Bridges4Kids News Digest

April 19, 2008

Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Topics

• National News	• Disability News
• No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	• Special Education Issues
• Parenting/Parental Involvement	• Ask the Attorney/Advocate
• Early Childhood	• Upcoming National Events
• Michigan News	• Upcoming Michigan Events
• Where to Find Help For a Child
• Visit Bridges4Kids

National News	top
55 Teaching Dilemmas http://www.stenhouse.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=8969&r=sb08cr01 This book gives teachers specific, practical ideas for conquering a variety of common challenges: managing classroom time, supporting struggling students, preventing burnout, communicating with parents, motivating students, leading effectively inside and outside the classroom, and much more. A Good Grade for Teach for America http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0404/p02s01-usgn.html What makes a good teacher? Experience helps. But a new study of Teach for America (TFA) – education's version of the Peace Corps – shows that their students do better on end-of-course exams than those of other teachers. TFA teachers' impact is even greater than that of teachers with three or more years of experience relative to new teachers. One Class Can Make the Difference http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/one-class/index.html?ref=opinion In most communities, students attend school each day because they are convinced that educational achievement is essential to their future success. For many unfortunate reasons, however, this expectation does not exist for most low-income students in Chicago and other urban areas. How do we improve attendance at low-income schools where the current incentive of "a better future" is not sufficient? According to student Mark Hill, "One special class can make the difference." Global Youth Service Day http://www.gysd.net/home/index.html?width=1024 Save the Date! The Ninth Annual Global Youth Service Day will be held April 25-27, 2008. Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest annual celebration of young volunteers, where millions of young people in countries everywhere highlight and carry out thousands of community improvement projects. Young American Heroes http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/heroes.html http://www.youngamericanheroes.com/ Young American Heroes takes a break-the-mold approach to telling the story of America's past to middle school students. It does so by using ordinary kids doing extraordinary things during key moments in American history. Our mission is to give "Our nation's future leaders a clear idea of who we are, what we stand for, and where we are heading." WA WA to Pay for Free College of Low Income Middle-schoolers http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/AP3-31-08.html Teresa Jackson is raising three grandchildren by herself on a fixed income, and saving money for their college education is nearly impossible. But now Washington state is stepping in to help low-income students like Jackson's grandchildren go to college. OH Early-college Plan Details Scant http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/Enquirer3-31-08.html High schools across the state can begin applying this week for the first funds available to start “Seniors to Sophomores” early college programs. But it is unclear how many of those high schools – and their college partners – will be in the Cincinnati region. Some school officials here are just beginning to talk about how to launch the initiative in the fall. Proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland, Seniors to Sophomores would allow seniors to spend their fourth year of high school taking courses on college campuses in Ohio. They’d earn college credit and a high school diploma at the same time. High School Seniors Get 'F' in Finance http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/AP4-9-08.html Young people's financial know-how has gone from bad to worse. High school seniors, on average, answered correctly only 48.3 percent of questions about personal finance and economics, according to a nationwide survey released Wednesday by the Federal Reserve. That was even lower than the 52.4 percent in the previous survey in 2006 and marked the worst score out of the six surveys conducted so far. Broad Foundation Announces Finalists for Urban Education Prize http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/Phil4-3-08.html The Los Angeles-based Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has announced the finalists for this year's Broad Prize for Urban Education, a $1 million award given annually to the nation's outstanding urban public school district. America’s Promise: 100 Best Communities for Young People http://www.americaspromise.org/APAPage.aspx?id=9846 The America’s Promise Alliance (the Alliance) and Capital One announced in January the winners of the 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) competition which identifies cities and towns nationwide that have made the well-being of children and youth a top priority. In its third year, 100 Best spotlights those communities that find unique and effective ways to ensure their young people receive the resources necessary to stay in school and succeed.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	top
FL Low Graduation Rate Draws Florida Lawsuit http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-08/CSM3-26-08.html Amid mounting national frustration over high school graduation rates, the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida has been thrust onto center stage. In a class-action lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union is demanding that the district boost its graduation rates and reduce the gaps in those rates between racial and socioeconomic groups. "If the ACLU is successful, this is going to shake everything up, because it will be a whole different set of expectations about who is supposed to solve the problems," says Paul Houston, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators in Arlington, Va. MI Dismantling Failing Schools Right Way to Stem Dropouts http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008804020325 The devastating news that three-quarters of students who enter freshmen classes in Detroit Public Schools aren't around on graduation day would be even more horrific had it fallen on deaf ears, as have past reports on the performance of Detroit schools. But new school Superintendent Connie Calloway got out in front of the report from America's Promise Alliance with a surprise announcement that the district will dismantle five of the city's worst performing schools and replace them with smaller, innovative programs. MI Study: Detroit Schools Rank Last in Graduation Rate http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/DetNews4-1-08.html Detroit has the worst graduation rate among principal school districts serving the country's 50 largest cities, according to a national study released this morning by a coalition of education policy makers. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	top
Bridges4kids Featured Book: Please Don't Label My Child: Break the Doctor-Diagnosis-Drug Cycle and Discover Safe, Effective Choices for Your Child's Emotional Health http://www.writtenvoices.com/titlepage.asp?ISBN=157954682X In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Scott Shannon, a renowned child psychiatrist, sounds the clarion call on a raging epidemic: the over-labeling and overmedicating of our kids today. Learn more, order a copy, listen to the podcast, or read an excerpt online. Parent Representation http://www.abanet.org/child/parentrepresentation/home.html The American Bar Association has launched a new website dedicated to attorneys representing parents in child protective proceedings. The site contains resources, information about upcoming trainings and other materials. Parents' attorneys can also sign up for a listserv where they can share resources, ask questions, etc. This is part of a new initiative launched by the Bar to strengthen the representation parents receive. Parents with Aggressive Kids Need to be Involved in Early Prevention and Intervention, Study Says http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/Rushowy3-25-08.html Childhood bullies frequently fight with their parents, feel they can't count on them and aren't closely supervised, a Toronto-based study shows. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	top
Artificial Colorings as Harmful as Leaded Petrol for Children http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/07/nfood107.xml Artificial colorings could be removed from hundreds of food products after researchers found that they may be almost as harmful to children's development as leaded petrol. The additives, found in a host of sweets and soft drinks, have been linked to behavioral problems. Plastics Chemical May Pose Risk to Children http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/04/16/plastics_chemical_may_pose_risk_to_children/?page=full A controversial, estrogen-like chemical in plastic could be harming the development of children's brains and reproductive organs, a federal health agency concluded in a report released yesterday. MI Booster Seats Requirement Signed into Michigan Law for Children Between 4 and 8 Years of Age http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/MIRS3-27-08.html Gov. Jennifer Granholm today signed legislation that would require the use of approved booster seats for children who are between the ages of four and eight and less than 4 feet 9 inches tall. The bill takes effect July 1. MI Michigan Child Care Task Force Minutes March 5, 2008 (PDF) http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/MCCTF-Minutes3_05_08.pdf For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	top
DHS Settlement in the Works http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/MIRS4-9-08.html A lawsuit filed by the Children's Rights advocacy organization against Michigan's foster care system could cost the state $400 million per year, new Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Ismael Ahmed said. MDE Rolls Out Teaching Standards Draft http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/MIRS4-8-08.html Teachers wanting to know what the state expects from them will be able refer to a 62-page document if it's approved by the state Board of Education. MPAS: Proposed Michigan Teacher Preparation Standards (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/mpas.teacher.comments.pdf Read the comments of Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service to the proposed teacher development standards currently being considered by the Michigan State Board of Education. MPAS believes that effective implementation of these standards will help improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, and has suggestions for improvement. For further information, please contact: Mark McWilliams, MPAS at mmcwill@mpas.org or (517) 487-1755. AFAM Trades on Anti-Homosexual Sentiment to Oppose Anti-Bullying Legislation http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/MIRS3-31-08.html The American Family Association of Michigan (AFAM) is crowing that two GOP senators have yanked their sponsorship of anti-bullying legislation, issuing joint press releases with Sens. Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) and Valde Garcia (R-Howell). HB 4162 and HB 4091 passed the lower chamber last year (2007) and have been sitting in the Senate Education Committee ever since, but a Capitol rally last week brought the bills back to the forefront. There's also SB 0107 sponsored by Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-Westland), but proponents say they're focused on the House bills. Michigan Coalition Rallies For Anti-Bullying Legislation http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-08/MIRS3-26-08.html The Safe Schools Coalition jammed the rotunda today to demand action on anti-bullying bills that passed the Michigan House last year. Local Churches Lead Charge Against Lead Poisoning (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/Lead4-7-08.pdf Cleansing Saginaw area homes of their lead poisoning potential sits atop the agenda for some local religious leaders. The Faith Based Lead Poisoning Prevention Project stemmed from these individuals’ desire to improve public health, said the Rev. Marvin Smith, pastor of Mount Olive Institutional Baptist Church. Bills Make Transition Easier For Military Children http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/MIRS4-8-08b.html The children of those serving in the military would have an easier time transferring to another school under legislation sponsored today by a pair of Democrats and Republicans in the House.
Disability News	top
Proposed Medicaid Rule Would Allow Thousands To Choose Community Supports Instead of Institutional Care http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/Reynolds4-1-08.html A proposal by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would allow thousands of Americans, who previously could only receive Medicaid-funded services in nursing homes and other institutions, to be given the choice to receive them in their homes. Parent Participation Needed for Autism Research Study Parents of a child ages 6 to 18 with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are asked to participate in an online survey looking at their child’s behaviors and routines, as well as the family interactions, parenting practices, and stress. (It takes less than an hour to complete!) $5 for every completed survey will be donated by the research team to fund further Autism research! The study is being conducted by Stephanie Bader, a Clinical Psychology graduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi, as her Master's Thesis. It has been approved by the IRB, protocol number 27111205. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Stephanie Bader at stephanie.bader@usm.edu. CA Sacramento Doctor Takes Unconventional Approach to Autism http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/820384.html In the controversial world of autism treatment, mainstream medical doctors are increasingly pitted against alternative providers in the quest to figure out causes and develop treatments. SC Mom Wins Fight for Autism Insurance http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/04/01/autism.insurance/index.html?iref=newssearch Ryan Unumb just turned 7 years old. He has about 100 words in his vocabulary, even if they are difficult to understand. He's potty trained. He loves playing with water. He follows instructions, he asks for food when he's hungry, and he gives lots of kisses. The law named for Lorri Unumb's son, Ryan, doesn't apply to him. Their family is self-insured. He's not where a 7-year-old should be developmentally, but for a child with severe autism, his parents are thrilled with his progress. A New 'World' for Autistic Children http://www.sacbee.com/health/story/817479.html Deanna Ballard developed educational DVDs for her son, Zachary. He now talks, and parents around the country are trying the program. MMR-autism Link Doctor Andrew Wakefield Defends Conduct at GMC Hearing http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/27/nmmr127.xml The doctor at the centre of the controversy over the MMR vaccine has denied committing serious professional misconduct, saying it had been his "duty as a physician and a human being" to investigate potential links between the jab and autism in children. Gov. Charlie Crist, Dan Marino Back Mandatory Insurance for Autism http://www.sun-sentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/local/sfl-flfautism0403pnapr03,0,1568381.story "They're making record profits," Crist said of insurance companies at a press conference. "If they can't suck it up a little bit to help some kids, there's something really wrong with that corporate ethic." MI QuickRamps for Kids http://www.ucpdetroit.org The QuickRamps for Kids program provides portable wheelchair ramps to families with children who experience Cerebral Palsy and other paralysis-causing conditions. QuickRamps are a fast and inexpensive alternative to permanent ramps. Best of all, they give a child immediate access to their community. All applicants must be under age 18 and must have Cerebral Palsy or a paralysis-causing condition. A doctor’s script or medical documentation is necessary as well as a signed photo release. For more information, please call 248-557-5070. Take a Chevrolet for a Virtual Test Drive and Help Autism Awareness: Chevrolet Commits Up to $1 Million to Build Awareness of Autism http://www.chevrolet.com/autismspeaks/ Chevrolet, in partnership with for Autism Speaks, has announced a new promotion to help generate up to $1 million to fund research and create greater awareness of the disorder. The company will commit at least $500,000 and contribute additional funds for every person who takes a "virtual test drive" of one of its new cars during April, which is Autism Awareness Month. Individuals can participate in a virtual test drive by visiting the Autism Speaks, Chevrolet, or General Motors Web sites. Getting Help For a Child with Autism http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/CNN3-27-08.html Here, from mothers of children with autism, are ways parents should fight for their children with autism, from babyhood through the school years. MI LAP Respite Center http://www.laprespitecenter.com/ A nonprofit agency in Lansing, MI providing lifespan respite services for families who care for children or adults with disabilities, chronic illness, or age-related conditions. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	top
Legos Can be Building Block to Teach Children with Autism http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-08/PhillyInq4-8-08.html The Lego raft carrying the Lego castaways approached the Lego island, ''chased by raptors.'' Lewis Roberts, a 12-year-old from Medford, N.J., moved the raft an inch, then another young filmmaker snapped a digital camera. A third boy consulted their script. ''Quiet on the set!'' In the sudden silence, the boys let out a raptor-like ''ROAR.'' For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	top
Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of Attorney John Brower'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 Workshops on Sibling Issues WHEN: April 25 & 26 2008 from 9:00am - 3:00pm WHERE: Indiana University Cancer Center, 1044 W. Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 DESCRIPTION: Don Meyer is the director of the Sibling Support Project. As the project’s director, he has conducted more than 300 workshops worldwide, training over 8,000 parents and providers on sibling issues and the Sibshop model. Cost is $35 one day $50.00 two days. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, contact Cheryl Wisdom at 274-2964 or 1-888-365-2022. YAI/NIPD's 29th Annual International Conference "Visions of Hope and Opportunity" WHEN: May 5-9, 2008 WHERE: Crowne Plaza Manhattan, 1605 Broadway New York, NY 10019 DESCRIPTION: This year’s conference is designed for professionals at all levels, family members and individuals with developmental and learning disabilities. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, contact Abbe Wittenberg at 212-273-6193 or abbe.wittenberg@yai.org. Postsecondary Disability Training Institute WHEN: June 10-13 & 14, 2008 from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. WHERE: Portland, Maine FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit our website at www.cped.uconn.edu for detailed Institute information.
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 Rally for Autism Insurance Coverage at the Capital in Lansing on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. See http://www.autism-mi.org for more information. William Beaumont Hospital, Center for Human Development FREE Workshop!! Relationship Enhancement for Parents of Children with Special Needs WHEN: Workshop Dates: Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm, April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20 DESCRIPTION: "Relationship Enhancement for Parents of Special Needs Children" is a 90 minute, five week workshop designed to address these specific stressors. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register or for more information, please call 248-691-4766. Michigan’s Conference for Lead Safe & Healthy Homes WHEN: April 22, 2008 WHERE: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing, MI DESCRIPTION: This conference is intended for public health staff (nursing and environmental health), health officers, WIC staff, lead professionals, physicians, educators, community advocates, social workers, home visitors, daycare providers, rental property owners and managers, local, county and state legislators, and housing rehab contractors and workers. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information contact Tarah Collins at (517) 324-8329 or tcollins@mphi.org. Wrightslaw Special Ed Law and Advocacy Training WHEN: April 23, 2008 WHERE: Livonia, MI FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.mygreatkid.com. Community "Rolling" Event WHEN: Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: WKAR Studios DESCRIPTION: This event will include both an extensive resource room and a program featuring several speakers, a musical performance and a preview of the national documentary. The day-long event will include a resource room featuring organizations dealing with wheelchair use, independent living, and special needs, among other related topics. Those attending the free event will be able to pick up information and talk with representatives from participating organizations. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.wkar.org. Rick Lavoie: It's So Much Work to Be Your Friend: Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success WHEN: May 1, 2008 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. WHERE: Eton Academy, 1755 Melton, Birmingham, MI 48009 DESCRIPTION: This seminar will explore the relationship between learning disabilities and social challenges and will identify the specific causes for specific social skill deficits. Open to the public. Cost is $25 per person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register visit http://www.etonacademy.org. Rick Lavoie: The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child WHEN: May 1, 2008 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. WHERE: Eton Academy, 1755 Melton, Birmingham, MI 48009 DESCRIPTION: This workshop, based on the book by the same name, encourages teachers and parents to examine and identify each child’s motivational style and to design motivational strategies that will inspire the child to reach his or her potential. Cost is $25 per person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register visit http://www.etonacademy.org. Reducing Infant Mortality in Michigan WHEN: May 5, 2008 WHERE: Lansing Center, Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the summit is to bring together key stakeholders to share experiences, lessons learned and best practices and to gain additional stakeholder commitment. FOR MORE INFORMATION: The preliminary agenda, registration information, Call for Abstracts, and lodging information is available at http://registration.mihealth.org. AUTISM UNRAVELED a FREE symposium with Taylor Cross and Keri Bowers WHEN: Sat., May 10, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. WHERE: Bridgman High School Performing Arts Center FOR MORE INFORMATION: Download the informational flyer, along with additional events. To register, Send your name, address, phone number, email address, and box lunch order to Maria Rosner at mjhdrosner@comcast.net or call 269.465.6711. You can also complete the registration form (in the flyer) and mail it to P.O. Box 898, Bridgman, MI 49106. Going to the Heart of Autism WHEN: June 13-14, 2008 from 9:00am-4:30pm WHERE: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, 55 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824 DESCRIPTION: Dr. Steve Gutstein Dramatically illustrates the Relationship Development Intervention Program (RDI) via audience participation and hours of video taken from actual intervention sessions. Cost per person is: Early Registration $250, Registration $275, Late Registration $300. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, contact Shaunna Villareal at villareal@rdiconnect.com.
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