Bridges4Kids News Digest

January 20, 2007

Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Topics

• National News	• Disability News
• No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	• Special Education Issues
• Parenting/Parental Involvement	• Ask the Attorney/Advocate
• Early Childhood	• Upcoming National Events
• Michigan News	• Upcoming Michigan Events
• Where to Find Help For a Child
• Visit Bridges4Kids

National News	top
New FREE Website: 1500 Teaching Resources http://free.ed.gov The new design, launched last month, has improved navigation and images throughout the site. A new "subject map" shows more than 100 topics and the number of resources for each. This is the first redesign of FREE since the site was created in 1998. The design is new, but the goal of FREE remains the same: to make it easier for you to find more than 1500 teaching and learning resources available from the federal government. Commission Recommends Drastic Changes to U.S. Public Education http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=165000023 A bipartisan commission has proposed a series of dramatic changes that would shake up American public education in an effort to make the nation more competitive globally. The New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce issued its recommendations — which include paying teachers significantly better salaries, authorizing school districts to pay companies to run schools, and enrolling many students in college after tenth grade — in a 170-page report on the future workforce. Online Video Game Making Class for Ages 10 and Up http://www.michiganlearning.com This seven-week instructor-facilitated On-Line class will teach you how to design and modify your own exciting arcade style video games. You'll learn how to control characters, objects and outcomes in your game, then increase the difficulty level and add more features. Learn how to design your own version of PacMan and several other games. Students will participate in this class at home using their own computer or in a school computer lab. Your students can be the first in the country to take this type of technology training. Advocate's Guide to Working w/Legislators While produced by the National Center for Learning Disabilities and written with the LD community in mind, there are many valuable parts of the guide that would be useful to any parent or advocate. You can access the guide online for free at http://www.ncld.org/content/view/263/312/ or you can download it in PDF at http://www.ncld.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=291
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	top
Next round begins for No Child Left Behind http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0108/p01s01-uspo.html?s=hns When President Bush signed the landmark No Child Left Behind Act five years ago Monday, he conducted a three-state road show, touted its bipartisan roots, and promised it would put US schools "on a new path of reform, and a new path of results." In the five years since, critics and admirers of the bill tend to agree about the reform part, but say they're still waiting for results. NCLB and IDEA: What Parents Need to Know and Do (PDF) http://education.umn.edu/nceo/OnlinePubs/Parents.pdf This document was written by Candace Cortiella for the National Center on Educational Outcomes. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	top
Consumer Product Safety Agency Moves to Ban Lead in Kids' Jewelry http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/L/LEAD_IN_JEWELRY?SITE=NDBIS&SECTION =HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-12-28-14-31-33 A government regulatory agency has taken steps toward banning children's jewelry containing small amounts of lead, which was responsible for more than a dozen product recalls in the past two years. The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously to move forward in a process that could ultimately lead to a ban on children's jewelry containing more than .06 percent lead by weight. "The Pill" May Raise Odds of Having Allergic Kids http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2006/12/29/eline/links/20061229elin026.html Mothers who have previously used oral contraceptive pills seem more likely to have children with nasal allergies, Finnish researchers report. High-dose Fertility Drugs Put Mothers and Babies At Risk http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1973985,00.html Thousands of infertile women who undergo IVF treatment are risking themselves and their embryos because they are receiving too many strong hormonal drugs, new research reveals. Fish Oil Pills for Mom May Boost Offspring’s Co-ordination http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=72969-fish-oil-pills The infants of mothers who received fish oil supplements during pregnancy had improved hand-eye coordination, says a new study. Researchers from the University of Western Australia based their findings on 98 pregnant women, who were either given daily supplements of fish oil or olive oil from 20 weeks of pregnancy until the birth of their babies. “Given the scarcity of data to support the efficacy of fish oil supplementation during pregnancy, our data have potentially important role in informing on the effects of fish oil supplementation on early postnatal infant development,” wrote the researchers, led by Susan Prescott, in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	top
CDC Warns Against Giving Cold Medicine to Kids Under 2 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/1-07/CDC1-12-07.htm More than 1,500 toddlers and babies wound up in emergency rooms over a two-year period and three died because of bad reactions to cold or cough medicine, federal health officials reported. Free Preschool Math and Language Worksheets http://www.playodyssey.com/worksheets/worksheet_db.aspx High quality, full color worksheets like those used in schools. Primarily for preschoolers, but also for older children who may need basic instruction . Terrific Transitions: Supporting Children's Transition to Kindergarten http://www.serve.org/TT/ The Terrific Transitions Web site provides information, tips, activities and resources for families, professionals and community partnerships to use as they address children’s transitions into kindergarten. It also provides links to research and brochures and sample materials. Planning for Terrific Transitions: A Guide for Transition-to-School Teams, by SERVE, is a trainer’s guide to facilitate an eight-hour training on the transition to kindergarten. This guide is available on the Web at http://www.serve.org/TT/res_ttg.html For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	top
Mental Health Reform Tops Kilpatrick Wish List http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-07/mirs1-12-07.html The number one issue Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick placed on his wish list of things he'd like to see the Legislature do for Detroit this year is create a mental health authority to deal with the enormous problem the Detroit area has with its apparently unaddressed mentally ill population. Executive Directive No. 2006-6 http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-36898-153806--,00.html This directive, signed by Governor Granholm on October 17, 2006, promotes green chemistry for sustainable economic development and protection of public health in Michigan. See related article: http://www.ecocenter.org/releases/20061018_greenchem.shtml Three New Michigan Laws Will Ban Products Containing Mercury Senate Bill 123 - sponsored by Senator Liz Brater, Senate Bill 124 - sponsored by Senator Patricia Birkholtz and Senate Bill 186 - sponsored by Senator Ron Jelinek, were signed into law by Governor Granholm on December 28, 2006. Senate Bill 123 prohibits a person from selling, offering for sale, or offering for promotional purposes or for use in this state, a blood pressure recording, measuring, or monitoring device that contained mercury or a mercury compound intentionally added to the device, beginning January 1, 2008. The bill would prohibit the use of such devices beginning January 1, 2009. http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-SB-123 Senate Bill 124 prohibits a person from selling or distributing a thermostat for use in regulating room temperature if the thermostat contained mercury or a mercury compound, beginning January 1, 2009. The bill would not prohibit a thermostat if the thermostat is a replacement for an existing thermostat containing mercury or a mercury compound that is a component of an appliance. http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-SB-124 Senate Bill 186 prohibits a person from selling, offering for sale, or distributing in this state an esophageal dilator, bougie tube, or gastrointestinal tube if mercury or a mercury compound was added to the product during its manufacture, beginning January 1, 2009. http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-SB-186
Disability News	top
Study Links Pesticide to Learning Disorder http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2006/12/25/m1a_pesticides_1225.html A study by Columbia University scientists has established a link between learning disorders in children and a pesticide that has been used extensively on sweet corn, one of Palm Beach County's major crops. But local and state agricultural officials say the insecticide, chlorpyrifos, does not pose a threat to consumers because it does not leave dangerous levels of residue on the corn. The principal danger may be to families living and working around where the corn is grown who could be affected when the insecticide is applied or the corn picked. Researchers to Create Autism Databank http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/11/ap/health/mainD8MIOEU80.shtml Scientists at the University of Michigan and 10 other universities will use an initial $10 million gift from a New York-based charitable organization to create a databank of DNA samples from 3,000 autism patients that they hope will identify different kinds of autism and develop treatments. Listen to the Recent Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE) Network Call "Rethinking Autism: Towards a Whole Body Paradigm" Online http://www.healthandenvironment.org/articles/partnership_calls/788 In addition to background information, call resources and Collaborative on Health and the Environment blog, an MP3 recording of this teleconference is now available. Listen to the Recent Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE) Network Call "Endocrine Disruption and Cancer" Online http://www.healthandenvironment.org/articles/partnership_calls/845 Collaborative on Health and the Environment Cancer, CHE Fertility, and new CHE Women's Environmental Health working groups recently co-hosted a joint call featuring a discussion about the the link between cancer and environmental contaminants known to interfere with the endocrine system. MI Public Comment Needed: Training and Technical Assistance (TA) Subcommittee of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Workgroup The task of the Training and Technical Assistance (TA) Subcommittee of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Workgroup is to make recommendations on the design of a sustainable, ongoing system of training and TA on the recommended screening, assessments and interventions. The workgroup proposed recommendations are in narrative form and the matrix is a supporting document that gives further detail on the recommendations, showing how the Training and TA recommendations are connected to previous recommendations on screening, assessment and interventions. Please submit comments by January 22nd to crafta@michigan.gov. The Training and Technical Assistance Subcommittee Recommendations can be found online at http://www.cenmi.org/asd/downloads/TA-ProposedRecommendations.pdf The ASD Training and TA Matrix can be found online at http://www.cenmi.org/asd/downloads/TA-Matrix-January07.pdf MI Community Resources for Children with Special Health Care Needs and Their Families (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/updatedcommunityresources.pdf This informative grid, created by Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) contains 7 pages of organizations that offer either information or direct support. MI New Disability Resources Website From the State of Michigan http://www.Michigan.gov/disabilityresources The State of Michigan recently launched a comprehensive web site devoted solely to the interests and concerns of people with disabilities. Developed by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Information Technology, the site contains information about accessible housing, employment assistance, assistive technology and accessible transportation, among many other topic areas. Persons with suggestions for making the site more helpful and user friendly are encouraged to contact the site manager at disabilityresources@michigan.gov For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	top
MI Invitation to Participate: EMU Family Involvement Project http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-07/emu1-16-07.html The Special Education majors at Eastern Michigan University are required to do a project with a family which includes child/young adult or teen with a special education label. The purpose of this project is for future teachers to learn the complexity of issues families deal with on a daily basis when they have a child with a disability. To participate or for more information, click on the link above. MI Opportunity to Submit Public Comment Regarding Rates of Suspension & Expulsion This is a request for public comment on Michigan’s proposed targets relative to the discipline of students with disabilities. It is the final of four (4) requests on four different indicators. Indicator 4 has two sub-indicators. Sub-indicator 4A requires states to report their rates of suspensions and expulsions of children with disabilities suspended for more than ten days in a school year. This part of the indicator was presented for public input in 2005-2006 and was reported in the 2005-2006 State Performance Plan. Sub-indicator 4B is new and requires states to report their suspension and expulsion data by race/ethnicity. Please review the information and provide your comments prior to January 25, 2007. Read the complete text of the Draft Indicator #4B language at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/SPP-4BDraft_183555_7.pdf or the summary at http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2262RHLC3LL MI Request for Public Comment: Parent Involvement http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-06/MDE12-06.html#ind8 This is a request for public comment on Michigan’s proposed targets relative to Parent Involvement in special education. Indicator #8 is a new indicator that measures the percent of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities. Please review the information and provide your comments prior to January 22, 2007. For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	top
Bridges4Kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Question: I understand that my school district is in the process of amending its IEP form. As part of that process it has decided to remove the box from the form that says: Disagree with IEP and Request a Due Process Hearing”. When I asked about this, I was told that the decision was made as a result of the 2004 amendments to IDEA. Can the school do this? What about my rights to “stay put”? Answer: Read John's Answer at http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA/q49.html Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
Upcoming National Events	top
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc.'s 22nd Annual Free Special Camp Fair WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 2007 from 11 AM to 3 PM WHERE: Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 W. 59th Street NYC (Entrance to Fair on Columbus Ave. near W. 60th St.). DESCRIPTION: Parents and caregivers of children and teens with disabilities can plan ahead for summer with the wealth of information offered at the 22nd annual free Special Camp Fair on Saturday, January 27, 2007 from 11 AM to 3 PM. at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 W. 59th Street NYC (Entrance to Fair on Columbus Ave. near W. 60th St.) . Visitors to the Fair will receive a free copy of the Camps 2007 Guide. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information contact Gary Shulman, 212-677-4650. The Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group of Michiana present Strategies for Teaching Children w/Down Syndrome and other Developmental Disabilities WHEN: February 3, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. WHERE: John Young Middle School in Mishawaka, IN DESCRIPTION: Susan Peoples will present "Strategies for Teaching Children w/Down Syndrome and other Developmental Disabilities". The cost is $20 per person, and includes breakfast and lunch. CEU's will be available for professionals for an additional fee. Parents, program assistants, teachers, administrators are all invited to attend. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.michianadownsyndrome.org/conferencebrochure.htm Children Our Best Investment WHEN: February 5, 2007 from 9:00am to 3pm WHERE: Indiana Convention Center Downtown, 100 S Capitol Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46225 FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on this event, you can also call (317) 264-2700, or log onto the website, http://www.childrensbureau.org/cobi or visit www.childrensbreau.org and click on the Save-the-Date flyer in the advocacy box. 2007 Special Needs Sports and Recreation Fair WHEN: Saturday, February 17, 2007 from 1 to 4 pm WHERE: Monroe Gym of the James Lee Community Center, 2855-A Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 DESCRIPTION: This fair is intended to provide information on sports and recreation opportunities, including summer camp opportunities. FOR MORE INFORMATION: More info on the center is online at www.co.fairfax.va.us/rec/Comm_Ctr/JamesLee.htm 20th Annual Research Conference - A System of Care for Children's Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base WHEN: March 4-7, 2007 from 8am - 6pm WHERE: Tampa Marriott Waterside, Tampa, FL FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information about the conference, contact the Center at 813-974-4661 or visit their website at http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu/rtcconference Postsecondary Disability Training Institute WHEN: June 12-16, 2007 WHERE: Saratoga Springs, New York DESCRIPTION: The objective of this Training Institute is to assist concerned professionals to meet the unique needs of college students with disabilities. Participants can select from a variety of Strands, Single Sessions, and a Saturday Post-Session taught by experts in the field, which provide participants with in-depth information and adequate time for questions and follow-up discussions. Participants also have opportunities to share information and network throughout the week. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.cped.uconn.edu/07pti.htm Pittsburgh Employment Conference for Augmented Communicators WHEN: August 3-5, 2007 WHERE: Sheraton Hotel, Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA (412-261-2000) FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Bob Conti by phone at 412-885-8541, by fax at 412-885-8548 or by email at minspeak@minspeak.org
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html Oakland County Health Division FAS Support Group Meeting WHEN: January 29, 2007 WHERE: North Oakland Medical Center FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call (248) 424-7125 or email johnsonlm@oakgov.com Creating Healthy School Environments Training WHEN: January 31, 2007 from 8:30-12:00 WHERE: Kent ISD's Grand Room, 2930 Knapp Street NE -Grand Rapids, MI 49525 DESCRIPTION: For Facilities Managers/Staff and Other Interested School Personnel; We will...Discuss Environmental Health Problems Facing Schools Today, Discover Solutions by Learning about Important Voluntary School Programs and Participate in a sample indoor air walkthrough. This Training is FREE! Please Pre-Register by January 17th by sending an e-mail message to schoolstraining@techlawinc.com (Please put Register in the Subject Heading). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Questions? Contact Lara Lasky at 312-353-5614 or lasky.lara@epa.gov; or Jack Barnette at 312-886-6175 or barnette.jack@epa.gov Working With High Risk Students In The Urban Setting Teachers Make The Difference WHEN: February 2, 2007 from 7:45a.m.-4:00p.m. WHERE: University of Detroit Mercy Ballroom, 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221 FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call 313-993-1589, email gambinjm@udmercy.edu or download the flyer and registration form (PDF). Cross Bridge Academy Open House for Prospective Students WHEN: February 21, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Geneva Presbyterian Church, Sheldon Road, Canton, MI DESCRIPTION: Cross Bridge Academy is a non-profit school for children with autism and other severe language impairments. This unique school is the product of the combined effort of a group of dedicated parents and caring professionals to develop an academic curriculum for children with moderate to severe autism. Classroom size at CBA is limited to 5 children per class, with teachers specially trained in the Association Method. There are two teaching assistants per class. A full-time OT specially trained in Sensory Integration provides two hours per week of individual therapy, plus one day a week of in-class consultation to help transfer newly learned skills to an academic environment. A customized language program is implemented weekly by a certified speech pathologist. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register, call Lorraine at 734-455-6232. 2007 Early Childhood Conference WHEN: March 29–31, 2007 WHERE: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.miaeyc.org/
Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Staff Deborah Canja Chief Executive Officer deb@bridges4kids.org Jackie Igafo-Te'o Director of Information Technology & Information Systems jackie@bridges4kids.org Bella Djordjevski Resource Assistant news@bridges4kids.org