Bridges4Kids News Digest

National News	*top*
Bullying & Harassment: School Officials Knew, Failed to Act, Deliberately Indifferent http://www.wrightslaw.com/law/caselaw/05/ct.scruggs.meriden.damages.htm A parent filed suit for actual and punitive damages against the school board, superintendent, vice principal and guidance counselor. The complaint alleges that the child was bullied, harassed in school for years while school personnel looked on, engaged in a conspiracy, did nothing to stop the bullying or protect the child. Finally, the child committed suicide. Also, Free Pub: Protecting Students from Harassment and Hate Crimes: A Guide for Schools at http://www.wrightslaw.com/pubs/ocr.harassment.pdf and Doing Your Homework: My Child Isn't Learning - What Can I Ask the School to Do? at http://www.wrightslaw.com/heath/read.rbi.retain.htm. USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS) http://www.usamts.org/ A mathematics competition open to all U.S. middle and high school students. Problems are published on the website four times a year one month before solutions are due. Problems range in difficulty from being within the reach of most high school students to challenging the best students in the nation. Students may use any materials -- books, calculators, computers -- but all work must be their own. This year's special topic is "expected value." Webcast: Virtual School Helps at-risk Students Succeed Laura Ascione, eSchool News, December 19, 2005 http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=6006 Online instruction has helped several at-risk Illinois students finish their high school education and earn their diploma, when it's likely many of these students otherwise would have dropped out of the system. MA Students Lament Loss of Study Halls, Added Homework Load Peter Schworm, Boston Globe, December 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Schworm12-16-05.html#top Massachusetts kids want time to do their assignments in school and not have to lug their books home. Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: BookCrossing.com http://www.BookCrossing.com Looking for a break from the doldrums of creating yet another e-commerce website (that's just what the world needs), or email server application (oooh, those are doubly exciting), Ron Hornbaker sought to create a community site that would be the first of its kind, that would give back to the world at large, and that would provide warm fuzzy feelings whenever he worked on it. BookCrossing.com was the result, a website that encourages everyone to “release” their favorite books “into the wild” and then track the books’ travels worldwide. IL Steve Harvey's Right: It's Not Fair! Dr. Kathleen Loftus, EducationNews.org, December 14, 2005 http://www.educationnews.org/Steve-Harveys-Right-Its-Not-Fair.htm This week noted comedian Steve Harvey announced that he is donating considerable funds to support Bogan High School in Chicago stating, “The schools on Chicago's south side are not the same as the schools on Chicago's north side! The schools on Chicago's west side are not the same as the schools on Chicago's north side! I couldn't agree more. In the less-privileged regions in Chicago's south and west I found students sharing one tattered textbook on the U.S. Constitution from 1971, while in the north were found huge walk-in closets filled with brand new unused materials. In one west side classroom I observed students needing to use the washroom being required to hold up one or two fingers to indicate to their teacher whether they were to be accorded one or two sheets of toilet paper. Of course, this was unheard of further north, in the same school district!
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
States Test Limits of Federal AYP Flexibility Center on Education Policy http://www.cep-dc.org/ This report finds that states are continuing to find new ways to calculate adequate yearly progress (AYP) under the No Child Left Behind Act in order to raise the number of schools and districts that meet the law’s student achievement targets. The report acknowledges that many of the changes are necessary adjustments made in response to states’ difficulties in administering the law, but calls on states and the U.S. Department of Education to be more transparent about the approaches used to calculate AYP. New Rules to Aid 'No Child' Goals Nick Anderson, Washington Post, December 15, 2005 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/14/AR2005121402336.html Education Secretary Margaret Spellings outlined new testing rules for disabled students yesterday, formalizing an initiative that has already helped more than 100 public schools in Maryland and Virginia meet the standards of the No Child Left Behind law. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
School Psychologist: Self-critical Child Could be Showing Obsessiveness Oakland Press, December 15, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/OaklandPress12-15-05.html#top My son is 11 years old and in the sixth grade. Dwayne is an excellent student and never gives us a problem at home. My concern is that he is overly neat and very self-critical. He always thinks he could have done things better, even when he receives an A at school or praise for something he has done at home. What can I do to help him relax and feel better about himself? Toy Site Lets Parents, Kids Swap Neglected Playthings Associated Press, December 16, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/12-05/AP12-16-05.htm Eight-year-old Jacob Maxia may know more about monster models than business models, but he knows what he likes. And a new online toy exchange that brings him giant mutant beasts in return for his unwanted playthings seems pretty darn awesome. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	*top*
Study: Early Childhood Programs Successful The Oakland Press, December 19, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/12-05/OaklandPress12-19-05.htm The merits of early childhood education have once again been illustrated by a national study of learning successes of preschoolers in language and math skills. CA Report Touts Advantages of Preschool Wendy Thermos, Los Angeles Times, December 15, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/12-05/LATimes12-15-05.htm Los Angeles County would have about 3,300 fewer high school dropouts annually and nearly 10,000 fewer criminal cases filed against juveniles each year if publicly funded preschool were available in California, according to a new report from the Rand Corp. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	*top*
Dress Code Coming For Staff Corey Mitchell, Saginaw News, December 15, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/SaginawNews12-15-05.html#top Less than five weeks after approving a more stringent dress code for students, Saginaw Board of Education members are turning their eye to staff with risqué and raggedy attire. Assistive Technology Contacts by Region in Michigan http://www.cenmi.org/matr/regional_map.asp Nothing Moves On Teacher Benefit Reforms MIRS, December 13, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/MIRS12-13-05.html#top After all was said and done, a lot was said and nothing was done in regard to GOP attempts to change the structure of teacher benefits in Michigan. State Board Expands High School Requirements Gongwer News Service, December 13, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Gongwer12-13-05.html#top As expected, the State Board of Education adopted Tuesday a policy for high school graduation requirements. But the board added to the requirements before asking the Legislature to add them to the School Code.
Disability News	*top*
MI Disabled and Denied Marisa Schultz, The Detroit News, December 18, 2005 http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051218/METRO/512180306 At one time, Roy J. Anderson noticed handicap parking spots and accessible bathrooms and thought life was going well for people with disabilities. Then a stroke forced the former Ford Motor Co. supervisor into a wheelchair two years ago and a disheartening new perspective. MI Few Ride Options For Disabled Marisa Schultz, The Detroit News, December 19, 2005 http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051219/METRO/512190360 At 6:30 in the morning, Colleen Manning begins the weekly task of trying to reserve rides. Her physical therapy appointments are not until the following week, but if she doesn't start trying now to get through to SMART's busy bus service dispatch, she won't be guaranteed a spot. And she has no other way to get to her appointments -- a six-minute drive from her Chesterfield Township home. Autism and the Courts Richard McNally, Disabilities Project Newsletter, State Bar of Michigan, Volume 2, Issue 1, December 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/McNally12-05.html#top There has been a significant escalation in the number of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States. ASD includes classical autism in its various severities and Asperger’s Syndrome. Fifteen years ago, the incidence of the condition was estimated to be 1 in 10,000. Currently, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the incidence to be 1 in 166. Fifteen years ago, few people had heard of autism; now most people know a family that has been affected. WI Wisconsin State Assembly Passes Autism Scholarship Program EducationNews.org, December 15, 2005 www.educationnews.org/WISCONSIN_STATE_ASSEMBLY_PASSES_AUTISM_SCHOLARSHIP_PROGRAM.htm The Wisconsin State Assembly passed an autism scholarship program that would provide vouchers up to $15,000 for 200 children to attend private schools or treatment programs of their parents' choosing. Bipolar Disorder in the News Carlos Santos, Times-Dispatch, December 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/TimesDispatch12-12-05.html#top Cynthia Power has been bipolar since she was 18. Peter Armetta has had the disorder most of his life, too. Both say that it's a cruel, complicated mental illness, but also that it can be controlled and life can be good. More College Opportunities Available to Students with Disabilities Bonnie Miller Rubin and Grace Aduroja, Chicago Tribune, December 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Tribune12-12-05.html#top By anyone's measure, Bridget Brown has had a successful high school career. At Hinsdale South, she was on the speech team, snagged roles in two plays and never missed a dance. Now, like so many of her peers, she is focused on continuing her education. But unlike them, she was born with Down syndrome. Book Spells Out Child ADHD William Croyle, Cincinnati Enquirer, December 16, 2005 http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051216/NEWS0103/512160386/1058/NEWS01 About 4.4 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Yet Pam Caylor couldn't find a book that would explain it on a child's level. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	*top*
Success Story: How I Got 140 Hours of Compensatory Ed for My Child Wrightslaw's FETAweb, December 19, 2005 http://www.fetaweb.com/success/ocr.comp.ed.htm "One evening my wife mentioned that the school released the special ed kids earlier than the regular ed kids. In fact, the school released our son, who has autism, 27 minutes earlier than they released nondisabled students -- every day." In How I got 140 Hours of Compensatory Education for My Child, a dad tells you what he did, how, what he accomplished, and mistakes he made this time. 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/. New York Summer Options For Children & Teens With Special Needs WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 W. 59th Street NYC (Entrance to Fair on Columbus Ave. near W. 60th St.). DESCRIPTION: Representatives from 70 New York City day camps and sleepaway camps in the northeast will be on hand to help parents and professionals plan productive summer experiences for children with disabilities. The Fair will also feature information on travel programs, remedial education programs, volunteer and job opportunities and early childhood programs. Spanish and sign language interpreters will be available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Fair is presented by Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., (212) 677-4650. 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 An Introduction to The Michigan Department of Education's (MDE) Continuous Improvement and Monitoring System (CIMS): A Webinar Formatted Education Offering and Discussion for Parent Leaders WHEN: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 7:30-8:30 p.m. and Friday, January 27, 2006 at 10:30-11:30 a.m. WHERE: Your nearest computer and/or telephone DESCRIPTION: The CIMS is a new monitoring system for Michigan's Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (OSE/EIS). It is important for parents to become familiar with the process, since selected parents across the state are (or soon will be) involved with it at the local level. Additionally, helping parents understand the special education monitoring system is a CIMS priority. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Deborah Hall hallds@michigan.gov or 517-335-6485. 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