Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Restraint Prevention Project Accepting Applications for Scholarships The Education Law Resource Center http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/ELRC9-05.html#top The use of physical restraints are becoming more prevalent in public schools. Deciding whether or not to physically restrain a student requires that school personnel have a clear understanding legal requirements, professional standards, and health and safety issues. The Education Law Resource Center announces formation of the Restraint Prevention Project. Deadlines for applications to receive funds for this project are October 7, 2005 and May 26, 2006. Shaken and Stirred Auditi Guha, September 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-05/Guha9-23-05.html#top Jamaica Plain parents charge that a special education teacher at the Mary Lyon School in Brighton used a illegal, improper and possibly fatal basket-hold restraint on their 5-year-old daughter last year. Stuck in Neutral: States Neglect Lead Testing to Children Served by Medicaid (PDF) Alliance for Healthy Homes, August 26, 2005 http://www.afhh.org/res/res_pubs/stuck_in_neutral_082605.pdf Distressingly, data confirm that states are failing to deliver the lead screening tests required by federal law, and that efforts to improve lead screening rates for high-risk children served by Medicaid are yielding barely detectable progress. The absolute number of lead screening tests provided to children enrolled in Medicaid remains unconscionably small – and that the vast majority of young children served by Medicaid still are not being screened for lead poisoning. To improve the delivery of lead screening services to children at highest risk for lead exposure and to trigger the environmental follow-up services necessary to control lead hazards before they poison additional children, the Alliance for Healthy Homes recommends the following three steps. WA Fuel Prices Drive Schools to Explore Busing Options Rachel Tuinstra, Seattle Times, September 29, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/SeattleTimes9-29-05.html#top The Northshore School District paid $2.61 a gallon this week for bus fuel. Rising prices could leave the district's fuel budget $350,000 short. MI E-learning Report Says More Tech Skills Needed Mike Wendland, Detroit Free Press, September 27, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Freep9-27-05.html#top Before Michigan high school students can graduate, they should be required to successfully take at least one course online. Further, before teachers can be licensed in Michigan, they should also pass a test, proving they have skills to integrate technology into the classroom. Those are two of 29 recommendations made in a report from a 6-month-long Wayne State University study, issued Thursday, examining the Internet and the potential for e-learning. Bridges4Kids Featured Website: The Joyful Child Foundation http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/JoyfulChild.html#top Samantha Runnion was a beautiful, bright and joyful little girl. She loved to read for fun, write stories, paint, draw, play her guitar, sing and dance. Most of all she loved to play games with her family and friends. She approached each day as a new adventure, eager to learn and play. Samantha looked forward to growing up and being a mommy and a teacher. She was a precious gift to all who knew her. That dream was destroyed. Samantha was murdered by a sexual predator. Book Review: The Scream! Does Children’s Literature Have to Be Scary? Diane Ravitch, Education Next http://www.educationnext.org/20054/84.html It is as though the authors, the publishers, the teachers, and the professors of education share a bizarre consensus that ordinary children need to be shaken out of their complacency, stripped of their innocence, and frightened by the horrors that the world has in store for them at any moment. What Feinberg nicely exposes is that the entire field of children’s literature specialists has bought a flawed bill of goods and has sold it to the nation’s teachers. They have persuaded themselves that their job is not to promote excellent literature, but to promote depressing problem novels. In doing so, they seem to be turning young people away from literature in droves.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
Failing Students, Rising Profits Annette Fuentes, The Nation, September 19, 2005 http://www.educationnews.org/failing-students-rising-profits.htm Despite a tarnished history and no independent evidence that its student-customers fare better than in regular public schools, CEP uses political clout to carve a niche market serving students the public schools don't want, and it makes millions in the process. CEP's story is a primer on how the politics of education reform serve business interests. Its success represents the triumph of free-market ideology over sound pedagogy and the fallacy of the accountability-through-testing approach to teaching. Is My Child Eligible For Supplemental Educational Services? The Achiever, September 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-05/Achiever9-30-05.html#top Children in schools receiving Title I funds that have not made adequate yearly progress for three years are entitled to supplemental educational services (SES)—free tutoring and other extra academic help outside of the regular school day. Also included, information on the Supplemental Educational Services Tool Kit. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Taking a Closer Look: A Guide to Online Resources on Family Involvement Family Involvement Network of Educators (FINE) http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/fine/resources/guide/ This document prepared by the Harvard Family Research contains Web links to research, information, programs, and tools from over 100 national organizations. It provides information about parenting practices to support children's learning and development, home-school relationships, parent leadership development, and collective engagement for school improvement and reform. What’s Your Parenting Style? Dr. Thomas Phelan, ParentMagic.com, October 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Phelan10-05.html#top Promoting the self-discipline and self-esteem of one’s children often requires an emotional juggling act by parents. It is not easy to be firm and demanding one minute, then warm and affectionate the next. In addition, some adults naturally have personalities or temperaments that predispose them toward one parenting style or the other. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early On/Early Childhood	*top*
Early Childhood Education Newsletter: Fire Safety Early Childhood Education Newsletter, October 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/10-05/ECE10-05.htm Surely, teaching fire safety to young children in a non-threatening way is one of the most important things we, as educators, can do. By teaching our students concepts such as Stop, Drop, and Roll, and other fire safety tips, we give children a sense of empowerment and safety in a sometimes-unpredictable world. Bridges4Kids Review: Simple Transitions for Infants and Toddlers Cathy Brubaker, Head Start Teacher, October 2, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/10-05/Brubaker10-2-05.htm Simple Transitions gives unprecedented attention to improving the effectiveness of daily transitions and offers essential information for teachers in infant and toddler childcare. Karen Miller uses her extensive knowledge of infants and toddlers to gather hundreds of practical, easy, and fun activities, tips, and techniques that help infants, toddlers, caregivers, and parents. MI Recommendations for an Early Childhood Education & Care Quality Rating System Quality Rating Systems WorkGroup, June 2005 http://www.greatstartforkids.org/ Great Start for Kids is pleased to post the recommendations for an early childhood education and care quality rating system from the Quality Rating Systems (QRS) Workgroup. Recommendations have been made based on current research, Michigan data, and provider and advocate input. The recommended system provides a plan for systemic change in order to increase early childhood education and care quality in the State of Michigan. Increases in quality allow for higher child outcomes. The goal of this system is to increase access to high quality early education and care for all young children and their families. Web Course: Addressing Needs of Young Children Who Engage in Challenging Behavior http://education.umn.edu/ceed/coursesandtrainings/ The Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) at the University of Minnesota is pleased to announce its third Fall 2005 online course professional development opportunity to earn Continuing Education Credit. The instructor is Shelley Neilsen Gatti, Ph.D. This online, self-paced course provides students with an introduction to information needed to evaluate behavior change programs that are helpful with young children who produce challenging behavior. The primary focus of the course will be functional behavioral assessment procedures and a range of positive behavioral support strategies. If you have additional questions about this course, please contact Karen Anderson at CEED at ander352@umn.edu or 612-625-6617. Available online from October 24 to December 16, 2005. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	*top*
Ex-schools Chief to Leave WSU Post to Become Consultant Carol Cain, Detroit Free Press, September 19, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-05/Freep9-19-05.html#top Like a rock climber working his way up the mountain, Tom Watkins is leaving one perch to reach for another by starting an educational consulting firm to work with school districts and other clients. Clock Still Ticking For Tom Watkins Pete Waldmeir, Inkster Ledger Star, July 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Ledger7-05.html#top Though plain talk cost Tom Watkins his state superintendent's job, he's still helping kids. Get the Lead Out! Electronic Newsletter Paul Haan, Get the Lead Out! Issue #7, October 4, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/lead/GTLO10-4-05.html In this edition: City of Grand Rapids Receives $4 Million HUD Award for Lead; Sen. Hardiman in Introduces Bill to Link Lead Test Results to Immunization Database; State Funding for CLP Restored; Two Reports Highlight Room for Growth in Testing and Treatment of CLP; American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Guidance on Lead; Local Training Opportunities; State Commission to hold Second Public Hearing on Lead; Children's Environmental Health Conference Nov. 3 in Ann Arbor; Next Get the Lead Out! meeting. Granholm Signs Student Safety Package Gongwer News Service, September 29, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Gongwer9-29-05.html#top Governor Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday signed legislation aimed at keeping sex offenders and certain felons away from children. Michigan Dept. of Education Hopes to Centralize Curriculum Decisions Gongwer News Service, September 29, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Gongwer9-29-05.html#2 The Department of Education shared its vision to centralize curriculum decisions while House Education Committee Chair Rep. Brian Palmer (R-Romeo) identified curriculum development as a priority this year. Public Comment Sought to Improve Voting Access for Voters With Disabilities Gongwer News Service, September 29, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Gongwer9-29-05.html#3 Michigan's plan to make voting accessible has been changed and the state wants resident input before the plan becomes final. Official Defends School Administration Spending MIRS, September 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/MIRS9-30-05.html#top A national study may rank administrative spending at Michigan schools tops outside of the Eastern seaboard, but the head of the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) told MIRS recently that data collection plays a role in how "classroom dollars" are calculated. Governor Signs Bill Keeping Schools Closed Until After Labor Day MIRS, September 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/MIRS9-30-05.html#2 Michigan schools can't start classes until after Labor Day under legislation Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed into law today, a measure the Governor believes will spark Michigan's tourist industry as the state's economy continues to sputter. Chamber, Kuipers Like Proposal A Changes MIRS, September 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/MIRS9-30-05.html#3 The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the GOP chair of the Senate Education committee are voting yes on the proposed change to Proposal A, which would shift more state dollars to local districts and away from legislative control. Download the September/October 2005 edition of the Detroit Parent Network Newsletter (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/dpn/pdf/SeptOct2005Newsletter.pdf Job Opportunity: UCP of Michigan Program Manager The Program Manager is responsible for developing and managing specific projects, providing information and referral, and assistance with special events. Computer and writing skills necessary. Grant-writing and disability related experience a plus. The Program Manager will respond to requests and inquiries from people with disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them. The Program Manager will advocate for policies that protect the rights of people with disabilities in the systems that serve people with disabilities. The Program Manager will work under the direction of the Executive Director. Salary range is between $33,000-38,000, depending on experience. The position may be between 30 and 37.5 hours per week. Please send resume by October 7, 2005 to 3401 E. Saginaw, Ste 216, Lansing 48912, 203-1200, or by e-mail to UCP@ucpmichigan.org.
Disability News	*top*
Bridges4Kids Review: Planning for the Future: Providing a Meaningful Life for a Child with a Disability After Your Death Jackie Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, September 24, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel.html#11 The completely revised and greatly expanded 5th edition of Planning for the Future: Providing a Meaningful Life for a Child with a Disability After Your Death discusses all the steps that parents should take to assure a secure and happy life for their disabled son or daughter. Fact Sheet: Boy Scouts With Disabilities and Special Needs Boy Scouts of America's National Council http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-05/Scouts9-05.html#top Since its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has had fully participating members with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. James E. West, the first Chief Scout Executive, was a person with a disability. Although most of the BSA's efforts have been directed at keeping such boys in the mainstream of Scouting, it has also recognized the special needs of those with severe disabilities. One Day in the Storm of Life Sally Nantais, October 2, 2005, The News-Herald http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/10-05/Nantais10-2-05.html#top I seldom focus on the negative but when life happens it’s not always positive. It was August 30, the first day of school for the girls, a time of celebration. We started preparing for this day two weeks ahead of time. I thought the morning would be smooth as silk but then the Fragile X (Learn more about FX at http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/FragileX.html) fairy visited during the night. Learn Something New: Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome also known as Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/Osler-Weber-Rendu.html MI Dyslexia Support Michigan http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dyslexia_Michigan/ This group is intended to provide a support forum and place for families with dyslexic children to share, support, and provide information. This group is for families who reside in Michigan. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	*top*
IDEA 2004: What You Need to Know About IEPs & IEP Meetings WrightsLaw.com http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-05/Wrightslaw9-05.html When Congress reauthorized IDEA 2004, they made significant changes to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in several areas. A Primer of Special Education Law: Teaching Exceptional Children Black Enterprise, September 18, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-05/BlackEnt9-18-05.html#top Teachers and parents often find special education law complex and confusing. One way to get a basic foundation in special education law is to start with the Top 5 case concepts from the Supreme Court. Learn Something New: Section 504 Help4ADHD.org http://www.bridges4kids.org/Section504.html Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Section 504 guarantees certain rights to individuals with disabilities, including the right to full participation and access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. IDEA Regulations Position Statement For LDA of Michigan (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/IDEARegulationsPosition9-05.pdf 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 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 IL Reed Martin Presents "Reauthorization of The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act 2004, No Child Left Behind, Section 504, ADA and FERPA" WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 in Carbondale, Illinois and Thursday, October 13, 2005 in Fairview Heights, Illinois FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, contact Family Matters at 866-436-7842 ext 107 or visit www.reedmartin.com/illinoisspecialedworkshop.htm. CT Wrightslaw Boot camp Sponsored by the Learning Disabilities Association of CT WHEN: October 14-15, 2005 WHERE: Sheraton Four Points Meriden, 275 Research Pkwy, Meriden, CT 06450 DESCRIPTION: The Wrightslaw two day Boot Camps are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities. These programs focus on four areas: special education laws, tests & measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs and advocacy tactics & strategies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call the Learning Disabilities Association of Connecticut at (860) 560-1711 or visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.09.ct.htm for more information. IL The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Walk – Moving Toward A Cure WHEN: Sunday, October 16, 2005 at noon WHERE: Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville, IL DESCRIPTION: Walkers solicit donations from friends, family and business associates and then walk a designated route at the Walk site location. You will have access to refreshment stations, called checkpoints, along the route. These checkpoints provide walkers with a cool drink and an enthusiastic cheer. Walk festivities and awards will be held after each walk. Awards are given to the top three individual and team fundraisers. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Register online by visiting www.foodallergy.org and clicking on the Walk logo. Note that all Walk participants, including small children and infants in strollers, must be registered for insurance purposes. Approximately four months prior to the Walk date, you will receive a welcome letter and the number of walker envelopes requested during online registration. Volunteers and committee members are currently being selected for all walks. If you would like to get involved, please contact Patti Berchoff at (800) 929-4040 or pberchoff@foodallergymail.org. FL Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Program Sponsored by Family Network on Disabilities WHEN: November 5, 2005 WHERE: Woodland Baptist Church, 9607 State Road 70 East, Bradenton, FL 34202 DESCRIPTION: The Wrightslaw training programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities. These programs focus on four areas: special education laws, tests & measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs and advocacy tactics & strategies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call Mary Smith at (941) 928-0682 or visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.11.fl.htm. The International Dyslexia Association's 56^th Annual Conference "Reading In The Rockies" WHEN: November 9-12, 2005 WHERE: Adams Mark Hotel, Denver, Colorado DESCRIPTION: Attend the premier event in the field of learning disabilities! Listen to hundreds of noted experts in the LD field, covering topics such as diagnosis, teaching approaches, math, spelling, comprehension, ADHD, social issues, early intervention and more. Visit our exhibit hall and learn about teaching resources, assistive technologies, schools with programs for students with learning disabilities, and other related items. Share information with co-workers, colleagues, professionals and others. All session and exhibits will in at the Adams Mark Hotel. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call IDA at 1-800-ABC-D123, e-mail us at info@interdys.org or visit our website at www.interdys.org. For room reservations, call the hotel at 303.893.3333 or 1.800.444.2326 and identify yourself as attending The International Dyslexia Association conference so that the appropriate room rate will be applied. Look for additional information about the conference in the Spring 2005 issue of Perspectives.
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 "Get the Lead Out!" Training for Health and Human Service Professionals WHEN: Three sessions to choose from: October 13, November 10, or December 8, from 8:15am - Noon WHERE: Michigan Family Resources, 2626 Walker Ave NW, Walker MI DESCRIPTION: This half-day workshop is designed to provide nurses and other health and human services professionals with the most current and locally (Kent County, MI) applicable information on childhood lead poisoning prevention and intervention. $20 materials fee. 3.24 continuing education credits through the Michigan Nurses Association. Hosted by Michigan Family Resources; Reservations required. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/GTLObrochure2005email.pdf to download the PDF flyer. Contact Sue Sipkema at ssipkema@michiganfamilyresources.org or (616) 453-4145 x282 to RSVP or if questions. Making the World Work for All SPONSORED BY: The West Michigan Inclusion Network (WIN) WHEN: October 14, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. WHERE: GVSU's Eberhard Center located in downtown Grand Rapids DESCRIPTION: Opportunity to learn about: Curriculum Adaptations and Accommodations, Positive Behavior Supports, Early Childhood Inclusion, Inclusive Recreation, Sensory Integration and Occupational Therapy, Transition Services on a College Campus, Inclusive Theory and Research, College Experiences for Individuals with Moderate Disabilities on a College Campus, Using Formal Assessment to Support Inclusion, and Legal Issues Surrounding Inclusion. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please register by contacting WIN at 616-889-3808 or wmichinclusion@aol.com. Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Managing Behavior, Education and Stress WHEN: October 15, 2005 from 9:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. WHERE: Administration Building, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan (enter Staff/Receiving entrance off of 13 Mile road) DESCRIPTION: A conference addressing behavior and stress management associated with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, please contact Kim Young at 248-674-2147 or email fraxmich@hotlinemail.com. Approaches to Educating Students who are DeafBlind with Additional Disabilities; An Emphasis on Development through Relationships, Communication and Literacy WHEN: Tuesday, October 18, 2005 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Registration at 8:30 am) WHERE: Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328 DESCRIPTION: This workshop will present an overview of Dr. van Dijk’s approaches to early communication and literacy. This will include the relationship between movement and interactional development and promotion toward symbolic communication, such as the use of calendar boxes, memory books, etc. Dr. van Dijk will also discuss his protocols for addressing the correlations between communication, relationships and problematic behaviors in children who are DeafBlind. COST: This workshop is being provided free of charge through funds awarded by the United States Department of Education. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To Register, call DBCentral at 1-888-758-0508 v/tty. To ask program questions, contact Beth Kennedy at 1-888-758-0508 or beth.kennedy@cmich.edu. 9^th Annual disAbility Awareness Dinner WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 2005 WHERE: Spring Arbor University's Dunckel Gymnasium, Spring Arbor, Michigan DESCRIPTION: This event, sponsored by disAbility Connections, features special guest Rachel Simon, author of the book and movie based on the book "Riding the Bus with my Sister". FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.disabilityconnect.org/disAbilityAwarenessDinner2005.pdf to download the flyer and reservation form (PDF) or call 517-782-6054 for more information. Free Screening of "Juvies" WHEN: Thursday, November 3, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Beaumont Hospital Administration Building Auditorium, 36oo W. l3 Mile Road, Royal Oak DESCRIPTION: The Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders, the Mental Health Association in Michigan, and AMI of Oakland County invite all to attend a FREE screening of “Juvies,” a Leslie Neale documentary that provides a riveting look at the lives of juveniles serving lengthy prison sentences. Mark Wahlberg and Mos Def narrate. A brief discussion will follow the film and light refreshments will be served. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please RSVP at info@michkids.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