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December 6, 2005 |
Bridges4Kids
NewsDigest Topics
| • Disability News | |
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• No Child Left Behind (NCLB) |
• Special Education Issues |
| • Ask the Attorney/Advocate | |
| • Upcoming National Events | |
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Best Schools Share Path to Success Jean Merl, Los Angeles Times, November 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Times11-30-05.html#top High schools that succeed in boosting achievement of disadvantaged students engage in many of the same practices, including assigning the best teachers to the neediest classes, according to two reports released Wednesday.
Why School Achievement Isn't Reaching the Poor Derrick Z. Jackson, Boston Globe, November 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Globe11-30-05.html#top We are at the point where any study that shows how low-income schools can reach the heights of academic performance is also an indictment of how the nation has no commitment to lifting all schools.
Bridges4Kids Featured Website: Living Values Education When viewed as an ongoing process, values-based education becomes part of a lifelong learning experience. Many opportunities can be found to integrate values-based education into existing curricula. These will vary from place to place according to cultural needs. It is in the spirit of cooperation that the Program was founded, recognizing we learn from one another.
MI Students Earn an Edge by Taking Year Over Abigail Sullivan Moore, New York Times, November 30, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051130/SCHOOLS/511300418/1026 High-schoolers repeat grade to get better scores, new courses, enhance their college chances.
Inclusive Schools Week 2005: December 5-9 http://www.inclusiveschools.org/default.asp Great things happen in inclusive schools. Inclusive schools are better prepared to bridge the achievement gap for students of diverse abilities and backgrounds, because they integrate special education supports into the curriculum and affirm students’ rich cultures. The 5th Annual National Inclusive Schools Week™ will be celebrated in schools, classrooms, and communities December 5-9, 2005, with a special focus on the achievement gap and strategies for improving educational outcomes for all students. Free Celebration Kit now available!
NV Nation's First Public School for the Gifted Scheduled to Open Next Year Cy Ryan, Las Vegas Sun, November 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/Sun11-20-05.html#top This time next year a new public school for "profoundly gifted" students -- believed to be the first of its kind in the United States -- will be open at UNR. For purposes of this special school, profoundly gifted means those whose evaluations and test scores rank them in the 99.9th percentile, children whose IQs are 160 or higher -- a standard that only 1 in 10,000 students will meet, according to Keith Rheault, state superintendent of public instruction.
Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: The Davidson Institute for Talent Development Formed in 1999, the Davidson Institute is a 501(c)3 private operating foundation funded by Bob and Jan Davidson. Our mission is to recognize, nurture and support profoundly intelligent young people and to provide opportunities for them to develop their talents to make a positive difference.
TV, No Homework Can Turn Suspensions Into Vacations Ian Shapira, Washington Post, November 28, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/WashPost11-28-05.html#top This was Kymber and Shawnte Andre-Sanders's punishment early this month: The Prince William County sisters spent the day in their pajamas, luxuriating in front of the television, contemplating 50 Cent's song "Window Shopper," T.G.I. Friday's chicken-sandwich commercial and, occasionally, such CNN news flashes as "Elvis Foils Robbers."
CT Cracking Down On Cussing Rachel Gottlieb, Hartford Courant, November 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Courant11-30-05.html#top There will be no more f-words, b-words or s-words spoken, yelled or hissed in classes at Hartford Public or Bulkeley high schools. Not for free, anyway.
Programs Aim to Stop 'Cyber Bullying' Laura Ascione, eSchool News, November 29, 2005 http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=5986 Schoolyard bullies are becoming increasingly high tech, as a growing number of students now engage in "cyber bullying" by spreading rumors through web sites or harassing students through text messages.
Reading to Dogs: Less is More Steven W. Simpson, Ph.D., EducationNews.org, November 25, 2005 http://www.educationnews.org/reading-to-dogs.htm I don’t want to argue that the best kind of teaching is simply leaving kids alone. But I keep having these experiences in the classroom and reading stories in the paper that force me to consider the idea. So, cowering in anticipation of the scathing e-mails I am going to get from all of you hard-working teachers out there...here goes.
Rand McNally, with Support of Major League Baseball, Introduces Geography Baseball Classroom Program EducationNews.org, November 25, 2005 http://www.educationnews.org/rand-mcnally.htm To help teachers address the problem of declining geographic literacy in the United States, Rand McNally has created Rand McNally Geography Baseball, a standards-based skills program that combines geography concepts and baseball rules to make teaching critical geography lessons simple, effective, relevant and fun. Developed with the support of Major League Baseball and the Chicago Public Schools, it is now available to educators nationwide.
Military Kids Could be Rewarded For Good Grades Stars and Stripes Mideast Edition, November 24, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/StarsStripes11-24-05.html#top Military children in the top 10 percent of their class could receive a $4,800 scholarship through the Stuhr Scholarship Fund, which opened its 2006 application process this week. The fund is open to children of active-duty, reserve, guard and retired military members. Fund officials said six scholarships will be awarded next year, with the scholarships paid out over four years of college.
MN School Fitness Center Targets Tech-savvy Students eSchool News, November 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/eSchoolNews11-23-05.html#top Minnesota State University officials have hit upon a creative way to get students to exercise: They've outfitted the exercise equipment on their Mankato campus with computers and internet access. Now, students can check their eMail, surf the web, watch TV, or even do their homework while they work out.
Lawyers Ready Suit Against Soft Drinks Caroline E. Mayer, Washington Post, December 2, 2005 The fight against sugary soft drinks is beginning to foam over. A coalition of lawyers who have actively and successfully sued tobacco companies says it is close to filing a class-action lawsuit against soft-drink makers for selling sugared sodas in schools.
New PE: More Fitness, Less Sports CNN.com, November 28, 2005 http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/diet.fitness/11/28/new.physed.ap/index.html At Northport High School on Long Island, physical education also includes yoga, step aerobics and fitness walking, as well as team sports like volleyball and basketball. There are archery targets, soccer fields and a rock-climbing wall where students inscribe their names to show how high they get. For anyone who grew up when P.E. meant being picked last for softball, it's a dizzying array of choices.
Coalition: Don't Send Education $7 Billion in Wiretapping Costs Corey Murray, eSchool News, November 18, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/eSchoolNews11-18-05.html#top Critical of a new federal order that could cost colleges and universities an estimated $7 billion to renovate their existing computer networks so law enforcement officials could conduct remote wiretaps, a coalition of university presidents, lobbyists, and other education stakeholders on Nov. 15 filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting an exemption.
RI Directing Funding Away From Student Needs Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, Education Week, December 1, 2005 http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2005/11/16/12forti.h25.html In our small state of Rhode Island, as in many others, there is a constant drumbeat of complaints that poorer communities lack adequate resources for education. That may well be true, but it seems to us, at our nonprofit group in Providence, that a question must be asked before lawsuits fly and more money is poured into these communities through increased property taxes: Is the current spending even appropriate? [Free login/registration required to view this article.]
FL State v Christie Supports the Filing of Charges if Teachers See and Fail to Report Abuse Taking Place In Their Midst at School (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/FloridavChristie.pdf In State v Christie the Florida Court of Appeals (3rd District, Nov. 2, 2005), held that a teacher may be charged with caregiver neglect under the Florida child abuse and neglect statute (excerpt): “The charges in this case stemmed from incidents where Christie, a public school teacher, stood by and did nothing while her teacher’s aide bound certain students to their desks and/or to the blackboard with adhesive tape, in the classroom. The State charged Christie with five counts of child neglect with no bodily harm under sections 827.03 (3)(a) and (c). That statute defines “neglect of a child” as a caregiver’s failure or omission to provide a child with care or supervision. Section 827.01(1), in turn, defines “caregiver” as “a parent, adult household member, or other person responsible for a child’s welfare.”” The holding stands for the proposition that the traditional status of teachers as "in loco parentis" supports the notion that actionable abuse/neglect charges may be filed (and proven) by a prosecutor when the teacher ignores abusive/neglectful actions of others in his or her midst.
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No Child Left Behind (NCLB) |
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Study
Rates 22 Widely Used Comprehensive School Reform Models
For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
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Parenting/Parental Involvement |
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Good Parents: Warm AND Demanding Dr. Thomas Phelan, Parent Magic Newsletter, November 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/Phelan11-05.html#top Research has taught us that good parents have two important qualities: They are WARM on the one hand, and they are DEMANDING on the other.
MA Faster is Better When Schools Spread Word Ron DePasquale, Boston Globe, December 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Globe12-1-05.html#top School officials in several of Boston's western suburbs are using new communications systems that allow them to make hundreds, or even thousands, of phone calls to parents almost instantaneously.
Parent Resource Sharing: Exceptional Math Homework Sites "On these websites, you can ask mathematicians to help answer homework and other math questions for kids. We've done it and they're fantastic!" Check out Mike's Math Club at http://www.mff.org/mmc/ and Dr. Math at http://mathforum.org/dr.math/dr-math.html today!
For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
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Study: Early Musical Training Boosts Language Processing USA Today, November 17, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/12-05/USAToday11-17-05.htm People who learned to play musical instruments as children process spoken language faster and more accurately than their non-musical counterparts as adults, according to a Stanford University study.
Australia National Exams For Five-Year-OldsSamantha Maiden, The Weekend Australian, November 26, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/11-05/Maiden11-26-05.htm Five-year-old children will be tested for basic reading skills twice a year under a national plan to help struggling students.
Early Childhood Education Newsletter: Making Gifts Early Childhood Education Newsletter, November 21, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/11-05/ECE11-21-05.htm As the holidays approach, most children like to recite their wish lists for Santa. This year, invite students to help create another list -- one that reflects ways your children can give to others.
MI Questions & Answers on Great Start Collaborative Application The Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) has issued "Questions & Answers 1-3" regarding the Great Start Collaborative Application. Please visit www.greatstartforkids.org then navigate to the "What's Happening" section of the website for more information.
Audio CD - "Building Children's Brains" by Joan Lessen-Firestone, Ph.D. http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/11-05/Lessen-Firestone11-05.htm This audio CD is 20 minutes in length. Cost is $2.50 each copy + $1.50 Shipping and Handling. The order form is available online at http://www.mi-aimh.msu.edu/publications/orderform.pdf.
MI Early On SICC Meeting Minutes & Subcommittee Meeting Minutes State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) Quick Notes (PDF; Nov 2005) http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/minutes/SICCQuickNotesNov2005.pdf
Baby Stages Wheel: A Parent’s and Caregiver’s Guide to the Social and Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers Wheel Ordering Information (PDF) http://www.mi-aimh.msu.edu/publications/Baby%20Stages.pdf Tips for new parents and child caregivers comes in the form of a handy “wheel.” Easy to read and user friendly, parents and caregivers can follow an infant’s progress around the wheel until he or she is three years old. With just a ‘turn of the dial’ a caring adult will discover many things he or she can do to nurture a strong relationship and support healthy social and emotional development in the first years.
For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
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MEA Wins In House, Loses In Senate MIRS, December 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/MIRS12-1-05.html#2
The lobbying muscle of the Michigan Education Association
(MEA) was put to the test Thursday when the Republican-controlled Legislature
successfully pushed through teacher health care reforms in the Senate but failed
to end pensions for new teacher hires in the House. The scene at the Capitol was
nasty. Democrats accused Republicans of pulling infrastructure projects in their
district for refusing to play ball. Republicans accused Democrats of reneging on
agreements. It was rumored that legislators who refused to go along with
leadership would have their committee assignments yanked. House Debates Merits Of Defined Contribution For Teachers MIRS, December 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/MIRS12-1-05.html#top Outside of the political dynamics taking place on a bill to end pensions for future teachers in exchange for a 401k-like system, a lively debate over the merits of the proposal took place in the House.
Spade Honored By 'Michigan's Children' MIRS, December 2, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/MIRS12-1-05.html#3 Rep. Dudley Spade (D-Tipton) was honored this week with the 'Doing Something Wonderful Legislative Award' from Michigan's Children. Spade, who was recognized by the group as a "visionary freshman legislator," serves on the Family and Children Services Committee where he has had the opportunity to apply his experience as a child advocate.
$6.6M Grant to Help Kids with Mental Disabilities Tom Lambert, Lansing State Journal, November 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/LSJ11-30-05.html#top Each morning, Malisa Pearson wonders what struggles the day may hold for her 10-year-old son Austin, who is afflicted with a severe bipolar disorder. The Lansing parent has admitted her son to a hospital nearly a dozen times since his fifth birthday because of the disorder, which is marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. Unfortunately, the single mother's story is similar to many other parents in Ingham County.
Kuipers Presses MESSA On Pooling MIRS, November 29, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/News11-29-05.html#top Sen. Wayne Kuipers (R-Holland) drilled Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA) representatives during a hearing about education employee health care pooling, basically telling them that their logic in regards to why pools shouldn't be opened to all school districts was seriously flawed.
Gongwer News Service, November 29, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/News11-29-05.html#2 A package of bills to allow school districts to pool health care benefit risks stayed in the Senate Education Committee to allow the Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) time to develop amendments to address concerns officials raised Tuesday.
Michigan Foster Education Resource Network 2005-2006 Student Guide to Higher Education (PDF) Michigan Foster Education Resource Network http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/2005_2006_Student_Guide.pdf This valuable resource guide contains information on high school classes, standardized tests, extra-curriculars, college prep, financial aid, creating a budget, student rights and responsibilities, online resources and institutions of higher ed.
The Kalamazoo Promise: College Tuition for All Grads Kalamazoo Gazette, November 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/Gazette11-11-05.html#top In a move with the potential to transform Kalamazoo Public Schools and the entire Kalamazoo area, KPS Superintendent Janice Brown on Thursday announced a program to provide four-year, full-tuition scholarships to KPS graduates to any public college or university in Michigan, beginning with the Class of 2006.
Michigan's Secretary of State Seeking Voting System for Disabled Gongwer News Service, November 21, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/News11-21-05.html#top
With
the state nearly done updating its voting systems, Secretary of State Terri Land
announced Monday she was preparing for the next phase of implementing the
federal Help America Vote Act: handicapper-accessible voting. Cox Bars California Charity from Soliciting Donations in Michigan MIRS, November 18, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/News11-21-05.html#2 Today Attorney General Mike COX announced that he has denied a California organization's application to solicit charitable contributions in Michigan because it allegedly misused donations by advancing its president nearly $250,000 to fund his defense of criminal charges unrelated to the organization.
Dunnings Likes Acupuncturing Bill MIRS, November 18, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/News11-21-05.html#3 So what interest could the Ingham County prosecutor possibly have in pending legislation to regulate those who practice acupuncture? Maybe he doesn't have enough crime to fight and is eager to go after unscrupulous acupuncturists?
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Free Downloadable Letter of Intent Form – An 88 Item Checklist Showing Parents How to Communicate their Wishes and Knowledge about their Son or Daughter with a Disability to Future Caregivers Attorney L. Mark Russell http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/Russell11-18-05.html#top How can you, as a parent, be assured that your son or daughter will lead as complete a life as possible after your death? What can you do to make sure your hopes and aspirations are realized? Writing a letter of intent is a critical step in the planning process. This critical document permits parents to communicate vital information about their son or daughter to future caregivers.
IN Voucher Plan Revived, With Focus on Autistic Students Staci Hupp, IndyStar.com, November 24, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/IndyStar11-24-05.html#top Republican lawmakers have revived a stalled push to create school vouchers that would give students money to transfer to private schools. But this time, they'll target only one small group: autistic children.
U.K. Study: Assessment for Autism Passes Successful Trial Jeremy Laurance, The Independent, December 1, 2005 http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article330448.ece A test run of a 12-point screening questionnaire for autism was more than 90% accurate in identifying children who had been independently diagnosed with the disorder, according to an Institute of Child Health, London study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
Epilepsy: Cognitive Testing & Clinical Trial Information http://www.resolutions-llc.com/advertisements/keppra/keppra_cognitive_ad.html From Exceptional Parent: "At Exceptional Parent we are dedicated to keeping parents informed about a variety of treatment options for children with special needs. Talk with your physician to find out if your child might benefit from being part of a clinical trial. For more information on the trial, or to find out whether your child may qualify to participate, please call 877-547-8839 (toll free)."
For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
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When It's Your Own Child: A Report on Special Education From Families Who Use It Jean Johnson and Ann Duffett with Steve Farkas and Leslie Wilson, Public Agenda http://www.publicagenda.org/research/research_reports_details.cfm?list=17 The stigma once attached to children with disabilities is disappearing, according to parents of special education students. Majorities also give their local special education programs and teachers high marks. But parents offer mixed views on whether the right kids are getting the right services, with most saying too many special-needs children lose out because their parents aren't aware of what's available.
Special-education Failures Run Deep Kalman R. Hettleman, The Baltimore Sun, November 18, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/11-05/Hettleman11-18-05.html#top In an opinion piece, Attorney Kalman R. Hettleman, who's also a member of the Baltimore City school board, notes that the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision that ruled parents must bear the burden of proving the inadequacy of their child's special-education plan, did not overrule states that have put that burden on school districts. Hettleman urges Maryland to pass such a law.
Schaffer v. Weast: How Will the Decision Affect YOU? Peter W. D. Wright, Esq., Wrightslaw.com http://www.wrightslaw.com/law/art/schaffer.impact.pwright.htm Attorney Pete Wright explains the Schaffer v. Weast decision and breaks it down so that parents can understand what this landmark decision means to the education of their own children.
For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html
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Ask the Attorney/Advocate |
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Bridges4Kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
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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
13th
Annual CARD Conference "Inspire Passion Into Action"
New York Summer Options For
Children & Teens With Special Needs
19th Annual Research
Conference "A System of Care for Children¹s Mental Health: Expanding
the Research Base"
Nonverbal Learning
Disorders Association's 10th Annual NLDA Symposium “A Decade of
Progress in NLD”
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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
I Can’t Live With Them, I
Can’t Live Without Them: Support for Siblings with Janice Fialka
TEENS USING
DRUGS PART One: What To Know
TEENS USING DRUGS PART TWO: WHAT TO DO
Support Group: Adults With
ADD
MICHIGAN
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS 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.
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Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Staff
Deborah Canja
Chief Executive Officer
Director of Information Technology & Information
Systems
Bella Djordjevski
Resource Assistant
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