Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Draft Proposed IDEA Regulations The U.S. Department of Education has announced proposed (draft) regulations to implement IDEA 2004. The official copy of these draft regulations will be published in the Federal Register, but so that the public has as much time as possible to review these regulations, the UNOFFICIAL (PDF) version has been posted at http://www.howard-autism.org/pn/pages/unofficial_proposed_idea-regs.pdf. COPAA has a PDF version available on their site as well (note that the document is over 650 pages long and cross references both current regulations and the new statute) located at http://copaa.org/pdf/ProposedIDEA2004Regs.pdf. For information on the upcoming public comment sessions or to learn how to submit a written comment, please visit Our Children Left Behind at www.ourchildrenleftbehind.com. MI Parents to Patrol For School Bullies Associated Press, June 6, 2005 http://www.freep.com/news/mich/parents6e_20050606.htm Two Lansing men are the first in the area to go on the prowl for meanies, in a new volunteer brigade called Parents on Patrol, or POPs. Their assignment: watch middle and elementary school kids and report bullying. The last week of school before summer break will be a test run for the POPs. Commentary: Schools Need to go Back to Basics Cal Thomas, TownHall.com, June 8, 2005 http://www.townhall.com/columnists/calthomas/printct20050608.shtml Apparently believing more than 200 years ago that an idle mind can be the devil's playground, Wordsworth and his classmates spent 11 hours a day in school, five days a week, and half a day on Saturday. MA Schools Aim to Address Violence by Teen Beaus Kimberly Atkins, Boston Herald, June 11, 2005 http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=88889 Responding to a startling survey showing 13 percent of teen girls have been hit by boyfriends, nine high schools nationwide, are embracing an anti-violence curriculum aimed at stopping violence before it starts. College Readiness Begins in Middle School ACT Newsroom, May 26, 2005 http://www.act.org/news/releases/2005/5-26-05.html Many of America's middle and high school students need more help from schools to effectively plan for the future, according to a recent study by ACT. "There is clearly a disconnect between students' post-high school goals and their plans to meet those goals," said Richard J. Noeth, director of ACT's Office of Policy Research. "The most important element for middle and high school students in preparing for the future is to take the right courses, and too few are doing that now." Taking Adequacy to the Courts: Examining School Finance Litigation (PDF) Amy Collen and Julie Underwood, National School Board Association, May 2005 http://www.nsba.org/site/docs/36000/35973.pdf The issue of whether students are receiving funding for an adequate education is being driven to the forefront of court dockets, with 25 states currently facing school finance lawsuits. Recently, education advocates have shifted focus from equal education to adequate education. They have come to realize that allocating the same amount of resources for every district doesn't work. Some students have educational needs that simply require more money -- and this applies not only to students with disabilities, but also to poor students. The current issue of "NSBA Leadership Insider" outlines current school finance adequacy court cases and legislation pending at both state and federal levels. IN Paying the Price for the Dropout Epidemic Indy Star, May 20, 2005 http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050520/OPINION/505200397&SearchID=73208625076560 Two facts are closely linked: Indiana was 44th in the nation in job creation last year, and it's 46th in the educational attainment level of its population. The first number won't rise until the second is confronted. States Grapple With Growing Teen Meth Use Martha Irvine, The Associated Press, April 10, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/AP4-10-05.html#top They sit at a cafeteria table, gossiping and snacking during a school field trip. "Have you seen him? Has he gained the weight back?" one girl asks. "Yeah, he looked so good," replies another from across the table. "His cheeks filled in." It's no casual lunchtime conversation. The teen they're talking about is a recovering methamphetamine addict — and so are several of the teens at the table, all of them students who attend alternative high schools in the St. Paul area and who are trying to get their lives back on track. Project Jason's Come Home Program: Seeking the Missing Among the Homeless http://www.projectjason.org/comehome.html Come Home is a new and unique national missing person's locator program sponsored by Project Jason. Come Home posters are placed at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other locations where homeless persons gather. Project Jason has a growing database of these shelters and related organizations. Twice per month, a new poster is produced and this information relayed via email to Come Home participants nationwide.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
FL Some Florida Schools Granted Reprieve from Failing Label in Unique Deal with Federal Government Dave Weber, Orlando Sentinel, June 10, 2005 http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-asectransfers10061005jun10,0,7390785.story?coll=orl-home-headlines Florida has cut a unique deal with the federal government to prevent nearly two-thirds of the state's public schools from being labeled as failures. It also could save school districts millions of dollars and affect whether thousands of parents will have the right to transfer their children to higher-performing public schools or have them tutored at government expense. The deal, which granted 825 schools "provisional" status for meeting federal reading, writing and math standards, arrived just in time for Gov. Jeb Bush's release of annual school grades in Tallahassee on Wednesday. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html.
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Overparenting: Anxious Parent, Angry Child ParentMagic Newsletter, Dr. Thomas W. Phelan, May 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/Phelan5-05.htm Overparenting refers to unnecessary corrective, cautionary or disciplinary comments made by parents to kids. These parental comments can be unnecessary for several reasons. bridges4kids Featured Resource: ParentMagic Newsletter http://www.parentmagic.com/newsletter-signup.cfm ParentMagic, Inc. is dedicated to helping parents build strong, positive relationships with their children and overcome the stress that can take the fun out of parenting. They offer easy-to-learn parenting solutions that WORK -- for age groups from toddlers through adolescents. All books, videos and DVDs have been developed by Dr. Thomas Phelan, a registered clinical psychologist and an internationally renowned expert on child discipline and Attention Deficit Disorder. MI Summer Camp: Michigan Wilderness Student Adventure Sponsored by SCI-Novi Chapter; Hosted by the Michigan Out-of-Doors Camp for Kids will take place at Cedar Lake Camp, Chelsea, Michigan (just west of Ann Arbor) on Sunday, June 19 through Friday, June 23, 2005. Download the camp brochure (PDF) at http://www.bridges4kids.org/MWSA_brochure_2005.pdf or the registration form (PDF) at http://www.bridges4kids.org/MWSA_application_2005.pdf. Playground Safety Handout The Violence & Injury Prevention Program at Saint Francis (CT) This document is now available in two versions: English at http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/pdf/PlaygroundSafety-Eng.pdf and Spanish at http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/pdf/PlaygroundSafety-Span.pdf. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html.
Early On/Early Childhood	*top*
Generation of Meth Babies CBS News, April 28, 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/CBS4-28-05.htm Deep in America's heartland, hidden among the river towns and rolling farmland, lies a heartbreaking epidemic, CBS News Correspondent Kelly Cobiella reports. There is a generation of children being born to Methamphetamine-addicted mothers. More Nursery School Children Going Online Ben Feller, Associated Press, June 5, 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/AP6-5-05.htm Before they can even read, almost one in four children in nursery school is learning a skill that even some adults have yet to master: using the Internet. Some 23 percent of children in nursery school -- kids age 3, 4 or 5 -- have gone online, according to the Education Department. By kindergarten, 32 percent have used the Internet, typically under adult supervision. MI Parents Scramble for Baby Day Care Jennifer Chambers, The Detroit News, June 13, 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/DetNews6-13-05.htm An acute shortage of day care facilities that take infants has sent many Metro Detroit parents scrambling for alternatives, begging relatives for help or seeking the services of a nanny. Early Childhood Education Newsletter: Cool Cooking Early Childhood Education Newsletter, June 8, 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/ECE6-8-05.htm Don’t let the heat outdoors stop you from cooking with your children. Cooking strengthens children’s skills across the curriculum. When children cook, they learn about good nutrition for their bodies. They develop skills in math, reading, and language arts. Cooking gives children an opportunity to create, cooperate, and to feel a sense of accomplishment. So go ahead and cook -- just make sure you keep it cool! Keeping Your Toddler Safe Outdoors Irene Helen Zundel, June 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/Zundel6-05b.htm Kids love to romp and play outside, especially in the summer months. While the great outdoors can be great fun, there are some hazards to avoid--lead in garden soil, various stinging and disease carrying insects, and poisonous plants. Aggressive Treatment Helps Babies of Diabetics Alicia Chang, Associated Press, June 12, 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/AP6-12-05.htm Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy give birth to healthier babies if they are aggressively treated, concludes a large new study that helps bolster the case for testing all pregnant women for this condition. MI Child Care Quality Rating System in Michigan Creating a Child Care Quality Rating System in Michigan: Explanations and Early Recommendations is a paper that briefly looks at some of the benefits of child care quality rating systems as well as some early recommendations of the work group charged with developing such a system for Michigan. This paper is now posted on www.greatstartforkids.org for your information. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org.
Michigan News	*top*
School Funding Proposal To Get Hearing Tim Martin, Associated Press, June 13, 2005 http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050613/NEWS04/506130338/1001/news Budget increase to be weighed by panel Thursday. The education funding bill is Senate Bill 246. A bill designed to guarantee more money for Michigan's public schools, community colleges and universities is scheduled for a legislative hearing this week. Students With Cognitive Impairment Score Well on Alternate Assessments Michigan Department of Education, June 9, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/MDE6-9-05.html#top A majority of Michigan students with cognitive impairment "Surpassed" or "Attained" set performance standards on the state's alternate assessment, known as MI-Access. Senate Panel Holds its Nose, Moves K-12 Budget MIRS, June 9, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/MIRS6-9-05.html#top Nobody seems to like the Senate's $12.7 billion version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 K-12 budget, but it moved out of the Senate Appropriations Committee today anyway because Republicans were under instructions to put it there. Report Rips Detroit School Leadership on Deficit Christine MacDonald, The Detroit News, June 10, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/DetroitNews6-10-05.html#top A new report blames Detroit Public Schools leaders for the district's financial crisis -- calling it a "management breakdown" -- and says they aren't cutting enough to meet the state-mandated plan to erase its $200 million deficit. MLHS Statement on FY 2006 Budget Proposals Michigan League for Human Services, June 8, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/MLHS6-8-05.html#top Proposals emerging from the legislature to balance the FY2005-2006 state budget represent a sweeping assault on Michigan's low-income families and individuals and, if adopted, would place tens of thousands of Michigan's most vulnerable residents at significant risk. Audits of Privatized Program Show Overpayments, Conflicts of Interest Joel Kurth, The Detroit News, June 12, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/specialreport/0506/12/A01-212531.htm Five years after Wayne County became the first in Michigan to hire private companies to care for delinquent youths, its juvenile justice system is awash in accusations of financial mismanagement, cronyism and fraud. Wayne County's Delinquency Wraparound Services: A Guide for Parents http://www.waynecounty.com/hscb/services.htm Assistance for families with children that are wards of the state and emotionally challenged, exhibiting delinquent behavior or those in danger of out-of-home placement. Job Opportunity: Policy Advocate Michigan's Children is looking for candidates to fill our Policy Associate position. This is a full-time position that would assist in all of the policy analysis and communication functions of the organization. For more information, please visit http://www.michiganschildren.org/page.cfm/94/. For more details contact Michele Corey, Director of Community Advocacy, Michigan's Children, 428 W. Lenawee, Lansing, MI 48933 or call 517/485-3500.
Disability News	*top*
bridges4kids Software Review: The Discrete Trial Trainer (DT Trainer) Software Jackie Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, May 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel3.html#1 The Discrete Trial Trainer (DT Trainer) software is a highly customizable, independent learning package that is sure to meet and even exceed your expectations. Based on Discrete Trial methodology within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), your child with Autism, or other learning/retention disorder, will learn concepts on everything from counting to money exchange to telling time and from letter recognition to reading. Computer Aids for Special Needs Children Irene Helen Zundel, June 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Zundel6-9-05.html#top Because computers today are made to be “user friendly”, kids generally master the skills necessary to use them quite easily. Children with learning differences, hearing or visual impairments, developmental delays or physical challenges might have some difficulties---but they can be overcome by using a few adaptive aids. MI Autism Support Group Map (PDF) Jackie Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, May 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/SupportMap.pdf Locate autism-related support groups and meetings in your area. Study: Diabetic Teens Show Premature Arterial Stiffening http://www.detnews.com/2005/health/0506/13/0heal-213419.htm A new study has found that adolescents with Type 2 diabetes have arteries as stiff as those of middle-aged men. Learn Something New: Gerstmann's Syndrome http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gerstmanns/gerstmanns.htm Learn Something New: Von Willebrand’s Disease http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000544.htm MI Association for Children's Mental Health (ACMH) Documents Released Download Talking Points for Kids (Medicaid Works!) (PDF) http://www.acmh-mi.org/TalkingPointsMay2005.pdf Download the April 2005 Edition of the ACMH Newsletter Table Talk (PDF) http://www.acmh-mi.org/51094_ACMH_News.pdf MI Wayne County Parent Group: Imagine! All Children http://www.storytellerdesign.com/imagine.html Visit this website to find activities and resources for families in Wayne county. MI Wayne County Program: My Chance to Dance http://www.ccplusdance.com A dance/exercise program designed for children and adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html.
Special Education Issues	*top*
U.K. Turning Point For Special Needs? Mike Baker, BBC News, June 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/BBC6-11-05.html#top The BBC's Mike Baker detects signs of a change in the approach to children's learning difficulties: “We may even be at another turning point: after almost 30 years of movement in one direction, the pendulum could be about to swing back from inclusion towards segregation.” X-tra Special Advice: What is an IEP? Theodore G. Coutilish and Mary Beth Langan, June 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/5-03/IEPlaughorcry2.html The official meaning for an IEP is Individual Educational Plan or Individualized Education Program. It is the written statement for each child receiving special education services which includes measurable goals and objectives for the year and services and accommodations to be provided to the child. D.C. Seeking Special-Ed Alternative in D.C. Henri E. Cauvin, Washington Post, June 12, 2005 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/11/AR2005061100598.html For years, the D.C. school system has defended its special-education programs and gone to great lengths to keep special-ed students rather than send them off to outside schools. Using Art to Teach Children with Special Needs Irene Helen Zundel, June 2005 http://earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/Zundel6-05.htm Using art as a means of teaching increases a child's chances for success---and makes the experience pleasurable as well. 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. OH The 3^rd Annual Milestones Organization Autism Conference: Strategies for the School, Home, and Community WHEN: Monday, June 20, 2005 from 8:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. (8 a.m. registration) WHERE: Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124 DESCRIPTION: Keynote speaker, Vincent J. Carbone, Ph.D. View 2005 full conference information, Register Online (with credit card or PayPal account), View 2005 full, printer-friendly conference brochure, or View 2005 printer-friendly registration form. Vendor opportunities still available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call (216) 321-0892. HI Wrightslaw Boot Camp Sponsored by LDA of Hawaii WHEN: July 29-31, 2005 WHERE: University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720-4091 DESCRIPTION: The Wrightslaw two day Boot Camps are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities. These programs focus on four areas: special education laws, tests & measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs and advocacy tactics & strategies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.07.hi.htm for more 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. MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS WHEN: June 14, 2005, July 12, 2005, August 9, 2005, September 13, 2005, October 11, 2005, November 15, 2005, and December 13, 2005 WHERE: Meetings usually start at 9:00 a.m. and are usually held on the 4th floor of the Hannah Building in Lansing. SPECIAL NOTE: Due to construction around the Hannah Building in downtown Lansing, the Board meetings will be off site for the next several months. The June 14, 2005 meeting will take place at Holt Public Schools Administration Offices, 5780 West Holt Road, Holt. Contact the State Board of Education Office (517) 373-3900, for meeting location and time. DESCRIPTION: State Board of Education meetings are open to the public. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Mrs. Eileen F. Hamilton, State Board Executive, at (517) 373-3900 (voice) or (517) 373-4035 (TDD) one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call Mrs. Eileen Hamilton (Administrative Secretary, State Board of Education) at: (517) 373-3900 (voice), (517) 373-4035 (TDD), or email: hamiltone@michigan.gov. Open House: On My Own of Michigan WHEN: June 16, 2005 from 5-9 p.m. WHERE: 2145 Crooks Rd, Ste 103, Troy, Michigan DESCRIPTION: On My Own of Michigan was developed to help young adults with mild developmental disabilities transition from dependency to self-sufficiency. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call Lee Wainwright at 248-649-3739 ext. 228. Jonathan's Bowling Benefit & Silent Auction WHEN: Friday, June 17, 2005 with check-in beginning at 7 p.m. and bowling beginning at 8 p.m. WHERE: Fountain View Lanes, 34244 Groesbeck, Clinton Township, MI DESCRIPTION: Jonathan Angelosanto is eleven years old and resides with his Dad, Mom, his two younger sisters and younger brother in Clarkston, Michigan. He was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 2. Due to his extreme intolerance to medication, most of which make him very aggressive, he has undergone 3 brain surgeries to control his epilepsy. Evening includes 2 Games of Bowling, Pizza, and Door Prizes. Click here to download the flyer at http://www.bridges4kids.org/JonsFlyer.pdf or the information sheet at http://www.bridges4kids.org/KatiesLetter.pdf. Proceeds to benefit The Friends of Jonathan. Additionally, there will be 50/50 drawings, strike ball, mystery games, and a silent auction. For information on the silent auction download the flyer at http://www.bridges4kids.org/jonathanflyer.pdf to win dinner for 4 guests with Bobby Hull (the hall of fame hockey player). COST: Cost is $20 per Person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For additional benefit information, to reserve your lane, or if you are interested in sponsoring a lane ($50), please contact Joe Angelosanto @ (586) 492-9584, Tom Peck @ (586) 775-6300, or Mark Wiley @ (248) 875-1131 or mwiley@allenappraisal.com. Donations may be sent to: FRIENDS OF JONATHAN, PO Box 465, Clarkston, MI 48347. "Now What?” An Introduction to Autism for Parents and Educators WHEN: Thursday, June 23, 2005 from 6-8 pm WHERE: Autism Asperger Associates, 7027 10 Mile Rd., Rockford DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the world of ASD for families of individuals recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or wondering about the possibility. Review historical information, current trends and legal issues related to diagnosing, supporting and educating individuals with ASD in the most effective way possible! COST: Cost is $25.00 per person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Questions? Call 616-874-2090 or visit http://www.autism-asperger-associates.com/ Max's Race: 5K Walk/Run and Kids' Fun Runs WHEN: July 9, 2005 starting at 8:30 a.m. WHERE: Michigan State University Auditorium DESCRIPTION: In memory of Maxwell Chase Matthews 1998-2005. All proceeds to benefit Sparrow Pediatric Program Fund and Michigan Hands & Voices. Join us for a Saturday of family fun and the inaugural Max's Race. Jim and Natalie Matthews and The Maxwell C. Matthews Foundation are sponsoring this event to raise funds for the Sparrow Pediatric Program Fund and Michigan Hands and Voices, in the memory of their son, Maxwell Matthews, who died in March 2005. We are asking for your generosity by participating in Max's Run. You will have fun. You will get some exercise, with a nice t-shirt. And you will be making a personal contribution towards two very worthy causes. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, or to register, visit http://www.maxsrace.com/. Workshops in Supporting Communication WHERE: Marriott at Centerpoint, 3600 Centerpoint, Pontiac, MI 48341 (248-253-9800) DESCRIPTION: Facilitated Communication is one method used in accessing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC ) equipment. This series of two workshops, sponsored by the Autism Society of America Oakland County Chapter, provides the opportunity to learn the techniques of facilitated communication within the context of the principles common to all communication support approaches. WHEN/DESCRIPTION: Communication Partnerships: A Framework for Support (Tuesday, July 26, 2005 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - This one-day introductory level training is intended for families and professionals interested in learning about communication support for people with complex communication needs. WHEN/DESCRIPTION: Introductory Skills Workshop: Learning to Be a Facilitator (Thursday, July 28, 2005 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - This one-day how-to workshop is intended for those who will become a facilitator for someone who is currently using facilitated communication, or for a prospective candidate. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, visit www.asaoakland.org. Private consults will be available on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 for an additional fee. Email fcstaff@syr.edu for information. Call 248-393-3131 with any questions about membership, registration or attendance.
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