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September 20, 2006 |
Bridges4Kids
NewsDigest Topics
| • Disability News | |
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• No Child Left Behind (NCLB) |
• Special Education Issues |
| • Ask the Attorney/Advocate | |
| • Upcoming National Events | |
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http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51702 A new policy by Internet trading behemoth eBay that bans homeschool teachers' texts from its auctions is prompting a tirade of complaints from the company's faithful customers.
New AOL Site Aims to be Tops in Homework Help When it comes to educational search, AOL is determined to be at the head of the class. On August 9, the company launched a free search engine that scans thousands of teacher-approved Web sites for information to help students with everything from algebra homework to history reports. Youngsters who visit AOL's newly launched StudyBuddy search-engine site can access information culled from a database of 350,000 teacher-approved journals, encyclopedias and Web sites.
An Interview with Alfie Kohn: About the Homework Book "I began with the premise that, as parents know, homework is often responsible for stress and family conflict, that it gets in the way of other things kids would like to do after they finish six or seven hours of school, and that homework is viewed so negatively by children that it may diminish their interest in learning. But teachers continue to assign homework (in ever greater amounts, in fact, at least in the elementary grades) and parents continue to put up with it – presumably because they assume that the benefits outweigh the costs.”
Crime Prevention Group Tracks Cyberbullying http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/nation/15298612.htm School police officers keep their ears and eyes open for threats and bullying among students - through the rumor mill, scrawls on bathroom walls, and now, the Internet.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0817/p15s02-legn.html?s=hns In anonymous surveys at several large middle schools, the vast majority of students reported that they had not hit, teased, threatened, excluded, or gossiped maliciously about classmates in the past 30 days. But a majority were also convinced that their own nonbully status was an exception to the norm. To reduce the amount of bullying that does exist, that misperception needs to change, argues sociology professor H. Wesley Perkins. "What we've seen consistently is that risk behaviors [and] problem behaviors are overestimated which [means] much of the bullying or violence or substance abuse can continue because the people engaged in that think everybody else is doing it."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4122702.html
Bullying may seem like the province of angry
adolescents, but a new study suggests teachers are just as susceptible finding a
pattern of bully-victim relationships not unlike those in domestic abuse.
Teachers bullied in their youth were more likely to become teachers who bully
students. Bullying was defined as punishing, manipulating or disparaging
students beyond what would be considered normal disciplinary action. The
researchers found that bullying by teachers took two forms: "sadistic" bullies
who picked on and humiliated students and hurt their feelings; and "victim
bullies" who tended to allow unruly behavior by students, then lost their
tempers.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060818/NEWS06/608180355/1008/NEWS At this Michigan camp, in between the water games, craft projects and hikes through the woods, 14 teens are talking about ways to tell their friends and family that they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. They're learning how to be advocates for gay rights and getting guidance on being comfortable and confident with their sexuality. At this camp there is no harassment. It is a safe haven, a place where these teens are free to be themselves.
http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2006/09/04/for_black_students_ single_essay_made_big_difference/ The seventh-graders were asked to write an essay about their most important value. "My friends give me companionship and courage," a girl wrote. "I'm a great athlete," offered a boy. "God is the answer to everything," wrote another.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-homelesskids14.html The number of homeless Chicago Public Schools students has skyrocketed in the last six years, jumping from 3,500 in 2000 to 10,500 this year. Chicago's homeless numbers top even New York City's and Los Angeles'. No one knows exactly why Chicago's numbers are up, but advocates and educators have theories. Since a 1992 class-action lawsuit filed by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless against the school system was settled in 2000 schools have gotten better at encouraging parents to register as homeless, which gives kids the right to be bused back to their home school when they become homeless and gives help with uniforms, school fees, clothing and tutoring. Advocates also point to a loss of affordable housing because of neighborhood gentrification.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14325172/site/newsweek/ The nation's elite colleges these days include more than Harvard, Yale and Princeton. Why? It's the tough competition for all the top students. That means a range of schools are getting fresh bragging rights.
http://www.healthofchildren.com/
An
online encyclopedia that also provides in-depth articles that cover various
medical conditions, disorders, and pediatric diseases.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=49917 Back-to-school often means last minute doctor's appointments, haircuts, and new clothes. But it's also an anxious time for families who have children with food allergies.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=481861 According to a review article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the typical 12-ounce soda has 150 calories and the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar, mostly in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. Drinking one soda a day can lead to a one-year weight gain of 15 pounds. The review also questions the role of high-fructose corn syrup, which is used to sweeten soft drinks in the United States, while sucrose is used in Europe. Although the two sweeteners contain the same amount of calories, chemical differences have led some to theorize that fructose may cause greater weight gain and insulin resistance by elevating triglycerides.
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No Child Left Behind (NCLB) |
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How to be an Effective Advocate for Quality Schools (PDF) http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/newsandissues/ascdadvocacyguide.pdf Whether it is through education funding, accountability, or teacher quality regulations, education policy affects our schools and students. For too long, these policies have been developed without full consideration of their effect in the classroom. ASCD is working to change that by helping educators engage in effective advocacy. The resources in this guide and in the ASCD Action allow you to take action to support effective education policy. This guide offers advice for planning an advocacy campaign, communicating with policymakers, making your voice heard, and ensuring your advocacy is effective and efficient. Using ASCD materials and the tactics in this guide, you can make the most of your time as an advocate. Even if you have only two minutes to spare, these tried-and-true approaches will make sure you are respected and effective as a go-to source for education policy.
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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Children of Yesterday, Today, are in Different Worlds http://www.ironwooddailyglobe.com/0817juli.htm To the best of my recollection, the year before I turned 12, I was 11. My daughter, who turns 12 in October, is now eleventeen. There's a difference. Jenna is at an age where she seems to have all the answers. I don't remember being all-knowing until I was at least 14. And let it be known that none of her sophisticated knowledge was derived from her super-annoying parents. She got her hands on a fashion magazine geared toward teen girls.
http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-06/Coulter8-17-06.html Communicating poorly seems so obviously wrong and annoying when someone does it to us -- and so innocent when we do it to others. Like my son, I’m in the habit of using my turn signals, but there have been plenty of times when I could have communicated my thoughts more clearly.
http://www.rand.org/news/press.06/08.07.html A RAND Corporation study issued today presents the strongest evidence yet that sexually degrading lyrics in music encourage adolescents to more quickly initiate sexual intercourse and other sexual activities.
For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
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Special Notice: Parent Scholarship
Application Deadline September 27 for Supporting Families with
Infants, Toddlers and Young Children Conference in Michigan Free Staff Development Tools Delivered to Your Inbox Each Month http://www.communityplaythings.com/cpc/NET/subscription/frmsubscribe.aspx?sub=4 Collage, a monthly e-mail newsletter, provides valuable articles on timely subjects for busy early childhood educators. Each issue includes 3 or 4 hand-picked articles on a single topic. "Collage will soon become a valued in-house staff development tool for your program--because we’ll include the theory behind each aspect of play, practical applications and lots of links to resources you won’t want to miss."
What Should Preschoolers Drink? Milk, Water Recommended http://news.yahoo.com/s/kidshealth/20060818/hl_kidshealth/what_should_preschoolers_drink Children, especially those of preschool age, should consume two cups of milk every day, according to KidsHealth.org. This article recommends discouraging children from drinking sugary, calorie-dense drinks as well as those containing caffeine because caffeine's effects can be seen earlier in small children.
For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
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Home-Schooled Students Have Opportunity to Take Michigan Merit Examination, Obtain Free ACT Scores (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/merit.homeschool.9-12-06.pdf Home-schooled students in Michigan this coming spring will be able to take the Michigan Merit Exam, the state’s new high school assessment that includes the national ACT college entrance exam.
http://www.educationnews.org/Commentaries/Childrens_Rights_Files_Lawsuit.htm Recently in Detroit Federal Court, the advocacy group Children's Rights filed suit against Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Marianne Udow, Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS), for failing to take the necessary steps to protect the nearly 19,000 foster care children in the custody of the state. The state immediately agreed to enter into settlement negotiations with plaintiffs to resolve the lawsuit.
Two Reps Propose Moving Career, Adult Ed Back to State DOE http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/8-06/Gongwer8-17-06.html#top Stacks of old arguments resurfaced Thursday as a pair of House Republicans proposed moving career, technical and adult education programs back to the Department of Education. But the proposal appears to have a good future with at least conceptual support from education groups.
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The Current and Future State of Mental Health Insurance Parity Legislation
http://www.bridges4kids.org/smith.mentalhealth.parity.pdf
Bridges4kids Featured Resource: Books AloudBooks Aloud is an independent nonprofit organization located in San Jose, CA. Books Aloud tapes can be mailed anywhere within the United States. There is no charge for our services. We provide free audio book library services (via U.S. mail) for people who are unable to read printed books on their own, due to a physical, visual, or a learning disability. We try to make sure that we have "required reading" (core curriculum) books. Through our growing Sight & Sound program, we can often -- but, not always -- lend the printed book along with the audio book. Blind, visually impaired, learning or physically disabled individuals who are unable to read conventional print, hold a book, or turn the pages are eligible.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/OPINION04/608150321
I know you can
intervene at any age with a problem. I'm 67, and my doctors didn't say, "Well,
she's too old to help." When I found out I had cancer, I said, "What can we do
about it now to get rid of it?" I didn't wait a few years and hope that it would
get better. Everything else was put on hold and we aggressively attacked the
problem. It's just as important to catch a learning disability early and fix it.
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/new/releases/autism_brain_structure.cfm Researchers have found in two studies that autism may involve a lack of connections and coordination in separate areas of the brain.
MI Film Camp Gives Children With Autism Chance to Shine http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060818/NEWS01/608180311/1001/elansing Jake Skelly is a natural ham. Ask him what he likes best about film camp, and he'll tell you it's the moment before classes begin, when each student has a moment in the spotlight. "I have a cool move. See, look," Jake said, demonstrating the "Macarena" groove he performed earlier to "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire.
Grandparent Power! How Extended Family Can Enhance the Lives of Kids on the Autism Spectrum http://bridges4kids.org/articles/9-06/Coulter9-5-06.html#top
If
you're a grandparent of a child with a disability and you're close to the family
and providing lots of support, bless your heart! You're probably already tuned
in to what we're talking about here. If you're a grandparent who's been
separated by distance or other factors and you'd like to be closer, here are
some steps you can take to build bonds with your grandkids. Autism Act Grants $45M Toward Environmental Causes Research http://www.upi.com/ConsumerHealthDaily/view.php?StoryID=20060619-123237-8199r
The Senate
passed the Combating Autism Act earlier this month, which will allot the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences $45 million over five years
to aid research into the possible environmental causes of autism.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9723-brain-growth-link-to-schizophrenia.html A gene mutation that alters the shape of the brain in some people with schizophrenia could help explain why the disease often strikes at adolescence.
http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/supporting.crime.victims.pdf All children and adults who are victimized by crime have the right to receive services and supports to help them confront and resolve the many complexities surrounding the trauma of crime. When serving the significant population of victims of crime with disabilities, however, the deeper issue to address is how can first responders, victim/witness programs, domestic violence shelters, and others better ensure that these victims are not overlooked or otherwise forgotten?
http://www.educationnews.org/writers/michael/An_Interview_with_Elizabeth_Peterson.htm
Every 21 seconds someone in the United States
sustains a brain injury. Although the incidence is quite prevalent, people
aren't aware of brain injury. Elizabeth Peterson is Director of the New Mexico
Brain Injury Advisory Council and extensively involved in issues related to head
injury, brain trauma and traumatic brain injury. In this interview, she
discusses a movie entitled “ Every 21 Seconds…” a 60 minute documentary telling
the stories of 8 New Mexicans living with brain injury. Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/mentoring.html Mentoring is recognized as one of the most important strategies for assisting youth in making a positive transition into adulthood. This excellent and comprehensive guide provides the framework for setting up a successful mentoring program.
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http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/iep_access_uofm.pdf For students with significant disabilities, especially for students who are unable to talk, meaningful participation in the IEP is difficult. These students often struggle to communicate basic choices about daily activities; therefore, their personal curriculum goals are not usually solicited as part of the IEP process. Yet, we all agree that student participation in the IEP process is an important goal.
Bridges4kids
http://www.bridges4kids.org/IEP/iep.goal.bank.pdf
This amazing 177-page document will assist both
parents and professionals in forming goals for kids of all ages in the special
ed system. The Goal Bank has been designed to allow users to locate specific
goals as used in the eSIS SPED Full software. Click on a Content Area to proceed
to specific Content Strands. From there, locate the specific strand and click to
locate the Individual Goals. Content areas include: English, Functional
Academics, Independent Living, Mathematics, Mathematics Readiness, Motor,
Recreation and Leisure, Self-management and Daily Living, Social Emotional,
Speech and Language, Study Skills, and Vocational/Career Education.
http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-06/looking.glass.transition.html
Through the
Looking Glass and its National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities are
proud to announce the release of the first comprehensive resource guide for
parents who are blind or partially sighted. The new 212 page "Hands-On
Parenting: A Resource Guide for Parents who are Blind or Partially Sighted"
provides a wide range of practical information, adaptations and resources for
parents who are blind or partially sighted. MN Special-ed Costs Soar, With Fewer Ways to Pay http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/living/education/15421742.htm As students return to classes this week, Minnesota school districts are feeling increasingly squeezed by the costs of educating the most vulnerable among them.
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
Critical Issues for
Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Genetics in the Classroom:
Behavior and Interventions for Students with Genetic Syndromes
Resources for Children with
Special Needs, Inc.'s 22nd Annual Free Special Camp Fair
The Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group of Michiana present Strategies for Teaching Children w/Down Syndrome and other Developmental Disabilities WHEN: February 3, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: John Young
Middle School in Mishawaka, IN
20th Annual Research
Conference - A System of Care for Children's Mental Health: Expanding
the Research Base
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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
Out & About Autism Run/Walk
for Autism Awareness FOR MORE INFORMATION: To download registration and/or pledge form, go to www.macombasa.org. This event will benefit the Macomb/St. Clair Chapter/ASA's Recreational/Social Grant for Special Education Classrooms.
Free Lecture - Learning
Problems: The Visual Connection with Dr. John Jacobi, Developmental
Optometrist FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please call 734-525-8170 to reserve your place. Light refreshments will be served.
Early Childhood Inclusion
Teleconference
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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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