Bridges4Kids News Digest

National News	*top*
Video Game Violence Desensitizes Players to Real Life Violence, Researcher Finds Shannon Burke, Education News, December 7, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/EdNews12-7-05.html#top Video games such as Gun and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas might be at the top of many Christmas lists this year, despite their graphic violent content and mature ratings. These games might be mere entertainment to some, but a researcher at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that playing these violent games changes a person's brain function and desensitizes chronic players to real world violence. Education’s Most Damaging “Urban Legend” Rick Lavoie (Reprinted from LD OnLine exclusive) http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/Lavoie12-6-05.htm No urban legend is more untrue – or damaging – than the one that I often hear as I walk the halls of America ’s high schools: Teacher – to – Student: “I can’t give you extra help or extra time. You surely won’t get that kind of help when you go off to college next year!” Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Which Came First? Thinking or Feeling Gabrielle Gruber, M.S.W., Clinical Social Worker, Roger E. Lauer, Ph.D. http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/Gruber12-6-05.htm What causes learning problems? This question is sometimes viewed as a chicken and egg debate. Recent research has begun to identify the areas of the brain that are involved with learning problems; however, children experiencing learning difficulties are still labeled as unmotivated, lacking effort or lazy. Bridges4Kids Featured Program: Toyota International Teacher Program http://www.iie.org/programs/toyota This program allows participants to explore Japan’s education, culture, environment and technology, and examine how these affect industry and society in Japan today. Maximum Award: a fully funded 10-day, study tour of Japan. Eligibility: classroom teachers (grades 9-12) from Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Tennessee. Deadline: January 9, 2006. WA Former Governor Now Opposing WASL Test for Diploma Linda Shaw, Seattle Times, December 9, 2005 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/2002673317_gardner09m.html In the second inning of a grandson's baseball game last spring, former Gov. Booth Gardner struck up a conversation that led him to change his mind about the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) as a graduation requirement. Mixing Skill Levels Getting Mixed Reviews T. Keung Hui, The News & Observer, November 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Observer11-30-05.html#top The days of the brightest high school students taking their own classes could be ending in the interest of helping slower students succeed. Instead of having separate honors and non-honor courses, Triangle high schools are increasingly combining classes to mix students of different ability levels.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
FAST Program Builds Social Capital The Wisconsin Center for Education Research http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/news/coverStories/fast_program_builds.php Schools offer many ways for parents to get involved in their children’s experience. The traditional method, known as the parent outreach model, places the school at the center, and focuses on bringing the parents into the circle of school resources. It emphasizes the central role of the school and presumes that this role will be supported by the parents. UW-Madison’s Lynn McDonald has found remarkable results, however, by turning this model on its head. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
The Parent, Family, and Community Involvement Guide (PDF) Massachusetts Department of Education http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/pandc.pdf School-Parent-Community Partnerships Resource Book (PDF) Indiana Department of Education http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/IndianaSchoolFamilyCommunityPartnership.pdf 10 Ways That Parents Can Be Involved at Home (PDF) Indiana Department of Education http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/how%20parents%20can%20be%20involved%20at%20home.pdf Best Practice Brief: Parent Involvement in schools (PDF) MSU Best Practice Brief, June 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Parent%20Involvement%20brief30.pdf This Brief is one of two developed on behalf of those schools facing the necessity to improve student performance scores. It summarizes information about the impact that parent involvement can have and the multiple ways in which parents can be involved with schools. The material is organized with bullets and checklists to facilitate its use by school personnel. School Success Tool-Kit: Tools to Help You Get Involved in Your Child's Education (PDF) SchoolSuccessInfo.org http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/toolbox.pdf For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	*top*
Study Says Trained Preschool Teachers Pay Off Jennifer Bundy, The Associated Press, December 6, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/toolbox.pdf Publicly funded preschool programs that have well-paid, college-educated teachers improve children's language development and math skills, according to a study in Michigan and four other states. Einsteins at Five? Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, December 8, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/12-05/CSM12-8-05.htm Barely 5 years old, Edgar Padilla can accurately draw bar graphs and create "A-B" patterns of geometric shapes. He discusses the finer points of underwater photography. He occasionally infuses his sentences with the word "meta-cognition," to the confoundment of some adults (including this one). Young Edgar may be unusually smart for his age, but his prowess with numbers and language is hardly exceptional: He, in many ways, reflects the rigors and reality of the "new" kindergarten. Early Childhood Education Newsletter: Our 5 Senses and the Holidays! Early Childhood Education Newsletter, December 5, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/11-05/ECE12-5-05.htm Holidays are coming, what do we hear? Songs and bells ringing -- they sound loud and clear. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	*top*
Agenda for December 13, 2005 State Board of Education Meeting (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/mso2B59A.pdf House to Take Up Taxes, Maybe Teacher Bills Gongwer News Service, December 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Gongwer12-12-05.html#top While House committees will meet throughout the week before adjourning for the year, the full chamber will only see action Tuesday, as it finishes up tax cuts for Michigan manufacturers. In Michigan, Market Keen to Watch Investment-Grade Charter School Deal Elizabeth Carvlin, December 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Carvlin12-1-05.html#top The Public Educational Facilities Authority will bring to market its first fixed-rate, long-term bond issue on behalf of a charter school in a deal set for next week that won an investment-grade rating despite a limit on the use of state aid for debt repayment.
Disability News	*top*
Mayo Clinic Researchers find Math Learning Disorder is Common CEC Smart Briefs http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/CEC12-6-05.htm In a recently published study, Mayo Clinic researchers determined Math Learning Disorder is common among school-age children. Results show that boys are more likely to have Math LD than girls. Book Review: “It’s So Much Work to Be Your Friend” by Richard Lavoie (2005) Loreena Parks, Assistant Professor, Eastern Michigan University http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/Parks12-06-05.htm The title itself might not have you thinking that this is a book about social skills. However, the fine print goes on to say … “Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success”. CDC Releases Tool Kit to Reduce Traumatic Brain Injury http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi/coaches_tool_kit.htm Approximately 300,000 sports and recreation-related TBIs occur in the United States each year. CDC has introduced a multimedia tool kit, Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports, to help coaches of high school teams protect their athletes from concussion. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the manner in which the brain normally functions. The tool kit contains a Guide for Coaches on how to prevent concussions, identify symptoms, and take immediate action when an athlete has signs of a concussion. Additional information is available by contacting CDC Injury Center Media Relations at 770-488-4902. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	*top*
Learning-Disabled Students Blossom in Blended Classes Michael Winerip, New York Times, November 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Winerip11-30-05.html#top Jed was a new boy. His fourth grade had two full-time teachers and the class was so well-organized, Jed moved smoothly from one task to the next. When Ms. Jacobs asked how he liked it, Jed said he thought his teachers must have a disability too, because they made it so easy to understand the work. Salvation Through Assistive Technology Christopher Lee, Practitioners’ Points – Volume 3, Issue 4, 2003 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/Lee12-6-05.htm Mine is a story too commonly experienced by parents and teachers around the world. I was diagnosed with a cognitive deficit disorder in the second grade, placed in special education and speech classes, scored 650 on my SAT, and had to work my way through developmental studies, before I was mainstreamed at the University of Georgia. You could say that I was doomed to failure from the start. However, I was one of the fortunate ones and beat the system. 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 13^th Annual CARD Conference "Inspire Passion Into Action" WHEN: January 21-22, 2006 from 8 a.m. 6 p.m. WHERE: Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, Florida DESCRIPTION: Featuring Mary Jo Alimena-Caruso, Doug Biklen, Gary Mesibov and Nancy Minshew, we will be focusing on building communities of support that welcome all individuals. COST: Cost to attend is $125 per person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, visit http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/. 19th Annual Research Conference "A System of Care for Children¹s Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base" WHEN: February 22-25, 2006 WHERE: Tampa, Florida DESCRIPTION: This annual conference is a nationally recognized forum to explore contemporary, empirical research on systems of care that promote the emotional and behavioral well-being of children and their families. This event is designed for researchers, evaluators, administrators, policy makers, advocates, and family members interested in applied practical systems-of-care research. Call for Papers Deadline is October 31,2005. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For registration information visit http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu. Nonverbal Learning Disorders Association's 10th Annual NLDA Symposium “A Decade of Progress in NLD” WHEN: South San Francisco Conference Center, San Francisco, CA WHERE: March 10-11, 2006 DESCRIPTION: At our 2-day event for parents and professionals, noted expert in learning disabilities, Rick Lavoie, plus over 30 nationally- and internationally-known speakers will present on the many interrelated aspects of Nonverbal Learning Disorders. Parents and professionals (MD, RN, SLP, OT, MFT, LCSW, psychologists, educators) will receive vital information on NLD, with special emphasis on the latest research and effective strategies to help individuals of all ages with NLD. Continuing education, ongoing poster session, exhibitors, and bookstore will be available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on registration, schedule, speakers, and program, visit www.NLDline.com, www.NLDA.org, or email NLDAsymposium2006@excite.com. National ADA Symposium & Expo WHEN: April 10-12,2006 WHERE: America's Center, Downtown St. Louis, MO DESCRIPTION: The National ADA Symposium is the most comprehensive conference available on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws. The National ADA Symposium features an extensive session schedule with tracks in architecture, government, education, employment, and more. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, contact Eric Stockton, Symposium coordinator, ada@missouri.edu. Further information can be found at www.adaproject.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 MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING WHEN: December 13, 2005 WHERE: Meetings usually start at 9:00 a.m. and are usually held on the 4th floor of the Hannah Building in Lansing. Contact the State Board of Education Office (517) 373-3900, for meeting location and time. HOSTED BY: The Michigan State Board of Education DESCRIPTION: State Board of Education meetings are open to the public. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Mrs. Eileen F. Hamilton, State Board Executive, at (517) 373-3900 (voice) or (517) 373-4035 (TDD) one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call Mrs. Eileen Hamilton (Administrative Secretary, State Board of Education) at: (517) 373-3900 (voice), (517) 373-4035 (TDD), or email: hamiltone@michigan.gov. The Herbal Corner's Winter/Spring Classes 2006 WHEN/TITLE/DESCRIPTION: February 7, 2005 - Craniosacral Therapy: Learn its benefits and how it aids the body. From headaches, ADD/ADHD, neck/back pain, TMJ, learning disabilities, and more. February 14, 2005 - Gluten Free Diet: Come and learn about gluten intolerance and what you can do differently by way of the foods you eat. March 21, 2005 - Hidden Dangers of Kids' Meals: Learn the dangers of giving your kids genetically engineered foods. April 4, 2005 - Tips on Natural Health for ADD/ADHD: Learn about detoxifying and food supplementation to aid adults and children with ADD/ADHD. April 18, 2005 - Tips on Natural Health for Autism: Learn about detoxifying and food supplementation to aid adults and children with Autism. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Classes offered every Tuesday from 7-8 PM at The Herbal Corner in Howell, Michigan. Many more classes are scheduled through May 2006. For more information visit http://www.theherbalcorner.com. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. $10.00 per class unless otherwise noted. Promoting Positive Parent-Infant Relationships: Understanding the Implications of Attachment (Series) WHERE: DeVos Children's Hospital, East Auditorium, 100 Michigan Street, Grand Rapids, MI COST: Cost is $20.00 for each session (including lunch). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Register online at www.kentisd.org/earlyon for one or both of the following sessions: "Attachment Disorganization and Disorders of Attachment" (February 17, 2006), and "Understanding and Assessing Cry Problems in Early Infancy" (May 5, 2006). Mental Health Needs in Child Welfare Address the Needs of Children & Families WHEN: March 23-24, 2006 WHERE: Kellogg Conference Center, East Lansing, MI FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information please contact Deborah Jensen, Children’s Charter at (517) 482-7533. 2006 Governor's Education Summit "Rigor, Relevance and Relationships: Reinventing High Schools" WHEN: March 27, 2006 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. WHERE: The Lansing Center, 333 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: Attend the 2006 Governor's Education Summit and learn how to prepare high school students for the workplace and college. Come and discover ways to reinvent your high school's curriculum and build a strong foundation for students so they have the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century economy. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.masb.org/page.cfm/873.
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