Bridges4Kids News Digest

Read the bridges4kids News Digest online! http://www.bridges4kids.org/newsdigest/index.html

National News	*top*
FL Principles vs. Profits Fred Tasker, The Miami Herald, August 31, 2004 http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/education/9533644.htm They're not quite the scary androids of I, Robot, but snack and soda vending machines in South Florida schools are nearly as controversial. They're seen as villains by nutritionists fighting childhood obesity, as saviors by principals seeking extra cash to pay for band uniforms, class trips and senior proms. Red Flag Screening EduHelpNow.org http://www.eduhelpnow.org/RFRS-Information.htm Give your child an informal reading test to help evaluate his/her level of reading accuracy. The test is based on materials from the State of Texas. "Our screening is designed to provide parents with a tool that can help confirm or negate their suspicions, through the use of objective & widely accepted standards as applied to state approved grade level material. The results of the screening can then be used as one more piece of the puzzle in determining whether to seek further help or testing." "Multiple Intelligences" Theory Comes Under Fire Jay Mathews, Washington Post, September 7, 2004 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1337-2004Sep6.html?nav=hcmodule Although Harvard professor Howard Gardner's notion of multiple intelligences appeals to many teachers, numerous psychologists say that theory is not supported by research. Some educators believe Gardner's ideas led to the demise of ability groupings in schools, an approach they felt had helped meet the academic needs of the better students. [Free login/registration required.] PA Chief of School Panel Wants Historic Shift Dale Mezzacappa, Philadelphia Inquirer, September 3, 2004 http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/living/education/9568128.htm?1c James Nevels says his drive to change the way Philadelphia teachers are assigned is aimed at equity of opportunity for students. [Free login/registration required.] More States Offer Single-sex Schools Liz Austin, Associated Press, August 24, 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-04/AP8-24-04.html#top For an increasing number of public schools, the formula for a better education requires a little arithmetic: divide the girls from the boys. That's just fine with Kristielle Pedraza, a 13-year-old who says she will not miss the boys while she attends the Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School, Dallas' first all-girls public school and one of a growing number of such schools nationally. GED: Testing Out James Vaznis, Boston Globe, August 22, 2004 http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/mcas/articles/2004/08/22/testing_out/ The GED booms among teenagers, but is it a good idea? The two girls from the Merrimack Valley both believed the GED was their ticket out of high school. PA Does the State Have a Right to Monitor Home-schooling? G. Jeffrey MacDonald, The Christian Science Monitor, August 31, 2004 http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0831/p14s02-legn.html Home-schooling parents in Pennsylvania fight the state's required reports on their children's progress. At dispute is the age-old but not yet settled question of who owns the children, and who therefore should oversee their education--the parents, the state, or God? TX Knock, Knock: It's Houston's New Truancy Gambit Kris Axtman, The Christian Science Monitor, August 31, 2004 http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0831/p03s01-usgn.html Houston's inaugural "Reach Out to Dropouts Day" had 100 volunteers knock on the doors of 800 students who hadn't shown up to school in the first two weeks of classes. To the city, it was a success: Some parents, unable to convince their kids to return to school, actually asked officials to send volunteers their way; others, having heard that volunteers might come knocking, had already sent their kids back to class. CA Mercury Ban Bill Vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Vetoed Bill would have prevented mercury injections as follows: Vaccines that contain mercury could not be injected into pregnant women and children under 3, starting in July 2006, unless there is critical shortage of vaccines or a public health emergency. Some studies indicate the that mercury can contribute to increasing rates of autism. AB2943 by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, passed the Assembly 48-21 and was stopped by the governor. [Source: Monterey Herald, August 27, 2004] Cyberbullies' Torments Have Much Wider Reach Aman Batheja, Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram, August 24, 2004 http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/9482574.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp In the wireless age, who needs fists when you've got instant messaging? Today's young cyberbullies don't bother with face-to-face intimidation. Children everywhere have figured out that they can be far more vicious bullying through the Internet, cellphones and other high-tech mediums. And they are less likely to get caught. The extreme cyberbullying cases that make headlines overshadow the minor ones that occur more often, such as forwarding private e-mails without the writer's permission or spreading rumors on message boards.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
CPS Corners Tutoring Market But Runs Risk of Losing it All Alexander Russo, Catalyst Chicago, September 2004 http://www.catalyst-chicago.org/09-04/0904nclb.htm Following a turbulent first year, private tutoring companies take a back seat in competition for $45 million in federal funds. Putting it charitably, last year’s effort to provide the tutoring required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was a rocky learning experience.
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
An Everyday Effort to Improve Education Jay Mathews, Washington Post, August 24, 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-04/WashPost8-24-04.html#top Karen Budd is one of those parents that school administrators try to avoid. To begin with, she understands math, having a bachelor's degree in the subject, plus some graduate work in engineering, from the University of Pittsburgh. Every school superintendent who has ever attended a PTA meeting knows the math-savvy parents are the worst. bridges4kids Featured Resource: Free Phonics Lessons Online http://www.thephonicspage.org/Phonics%20Lsns/phonicslsnslinks.html
Early On/Early Intervention	*top*
bridges4kids Featured Website: American Association for Home-Based Early Interventionists (AAHBEI) http://www.coe.usu.edu/skihi/AAHBEI.html AAHBEI offers the first opportunity to join with an organization that addresses the concerns of early home intervention for children with special needs and their families. There is no organization like AAHBEI. We are the only non-profit organization for professionals, parents, and families that has a special, though not exclusive, emphasis on the home as a beneficial environment for early intervention. A unique strength of AAHBEI is its focus on sensory impairments along with attention to all special needs.
Michigan News	*top*
bridges4kids Featured Resource: MEL: Michigan's Electronic Library http://mel.org/index.html The Michigan eLibrary is an anywhere, anytime information gateway to selected Internet resources, full-text magazines, newspapers, electronic books online practice tests and more. The Library of Michigan has purchased more than $3.6 million in resources for Michigan with funding from the State of Michigan and a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. You need a drivers license, state id or can log on to it at the local library without supplying this ID. It has access to practice test taking for ACT and SAT's, full text newspapers as well as books and magazines such as Exceptional Child. Nice if you are on a budget and restricted to home. Fall Issue of Leading Change: Integrating Communities and Schools http://www.cenmi.org/LeadingChange/index.asp The 2004 fall issue of Leading Change is now available for download. This issue of the Michigan Department of Education publication focuses on Integrating Communities and Schools. 2004-05 Budget Deal Opens Way For Legislative Action Gongwer News Service, September 2, 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-04/News8-2-04.html#top When the Legislature returns to session on September 8, it will have little more than three weeks left to enact the 2004-05 budget before the fiscal year starts. But it will have at least a leadership agreement on most elements of the budget. Budget Details: Cuts to 20j Schools Tops List Gongwer News Service, September 2, 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-04/News8-2-04.html#2 Oakland County schools had announced their opposition to anticipated changes to the additional funding paid to the highest spending districts, but they will have to carry their fight to the full Legislature as the budget agreement does call for the additional payments to be frozen at current levels. You can view the list of affected 20j school districts at http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-04/News8-2-04.html#4. Budget Agreement Unwelcome to Some Groups Gongwer News Service, September 2, 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/9-04/News8-2-04.html#3 School groups were quickest to be vocal on the budget agreement announced Thursday, but a number of interests around the state are expected to welcome the budget with less than warm greetings. New from Detroit Parent Network http://www.bridges4kids.org/dpn/index.htm Many events, workshops and support group meetings are taking place this month at DPN. Check our September Calendar at http://www.bridges4kids.org/dpn/pdf/DPNCalendar9-04.pdf for more information on upcoming meetings and events (PDF) for this month. Job Opportunity: Special Education Consultant for Oakland Schools Special Education Department http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/OaklandSpecEdConsult9-1-04.pdf This consultant serves as consultant when child is suspected of having a handicap, offering collaborative consultation, evaluation, and instructional technology services to students with special needs, their parents, and school staff in Oakland County. Provide consultations to general and special education staff regarding evaluation, methods, materials, curriculum and programming for special education students. Provide staff development activities on evaluation, methods, materials, and curriculum as related to special education students with a focus on the cognitively impaired (CI) population. [Posted 9-1-04]
Disability News	*top*
bridges4kids Featured Website: SKI-HI Institute http://www.coe.usu.edu/skihi/index.html The SKI-HI (pronounced "Sky-High") Institute is a unit within the College of Education, Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, at Utah State University. The SKI-HI Institute is a group of dedicated individuals whose goal is to enhance the lives of young children with special needs and their families. Many programs have been developed at the SKI-HI Institute for children who are deaf/ hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, deaf-blind, multi–disabled, or who have any special needs. The materials can be used by: service providers, families and parents, early interventionists, para-educators, teachers, day care providers, early childhood specialists, related service personnel, and others involved with young children who have special needs. Materials include delightful, user–friendly program manuals, videotapes, assessments, print materials and much more. These materials are disseminated by HOPE, Inc. For more information on these materials, select HOPE and Resources & Materials.
Upcoming National Events	*top*
To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. Dialectical Understanding: Asperger Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorders SPONSORED BY: Autism Society of Washtenaw County WHEN: Thursday September 9, 2004 from 7 PM to 9 PM WHERE: Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Teaching and Learning Center, Vogel C, 1819 South Wagner Road, Ann Arbor MI 48103 DESCRIPTION: The discussion will be on the application of dialectical principles to the understanding of Asperger Syndrome and the Autistic Spectrum Disorders. This will address practical parenting issues and therapeutic intervention with Richard Howlin, Ph.D. Dr. Howlin is a clinical developmental psychologist. His extensive experience with Asperger Syndrome has centered on the role of both temperament and social processing in children and adults. Dr. Howlin maintains a private practice in Chelsea Michigan. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information call Lora Durham President/Treasurer 483-2540, Carolyn Leckrone, Vice President 483-1590, or Jeanne Brakhage, Secretary 994-8100 x6451. Collaborating For Learning: Co-teaching and Differentiated Instruction SPONSORED BY: Michigan Network for Inclusive Schooling WHEN: Saturday, September 11, 2004 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM WHERE: Farmington Training Center, 33000 Thomas, Farmington, MI 48336 DESCRIPTION: Come and join us in a powerful training seminar that will help participants learn how to make inclusive teaching work where all students learn and achieve together. Our speaker will be Dr. Rich Villa, Bayridge Consortium, Oakland California. Dr. Villa has long experience as an administrator, teacher, and consultant to school districts throughout the world in using creative, collaborative strategies to insure that heterogeneous groups of students learn at high levels. COST & REGISTRATION: Cost is $40.00 for individual registration and $25.00 per person for group registration (team of 3 or more people). Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch. 6.5 contact hours for CEU’s are available. You may apply for these at the conference registration desk. Cost: $5. Make Checks Payable to Farmington Public Schools. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register contact Judy Guillery, Farmington Training Center at (248) 489-3386 or judy.guillery@farmington.k12.mi.us. Our Children, Our Future...Diversity, Our Strength SPONSORS: Everyone Together Wayne WHEN: September 13, 2004 from 7-9 p.m. WHERE: Stout Middle School, 18500 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, Michigan DESCRIPTION: Wayne County Everyone Together welcomes Michigan State Board of Education trustee Elizabeth Bauer for a lively discussion about nurturing an appreciation of differences. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information email wceveryonetogether@yahoo.com or phone 1-800-292-7851 ext 691. MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS WHEN: September 14, 2004, October 12, 2004, November 9, 2004, and December 14, 2004 WHERE: 4th floor of the Hannah Building in Lansing HOSTED BY: The Michigan State Board of Education DESCRIPTION: These meetings are open to the public. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Mrs. Eileen Hamilton, 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 How to be an Effective Advocate: Advocating for Inclusive Education and Beyond SPONSORS: Everyone Together Macomb WHEN: September 20, 2004 from 7-9 PM Where: Macomb Intermediate School District, 44001 Garfield, Clinton Twp MI 48038 Room 103B DESCRIPTION: Pat Dwelle, Advocate from UCP of Metropolitan Detroit and parent of a son with autism, empowers parents with knowledge, resources, improved skills and self-confidence in advocating for Inclusive Education, and in any kind of advocacy. COST: FREE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Space is limited. Please contact either Laura Krausman (586) 756-2590, or Monique Bonifas (586) 997-3720, or email everyonetogethermacomb@yahoo.com to reserve a seat and to request materials. Michigan FIA Application Form Redesign Public Comment Forums Notice DESCRIPTION: The Michigan Department of Human Services is soliciting comments on the content and design of a new application form. The redesign is for all programs including the Family Independence Program (FIP), the Food Assistance Program (FAP), Medicaid (MA), State Disability Assistance (SDA), Child Day Care (CDC), and State Emergency Relief (SER). As part of the redesign process, FIA is providing the public the opportunity to provide comments and suggestions on the application and on two versions of possible changes. There will also be opportunities to provide public comment. WHEN/WHERE: The schedule of the dates, times and locations are as follows: September 21, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Novi OPD Training Center, Michigan Classroom, 2425 Karim Blvd., Novi, MI; September 23, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Grand Rapids OPD Training Center, Cascade Commons, 5321 28th Street, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI; September 28, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Escanaba OPD Training Center, Classroom 1B, 2717 North Lincoln Road, Highway 2, Escanaba, MI; and September 30, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Gaylord OPD Training Center, Alpine Center Complex, 4th Floor, 800 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord, MI. FOR MORE INFORMATION: FIA is providing opportunities for agencies and clients to comment on proposed changes to the application. The public can access the proposed changes on the Web at www.michigan.gov/fia-application. The web site has a links to various options for the application. 23^rd Annual Michigan Statewide Conference Child Abuse and Neglect: Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment SPONSORED BY: The University of Michigan Medical School WHEN: October 25-26, 2004 WHERE: Ypsilanti Marriott, Ypsilanti, Michigan FOR MORE INFORMATION: The registration deadline is October 11, 2004. To register, call (734) 763-1400 or (800) 800-0666 and ask for a course brochure and registration form. You can also email the Office of Continuing Medical Education at OCME@umich.edu. Supporting Families with Young Children: The Fourth Biennial Conference on the Early Years WHEN: November 8-10, 2004 WHERE: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan IMPORTANT NOTICE: Parent scholarships are now available!!! DESCRIPTION: The Supporting Families with Young Children Conference is a means of bringing people together from across initiatives and disciplines. The conference strengthens and supports the efforts of service providers, advocates, leaders, and parents in communities throughout Michigan who have made great strides in increasing the complement of services available to expectant families and families with young children. These efforts are a result of the increased awareness of the significant development that takes place in the first years of life and the need to support families. The conference will feature sessions from eight different areas of discipline/tracks. These include Administration, Policy, Advocacy, Partnership (AD); Child Development and Physical Health (CD); Diverse Populations (DI); Family Literacy (FL); Home Visiting and Family Issues (HV/FI); Nurturing the Worker (NU); Social-Emotional Well Being and Mental Health (SE/MH); and Supervision (SU). The sessions are designed for individuals and families working with young children and children’s issues. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Download the conference brochure (shortened version) at http://www.bridges4kids.org/ pdf/events/SFYCConfCatalog04.pdf or email PeelerN@michigan.gov for the full, 29-page brochure.
Bridges4Kids Chief Executive Officer Deborah Canja deb@bridges4kids.org Bridges4Kids Director of Information Technology & Information Systems Jackie Igafo-Te'o jackie@bridges4kids.org Bridges4Kids Resource Assistant Bella Djordjevski news@bridges4kids.org