Bridges4Kids News Digest

August 29, 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
• Visit Bridges4Kids	• Upcoming Michigan Events
• Where to Find Help For a Child

National News	top
OH Value-added Evaluation Being Tried in Ohio Schools http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-08/PlainDealer8-24-08.html The Plain Dealer, August 24, 2008 What if you could measure how much a child learns over the course of a school year? What if you could gauge what a school actually adds to a child's learning experience? In Ohio, you can. Tough Programs Attract Students http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080811/SCHOOLS/808110359/1409/METRO Shawn D. Lewis, The Detroit News, August 11, 2008 More Mich. districts offer International Baccalaureate study as demand grows. Drake Gamelin is only 13, but he already knows he wants to become a dermatologist. To get a jump on the competition, Drake, a freshman, enrolled in the International Academy East, a new high school in Troy that offers the rigorous International Baccalaureate program. When he graduates from the school, Drake will be the equivalent of a sophomore in college. Proposed Federal Transit Rules Upset School Districts http://www.masstransitmag.com/web/online/Top-Transit-News/Proposed-Federal-Transit-Rules-Upset-School-Districts/3$6616 Christina Samuels, Education Week The Federal Transit Administration wants public transit agencies to get out of the business of creating routes designed exclusively to take students to and from school. But a proposed policy statement, which the agency says only clarifies rules that have been in effect for more than 30 years, has raised alarm among district officials. For some districts, those officials say, public transit is the most effective way to get students to school. Now is Time to Fight for Better School Food http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-08/SFGate8-24-08.html Ann Cooper and Dana Woldow, SFGate.com, August 24, 2008 "If you are what you eat, then I'm fast, cheap and easy." When Alice Waters, of Chez Panisse fame, saw that line on a bumper sticker, she wondered, "Is this really what we want the destiny of our nation to be?" Bush Signs Consumer Bill; Boosts Funding, Cuts Lead http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1448348720080814 Georgina Coolidge, Reuters.com, August 14, 2008 Legislation aimed at improving U.S. consumer product safety after millions of Chinese-made toys were recalled last summer was signed into law by President George W. Bush on Thursday. The measure dramatically cuts the amount of lead allowed in toys and other children's products, increases funding for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and partially bans controversial plastic-softening chemicals called phthalates. RI Lawyers in R.I. Lead Paint Case Argue Court Costs http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D92J0LJ00.htm Eric Tucker, Business Week, August 15, 2008 A lawyer for Rhode Island said that three former lead paint companies should not be allowed to recoup costs from a nine-year legal fight with the state that ended last month in their favor. The state Supreme Court in July overturned a landmark jury verdict that found Sherwin-Williams Co. and two other companies responsible for creating a public nuisance. The three companies now want to recover they money they spent defending the lawsuit, which was filed in 1999, though they have not specified the precise amount. Bridges4kids Featured Resource: The Power of Our Words: Teacher Language that Helps Children Learn - How you talk impacts how children learn http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/bookstore/ascdpowerofwords.html "The Power of Our Words should be a required resource for all K-6 teachers regardless of the number of years they have taught." (Principal, CT) Language may be a teacher’s most powerful tool. Every day the words, phrases, tone, and pace you use have the power to help students develop self-control, build their sense of belonging, and gain skills and knowledge. This book, by an author with more than twenty years of experience teaching children and educators, will help you recognize the influence your words have on the children you teach. It will show you how to use language more skillfully, building a classroom where students feel safe, respected, appreciated, and excited about learning.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	top
State Grad Rate At 75% http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-08/MIRS8-25-08.html MIRS, August 25, 2008 More than four out of 10 students didn't graduate from Detroit Public Schools (DPS) in 2007, according to data released today by the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI). MI Grad Rates Likely To Drop With New Formula http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-08/MIRS8-24-08.html MIRS, August 24, 2008 Look for Michigan's overall high school graduation numbers to drop as the state prepares to release its data next week based on a new formula agreed upon by the National Governors Association (NGA). For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	top
Bridges4kids Featured Resource: ParentsConnect http://www.parentsconnect.com/home/index.jhtml ParentsConnect is brought to you by the same folks who bring you Nickelodeon. "As you probably know, we like to make fun stuff for kids. That's because, as parents ourselves, we know how important it is to keep kids happy. But we also know that kids aren't the only ones who need stuff just for them, which is why we decided to create a space for parents too. You're looking at it ... and it's all about you. Our motto is: We're not perfect, we're parents. And we mean it!" Family: Who’s in your family? http://www.coultervideo.com/familyessay.htm Dan Coulter, Coulter Video My wife, Julie, and I recently went to her annual "Johnson family reunion." We showed a video there that we'd produced about several generations of family history using interviews and old photographs. We included a story about great-grandfather Rommie trying to drive his new Model T Ford for the first time. When it abruptly started forward and he couldn't remember how to stop it, he clung to the steering wheel yelling, "Whoa! Gee! Gee! Haw!" as if he was driving one of his mules. His oldest son jumped up on the car's running board and got it stopped. Homeschooling Resources & Information Book Review: Heads Up Helping! Teaching Tips and Techniques for Working with ADD, ADHD, and Other Children with Challenges http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/1637.php Book & Product Reviews by Home Schooling Mom, Penny Ray http://www.bridges4kids.org/HomeSchooling.html#8 The Old Schoolhouse Magazine: Free Digital Summer '07 Back Issue http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2515 The editors of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine want you to try out a great new way to read their magazine - digitally - so they are offering the digital Summer '07 back issue for free! For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	top
State Panel Recommends Ban on Toxic Flame Retardant http://ldaofmichigan.org/articles/mnceh8-4-08.htm Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health, August 4, 2008 The state’s Interdepartmental Toxics Steering Group just released the long-awaited final report on the hazards of the common flame-retardants, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), which are under intense scrutiny by the Michigan Legislature because of concerns they are ending up in the Great Lakes and in people. The full report “PBDE Background Paper 5-2008” is available online at http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3307_29693_32185---,00.html Consumer Reports Tests Plastic Baby Bottles http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/consumer/article/plastic_baby_bottle_tests/12324/ Consumer Reports, August 3, 2008 Concerns are on the rise about the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA. It’s used to make a variety of food containers, including some plastic baby bottles. The National Institutes of Health issued a draft report this spring expressing concern about BPA’s health risks for infants and children. The latest laboratory research suggests it may affect the brain and the prostate and may cause other health problems. The Canadian government recently moved to ban BPA in baby bottles. Pregnant Women Exposed to Household Pesticides May Increase the Risk of Their Children Developing Leukemia http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/newscience/2008/2008-0205rudantetal.html Environmental Health News, 2008 Pregnant women exposed to household pesticides may increase the risk of their children developing leukemia, according to a recent study conducted in France. These findings add more weight to the idea that pesticides play a role in childhood blood cancers and may shed light on the actual causes of the diseases. In the study, parents of leukemia patients were more likely to have used pesticides and insecticides either at home or at work. Exposure to these chemicals is a risk factor for blood cancers, particularly if children are exposed in the womb, the authors' conclude. Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/newscience/2008/2008-0204sathyanarayanaetal.html Environmental Health News, 2008 Phthalate exposure is widespread in infants and use of baby care products appears to be contributing, according to an analysis of babies' urine. Greater use of lotions, powders and shampoos were associated with higher phthalate levels. The associations were strongest in younger infants. The scientists who conducted the study recommend that parents wanting to decrease phthalate exposures for their infants should reduce the use of baby products unless needed for medical purposes. The US does not require product labels to indicate phthalate content. Free Reproducible Language and Early Literacy Activities; Spanish Versions Now Available http://www.walearning.com To download materials go to www.walearning.com and click on the purple button that says "Free Parent Education Handouts" on the home page. Look for the "On the Go" file to download the materials in PDF format. The new materials are designed to encourage parents to interact with their children while they are "On the Go" to facilitate language, early literacy, and positive parent-child interactions. The materials include 14 activities as well as accompanying hints for each of the activities about how to modify the activities to meet the specific developmental needs of the child. MA Massachusetts Governor Signs Bill to Expand Pre-kindergarten Boston.com, July 31, 2008 Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill designed to expand education programs for the youngest Massachusetts residents. The bill establishes a Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program to help provide voluntary, universally accessible early education and care for preschool-aged children. Patrick said the new law will help Massachusetts better prepare young children with a solid educational foundation before entering school. The bill also includes a comprehensive overhaul of regulations setting health, safety and quality standards for all licensed pre-kindergarten programs. An earlier version of the bill was passed by lawmakers in 2006 but vetoed by former Gov. Mitt Romney. Does Your Baby Have Autism? UF Researchers' Book Helps Provide Answers http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/sfe-sfp-autismbook,0,6193805.story Robyn A. Friedman, SouthFlorida.com For years, the parents of some autistic children have said they knew from shortly after their babies were born that there was something different about them. Now two researchers at the University of Florida, who have spent more than a decade studying the movements of autistic babies, say they often learn to crawl and walk differently than other babies. MI Are you a parent or child care provider in Wayne County looking for help with a difficult child or in need of resources to best handle tantrums, aggression, or possible developmental delays? The Care Connections program at Development Centers, Inc. offers free services designed to help young children ages birth to five succeed in any child care setting. To find out more please call Ms. Lynnell Morrison @ (313) 531-2500 ext. 2125. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Disability News	top
Beautiful Minds: A demonstration of autistic savant Stephan Wiltshire’s astounding abilities http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=0k4lsi1dql MI The Bridges4Kids Autism Support Map of Michigan http://www.bridges4kids.org/SupportMap.pdf Living with Autism in College http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/08/12/autism.college.ap/index.html CNN.com, August 12, 2008 Many students with Asperger's Syndrome or other autism-like disorders face new challenges in a college setting. The syndrome hampers communication and social skills, so along with difficulties staying on top of their studies, these students may struggle with making friends and living more independently. They also may be more reluctant to ask for help. It's a problem colleges and universities are "very aware" of as the first big wave of children with diagnosed autism-related disorders moves beyond high school. Pennsylvania Bill Mandates Insurance for Autism http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_stories/20080724_Pa__bill_mandates_insurance_for_autism.html Angela Couloumbis, Philly.com, July 24, 2008 For Karin Fox, Caroline's mother, the shock of learning her daughter had autism only worsened when she realized health insurance wouldn't cover extensive, and expensive, treatments for the disorder. "It was like a full-time job," Fox, of Narberth, said of figuring out how to pay for Caroline's therapies, "but one that you were never, ever done with." Embracing Chaos: An Inflatable Whale, an Autistic Boy and A Family's Lesson in Frustration -- and Laughter http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/20/AR2008072001761_pf.html Wystan Gladish Simons, The Washington Post, July 21, 2008 Our youngest, 9-year-old Oskar, was the one who first figured out that the name of the whale was Chaos. Much is written these days about autism and how it might be cured. Certainly, especially for those whose autism is profound, this hope for a cure is vital. Still, there is something to be said for living with someone who has an altered perception of reality. We've had some experience with this in our family. Newly Updated: Growing Up Together: A Booklet About Friends with Autism (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/Growing_Up_Booklet.pdf In this booklet, you will learn about kids you may meet who have autism and how you can be their friend. Improving Executive Function Skills: An Innovative Strategy that May Enhance Learning for All Children http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-08/CEC8-08.html CEC Today, August 2008 Janie did well in school until she got to fourth grade. Then her grades dropped, she couldn’t keep up with her work load, she got frustrated, and her self-esteem was sinking. Janie was referred for testing for special education, but she scored well on the assessments. What was wrong? Janie’s difficulties in school stemmed from executive function (EF) weaknesses. Janie is not alone. Help Chart the Future of The Arc http://surveys.gt.com/arc-of-the-us-stakeholder-survey The Arc of the United States' Board of Directors has a Task Force on Affiliation and Growth that is assessing the current status of the organization and mapping out plans for the future. This planning process will only be successful if we have active participation of a broad range of people who are concerned about issues affecting people with intellectual disabilities and their families. To gather input, our consultants have created a confidential online survey. Bridges4kids Featured Resource: Funding Caring: How to Pay for Home Care in the UK http://www.fundingcaring.co.uk/ For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	top
GA Georgia 8th-Grader’s Suicide Spurs Lawsuit http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2008/08/15/8th_grader_suicide.html Jose Pagliery, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, August 15, 2008 Jonathan King told teachers at his north Georgia alternate public school that he couldn’t stand being locked within the concrete walls of a small seclusion room. In 2004, just weeks after threatening suicide, the 13-year-old eighth-grader hanged himself in the room, using a cord a teacher provided him to hold up his pants, court records show. MI Open Letter from MI State Board of Education Member Elizabeth Bauer Regarding Extended School Year (ESY) Consideration for ALL Students with IEPs http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-08/Bauer8-13-08.html Elizabeth Bauer, August 13, 2008 For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	top
Improving Schools: One Person is a Fruitcake, 50 People are a Powerful Organization http://www.bridges4kids.org/Advocacy.html 12 Things Parents (and Teachers) Need to Know About and Expect From Your Schools - and Yourself. Originally from Parent Leadership Associates; reprinted from www.Wrightslaw.com If you think that you alone cannot do much to improve your school, you are probably right. You're more likely to get what you want for your child if you work with other parents. If you are in a school that is not parent-friendly, this is how you might be perceived. 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 FL ATTENTION FLORIDA PARENTS The Attorney General's Office of Florida is trying to compile a list of participants to meet and talk about their issues and concerns regarding restraint, seclusion, abuse and neglect in our public schools on children with Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders and other disabilities. This meeting will be open to anyone in Florida. The Attorney General's Office is interested in talking with parents who have concerns about their child's treatment in schools. Parents with concerns can call the citizen services hotline at (866) 966-7226. IN Evaluation and Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech WHEN: September 12, 2008 from 8 am to 4:30 pm WHERE: O'Laughlin Auditorium, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN 46556 DESCRIPTION: The Kaufman Speech Praxis evaluation and treatment approach will be demonstrated by Nancy Kaufman. Elements of shaping word approximations ad the use of phonological processes in therapy as well as cueing systems will be highlighted via videotapes. COST: $50 professionals, $20 parents, $10 students FOR MORE INFORMATION: More information and conference brochure can be found by scrolling down to "Sept 12" and clicking on 'Conference" at http://www.michianadownsyndrome.org/DS Web/current_events.htm. LDANH "Written Expression: The FINAL Frontier" WHEN: Friday, October 17, 2008 from 8am to 3pm WHERE: Bedford, NH 03110 (Hillsborough County) DESCRIPTION: Participants will learn about the different stages of written expression; become knowledgeable about different types of remedial writing programs; be able to make informed decisions about testing written expression and progress monitoring. COST: Cost is $95 member; $125 other; $65 Student w/ID FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.LDANH.org or email information@LDANH.org. Save the Date: The Sixth International Conference on Positive Behavior Support WHEN: March 26-28, 2009 WHERE: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville, Florida Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. Presents "What’s Out There and How to Get It" 2008-2009 Free Training Series For Families and Professionals Needing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities DATES/LOCATIONS: These workshops are being held throughout 2008-2009. Visit http://www.resourcesnyc.org/rschedule.php for specific dates, times and locations across New York state. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Gary Shulman, MS.Ed. (212) 677-4650, gshulman@resourcesnyc.org, www.resourcesnyc.org, www.resourcesnycdatabase.org (searchable website)
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 Child Care Task Force Meeting WHEN: September 3, 2008 WHERE: State of Michigan Library, Lake Superior Room-1st floor, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48909 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Jane Zehnder-Merrell at janez@michleagueforhumansvs.org or Keith Myers at kmyers@miaeyc.org. Michael Golds Memorial AD/HD Conference WHEN: Friday, September 26, 2008 WHERE: Farmington Hills, MI DESCRIPTION: Dr. Pennington’s son, Ty Pennington, is star on ABC’s hit show, “Extreme Makeover Home Edition”. She has interviewed many friends and family who knew Ty, her and their family during their younger years. She will share her struggles and successes, as well as, the views of others on what makes up good parenting. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.chaddmi.com. 4th Annual Buddy Walk WHEN: October 4, 2008 WHERE: Kensington Metro Park, Milford, MI DESCRIPTION: All proceeds Benefit the Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information call Lisa Anderson 248-681-4258 or visit http://buddywalk.kintera.org/dsgsemi. Free Civic Engagement Training In Traverse City WHEN: October 11, 2008 from 10-12:30 p.m. WHERE: Child and Family Services, 3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City DESCRIPTION: This Civic Engagement Training is for parents and professionals who want to learn more about the impact of toxic exposures on child development and how to ask elected officials and government leaders to do all they can to protect our children. Download the flyer here. Lunch and childcare will be provided at no charge with RSVP. Please specify when registering if childcare is needed. This event is free and open to all who register! FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register, fill out the online registration form, send an email to jackie.igafoteo@ldaofmichigan.org, or call (517) 936-3370. Autcom Annual Conference 2008: Embracing the Hope and Joy of Autism WHEN: Friday and Saturday, October 17-18, 2008 WHERE: Four Points Sheraton, 3200 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.autcom.org/conf2008/main.html. To register online, visit http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=170&EID=2848. Free Family to Family Health Information & Education Center Trainings DESCRIPTION: Many different types of trainings taking place across Michigan during 2008-2009: How to Access Mental Health Services For Your Child Using Public or Private Healthcare Coverage Is Your Teen Ready For Adult Life? Planning for a Child's Health & Education Health Resource Support Parent Helping Families and Young Adults Protect Their Rights Project Resilience Train the Trainers FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/f2f/training.htm for more information or to register online.
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