Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
NC Parents Decry Inner-city Schools Charlotte Observer, February 20, 2005 http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/education/10947370.htm?1cBlack They say educational quality suffers in high-poverty CMS areas Frustrated black parents complained Saturday that their children are getting a second-rate education in inner-city schools that are filled with students from poor families. Schools Feed a Need Peter Schworm, Boston Globe, February 20, 2005 http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2005/02/20/schools_feed_a_need/ This wasn't sixth-grader Kevin Roche's day. It was well after 6 p.m., and he was still at school, racking his brain to explain the chemical reactions of acids and bases. Worse, his Dad sat beside him, peering at his every pencil scratch. And just across the cafeteria table sat his teacher, making sure he stayed on task. They came to Andrews Middle School for a ''Family Homework" dinner, where once a month teachers and students prepare a meal for families in the cafeteria. After breaking bread, everyone breaks out the books. KS In Less Than 2 Years at North High, Principal Restores Discipline, Improves Test Scores Roy Wenzyl, Wichita Eagle, February 20, 2005 http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/living/education/10945731.htm After Denise Wren took over one of Wichita's toughest high schools, she did more with less. A lot more. Math and reading test scores rose. Writing scores jumped 14 percentage points. A Chance to Teach--and to Learn Rex Huppke, Chicago Tribune, February 20, 2005 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0502200099feb20,1,6185379.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true As a schoolteacher fights cancer, her pupils are showing her how to "live in the moment." It Is Not What's Gone - But What's Given Speech by Jim Abbott, one-handed famed professional baseball pitcher, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Abbott2005.html#top Speech from Jim Abbott, one-handed famed professional baseball pitcher. “I've learned that there are millions of people out there ignoring disabilities and accomplishing incredible feats. I learned that you can learn to do things differently, but do them just as well. I've learned that it's not the disability that defines you, it's how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with. I've learned that we have an obligation to the abilities we do have, not the disability.” Advocates Say Educators Too Reluctant to Tackle Bullying of Gays, Lesbians Mackenzie Carpenter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 20, 2005 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05051/460336.stm Last month, 5,500 educators from 36 states signed up as participants in the second annual No Name Calling Week, an anti-bullying program addressing verbal harassment of students, including gay and lesbian students, in middle and high schools. bridges4kids Featured Website: Children's Rights http://www.ChildrensRights.org The nation’s leading organization promoting and protecting the rights of abused and neglected children in failing foster care systems, using policy analysis, public education and the power of the courts. U.S. District Court Finds Children Have a Right to Counsel in Dependency Cases (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/KennyAOrder20050207.pdf The U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division issued an order on February 8, 2005 in a class action lawsuit brought by Children's Rights, Inc. against the Georgia state child welfare agencies and officials regarding children in Georgia's foster care system. Among other things, plaintiffs allege the defendants have failed to provide adequate and effective legal representation for children in dependency proceedings. In its order the court stated that children in dependency cases have a constitutional right to counsel that may be violated by excessive caseloads. The question of the excessive nature of the caseloads will now go to trial. Thanks to the National Association of Counsel for Children for sharing this news. bridges4kids Featured Resource: Moms United http://www.momsunited.org Moms United is an organization of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the lives of children through cards and letters of love and inspiration. We believe that even the smallest acts of kindest can make a true difference. Our mission is to reach out to children and their families who are facing some of the most difficult struggles of their lives. Helpful College Scholarship Information http://www.scholarshiphelp.org "The thought of getting scholarships has always been confusing for me and this site helped me understand what I should do and helped me avoid scholarship scams. I felt it might help other students as well." - Bridges4Kids Website Visitor Test Scores Fuel Laptop Debate eSchool News, August 19, 2004 http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStory.cfm?ArticleID=5223 Eighth-graders' scores on Maine's most recent annual achievement test are refueling the debate over that state's groundbreaking effort to give laptop computers to students. Middle-school students who used laptops for two years performed about the same on a standardized test as students in the past who did not have access to computers, the results indicate--though laptop-equipped students did show gains in writing. SeatGuru.com: Travel Smart http://www.SeatGuru.com Bad Seat on a plane? Here’s a solution. Most major airlines permit you to choose your seat when you’re buying a ticket online. But apart from telling you whether a seat is open or occupied, few indicate whether one seat is better than another. That’s where SeatGuru.com comes in. This web site shows you the seat configurations offered by many airlines by aircraft type. Homework, Research & Study Resources National Atlas: Map Maker http://nationalatlas.gov/natlas/Natlasstart.asp This free tool allows you to zoom in, zoom out, or point and click your way to a customized map of the U.S. Includes the basics like roads, counties, and capitals but goes several steps further to include agriculture (crops), climate, geology, transportation, water and much, much more. Visit NASA http://www.nasa.gov/ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration where you will find special sections for students, teachers, researchers, etc. and the latest information on space travel and exploration as well as fascinating looks into how space exploration is affecting research on earth. Answers.com http://www.Answers.com Over a million topics, covering people, places, words and names, drawn from reliable dictionaries, encyclopedias, websites, and more. Check out our Directory of content areas and sample topics. Online Guide to Writing and Grammar http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ Includes easy-to-follow rules of grammar, sentence construction, quizzes, how to write an essay and a thesis, PowerPoint tips…in short, everything you need to properly express yourself. The Guide to Grammar and Writing is sponsored by the Capital Community College Foundation, a nonprofit 501 c-3 organization that supports scholarships, faculty development, and curriculum innovation.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
Lawmakers Knock 'No Child' Deseret News, February 20, 2005 http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600113424,00.html A bill and a resolution viewed as knocking President Bush's signature education program are headed to full Senate debate this week. Schools Grapple With Standards For Special Ed Pupils Linda Borg, Providence Journal, February 20, 2005 http://www.projo.com/education/content/projo_20050220_sped20.21503cd.html Some educators say their schools are being unfairly labeled as underperforming because of test scores from special needs students. eSchool News Guide to Assessment and Achievement http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/assessmentsolutions/index.cfm Few issues are hotter than assessment—thanks to the No Child Left Behind Act and similar measures—but few are more misunderstood. With the generous support of Software Technology Inc., the editors at eSchool News have assembled a variety of news and information as well as outside resources to help put assessment in clearer perspective and to tie it more closely to its primary purpose—namely, better test scores through improved instruction. MI Education Board Approves New Performance Indicators Gongwer News Service, February 10, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Gongwer2-10-05.html#top Schools this fall will have a new set of performance indicators to consider for their Education YES! Report Cards. And this spring they will see those indicators have a little less weight. Assessment Resource Websites Center for Excellence in Learning & Teaching: Assessment http://www.psu.edu/celt/assessment.shtml American Association for Higher Education: Assessment Planning http://www.aahe.org/assessment/assessmentplan.htm SERVE—Assessment http://www.serve.org/Assessment/ FairTest: Principles of Assessment http://www.fairtest.org/princind.htm NCREL: Integrating Assessment & Instruction http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/assment/as500.htm AACU: An Assessment Glossary http://www.aacu.org/peerreview/pr-sp02/pr-sp02reality.cfm Microsoft Education: Accountability & Assessment http://www.microsoft.com/education/AccountAssess.aspx
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Dr. Toy's Advice on Choosing the Best Products For Your Child Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D./Dr. Toy, FamilyEducation.com What's Right for Baby? http://familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,64-32521,00.html What's Right for Toddlers? http://familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,64-32522,00.html What's Right for Preschoolers? http://familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,64-32523,00.html What's Right for Primary-Grade Children? http://familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,67-32524,00.html What's Right for Older Children? http://familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,67-32525,00.html bridges4kids Featured Resource: Family Education Network http://familyeducation.com/home/0,1669,,00.html Here parents can find information on school solutions, homework help, parenting tips, expert advice, K-12 Web Resources, and Grade-specific guides to your child's development. Parenting Information and Resources http://www.parenting.resourcepage.info/parenting/ A site that looks largely commercial, but which offers a rich list of links to parenting resources on the web, including specialty sites for parents of teens, sports parents, parents of infants and toddlers, and new parents.
Early On/Early Intervention	*top*
AZ Governor, Lawmakers Seek Compromise on All-day K Chip Scutari, The Arizona Republic, February 20, 2005 http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0220all-dayk20.html Emboldened by a more conservative majority this year, Republican lawmakers have a new plan of attack on all-day kindergarten, Gov. Janet Napolitano's top legislative priority. bridges4kids Featured Resource: Early Childhood Newsletter: Theme - Libraries Education World Early Childhood Education Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 4 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/EdWorld2-14-05.htm Shelves and shelves of books! The library is an “exploratorium”-- a place to explore facts, feelings, and fun found on the pages of books! Whether your students regularly visit a public library, a school library, or a classroom library, they are beginning to understand the value and enjoyment of books. MI FIA Funds go to Low-income Child Care in 38 Counties Gongwer News Service, February 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Gongwer2-16-05.htm Grants for everything from play kitchens to fire doors were announced Wednesday as part of $200,000 allocated to registered child low-income child care providers. The 60 grants, funded by the Family Independence Agency, will go to providers in 38 counties. MI Governor Granholm's Comments on Early Childhood Education & Care Governor Jennifer Granholm's State of the State address, February 8, 2005 (distributed by Steve Manchester, Public Policy Specialist, MiAEYC) http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Granholm2-8-05.htm In the written version of her State of the State address, Governor Granholm unveiled an early childhood initiative called the "Early Childhood Investment Corporation" (ECIC). It's common practice for a Governor not to say everything contained in the written document even though that document is released to the public. In the speech she delivered, Governor Granholm did not mention the ECIC. However, the ECIC language is contained in the official version of her speech displayed on her website. MI Law Enforcement Releases Report Showing High-Quality Preschool Cuts Crime (PDF) Fight Crime, Invest in Kids Michigan, February 9, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/MIPreschoolRelease2-9-05.pdf Michigan law enforcement leaders and crime victims today released a new report showing that high-quality preschool cuts crime, and called on the state government to increase investments in quality preschool programs.
Michigan News	*top*
De Roche Supports Study of Teacher Retiree Benefits Gongwer News Service, February 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Gongwer2-16-05.html#top House Speaker Craig DeRoche (R-Novi) is supporting the necessary funds, estimated at $2 million to $5 million, that the State Board of Education wants for a study of the costs associated with the state's system for paying teacher's pensions and health care coverage during their retirement. Michigan Legislative Update HB 4078 is calling for the total removal of the cap on the number of Charter Schools that can be established in Michigan. SB 77 would further define acceptable instructional time to state that the instructional time that is part of a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program shall be considered to be pupil instructional time regardless of whether the instructor is a certified teacher. SB 91 directs school district and public school academy boards to develop and implement a local school nutrition policy that will apply only to food and beverage products sold or distributed at school that are not part of a federally regulated child nutrition program. Budget, Executive Order Details Released Gongwer News Service, February 10, 2005 The text for the Fiscal Year 2005-06 budget and Executive Order 2005-3 to revise the current budget are now available on the state website and can be reached through the following links: FY 2005-06 Budget at http://www.michigan.gov/budget/0,1607,7-157-11460---,00.html and EO 2005-3 at http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-21975---,00.html. $175 Per Student School Aid Boost MIRS, February 9, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/News2-9-05.html#top The state subsidy for every high school student in Michigan would go from $6,700 to $6,925 if lawmakers endorse the recommendation contained in the governor's new budget due out tomorrow. FY 2005 Executive Order Details MIRS, February 10, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/News2-9-05.html#2 Gov. Jennifer Granholm is proposing in a Fiscal Year 2005 executive order (E.O.) a budget reduction to slice $233.1 million in state spending, but the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee predicts the order will be rejected. Education Board Begins Superintendent Search Gongwer News Service, February 8, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/News2-9-05.html#3 How long Jeremy Hughes will be acting superintendent of public instruction is unclear, but it appears the State Board of Education would like to have a replacement in place by summer. State Puts Kids at Risk, Oakland Says Mike Martindale and Amy Lee, The Detroit News, February 13, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/DetNews2-13-05.html#top County officials: Family Independence Agency investigators have left children in abusive homes. SBE Invitation to Provide Input Related to Superintendent Search Kathleen N. Straus, February 11 ,2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Straus2-11-05.html#top The State Board of Education will establish procedures at a February 23, 2005 Special Meeting, by which it will select a new Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Michigan. Universal Education Period of Field Review Michigan Department of Education, February 7, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/MDE2-7-05.html#top At the request of the Michigan State Board of Education, a referent group, reflecting the full range of diversity of learners and factors, drafted a document called Vision and Principles for Universal Education, which is now available for field review.
Disability News	*top*
Symptoms of Learning Disabilities LDA of America http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/LDA2-05.htm The symptoms of learning disabilities are a diverse set of characteristics which affect development and achievement. Some of these symptoms can be found in all children at some time during their development. However, a person with learning disabilities has a cluster of these symptoms which do not disappear as s/he grows older. NBC Attacks Autism With "Autism: The Hidden Epidemic?" A Week Long Series On The Networks of NBC News http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html#nbc "Today," "Nightly News with Brian Williams," CNBC, MSNBC, NBC Owned and Operated Stations, Telemundo and MSNBC.com will spend the week of February 21 - 26, 2005 looking at autism from all angles. New Autism Initiative: Autism Speaks http://www.autismspeaks.org/autism/index.asp Autism Speaks is a new initiative devoted to educating the public about autism, facilitating and funding research, motivating private and governmental resources, and, ultimately, helping to find a cure for autism. Kids Who Survive Cancer Bounce Back Lindsey Tanner, The Detroit News, February 7, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/health/0502/07/01-81774.htm Study finds children often are just as happy and well-adjusted as those who never had the illness. MI Download the new Project PERFORM brochure (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/PERFORMBrochure.pdf Project PERFORM's mission is to provide information, resources and support to empower individuals, families, professionals, and communities to enhance outcomes for children and young adults with special needs in Michigan. bridges4kids Featured Resource: WebMD's Symptom Checker http://my.webmd.com/medical_information/check_symptoms/default.htm Need information as you determine what to do about your symptoms? Get help figuring them out by answering a series of questions. To get started, click on male or female, regardless of age, then the part of the body that is troubling you. Note: This tool provides general information and recommendations, and may not address specific individual circumstances. Do not rely on it exclusively to make decisions about your health. Always consult your doctor for personal medical advice. PubMed: Easy Access to Medline's 15 Million Journal Citations http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine, includes over 15 million citations for biomedical articles back to the 1950's. These citations are from MEDLINE and additional life science journals. PubMed includes links to many sites providing full text articles and other related resources. Clicking the "Related articles" link for each abstract can expand your search.
Special Education Issues	*top*
IDEA 2004: Notice of Request for Comments & Recommendations Federal Register, December 29, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 249) http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/proprule/2004-4/122904a.html Notice of request for comments and recommendations on regulatory issues under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. MA Special-education Rule Changes Dropped Tracy Jan, Boston Globe, February 17, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Globe2-17-05.html#top Pressured by dozens of lawmakers and hundreds of parents, the state Education Department yesterday backed off plans to change rules that many feared would limit parents' input on how children with special needs should be educated. Tech-savvy Schools Reclaim Millions Corey Murray, eSchool News, November 10, 2004 http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showstory.cfm?ArticleID=5378 San Diego is one of dozens of school systems nationwide reportedly benefiting from the use of new technology designed to track, monitor, record, and report the delivery of special-education services. These electronic tools promise to reduce dramatically the amount of paper pushed across administrators' desks on a daily basis, give schools a much more efficient means of applying for and collecting millions in state-provided Medicaid reimbursements, and allow service providers to fill out necessary paperwork from their Palm Pilots almost immediately after meeting with students. [Free login/registration required.] bridges4kids Video Review: Intricate Minds: Understanding Classmates with Asperger Syndrome (VHS) Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, February 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-02/JDIreviews.html#5 "As I watched student after student with Asperger Syndrome (AS) describe their feelings, it dawned on me that this is something that EVERY student who has a classmate with AS should see. The kids featured in the video were candid, open and honest. They really hit home." Taking the GED Tests: Accommodating Accommodations Neil Sturomski, President, Sturomski & Associates, GEDTS Consultant http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/article2-12-05.htm In recent years, the General Educational Development Testing Service (GEDTS) has worked diligently to develop ways to provide support for individuals with learning disabilities (LD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). GEDTS has been proactive in making sure that individuals, who have not graduated from high school and want to take the GED Tests, as well as those providers who support them, understand how to apply for accommodations. In support of these efforts, GEDTS has designed an easy process for requesting accommodations by any individual who has been diagnosed with LD and/or ADHD.
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	*top*
bridges4kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Question: Last year, when I saw my child’s record folder it was about 1½" thick. This year I requested copies of all his records, and at best the file is less than ½" thick. I suspect a lot of records have been destroyed or moved. I have also requested that I be given copies of all of my child’s records and they wish to charge me a fee for the copies. What can I do? Answer: To read John's Answer, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA/q44.html.
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. NBC & CNBC Series on Autism DESCRIPTION/DATES/TIMES: NBC's Today show is preparing a 10-part series that will run the week of February 21 - 26 airing at 8:10 AM and 9:10 AM (Check local listings). The series will look at autism from a variety of angles, with segments exploring topics such as etiology, diagnosis, treatment, educational programs, affect on siblings, and how to be an advocate for your with autism. In conjunction with the Today show series, CNBC is airing a four-part series from Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 22-25. Segments will air at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM during CNBC's Power Lunch program. Titled "Autism: Paying the Price," the CNBC series will focus on the financial implications of the disorder, with segments on the financial impact on families, the roles of government and private funding for research, the opportunities in healthcare and pharmaceuticals and autism in the workplace. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more details, visit www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html#nbc. Live Webcast on Work Incentives: How Work Impacts Your Benefits WHERE: February 28, 2005, from 2 - 2:45 PM ET DESCRIPTION: Susan O'Mara is the Project Coordinator & a Technical Assistance Liaison for the VCU-BARC Project Office. In this webcast, Susan will cover the basic principles of work incentives. She will answer the following questions: What happens when a person who has been receiving SSI and Medicaid goes to work? Are there any risks to losing benefits if a person works? What type of things can work incentives pay for that a person may need in order to work? In addition, Susan will discuss working with Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach (BPAO) Benefits Specialists. COST: Cost is $50 per person or $175 per agency. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Register Online at www.vcu.edu/rrtcweb/cyberu/webcast/webcast.htm, by Phone (804) 828-2197 or email tcblanke@vcu.edu. Visit the T-TAP website http://www.t-tap.org, for other great training and information on Customized Employment. Comedy Love Call: A Benefit for Autism Education, Therapies & Services WHEN: Monday, March 7, 2005 at 7:30 pm WHERE: The Beacon Theatre, New York City DESCRIPTION: Join Adam Sandler, Conan O’Brien, Jon Stewart, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and the cast of Saturday Night Live among many other talented comedians and musicians in a one night only extravaganza. We hope to raise over $1 million dollars for The Autism Coalition and The McCarton Foundation! FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tickets & Sponsorships available. For more information contact Astic Productions at 212-581-1400 or visit http://www.comedylovecall.com. The Mind of a Child: The Relationship Between Brain Development, Cognitive Functioning, and Accountability Under the Law WHEN: March 10-11, 2005 WHERE: Columbus, Ohio DESCRIPTION: Unlike other symposia, which generally have focused on social scientific explanations for juvenile behavior and crime, this interdisciplinary symposium will look to recent developments in the "hard" science of brain development and function and the implications of that research for concepts of mens rea, juvenile culpability and accountability. Prominent academics, practitioners, and researchers in the fields of criminal and juvenile law, medicine, psychiatry, and psychology will discuss these new developments and share their insights. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, contact Katherine Hunt Federle, Professor of Law and Director, Justice for Children Project, Michael E. Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University, 55 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210. Email federle.1@osu.edu or call (614) 292-9177. TeenPact Tennessee Capitol Class WHEN: March 21-25, 2005 WHERE: Nashville, TN DESCRIPTION: TeenPact's mission is to train young people to be leaders who will impact the nation and the world. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit www.teenpact.com/stateclass/TN.htm
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. NCA CASI Michigan Midwest Assessment Conference WHEN: March 3, 2005 WHERE: Holiday Inn South, Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: Keynote speaker Thomas Guskey will set the stage for the concurrent sessions, which will focus on: Developing local and classroom-based assessments, Choosing assessments for your school improvement plan, and Reporting student learning. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.nca.umich.edu/assessment_conference05.html for more information. University of Michigan/MSHA Workshop: Listening for Life - Foundations of Hearing & Listening in Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing WHEN: Thursday, March 10, 2005 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. WHERE: Eagle Crest Conference Resort/Marriott Hotel, Ypsilanti, Michigan DESCRIPTION: Current hearing technology and research continue to drive clinical practices so that an increasing number of babies and infants, who are deaf or hard of hearing, can learn to listen and communicate with effective, intelligible spoken language. One of the guiding parameters of this is early identification and intervention. The main objective of this workshop is to provide information and analytical guidance to professionals and parents about the development of spoken language acquired primarily through listening in babies and infants who are deaf or hard of hearing. The workshop will cover a variety of topics related to the need for early identification and intervention, current cochlear implant technology, and the application of auditory-verbal therapy and practice in children who are deaf or hard of hearing. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To download the registration form (PDF) click here. If you have any further questions, please email avereb@umich.edu or contact the Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA), 790 W. Lake Lansing Rd. Suite 500-A, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 or call 517/332-5691. Worry-Free Advocacy: Dos and Don'ts for Nonprofits WHEN/WHERE: March 15, 2005 (Detroit) and March 16, 2005 (Okemos) - (DETROIT AREA-TUESDAY, MARCH 15TH, 12 NOON TO 3:30 P.M. Detroit Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1776 West Warren, Detroit) (LANSING AREA-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16TH, 8:30 A.M. TO 12 NOON Child and Family Services, 2157 University Park Drive, Okemos) DESCRIPTION: This training opportunity is being sponsored by Michigan League for Human Services, the Alliance for Justice, and the United Way Community Services. Strengthen your voice in important public policy debates with a better understanding of rules governing your participation in the policy process. Speaker Shannon Garrett, Law Fellow for the Nonprofit Advocacy Project at the Alliance for Justice; J.D., University of Minnesota Law School and recipient of the Public Service Award with over a decade of experience working with the nonprofit sector. COST: $40 (includes lunch or light breakfast and materials) FOR MORE INFORMATION: Register Online at www.allianceforjustice.org/nonprofit/worryfree.html or by phone-the (toll free) number is (866) NP-LOBBY (675-6229) Analyzing Michigan Communities: Demographic Analysis Workshop (One Day Workshop) WHEN: March 16, 17, 18, 2005 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) Choose a session. WHERE: New Horizons Computer Learning Center, 2800 Livernois STE 250 Troy, MI 48083 DESCRIPTION: The Analyzing Michigan Communities: Demographic Analysis Workshop will teach you to extract, query, download, analyze, and map Census demographic data for Detroit and other Michigan communities. Such data can provide grant writers, social researchers and community planners with powerful tools for analyzing community changes. This is a streamlined, hands on workshop where each participant works on their own computer throughout the day. COST: Cost is $249 per registrant. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register for this workshop or for more info visit www.urban-research.info or call 877-241-6576.
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