children in America deserve a quality education, including those with disabilities.

Breaking News and General Ed Reform - Leadership » CA A Buddy System for Educators - At Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, everyone wants a piece of Principal Shawn Ashley. They all also want a piece of Principal Gwen Mack. One minute, a teacher is complaining about kids loitering in the halls. The next, an aide is hauling in a boy caught in the girls' bathroom. Then a custodian is griping about co-workers. Ashley and Mack take it all in stride. Inside their office, with two gray cubicles and two names on the door, they divvy up a monster job usually heaped on the shoulders of a single principal. [Source]

Breaking News, Medication, and Disability Info - Depression » UK Risk of New Anti-depressants Outweighs Benefit - British drug regulators Wednesday recommended against the use of all but one of a new generation of anti-depressants in the treatment of depressed children under 18.

Breaking News and Children At-Risk » NC How North Carolina Creates More Dropouts - North Carolina's nationally praised push to raise standards in public schools has a dangerous downside that state leaders have widely ignored: a dramatic rise in dropouts. After holding steady for years, the percentage of students quitting N.C. high schools in 1999 surged to the highest rate in at least a decade, and remained high a year later. [Source]

12-11-03

Bridges4Kids NewsDigest » New edition published December 10, 2003.

Breaking News » MI Latest Michigan News: Executive Order Cuts Adopted; House Torn on More Cuts vs. Tax Cut Delay - Cuts to higher education, prisons and local governments were enacted Wednesday to close a current year budget deficit, but only after arm-twisting in the House, whose majority Republicans initially objected to adopting a package of cuts predicated on a six-month delay of a scheduled income tax cut.

Breaking News » MI Memorial Service Planned for High Scope Founder David Weikart - David P. Weikart: 1931–2003 - Founder and President-Emeritus of High/Scope Educational Research Foundation Dies. The staff and Board of Directors of the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, with deep sorrow, announce the death of. Dr. David P. Weikart, founder and president-emeritus of High/Scope Educational Research Foundation in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Dr. Weikart died December 9, 2003, after a long struggle with leukemia.

Breaking News » MI Bowler to Judge's Bench; Udow to Head FIA - Bowler accepts Ionia County Judgeship, resigns as Department of Human Services (FIA) Director; Governor names Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) VP Marianne Udow New Director.

12-10-03

Professional Development and Inspiration » We Get What We Get: The Bottom Line On Parent Accountability - The following is a somewhat blunt, but quite definitive answer to the questions so often asked by frustrated teachers: What should be the parent's level of accountability in their children's education? ~ What do classroom teachers have the right to require and/or expect from parents in the way of cooperation, involvement and participation in their child's learning? If the parents won't see that they get their assignments done and won't come to conferences, what can I do?

No Child Left Behind » U.S. How can I find out more about No Child Left Behind (NCLB)? For more information about the law, teacher quality and other related subjects, click here.

Upcoming Events » MI Jackson ISD Special Education In-Service "Practical and Relevant Information on Special Education Law" with Sharon LaPoint, Attorney on January 16, 2004 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Gerald B. Kratz Education Center, 6700 Browns Lake Road, Jackson, MI.  For more information, call (517) 768-5200.
 
Upcoming Events » MI Jackson ISD Special Education In-Service "Developing Social Skills and Best Practices for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder" with Carol Gray will take place on February 26, 2004 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Lyle Torrant Center, 1175 W. Parnall Rd., Jackson, MI 49201.  For more information, call (517) 787-8910.
 
Upcoming Events » MI Jackson ISD Special Education In-Service "Autism Spectrum Disorder" with Dr. Sally Burton-Hoyle, Autism Society of Michigan will take place on March 26, 2004 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Gerald B. Kratz Education Center, 6700 Browns Lake Road, Jackson, MI.  For more information, call (517) 768-5200.

12-09-03

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. New Federal Regulations Governing the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities under the No Child Left Behind Assessments Take Effect on January 8, 2004 - The new No Child Left Behind Act regulations for students with significant cognitive deficits were recently published in the Federal Register. To read them, click here, scroll down to the section titled "Education". The regulations can be downloaded in either text or PDF format.

Breaking News » JFA/AAPD Announces 2003 Hearne Award Recipients - The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is delighted to announce that the following three individuals have been selected by a national advisory committee to receive the 2003 Paul G. Hearne/AAPD Leadership Awards for emerging leaders with disabilities: Cheri Blauwet, Menlo Park, CA; Alison Ashley Hilman, Washington, DC; and Kevin Long, Minneapolis, MN

Breaking News and Bullying » U.S. U.S. Frames Bullying as Health Issue - The federal government is planning a $3.4 million campaign to combat bullying, drawing support from more than 70 education, law enforcement, civic and religious groups. With an expected start next year, the effort will frame bullying as a public health concern, targeting kids and the adults who influence them.

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Assistive Technology (AT) » Mind Control Over Motorized Wheelchairs - A neural system that "reads" minds may some day let severely disabled people use their thoughts to steer a motorized wheelchair. Unlike previous devices of this sort, this system does not require surgical implants. It utilizes a skullcap fitted with electrodes that monitor the electrical activity of a person's brain, says a recent story in New Scientist.

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » MO 4 East St. Louis Principals, 6 Others are Demoted Over Special Education Lapse - Four popular East St. Louis principals whose students did not take mandatory special education tests have been demoted on the recommendation of Superintendent Nate Anderson. The School Board voted 5-1 Friday to discipline the principals, the director of special education and members of her staff at a special board meeting. The demotions were effective Friday.

Disability Info - Migraine Headache and Tourette's Syndrome » Migraine Headaches and Tourette Syndrome - Tourette syndrome is the most common childhood genetic movement disorder. Previous research shows children with Tourette syndrome also suffer from migraines. A new study confirms those findings. The new research reports the frequency of migraine headaches in Tourette syndrome children is nearly four-times more than the frequency of migraines in the general population.
 

Inspiration » Jim Abbott Speech ADAPT: Overcoming Adversity - People will tell you that I overcame obstacles…maybe. But the truth is I was incredibly blessed in my life. More was given than was ever taken away. Some of you may know that my career statistics weren’t that great. There were some incredible highlights and some agonizing lowlights. The truth is, I won’t go to the hall of fame. But if a career can be measured by special moments, lessons learned, and a connection with people then I would stack mine up with anyone’s.

Breaking News and Immunization Info » UK European Drug Watchdog Probes Aventis, Glaxo Vaccines - The European Medicines Evaluation Agency will start an active surveillance program of so-called hexavalent vaccines early next year following reports of a small number of sudden unexpected deaths in vaccinated children.

Recent Court Cases and New Hampshire » NH An Adequate Education Defined - Claremont II and the other New Hampshire Supreme Court Claremont Decisions require that the State of New Hampshire ensure that all students be afforded an "adequate education" which is  more than just providing the basics. As described in Claremont II the Court "look[ed] to the following seven criteria articulated by the Supreme Court of Kentucky" "as benchmarks of a constitutionally adequate public education.

Summer Camp and Upcoming Events » MI Announcing: Camp Wannago 2004! Two camping sessions; the dates are July 26-30, 2004 and Aug 2-6, 2004. Camp will be at the Lake Huron Retreat Center in Lakeport, Michigan. Camp Wannago is a day camp for children who are emotionally/mentally impaired. Various activities will be held daily including crafts, swimming (lifeguards on duty), scavenger hunts, camp Olympics. For brochure please email your mailing address to Lisa Wheeler at cessm_inc@msn.com.
 

Children At-Risk » Resource Added: APSAC (American Professional Society on Abuse of Children) is dedicated to a multidisciplinary approach to professional services to maltreated children and the adults who share and influence their lives. APSAC members come from law enforcement, medicine, social services, mental health, psychology, law, social work, social and behavioral sciences, education and allied professions. 

Discipline and Disability Info - Obesity » Behavior Problems Feed Childhood Obesity - Study finds overweight kids twice as likely to misbehave.

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. Sea of Testing Data Buries U.S. Schools - Complex results, errors delaying state report cards. From Utah to Pennsylvania, education officials have been trying to analyze mounting piles of student test scores and teacher competency statistics and finding the task far more costly and time-consuming than they imagined.
 

12-08-03

Breaking News » Which Disabled Kids Face More Psychosocial Problems? - Those with learning, communication impairments have tougher time, study finds. Physical limitations in themselves are not detrimental to psychosocial adjustment and that there needs to be a stronger focus on the whole family when treating children with disabilities says study author Whitney P. Witt, of Massachusetts General Hospital.

Breaking News and IDEA Reauthorization » U.S. Comparisons of House and Senate IDEA Reauthorization Bills: Side-by-Side Comparison (PDF size=1.2MB; 385 pages) and Section-by-Section Comparison (PDF size=200kb; 17 pages) from the Congressional Research Service, November 21, 2003

Breaking News » Schools Should Teach Value of Informed Dissent - Our nation was born out of dissent, but conceived in hope. We recognize that dissent is an act of faith rooted in the belief that better things are possible. In America, dissent is patriotic, and our children need to know this.

Breaking News and Nutrition » IL Aldermen Call For Less Junk Food, More Healthy Breakfasts in Schools - The Chicago Board of Education should provide a healthy breakfast for all students to discourage binge eating throughout the day, and ban or severely limit pop and junk food in school vending machines to curb an epidemic of childhood obesity, aldermen suggested Wednesday.

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Assistive Technology (AT) » Computing With Kids: Top Edutainment Titles Combine Learning, Fun - After testing hundreds of new titles this year, here's our "Best Picks for the Holidays" in the category of children's "edutainment" titles. Edutainment software combines entertainment and learning.

Upcoming Events » MI SIBSHOPS: A Program that celebrates Brothers and Sisters of Kids with Special Needs will take place on the 3rd Saturday, from January to June, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Howell, MI. Kids aged 7 to 13 that have a sibling with a developmental disability or special health need are welcome to attend a gathering to share ideas, play outrageous games, have fun and eat great food. Please join us in celebrating the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. For information and registration call the Arc of Livingston at 517-546-1228.

Breaking News » CA Tardy Californian Students Pay $165 Ticket Instead of Serving Detention - Students late for school in one town have something worse than detention to fear - they have to pay for tardiness in cold hard cash. In Whittier, Calif., students who are caught coming to school late three times are slapped with a $165 ticket. On an average day 2,300 students walk in after the morning bell has rung. School officials have turned to the police to help combat tardiness.

Breaking News » MI The 2004 State Budget: A Moral Statement (PDF) - Position paper from Focus, the newsletter of the Michigan Catholic Conference. "A clear indicator of the moral strength of a society is the assistance it provides its citizens who are most needy".

Disability Info - Obesity » Prevention Can Start Young, Studies Suggest; but How? - As parents and doctors struggle with an epidemic of childhood obesity in America, Anne Youngquist worries about a subtler menace that may not threaten her three children for decades: heart disease.
 

Disability Info - Fragile X » Fragile X: The Story of Luke - Shutdown of one gene changes a little boy's trip through life. When Luke Solotaroff was a month old, he still did not have the muscle strength to suck his mother's breast or a bottle. His parents had to use a tiny tube, one-tenth of an inch in diameter, to coax sustenance into his baby mouth. By the time Luke was 2 1/2 years old, the situation was no better. His legs were so flexible they could be tied behind his head. He was also developing distinctive features: large, protruding ears and an oval face. And while he laughed and screeched, he didn't form any words.

Medical & Health Encyclopedia » Resource Added: MedicineNet - MedicineNet, Inc. is an online, healthcare media publishing company. It provides easy-to-read, in-depth, authoritative medical information for consumers via its robust, user-friendly, interactive web site. Nationally recognized, 100% Doctor-Produced by a network of over 70 U.S. Board Certified Physicians, MedicineNet.com is the trusted source for online health and medical information.
 

Statistics » Washington City Group on Disability Statistics - The Washington City Group on Disability Measurement was formed as a result of the United Nations International Seminar on Measurement of Disability that took place in New York in June 2001. An outcome of that meeting was the recognition that statistical and methodological work was needed at an international level in order to facilitate the comparison of data on disability cross-nationally.

Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » Brain Differences Found in ADHD Kids: Scans find unusual levels of certain neurotransmitters - Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may harbor unusual levels of certain neurotransmitters in the frontal part of their brains. Researchers reporting in the December issue of the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences found levels of glutamate were increased in ADHD children while levels of GABA, a neuro-inhibitor, were decreased.
 

12-07-03

Breaking News and Lead Poisoning » MI Surgeon General and Michigan Legislature Addressing Lead Poisoning in Children - To download this 4-page report in PDF format, click here [size=118k].

Breaking News and Disability Info - Self-Injury » Student Self-Harm: Silent School Crisis - Experts say that self-mutilating behavior is becoming more prevalent among teenagers, forcing administrators, teachers, and other school staff members to confront the disturbing issue.

Breaking News and Disability Info - Learning Disabilities (LD) » Trying to Figure Out Why Math Is So Hard for Some - Theories Abound: Genetics, Gender, How It's Taught; Three little words -- "math is hard" -- uttered a decade ago by Teen Talk Barbie drew enough protests of sexism that its maker, Mattel Inc., pulled the doll from stores. But researchers today say Barbie wasn't all wrong: Math is hard for many -- male and female, children and adults. And while a "math gene" has not been discovered, experts say that early school-age boys and girls tend to approach the subject differently, influenced by biological, environmental and educational factors.

Upcoming Events » MI The Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA) Strategic Planning Sessions/Conference will take place on on January 5-6, 2004; Location to be determined. As Michigan celebrates the 10th anniversary of its charter school law, MAPSA is working to ensure the charter school community’s continued success in providing and compelling quality educational options. It is essential that its leaders regroup, assess past accomplishments and future direction, and align its objectives accordingly. To do this MAPSA has been working with Russ and Leslie Knopp of Traverse Management Resources to build a strong and positive strategic plan. Your perceptions, ideas and knowledge are vital to this important step in developing a strong strategic plan for MAPSA, for charter schools and for the education of all children in Michigan. If you have any questions, call Lisa Dobias or Dan Quisenberry at (517) 374-9167.

12-06-03

Breaking News and Proposal A » MI Posthumus: Proposal A is OK - In response to rising criticism in the education community, former Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus said today that he doesn't believe the promise of Proposal A is being broken if the governor and the Legislature end up cutting the $6,700-per-student foundation grant.

 
Breaking News » MI Bill Would Reduce Payments to Wealthy School Districts - Today, Rep. Howard Walker introduced a bill that would eliminate state 20 J supplemental payments that stabilize the reduction of local millages for the state's wealthiest school districts. The measure is based on the concept of one of the cuts from the House budget-balancing plan which was announced Wednesday by House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Judy EMMONS (R-Sheridan) as an alternative to Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposal to freeze the scheduled income tax rollback.

Upcoming Events » MI The NCA/CASI-Michigan Midwest Assessment Conference will take place on March 4, 2004 at the Holiday Inn South, Lansing, Michigan. Demystifying assessment is the focus of this conference. Keynote speaker Bob Marzano will set the stage for the concurrent sessions, which will focus on how to: develop local and classroom-based assessments, disaggregate and examine standardized assessments, and choose assessments for your own school improvement plan. Call NCA at 734-998-9300 or visit http://www.nca.umich.edu/assess_conf_registration.html for details.

12-05-03

Breaking News and IDEA Reauthorization » Home/School Partnerships: Who Really Cares? - I do! And I am very worried that this IDEA reauthorization will compromise the existing spirit of healthy home-school partnerships. In the name of education "reform," parents face the risk of being further and further pushed into situations in which they will be taken to their knees and forced to cooperate with educators versus being openly invited to collaborate for the benefit of our students.

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. Severely Disabled Students Get Own Rules - Students with the most severe learning disabilities can be held to standards designed just for them rather than those used for classmates, which could ease pressure on schools struggling to make yearly progress, Education Department officials said Wednesday.

Breaking News » MI Federal Policies Contribute to the Severity of the State Fiscal Crisis - This report identifies several federal policies affecting state finances, A second report on the state budget crisis "State Budget Deficits Continue to Threaten Public Services" is also available. The report was written by Nicholas Johnson. The report expresses concerns about state budgets in 2005.

Breaking News » IDEA and Section 504 and ADA Audio Conference - On Dec. 10, 2003, Perry Zirkel, a university professor of education, will explain the basic and advanced differences between the IDEA, Section 504 and the ADA from eligibility and services to enforcement and litigation distinctions during this interactive audio conference.

Upcoming Events » MI The Hope Center: January Openings Now Available! - Beaumont Hospital offers the Hands-On Parent Education (HOPE) Center to families of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Through this unique program, you and your child attend a small preschool-like center fifteen hours a week (Mon-Fri) for twelve weeks. Behavioral specialists will show you how to implement techniques that are based in applied behavior analysis (ABA). These methods are used to increase your child’s communication, socialization, and play in a fun developmentally appropriate fashion. Skills are systematically transferred from the HOPE Center to your home to ensure learning is taking place around the clock! Click here for more information.

Job Opportunities » Resource Added: Education Week's listing of educational job postings

12-04-03

Breaking News and No Child Left Behind » U.S. Paige Outlines No Child Left Behind Act's "Ten Key Benefits for Parents of English Language Learners" - U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige and Deputy Under Secretary of Education Maria Hernandez Ferrier today kicked off the department's second annual summit on English language acquisition by unveiling a new initiative to help parents play a more active role in their child's education.

Breaking News » MI Troy District Mourns Special Education Director - Troy School District officials are mourning Lawrence Selaty, 54, director of special education, who died in a one-car Thanksgiving Day crash on Interstate 75 in Gainesville, Fla., that also injured his wife.

Breaking News » MI Bridges4Kids Family Members Called to Active Duty: Albion Guard Unit Deployed - It was hard for Bridges4Kids Technology Directory and webmaster, Jackie Igafo-Te'o, to say goodbye to her husband Billy as he left for at least six months of active duty. She is losing more than a spouse. Billy is her day-to-day partner as they struggle to raise their nine-year-old son, Michael, who has autism, as well as their two other children, Melody and Sebastian. "Michael can be difficult to handle," Jackie explained, "but he responds to his dad. I don't know how I will manage without Billy." (Other Bridges4Kids family members serving in active duty include Brian Ehlers, the son of Bridges4Kids CEO, Deborah Canja. Brian is a member of the U.S. Air Force and is currently stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska.)

Breaking News and Children At-Risk » WA Educators Took Help Straight to the Kids Where They Lived - What did Tom Lovitt, a University of Washington education professor, and an elementary school principal do when they discovered that more than 100 kids from one low-income apartment complex were struggling in school?

Breaking News » MI Michigan Accepting Applications for Coaches to High Priority Schools - Michigan Academic Coaches Institute at MSU has posted a call for applicants to be trained as coaches to provide intensive, on-site technical assistance to Michigan's High Priority Schools. Click here for details and application materials. Selection and development of a cadre of approximately 90 coaches will occur in three locations throughout the state to be available to Michigan's high priority schools in the fall of 2004. The project is funded by the Michigan State Board of Education under a 2002-2003 Title II, Part A(1) Improving Teacher Quality State Activities Competitive Grant.

Breaking News and General Ed Reform » U.S. Klein's New Plan to Rate Teachers - Teachers and supervisors could be rated on how well their students perform compared to kids in other classes - or even in other schools - under a sweeping new accountability plan being crafted by Schools Chancellor Joel Klein.

Upcoming Events » MI The ABC's of Assistive Technology will take place on December 8, 2003 from 7-9pm at Balas II, Multimedia Room (2725 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, Michigan). Presenters will be Ronnie Connors and Naomi Norman of the WISD IRN (Information Resource Network) and ATAC Lab (Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication Resource Lab) Ann Arbor Liasons with the WISD Assistive Technology Committee: Angie Christiansen, Tina Pagnucco, Deborah Kay. This workshop is free and open to the public. The presenters will discuss the benefits of assistive technology in the classroom setting. For more information, email atelfer@umich.edu.

Breaking News and Detroit » MI Detroiters on Road to Having Say on Schools - The fate of Detroit Public Schools took a surprise turn Wednesday as the House approved a plan to let the city's voters choose next March whether to hand control of the schools largely to the mayor or to an elected school board.

12-03-03

Breaking News » IN Parents Fear Kids Are Shortchanged - Behavior problems often result from lack of special-ed teachers, advocates say. Juan Reynolds and his younger brother, Clayton, have learning disabilities that have cost them valuable time in the classroom. Juan, 16, and Clayton, 8, are both emotionally impaired -- special-education students who easily become frustrated with regular lessons. As a result, they frequently act out in class with disruptive behavior.

Upcoming Events » MI The 2004 Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference will take place on February 25-27, 2004 at the Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.michigancec.org.

Breaking News and Disability Topics - Hearing Impaired and Visually Impaired » GA Special Needs Student is Resolute - In a dimly lighted room, 14-year-old Chelsea Gilliland read aloud as she skimmed her hands along rows of raised dots, letting her fingers see the words. The LaFayette High School freshman is legally blind, hearing impaired and has trouble walking. Despite her physical handicaps, Chelsea has succeeded in school, making all A's and B's.

Breaking News » MI Survey Indicates State’s Budget Crisis is Hitting Classrooms - Schools in Michigan have already made significant cuts in programs that affect students, employees and their communities. The cuts will continue unless something is done to address the state’s financial crisis according to survey results released by the Michigan School Business Officials and a host of other education associations representing public schools in Michigan.

Breaking News » MI MEAP Accreditation Waiver OK'd by House Panel - A House panel approved a bill Tuesday to waive accreditation scores for public schools whose Michigan Educational Assessment Program answer sheets were lost by the state or a state contractor. A number of schools in the state did not get their winter 2002 MEAP scores on several subjects because all or some of the tests were lost. If the lack of the grade would mean the school would fail to meet the federally required adequate yearly progress, then the Department of Education would have to request a waiver for that school from the requirements.

12-02-03

Breaking News » U.S. HUD Announces $50.9 Million in Rental Housing Vouchers to Help Families With Disabilities - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez announced $50,983,616 million in housing assistance vouchers to 1,336 housing agencies and non-profit organizations. These rental assistance vouchers are given exclusively to households, who have family members with disabilities, to make leasing private housing affordable.
 
Breaking News » U.S. Bush Administration Announces More Than $740 Million to Help Very Low Income Elderly and People With Disabilities - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez announced that more than $740 million in housing assistance grants will be awarded this year to help the nation's very low-income elderly and people with disabilities. The grants include $593 million for the elderly and $146 million for people with disabilities.

Upcoming Events » MI The South Lyon Cinema Presents: Elf on Sunday, December 7, 2003 at 1:00 pm. The theater is located in downtown South Lyon. The South Lyon Cinema will be having a special showing for all special needs kids and their friends of the live action film, "Elf" (rated PG). Admission will be $1.00 per person with a coke & popcorn special for $1.00. For more information, email southlyoncinema@paintboxdesigns.net or call (734) 429-7409.

IEP Issues - Person-Centered Planning » Resources Added: Person-Centered Planning Courses and Popular Person-Centered Tools (PPCT) Courses from Cornell Program on Employment & Disability

Disability Info - ADD/ADHD » New Topic Added: Indigo Children

Parenting » Featured Resource: Parent Leadership Associates - Their mission is to improve student achievement by engaging parents to become decision-making partners in public schools through on-site consulting, technical support, workshops, conferences and materials.

Upcoming Events » MI "Treating the Biology of Autism: An approach to interventions for spectrum disorders" will take place on April 3-4, 2004 at the Marriott at Centerpoint, 3600 Centerpoint Parkway, Pontiac, MI 48341. World leaders in autism research will explain why and how biological issues may have an impact on the physical, behavioral and cognitive health of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), (PDD-NOS, Asperger’s Syndrome, Tourette’s Syndrome), as well as psychiatric, ADHD and other neurological disorders. Attendees will also learn what treatments are available to them now and how to determine whether diet, laboratory testing, minerals/supplements may be beneficial and how to implement these interventions. If you have any questions please call the Oakland County Chapter of the Autism Society of America (OCC/ASA) at [248] 393-3131 or visit http://www.asaoakland.org/.

12-01-03

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Inclusion » TN Special Ed Has No Place in Tennessee District - There are no "special education" programs in Williamson County, Tennessee. There are no self-contained special education classrooms and no special education teachers. Instead, students are taught at their grade level with the help of a "Student Support Services" department that serves all students, whether they qualify for special education services or not. If special help is needed, there are "resource rooms" or "learning labs" that are used by all students.

Breaking News and IEP Issues - Inclusion » TN Special Ed Battle: Family Wins Case, Seeks Legal Fees From Monongalia Schools - Jim and Eleanor Green spend most of their evenings reading legal documents -- time taken away from reading storybooks to their two children. The couple, whose 8-year-old daughter, Julie, has Down syndrome, is embroiled in a battle with the Monongalia County school system. The battle has cost both parties a combined $170,000. And a lot of time and energy. It started in spring 2002 when the Greens disagreed with school officials, who attempted to increase Julie's time out of the regular classroom at Mountainview Elementary from 21 percent to 60 percent. Officials said Julie (who is mildly mentally retarded) needed a specialized environment to learn.

IEP Issues - Inclusion » U.S. School Systems Move Toward Special Education Inclusion - Nationwide, school systems are moving toward special education inclusion. Inclusion means incorporating special education instruction in the traditional classroom daily, instead of sending special-needs students to other rooms to receive instruction.

Services for Hospitalized or Terminally Ill Children » Page updated; Give Kids The World added.