Bridges4Kids News Digest: April 30, 2006

National News	*top*
The 65% Solution is Worth a Try Haberman's Corner, EducationNews.org, April 18, 2006 http://www.educationnews.org/writers/martin/The_65_Solution_is_Worth_a_Try.htm Five states have now adopted laws which require that school districts spend at least 65% of their budgets directly in schools to support classroom teaching and learning. Why? In order to understand what is really going on it is necessary to take a step back and look at the culture in major urban districts and what is really causing the problem of misappropriating funds away from classrooms. These districts have created a very clear reward system that distributes money, power and status to adults on the following basis: The less contact one has with children and youth in classrooms the higher one's status salary and power; the more direct contact with the students, the lower one's status, salary and power. Whatever It Takes: Reconnecting Out-Of-School Youth American Youth Policy Forum http://www.aypf.org/publications/WhateverItTakes.htm This new report documents what committed educators, policymakers, and community leaders across the country are doing to reconnect out-of-school youth to the social and economic mainstream. It provides background on the serious high school dropout problem and describes in-depth what twelve communities are doing to reconnect dropouts to education and employment training. It also includes descriptions of major national program models serving out-of-school youth. NY Commentary: Transform Teaching Now Kevin Carey, New York Daily News, April 12, 2006 http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/407942p-345342c.html For all the NY City students working to meet rigorous new academic standards, nothing is more important than having a good teacher. Teaching is a tough job, requiring a high level of talent, drive, knowledge and skill. But a new study of graduating college seniors found that students who major in education - the future teachers of America - have lower levels of literacy than all other students studied. Study: Gifted Students Become Bully Magnets ConsumerAffairs.com, April 10, 2006 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/04/bullies.html Bullying in the gifted-student population is an overlooked problem that leaves many of these students emotionally shattered, making them more prone to extreme anxiety, dangerous depression and sometimes violence, according to a Purdue University researcher. Bridges4Kids Product Review: eSchoolMaps: Editable Clipart Maps for Schools Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, April 29, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-06/eSchoolMaps4-06.html#top This amazing CD-Rom includes a complete collection of editable state, USA, country, regional and world maps in a variety of formats on CD-Rom for worksheets, lesson plans, school and web projects for teaches and students. CO Colorado Summer Camps: Kids Ready and Rearing to Learn (PDF) PRWeb, March 2, 2006 http://pdfserver.prweb.com/pdfdownload/350859/pr.pdf Last summer, 12-year-old Will attended a special summer camp in Colorado where he gained skills in web design, graphic arts, digital video and video game creation. Now Will is not only motivated in school, but is applying his newly learned skills to his homework and starting a business. More importantly, he has discovered a passion for technology, which has led to an increase in self confidence and leadership roles in school. First Virtual High School For the Gifted Becky Bartindale, Mercury News, April 12, 2006 http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/education/14323350.htm Stanford University's Education Program for Gifted Youth is taking the next logical step: launching what is believed to be the nation's first online high school for gifted students. The virtual high school will offer a full standard curriculum -- and more -- for students in 10th through 12th grades, leading to a high school diploma. The only restrictions? Students will have to prove their intellectual prowess -- and come up with the tuition of about $12,000 a year. Applications are being accepted later this month, classes will begin in the fall. Free Online Courses Teach Tech Skills eSchool News, April 17, 2006 http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=6262 Partnership yields free online computer science lessons for students, teachers. Bridges4Kids Featured Website: College Savings: 529 Information http://www.529s.com/ Named after section 529 of the IRC, this state sponsored college savings program allows individuals to accumulate tax-advantaged funds to pay college expenses for a beneficiary.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
IL 'Achievement Gap' Masked in Chicago Suburb Nicole Ziegler Dizon, Chicago Sun-Times, April 18, 2006 http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-noblack18.html An analysis of test scores across the country showed schools deliberately are not counting the test scores of nearly 2 million students when they report progress by racial groups. The way states avoid separating out the scores of students of different races at the school level is to require a minimum number of students in each “group” before they are counted. Illinois has set its cutoff at 45 students. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Parents Need to Counteract the Culture of 'Stupid Girls' Sylvester Brown, Jr., St. Louis Post Dispatch, April 11, 2006 http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/columnists.nsf/sylvesterbrownjr/ story/3FF420E3864B11868625714D00323F45?OpenDocument Pink has me feeling paranoid. Recently, my wife asked me to watch the pop star's video for her new hit single, "Stupid Girls." The message behind the lyrics haunt me still: "What happened to the dreams of a girl president? She's dancing in the video next to 50 Cent ..." Kids Count on Consistency Dan Coulter, April 20, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-06/Coulter4-20-06.html#top If you're a parent or a teacher, can your kids or students count on you? I mean, do you think about being consistent so they know what to expect? Kids who have Autism Spectrum Disorders, in particular, often benefit from guidance that's structured and consistent. Solo Viewing, Bad Endings Sandra G. Boodman, Washington Post, April 11, 2006 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/10/AR2006041001308.html The kind of television shows children watch and whom they watch them with can be just as important as the amount of time they spend in front of the tube, researchers at Boston's Children's Hospital report in a new study that finds an association between violent shows and peer problems . For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	*top*
MI Michigan Child Care Task Force Minutes for April 5, 2006 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/4-06/MCCTF4-5-06.htm For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	*top*
Granholm Announces Mercury Reduction Proposal Gongwer News Service, April 17, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-06/Gongwer4-17-06.html#top Michigan's power plants will have to reduce mercury emissions by 90% by 2015 under a proposal Governor Jennifer Granholm announced Monday, a standard that exceeds the federal plan to reduce mercury emissions by 70% by 2018. Healthy Children Project Monthly e-News http://www.ldaofmichigan.org/healthychild.htm This e-newsletter is a publication of the Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan's Healthy Children Project (HCP). Its purpose is to select and summarize the most pertinent, current information about environmental factors that impact developing fetuses, the newborn or young children and the actions that can be taken to minimize or eliminate those factors. It is published every 4 to 6 weeks. Bridges4Kids Parent Resource Guide (PDF) Bridges4Kids, April 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/B4KResourceGuide4-06.pdf Find out where to find help for children in Michigan at all ages and stages. Includes toll-free numbers and websites, early childhood-specific resources and school age resources. Updated April 2006. State Warns Colleges: Prep Teachers Better Christine MacDonald, The Detroit News, April 16, 2006 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060416/SCHOOLS/604160392/1026 Until recently, Michigan didn't report the number of prospective teachers from each university who flunked certification exams, and it ignored a federal requirement to identify low-performing teacher colleges. Michael Flanagan, the state superintendent of public instruction, now plans by June to have a way to rate low-performing colleges and is developing a process to more thoroughly evaluate how well they prepare new teachers. Michigan High School Content Standards Approved MIRS, April 11, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-06/MIRS4-11-06.html#top Following adoption of curriculum content standards and expectations for kindergarten through eighth grade two years ago, the state Board of Education today adopted high school content standards and expectations in English, language arts and math. The Problem of the Uninsured In the United States Karen Bouffard, The Detroit News, September 6, 2005 http://www.ziadhealthcare.org/news3.htm Since its start 2 years ago, Livonia-based Z.I.A.D. has delivered health care to thousands of uninsured people across Southeast Michigan.
Disability News	*top*
Great Expectations: Parents Put Faith in Learning Programs Linda Ann Chomin, Observer & Eccentric, April 16, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-06/Observer4-16-06.html#top Like all parents, Staci and Steve Bockmann expected their son to talk by a certain age. When Blake continued to babble at 2 1/2 their concern turned to shock when the diagnosis came back as autism. Mad Enough To Throw A Plate? Try These. Lara Mossa, Lansing State Journal, April 18, 2006 http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060418/NEWS01/604180319/1001/news Disability advocate creates sweet treat. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	*top*
OH Bar Association Battles Parents Patrick O'Donnell, Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 27, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-06/PlainDealer4-27-06.html#top The Cleveland Bar Association is threatening to fine the parents of an autistic boy $10,000 for not hiring a lawyer when they brought, and largely won, a court case on their son's behalf four years ago. After a long court battle, Brian and Susan Woods settled their case with the Akron school district in 2002 when the district agreed to send Daniel, now 11, to a private school. Teaching Disabled Jim Williams, National Review Online, April 6, 2006 http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/williams200604060617.asp Americans are generally supportive of "special education." Educating disabled children so that they can live independent and satisfying lives appeals to our sense of fairness and shared responsibility. But too often, special education inflicts harm by keeping children from reaching their potential. For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	*top*
Bridges4Kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
Upcoming National Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network 27th Annual International Conference “Pathways to Success in Developmental and Learning Disabilities: Innovative Programs, Strategies and Policies that Work” WHEN: May 1-5, 2006 WHERE: Crowne Plaza Manhattan Hotel, 1605 Broadway, New York City, NY DESCRIPTION: The five-day conference will feature more than 300 prominent speakers from throughout the United States and abroad. More than 150 seminars and workshops will focus on key issues, including: Autism, Health Care, Early Childhood, Special Education, Advocacy, Workforce Issues, Residential Services, Sexuality and Social Skills, and many more. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more conference information, visit www.yai.org/pid or contact Dalia Sztulwark at dsztulwark@yai.org, 212-273-6193 or 212-629-4113 (fax). On-line registration begins in March at http://www.yai.org. Nova Scotia Conference on Learning Disabilities WHEN: May 12 & 13, 2006 WHERE: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada DESCRIPTION: Featuring a full-day keynote address by Dr. Edward Hallowell, co-author of 'Driven to Distraction' and 'Delivered from Distraction' and half-day presentations by: Professor Mahesh Sharma of Cambridge College on Mathematics Education; Jonathan Jones of Success Oriented Achievement Realized (SOAR) which features success oriented, high adventure programs for LD, ADHD and ADD young men and women on Success Attributes; Dr. Jack Fletcher of the University of Texas - Houston Health Science Centre on Reading Disabilities; and Dr. Maggie Mamen a Clinical Psychologist from Ottawa, Ontario on Nonverbal Learning Disabilities. For more information, you can download the conference brochure from http://ldans.nsnet.org. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact the Conference Coordinator Susan Clarke at 902-423-2850 or sclarke.ldans@ns.sympatico.ca for more details. Caring Communities "World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo" WHEN: May 19-21, 2006 WHERE: Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD DESCRIPTION: New to the Expo this year, we are adding an extra day to enjoy the exhibits, featuring SUNDAY as IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES AUTISM DAY! Pathfinders for Autism, the sponsoring organization will work with Caring Communities to plan this incredible day which will highlight an autism pavilion of support resources, targeted autism-related augmentative communication/assistive technology exhibitors, autism-related workshops and more! All Within the existing World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, contact Caring Communities at 1-866-227-4644 or visit http://www.caringcommunities.org/. 8^th National Self-Advocacy Conference "We Had a Dream, Now We Have the Power" WHEN: May 25-28, 2006 WHERE: Atlanta, Georgia FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://sabe2006.org/.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) & Employment with Gail Hawkins WHEN: May 3, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford 48328-2736 COST: Cost is $5.00 per person which covers the cost of food and materials. Pre-registration with payment is required and space is limited. DESCRIPTION: Program focus: Internationally acclaimed Gail Hawkins of the Hawkins Institute has put together a list of the top 10 most common challenges her ASD clients face when preparing for the workforce. Along with every challenge, Gail presents practical solutions you can implement immediately that will serve as invaluable tools in the future. Hear from local parents and educators who have put specific strategies to the test in linking persons with Autism to employment. Leave with templates and tools you can use! This informative workshop is sponsored through Oakland Schools Transition Outcomes Project and the Autism Society of America, Oakland County Chapter. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Email emregistration@oakland.k12.mi.us or visit http://www.oakland.k12.mi.us, click on “Register Online,” then locate class. The IEP Process and Parent Advocacy WHEN: May 6, 2006 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon WHERE: Farmington Public Library, 23500 Liberty Street, Farmington MI 48335 FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.everyonetogether.org. Institute for Multi-Sensory Education's 30-Hour Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Training WHEN/WHERE: May 8-12, 2006 in Novi, Michigan and July 10-14, 2006 in Petoskey, MI DESCRIPTION: The 30-Hour Comprehensive Program enables the learner to have in-depth understanding of the revised Orton-Gillingham based methodology, assessment, higher level skills, and the tools to implement this program into an existing curriculum. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, send an email to IMSE@Orton-Gillingham.com. The 4th National Conference on Health Issues in the Arab Community WHEN: May 11-12, 2006 WHERE: The Dearborn Inn, Dearborn, Michigan, USA DESCRIPTION: Click here to download the brochure and registration form (PDF). FOR MORE INFORMATION: For information on the Conference, Abstracts and General Information, contact Marie Hazboun, Administrative Assistant, at (313) 216-2244, mhazboun@accesscommunity.org or fax to (313) 584-3622. A New Day of Hope WHEN: May 13, 2006 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Registration at 9:30 a.m.) WHERE: West Bloomfield Public Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48323 DESCRIPTION: Featuring Kathie Snow, nationally acclaimed speaker and disability author of the groundbreaking book, Disability is Natural. In her book, Disability is Natural: Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with Disabilities, Kathie encourages us to recognize and celebrate the abilities, strengths, talents, interests, and dreams of those who have been labeled. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Limited seating available; please RSVP by Fri., April 28, 2006 to: Vicky Opipari or Carla B. Marymee; 248-888-4111 (voice mailbox) or etoakland@yahoo.com. Dance of Partnership with Janice Fialka, MSW WHEN: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. WHERE: MAISD, 630 Harvey Street, Muskegon DESCRIPTION: The title of Janice’s keynote address and training, “Dance of Partnership: Why do my feet hurt?,” is indicative of her commitment to bring humor, creativity, and compassion to her work. This is a must see for those who have, and work with children and teens with disabilities. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please RSVP by Thursday, May 11, to Melissa Myers at (231) 767-7246 or mmmyers@muskegonisd.org.
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