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.