Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Alternative Schooling Not Required, U.S. Court Rules Gongwer News Service, January 24, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Gongwer1-24-05.html#top Although Michigan's constitution guarantees the right to a free public elementary and secondary education, neither it nor state law provides a right to alternative education for those older than the drop-out age of 16, a panel of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday in a case arising from the notorious 2000 murder of a New Baltimore teen pizza worker. Democrats Attack on Bush Social Security Proposal http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/News1-31-05.html#2 Gongwer News Service, January 31, 2005 Saying the as-yet undetailed proposals of President George W. Bush to allow for private accounts to be part of the Social Security system would be devastating for Michigan residents, legislative Democrats on Monday announced they would introduce a resolution calling on Congress to reject adding private accounts to the system. SD Tighter Monitoring of Home-school Students Rejected Aberdeen News, January 21, 2005 http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/10698842.htm A move to tighten state control over the testing of home-schooled students was rejected by a South Dakota Senate committee Thursday after critics said the measure is not needed. Schools Working to Distinguish Misbehaving From Criminal Acts Molly Ball, Las Vegas Sun, January 21, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/PBS/articles/LVSun1-21-05.htm The high-school senior thought he was just pulling a harmless prank when he mooned a bus from his car in the parking lot. But he wound up in court, facing a charge of open or gross lewdness. The legal action threatened his graduation, his college scholarships and his permanent record and could have forced him to register as a sex offender if convicted, a school official said. Controversy Over 'Zero Tolerance' Connie Langland, Philadelphia Inquirer, January 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/PBS/articles/PhillyInq1-23-05.htm Chris McCarthy had been looking forward to his junior year at Upper Moreland High School. Elected president of his class, McCarthy, 16, had been named to the National Honor Society. His extracurricular activities included the soccer team, the drama club, and the annual blood drive. Then, in November, a pocketknife put his high school career on hold - and placed him in the center of a growing controversy surrounding "zero-tolerance" policies. 60 Companies Plan to Sponsor Health Coverage for Uninsured Distributed by Bob Parks, Director of Membership Services, Michigan Association of United Ways, January 29, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Parks1-29-05.html#top An article, by Milt Freudenheim in the January 27, 2005 edition of the New York Times announced that 60 large employers are joining together to sponsor low-cost health insurance options. The program, to begin in September 2005, will be offered for at least two years and is intended to cover uninsured part-time and temporary workers, contractors, consultants and early retirees, who typically are not eligible for employer health plans. OH Guidelines To Target Bullying Stephanie Warsmith, Beacon Journal, January 29, 2005 http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/local/10765923.htm?1c Bullies: Beware. The Akron Public Schools no longer will tolerate your taunting, teasing and generally mean behavior. School board members approved an anti-bullying policy this week aimed at addressing problems with students being picked on. The policy requires teachers and principals to report "aggressive behavior" and calls on the district to investigate. [Login/registration required to view this article.] UK The Head Who Banned Homework Amelia Hill, The Observer, January 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Observer1-23-05.html#top Spiritualists believe the village of Marlborough, in Wiltshire, lies at the heart of the modern-day crop circle phenomenon. Last week, however, a local headmaster achieved something even more mystical: he made homework disappear. Testing Companies Mine for Gold Barbara Miner, Rethinking Schools Online, Winter 2004/05 http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/19_02/test192.shtml There has been little public outcry over the fact that private, multinational companies operating beyond public oversight are determining which students, schools, and districts in the United States are deemed "failures" and which are deemed "successes." Given the secrecy that shrouds testing company operations, information is negligible. What the public doesn't know, the public doesn't complain about. Paid Summer Internship Opportunity in D.C. For Former Foster Kids http://www.ccainstitute.org/youth_internship.php Announcing a six-week summer internship at a congressional office in D.C. (supported by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Annie E. Casey Foundation). The internship requirements include that the youth has completed at least two years of college and has either exited foster care at 18 or older or have been adopted out of foster care after their 14th birthday. This is a paid internship and, as a result, transportation costs to Washington D.C., housing during the program, and a small living stipend are included with each position. Applications are due in their entirety by February 18, 2005 and must include two essays on specific topics, a resume and two references. $250 Prizes for Best Grade 5-8 Student-designed Toys http://www.TOYchallenge.com TOYchallenge is a toy and game design competition that is sponsored by Sally Ride Science Club, Smith College, and Hasbro Inc. The competition aims to encourage middle school kids, especially girls, to pursue their interest in science and engineering while having fun. To join TOYchallenge, design teams must find an adult coach and register before Feb. 16, 2005 (registration fee is $25 per team); choose a theme from seven toy categories, such as "Build It!," "Get Out and Play," and "Remarkable Robots"; and create and submit their entry, which must consist of a visual presentation, written description, and early version of their original toy or game concept. Teams that cannot attend one of the regional events may mail in their written entry. To participate in the National Showcase, teams must construct a working prototype or model of their design. Boys and girls in grades five through eight may participate, but at least half of the members of each team must be girls. Five teams at each regional event will be awarded $250 development grants toward presenting their toy or game at the National Showcase. AP Test May Change Teaching Jay Mathews, Washington Post, January 26, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/schools/0501/26/A04-70989.htm The Advanced Placement test, close to surpassing the SAT as the most popular examination in the country, is undergoing an adjustment designed to change not only high school teaching but the way introductory college courses are taught throughout the country, College Board officials said Tuesday. The One-size-fits-all Way Girls Are Taught Explains Their Differences With Boys Leonard Sax, The Detroit News, January 26, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/editorial/0501/26/A11-70356.htm A distinguished Harvard professor suggests women may be innately less capable of scholarship at the highest levels and asserts that the pursuit of an academic career will cause a woman's body to shunt blood away from the uterus toward the brain, rendering that woman "irritable and infertile." A flurry of press coverage ensues.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
MI Department of Ed Faces $125,000 Fine MIRS, January 25, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/MIRS1-25-05.html#top The Department of Education (MDE) faces a $125,000 fine by the federal government for not turning around the results of the 2004 Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) test for high schools until more than a month into the 2004-2005 school year.
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Dr. Mel Levine: How to Prep Your Child to Become An Adult Dr. Mel Levine, All Kinds of Minds http://www.allkindsofminds.org/product/summary_readyornot.aspx In his book ‘Ready or Not, Here Life Comes,’ pediatrician and author Dr. Mel Levine addresses why some kids make a successful transition into adulthood while others do not. "Most parents wonder if their child will be prepared to tackle adulthood when they grow up. Now, after decades of observing children grow into young adults, nationally known pediatrician and author Dr. Mel Levine addresses why some youngsters make a successful transition into adulthood while others do not.” Report: School Readiness Starts at Home Kavan Peterson, Stateline.org, January 25, 2005 http://www.stateline.org/stateline/?pa=story&sa=showStoryInfo&id=427073&columns=true A task force says states should provide support services for parents. Attention in School: Some Advice Steve Edelman, MA http://www.educationnews.org/attention-in-school.htm This is a great “how to” article specifically written to address concerns of parents who suspect that their child might have an attention problem, but which also contains a wealth of great parenting advice for all parents and all kids. For example, here you will find specific examples of ways to get answers to the question, “What did you do in school today?” beyond the usual “nothing” and “stuff.” A Family Handbook on Future Planning (Word Document) The Arc of the United States http://www.thearc.org/publications/futureplanninghandbook.doc This guide was developed by The Arc to help families develop a future plan that provides personal, financial and legal protections for their sons or daughters with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities. It includes good information on financial planning, wills, trusts, guardianship, governmental benefits, and working with an attorney, It is not designed to be a “do-it-yourself” guide, but will help families review and inventory the needs and strengths of their family member, determine what should be in a plan and then locate qualified professionals and resources to finalize the plan. Free 'Life Planners' Newsletter Planning for your disabled child's future is easier than you think. You can learn to write a Life Plan (also called a Letter of Intent) for your child or adult person with disabilities. Find out what a Life Plan is and subscribe to the free Life Planners newsletter. Life Planners is a free newsletter for parents and caregivers of a disabled person. Get help planning for the future. For the definition of a Life Planner, visit http://www.betterwaypress.com/lifeplanners/definition.html. For the current newsletter, visit http://www.betterwaypress.com/lifeplanners.
Early On/Early Intervention	*top*
bridges4kids Featured Resource: ARC/FIE Key Player Packet http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/ARCWinter05.pdf The Winter 2005 edition of the Key Player Packet includes: Transition Resources and Websites, Keeping Our Families Healthy, LICC News, Parent Support and Education, From the Arc Associate Director, Lending Library News, Book Reviews, From the Department of Education, and Events and Opportunities. Baby Stages Wheel: A Parent’s and Caregiver’s Guide to the Social and Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers Tips for new parents and child caregivers comes in the form of a handy “wheel.” The Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health (MI-AIMH), the Michigan Department of Community Health and Michigan State University Extension have created a “wheel” that can steer parents and those working with infants and families through the critical first years! 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. Download the information sheet and order form [PDF] at http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/MIAIMHwheelflyer.pdf. MI Early On Subcommittee Meeting Minutes *System Operations Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Established Conditions* Established Conditions Ad Hoc Minutes (PDF; Jan 2005) http://www.bridges4kids.org/minutes/EstConditionsAdHocMinutesJan20-05.pdf *Parent Involvement* Parent Involvement (PDF; Dec 2004) http://www.bridges4kids.org/minutes/EO-PIC12-14-04.pdf *Other Minutes/Results/Notes* Executive Committee Meeting Minutes (PDF; Oct 2004) http://www.bridges4kids.org/minutes/EO-Exec10-29-04.pdf
Michigan News	*top*
State School Superintendent Resigns in Wake of Granholm Criticism Judy Putnam, Lansing Bureau, January 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/LansingBureau1-30-05.html#top Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Watkins resigned under pressure Saturday after an awkward and public three-week spat with Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Watkins said in a statement that he will take a job at Wayne State University working on issues of school reform and urban education. His resignation is effective March 9. Hughes Named Acting Superintendent http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/News1-31-05.html#top Gongwer News Service, January 31, 2005 Jeremy Hughes, currently the state's deputy superintendent of public instruction and the department's chief academic officer, was named the acting state superintendent by the head of the State Board of Education Monday, succeeding outgoing Superintendent Tom Watkins. Miller Plays Backroom Role in Watkins Saga http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/News1-31-05.html#3 MIRS, January 31, 2005 U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R-Harrison Twp.) may be the last person you'd expect to play a pivotal role in the ousting of Tom Watkins as the state's Superintendent. But it turns out that Miller was in the mix just hours before Watkins decided to resign, sending a Jan. 28 letter to the Board of Education and the governor with her complaints. Principal Committed to 'Better' Kids Lisa Carolin, Livingston Community News, January 28, 2005 http://scnc.lesa.k12.mi.us/~ras/news.htm Renaissance Alternative School Principal Lee Porter awakens early every morning to exercise and drive from his rural home south of Lansing to Howell. The drive to school is one of his most creative times, he says, while the drive home is when he considers what he should have done differently. It Pays to Have a Fifth-Year Student http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/News1-31-05.html#4 MIRS, January 31, 2005 A school district can legally receive the state's $6,700-per-student foundation grant for a fifth-year high school student, even if he or she is attending classes at a post-secondary institution, as long as that teenager is taking at least one class at a high school, Attorney General Mike Cox opined Friday. Detroit School's Elite-level English Program Cited as a World Leader Betty DeRamus, The Detroit News, January 26, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/schools/0501/26/B01-70431.htm "Wonderful things always happen here," says Renaissance High School principal Deborah Harley, and she's not just spinning a story to stun the press. The letter sitting on Harley's desk gives her and her teachers and students bragging rights all over the world. Commentary: Any Blame Game Will Likely Delay School Solutions Detroit Free Press, January 25, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Freep1-21-05.html#2 The latest crisis report from Detroit Public Schools CEO Kenneth Burnley shows why city taxpayers, those with kids and without, must take more than a spectator's stance in the fight to rescue the district. Dearborn Schools Enlist Online Tutors Eric Lacy, The Detroit News, January 27, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/schools/0501/27/B01-70660.htm The first 24-hour online tutoring program in the state for middle and high school students was launched Tuesday in the Dearborn Public Schools to boost standardized test scores, homework grades and comprehension of classroom lesson plans. Detroit Schools Team Begins Its Work Chastity Pratt, Detroit Free Press, January 27, 2005 http://www.freep.com/news/education/dps27d_20050127.htm The transition team that Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed to make recommendations on improving the Detroit school system is slightly larger than previously announced and will not take on the job of unraveling the $200-million financial crisis the district is facing. Looking for your Michigan GED Transcript? http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/GedTransReqForm.pdf Download the Michigan GED Transcript Request Form (PDF; size=61k). Governor's Appointments: Task Force on Children's Justice MIRS, January 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/Appointments.html Martial Arts Class Focuses on Pupils With Challenges Linda Theil, Lansing State Journal, January 21, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/LSJ1-21-05.html#top Livingston County sessions combine medicine, exercise. MEA Rips Watkins in January 5 Letter MIRS, January 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/MIRS1-26-05.html#top Michigan Education Association (MEA) executive director Chuck Anderson ripped into state Superintendent Tom Watkins in a Jan. 5 e-mail about the much talked-about Dec. 14 Board of Education presentation in which rising pension costs and health care were cited as a major contributor to the alleged K-12 school funding crisis. Anderson scolded Watkins for commenting that labor, pension and health care costs for educators are "competing" with costs to educate children, saying it "is a misguided and flawed premise." Rather, Anderson said in the e-mail obtained by MIRS that the state Superintendent should be joining others within the education community in arguing that K-12 and higher education funding has been cut $2 billion and that the answer is more money, not more cuts. Herbert S. Moyer: Superintendent Crisis Herbert S. Moyer, Jackson Citizen Patriot, Voice of the People, January 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/CitPat1-26-05.html#top "For the past 51 years, I have been a public school educator...I campaigned for and supported Gov. Granholm and I had the privilege to be on the board that voted to hire Tom Watkins. He has fulfilled my expectations and that of many of my other board members with his capability, vision and dedication to public education. This was reflected in his last evaluation..." School Politics: Granholm Needs to Explain Why Watkins Should Go Detroit Free Press, January 21, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Freep1-21-05.html#top Gov. Jennifer Granholm needs to be more specific about the problems she has with state Schools Superintendent Tom Watkins that have made her so anxious to show him the door. Granholm Risks Taking Blame for Education Ills Thomas Bray, The Detroit News, January 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/DetroitNews1-26-05.html#top In subsequent weeks, the governor's office was quoted as suggesting Watkins was an ineffective manager and that the real reason he was dragging his feet was to extort a fat money settlement. Never mind that he had refused to take prior salary increases or donated them to charitable causes, hardly the sign of a money-grubber. Or that longtime school board member and President Kathleen Straus, also a Democrat, defended his achievements. What a governor wants, a governor tends to get. But what, really, does the governor want? That's far from clear. Statement By State Board of Education President Kathleen N. Straus Regarding Rumors She May Be Wavering Support for Superintendent Kathleen Straus, January 25, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Straus1-25-05.html#top The published rumors in the Lansing-based political newsletter MIRS today that I may be wavering in my support of State Superintendent Tom Watkins are absolutely not true. I stand behind Tom 100 percent for his leadership and focus on improving academic achievement. Schools Chief Caught in Rift Chris Christoff and Lori Higgins, The Detroit Free Press, January 25, 2005 http://www.freep.com/news/mich/granholm25e_20050125.htm The public rift between Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Tom Watkins, the state schools superintendent whom she insists resign, begs an old question: Who's in charge of education? Lansing Must Embrace Basic Reform Following the Watkins Debacle Lawrence W. Reed, Mackinac Center for Public Policy, January 14, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Reed1-14-05.html#top In a Dec. 6 report to the State Board of Education, Michigan’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Thomas Watkins called for "boldness and candor" in addressing a "structural funding challenge" in the state’s public schools. A few weeks later, he exercised a bit of that boldness and candor in response to critics of charter schools, telling the Grand Rapids Press, "Let's take a look at traditional schools. Some of them will complain about losing 300 (students) to a charter, but you won't hear a peep out of them when 3,000 (dropouts) go to the streets." Tom Watkins Responds to the Governor Tom Watkins, January 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Watkins1-20-05.html#top Dear Governor Granholm, I have read and listened with interest to the comments you and your media spokesperson have made regarding your dissatisfaction with my job performance as Michigan’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction. I am surprised and perplexed that you would say these things as neither you nor any of your staff have shared these concerns with me personally, and given the fact that we have met on nearly a weekly basis to discuss education issues. Job Opportunity: Training and Outreach Specialist for Michigan Head Start Association http://bridges4kids.org/MichiganInfo.html#4 Under the direction of the Michigan Head Start Association (MHSA) Executive Director, the Training and Outreach Specialist will provide support in research and advocacy planning and follow-up, materials production, and training to local, regional and statewide networks with a focus on the Head Start community. Submit resume & references by February 4, 2005.
Disability News	*top*
Social Security Debate and Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Steve Gold, Information Bulletin # 77, January 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-05/Gold1-05.html#top As the Administration begins to push to privatize Social Security, persons with disabilities have been virtually absent from the public discourse. The disability community should be asking their elected federal representatives some critical questions regarding the program.
Special Education Issues	*top*
The Arc Releases Two Helpful Documents on IDEA The Arc is pleased to present two new documents to help families, providers and advocates understand the revisions to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act enacted in the 108th Congress. First is a point-by-point analysis of the changes at http://www.thearc.org/ideachanges/crsanalysis.pdf (PDF). Also available is a Users Guide http://www.thearc.org/ideachanges/usersguide.doc (Word). Section 504 - Helping Disabled Students H. Allen Hurst, Afro-American Newspapers, January 28, 2005 http://www.afro.com/content/templates/?a=2951&z=1 After reading a story about a young man's turmoil with Baltimore City Public Schools, John Wheeler thought this was a story he could help rewrite. Wheeler, an intake specialist attorney for Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC) has dedicated part of his career to educating parents of disabled or chronically ill students on the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	*top*
bridges4kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with Calvin and Tricia Luker Question: The use of seclusion and restraint in school settings is a hot issue. If a school or school district does not have a formal policy, should school staff continue to use physical restraints methods if necessary and listed in the student's IEP or should this practice be stopped until a formal seclusion and restraint policy is written and training is provided to the staff? Answer: Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA/q43.html to see Calvin & Tricia's Answer.
Upcoming National Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. 2005 Ready To Learn Summit "A Child’s Life: Learning, Literacy and the Role of the Media" SPONSORS: U.S. Department of Education and PBS WHEN: February 3-4, 2005 WHERE: Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore, MD DESCRIPTION: Summit attendees will hear from nationally renowned education experts who will consider how media — television, video games, computers and the Internet — shape and influence children’s abilities to process and retain information in their preschool and early elementary years. Keynote speaker Dr. Reid Lyon, chief of the child development and behavior branch at the National Institutes of Health, will specifically outline current information about how children learn and the impact of using scientific evidence to influence the development of educationally-oriented television shows. FOR MORE INFORMATION: The general public will be granted access via the Internet through the Ready To Learn Web site at www.pbs.org/readytolearn. Additional information about this event’s Web cast will be made available next week on that website. The Arc, AAMR, AUCD, United Cerebral Palsy, and NACDD Disability Policy Seminar WHEN: February 28 – March 2, 2005 WHERE: Renaissance Hotel, 999 9th St., NW, Washington, DC DESCRIPTION: Highlights of the Seminar include: Presentations by some of the country’s leading experts on issues that are critical to our constituents. A luncheon with top-level congressional leaders. A full day devoted to visiting your elected officials on Capitol Hill with others in your state. A Capitol Hill Reception. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Download the PDF conference brochure, complete with registration information and agenda at www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/GovConv2-28-05.pdf. Problem Student Problem-Solver WHEN/WHERE: Phoenix, AZ: March 10-11, 2005; Cincinnati, OH: April 21-22, 2005; Austin, TX: April 28-29, 2005; Indianapolis, IN: May 12-13, 2005; and Portland, ME: October 13-14, 2005. DESCRIPTION: Here's your Problem Student Problem-Solver Conference. You name the problems. You will leave with innovative, more effective strategies for school failure, truancy, dropping out, work refusal, violence, delinquency, bad attitudes, depression and more. Free sample interventions, and free monthly Problem Student Problem-Solver magazine available at our web site at http://www.youthchg.com or call toll-free to 1-800-545-5736. Work-study financial aid available. Conference runs from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. COST: $149 per person; work study slots available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Ruth Wells at dwells@youthchg.com to register or for more details.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. Working with your child’s school...Getting Beyond "No" WHEN: February 9, 2005 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM WHERE: Dearborn High School, 19501 W Outer Drive, Dearborn MI 48124-1663 (east of Telegraph – north of Michigan) DESCRIPTION: Come and think about how you as parents can work with schools positively and effectively to support the general education placement of your child. This presentation will help parents think about collaborative steps and actions they can take to advance inclusive education for their child. Learn practical skills and actions you can take in order to support the success of your child in school. The focus of the presentation will be, "When no is the answer, what should I do?" Speaker: Mark Morawski is the Principal of William Grace Elementary, a member of the Michigan Network for Inclusive Schools and a member of the Board for Everyone Together, Michigan. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To assure space and materials please RSVP to wceveryonetogether@yahoo.com or 1-800-292-7851 ext.691 (voice mail). All You Need To Know About Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Michigan (with Deb Canja, JD and Bernie Travnikar, EdD of Bridges4Kids) WHEN/WHERE: February 22, 2005 at Holiday Inn West, 2747 South 11th Street, Kalamazoo, MI (Registration 8:30 AM; Session 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM) WHEN/WHERE: April 6, 2005 at the Troy Hilton, 5500 Crooks Road, Troy, MI (Registration 8:00 AM; Session 8:30 – 4:00 PM) DESCRIPTION: Both sessions will also include an update on the new IDEIA (IDEA 2004). Seminar highlights: Learn to recognize “early indicators” of ODD in a manner which does not lead to over-identification; gain an understanding of how ODD is often “intertwined” with other disorders; acquire insight regarding the impact of ODD and related disorders on both school and family; learn effective intervention practices and the “person-centered” intervention philosophy’ work in small groups to develop “real world” intervention strategies powerful enough to improve quality of life for the young person who experiences ODD and for caregivers as well. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 888.678-5565 for more details. Child Care is Everyone’s Business: Michigan Public Policy Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education WHEN: February 24, 2005 WHERE: Lansing Center, Lansing, MI (8:00 AM registration, Session: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) DESCRIPTION: A unique conference bringing together leaders in business, education, government, and child care to learn about best practices and the economic impacts of quality care for young children. Keynote speakers: Paul Hillegonds, “Ready To Succeed” Partnership; Art Rolnick, Federal Reserve Bank, Minneapolis; Marianne Udow, Director, Michigan FIA. Also participating: several Michigan Representatives and Senators. Presented by the Michigan 4C Association. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.mi4c.org/event.html for more information. Michigan Head Start Association Preconference and Conference "The Fatherhood Factor: A Conference for engaging men in the lives of children" WHEN: Preconference will take place on March 2, 2005; Conference will take place March 3-4, 2005 DESCRIPTION: Keynote Speakers: Jonetta Rose Barras and Lydia Velez Estevas; Featured Speakers: Neil Tift, D. J. Vanas, and Nigel Vann FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information contact Lesley at lesley@mhsa.ws. 2005 Michigan Early Hearing Interventionists/Parents Conference "Connecting Communities...Putting Families First" WHEN: Thursday, March 17, 2005 WHERE: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: The goals of this conference are to increase the skill and knowledge base of childhood specialists who work with children with hearing loss and their families and to provide an opportunity for families to learn about early intervention services. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Download the PDF brochure, complete with registration information and agenda at www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/EHDIConf3-17-05.pdf. Register Online at www.mphi.eductrng.net.
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