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July 17, 2005 |
bridges4kids
NewsDigest Topics
| • Parenting/Parental Involvement | |
| • No Child Left Behind (NCLB) | |
| • Michigan News | • Disability News |
| • Special Education Issues | • Ask the Attorney/Advocate |
| • Upcoming National Events | |
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Debate Over Vaccines, Autism Won't Die MSNBC, June 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/MSNBC6-26-05.html#top Seven years after it began, the debate over vaccines and autism just won’t die. In fact, it appears to be finding new life. Several churches have started a grassroots movement to rid vaccines of mercury. A new book on the issue is getting attention. A Kennedy has entered the fray.
MA Internet Bullying Hits Home For Teen Joyce Pellino Crane, Boston Globe, June 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/BostonHerald6-30-05.html#top Life
threw Molly Reddington a few curveballs this school year, but she
didn't expect a dose of cyberworld cruelty to go with it. While she
was on a school trip to Costa Rica in April, a handful of Reddington's
so-called friends at Milton High School went to a popular Internet
website and created sexually explicit journal entries in her name,
making it appear as if she were having immodest exploits while
overseas. MA Mass. AG Unveils Guidelines to Help Fight Bullying in Schools Kimberly Atkins, Boston Herald, June 27, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/BostonHerald6-30-05.html#3 Seeking to cut down on bullying and bigotry-based crimes in the state's schools, Attorney General Tom Reilly has unveiled a plan to give students, parents and teachers new tools and guidelines to deal with schoolhouse harassment.
Parent Q&A: Child Must Understand That Bullying Is Never OK John Braccio, Lansing State Journal, July 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/BostonHerald6-30-05.html#2 QUESTION: I recently heard my 10-year-old daughter talking about how mean she and her friends are to a girl that rides the bus with them to school. I went in and said I could not believe what they are doing. The two girls were sent home, and I really gave it to my daughter. I called the mothers of the other girls. I called the home of the girl who the children had made fun of and apologized to her mother on my part and had my daughter apologize to her daughter. The mother thanked me. I feel I did the right thing. My husband said I overreacted and should have let them work it out. What do you think?
New Publication Introduces "Complementary Learning" Family Involvement Network of Educators (FINE), Harvard Family Research Project, July 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/FINE7-05.html#top In the 4th edition of "The Evaluation Exchange," the Family Involvement Network of Educators (FINE) examines "complementary learning" -- the idea that narrowing the achievement gap requires solid and sustained investments in nonschool learning supports, such as after school programs, early care and education, families, libraries, museums, and other community-based supports.
Do Something BRICK Awards
VA Bush Administration Supports Montgomery Schools in Lawsuit Nick Anderson, Washington Post, June 28, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/WashPost6-28-05.html#top The Bush administration has sided with school systems in a special education dispute between a disabled student's parents and the Montgomery County public schools that is before the U.S. Supreme Court. The lawsuit centers on who has the burden of proof when a student's special education plan is under challenge: the person who objects to the plan, or the school officials who devised it.
Behavior: TV in Child's Room Sets Off Academic Alert Eric Nagourney, New York Times, July 5, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/NYTimes7-5-05.html#top Elementary school students who have televisions in their bedrooms do worse on tests in school, researchers reported yesterday.
Parent Public Policy Fellowship Program 2006 The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, June 28, 2005 http://www.educationnews.org/parent-public-policy-fellowship.htm The Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation is seeking parents of persons with intellectual disabilities for an intensive, one-year Public Policy Fellowship in Washington, DC. During this one year Fellowship, the successful applicant will learn how legislation is initiated, developed, and passed by Congress, or how programs are administered and regulations promulgated by federal agencies. Application deadline is September 1, 2005.
American Workers Too Costly For Toyota to Train
CBC News, July 16, 2005 "The educational level and the skill level of the people down there is so much lower than it is in Ontario," Fedchun said. That simple explanation was cited as a main reason why Toyota turned its back on hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies offered from several American states in favor of building a second Ontario plant.
NEA: Wal-Mart: Always High Costs. Always. National Education Association (NEA) http://www.nea.org/topics/walmart.html Think you just got a bargain on those rolled back prices? Think again. You may have just helped break unions and dismantle public schools. Wal-Mart has drained billions from public coffers — money that could otherwise fund schools. The NEA Executive Committee has endorsed a national effort called "Wake-Up Wal-Mart" that educates the public about the impact of Wal-Mart on its employees, their communities, and our schools. As Back to School approaches, there’s a campaign to encourage shoppers to buy school supplies from other stores in their communities.
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No Child Left Behind (NCLB) |
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No Child Left Behind: Supplemental
Educational Services Non-Regulatory Guidance
Education Secretary Hints of Changes Ben Feller, The Associated Press, July 9, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/WashPost7-9-05.html#top Education Secretary Margaret Spellings showed growing support Friday for letting states change how they score student progress, a potentially major policy shift. Under the No Child Left Behind law, schools are gauged based on how their current students perform compared with last year's students on math and reading tests.
NC North Carolina's Near Perfect Graduation Rate, and Other Fables Jay Mathews, Washington Post, June 28, 2005 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2003/10/28/AR2005032304292.html As they enter the fourth year of what they see as the oppressive No Child Left Behind regime, our state governments are fighting back. But among their acts of rebellion is one that, for some reason, I have yet to hear them brag about. Many states are finding creative ways to misinterpret the rules for reporting their statistics so that their school children seem to be doing wonderfully even though that often is not the case. Now there is a new report on how states are hiding their feeble high school graduation rates under thick glops of statistical nonsense.
Getting Honest About Grad Rates: How
States Play the Numbers and Students Lose (PDF)
For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html.
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Parenting/Parental Involvement |
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Will Your Kids Be Of "Good Character"? Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW, YourSocialWorker.com http://www.yoursocialworker.com/p-articles/good_character.htm At some point parents wonder what kind of adult their child will grow up to be. Use this advice and beat the odds.
Benefits of the Dinner Table Ritual Laurie Tarkan, New York Times, May 3, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/NYTimes5-3-05.html#top The family dinner has long been an example of family togetherness. But recently, scientists have been coming up with compelling reasons - including a lowered risk of smoking, drinking and doing illicit drugs among teenagers - for families to pull up a chair around the table.
Nick Jr.'s Summer Movie Planner Nick Jr., July 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/NickJr7-05.html#top Your print and post guide to this summer's family movies. The guide lists upcoming and recently released films. Also gives suggested age ranges for viewing.
Bridges4Kids Product Review: Kids Coins Reward System for Children Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, July 7, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel3.html#2 Kids Coins is a delightful reward system for children. Designed to teach discipline and structure, Kids Coins also leaves much needed room - and encouragement - for pretend play. The beautifully illustrated, finely crafted coins are sure to delight your child while teaching valuable lessons.
MI Download the July/August edition of the Detroit Parent Network newsletter (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/dpn/pdf/DPNJulyAugustNewsletter.pdf
For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html.
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Tots Take on Foreign Words Peggy Spear, Chicago Tribune, July 6, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/7-05/ChicagoTrib7-6-05.htm Susan Winchester knew that the foreign language classes her toddler was taking were having an impact one day at the diaper-changing table. The Orinda, Calif., woman, who is bilingual, asked Douglas in French, "What color is the sun?" "He looked up at me with a sparkle in his eye and said, 'amarillo.' And it wasn't a mistake."
bridges4kids Featured Website: New Online Pregnancy/New Parent Support Group Starts in the UKPractical parenting advice and tips for parents and their families. Includes an alphabetical listing of potential baby names with the definition/meaning and country of origin.
Summer's Great For Potty Training Charnicia Huggins, July 7, 2005, Yahoo News http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/7-05/Yahoo7-7-05.htm For youngsters who are physically and psychologically ready for toilet training, summer may be an ideal time to begin, according to a statement on the topic from the University of Michigan Health System.
Graco Recalls 1.1 Million Baby Strollers Reuters, July 7, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/7-05/Reuters7-7-05.htm Graco Children's Products Inc. has agreed to recall more than 1.1 million strollers because of a risk of collapsing, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.
MI Early On Redesign Update The Leadership Team for the Early On Redesign is seeking stakeholder comment and input on a draft set of indicators for Early On. These draft indicators are based on a review of research, legislation and best practice documents. Comments received will be used as part of Redesign Step 6, Results Teams, as part of the process that will be used to finalize the indicators. Please review the materials and instructions in the document titled "Draft Indicators and Instructions for Public Comment", which can be found on the redesign website at www.earlyonredesign.com. Comments are due to earlyonredesign@michigan.gov on or before July 22, 2005.
MI List of Statewide Organizations Concerned with Early Childhood Services (PDF) Bob Parks, The Michigan Association of United Ways, July 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/GreatStartEarlyChildhoodAdvocates2005.pdf
MI Michigan Embraces the National Early Childhood Campaign: Born Learning Bob Parks, The Michigan Association of United Ways, July 12, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/7-05/Parks7-12-05.htm The United Way, the Ad Council, and Civitas have joined forces to create a $90 million, three year, national public engagement campaign called Born Learning. The campaign will help parents and caregivers give pre-school children the best start in life.
MI House To Discuss Early Childhood Programs Gongwer News Service, June 29, 2005 The Michigan House Education Committee announced on June 29 that it will be discussing early childhood programs over the summer. Mr. Palmer appointed Wednesday an Early Childhood Intervention Subcommittee to address all the bills currently circulating on those programs. Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) will chair the subcommittee and will be joined by Rep. Jack Hoogendyk (R-Portage), Rep. Bob Gosselin (R-Troy), Rep. Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens) and Rep. Virgil Smith III (D-Detroit).
MI Kids Count in Michigan - Right Start Michigan 2005 Jane Zehnder-Merrell, Kids Count in Michigan, Michigan League for Human Services http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/7-05/KidsCount7-1-05.htm Despite substantial improvement in some maternal risks in Michigan since the mid-1990s, the share of infants born too soon or too small increased, according to the latest analysis by Kids Count in Michigan.
Can Today's Preschoolers Save Tomorrow's Social Security? Robert G. Lynch, Policy Perspectives, WestEd, 2005 http://www.wested.org/cs/we/view/rs/772 When poor children are provided access to high-quality preschool, research shows they perform much better in school, experience higher graduation rates, and tend to stay out of trouble with drugs, alcohol, and crime. As adults, they would enter the workforce at higher skill levels, earning larger salaries and paying higher taxes into the system. According to economist Robert G. Lynch, a national, high-quality, early childhood development program which serves all three- and four-year-olds who fall below the poverty line, will target the very 1.6 million youngsters who, as they grow up, would otherwise cost taxpayers most, leaving more money for other programs including the Social Security program, which some experts project will begin facing financial difficulties in the year 2018, about the time when the first class of today's preschoolers would enter the workforce.
MI More Money For Low-Income Child Care Providers MIRS, July 1, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/7-05/MIRS7-1-05.htm Licensed or registered child care providers serving low-income families have access to $661,371 more grant dollars, thanks to a new grant program funded by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and supported by the Michigan 4H.
MI Download The Arc/FIE Key Player Packet for Spring 2005 (PDF) http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/Spring2005KeyPlayerPacket.pdf
For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org.
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Hearings to be Held on Teacher Health Care Proposal Gongwer News Service, July 14, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/Gongwer7-14-05.html#top The state could save as much as $281 million, as much as $165 a pupil, if it were to adopt a centralized system for purchasing and providing health insurance for teachers, a report prepared for the Legislative Council concludes, but Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema (R-Wyoming) said no legislative action will be taken on the proposal until it has undergone a series of hearings.
Byrum Says Study Could Undermine Teacher Benefits Gongwer News Service, July 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/Gongwer7-12-05.html#top A report due this week on whether the state should set up a system for teacher health insurance was criticized by House Minority Leader Dianne Byrum (D-Onondaga) as a "smokescreen" for legislation that would create such a system and effectively disallow organizations like the Michigan Education Special Services Administration.
Education Proposing No New 'Teacher Schools' Gongwer News Service, July 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/Gongwer7-11-05.html#top Michigan has a growing number of teacher preparation institutions, but a shrinking percentage of their graduates are finding work in the state, the Department of Education said in proposing that the State Board of Education approve a moratorium on new teacher schools.
Michigan Laptop Program Shows Early Success eSchool News, July 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/eSchool7-11-05.html#top Supporters of Michigan's one-to-one computing project are citing marked improvements in standardized test scores in reading, writing, science, and math as reasons to restore funding to the program. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, had eliminated most of the program's funding from the budget she proposed to state law makers.
Professional Development Opportunity: Love & Logic MAPSA News You Can Use, July 2005 WANTED! Renaissance Public School Academy is looking to train 4 great schools on the "Love & Logic" program. Love & Logic is a wonderful program that provides parents and teachers with easy-to-use, practical techniques that help adults achieve respectful and healthy relationships with children. Schools must be able to commit an administrator, lead teacher, or both for 1day/month for 9 months. Those that participate in the training will receive the Nine Essential Skills Program and the Parenting Program to take back to their schools. Don't miss your chance for this great opportunity! For more information please contact David Krause at 989-773-9889 or daveykrause@yahoo.com.
More Detroit schools Could Close as 10,000 Kids Leave Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki, Detroit Free Press, July 12, 2005 http://www.freep.com/news/education/schools12e_20050712.htm An exodus of about 10,000 students in the coming school year may force Detroit Public Schools to shut the doors on another 20 to 30 schools. That's in addition to the 32 closed this summer in what education experts have called the largest number of schools ever closed by one district in a single year.
Commentary: Schools Must Show They Can Handle Their Funds Mike Reno, Lansing State Journal, July 10, 2005 http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050710/OPINION02/507100321/1087/opinion Mark Twain once quipped, "God made the Idiot for practice, and then He made the School Board." Perhaps a bit strong, but the abysmal track record speaks for itself. Legislators will allocate $16 billion of the state's $41 billion budget to education, and boards will then spend as they please. It's entirely reasonable to attach high expectations to those dollars. If boards won't set the bar, then legislators must.
More Money Isn't Equaling Better MEAP Scores MIRS, July 8, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/MIRS7-8-05.html#top If a connection exists between Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) scores and state increases in K-12 education, it cannot be made, yet.
Commentary: State Education Funding Crisis: Merge School Districts to Cut Costs Mike Reno, Detroit Free Press, June 27, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/Freep6-27-05.html#top As buses, some union funded, rolled to Lansing last week for a rally to guarantee increases in state aid for schools, many of us who stayed home but also care about our children would not agree that money is the only solution. It is an issue, but what's really needed is leadership from Lansing.
Lawmakers Want to Limit Spending on Administration Judy Putnam, MLive.com, July 5, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/MLive7-5-05.html#top Four out of every 10 Michigan school districts are spending 65 cents or more of each operating dollar inside the classroom, according to the Michigan Department of Education. Rep. Jack Hoogendyk, R-Kalamazoo, a member of the House Education Committee, wants all districts to hit that mark.
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MI Family Nurtures Nine Special Needs Kids Bernie Hillman, Lansing State Journal, July 12, 2005 http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050712/NEWS01/507120326/1001 Deerfield Township couple adopts, cares for very ill children. After visiting the adopted children of Roger and Tammy Rudi for the first time, Dr. James Johnson pulled his car off the road and wept.
Autism Figures May Be Wrong Mike Conlon, Reuters, July 11, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/Reuters7-11-05.html#top Government figures that have been cited to prove that autism is rapidly increasing in the United States are not reliable and thus unsuitable for tracking the disorder, according to a study published in the July issue of Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Bridges4Kids Product Review: ABA Flashcards Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, July 10, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel3.html#3 These cards, created to complement your Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program, are designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum. The goal is to make all pictures as clear and straightforward as possible. When dealing with autism, it is especially important to avoid confusing the child. For that reason, these flashcards do not have the usual backgrounds, words or distractions that are found on most picture flashcards (which are usually not designed for children with autism spectrum disorders).
It's Harry Potter Time! Seeing With Your Mind Newsweek, July 18, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/Newsweek7-18-05.html#top At the stroke of midnight on Friday, Harry Potter fanatics will descend on bookstores to claim "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the sixth installment of J. K. Rowling's best-selling series. Although Ashley Bernard, 12, says she has read the first five books "at least 15 times each," she will not be among the midnight crawlers. Blind from birth, she has always faced a torturous delay of at least three months to get a Braille edition.
Students With ADHD Need Special Approach to Education AScribe Newswire, July 5, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/AScribe7-5-05.html#top Teachers and parents need to learn new methods to help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, according to a Purdue University educational researcher who pulled together 30 years of research in a new book.
CA A Place Where No One Stares Sandy Kleffman, Detroit Free Press, July 12, 2005 http://www.freep.com/news/health/skincamp12e_20050712.htm Children with skin diseases find fun and acceptance at a camp in California.
Free Downloadable Children's Book: Under My Skin (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/Undermyskin.pdf Addresses the social
and emotional impact often faced by those suffering from atopic
dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. Under My Skin offers easy to
understand explanations of how the disease occurs and tips on coping
with its symptoms. http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/InsideStory.pdf This book guides children undergoing solid organ transplants and their families through complicated medical procedures and hospital stays through accessible images and friendly terms. Additionally, the book offers tips on dealing with hospital stays and adjusting to life post-transplant.
Free Downloadable Children's Book: Me and My Marrow (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/meandmymarrow.pdf
Guides children and their families through the bone marrow donation
procedure and offering suggestions on how to cope with such issues as
physical changes, social interaction and family relationships. MI A Parent’s Guide to Obtaining Mental Health Services for Children in Michigan (PDF) http://www.acmh-mi.org/ParentGuide6-05.pdf Download this free guide from The Association for Children's Mental Health (ACMH).
For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html.
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Michigan & Wisconsin Children Needed For Transition Study Attention Parents: The National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC) is conducting a research project in Michigan and Wisconsin. They are seeking families with a child who is at least 4 years old but not yet in 1st grade and is currently receiving special needs services of some kind with an IEP in place. When data collection is complete, you will receive a $10 check and children's books as a token of appreciation for your participation. To participate or to ask questions, please contact Marilyn Harmon at 414-229-4530 or email maharmon@uwm.edu.
How Do the Regs Compare to IDEA 2004?
(PDF)
Editorial: 'Special' Education Helps All Students The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 27, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/7-05/Enquirer6-27-05.html#top The University of Cincinnati has just announced a plan to offer free or drastically reduced tuition to teachers willing to enter the field of special education. That's a cost savings and employment enhancement for teachers, but the real winners in this package are students - and that's not just children with special needs but regular education students as well.
For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html.
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Ask the Attorney/Advocate |
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bridges4kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
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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.
IL The Food Allergy &
Anaphylaxis Network Walk – Moving Toward A Cure
FL Wrightslaw
Special Education Law and Advocacy Training Program Sponsored by Family Network
on Disabilities FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call Mary Smith at (941) 928-0682 or visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.11.fl.htm.
The International
Dyslexia Association's 56th Annual Conference "Reading In The
Rockies"
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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: Invest In Kids
Workshops in Supporting Communication
WHERE: Marriott at Centerpoint,
3600 Centerpoint, Pontiac, MI 48341 (248-253-9800)
1st Annual UAW Local 245
Motorcycle Ride for Autism 2005
A Night of Musical Genius & Autism
Awareness with world renowned autistic savant pianist Tony DeBlois
COST: Pre-ticket sales adults: $10.00 or $12.00 (at the door) Pre-ticket sales children (5-12): $ 5.00 or $ 7.00 (at the door); * Children 4 years and under are free. CRY ROOM for concert available for pre-ticket sales only -- seating is limited in this area. Book Early! Send your check or money order payable to St. Peter's Lutheran Church c/o Mr. Rob Meyer/Tony DeBlois, 23000 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe, Michigan 48021. Please include your name, address, number of tickets (adult and/or children), phone number and email address. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Booths available for 10 groups free of charge. Contact Sandy McMurray at 586-777-7533 or sanmcmurray@cs.com for display information or with questions.
New Ideas: Mutual Understanding in
Practice
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Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Staff
Deborah Canja
Chief Executive Officer
Director of Information Technology & Information
Systems
Bella Djordjevski
Resource Assistant
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© 2002-2007 Bridges4Kids
http://www.bridges4kids.org