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Supportive School Discipline Webinar Series: Addressing Truancy-- Innovative Approaches to Systemically Increasing Attendance and Reducing Chronic Truancy
February 27, 4:00-5:30 pm ET
What's New
HHS/Office of Adolescent Health Updates State-by-State Adolescent Mental Health Facts. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health has recently updated its state summaries that focus on adolescent mental health. Each state page reports on positive social skills, depressive symptoms, depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts, attempts, and injuries. Learn More
News Clips |
KS Board OKs Limits on Seclusion and Restraint
February 13, 2013
New regulations regarding the use in Kansas schools of "restraint and seclusion" of students with severe behavioral disorders were adopted by the state board of education on Wednesday. Board members voted 9-1 to approve the regulations. The board then directed staff to draft regulations that include an appeals process for parents who disagree with the way local school boards are implementing the rules. Read Story
Obama Proposal Reflects Shift in Views on Early Childhood Education
February 13, 2013
The call for universal preschool in President Barack Obama's address Tuesday highlights increased research into child development and indications the achievement gap exists among children as young as age 3. Nine states and the District of Columbia fund universal prekindergarten programs for 4-year-olds, and most states fund some preschool for low-income families. "The way you measure the benefits are not necessarily in grades or better test scores, but really those kids seem to do better as adults," said Dr. Tracy King, a pediatrician and instructor at Johns Hopkins University Medical School in Baltimore. Read Story
Some MN Parents Support Raising Funding for Mental Health in Schools
February 12, 2013
It's a problem statewide for parents of children with mental disorders and for schools with little to no expertise in mental health care. Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty attempted a solution in a set of mental health reforms in 2007, which paid for school districts to hire mental health providers and help teachers develop action plans when children have outbursts. Thousands of students have since used the service, but the funding stretches only far enough to cover 17 percent of the state's schools right now, and it was nearly eliminated altogether in 2011.
Mandatory School Age Could Fall rom 7 to 5 in IL
February 11, 2013
In a move aimed at countering Chicago's crisis in K-8 truancy and absenteeism, state Sen. Kimberly Lightford has introduced legislation to lower Illinois' compulsory school age from 7 to 5. Experts say it is critical to establish the habit of attendance in kindergarten and first grade. Yet Illinois law does not make school compulsory until most children enter second grade, which school authorities say often prevents them from imposing consequences on parents of the youngest truants. Read Story
When High School Really IS Depressing
February 10, 2013
High-school students whose schools were ranked lower in terms of socioeducational environment during eighth grade had a slightly greater risk of having depressive symptoms in 10th and 11th grades, a study showed. The influence of school environment was slightly more prominent among teenage girls than boys, researchers reported in the journal Pediatrics.
OH Restraint, Seclusion Data Released
February 10, 2013
The district previously refused to release those figures, saying they were private. The new information about how often, where and why Columbus staff members have used physical means to try to control children with disabilities offers insight into the nature of kids’ behavioral problems and how school workers manage them.
OH Stem Academy Uses Ballroom Dancing to Teach Social Skills to Students
February 9, 2013
An Ohio STEM academy is teaching social skills, such as etiquette and confidence, to fifth-grade students through a 10-week dance program. The Dancing Classrooms program teaches students to do the tango, rumba, waltz, fox trot, swing and merengue -- and particularly targets at-risk students.
IN Elementary School Students Give Up Violent Video Games
February 9, 2013
Students in an Indiana elementary school have voluntarily agreed to give up violent video games and other media following concerns that such games could lead students to be desensitized to violence. Parents say they support the change, especially following the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. In four days, officials say families turned in 70 violent games that will be recycled.
CA District Expands Early-childhood Services
February 7, 2013
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District in California has plans to open a new early-childhood center that will provide diagnostic and treatment services to young children with developmental delays. The center also will operate as a preschool and use the Reggio Emilia education method. Read Story
MN Educators' Report Recommends Delaying Prone Restraint Ban
February 7, 2013
A Minnesota Department of Education report, put together with help from educators, school officials and mental health experts, is recommending schools be allowed to continue the use of a controversial physical restraint, used to subdue or calm agitated students, until 2017. Some advocates of disabled children worry the move puts students in danger. Read Story
Ethnic Studies To Return to Tucson in Court-Backed Desegregation Plan
February 7, 2013
Mexican-American studies will return to classrooms in Tucson's secondary schools in the fall after a federal judge approved the district's new plan to achieve greater racial balance in its schools. But the pitched battle over teaching ethnic studies in Tucson may still not be settled even though U.S. District Judge David Bury has given the green light to the school district's Unitary Status plan, which is meant to bring an end to the decades-long desegregation effort in the Arizona city. A key part of that approved plan is to offer "culturally relevant" courses that focus on the history, experience, and culture of blacks and Latinos. Read Story
California Districts Misuse School Meal Funds, Report Finds
February 7, 2013
Several California school districts—including Los Angeles Unified—have been illegally diverting tens of millions of dollars in federal and state funds meant to pay for school meals programs for low-income students, a new investigation by the California State Senate has found. The report also says that districts cut corners to save money from their cafeteria budgets by serving more processed foods rather than fresh, shortening lunch periods so not all students could be served, and not hiring enough staff to provide an appealing meals program to students who need it. The problem has been especially acute at the secondary level, they found. Read Story
Does Athletic Success Come at the Expense of Academic Success?
February 6, 2013
Schools that have a track record of success in athletics similarly have high levels of academic success, according to a recent study. Jay P. Greene, who conducted the study with Dan Bowen, writes in this commentary that the findings suggest that those who say athletics are overly emphasized in schools should consider the correlation between sports and academics. "Our data suggest that this claim that high school athletic success comes at the expense of academic success is mistaken," he writes. Read Story
Why Can Some Kids Handle Pressure While Others Fall Apart?
February 6, 2013
Students are under more pressure than ever to perform well on standardized tests. However, educators and parents say some students are reacting differently to the stress -- with some students thriving and others buckling under the pressure. This article notes that part of the issue may be genetic, with some students being classified as "worriers" while others are "warriors." Experts say the answer may be exposing students who are anxious to more stress -- if it is the right kind. Read Story
Social Skills Lessons Boost Special Needs Students' Emotional Development, Review Finds
February 6, 2013
The federal What Works Clearinghouse, which vets evidence on educational effectiveness on behalf the Institute of Education Sciences, found three high-quality studies (out of 46 reviewed) involving more than 100 children with disabilities in early-education programs that included a social skills training approach. Within these studies, the clearinghouse found that students who participated in social skills training improved in both their classroom behavior and assessments of their social and emotional development. Read Story
KS District Club Creates Social Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
February 6, 2013
The Friendship Group -- a club in Bonner Springs, Kan., schools -- brings student athletes and students with disabilities together each week. The club offers students with social, behavioral or emotional disorders an opportunity to practice communication skills and make new friends. About 60 student athletes across three schools participate in the club, and the district soon will make it available as an elective. Read Story
University of Idaho Student Deaths Raise Concern Over 'Culture of Drinking'
February 5, 2013
Data compiled by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is drawing attention to what many experts believe is a growing problem. The NIAAA reports that each year, fellow students who have been drinking assault nearly 700,000 students, 400,000 have unprotected sex while drunk, almost 600,000 are injured, and some 1,825 students die due to alcohol poisoning and alcohol related accidents. Read Story
College Presidents Call for Stricter Gun Laws
February 5, 2013
A group of college presidents is joining forces with mayors around the U.S. to advocate for stricter gun control. Through a new organization called College Presidents for Gun Safety, the school officials are collaborating with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a coalition of close to 900 city leaders that New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has founded to fight gun violence and elect public officials who consider this a priority. Read Story
Schools’ Reactions to Fake Guns: Avoiding Real Danger?
February 5, 2013
Students across the nation have faced detention, lengthy suspensions and even expulsion for making firearms out of Legos or bringing cheap, plastic toy pistols to class. A Montgomery County Public Schools student was even suspended recently for pointing his fingers in the shape of a gun, though the suspension was overturned. With much of the nation caught up in a furious debate over guns and Second Amendment rights in the wake of Newtown, school leaders are struggling to walk the line between prudence and hysterical overreaction. Read Story
MD County Council Approves $3.7M School Safety Plan
February 4, 2013
Members of the Baltimore County Council on Monday approved spending $3.7 million on school safety equipment, including cameras, improved electronic entry systems and a new visitor ID system. Under the plan, the county will expand the use of cameras in schools, and the video will stream live to police patrol cars, precincts and command staff at police headquarters. School police officers will get mobile tablets to monitor the footage. Read Story
Leaders to Learn From: 15 Good Ideas
February 4, 2013
Education Week has released a report that highlights 16 education leaders implementing creative ideas in their own districts. "Leaders to Learn From" highlights strategies undertaken by leaders regarding school climate, curbing dropouts, improving services for students with special needs and improving parent participation. Among the leaders profiled is St. Paul, Minn., superintendent Valeria Silva, who has made major reforms to the district's approach to English-language learners. Read Story
MN State Educators Train Teachers on Positive Behavior Interventions
February 4, 2013
Minnesota schools are trying new ways to keep students in the classroom and out of trouble. State education officials are training teachers to better help students understand how to behave in school and encouraging principals to come up with alternatives to suspension. It's all part of a Minnesota Department of Education initiative called Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports, or PBIS. Read Story
IN Pilot Program Helps Children get Needed Mental-health Services
February 3, 2013
Indiana state agencies have referred 19 children for mental-health services in a pilot program designed to get these children help before they end up in the court system. The program aims to help children get services through Medicaid, the Department of Child Services or community partners, depending on their needs and whether they can get some services paid for through Medicaid or private insurance. Read Story
Proposed Rules Unveiled for School Vending Machines, Snack Foods
February 1, 2013
School vending machines, a la carte lunch lines, and other snacks sold to students at school are facing their first new regulations in more than 30 years—standards heralded by nutrition experts but ones that may be subjected to a battle from the food industry. Among other things, the rules would give a boost to healthy snack foods made with with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and sources of protein as their main ingredients, and require that these items be lower in fat, sugar, and sodium. Read Story
Gay Students' Sexual Activity Would Be Reported Under Tenn. Bill
February 1, 2013
Tennessee state Sen. Stacey Campfield has proposed legislation that would require a counselor or other school official who learns that a student has engaged in homosexual activity to report this information to the student's parents. In a separate section of the legislation, the bill requires that school officials counseling a student "who is engaging in, or who may be at risk of engaging in, behavior injurious to the physical or mental health and well-being of the student or another person" also notify parents or guardians about this. Read Story
Alcohol Hospitalizes UVa Students, Greeks Ban Hard Liquor
February 1, 2013
University of Virginia leaders are pushing campus fraternities and sororities to curb drinking after a rash of alcohol-related emergency room visits during rush week, officials said Thursday. Although the numbers are not out of line with what the school has seen in the past, university officials said they took the potentially life-threatening situations seriously. Read Story
Drinking Among College Freshmen Hits Record Low, Major Survey Finds
January 30, 2013
According to the "2012 Freshman Norms report," conducted by UCLA's Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) each year since 1966, only 33 percent of college freshman reported drinking beer in 2012, down from 35.4 percent in 2011 and far lower than the 73.7 percent who were knocking back drinks in 1982, when many of their own parents were in college.
High Schools Take New Approaches to Help Stressed Students
January 30, 2013
High schools nationwide are seeking to help stressed-out students by bringing in therapy dogs, teaching yoga and relaxation techniques, and offering evenings free of homework. Two high schools in Maine are offering massage therapy and other treatments, while high schools in other states are scheduling recess-style breaks for older students. Educators say the approaches are designed to help students slow down and give them time to cope with their hectic schedules. Read Story
Empathy: the Key to Social and Emotional Learning
January 30, 2013
“Some scientists believe that cognitive achievement is 50 percent of the equation and social and emotional skills are the other 50 percent.” Some school districts are taking that idea seriously and integrating the research into teaching practices. Oakland Unified School District, for example, is piloting a program called Roots of Empathy in 20 schools across the district. The program teaches students how to be empathetic by bringing a baby and the baby’s parent into K-12 classrooms. Read Story
Armed Teachers and Guards Won't Make Schools Safer
January 30, 2013
There are three cost-effective alternatives to arming classroom teachers, writes Charles J. Russo, an adjunct law professor at the University of Dayton, Ohio. Among the suggestions he offers in this commentary are to strengthen counseling and family programs, develop and practice comprehensive school-safety plans and take measures to secure the school building, such as requiring visitors to check into a central location and reinforcing the windows. Read Story
Overcoming Impact of Adversity on Learning
January 29, 2013
Armed with research and a commitment to the whole child, Washington state has transformed the way its agencies work together and in partnership with researchers to address the effects of early adversity on learning and to help disadvantaged children build resiliency and other so-called executive-function skills they need to learn and grow.
Interactive: Mapping High School Graduation, Dropout Rates Across the U.S.
January 29, 2013
This article includes two interactive maps detailing the high-school graduation and dropout rates nationwide, categorized by race and ethnicity. The maps feature data from the 2009-10 school year, recently released by the National Center for Education Statistics, that shows while the national graduation rate is at its highest level since 1974 -- at 78% -- gaps remain among minority students and their white peers. Read Story
Severe Flu Season Prompts School Closures
January 28, 2013
A rough flu season is prompting schools around the country to shut down briefly because dozens of students, in some cases, have the illness or something like it. While no one tracks how many schools close because of the flu—or, in public-health parlance, "influenza-like illness"—stories of closures are cropping up nationwide. And flu season is only at about its midpoint.
Mental Health Issues Common But Youths Lack Treatment
January 28, 2013
Although about 1 in 5 adolescents has a mental health disorder, 60 percent to 90 percent of them don't ask for or receive treatment, a new brief from Child Trends says. And the mental health needs of adolescents are often first identified in schools, though not often enough. Some of the barriers to treatment are missed opportunities by schools, parents, and medical providers to address prevention and early identification of mental health disorders; poor coordination of services between schools, primary care providers, and social service systems; and the ongoing stigma associated with mental health disorders. Read Story
Study Calls for Daily PE Classes
January 28, 2013
A recent study found that taking daily physical-education courses in school, taking physical activity breaks in the classroom and encouraging students to bike and walk to school would benefit students. Federal recommendations call for children ages 6 to 17 to get 60 minutes of physical activity each day. A Colorado elementary school, which has been recognized nationally, offers students options for activity breaks such as dancing, jumping rope, relay races and power walking. Read Story
Parents Concerned About School Safety Weigh Various Options
January 28, 2013
There are plenty of signs that parents are fearful about violence in our society and how it will impact their children—in school, and beyond. As U.S. lawmakers eye policy changes in the wake of the Newtown tragedy, proposals include arming adults in and around schools, a suggestion that has raised several concerns.
OH Bill to Get Police in Schools
January 26, 2013
Ohio state Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township, has introduced legislation that would exempt off-duty police officers from paying federal income taxes on money they earn when working as substitute teachers. The officers still would have to meet requirements, such as having a bachelor's degree, to become substitute teachers under the bill. Tiberi said the legislation is intended to encourage more armed police officers to work in schools, with the intention of beefing up school safety and security. Read Story
New York Higher Education Group Receives ED College Access Challenge Grant
January 25, 2013
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation announced Thursday that a new $6.8 million federal College Access Challenge Grant was awarded to New York state to increase college enrollment and completion among its low-income students for the fourth time.
White House: Schools Must Open Sports to Disabled
January 25, 2013
Schools must make "reasonable modifications" for students with disabilities seeking to compete in after-school sports, the U.S. Department of Education announced last week in a letter intended to clarify federal laws on inclusion. For example, schools can use a flashing light as a race starter for a runner who is deaf or hard of hearing, department officials wrote. "It's really affording them access to terrific social situations that will hopefully break down some of the barriers and discrimination we've seen in the past," said Lindsay Jones of the Council for Exceptional Children. Read Story
Asthma, Linked to Reduced Achievement, Rising Among Children
January 24, 2013
Asthma, a common childhood illness, has been linked to higher rates of school absenteeism, and from there to lower grades and test scores. The illness, more common among children living in poverty and from minority groups, may be a symptom of those children's living conditions. These kids are also disproportionately more likely to attend schools with lower indoor air quality.
Ivies Tighten Alcohol Policies
January 24, 2013
Seven of eight Ivy League universities — Yale, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania and Harvard — have all rolled out new alcohol-related policies since last August, with a series of major regulation changes occurring at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania. Administrators and students said they have noticed a shift away from direct disciplinary approaches toward more creative educational programs, but students at four schools said the recent policies have targeted alcohol usage at the expense of Greek life. Read Story
Districts Get Bold on School Security
January 23, 2013
As President Obama unveils an anti-violence plan, districts are taking dramatic steps—and even arming staff—to boost safety. School safety experts warn against making major changes to security procedures without thinking those changes through. But in many communities, people say not taking action after the deadliest K-12 shootings in American history is just not an option. Read Story
Obama Presses School Safety, Mental-Health Initiatives
January 23, 2013
President Barack Obama's comprehensive plan to help the nation avert gun violence lays out a series of new and reinvigorated federal programs aimed at bolstering districts' emergency preparedness; helping schools hire safety personnel, social workers, and psychologists; and training teachers to better identify students with mental illness.
Books Recognized for Social-Emotional Lessons
January 23, 2013
The Open Circle Program at Wellesley Centers for Women, which helps teachers work with elementary-age children to acquire skills to build and maintain positive relationships, came up with the top 25 list of books that connect children to social and emotional learning. The listed books stand out as being especially authentic and memorable and are geared toward children in kindergarten through 5th grades. They deal with self-awareness, self-management, empathy, dealing with conflict, and problem-solving. Read Story
Online Seminar: Alcohol Policy, Underage Drinknig Prevention, and Social Change
January 23, 2013
According to the latest estimates of the global burden of disease study, alcohol is the leading risk factor in most countries of the Americas Region. Implementing effective alcohol policies that would reduce the burden of non communicable diseases, injuries, underage drinking, at the same time that they would make economic sense, remain both a challenge and a priority. Such policies need also to counter balancing the influence of the alcohol industry, which is rapidly expanding in the Region. Jim Mosher’s presentation will focus on preventing underage drinking: alcohol policies shown to be effective, the alcohol industry’s role and economic stake in the policy debate, and community-based implementation strategies. Participate
MD School Discipline Proposals to be Changed
January 22, 2013
State education leaders will make changes to a set of proposals designed to shift student discipline practices in Maryland toward a more “rehabilitative” approach that would reduce suspensions, keep students in school and teach positive behavior.
SC Bill Would Require a School Psychologist In Every School
January 22, 2013
A bill introduced by state Representative Jerry Govan would require all public schools in South Carolina to have a full-time school psychologist. There are only about 550 school psychologists for the state's 1,200 public schools, but Govan offers the bill as an alternative to other school safety measures. "I think it stands a better chance of saving lives than arming teachers in schools," Govan said. Read Story
MN Takes Steps to Improve Mental Health Services for Children
January 21, 2013
Grant funding from the state Department of Human Services has helped health providers in Duluth, Minn., improve children's access to mental health treatment. Spearheaded by St. Luke's hospital, the program brings together community clinics, trained pediatricians, and family-practice physicians in the screening and treatment of children ages 6 to 17. Read Story
MD County’s ‘Seven Keys to College Readiness’ will get a Makeover
January 21, 2013
As national education reforms continue to take shape, Montgomery County, Md., public schools are adopting a more rigorous curriculum and altering their definition of what it means to be "college ready." For years, the district has held its Seven Keys to College Readiness, which now will be revised. While the exact changes are still unclear, officials say the standards likely are to focus on more rigorous academic measures, as well as areas that cannot be measured with standardized tests, such as persistence, motivation and communication. Read Story
Obama Puts School Safety High on Second-Term Agenda
January 21, 2013
In his inaugural address Monday, President Barack Obama highlighted his intention to fund additional training for math and science teachers and focus on school safety during his second term. "Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm," Obama said. Read Story
CA Schools Help Students Grapple with Grief
January 18, 2013
California educators say students' counseling needs have grown as resources to provide services have dwindled. Among other things, school counselors help students handle grief, such as the death of a loved one. Counselors appear more common at the high-school level; for example, the Corona-Norco district has counselors available at each high school to help students deal with violence, safety, academics and other issues. Read Story
MD Governor Seeks to Expand In-class Breakfast Program
January 18, 2013
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is on a mission to end childhood hunger in the state by 2015. He has proposed spending an additional $1.8 million to serve breakfast in the classroom at qualifying schools. The additional funding would allow the state to more than double the size of the program and serve 89,896 students in 407 schools. Read Story
Study: GA Pre-k Program Lifts Students
January 17, 2013
Early results from a study show students enrolled in Georgia's pre-kindergarten program fared better than their peers nationally. Officials say they hope the findings will encourage lawmakers to continue the program, which is funded by the state lottery. "It is extremely important that the people understand that this pre-k program is not baby-sitting, that it is preparing young people for school, and that it makes a difference on achievement at the end of the day," said former state Senate Education Committee Chairman Fran Millar. Read Story
Study: Senior Mentors, Not Bonuses, Boost College Enrollment
January 17, 2013
High-school students are more likely to enroll in college if they are mentored by college students, according to research by economics professors Bruce Sacerdote and Scott Carrell. The researchers conducted a study in which high-school seniors met weekly with Dartmouth College students to discuss their applications, financial aid and other issues. Even though some meetings didn't start until March, participating students were more likely to go to college. Read Story
Harvard, SurveyMonkey Offer Tool to Weigh Parent Engagement
January 16, 2013
Districts and parent-teacher groups can use an online survey to measure the quality of parent-school relationships. Read Story
MN Bill would Make Reduced-price School Meals Free
January 16, 2013
Lawmakers in Minnesota are considering legislation that would make more school meals available to students for free. Under the bill, meals now served at a reduced price would become free. "If we increase participation in the program because those kids who qualify for reduced will now start eating, then of course getting more kids to eat is always a good thing," said Tom Fish, food coordinator for St. Peter Public School. Read Story
Children With Autism Frequent Victims of Bullying
January 15, 2013
In many school districts, more than 90 percent of schools that serve lunch through the National School Lunch Program now serve breakfast at school, too, new data from the Food Research and Action Center show. Read Story
Teacher Collaboration: When Belief Systems Collide
January 15, 2013
There is the potential for conflict whenever people collaborate, including teachers, writes Elena Aguilar, a transformational leadership coach. In this blog post, she writes about six education belief systems and how they can lead to conflict within a team of educators. Understanding your own belief systems, as well as those of fellow educators, can help to avoid conflict and boost understanding, Aguilar writes. Read Story
Teaching Students the ABCs of Resilience
January 14, 2013
Teaching students about how beliefs affect resilience to adversity can help students learn positive coping strategies to the challenges in life, social-emotional program developer Renee Jain writes in this blog post. Read Blog
MA High School Prepares Breathalyzer Policy and Protocol
January 14, 2013
Students at a Massachusetts high school who are suspected of being intoxicated at school or at school events could be asked to take a breathalyzer test under a policy proposed by the school's principal and in partnership with the police department. Read Story
Teaching Kids to Give Themselves a Timeout
January 14, 2013
Psychologists with the Child Mind Institute in New York are working with the League School in Brooklyn to see if a positive-behavior discipline technique, sometimes used with parents and children, will work in a school setting. The technique, called teacher-child interaction therapy -- TCIT -- involves a range of strategies, including teachers ignoring problem behaviors such as not paying attention and praising students for desired behaviors. Read Story
Opposition, Support Grow for Adding Armed Police at Schools
January 11, 2013
While President Obama said recently that he would be skeptical that more guns would be an answer to school safety, his administration is considering paying to add police to secure schools. Read Story
Cornell Withdraws Recognition of a Fraternity After a Report of Hazing
January 11, 2013
Two years after one of its students died after a fraternity drinking ritual, Cornell University has withdrawn its recognition of another fraternity after a pledging episode in which prospective members were said to have been served alcohol and stripped naked. Read Story
E-Games Could Be Effective at Combating Youth Obesity, Study Suggests
January 11, 2013
Among elementary school-aged children, active video games ("e-games") can have similar benefits as traditional physical education, suggests a study published online Wednesday in the journal Games for Health. Read Story
Bullying Takes Toll On Kids With Autism
January 11, 2013
Children with autism are experiencing high rates of bullying and face significant emotional consequences as a result, a new study finds. Read Story
Quality Counts: Involving Students in School Climate
January 10, 2013
Researchers and administrators talk about how to bring students into the school-climate conversation, from identifying problems to changing behavior. Learn More
Live Chat (1/10/13): How School Counselors Contribute to Student Success
January 10, 2013
Consider questions on how schools can balance teaching students the three R's and "soft skills" such as grit, motivation, and self-regulation, which some experts claim are more critical to student achievement. Learn More
National Drug Facts Week (NDFW): Jan 28 - Feb 3
January 10, 2013
NDFW is a health observance week for teens that aims to shatter the myths about drugs and drug abuse. Register for local events, learn how to host or sponsor an event, or take the National Drug IQ Challenge. Learn More
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's National Leadership Forum/SAMHSA's 9th Annual Prevention Day
January 10, 2013
Learn the latest strategies to fight substance abuse and hear from nationally known experts and policymakers. SAMHSA's Prevention Day is Monday, February 4, and is free to the public. Learn More
26th Annual Children's Mental Health Research and Policy Conference
January 10, 2013
Register to be a part of the national conversation on children's mental health research and policy. This conference brings together more than 500 stakeholders to share information on health, education, and more. Learn More
Discipline Data Cast Harsh Light on Some Schools
January 10, 2013
Data collected by the U.S. Department of Education show wide variations in how schools use out-of-school suspension and expulsion. Read Story
Suspensions Linked to Lower Graduation Rates in FL Study
January 10, 2013
About three-fourths of Florida 9th graders who were never suspended out of school as freshmen graduated from high school, compared with a 52 percent graduation rate for those suspended once and a 38 percent rate for those suspended twice in their first high school year, an analysis has found. Read Story
Social-Emotional Needs Entwined with Students' Learning, Security
January 10, 2013
A supportive environment can promote student achievement, and stress can be a hindrance, research and experience show. Read Story
Parents and Community Can Play Key Roles in School Success
January 10, 2013
Educators enlist outside partners in formal and grassroots efforts that boost morale, achievement, and students' sense of security. Read Story
Social-Emotional Needs Entwined with Students' Learning, Security
January 10, 2013
Students' ability to learn depends not just on the quality of their textbooks and teachers, but also on the comfort and safety they feel at school and the strength of their relationships with adults and peers there. Read Story
Prescription Drug Misuse Remains a Top Public Health Concern
January 8, 2013
New SAMHSA report finds approximately 22 million persons nationwide initiating nonmedical pain reliever use since 2002. Read Story
A Broader Bolder Approach to the Common Core Engages the Whole Child and All Children
January 8, 2013
Common Core State Standards do not represent a whole-child approach to education, write Howard Adelman and Linda Taylor, co-directors of the Center for Mental Health in Schools at the University of California, Los Angeles. Instead, they write in this blog post, some districts are seeking to fill the void in the new standards by expanding the curriculum to include a focus on social and emotional learning and the challenges many students face such as learning disabilities and poverty.
DPS Reaches Out to Alumni for Help
January 8, 2013
Officials in Detroit are reaching out to the school district's alumni network and community volunteers to improve schools physically and act as mentors to inspire students. The Day of Service is set for Jan. 21, and officials say they hope the day allows them to develop long-term relationships between the volunteers and schools.
Up to $3 Million in Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act) Grants
January 7, 2013
The STOP Act grants aim to strengthen collaboration among the Federal, state, local, and tribal governments and communities to reduce and prevent alcohol use among youth more effectively. Learn More
Up to $10.7 Million in System of Care Expansion Planning Grants
January 7, 2013
The purpose of these grants is to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to expand and sustain the system of care approach to providing services for children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their families. Learn More
The Nutrition Gap: A Fight for Quality Food for Mississippi’s Littlest Learners
January 4, 2013
When the USDA passed new nutrition requirements for school lunches in January, more U.S. students gained access to healthier foods—like it or not. Read Story
Colleges Step in to Fill Students’ Social-skills Gaps
January 3, 2013
Some colleges have started teaching students how to make small talk, deal with conflict, show up on time, follow business etiquette, and communicate with co-workers. Read Story
Survey: Teachers Lack Training on Childhood Grief
January 2, 2013
One in 7 Americans report losing a parent or sibling by age 20, a major factor in why the AFT is now embarking on an awareness and training campaign surrounding the issue of childhood grief. Read Story
Overcoming Resistance to Social and Emotional Character Development in Your School
January 1, 2013
There is resistance in life to many great ideas, and resistance to social, emotional and character development (SECD) in schools is one of them. The author of this Edutopia blog offers tips to break through whatever resistance you are finding in your educational setting. Read Blog
Keep Recess in Play, Pediatricians Urge
December 31, 2012
Withholding recess time as a form of punishment or for academic reasons may be detrimental to child development, according to an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement. Read Story
Memphis City Schools Counseling Services Help Reduce Expulsions, Suspensions for SWDs
December 29, 2012
The Memphis City Schools Mental Health Center in Tennessee has implemented a program to help keep students with disabilities in school. The Why Try? program includes professional development, group counseling and a summer reinforcement program. The school system credits the program, paid for with a federal grant, for reducing suspensions and expulsions among students in special education.
Kinder Children are More Popular
December 28, 2012
Preteens who were asked to do three acts of kindness every week for four weeks were happier and more popular among their classmates, according to a study in the journal PLoS One. The findings suggest that performing "positive acts" could even help fight bullying in school. Read Story
3 Investments Good Leaders Make in Creating Other Leaders
December 27, 2012
There are three things that good school leaders can do to help develop other leaders, writes Joe Mazza, lead learner at Knapp Elementary School in suburban Philadelphia. He suggests in this blog post that they invest in a healthy school culture, which fosters trust and respect among all teachers. He also recommends that leaders invest in relationships and an "outside the box" lens.
Kindness Boosts Student Popularity, Study Shows
December 27, 2012
Mean girls and bullies may sit at the top of the classroom pecking order in Hollywood, but a new study suggests in real life, kindness is linked to popularity among middle schoolers.
PA: School Resource Officers Expected at all Buildings
December 26, 2012
Officials in a Pennsylvania district are working with police to place school resource officers in all buildings. The move comes after the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and also follows what turned out to be an unsubstantiated rumor that a violent incident would take place at a local high school.
PA Underage Drinkers Face Stiffer Fines
December 25, 2012
Stiffer fines went into effect as of Christmas Eve for underage drinking and public drunkenness offenses. Now, the $300 fine that underage drinkers had faced has risen to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second offense, a change made largely because of costly, time-consuming alcohol-fueled crime in State College, home to Penn State University.
For Poor, Leap to College Often Ends in a Hard Fall
December 22, 2012
Low-income strivers face uphill climbs. Three friends Each showed the ability to do college work, even excel at it. But the need to earn money brought one set of strains, campus alienation brought others, and ties to boyfriends not in school added complications. With little guidance from family or school officials, college became a leap that they braved without a safety net.
IL District: Local School Staff to Get Fitness Discount
December 22, 2012
Officials in an Ill. district say that teachers and other school staff should be models for healthy living, which they encourage among students. To help accomplish that goal, the city council has agreed to offer in-district rates at its fitness center to school staff that live outside of the district. The district also launched a Fit Together Program this year, in which school staff earn points for eating healthy and exercising and are eligible for prizes.
The Case for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools
December 21, 2012
The recent tragedy in Newtown, Conn., demonstrates the need for educators to help develop "trauma-sensitive schools," according to the blog post written by Eric Rossen, a nationally certified school psychologist and licensed psychologist in Maryland. At "trauma-sensitive schools," educators are responsive "to the potential impact of trauma and adverse experiences on students' lives" and help ensure that all students "feel safe, connected, and supported," writes Rossen, co-editor of "Supporting and Educating Traumatized Students: A Guide for School-Based Professionals."
Two Head Start Reports Find Problems and Some Hope
December 21, 2012
The benefits children reap from Head Start, the preschool program for low-income families, disappear almost completely by third grade. While social support for children in the program is high, academic supports are low.
PA District Cuts Parent Lunch Visitation in Wake of Sandy Hook
December 20, 2012
In the wake of the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., a school district in Pennsylvania has decided to retool a policy on parents and guardians joining students for lunch during the school day. Previously, parents and guardians were permitted at lunch without the clearance required for school volunteers. Now, however, officials say the revised policy will minimize risk and improve safety for students and staff. Read Story
Survey: Almost One-Fourth of 12th Graders Have Smoked Marijuana in Past Month
December 19, 2012
Almost one-quarter of the nation’s high school seniors say they have smoked marijuana in the past month, according to the 2012 Monitoring the Future Survey. Read Story
NIDA’s 2012 Monitoring the Future Survey Shows Rates Stable or Down for Most Drugs
December 19, 2012
Continued high use of marijuana by the nation's eighth, 10th and 12th graders combined with a drop in perceptions of its potential harms was revealed in this year's Monitoring the Future survey, an annual survey of eighth, 10th, and 12th–graders conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan. The survey also showed that teens' perception of marijuana's harmfulness is down, which can signal future increases in use.
Debate Stirred on Arming Teachers, School Staff
December 19, 2012
In the aftermath of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, several prominent voices, including former U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett and U.S. Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, have argued that allowing teachers and principals to carry firearms could prevent such incidents. But allowing school staff members to carry firearms to defend students and themselves could create safety and logistical problems for school authorities and law-enforcement officers, according to a national group representing police officers assigned to schools.
After the Tragedy, What Next?
December 19, 2012
School districts are required to have detailed plans for crisis prevention and response, but an often-overlooked element in this planning is addressing what to do in the long-term aftermath of tragedy. After a tragedy, everything is in turmoil; it is not the easiest time to make difficult decisions about moving forward. That’s why some decisions should be thought out in advance, writes Carolyn Lunsford Mears.
Two NJ Schools Forge Unlikely Friendship
December 19, 2012
Two communities that otherwise never would have had reason to interact bonded in a way no one expected. Stereotypes that form while living in isolation from other racial and ethnic groups were shattered, expanding students’ perspective.
Arne Duncan Named to White House Task Force After School Shootings
December 19, 2012
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has been tapped—along with other cabinet officials—to serve on a White House task force that will examine gun violence, mental health services, and other policies related to the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Principals' Union: We Need National School Safety Task Force
December 19, 2012
In the wake of the shootings in Newtown, Conn., the American Federation of School Administrators is calling for a national task force specifically on school safety. The task force, the goals of which were outlined in a press release dated Dec. 18, would focus on standards for establishing best practices in school safety, for implementing those best practices, and for determining what resources are needed to establish them.
Arrests in a Freshman’s Drinking Death Reflect a Tougher Approach
December 19, 2012
The DeKalb police have issued arrest warrants for 22 students after the fraternity hazing-related death of a freshmen student. The arrests amount to one of the largest numbers of people to be criminally charged in a single college hazing episode, reflecting recent efforts by the police and prosecutors around the country to enforce anti-hazing laws more aggressively. But some experts said the message was unlikely to make a lasting change in college drinking culture. Read Story
Governor Vetoes Bill Permitting Concealed Weapons in MI Schools
December 18, 2012
Days after the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn., Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has vetoed legislation that would have allowed some people to carry concealed weapons in schools, day-care centers and other locations. Under the bill, gun owners with additional training would have been permitted to carry the weapons. Snyder said he vetoed the bill because it did not allow for institutions to opt out and ban weapons from their premises. Read Story
School Shootings' Effects Felt in Districts Nationwide
December 17, 2012
Three days after the deadliest K-12 school shooting in American history, state and district education leaders across the country are reviewing security measures, increasing police presence, and grappling with how to answer students’ questions about the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the Newtown, Conn., district.
CT Tragedy Highlights Importance of School Mental-health Services
December 17, 2012
Former special educator Jennifer Cerbasi writes in this commentary that the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., highlights the need for more resources devoted to the mental and emotional health of students. Often targeted for budget cuts, all schools need full-time counselors and psychologists, she notes.
More Districts Consider Pushing Back High School Start Times
December 16, 2012
Concerns that high-school students are not getting enough sleep have led officials in Fairfax County, Va., and Montgomery County, Md., to consider plans to push back high schools' start time. One proposal in Montgomery County calls for high school to start no earlier than 8:15 a.m., rather than the current 7:25 a.m. However, the moves have raised questions over scheduling and bus routes that could make the changes problematic for schools. Read Story
CA District Expanding Young Students' Role in Nutrition
December 15, 2012
The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education voted this week to further strengthen what is regarded as one of the leading school nutrition programs in the nation. In a resolution passed without opposition, board members directed the district to create a plan to incorporate nutrition education into the curriculum, give students more say in school meal planning and allow them at least 20 minutes to actually eat. Some students say they end up with as little as five minutes for meals because of long cafeteria lines. Read Story
MD County "Best Buddies" Program Facilitates Special Education Partners and Friendships
December 15, 2012
Best Buddies is a “global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-on-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” according to the organizations website. At Bells Mill it really is a bridge between the general education students and the students with autism. Read Story
Policies Proposed, Change Demanded to End 'School-to-Prison Pipeline'
December 13, 2012
At a U.S. Senate hearing Wednesday about ending the 'school-to-prison pipeline,' leaders in the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice said they expect to provide guidance to schools about school discipline policies, a measure that would add to the growing list of actions the current administration has taken in this arena.
DC Releases Results of Nation’s First-ever Standardized Test on Health and Sex Ed
December 12, 2012
Fifth- and eighth graders in the District are pretty well-versed in emotional-health issues but have a lot to learn about the human body, according to results from the city’s (and the nation’s) first-ever standardized test on health, physical education and sex ed. High school students, meanwhile, correctly answered an average of three out of four questions about sexuality and reproduction — but knew far less about how to locate health information and assistance.
School Absences Translate to Lower Test Scores, Study Says
December 12, 2012
As schools ramp up their academic focus, however, a new analysis of results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress show the cost of missing school may be greater. Fifty-six percent of 8th graders who performed at the advanced level in NAEP reading in 2011 had perfect attendance in the month before the test, compared with only 39 percent of students who performed below the basic level.
'End Childhood Obesity Innovation Challenge' Semifinalists Announced
December 12, 2012
The Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) announced the 10 semifinalists of its "End Childhood Obesity Innovation Challenge" today, and it's now up to America to decide on the finalists. PHA launched the challenge back in October to cultivate ideas regarding childhood-obesity prevention from the general public. Anyone interested in submitting an idea was invited to complete an online application and submit a two-minute video detailing how it would help in the fight against childhood obesity.
Concussions Alter Children's Brains for Months, Study Finds
December 11, 2012
Months after sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) such as a concussion, the changes in a child's brain still persist even if the child is symptom-free, according to a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
Hispanic Preschoolers Show Strong Social Skills; Literacy Lags
December 11, 2012
Researchers found that Mexican-American children between the ages of 2 and 3 demonstrated language and cognitive skills that were seven months behind those of white peers, whether they were assessed in English or Spanish. That gap lasted through the beginning of kindergarten. At the same time, however, the researchers found that the social skills of these same children rival those of their white peers, despite their lagging literacy and despite coming from more impoverished households.
OR District Boosts Effort to Engage Parents
December 11, 2012
The new District Parent Advisory Committee offers parents the chance to talk to the superintendent and members of the school board directly; and, in essence, become the unofficial diplomats of the community, opening up lines of communication between the district and its residents. A translator is present for Spanish-speaking advisory members, of which there are many. Another opportunity for parents to get involved is Parent Academy, a new education program that teaches parents about becoming more involved in their children's success in school.
Help Students De-Stress for Success
December 11, 2012
There is a great deal of research showing that unremitting stress leads to increased levels of illness and infection, cuts years off of people's lives, and generally cuts down on people's happiness. If students can learn to deal with stress effectively in high school, and can carry those skills into adulthood, it can have ripple effects throughout their entire lives.
University Attempts to Analyze, Alter Alcohol Abuse in Chico
December 11, 2012
Two Chico State health researchers have found that 35 percent of Chico State freshmen are predisposed to binge drinking, which is higher than the national average of 22 percent of college freshmen. Dr. Deborah Stewart, the Student Health Service director, and Trisha Seastrom, the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center program manager, are working on a preliminary plan to address alcohol issues and other substance abuse concerns on the Chico State campus, Stewart said. Read Story
School Lunch Rules Bent to Allow More Grain, Protein—But Not Calories
December 10, 2012
Caps on the amount of grain and protein in school meals—put in place just this school year—have been lifted for now. In a letter Friday to Republican U.S. Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that because schools have found limits on servings of grains and proteins "the top operational challenge" of new school meal requirements, schools don't have to follow them for the rest of the school year.
New College-Readiness Tracking System Under Study
December 10, 2012
The idea behind the College Readiness Indicator System is that grades and student performance alone are not enough to determine college readiness. And schools can be more effective using a model that allows them to engage proactively with students before they go off-track. The indicator system measures three areas: 1. Academic preparedness - as reflected in grade point average and availability of Advanced Placement courses; 2. Academic tenacity - using attendance or disciplinary infractions to demonstrate effort; and 3. College knowledge - understanding financial requirements for college and other skills needed to access and navigate college.
Smart-Girl Program Tackles Tween Angst with Team Building
December 9, 2012
At several middle schools and other locations in the Denver area, weekly meetings of Smart-Girl activity clubs are designed to help teenage girls gain confidence and learn how to handle conflicts and resist peer pressures in a "safe" space. Activities are run by "near peers" -- high-school or college women trained by professional counselors. "It's all about helping girls help one another, about noticing when one of them needs support," Smart-Girl Executive Director Karen Silverman said.
MS District Cooperating with DOJ in “School to Prison” Student Discipline Case
December 9, 2012
Accusing officials of conducting a school to prison pipeline, DOJ filed a lawsuit in October against the city of Meridian, its police department, Lauderdale County and its two youth court judges, as well as the Mississippi Department of Human Services Youth Services Division. The lawsuit alleges that students in trouble with the judicial system have been deprived of their constitutional rights and have been jailed for violating probation conditions over relatively minor infractions, such as talking back to teachers, flatulence and dress code violations.
National Institute on Drug Abuse to Announce Results of 2012 Monitoring the Future Survey
December 7, 2012
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, December 19, to announce the results of its 2012 Monitoring the Future survey. The survey, funded by NIDA -- part of the National Institutes of Health -- tracks annual drug abuse trends of 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade students, including attitudes and perceived risk of specific drugs of abuse. The 2012 MTF survey will include use of “bath salts” among students for the first time.
In-Shape Students Outscore Obese Peers Academically, Study Finds
December 7, 2012
Middle school students in prime physical shape outperform their overweight and obese peers both on tests and grades, according to new research from Michigan State University. Cardiorespiratory fitness (tested by a 20-meter shuttle run) and muscular strength and endurance (tested by pull-ups and curl-ups) were the health-related fitness components most strongly associated with academic achievement, according to the study. However, the researchers found no significant correlation between a student's body-fat percentage or flexibility and academic achievement.
At Hershey School, Life-Skills Training Meets Senior Year
December 7, 2012
After listening to alumni about their experience after graduation, administrators at the Milton Hershey School introduced more practical life-skills training into its programming for high school seniors. Experts say one of the keys to moving the needle on college completion is for schools and community organizations to integrate more non-cognitive, life skills into college- and career-readiness curriculum.
A New Frontier in School Integration
December 7, 2012
As more white students move into urban -- traditionally non-white -- neighborhoods and attend nearby public schools, the longtime goal of successful school integration looms as a possibility, according to Jennifer Burns Stillman, an author and research analyst at the Office of Innovation in the New York City Department of Education. However, she writes, the challenge is to effectively manage the different needs of families from different backgrounds and weave together "extremely different groups of people." Read Story
High School Football Can Lead to Long-Term Brain Damage, Study Says
December 6, 2012
A sweeping new study has found evidence that long-term brain damage can occur after playing football for just a few years... in high school.
NC Law Makes Cyberbullying Against Educators a Criminal Offense
December 4, 2012
In a move that has already sparked discussion among educators and civil rights advocates, North Carolina is set to become the first state to make student cyberbullying against educators a crime. The new law, which took effect on Dec. 1, charges students who harass their teachers or other school employees with a misdemeanor offense, with a maximum penalty of either 60 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.
New Orleans Middle-school Students Describe High Rates of Depression
December 3, 2012
New Orleans middle-school students cite symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress at much higher rates than typical teenagers, according to data based on interviews collected by a local non-profit organization. Perhaps not surprising in a city with the highest murder rate in the country, the interviews conducted by the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies also showed the New Orleans children had elevated rates of witnessing violence and feeling concerned about their safety.
Court Upholds $1M Award in School Race-Harassment Case
December 3, 2012
A federal appeals court has upheld a $1 million jury award against a small New York state school district found to be deliberately indifferent to persistent racial harassment of a high school student by his peers. In the 2nd District, President Obama's administration filed a friend-of-the-court brief arguing that a school district may be found liable under the deliberate indifference standard "where its response to known acts of student-on-student harassment is not reasonably calculated to end persistent racial harassment."
Behavior Problems Tied to Lower Grades for Depressed Adolescents
November 29, 2012
For students with depression, their condition isn't what may cause poor grades in school, a new study published in the December issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior finds. What hurts these students' grades more than the condition itself are the behavior problems, such as issues with attention, delinquency, and substance abuse, that depressed students may also have, said Jane D. McLeod, the study's lead author and a sociology professor and an associate dean at Indiana University.
Schools Work to Relieve Burden of Students' Schedules
November 28, 2012
Some schools are taking steps to address the problem of overscheduled students by setting homework-free days, teaching relaxation techniques in physical-education classes, among other efforts. Officials said a growing number of students are reporting anxiety, depression and issues related to insomnia -- problems believed to be connected to their schedules, which include jobs, sports and other activities besides school.
Civil Rights Office Reflects on Discipline, Bullying, Violence Issues
November 28, 2012
The office for civil rights maintains that minority students are disciplined more harshly and more frequently than other students, "resulting in serious, negative educational consequences, particularly when such students are excluded from school." One analysis of data collected by the agency from the 2009-10 school year found that one in six black students was suspended out of school at least once that school year.
Disproportionate Numbers of Young People Have HIV, Don't Know It
November 27, 2012
About 1 in 15 people living in the United States who has HIV is 13 to 24 years old—and more than half of these young people don't know they have the disease, new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show, and the agency says schools must work harder to prevent HIV's spread. The agency wants more effective school- and community-based interventions that can help ensure young people know their risk for HIV, delay their first sexual activity, increase condom use for those who are sexually active, and decreases other behaviors that contribute to HIV risk.
Bars Combat Underage Drinking with Preventative Measures
November 27, 2012
Local bars in Bowling Green, OH try to regulate the amount of sneak-ins, underage drinking and use of fake IDs by patrons and students. One bar not only checks IDs, it uses a stamp system to prevent underage patrons from drinking.
The Power of Academic Parent-Teacher Teams
November 26, 2012
Academic Parent-Teacher Teams can help parents learn to work with teachers to support their children, writes Anne O'Brien, deputy director of the Learning First Alliance. Under the model, a classroom team is formed, including the teacher and parents, who meet as a group, O'Brien writes. Teachers also hold at least one 30-minute conference each year with students and their families to discuss the student's performance and establish plans for improvement. The model has grown from one Phoenix school district to five states and Washington, D.C.
OH District Assesses All Aspects of Students' School Experience
November 26, 2012
The Granville board of education is using its new “benchmarks” strategy (i.e., Whole Child, World Class Education, Operations/Resources, Finance, and Community) to learn if the district is achieving its educational mission. The benchmarks were established to provide the district a more in-depth way to determine whether or not students are improving and progressing — more so than the state report card does.
Survey: High School Students Cheating Less
November 25, 2012
This year, for the first time in a decade, fewer high-school students admitted to cheating, according to a survey by the Josephson Institute of Ethics. Of students who participated in the poll, 51% said they cheated on an exam in the past year, down from 59% in 2010, and 55% said they lied to a teacher, a drop from 61% in 2010. Officials say the shift is due to a greater focus on character at home and at school.
Exercise Balls Improve Student Behavior in IN Class
November 25, 2012
Fifth-grade teacher Sara Wright is using exercise balls instead of chairs to improve students' attention spans and cooperation during class. Studies show using exercise balls improves behavior and "legible word productivity" of students with attention-deficient/hyperactivity disorder.
Schools Critics Open New Front in Seclusion-room Fight
November 24, 2012
Furthering its quest to end Columbus schools' use of seclusion rooms for disabled students, a state disability-rights group has filed a formal complaint against the district with the Ohio Department of Education. The complaint will force the department to investigate whether the district failed to properly educate students who were secluded.
Meeting Students Where They Are--Emotionally
November 23, 2012
Rather than ignoring students' fears -- such as phobias regarding math or public speaking -- teachers should help students overcome them, writes instructional coach David Ginsburg. In this blog post, he suggests teachers give students the support they need to address their fears. "Let's not just meet kids where they are academically," he writes. "Let's also meet them where they are emotionally."
WA District Develops System to Warn Educators of Dropout Risk
November 23, 2012
Spokane Public Schools in Washington has developed its own data-analysis system. Called the Early Warning System, it uses students' attendance, discipline referrals and assessment scores to identify students, as early as elementary school, who are at risk for dropping out. Once students are flagged, teachers can use the data to offer appropriate interventions, such as extra assistance in reading or math, to help bring students' skills up to grade level.
NV Program Helps Improve Behavior
November 23, 2012
The Positive Behavior Support-Nevada Program, a statewide nonprofit program headquartered at the University of Nevada, Reno, trains parents, teachers and community workers to help children of all ages who have disabilities find alternatives to "challenging behaviors."
Don Johnson, the program's project director, said the statewide nonprofit program works closely with local school districts to teach educators how to use positive reinforcement in the classroom.
Study: Student Arrest Leads to Push Out, Low College Attendance
November 20, 2012
A minor student's arrest record may be wiped clean at 18, but it may already have permanently blemished her chances of graduating high school and going on to college and funneled her into the school-to-prison pipeline, according to a new study at the University of Texas at Austin. The study, to be published in the January 2013 issue of Sociology of Education, finds that school discipline policies that heavily favor out-of-school suspensions and expulsions disproportionately "push out" students after an arrest.
Webcast To Offer Training Resources for Bullying Prevention
November 20, 2012
On December 5, 2012, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. E.D.T., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will present “Moving From Awareness to Action in Bullying Prevention: Training Resources for the Field.” During this free, 1-hour Webcast, presenters will discuss how communities can use HRSA’s Bullying Prevention Training Module and Community Action Toolkit in the fight against bullying.
NY School District to Address High Rate of Suspensions
November 19, 2012
More than 1,000 students receive an out-of-school suspension every month in the Buffalo Public Schools, and a high proportion of them are black males. Nearly one in five students receives an out-of-school suspension each year, compared to the statewide average of one in 20. The district has been undergoing a profound shift with regard to student discipline, a process begun in 2009. It started by updating district disciplinary policies to require principals to consider using a parental conference in lieu of suspension.
Free Web Tools Make Classroom Management Fun
November 19, 2012
Educator Richard Byrne writes in this blog post about three free software applications that teachers can use to track positive and negative student behaviors. Two of the programs are in beta, but the third, ClassDojo, is a free app being used by teachers across all grade levels to track attendance and behaviors. Teachers using the app can assign access codes to parents so they can look in on their child's progress. Read Story
New Partnership Aims to Curb Childhood Obesity by 2015
November 16, 2012
A new collaborative effort between the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) aims to turn around the nation's childhood-obesity epidemic within the next three years. The RWJF will head up the efforts surrounding physical activity, including helping schools and other youth programs increase the amount of physical activity for their students. While the AHA will largely be responsible for funding efforts regarding nutrition, the RWJF will help underwrite initiatives that increase students' access to healthy food.
'Soft Skills' Pushed as Part of College Readiness
November 14, 2012
To make it in college, students need to be up for the academic rigor. But that's not all. They also must be able to manage their own time, get along with roommates, and deal with setbacks. Resiliency and grit, along with the ability to communicate and advocate, are all crucial life skills. Yet, experts say, many teenagers lack them, and that's hurting college-completion rates.
Read Story
Addressing Bullying: Schoolwide Solutions
November 14, 2012
Bullying in all forms, face-to-face or via technology, is unacceptable, but today's school leaders need to arm themselves with new rules and strategies to address aggressive behaviors that hurt students' well-being, their academic performance, and school climates overall. One 2011 report suggests that many schools are not adequately preparing students to be safe in today's digitally connected age. It cites basic online safety and ethics as two areas in which students need more education.
Hurricane Sandy-Stricken Belmar Families Get Help, Support From School Teachers
November 13, 2012
Hurricane Sandy devastated communities along the east coast, and kept New Jersey and New York students out of school for a week or more. Families went umpteen days without power or heat. In Belmar, N.J., Belmar Elementary School teachers went door-to-door, offering help to their students victimized by the storm. For those who need shelter and hot food, the teachers were able to bring about 50 students to the still powerless school for lunch -- and reading.
How Farm Bill Cuts Impact School Lunches
November 13, 2012
A proposed change to the federal Farm Bill could result in 280,000 students nationwide no longer being eligible for free school lunches because some families no longer would be eligible for food stamps if they owned small assets, such as a car. Failure to enact a new Farm Bill before January also could result in higher milk prices, which would stretch already-thin school budgets. Read Story
Culture, Not Curriculum, May be Key to High School Reform
November 12, 2012
Successful turnarounds of struggling high schools hinge on fostering environments where teachers and students are supported, and parents and community members are engaged, suggests Charles Payne, a University of Chicago professor and affiliate of the university's Urban Education Institute. "You can create all the pockets of good instruction you want, [but] if the organizational environment doesn't support [the change], it is likely to destroy it," he said. Culture change requires a combination of teacher collaboration, community connections, rigorous instruction, supportive leadership and safe environment, he said.
School Program that Helps Military Children is Ending
November 10, 2012
A federally funded San Diego Unified School District program that has helped children of military families adjust to new surroundings and achieve a higher level of math proficiency will expire at the end of the school year. Operation Student Success, paid for through a one-time $2.5 million Defense Department grant, has enabled eight schools in the Serra cluster to provide a multitude of services to students and teachers, including support groups, tutoring and training.
Childhood Obesity Expected to Cost Maine Over $1 Billion, Study Says
November 9, 2012
If childhood obesity remains unchecked in Maine, it's expected to cost the state roughly $1.2 billion in medical costs over the next 20 years, according to a new study. Currently, 7.8 percent of Maine children and adolescents are obese, according to data from schools in the state and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chronic Absenteeism Tackled in New Campaign
November 9, 2012
As many as 7.5 million American students miss 18 or more days of school each year—some 10 to 15 percent of students, and a new public service campaign launched is attempting to attack the problem. A project of the U.S. Army and the Ad Council, the campaign directs viewers to the BoostUp.org website, which contains statistics on dropout rates and quizzes.
Setting Students Up for Success
November 9, 2012
Students need a learning environment that encourages success, but how can a teacher create such a place? Teacher Chavi Abramson suggests considering how the physical layout of the classroom, the academic schedule, and teacher behavior in class affects students’ ability to succeed. Classroom practices should provide students with the path of least resistance to academic success. Facilitating students’ cooperation, independence, and ability to focus is the key.
Study: Chugging Alcohol Before Going Out to Drink Leads to Trouble
November 9, 2012
College students who drink alcohol before going out to a bar, club or sporting event are more likely than their peers who don’t “pre-drink” to experience blackouts, hangovers, alcohol poisoning or absence from work or school, a new study finds. Pre-drinking also leads to an increased risk of unprotected sex and unplanned drug use or injury, according to the Los Angeles Times. Read Story
Report: High Teacher-Absentee Rates Hurt Schools
November 8, 2012
Thirty-six percent of teachers nationwide missed more than 10 days of school during the 2009-10 year, according to an analysis of federal data. It also also cites research finding that "every 10 absences" lowers "average mathematics achievement equivalent to the difference between having a novice teacher and one with a bit more experience." Noting that teacher-absentee rates can vary widely within individual districts, the report suggests that above-average absence levels may point to the need for changes in a school's culture.
ELL-Focused Projects Are Big Winners in i3 Competition
November 8, 2012
The U.S. Department of Education has announced 20 awards in the latest round of its Investing in Innovation competition, and proposals that pledge to improve outcomes for English-language learners are well-represented in the winners' circle. Two winning projects focus on family engagement, with one of these also focused on school culture.
MD County Afterschool Program Teaches Manners, Etiquette
November 8, 2012
An after-school program is teaching manners and etiquette to middle-school students in Howard County, Md. Students learn basic manners, such as saying "please" and "thank you," and put their lessons to the test in real-world situations. On field trips, such as a recent one to an Italian restaurant, students practice the proper way to order and speak with wait staff. Read Story
MN District Educators Focus on Early Social-emotional Development
November 8, 2012
Early-childhood educators in a Minn. district are bringing new skills to their classrooms and students' homes this year thanks to a partnership with the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children. Educators will use evidence-based strategies to cultivate positive behavior traits, and they will focus on getting children to think about their behavior and whether it follows one of the program's three main rules: be safe, be a friend and be responsible. Read Story
Suspended in School: Punished But Still Learning
November 7, 2012
Schools are using lunchtime detentions, Saturday schools, alternative schools, and other forms of in-school suspension to keep students on the academic track. School-based discipline options like this one are being tried in schools nationwide as a substitute for punishments that force students out of school, which have been shown to disproportionately affect black, Latino, and male students and those with disabilities.
LAUSD Parent Centers Aim to Boost Involvement at Schools
November 4, 2012
Los Angeles officials are using parent centers to help engage parents in their children's education and help improve students' achievement. The centers, officials say, help to serve the needs of parents, who may be from low-income families or may be unable to speak English and need help feeling comfortable on campus. There are 576 such centers on campuses in the L.A. Unified School District.
SD High School Coffee Shop Teaches Students Work, Social Skills
November 4, 2012
Students with disabilities at Rapid City Central High School in Rapid City, S.D., are learning real-world job and social skills as operators of an on-site coffee shop. Students are tasked with making the drinks, working the register and making deliveries to school staff members. "The experiences and the skills that they've gotten, I couldn't have possibly taught them in my classroom," special-education teacher Amy Heuston said. Read Story
CA District Parent Centers Aim to Boost Involvement at Schools
November 4, 2012
Los Angeles officials are using parent centers to help engage parents in their children's education and help improve students' achievement. The centers, officials say, aim to serve the needs of parents, who may be from low-income families or may be unable to speak English and need help feeling comfortable on campus. There are 576 such centers on campuses in the L.A. Unified School District. Read Story
Snacks Sold in School Include Many Fried, Sweet, Salty Options
November 1, 2012
In a new report, researchers at the Kids' Safe & Healthful Foods Project find that the majority of American children live in states where less-than-healthy snacks are readily available. And more nutritious options, such as fruits and vegetables, are harder to come by for those same kids. Without a national policy on what can and can't be sold to students in school vending machines and in cafeteria a la carte lines, a patchwork of state policies governs these items.
IA Leadership Development Class Aims to Boost School Climate
November 1, 2012
A leadership development class at Burlington High School in Iowa is doing more than building leaders among the 19 enrolled students. It is changing Burlington High School's environment as students -- nominated for the program by teachers and representing all grades, socioeconomic status and genders -- learn to identify problems and present solutions to the school board. Burlington was one of 20 Iowa high schools to receive funding from the Iowa Safe and Supportive School Program. Read Story
MI to Pilot Program that Takes "Holistic" View of Education
November 1, 2012
The Michigan Department of Education will pilot the "think.respect" campaign in 23 schools, in part, to help support students who may be struggling academically because of other issues. Funded by a $24 million U.S. Department of Education grant, the schools will spend the next three years creating programs to engage parents and students, prevent bullying and support students who exhibit behavioral issues. Read Story
Classroom Management: Suspension Prevention
October 31, 2012
Improving or overhauling classroom-management training is one of many ways states, districts, and teacher education programs are attacking the problem of too many out-of-school suspensions and office referrals, actions that disproportionately affect African-American, Latino, and male students and those who have disabilities. Insubordination, defiance, and disobedience—whatever those may mean to a particular school—are among the top reasons students are suspended from school.
New Report Criticizes Cost of Some Discipline Practices in Texas
October 31, 2012
A new survey of 11 school districts in Texas finds that they spent close to $140 million on out-of-school suspensions and alternatives including referrals to disciplinary alternative education programs. The report, from the social justice advocacy group Texas Appleseed, encourages districts to be more judicious when punishing students via out-of-school suspension. The tradeoff: an increase in the district's portion of state education funds, which are doled out based on average daily attendance, Texas Appleseed said.
TX Considers Alternatives to "Exclusionary Discipline"
October 30, 2012
Lawmakers in Texas are considering changes to the way in which students are disciplined, following a report that found the state's "exclusionary discipline" policies could be ineffective and costly. David Slayton, executive director of the Texas Judicial Council, advised lawmakers to allow prosecution of Class C misdemeanors to be deferred and give teachers greater discretion in disciplining students.
Study: Homeless Students Struggle in School
October 30, 2012
A study of students in Minneapolis found that student achievement is significantly, and negatively, affected by homelessness and high mobility. Homeless students often struggle with attendance, health and nutrition and may have trouble focusing in school because their attention is directed to their personal lives and anxiety over their living situations, said Elizabeth Hinz, district liaison for homeless and highly mobile students.
MO School District Starts Anti-bullying Hotline
October 30, 2012
The Affton School District is using the CyberBully Hotline program, an offshoot from SchoolReach, an automated, parental notification system that uses e-mail and telephone calls to notify parents of important announcements or changes in a school's schedule. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CyberBully also will give the district a variety of bully awareness material, posters with telephone numbers, wallet cards and an online resource center.
IL Students Create Clubs to Spread Kindness
October 29, 2012
Students at two Illinois middle schools have formed clubs focused on providing nurturing, supportive environments for students. The Friends of Rachel clubs stem from a national program, Rachel's Challenge, which encourages students to interact with each other in positive ways. Some student projects undertaken as part of the clubs include mentoring, putting nice notes on students' lockers and reaching out to bullies.
KY County Implements New Anti-bullying Policy
October 29, 2012
Until now, the response to bullying has varied from school to school, with little direction on how to respond. Jefferson County Public Schools is starting to put into place a standard anti-bullying policy for all of its schools. The new policy defines bullying -- both in-person and online -- and sets up a specific process to report, track and respond to such cases.
PA District Addresses Dropout Rate of Students in Special Education
October 28, 2012
Educators and administrators in Altoona, Pa., are working to reduce the dropout rate of students in special education following a state audit last year. As part of an improvement plan filed with the state, the district is working to better planning for students transitioning from high school to college and the workplace, and recently held an event to introduce families to available services.
RI Middle-school Program Prioritizes Social, Emotional Learning
October 26, 2012
Educators at a Rhode Island middle school say a program that focuses on students' social and emotional needs has helped to improve students' academic performance. This approach, modeled through the Developmental Designs program, is perhaps best-suited to middle schools, educators say. The National Forum's Schools to Watch Initiative lists four key traits of successful middle schools, including "academic excellence" and "an awareness of and sensitivity toward the unique developmental needs of early adolescents."
At S.C. School, Behavior Is One of the Basics
October 25, 2012
A Charleston middle school joins the growing number nationwide that use PBIS strategies to teach students how to behave. PBIS values teaching all students appropriate behavior as much as teaching any academic subject. It’s the opposite of what many school rules say: everything students shouldn’t do. It emphasizes creating a common set of expectations for students’ behavior, no matter where they are on campus. The underlying premise: Schools must become predictable, consistent, positive, and safe environments for students.
Students Face Violence, Victimization, Suicidal Thoughts
October 25, 2012
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found that an increase in suicidal thoughts in adolescents appears to be associated with recent victimization, including by peers, a sexual assault, or other maltreatment. In the study, adolescents who had been victimized by peers were more than twice as likely to contemplate suicide than peers. Sexual assault increased these thoughts by more than 300 percent. And those who researchers defined as maltreated were more than four times as likely to experience "suicidal ideation."
Report: Low-Income, High-Ability Students Need More Support
October 25, 2012
The United States must move past its focus on minimum achievement standards for all and put more energy behind identifying and developing the talent of students who are capable of more—especially students from low-income backgrounds and students learning English, the National Association for Gifted Children said in a new directive this week. The report goes into some interesting detail about the psychological and emotional support talented students from minority and low-income families may need.
Respecting and Reflecting School Culture
October 25, 2012
Whole child programs project manager Klea Scharberg speaks with members of the Special Olympics National Youth Activation Committee about the importance of positive school culture in the latest episode of the Whole Child Podcast. You'll hear what this term means to each of them and delve into topics of student voice and leadership.
Six Characteristics of Outstanding Teachers in Challenging Schools
October 25, 2012
They have the right mindset, they understand how to connect with students, and they maintain a realistic perspective. These are just a few of the strengths that excellent educators who teach in challenging schools share, explain Gail L. Thompson and Cynthia Thrasher Shamberger. In their ASCD Express article, Thompson and Thrasher Shamberger explain what can be learned from these strong educators.
Montessori Program Embraced by Englewood School
October 24, 2012
At what is said to be the first full Montessori education program in the Chicago Public Schools, teachers focus on educating the "whole child," says the school's executive director, Rita Nolan. Students at the school, which teaches kindergarten through second grade. Montessori teaching seeks to instill key values for "educating the whole child," Nolan says, a combination encompassing head, hand and heart. Values such as curiosity, critical thinking, kindness and self-control. Arching over them all is a child's sense of optimism.
Connecting with Students Requires "100 repetitions"
October 24, 2012
Working with challenging students -- from drug-addicted students to traumatized children in elementary school -- has shown a need for patience, writes educational consultant and coach Jeffrey Benson. "Our role as educators is to align with the healthy potential in each student and hang in while they gradually find shelter in our expectations and caring, in our structures and hopes. It's not a straight line. It may take 100 repetitions," he writes.
Students Trade Hot Cheetos for Apples
October 23, 2012
A newspaper article about the popularity of Flamin' Hot Cheetos inspired educators in a Chicago school to ask students to give up the spicy snacks for one day -- a pledge that about 80% of students accepted. On Flamin' Hot Free day, students who turned in their pledges were offered an apple instead. Educators say the attention on nutrition also inspired classroom discussions on the topic, posters and one rap song.
School Bullies 3 Times as Likely to Suffer From Depression, Anxiety, ADHD
October 22, 2012
Researchers have found that children who bully are three times as likely to have mental health problems, like anxiety disorders, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. The researchers looked at data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, which examined 64,000 children. When asked, over 15 percent of parents or guardians reported that their children were bullies.
Celebrating National Character Counts Week
October 22, 2012
National Character Counts Week, held Oct. 21 to 27, is an opportunity for schools and school districts to focus on the promotion of a positive school culture, K-8 technology teacher Mary Beth Hertz writes in this blog post. She suggests registering on Josephson Institute Center for Youth Ethics website, which offers resources to help students develop online character and promote anti-bullying efforts.
Evidence of Dating Violence Found Among Middle School Students
October 21, 2012
Nearly one in 11 high school students have reported experiencing some form of dating violence, according to a national study, and some local officials say they're seeing alarming numbers and evidence of abusive relationships among even younger students. One in six seventh-grade students reported being a victim of physical abuse at the hands of a boyfriend or girlfriend, according to a national study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for Blue Shield of California.
Free Fruit at School Tied to Fewer Junk Snacks
October 19, 2012
Norwegian children attending schools where free fruit was on offer ate less junk food and drank less soda than before the fruit was available, according to a new study that also found kids from disadvantaged households seemed to benefit the most. The U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages children and adults to eat more fresh fruit as part of a healthy diet, and some schools participate in the agency's Fruit and Vegetable Program, which provides free fruit and vegetables to students.
Another Good Reason to Stop Bullying: Paperwork
October 19, 2012
Louisiana's new anti-bullying law is drawing criticism for the workload it could place on schools once it takes effect in 2013. Michael Faulk, president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, told the state's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Tuesday that implementing the new procedures would create an "administrative nightmare" for public schools.
Urban School Leaders Conference: On Bringing "Extra"
October 19, 2012
Superintendents, school board members, and school leaders from the nation's cities gathered in Indianapolis this week for the 56th annual fall conference of the Council of the Great City Schools. One of the conference's keynotes came from New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman who spoke about globalization, technology, and the United States' role on the world stage. He said that his research has led him to believe that the nation is at risk of losing its global position if it does not improve the academic performance of its lowest-achieving students. But he said there needs to be just as much focus on fostering the imagination, creativity, and soft skills of all.
Advent of 'Smart Drugs' Raises Safety, Ethical Concerns
October 19, 2012
Researchers at the Society of Neuroscience conference questioned whether it is safe and fair to allow healthy people to boost their brain function chemically, or use drugs to correct environmental factors like poverty or bad instruction that can lead to brain deficits similar to those that characterize medical conditions like attention-deficit disorders.
Cracking the Behavior Code
October 19, 2012
Teachers should keep in mind that inappropriate behavior by students is not permanent, write Nancy Rappaport, a child psychiatrist, and Jessica Minahan, a behavior analyst and special educator. They created a plan to decipher and change inappropriate classroom behaviors called FAIR: F is for understanding the function of the behavior, A is for accommodations, I is for interaction strategies and R is for responses. They explain the plan, which includes, among other things, asking what prompts the behavior, considering accommodations and replacement behaviors.
District Race to Top Will Consider Emotional, Behavioral Services
October 19, 2012
Districts will be able to earn up to 10 bonus points if their applications include plans to collaborate with public and private partners to help improve the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. Considering nearly 900 districts have informed the Education Department of their intent to apply, and only 15 to 25 grants will be awarded, this component could be critical to a district's chance at winning.
Facebook Launches Prevent Bullying Page
October 18, 2012
Facebook on Thursday launched a Prevent Bullying page that includes resources on the topic in recognition of National Bullying Awareness Month. The company also is working to raise awareness about and combat bullying by working with the Ad Council to create a new public-service announcement.
'Restorative Practices': Discipline But Different
October 17, 2012
At many schools across the country, restorative practices are about holding students accountable and getting them to right a wrong. The approach is getting more notice than ever as criticism grows of zero-tolerance disciplinary policies that often require out-of-school suspension and expulsion. Educators are turning to restorative practices, peer courts in middle and high schools, and related efforts in the hopes of changing students' bad behaviors rather than simply kicking them out of school as punishment and risking disconnecting them from school altogether.
Study Gives School Behavior Program a Good Grade
October 16, 2012
Elementary schools in Maryland that used the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program reported more positive behaviors among their students than schools not using the program, a study in the journal Pediatrics found. Researchers also noted fewer students displaying problem behavior or sent to the principal's office for disciplinary problems in PBIS schools.
Webinar To Examine Bullying Prevention in Schools
October 16, 2012
On October 24, 2012, at 2 p.m. E.D.T., the Federal Partners for Bullying Prevention will host the Webinar, “School-Based Health Professionals Respond to Bullying.” Presenters will offer a clinical and youth perspective on best practices for bullying prevention and responses in school settings.
New School Meal Rules Trigger Protests, Boycotts
October 15, 2012
Across the country, schools are serving all sorts of new entreés and side dishes and lower-fat versions of flavored milk now that regulations derived from the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act have kicked in. Despite the excitement some districts are trying to generate about the new meals, just a few months into the revamped menus, some schools are being criticized about what they're serving—and how much of it.
Students Train as Interpreters, with Benefits for all Involved
October 14, 2012
Highline School District in Washington state has developed a new high-school elective option called Student Interpreter program. The initiative was designed to help English-language learners enhance a marketable job skill using their ability to speak a foreign language. Officials say the program teaches the subtle points of acting as a translator, such as eye contact, enunciation and how to make sure you relay the speaker's message in the right tone to convey the proper meaning.
National Group Seeks Model Schools Serving Boys of Color
October 11, 2012
The Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC) is searching for schools that are demonstrating success with black and Latino boys to highlight through its awards program next year. The organization is platform agnostic when it comes to the schools themselves. They just have to be committed to practices that keep minority boys engaged in school, support their social and emotional learning, and provide high-quality, rigorous academic content and instruction.
Studies Link Students' Boredom to Stress
October 10, 2012
While boredom is a perennial student complaint, emerging research shows it is more than students' not feeling entertained, but rather a "flavor of stress" that can interfere with their ability to learn and even their health. An international group of researchers argues this month in Perspectives on Psychological Science that the experience of boredom directly connects to a student's inability to focus attention.
School Safety, Discipline are Top Issues at National School Law Conference
October 10, 2012
The Council of School Attorneys’ (COSA) School Law Practice Seminar, held Oct. 11 to 13 in Santa Fe, N.M., will examine issues related to bullying and harassment, discipline, special education, and employee relations. The COSA program also includes sessions on school safety, student discipline, immigration, employment issues, attorney/board member relationships, internet filtering in schools, intellectual property and confidentiality issues, and technology in the classroom.
Study: Policies Reducing Lead Poisoning Have Academic Benefits, Too
October 9, 2012
High lead levels in children are connected to lower academic performance, and programs that reduced the rate of lead exposure and poisoning can also be tied to improved academic achievement, says a new Massachusetts study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. A decline in the gap in rates of high lead exposure between higher- and lower-income students was also connected to a 1 percentage-point reduction in the student-performance gap between those groups of students.
KY Education Board Restricts the Use of Restraint, Seclusion in Schools
October 9, 2012
The Kentucky Board of Education on Monday approved a policy change restricting the use of restraint and seclusion of students by school staff to cases involving imminent danger of physical harm. The policy change also calls for staff training on positive discipline techniques and forbids the restraint or seclusion of students who use their hands to communicate such as those who use sign language. Some superintendents have opposed the measure because they believe policy is too vague.
CA Students Report Better Mental Health
October 7, 2012
Palo Alto youth are emotionally healthier than they were two years ago, according to newly released data from the California Healthy Kids Survey. The percentage of ninth- and 11th-graders who said they had seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months dropped from 18 percent to 11 percent. Percentages also dropped for ninth- and 11th-graders who reported feeling "so sad and hopeless" for at least two weeks that they stopped doing some of their usual activities.
Federal Government Awards $21M for Counseling Programs
October 5, 2012
The U.S. Department of Education announced last week over $21 million in grant money for school mental-health services. School districts—including charter schools—that applied for the grant money promised to meet four criteria: 1) Use a developmental, preventive approach; 2) Expand the inventory of effective counseling programs; 3) Include in-service training; and 4) Involve parents and community groups.
Teachers are Urged to have "Powerful Interactions" with Students
October 5, 2012
The personal contact between teacher and student, even if it’s for 15 seconds, pays educational dividends, according to educational consultant Charlotte Stetson. Effective interaction with students comes when teachers are “present,” as in the moment; work at connecting on a personal level; and look to extend the learning beyond the child’s initial discovery.
NY Students Rally to Protest High Number of Suspensions in City Schools
October 5, 2012
Roughly a thousand kids are suspended every week in New York City schools and advocacy groups say these suspensions are unnecessarily harsh, especially for black and Latino students. Dignity in Schools says the suspensions are derailing learning and increasing the dropout rate, and wants DOE to implement alternative policies that focus on resolving conflict.
CA Laws Aim to Curb Use of School Suspension
October 4, 2012
Responding to state and national concerns about the effects of out-of-school suspensions on students' education trajectories, California has adopted several measures attempting to change the way that form of school discipline is used. Concerns linger, though, that Gov. Jerry Brown's veto of one related bill, a measure that would have limited schools' ability to suspend students on the grounds of the undefined concepts of "willful defiance or disruption of school activities," may undermine the others.
Educate The Educator: Michelle Obama, Jill Biden's New Initiative To Better Prepare Teachers For Instructing Military Kids
October 3, 2012
First lady Michelle Obama and the vice president's wife, Jill Biden, were set to announce a new initiative Wednesday to help teachers better address the needs of students from military families. The initiative, "Operation: Educate the Educator," will seek to help teachers address the social, emotional and learning challenges that military children face. Already, 100 colleges that offer teaching degrees have signed on to the program.
Schools Falter at Keeping ELL Families in the Loop
October 3, 2012
Even as immigration has slowed or stopped in many places, and instructional programs for English-learners have matured, serving immigrant families and their children remains a work in progress in many public schools, especially those in communities that are skeptical, or sometimes hostile, to the newcomers. One of the biggest challenges, educators and advocates said, is communicating effectively with parents who don't speak English—an issue that, in part, has brought recent complaints of discrimination against Latino students and their families to two large districts in North Carolina and one in Louisiana.
What Do Bullying and Youth Substance Use Have in Common?
October 3, 2012
Bullying and substance use among children and teenagers have shared risk and protective factors. Effective prevention efforts minimize these risk factors and maximize protective factors in a child’s life. If a problem has already surfaced, learn to recognize the warning signs of bullying and being bullied, underage alcohol use, and drug use to intervene before the problem becomes worse.
Educate The Educator: Michelle Obama, Jill Biden's New Initiative To Better Prepare Teachers For Instructing Military Kids
October 3, 2012
First lady Michelle Obama and the vice president's wife, Jill Biden, introduced an initiative this month to help teachers better address the needs of students from military families. The initiative, "Operation: Educate the Educator," will seek to help teachers address the emotional, social and learning challenges that military children face. Already, 100 colleges that offer teaching degrees have signed on to the program.
CDC Reports Sharp Decline in Teen Drinking and Driving
October 2, 2012
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said today that among high school students 16 and older, drinking and driving dropped 54 percent from 1991 to 2011, from 22.3 percent of students reporting they drank and drove in 1991 to 10.3 percent in 2011. Graduated driving license systems that restrict teenagers from full driving privileges for several years may have contributed, the CDC said, as may have rising gas prices and economic downturn, which could have cut the miles teens are driving, especially in the last few years.
N.J. Governor Signs Law Requiring Defibrillators in Schools
October 1, 2012
Starting Sept. 1, 2014, all public and private K-12 schools in New Jersey must have automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) on site and in an unlocked location. The law also requires schools to create emergency action plans (EAPs) for responding to sudden cardiac events. Schools must list in their EAPs at least five employees who are currently trained in the use of an AED. They also must specify which employee is responsible for which task in the case of a sudden cardiac event (e.g., calling 911, retrieving the AED, etc.).
School Struggles to Balance Food Rules, Onsite Store
September 29, 2012
While food served in school cafeterias are subject to new federal standards, food items sold by on-campus stores and elsewhere in schools do not yet have to comply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is drafting changes to the law. Until then, Laurie Colgan, director of child nutrition programs with the Vermont Department of Education, is urging school officials to consider local restrictions on the sale of unhealthy foods on campus in accordance with district wellness policies that have been required by the state since 2004.
Feds: 'Unprecedented' Deal in Oakland on Black Student Suspensions
September 28, 2012
The first of some 20 federal investigations into racial disparity in school district discipline practices closed today, yielding a long-term, prescriptive plan for change in the Oakland public schools, a district in which black students made up 32 percent of enrollments last school year but accounted for 63 percent of all suspensions. Oakland will take a number of steps to address the issue, including working to find ways to address misbehavior that doesn't require students to leave school.
Aggression In Children Based On Varying Causes
September 28, 2012
Cognitive and executive function skills are needed for children to understand adult perspectives and determine alternatives to fighting and hitting to solve problems, according to a study by researchers from Pennsylvania State University. Researchers say aggressive children who lack the ability to verbalize frustrations are at-risk for long-term consequences, including delinquency, violence, dropping out of school, drug abuse and suicide.
Singapore Educators of At-risk Students Visit MD Middle School
September 27, 2012
A group of five educators from Singapore recently visited schools in Anne Arundel County, Md., to learn how to better serve at-risk students. Representatives from the Assumption Pathway School and Children-at-Risk Empowerment Association visited classes at Lindale Middle School in Linthicum and discussed teaching strategies and other support measures for at-risk students. The Maryland school has specialized programs for students with learning disabilities.
Detroit Public Schools Opens New Office for Special Needs Students, Families
September 26, 2012
A new office that opened last week will help provide services for families of students in special education in Detroit Public Schools. The One-Stop Support Shop is part of the new Parent Resource Center at Drew Transition Center, and is in partnership with community groups that will help provide services.
Why We Should Teach Empathy To Improve Education (And Test Scores)
September 26, 2012
The capacity for empathy builds the socio-economic potential for individuals, and, further, likely holds the key for the success of business in the 21st century. Empathy isn’t just about hugs and pats on the back. It is a skill that can make young people more productive in work environments that require cooperation and in a global economy that becomes more complex with each passing day. It is what turns them into future leaders.
New Fla. Pre-K Test Draws Concerns From Educators
September 26, 2012
Under a new standardized assessment required by the state to measure how the nearly 184,000 4-year-olds in Florida's voluntary prekindergarten program are doing in early literacy, numeracy, and language development, some early-education providers say key social skills will be discounted as evidence of how well they are preparing pupils for kindergarten. Early-childhood advocates fear that the state's pre-K providers—under pressure to demonstrate children's progress on academic indicators—will focus only on developing those skills.
Defending Childhood Webinar To Address Bullying Prevention and Intervention
September 25, 2012
On October 2, 2012, at 2 p.m. E.T., the Defending Childhood initiative, in conjunction with OJJDP and Futures Without Violence, will present the 90-minute Webinar, “Bullying Prevention and Intervention: Realistic Strategies To Protect All Students.” The presenter will share current research on bullying and its relationship to other risk factors and outcomes. Participants will learn about the causes and prevalence of bullying, the differences in bullying among racial and ethnic groups, and strategies for prevention and intervention.
Students "Still Too Fat To Fight," Report Warns
September 25, 2012
In a report today, Mission: Readiness decries the amount of junk food sold in public schools. The nonpartisan group notes that national surveys conducted for the military and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 1 in 4 young adults would be ineligible to serve in the military because of excess body fat. That's quite a reversal from a generation ago: The National School Lunch Program was created after World War II because soldiers were arriving for training malnourished.
KY School Superintendents, Advocates Divided on Student Restraint Issue
September 25, 2012
Proposed regulations on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools drew comments from supporters and critics during a public hearing before the Kentucky Board of Education on Tuesday. At least 20 superintendents from western Kentucky oppose the measures, saying they interfere with their ability to maintain safety in schools. However, advocates for students with special needs praised the regulations, which they say will reduce the use of ineffective -- and sometimes harmful -- techniques and provide training for school personnel.
Secretaries Arne Duncan and Janet Napolitano Encourage Communities to Participate in National Earthquake Drill
September 25, 2012
The 2012 "Great ShakeOut" will be conducted on October 18. This drill, which can be conducted in as little as 90 seconds, provides a timely and relevant opportunity for the entire community to get prepared, practice what to do to be safe ("Drop, Cover, and Hold On"), and learn what emergency plans need to be improved. Schools, colleges, universities, businesses, organizations, and households will all participate.
Advocates Renew Call For Restraint, Seclusion Reform
September 25, 2012
A coalition of more than 200 disability-advocacy groups is calling on Congress to regulate the use of restraint and seclusion in the country's schools. "It is time for a national policy addressing restraint and seclusion in our schools for all children," reads a letter sent last week to the education committees of both houses. "America needs more than the current patchwork of state laws to ensure that every child is afforded protection."
Web Forum To Discuss Responses for Victims of Cyberbullying
September 24, 2012
On September 26, 2012, at 2 p.m. E.T., the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will cosponsor a 1-hour Web Forum discussion on best practices for responding to victims of cyberbullying.
Va. Superintendent Initiates a System-Wide Involvement Approach
September 24, 2012
The Lynchburg City Schools in Virginia recently rolled out a new "Give Me Five" program that is already producing results in terms of parent involvement—and local publicity. Lynchburg City Schools asks every parent of every child for the following: 5 MINUTES—or more of reading to your child and/or conversation about school with your child every day; 5 HOURS—or more of volunteer service to your child's school each year; 5 DAYS—or more of attendance at school events; 5 DOLLARS—or more to the school's PTO; and 5 CLASSES—or more of schooling beyond high school. Brabrand decided to implement "Give Me Five" because he wanted to initiate a system-wide approach to increasing involvement, rather than a school-by-school approach.
Lead-Exposure Problems Spotlighted in Detroit
September 24, 2012
A new study pulls together public-health and education data to draw attention to the large numbers of Detroit children who have been exposed to lead. Lead has been linked to negative trends in school performance, especially among poor and African-American students, in Chicago, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Texas, among other places, but there is little research on how schools can help affected children.
OH Will Measure Physical Education
September 23, 2012
Beginning this year, schools in Ohio will be required to report how students measure up against the state's physical-education standards. Assessments will focus on whether students understand the right way to exercise, how to play games, play well with others and stay active outside of school. Ohio joins 17 other states and Washington, D.C., that evaluate students in PE.
Middle Schools Add a Team Rule: Get a Drug Test
September 22, 2012
Children in grades as low as middle school are being told that providing a urine sample is required to play sports or participate in extracurricular activities like drama and choir. Such drug testing at the middle school level is confounding students and stirring objections from parents and proponents of civil liberties.
Guide Highlights Effective Social-Emotional Programs for PreK, Beyond
September 20, 2012
A new review of social and emotional learning programs for schools looked at dozens of programs for pre-K and elementary students, highlighting 23 that promote students' self-control, relationship building, and problem solving, among other skills. However the report notes that the outcomes of each program varied. Most demonstrated an effect on students' behavior, with outcomes such as positive social behavior and a reduction in behavior problems, but only some showed an effect on emotional distress and academic performance.
Reclaiming Futures Webinar To Explore Adolescent Recovery Supports
September 20, 2012
On September 27, 2012, at 2 p.m. E.T., Reclaiming Futures will present the free, 1-hour Webinar “Implementing Adolescent Recovery Supports and Developing Resources in Our Communities.” The presenter, Michelle Muffett-Lipinski, who is principal of the Northshore Recovery High School in Beverly, MA, and co-founder of the icanhelp project, will outline successes and challenges in developing recovery programming within schools and communities, describe responses to mental health and substance abuse issues in schools, and discuss approaches to identifying and engaging youth in need of support.
Study Suggests Keeping Kids Active for Longer Stretches
September 20, 2012
Twenty minutes of physical activity per day over three months can reduce the risk of obesity in children, according to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, and can also reduce total body fat. Of course, 40 minutes of physical activity per day over three months is even better for children, the study also found, reducing more total body fat and the risk of developing obesity-related diseases like Type 2 diabetes and plaque buildup in the arteries.
"Lights On” Event To Promote Afterschool Programs
September 20, 2012
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention invites communities to participate in the annual Lights on Afterschool on October 18. The nationwide event emphasizes the value of afterschool programs, which keep kids safe, help working families, and inspire learning. They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults.
Districts to Address Disproportionate Number of African-Americans in Special Education
September 19, 2012
Four school districts in Sacramento County are among 49 districts in California that have been flagged for having a "significantly disproportionate" number of African-American students in special education. The districts now must allocate a portion of their special-education funding to preventative programs and submit intervention plans for state review.
Black-Male Grad Rate Still Lags Despite Slight Uptick
September 19, 2012
The four-year graduation rate for black males has steadily improved over the last decade, but remains dismally low compared to the rate for their white male peers, according to a recent study. One of the most persistent problems for black male achievement, the report contends, is the ongoing “pushout” problem. African-American boys are far more likely than their white peers to be suspended outside of school, expelled, or placed in alternative settings.
Texas Schools Required to Have Policies for Food Allergies
September 19, 2012
Beginning Aug. 1, school districts in Texas were required to adopt and adhere to policies regarding students with food allergies. Texas became the 15th state to require such guidelines. "It helps us protect them in case they were to come into contact accidentally with an allergen to which they can have a life-threatening reaction," said Dr. Drew Bird, director of the Food Allergy Center at Children's Medical Center.
Teachers' Expectations Can Influence How Students Perform
September 18, 2012
Researchers have determined that teachers' expectations for their students affect almost every aspect of instruction and can determine whether students succeed. For teachers who want to alter their behavior toward certain students, researcher Robert Pianta suggests that teachers observe how students interact, work to understand what motivates students, engage with students about the individual interests and find out more about students' lives outside of school.
National Service Can Ignite School Turnaround Efforts
September 18, 2012
Evidenced-based strategies, such as attendance coaching, social-emotional support, personalized or individualized instruction, and additional learning opportunities that align with classroom lessons and contribute to a well-rounded education, are advancing student achievement in schools with overwhelming poverty. Yet these practices are not being implemented in many high-need schools across the country because there is a gap—an implementation gap—between the research-based supports that students confronting the distinct challenges of poverty require and the time and resources educators have to meet each student's unique needs. Closing this gap requires a willingness among all partners to think in unconventional ways. There are effective resources available to schools, including national-service and community-based organizations that make it possible for teachers and school leaders to implement changes many educators once only dreamed were possible.
States Could Have 60 Percent Obesity Rate by 2030, Report Suggests
September 18, 2012
What's the key to preventing this vision of the future from becoming a reality for the United States? Turning around the childhood-obesity epidemic, according to TFAH and RWJF. The report references a few recent examples of how childhood obesity can be turned around on a citywide basis, including a study released earlier this month that found childhood obesity in Philadelphia to have declined 4.5 percent between the 2006-07 and 2009-10 school years. It also references a study released in January that found the childhood-obesity rate in New York City K-8 public school students to have decreased 5.5 percent since the 2006-07 school year.
School Safety Expert Urges Proactive Approach To Prevent School Violence
September 17, 2012
In the wake of recent weapon-related incidents at Baltimore County schools, new superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance has encouraged better communication with the community and increased community involvement. Kenneth Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services and “expert” in several federal school safety reviews, urges parents and school administrators to develop an understanding that true safety is proactive and begins with what cannot be seen -- increased communication, planning and relationship with the community.
Indiana Officials Unveil Plan to Serve Children's Mental-health Needs
September 17, 2012
Indiana state officials unveiled a multi-agency plan to better secure services -- without court intervention -- for children with mental health needs or developmental disabilities. Under the plan, community members, schools and other officials would refer students to a community mental health access site to have their level of need evaluated. In addition, the Division of Child Services will help fund services for those who cannot secure funding through Medicaid or private insurance.
Amid Free-Speech Concerns, Law Targets Comments That 'Torment' Faculty
September 17, 2012
After years spent trying to shield students from online bullying by their peers, schools are beginning to crack down on Internet postings that disparage teachers. North Carolina has made it a crime for students to post statements via the Internet that "intimidate or torment" faculty. Students convicted under the law could be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished with fines of as much as $1,000 and/or probation. The move is one of the most aggressive yet by states to police students' online activities.
Renaming Fruits And Vegetables With Catchy Names Convinces Kids To Eat Them, Study Says
September 17, 2012
Branding may be the key to getting children to eat their vegetables, according to a recent study. Researchers at Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab found that students were more likely to eat fruits and vegetables with catchy names, such as X-Ray Vision Carrots, Power Punch Broccoli, Tiny Tasty Tree Tops and Silly Dilly Green Beans. Researchers found that students were more likely to eat such offerings over a "Food of the Day" option.
'Disconnected' Youth Costing $93.7 Billion Annually
September 16, 2012
A new report shows that 17 percent—or 5.8 million—of all Americans between the ages of 16 and 24 are neither working nor in school. Youth disconnection leads to higher rates of public dependency, crime and incarceration, and poor physical and mental health. Disconnection was usually found among youth in cities with high rates of adult disconnection. Other key findings include a great disparity among various racial groups; the rate of disconnection among African Americans was 22.5 percent, while the national rate was 14.7 percent. There was a less dramatic gender gap, with young men showing slightly more disconnection than young women.
Research Links 'Responsive' Teaching to Academic Gains
September 13, 2012
Fifth-graders attending schools in which teachers used the Responsive Classroom teaching method performed better on state math and reading exams than other students, researchers say. The social-emotional-learning approach focuses on how teachers' language and expectations can help students with social and emotional learning. Researchers say that of the 24 Virginia elementary schools in a three-year study, the schools that were most committed to using Responsive Classroom practices showed 23-point gain on state standardized tests.
Forum on Relationship Education and Vulnerable Youth
September 13, 2012
Annie E. Casey Foundation, It’s My Community Initiative, The Innovation Center and Child Trends is sponsoring a public forum to interact with what is known about relationship education for vulnerable youth, the benefits of said education given the disruptive relationships many youth in the foster care system have encountered, and the importance of setting an informed agenda for research, policy and practice.
Healthy People 2020 Spotlight on Health: Bullying Among Adolescents Webinar
September 12, 2012
Learn about Healthy People 2020, bullying among adolescents, bullying prevention and systematic policy changes, and populations at risk.
Fresno County Schools Unveil New Anti-bullying App
September 12, 2012
Students attending some Fresno County, Calif., schools soon will be able to anonymously report bullying and other crimes by using a smartphone application called TipNow. School employees and parents also will be able to use the app. "One of the key things that drew us to this is often times at school, kids won't come to us face-to-face and say anything for fear of retaliation from whomever is bullying them or giving them some trouble," said Washington Colony Unified Superintendent Craig Bowden.
Create a Positive School Culture
September 12, 2012
"A school's culture may appear too ubiquitous to define clearly, too pervasive to grasp fully, and too complex to evaluate, but it's too important to ignore," explains educator Brad Kuntz. In his regular Education Update column, Kuntz outlines steps you can take to improve your school culture. Ideas range from creating more opportunities for students to serve their communities to hosting study parties before exams.
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
September 12, 2012
In October, the Office of National Drug Control Policy is celebrating National Substance Abuse Prevention Month by commemorating the first National Above the Influence (ATI) Day. This will be an opportunity for youth and local youth-serving partners to demonstrate the power of staying above the negative influences that can lead to substance use. Instructional webinars will be available for those who want to learn more about ATI Day and what you can do in your community.
Stop Bullying Video Challenge
September 12, 2012
Youth ages 13-18 are encouraged to create a 30-60 second public service announcement as a part of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention’s Stop Bullying Video Challenge. Video submissions should showcase ways youth are taking actions against bullying and promoting kindness and respect within their communities. Entries must be received by 11:00PM Eastern Time on October 14, 2012.
D.C. to Implement New Citywide Discipline Rules
September 12, 2012
Public schools in the District of Columbia will have new discipline rules this winter that, among other things, focus on ensuring restraint and seclusion practices are not used improperly with students who have disabilities. The new rules, which aim to offer strict guidelines on the practices, are set to be finalized in November, with implementation to follow in later months.
OH: Stricter Seclusion Rules in Works
September 12, 2012
All schools will be required to track — and disclose — how often they are restraining or secluding children under a proposed state policy. But details about incidents, such as the reasons children are placed in seclusion rooms, would not be made public, according to a draft policy presented to a state Board of Education committee yesterday.
Superintendent Richard Carranza On The Classroom, Why Money Matters And Finding Inspiration In SF
September 11, 2012
San Francisco public schools saw a rise in standardized test scores across almost every subject this year, and the city's most underperforming institutions have all shown signs of improvement. Richard Carranza, Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, attributes this success to teachers, a rigorous curriculum, coaching for instructional practices, and supports and inteventions for struggling students.
Disparate Discipline Policies Discussed, Investigated in California
September 11, 2012
A new survey of school discipline policies in California finds that districts have a patchwork of approaches to dealing with students who misbehave, administrators are concerned about how to manage students' behavior, and they worry about the disproportionate impact of some discipline policies on black and Latino students.
Presidential Physical Fitness Test to Be Replaced After 2012-13
September 10, 2012
Beginning in the next school year, the Presidential Physical Fitness Award will be replaced with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. Under the change, officials say the emphasis will be on students' health, not a measure of performance. The fitness award measured students' ability to do push-ups, pull-ups and run a mile. The new program will assess students' aerobic capacity, body composition, flexibility, muscle strength and muscular endurance.
Panel: Changing Culture Could Improve Outcomes
September 10, 2012
Creating a culture where students aspire toward academic achievement and positive behavior that incorporates a restorative rather than punitive code of conduct is a critical aspect of graduating male African-American students who are ready for postsecondary life, experts said during a recent panel discussion at the National Summit on Educational Excellence and Opportunity for African-American Males in Washington, D.C.
(Source: Education Daily, Vol. 45, No. 154)
New Breed of Community Partnerships Aiding Schools
September 7, 2012
New kinds of agreements between school districts and their neighboring communities to share space and assets are on the rise. These symbiotic “joint use” partnerships enable districts and entities such as cities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to maximize the use of facilities and money, while meeting the needs of children and others in the community. But from joint land-development initiatives to the shared use of building space and playfields, those involved in these relationships are finding their navigation can be tricky.
Webinar: Who’s Leading the Leading Health Indicators?
September 7, 2012
On Thursday, September 20 at 12 PM ET, find out how one program improved high school graduation rates using school-wide education strategies. This Webinar will be led by the HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Don Wright, and will include a roundtable discussion on the importance of education as a tool for addressing the social determinants of health and improving the health of our Nation's young people.
Parents Who Understand School Data Can Act on It
September 7, 2012
When parents are taught to analyze and understand data like the test scores at the schools their children attend, the knowledge can become a catalyst for positive change.
Strategies to Ensure a Healthy Adolescence
September 7, 2012
On September 13, 2012, at 2 p.m. E.T., the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, in conjunction with the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention, will present the 90-minute Webinar “Strategies to Ensure a Healthy Adolescence.” Presenters will provide an overview of healthy adolescent development, how to identify and implement protective factors, and the importance of pro-social messaging when creating a positive peer culture.
Childhood Obesity Declining in Philadelphia Since 2006-07, Study Finds
September 6, 2012
The prevalence of childhood obesity among all Philadelphia students dropped more than 4.5 percent between the 2006-07 and the 2009-10 school years. The study authors can't say for certain what's behind the decline, but point to a few new initiatives and policies, including the removal of soda and sugar-sweetened beverages from school vending machines and the decision to stop using fryers in school cafeterias.
Ten Tips for Building Teacher Resiliency
September 5, 2012
In a summer Inservice blog post, professional development expert Bryan Harris shared seven tips for building resiliency in struggling students. Back with a follow-up post, he addresses resiliency, but this time with teachers in mind. "As educators, our mission is to take care of students," he writes, adding, "However, sometimes we forget to put the same energy and passion into taking care of ourselves."
National Survey Shows Decrease in Anti-LGBT Language at School
September 5, 2012
A new survey by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network shows that anti-LGBT language at schools has been decreasing over the years and for the first time in the survey's 12-year history, responses show a significant decrease in victimization based on sexual orientation. The survey results, released today, include responses from about 8,600 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
H.S. Study: More Study, Less Sleep Not a Good Combo
September 4, 2012
A new research study out of the University of California, Los Angeles, reports the "somewhat surprising" finding that spending extra time studying tends to negatively affect high school students' academic performance in school the next day. But there's also a perfectly logical explanation for this: When students study more, the researchers found, they tend to sleep less.
Report: Extracurriculars Keep Students Engaged
September 4, 2012
Students who skip school may not understand that the act has long-term consequences, according to a report by the organization Get Schooled. The report, based on interviews with about 500 teenagers in 25 cities across the county, found that students who missed more than 10 days of school are less likely to graduate from high school and attend college. Extracurricular activities and being valued by others can help students feel important and want to attend school, officials said.
'Children Succeed' With Character, Not Test Scores
September 4, 2012
A child's success can't be measured in IQ scores, standardized tests or vocabulary quizzes, says author Paul Tough. Success, he argues, is about how young people build character. Tough explores this idea in his new book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character. The difference-maker really depends on the person, Tough says. Mentoring programs that focus on goal-setting can be helpful, and he also says parents should try to help their kids manage stress from a very early age.
Teen: Indiana School District Didn't Stop Bullying
September 2, 2012
An openly gay Indianapolis teenager expelled for bringing a stun gun to school to ward off alleged bullies is suing Indianapolis Public Schools, accusing administrators of failing to stop the “relentless, severe harassment” he faced in school. The suit alleges bullies used homophobic slurs, spat at Young and threw rocks and glass bottles at him, but that school administrators blamed Young, who carried his mother’s purses and wore her jewelry to school.
MI Schools Try United Front to End Bullying
September 1, 2012
This school year is the first that Michigan schools must have anti-bullying policies in place. The Calhoun Intermediate School District, in Marshall, Mich., recently held training seminars on creating bully-free schools by involving the community in the process of prevention.
Area Schools Try United Front to End Bullying
September 1, 2012
In August, about 40 area educators gathered at the Calhoun Area Career Center for a two-day training seminar called “Bully-Free Schools: Circle of Support.” The training called for a “systems change” at schools, involving everyone from superintendents to bus drivers to students, parents and neighbors in a new approach to bullying prevention.
African-American Males in Policy Spotlight
August 29, 2012
An African-American teenager recently told William R. Hite, Jr., the incoming schools superintendent in Philadelphia, that there are more adults working in his high school who could arrest him than could help him fill out applications for college financial aid. That story, shared Monday with an audience of educators, advocates, and state and federal policymakers, punctuated an issue of increasing concern: the persistent vulnerability of black boys.
The Social and Emotional Benefits of Being Weirdly Creative
August 29, 2012
There are social and emotional benefits of Artful Thinking, a program that uses a learning strategy of active participation in the arts to increase student engagement with, and understanding of, concepts across the curriculum, David Markus writes in this blog post. Observing the program at an Annapolis, Md., middle school, Markus writes that public creative expression among students who aren't particularly good at it can increase subject-area knowledge, promote collaboration, create unlikely friendships and be great fun.
States Fail to Meet Disaster-Preparedness Standards
August 29, 2012
In its "National Report Card on Protecting Children During Disasters," the Wesport, Conn.-based organization found that 33 states and the District of Columbia do not meet at least one of four disaster-preparedness standards, which include having several different plans in the event of an emergency: for evacuating children during an emergency; for assisting children with disabilities, for reuniting families after a disaster, and multi-hazard plans for K-12 schools.
Study Engages Nation’s Teens for Insight into Skipping School
August 29, 2012
Cutting class often begins in middle school and becomes a regular habit by ninth grade, according to a study by the Get Schooled Foundation, which reported that approximately 7 million students miss a month or more of class annually. Researchers, who surveyed more than 500 students in 25 U.S. cities about their views on missing school, found truancy to be present across all student demographics, with "habitual skippers" most at risk of dropping out of high school.
Court Upholds School's Use of Desk With Restraining Bar
August 28, 2012
The court said the use of the U-shaped desk, with a wooden bar designed to keep a student from pushing back his or her chair, did not amount to an unconstitutional "seizure" under the Fourth Amendment. It also held that the exclusive use of the desks in special education classrooms did not violate the 14th Amendment equal-protection rights of students.
New Code Aims to Ease Suspensions of Students
August 28, 2012
The New York City Education Department issued new disciplinary guidelines this week that ease a previous policy on suspensions for students. Under the new guidelines, students no longer will be suspended for a one-time, low-level offense, and students in kindergarten through third grade no longer can be suspended for more than five days for midlevel infractions. Officials say teachers also are being advised to offer counseling and take other steps to prevent suspensions.
OH Schools Tap Local Farms for Produce
August 28, 2012
More schools in Ohio are serving produce from farms to provide fresh fruits and vegetables for students and help cut costs. A 2009 survey found that 37.5% of school food-service directors reported participation in a farm-to-school program, and 93% said they would buy local if they had better access.
TPS Training Zeroes in on Class Behavior
August 28, 2012
Earlier this month, Toledo Public School teachers, administrators, and even a member of the school board studied social-emotional learning, using the Responsive Classroom approach. Schools in the district that use the Responsive Classroom approach have histories of high discipline rates and often, a large number of students with emotional disabilities. Schools that are using the program saw decreases in discipline referrals and increased parental involvement. Three TPS schools will also start positive behavior intervention programs, which deals more with gaining consistency in following rules.
National Survey Outlines Drug Use in Schools
August 27, 2012
A national survey was issued this week highlighting findings that drugs are becoming accessible to teens and high schools more now than even before. Results of the survey showed that nearly nine out of 10 high school students, 86 percent of those surveyed, say that some classmates drink, use drugs and smoke during the school day.
DEA to Medical-Pot Shops: Get Away From Schools
August 27, 2012
For the past few years, as businesses associated with medical marijuana have proliferated in Western Washington, federal prosecutors have taken mostly a hands-off approach. On Thursday, however, the feds issued the clearest threat yet to 23 medical-cannabis dispensaries in the region: Shut down or else. The issue was their location, within 1,000 feet of an "educational facility or other prohibited area."
Ill. Enacts Law to Bolster Physical Education in Schools
August 27, 2012
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a law that calls for the creation of an "Enhance Physical Education Task Force," in an effort to improve the state's physical education offerings. The law requires the newly created task force to make recommendations to the governor on how to update the state's phys. ed. standards, based on research linking physical activity and learning, by Aug. 31, 2013.
Special Education Teacher's Positive Techniques
August 26, 2012
Award-winning behavior specialist Leslie Beal and her Positive Intervention Team at the San Angelo Independent School District in Texas work with students who have varying degrees of special needs and disabilities. The team employs tools such as positive reinforcement and implement structure into students' routines to address their individual challenges.
FL District Reports High but Declining Numbers of Restraint Cases
August 26, 2012
Data show that Orange County Public Schools in Florida restrain more students with disabilities than any other district in the state. However, the number -- 952 incidents -- has declined by two-thirds since the 2010-11 school year. "We're going to continue to work on bringing those numbers down, using strategies to keep students safe and staff safe," said superintendent Barbara Jenkins.
N.C. Teens Deliver Fresh Produce to Food Deserts
August 24, 2012
Teens pedaling rickshaws deliver farmers market produce to homes in food deserts in Goldsboro, N.C. The Produce Ped'lers delivery program, paid for by a U.S. Agriculture Department grant for farmers markets and run by a coalition that includes area universities, provides employment and helps spread the word about good nutrition.
Polling Group: Student Success Linked to Positive Outlook
August 23, 2012
Roughly half of American students today are hopeful about their futures, according to data collected by Gallup Inc., while two-thirds of students are engaged in their learning and two-thirds have high well-being. Those three positive traits are closely linked to academic success and should be focal points for educators, the polling group contends.
Jury Award Upheld Against District in Locker Room Harassment
August 23, 2012
A jury found that administrators in the Wayne County district were deliberately indifferent to evidence that 8th grade male basketball players were harassing their 7th grade counterparts in the locker room, including "lights out" incidents of gyrating on the younger players, and requiring a blindfolded student to perform sit-ups in which his face came into contact with the bare buttocks of an 8th grader. In the most serious incident, 8th grade players restrained a 7th grader, pulled down his pants, and anally inserted a felt marker.
Recess Makes Return to Chicago Schools
August 23, 2012
There's a growing amount of evidence linking physical activity and academic success, and a study from earlier this year highlighted the benefits of recess for young children. With input from parents, teachers, and school principals, Chicago administrators released guidelines last year to help elementary schools create a recess plan, according to a press release, laying out details on how communities can create and offer recess options for students.
Number of Restrained Special-needs Students Down
August 22, 2012
The number of children with disabilities restrained last year in Palm Beach County, Fla., public schools declined over the previous year, but school board members plan to continue monitoring the practice. "We're heading in the right direction but we do want to keep our eye on it," board member Karen Brill said.
Lunch Workers Study How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy
August 21, 2012
There will be more whole grains on school lunch menus this year, along with a wider selection of fruits and vegetables and other healthy options. The challenge is getting children to eat them. At a School Nutrition Association conference in Denver this summer, food workers heard tips about how to get children to make healthy food choices in the cafeteria.
Schools Minister to Kids’ Fitness and Nutrition Needs
August 21, 2012
Schools have made meals healthier for students, but columnist Lenny Bernstein writes it is a long road ahead to change attitudes that children have about food. School nutrition professionals say students have been receptive to some changes -- including leaner beef and low-fat, low-sodium options -- but other changes -- including whole-wheat bread and sweet potato bites -- have been less popular.
Lack of Exercise, Obesity Rank as Adults' Big Concerns for Kids
August 21, 2012
Adults consider a lack of exercise to be the most pressing health problem for American youths, with childhood obesity not trailing far behind, according to the sixth annual C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. The survey also reveals divided adult health concerns about children by race/ethnicity. Of any racial group, Hispanics rated childhood obesity the biggest concern, with 44 percent of respondents calling it a big problem. Meanwhile, only 32 percent of black adults considered childhood obesity a big problem, but 43 percent of African-Americans thought smoking and tobacco use among children was.
Police Chief: More Parental Involvement Reduces School Crime
August 21, 2012
An increase in parental involvement at Detroit Public Schools is one of the reasons crime has decreased in those schools, according to Schools Police Chief Roderick Grimes. Independent surveys of 3,144 parents demonstrated that parent engagement in school programs increased by 30 percent from the 2010-11 to the 2011-12 school year, a release from DPS indicates. At the same time, overall on-campus incidents were down 10 percent in the district's schools from the 2010-11 to the 2011-12 school year.
Court Upholds N.Y. Bar on 'Aversive Interventions' for Students
August 20, 2012
A federal appeals court has upheld a New York state prohibition on the use of "aversive interventions" such as electric shock, food limitations, and restraints in schools, including for children with disabilities being served in out-of-state schools that have permitted such practices. The New York regulation was challenged by parents who believe such interventions are proper for their children, who commit self-injurious behaviors such as banging their heads on walls and pulling out their own teeth.
Dogs as Role Models: A Lesson in Classroom Management
August 17, 2012
Behavioral management professor Richard Curwin offers tips on how to deal with a classroom situation in which several students or student groups act out at the same time. His "Leader of the Pack" strategy involves three steps: find the leader or leaders, enlist their help in controlling the disruptions, and then create new leaders over time by establishing new classroom groups and giving every student the opportunity to lead.
Texas Districts Flagged for Suspending Students With Disabilities
August 15, 2012
Thirty Texas school districts have been flagged for suspending a disproportionate number of students with disabilities. The group Disability Rights Texas noted that, in those districts, about 22% of students with disabilities received out-of-school suspensions during the 2010-11 school year, compared with an average 7% of the students with disabilities statewide.
School Building Boom Led to Gains for Young Students in L.A.
August 15, 2012
A study of a $19.5 billion, decade-long school construction program in the Los Angeles school district found that elementary school students moving from overcrowded facilities into new buildings showed achievement gains that were the equivalent of up to 35 additional days of instruction a year.
House Offers 'Fresh' Take on Produce Program for Poor Schools
August 14, 2012
When a U.S. House committee signed off on their version of the Farm Bill last month, they proposed an unusual twist to the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program that introduces low-income elementary school students to their first tastes of such items as kohlrabi, kiwi fruit, and pomegranates. The committee wants the program to allow the snacks made with fresh produce served at these schools to include frozen, canned, and dried varieties of the same fruits and veggies. The program explicitly excludes these items now.
San Antonio Schools Touting Health and Fitness
August 14, 2012
San Antonio often gets ranked as one of the fattest cities in the U.S., so its school districts are busy with diet and exercise programs aimed at creating a healthier student body. Some districts got federal grant money to buy fitness equipment. Schools have added popular fitness programs, such as Zumba dance and rock climbing, and teachers ask students in nutrition classes to track their eating and exercise habits.
Parents Take Lead in District's Engagement Policy
August 14, 2012
The Bridgeport (Conn.) Board of Education night unanimously passed a new parent-engagement policy for the Bridgeport Public Schools that was conceived of, written, and lobbied for by a diverse group of parents. Among the provisions of the policy are "a more welcoming school environment" and "a parent survey."
Study Links Healthier Weight in Children With Strict Laws on School Snacks
August 13, 2012
Students living in states that regulate snacks and drinks in schools gained less weight from fifth grade to eighth grade than those living in states with no such regulations, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers also found that obese students living in states with tougher state laws on school nutrition had a better chance of reaching a healthy weight than those living in states with no laws.
Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Webinar Series - Cyberbullying: What You Can Do
August 13, 2012
On August 15, 2012 (2:00 - 3:30pm ET), OJJDP will host This webinar will detail current trends in cyberbullying, particularly on how schools, parents, and communities can all work to help prevent this growing problem, including how to create a supportive environment and how to speak to kids about the impact of cyberbullying.
Schools Encourage Students to Toss Fast Food
August 13, 2012
Schools in a North Carolina district are implementing changes to comply with new federal standards for school meals, including a ban on fast food. School officials have placed trash cans outside of buildings that read "Fast Food Stops Here!!!" Other changes include the addition of more fruits and vegetables and the adoption of the "Stop Light Guide for Healthy Eating," which labels foods as green, yellow or red depending on their nutritional value.
Kansas City Teachers Explore Students' Realities
August 10, 2012
Some Kansas City, Mo., teachers recently got an early look at their new students as they took a bus tour of the neighborhood where those students live. Led by police officers, the tour took the mostly suburban teachers past boarded up homes and motels, where they learned some of their students live. The teachers are assigned to the newly formed Central Academy of Excellence and principal Linda Collins said she wanted teachers to understand why students "don't look like you, don't talk like you and don't think like you. Because they have other things on their minds."
Kentucky State School Board Approves Policy Restricting Use of Restraint and Seclusion
August 10, 2012
The Kentucky Board of Education has approved a policy restricting the use of restraint and seclusion with children in public schools. Under the policy, which could be implemented in the 2013-14 school year, the practice would only be permitted when a student's actions constitute "imminent danger of serious physical harm" to the child or others. The measure was lauded by some people, while others expressed concern about the schools' ability to maintain order.
Students Smoking Fewer Cigarettes, But Cigar Use Up
August 9, 2012
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that, while cigarette smoking among American middle and high school students has been declining, the use of cigars is rising among some groups of students. Hiking the price of tobacco products, limiting ads, and media campaigns have worked at getting kids to stop smoking or keep them from starting, the CDC said, and those interventions should continue as part of a national comprehensive anti-tobacco program.
Federal Partners Host Bullying Prevention Summit
August 7, 2012
On August 6–7, 2012, OJJDP will join USED and other partnering agencies to present the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit. The focus of this year’s summit will be on improving coordination of antibullying efforts and basing programs on the best available research. Panels will highlight the connection between bullying and suicide and ways to help students who bully others.
Can Standing Desks Make Kids Healthier?
August 7, 2012
In a recent study, researchers provided first-graders in four Texas classrooms with "stand-biased" desks, which encourage standing but come with stools students can sit on. At the end of six weeks, 70% of the students never had used the stools and the other 30% stood most of the time.
Suspensions Are Higher for Disabled Students, Federal Data Indicate
August 7, 2012
A new analysis of U.S. Department of Education data shows that students with disabilities are almost twice as likely to be suspended from school as their peers without disabilities. The highest suspension rates were seen among black students with disabilities, according to the analysis, which was conducted by the Center for Civil Rights Remedies at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Researchers Sound Alarm Over Black Student Suspensions
August 7, 2012
Nearly one in six African-American students was suspended from school during the 2009-10 academic year, more than three times the rate of their white peers, a new analysis of federal education data has found. And for black children with disabilities, the rate was even higher: One in four such students was suspended at least once that year.
Teachers Get Little Training on Seclusion
August 6, 2012
Many educators in Ohio schools have not received adequate training in the use of seclusion rooms for students with behavioral problems, according to a newspaper investigation. Some advocates and educators say more training is needed, particularly on "positive behavior management" techniques, in which good behavior is emphasized over discipline.
Detroit Clears School Routes of Vacant Homes
August 6, 2012
The $10-million state-funded plan to demolish hundreds of decrepit houses, which will start with 250 structures in the MorningSide neighborhood, is a result of a program to create safe walking routes to schools. In April, the Free Press chronicled the experiences of several students in tough neighborhoods, as they wound their way through dark streets to get to and from school each day.
At Bullying Summit, Student Bystanders Encouraged to Act
August 6, 2012
As policymakers continue to wrestle with the issue of bullying, there's a new emphasis on getting kids who see bullying happen to speak up. At the third Bullying Prevention Summit here, the nonprofit Ad Council today shared a new public service campaign encouraging parents of children who see their peers being bullied to report it.
Soda Access Drops in Middle, High Schools; Sports Drinks in Easy Reach
August 6, 2012
While sugary sodas are less accessible at American middle and high schools than they were four years ago, secondary school students still have easy access to other sweetened beverages, including sports and fruit drinks, a study published today in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine finds.
Lunch Prices Rise for Some Students
August 5, 2012
Students in many Kentucky school districts will pay more this fall for school meals. The price increases are part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which requires districts to charge about what they are reimbursed by the federal government for the meals.
CT Area School Systems Prepare for Changes to Lunch
August 5, 2012
Connecticut school nutrition professionals say they already has been working to implement new federal standards for school meals that went into effect July 1. In one district, the phase-in of the new healthier meals began in the 2011-12 school year when cafeterias switched to brown rice and whole-grain hamburger buns. The switch resulted in a $500 loss per day in sales, but officials say they are hopeful that this year students will accept the healthier fare.
Researchers: Cyberbullying Not as Widespread, Common as Believed
August 4, 2012
New research suggests that cyberbullying "is a low-prevalence phenomenon, which has not increased over time and has not created many 'new' victims and bullies, that is, children and youth who are not also involved in some form of traditional bullying." Researchers recommend that schools focus on counteracting traditional bullying. His research has found that levels of electronic bullying decline along with traditional bullying in these schools.
Menu Makeover in Brevard Public Schools
August 2, 2012
New federal standards for school meals require school nutrition professionals to prepare healthier -- and more creative -- meals for students, say officials with Brevard Public Schools in Florida. Schools have adopted the "Go, Slow, Whoa" approach, in which students learn how to approach foods, with vegetables getting a "go" and foods such as sweets getting a "whoa."
Grant Program Funds Charter-District Cooperation
August 2, 2012
Federal officials are sponsoring a new grant competition designed to promote collaboration between charter schools and traditional public schools that want to work together to improve academic achievement and overall educational services. Department officials say many of the strategies for collaboration, such as coordinating lesson planning for schools with similiar populations, examining how school climate could be improved, or arranging regular meetings to share ideas, won't necessarily cost a lot of money.
Improving Academic Achievement for Disadvantaged Children
August 2, 2012
Maurice Elias, a professor in Rutgers University's psychology department, in this blog post shares insights into improving academic achievement for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. He shares an interview with James Comer, who was successful in raising achievement of students who were from low-income -- primarily minority -- families. In the interview, Comer attributes his success to a collaborative program focused on "climate, the academic program, and staff development."
Cultural Considerations Rejected in N.Y. Private Placements
August 1, 2012
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo vetoed a bill Tuesday that would have required school districts to consider cultural factors when deciding on private placements for students with disabilities.
Daylong Seminar Prepares Teachers to Deal with Crisis Management
August 1, 2012
Teachers in Quincy, Illinois under went an annual Crisis Intervention Training seminar, where they learned how to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations using non-violent techniques with the goal of keeping the student in the classroom setting. Crisis intervention training excercises, like this one, prepares teachers to recognize different emotions and behaviors in students and how best to deal with those situations.
Using Summer To Narrow Achievement Gap
July 31, 2012
A pilot program for New York City students is attempting to stop summer learning loss by providing low-income elementary and middle-school students with the same experiences and opportunities as their more affluent peers. The Summer Quest program, run by the city's departments of Education and Youth and Community Development, combines lessons in English and math with field trips and elective classes in the arts.
Schools, Nonprofits Win $27 Million in Phys. Ed., Nutrition Grants
July 31, 2012
Schools, districts, and community organizations that partner with districts in 25 states will split $27 million in federal grants for physical and nutrition education. The winning programs must help students make progress toward passing their state standards for physical education and secondarily, they have to teach students about good nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Depression Triples Between Ages 12 and 15 in Girls in U.S.
July 30, 2012
An average of 12.0 percent of girls aged 12 to 17 years have experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year, with the rates tripling for girls between the ages of 12 and 15, according to a report published July 19 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
5 Ways to Build Sustainable Relationships within Your School
July 30, 2012
In an excerpt from his book, "Failure Is NOT an Option: 6 Principles for Making Student Success the ONLY Option," HOPE Foundation founder Alan Blankstein outlines five ways school leadership can build trusting relationships with teachers to achieve long-term success. He describes how a school's leadership team instituted "learning walks," to provide feedback in a nonthreatening way.
Justice Dept. Will Track Pa. District, Resolving Sexual Assault Cases
July 30, 2012
The Allentown, Pa., school district will have to take a number of steps to better prevent and address sexual harassment to resolve a federal investigation into how it handled the sexual assaults by a 5th grade student on 6- and 7-year-old schoolmates. Under a proposed agreement between the district and the U.S. Department of Justice, the district must develop new policies to address sexual harassment, agree to fully investigate alleged incidents of sexual harassment, and hire a consultant to oversee changes in the district.
Nearly 250 Communities Apply for Promise Neighborhood Grants
July 30, 2012
The U.S. Department of Education got 242 applications for a slice of the nearly $60 million in funding for the program, which helps communities pair education with other services, including pre-kindergarten, health, and arts education. That's a slight increase over last year.
Therapy Dogs Prove their Worth in the Classroom
July 29, 2012
The idea behind the therapy dogs program was to help children who had trouble at school, didn’t like reading or just didn’t like school to find a new reason to learn. Therapy dogs have proven to reach children in ways humans can not. Leave a child alone with a dog, Baehr said, and when checking in on the pair she will find the child is pouring his or her heart out to the dog.
TN City Schools Offers Free Breakfast to All its Students
July 28, 2012
A Tennessee school district in August will launch a universal free breakfast program for students. Officials say they are hopeful the program will improve students' attendance and academic achievement. A study by the School Nutrition Association showed that math and reading scores increased in another Tennessee school district after it adopted a universal breakfast program.
Ohio Auditors to Look into Attendance Formula
July 27, 2012
The Ohio auditor's office has started an investigation into school-attendance records across the state following reports of questionable practices in several districts. In some districts, students were dropped from attendance lists and then re-enrolled later in the school year, which removed those students' test results from state report cards and raised district ratings. In other cases, large numbers of student absences were erased from district computers.
Computerized Program Allows Parents to Control Vending Purchases
July 26, 2012
Parents in New York City could get to decide what drink selections their children can make -- and how often they can make them. CC Vending is seeking approval to install its computerized system in all city schools. The system allows parents to load money onto online accounts, which students use to purchase drinks that parents select for them. Officials say the program is intended to help students make healthier choices and hold their parents accountable.
Kids Count Report: America's Children are Advancing Despite the Economy
July 25, 2012
The newly released Kids Count survey on the state of America's children reveals that 22% of U.S. children were living in poverty in 2010 and nearly 24% of students failed to graduate from high school on time in 2008-09, an improvement over the 27% dropout rate for 2005-06. The racial achievement gap continues, the report says, with 58% of white fourth-graders and more than 80% of Latino, African-American and Native American Indian students failing to achieve reading proficiency in 2011.
Maryland education board gives preliminary approval to student-discipline reforms
July 24, 2012
The Baltimore State Board of Education overwhelmingly approved regulations intended to cut back on suspensions, keep students in class and create a less-punitive culture in public schools...
MD Board OKs Overhaul of School Discipline
July 24, 2012
The Maryland State Board of Education voted to give preliminary approval to changes to the state's discipline policy that will replace zero-tolerance consequences with a rehabilitative approach to discipline and make suspensions and expulsions last-resort disciplinary measures. The policy also will require the state Education Department to track data to find and eliminate punishment disparities affecting students who are minorities or in special education. The board will take a final vote on the changes next month.
Students Answer to Peers in L.A.'s Teen Courts
July 23, 2012
In the teen courts that have operated for two decades in Los Angeles, trained high school students question their peers, determine guilt, and recommend sentences.
At D.C. Libraries, Food for Young Minds and Bodies
July 22, 2012
Three organizations in the District of Columbia have joined forces this summer to offer free lunches to children at 11 public libraries.
10 Interactive Lessons By Google On Digital Citizenship
July 22, 2012
Google just launched a set of 10 interactive lessons designed to support teachers in educating students on digital citizenship, including cyberbullying.
Education of Suspended Students
July 21, 2012
An advocacy group for children charges that Wake County schools are failing in their legal obligation to educate those students with disabilities who are on long-term suspension.
Walkable, Green, Community-serving School
July 20, 2012
Rosa Parks Elementary in Portland, Ore., is more than just a school, it's the center of a community.
School Boards Group Wants Restraint, Seclusion Proposal Diluted
July 20, 2012
Education advocacy groups continue to weigh in on the specifics of a potential federal law governing the use in schools of restraint and seclusion, a practice used disproportionately with students who have disabilities.
Summer Camp for Students with Disabilities Focuses on Whole Child
July 20, 2012
A summer camp for students with disabilities in Texas includes a focus on academics as well as activities that help students' develop their social skills and abilities.
PTA Offers Advice on Talking to Kids After Movie Shootings
July 20, 2012
To address the challenges families will face in speaking with their children about this tragedy, National PTA offers several supportive resources to assist parents, families, schools, and PTAs.
Students Get Lesson in Nutrition at Youth Farmers Market
July 20, 2012
Elementary- and middle-school students in Colorado are participating in a summer internship program in which they grow vegetables and sell produce at a local farmers market.
Study: Walking to School, Sports Tied to Teen Weight
July 16, 2012
Teens who played sports and teens who walked or biked to school were less likely to be overweight or obese than those who didn't.
U.S.D.A. Exceeds HealthierUS School Challenge Goal
July 16, 2012
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and its partners have exceeded their goal of having 2,250 HealthierUS School Challenge-certified schools by the end of June, with 3,717 schools now certified. The challenge is part of first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative. Certified schools have voluntarily met USDA standards in nutrition, physical fitness and wellness.
WY Project to Teach Parents to Participate in Education
July 15, 2012
Education researchers at the University of Wyoming this fall will be studying how students in nine Title I schools respond to a program that teaches their parents how to help their children succeed. The program will provide parents and other family members with monthly training sessions on how to achieve Judy Zerafa's "Seven Keys to Success," which include a positive attitude and choices, persistence and goal setting.
Students with Disabilities Take Part in Anti-bullying Workshop
July 15, 2012
Students with physical and intellectual disabilities were among those who participated in a recent anti-bullying workshop sponsored by a New Jersey organization aimed at disability education and support services. The organization sought to empower all students to understand anti-bullying laws and what they mean, especially students with disabilities who have a higher probability of being bullied.
Absent, Suspended Baltimore Students Falling Further Behind
July 15, 2012
Baltimore officials say the achievement gap between chronically absent students and students who attend school regularly must be addressed. Officials also point out that there is an achievement gap among students who are suspended and those who are not, raising questions about suspension policies.
Middle School Bullying Specialist to be First of Kind in NH District
July 14, 2012
The Rochester, N.H., school board has unanimously voted to hire a "student safety and behavior support specialist" to deal with bullying and harassment issues at the district's middle school. According to school principal Valerie McKenney, the bullying specialist will concentrate on the school's "red zone" students -- 40 to 50 students who have been identified as consistently involved in bullying incidents.
Don't Blame Obesity for Poor Academic Performance, Study Suggests
July 13, 2012
According to early findings from research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, there is no causal relationship between a child's weight and their academic performance. While previous studies have found a potential link, Scholder and her colleagues suggest that any previous research linking obesity to poor academic performance must be caused by other factors, such as socio-economic status.
Parents Urge Congress to Limit Restraint, Seclusion
July 12, 2012
Parents of children with disabilities testified Thursday before a Congressional committee urging lawmakers to enact measures to limit the ability of schools to use restraint and seclusion to deal with students' behavior problems. Of the estimated 38,792 cases of seclusion or restraint in the 2009-2010 school year, 69% involved students with disabilities, according to an Education Department report.
Special Educators' Use of Restraints, Seclusion Topic of Senate Hearing
July 11, 2012
Educators’ use of restraints and seclusion for managing disruptive student behaviors are scheduled to be the focus of a first-of-its-kind hearing before the Senate education committee. In general, students may be restrained or secluded only when they are in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others. But critics say too often these practices are used to discipline students or remove them from class if they are being disruptive.
Next Up in Teacher Evaluations: Student Surveys
July 11, 2012
The search for reliable methods of gauging teacher effectiveness—a dominant education policy issue over the last several years—has centered on classroom observation tools and value-added measures. But another potential indicator has emerged and is starting to pick up momentum: student surveys. Increased interest coincided with the release of a report finding that many U.S. students perceive their schoolwork as too easy.
NY Governor Signs Cyberbullying Measure into Law
July 10, 2012
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed a bill into law on Tuesday, requiring schools do more to crack down on cyberbullying. Under the measure, schools are required to take additional steps to monitor and report such incidents. Lawmakers initially considered including harsher penalties punishing those who engage in cyberbullying, but that provision was removed.
Few State Physical Education Mandates Meet Recommended Guidelines
July 10, 2012
Of the 41 states that require physical education at the elementary school level, only six meet the recommended guidelines from the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), according to a new study from the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. The picture gets even bleaker as students get older.
SAMHSA Awards up to $3.5 Million in System of Care Expansion Planning Grants for Children and Their Families
July 10, 2012
The purpose of these grants is to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for improving and expanding services provided by systems of care for children and youth with serious mental health conditions and their families.
House to Back Anti-bullying Grants
July 9, 2012
Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives are expected to approve funding for states to further anti-bullying efforts. Under the bill, federal grants would be allowed for programs that "may include research-based bullying prevention, cyberbullying prevention and gang prevention programs, as well as intervention programs regarding bullying." The grants would be part of the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant program, which could distribute $40 million a year for the next five years.
Finland Rethinks Factory-Style School Buildings
July 6, 2012
Education watchers have dissected Finland’s educational leadership on international tests from practically every angle, but a new traveling exhibit suggests one more: the buildings themselves support student achievement. School design has become of increasing concern to American and international educators alike, as buildings age and research emerges on the effects of schools’ physical structure on student health, safety, and motivation.
N.J. Shortchanges Schools on Anti-Bullying Grants
July 6, 2012
School districts and charter schools requested almost $5 million in reimbursement for the cost of implementing New Jersey’s new anti-bullying law in 2011-12, data provided by the state Department of Education show. But they will receive only 20 percent of that because the state authorized only $1 million for the program, leaving the law open to another legal challenge as an unfunded state mandate.
Pasco School Redefines 'Meals on Wheels'
July 6, 2012
A school nutrition professional and a driver are delivering summer meals in a converted school bus to students in a Florida district. The bus makes five stops near an elementary school -- typically carrying about 40 packed lunches each day. Students are required to eat their meals, which are free, on the bus. Officials say they launched the lunch bus after a disappointing turnout for the school's summer lunch program.
School Lunches Missing the Mark for Nutrition Standards
July 5, 2012
Most California districts got high marks for serving foods with key nutrients, but 60% of the school lunches reviewed by the state in the past five years failed to meet at least one federal nutritional requirement. Despite the problems, California is considered a leader in the nation when it comes to school lunches. State legislators banned trans fats from school cafeterias beginning in 2009, and many districts have adopted best practices, such as buying fresh produce from local farms.
OCR to Investigate Wake County Discrimination Claim
July 5, 2012
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will investigate whether the Wake County public schools in North Carolina are discriminating against English-language learners and their parents by not providing adequate translations of important documents.
How Far Has Physical Education Come in the Past 20 Years?
July 2, 2012
Physical education has improved in some ways over the past 20 years, according to a recent report that praises Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" program and the push to include more physical activity in PE classes. However, they write that No Child Left Behind has led to less emphasis on PE and suggest there is a need for a common way to evaluate PE programs.
To Fight Childhood Obesity, Treat Boys and Girls Differently
June 28, 2012
Researchers have found that boys and girls have different nutritional needs, findings they say could affect efforts to curb childhood obesity. Among the findings are that girls who drink milk are less likely to be obese, a trend not found among boys. Research showed that boys and girls also respond differently to exercise, with girls often preferring less intense exercise when they might not sweat, and boys preferring physical activity that promotes strength.
Research Points to Health Care Improving School Outcomes
June 28, 2012
The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act could help bridge achievement gaps among students, according to health experts who have studied the issue. "The reasons students drop out of school are complex, and health can be integrally related to many of these reasons, including barriers to learning such as hunger and poor nutrition and even fear for safety at school," wrote the authors, led by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researcher Diane Allensworth.
Study: Students With Disabilities Often On Both Ends Of Bullying
June 28, 2012
A new study looking at over 800 students ages 9 to 16 from nine different schools finds that bullying experiences vary dramatically between special education and general education students. Using school data on student involvement in bullying situations, researchers found that kids enrolled in special education were more likely to both perpetrate and be victims of bullying. They were also more likely to be sent to the school office for disciplinary problems than those in general education.
To Change Behavior, Students Act as Teachers
June 27, 2012
The teachers of a 30-student inclusion classroom knew they had to do something drastic to change the classroom environment. With the help of a colleague, they devised an intervention of sorts: a reading-buddy program, pairing their students with first graders for two classes a week. The hope was two-fold: that the fourth graders would assume a leadership role, and see how difficult it can be to teach.
Graduation Rates Soar At San Diego High Schools
June 27, 2012
The district is significantly outpacing other large urban districts in reducing the number of students who drop out. The district attributed that success to closer tracking of individual student performance and attendance. Nellie Meyer, the district's deputy superintendent for academics, pointed to that tracking and volunteers who knock on doors in some cases to connect with students missing school as a few of the things making the difference.
Bullied Bus Monitor Spotlights Problem on School Buses
June 22, 2012
The shocking YouTube video of students verbally abusing monitor Karen Klein highlights how difficult it can be to handle bullying in a place where it often happens: the school bus. The good news is that better training is making its way to thousands of bus drivers and monitors across the country – and school administrators may now be more inclined than ever to take seriously drivers’ reports of bullying against kids and adults.
Lawsuit Demands Increased Language Services for Parents
June 20, 2012
Some New York City parents of students with special needs who have limited English proficiency (L.E.P.) say schools are not doing enough to ensure adequate communication about their children's education. The parents, who rallied on Wednesday, have filed a complaint with the federal Office for Civil Rights.
AMA Supports Requiring Obesity Education for Kids
June 20, 2012
The American Medical Association said Wednesday it will support legislation requiring schools to teach students in grades 1-12 about the causes, effects and prevention of obesity. Obesity, the doctors said, affects more than 12 million U.S. children and is linked to a number of health issues, including diabetes and heart disease.
Study Aims to Identify Predictors of Physical Activity in Children
June 20, 2012
Researchers looked at data from a total of 482 children who all wore activity monitors called Actigraphs on their waists for at least three straight days to constantly measure their physical activity levels. The researchers set out to identify predictors of physical activity or sedentary behaviors in youths. By age 8, boys were already significantly more physically active than girls. At the same time, boys also were significantly less sedentary than girls.
Teen Drinkers May Feel Like Social Outcasts: Study
June 19, 2012
A study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior revealed that teen drinkers were more likely to feel like social outcasts than nondrinkers, particularly in schools with tight cliques and fewer students who abuse alcohol. Researchers also found that loneliness and social isolation were directly tied to poor school performance.
Engaging Parents in Schools and Student Learning
June 18, 2012
Steven Sheldon, professor and research scientist, Center for Social Organization of School, Johns Hopkins University and Karen L. Mapp, lecturer on education, Harvard University will discuss why parent engagement matters, point to promising practices that schools and districts are using in this area, and explore how schools can move beyond these practices to develop systems that support the engagement of families and communities in students’ education.
Children Offered Free Meals this Summer
June 16, 2012
Several school districts in Maine are serving summer meals to young people, hoping to fill the gap that some students experience during the summer break, when they are unable to eat two meals at school each day. Under the summer program, youths younger than 18 are eligible for meals and do not need to prove they are from low-income families. They are required to eat the meal on site.
Obama Proposal to Raise Dropout Age Falls Flat
June 16, 2012
Twenty-nine states let students leave school before they turn 18. Obama urged lawmakers to require them to stay in school until graduation or age 18. But since then, only Maryland has approved a plan to raise the dropout age, first to 17 in 2015 and then to 18 in 2017. Legislators and education experts welcomed the emphasis on education and the dropout age, but say it's not a simple fix.
Does Obesity Affect School Performance?
June 14, 2012
A recent study has found that students who are obese have lower test scores in math than students who are not obese. According to the study, children who were overweight when they entered kindergarten, began having academic difficulties in first grade through fifth grade.
Wake County's Families of ELLs Need Translations, Complaint Alleges
June 12, 2012
In Wake County, North Carolina, parents who are not fluent in English do not receive the translation services they need to understand some public school documents involving their children, says a complaint filed against the district today with the U.S. Department of Education's office of civil rights by a pair of advocacy groups.
Baltimore County School Board Eases Discipline Policy
June 12, 2012
In Baltimore County, Md., principals will have more autonomy in how they discipline students under a vote taken by the school board Tuesday that eliminates the district's zero-tolerance approach. Supporters said the new policy -- which is aligned with recommendations from the state school board -- is intended to help reduce the number of days students spend out of school.
Apps: The Latest Stand Against School Bullies
June 11, 2012
Several new smartphone applications are intended to help stop school bullying, including Stop Bullies that allows students to report incidents of bullying anonymously by sending photos, messages and other information to school administrators. Another app, Back Off Bully (BOB), was created by students and offers similar features, along with resources on bullying and a function that allows students to schedule counseling appointments.
Study: Self-Injury Common in Grade School
June 11, 2012
Self-injury is a common emotional disorder among teens and young adults, and now new research confirms that young children also injure themselves on purpose. In one of the first studies ever to assess self-injury rates among children as young as age 7, close to 7% of 3rd grade girls and 8% of 3rd grade boys said they had self-injured at some point in their lives.
First Lady Sponsors Kids' Recipe Contest
June 10, 2012
Children nationwide are being invited to create recipes that could be served in school and enter them in a contest sponsored by the White House as part of first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign. One student will be selected as a winner from each state and invited to an event at the White House, at which some of the recipes will be served.
Teachers Need More Training to Handle Children’s Emotions
June 8, 2012
Student teachers learn a lot about how to teach in college, but they don’t get much training in how to respond to young children’s emotions, such as frustration, anger, and excitement, according to new research. Regulating emotions is important not only for young children, but for their long-term success as they move into higher grades.
Kids Don't Eat Less when Serving Themselves
June 8, 2012
Allowing pre-schoolers to help themselves to food is thought to teach kids healthy eating habits like portion control, but a new study finds that children eat just as much at self-served meals as they do when food is plated for them. Parents and teachers should help children learn to stop eating when they're full, the lead researcher said.
Fairfax School Board Votes to Postpone Discipline Debate
June 8, 2012
Fairfax County principals became a potent voice of opposition to proposed discipline reforms this week, objecting to measures that would have required notifying parents before their children are questioned about serious offenses at school. the Fairfax County School Board voted 7 to 5 late Thursday to postpone action on policy changes that focused on parental notification, marijuana offenses and the appeals process. The vote effectively put off the debate until next year.
GAO Report Questions Whether Bullying Laws Protect All Students
June 7, 2012
A new Government Accountability Office report about bullying recommends additional action by the U.S. Department of Education and the attorney general, and says more study is needed to determine whether existing laws go far enough in protecting all students from bullying at school.
Survey: Gay Teens Less Likely to be Happy
June 6, 2012
Gay and lesbian teenagers across the United States are less likely to be happy, more likely to report harassment and more inclined to experiment with drugs and alcohol than the nation's straight teens, according to a new nationwide survey of more than 10,000 gay and lesbian young people.
Disney Bans Junk Food Ads for Kids on TV, Internet
June 5, 2012
The Walt Disney Co. is the first major media company to ban ads for junk food on its television channels, radio stations and websites, hoping to stop kids from eating badly by taking the temptation away. Disney’s rules — which won’t take effect until 2015 — follow a proposal by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to take supersized drinks over 16 ounces out of convenience stores, movie theaters and restaurants, removing choices to try to influence behavior.
Michigan Schools Face Deadline to Adopt Anti-bullying Policies
June 4, 2012
At schools across metro Detroit, students and adults are taking a stand against the serious and often unreported problem of bullying -- efforts that have intensified in the six months since Michigan lawmakers adopted Matt's Safe School Law, which requires anti-bullying policies in every school district and charter school in the state by Wednesday.
U.S. Pediatric Obesity Screening, Counseling Found to Be Uneven
June 4, 2012
With the U.S. facing an ongoing childhood obesity crisis, various groups have urged pediatricians to screen youths for obesity and provide counseling in recent years. Despite this, a large number of overweight and obese children continue to go without being counseled about healthy eating habits or physical activity by health care professionals, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics.
Duncan Meets With, Takes Suggestions From LGBT Students
June 1, 2012
The students delighted in giving Duncan homework: They want his office to collect data on episodes of bullying, harassment, and discrimination of LGBT students, perhaps as a part of the Civil Rights Data Collection, something Duncan said he would explore. Duncan said he also liked students' suggestion that they talk to teachers about their experiences as a form of sensitivity training.
Mississippi District Agrees to Settle Suit Over Handcuffing Students
June 1, 2012
Jackson Public Schools (JPS) will no longer handcuff students to poles or other objects and will train staff at its alternative school on better methods of discipline. JPS agreed to settle a suit brought by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which charged that staff at the school district’s Capital City Alternative School engaged in the practice of shackling students to a pole in the school.
Plan for NYC School-based Mental Health Centers
May 30, 2012
New York City Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott on Wednesday unveiled a $30 million initiative to help schools provide mental health services to students. Under the plan, 20 new school-based centers would be created at selected middle and high schools over the next three years. "These new centers will provide on-site primary care and mental health services, helping to keep our kids healthy, secure, and in school," Walcott said.
School Lunch Orders Go Online
May 30, 2012
A program called Choicelunch will be offered in the fall at Del Mar Union School District in San Diego, allowing parents to order their children's lunches online or from a smartphone application using a menu of 17 options. Registered dietitian Jodi Block helped develop Choicelunch as a way to improve the quality of lunches, and says it will give parents more control over what their children eat.
Friendships Influence Kids' Activity Levels
May 28, 2012
Children with physically active friends were six times more likely to be active during an after-school program, U.S. researchers reported in the journal Pediatrics. They interviewed 81 children ages 5 to 12 and found that the activity levels of friends in a social group can lead children to be more active or more sedentary.
NYC Mayor Proposes After-school Programs Budget Cuts
May 27, 2012
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing to reduce the city's after-school enrichment programs in a budget-cutting move designed to save $19 million, or about one-quarter of 1 percent of the total city budget. The programs slated for elimination run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and serve 27,000 children, most of them from poor or blue-collar families whose parents may not be able to afford other after-school child care.
Calif. Launches Mental Illness Social Media Campaign
May 25, 2012
The California Mental Health Services Authority consulted social service and medical experts, communications specialists and consumers for the state's new mental illness awareness campaign. The campaign is one of three that uses Internet, public relations, radio and social media outlets to reach specific age groups in an effort to dispel the stigma associated with mental illness.
Federal Court: Georgia District Not Liable for Bullying of Student who Committed Suicide
May 24, 2012
A federal judge in Rome, Georgia, has determined that a high school student who hanged himself in 2009 likely was subjected to severe and pervasive bullying throughout his high school career, but that the school system had responded effectively every time school administrators were alerted that the teen had been bullied.
Summer Increases the Achievement Gap
May 24, 2012
Summer is one of the prime causes of the achievement gap between low-income and more advantaged children, according to a panel of researchers and educators at a recent education writers conference. On average, students lose a month of learning over the summer, but the loss is much greater for poor children who do not have access to high-quality summer-learning activities. The panel recommended school districts create engaging summer programs that students of low-income families will want to attend.
Colorado Is Latest to Reconsider Zero-Tolerance School Policies
May 23, 2012
Colorado joins a growing number of states rethinking zero-tolerance policies requiring expulsion or suspension for behavior or actions that might once have meant a stern talking to or a visit to the principal's office. Now lawmakers want to give educators flexibility. In California the Legislature is considering nine bills aimed at limiting school discipline. One would require schools that suspend more than 25% of their students to adopt strategies aimed at reducing behavior that leads to suspension.
Studies Illustrate Plight of Introverted Students
May 23, 2012
Educators often look for ways to bring quiet children out of their shells, but emerging research suggests schools can improve academic outcomes for introverted students by reducing the pressure to be outgoing and giving all students a little more time to reflect.
Students Make School Meals Tasty, Healthy
May 23, 2012
Children in Boston-area schools served up their own healthy recipes in cafeterias as part of the Obama administration's "Let's Move" initiative. The middle-school children -- who won the healthy-recipe contest for dishes such as a fruit and yogurt sundae and turkey chili burritos -- were aided by area chefs to serve other children, while educating them on the importance of nutrition.
The Food Research and Action Center on the Summer Food Service Program
May 23, 2012
Summer programs designed to make sure the U.S.'s poorest children are fed during the months when school is out fed about 2.8 million in summer 2010. Demand grew during the recession, but budget cuts ate into programs, highlighting the need to raise awareness with efforts including the Department of Agriculture's National Summer Food Service Program Awareness Week.
Study Calls for Student Motivation in Improvement Planning
May 22, 2012
A new Center on Education Policy report argues that educators and policymakers often overlook the importance of student buy-in and motivation when planning school improvement initiatives. While no one system or incentive will encourage all students, CEP researchers argue that educators should consider what we know about student motivation when designing programs for school improvement.
Groups Urge Balance Between Censoring, Stopping Bullies
May 22, 2012
A new set of guidelines for school administrators attempts to clarify the distinction between a bully and a student exercising the right of free speech. Produced by the American Jewish Committee and the Religious Freedom Education Project/First Amendment Center, the guidelines state that while students have a right to attend school without feeling threatened, schools should not censor a student's right of free speech unless it is substantially disruptive to the education process.
Program Promotes Healthy Living
May 22, 2012
Middle-school students in a Georgia district are participating in Fuel Up to Play 60 -- a program intended to help curb childhood obesity through education about fitness and nutrition. Educators say they work to use competition and incentives, such as gift cards, to motivate students to eat healthy foods and exercise for at least 60 minutes a day.
Do ‘Zero Tolerance’ School Discipline Policies Go Too Far?
May 22, 2012
School suspension rates at all grade levels have more than doubled in this country over the past 30 years, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Education. Critics say zero-tolerance policies and mandatory suspensions have resulted in students losing class time for relatively minor infractions. Now, many districts are looking for better ways to discipline students and change student behavior over the long term.
Adult Action Needed to Address Bullying
May 18, 2012
For example, recent studies show that more than 50% of school-bus drivers believe bullying is a serious problem on their bus. First Student, the nation's largest provider of school-bus transportation, launched a "See Something, Do Something" campaign to empower drivers and attendants to establish an environment of respect on the bus, recognize signs of bullying, and take immediate action.
Schools Get Creative with PE While Reducing Hours
May 17, 2012
Many schools are struggling to balance academic courses with time for physical education as they weigh the importance of students' health with exam pressures. Some educators are taking creative approaches to the problem, such as including fitness breaks in the classroom and adopting new, more rigorous exercises in P.E.
Education Report: Chronic Absenteeism Undermines Over 5 Million Students
May 17, 2012
As many as 7.5 million students miss a month of school every year, according to a new report to be released today. The report, by Johns Hopkins University professor Bob Balfanz, states that high absenteeism is "the best, single predictor of whether a student will drop out of school." Balfanz has called on the federal government to make the tracking of and responding to chronic absenteeism part of the No Child Left Behind waiver process.
Feds Offer Guidelines on Discouraging Restraints, Seclusion
May 15, 2012
The Education Department said issued its 15 principles about restraints and seclusion, to be used as the foundation of policies and procedures created by states and districts, but it isn't binding or required. The principles were a collaboration between the department and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
SLICE Act Would Cut Pizza-as-a-Vegetable Provision
May 15, 2012
The SLICE Act—School Lunch Improvements for Children's Education—would restore USDA's authority to count 1/8 of a cup of tomato paste as 1/8 of a cup, instead of half of a cup. It would also give the USDA the power to implement reductions in sodium in school lunches and boost the amount of whole grains required in school meals, other tweaks Congress made last year to the agency's plans.
Groups Offer Ways for Feds to Improve Student Well-Being
May 11, 2012
The Healthy Schools Campaign and Trust for America's Health recently presented recommendations to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, that they say would improve students' well-being. The proposals include additional staff to support students' health and the removal of some obstacles to schools receiving reimbursements through Medicaid.
Raising Resilience: How All Adults Can Help Kids to Rise above Bullying (Free Webinar)
May 10, 2012
On May 16th, Search Institute is hosting a webinar featuring resilience and family-based prevention science expert, Dr. Doug Coatsworth. Participants will learn to recognize the difference between “bullying” and “conflict”; understand why raising resilient kids is essential to rising above bullying; and learn how to nurture a child’s resilience characteristics, like empowerment, empathy, and self-control.
To learn more and register, click here.
Study: Teachers Judge Work by Minority Students Less Critically
May 10, 2012
A new study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology finds that teachers may be less inclined to respond critically to work by minority students, thus creating a "positive feedback bias" that may contribute to racial achievement gaps.
Students Join National Bike to School Day
May 10, 2012
Students at a New York elementary school participated Wednesday in National Bike to School Day. Educators and school resource officers also took the opportunity to educate students about biking safety. "We're trying to push children to engage in healthy lifestyles, get out of cars and walk and ride more," said Phyllis Price, the school's principal.
Scholars Say Pupils Gain Social Skills in Coed Classes
May 9, 2012
Generally, boys and girls become more polarized through their first years in school. Now, researchers have started to explore how to span that sex divide and are finding that more-equitable coed classrooms can have social and academic benefits for boys and girls alike.
Districts Draw the Line on School Meal Debt
May 9, 2012
Schools nutrition professionals and administrators increasingly are weighing the need to feed hungry students with their desire for fiscal responsibility as school meal debt grows. The U.S. Department of Agriculture now is analyzing best practices for handling meal debt, and a USDA report is expected next year.
Schools Considered Critical in Combating U.S. Obesity Epidemic
May 8, 2012
A new report issued by the Institute of Medicine suggests that all students should have opportunities to get 60 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis while at school, which aligns with the physical activity recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Outside of traditional physical education classes, the report suggests giving students in-class physical activity breaks, ensuring recesses remain high-activity, and creating safe pathways for students to walk to school.
Garden Helps Students Learn Science and Nutrition
May 8, 2012
A community garden has become an outdoor classroom for students and teachers at a Maryland school. Students are using the outdoor classroom to further lessons in science and nutrition, and are growing vegetables and herbs that are served in the school's cafeteria. The goal is for the garden to provide all produce served daily in the cafeteria.
Schools Battling the Bulge React to Recent Childhood Obesity Study
May 8, 2012
Educators in Iowa reacted to a call for schools to play a pivotal role in curbing childhood obesity by pointing out the steps they have taken to improve students' health. Some schools have changed what foods students are served in cafeterias, and others are using technology, such as active video games, in physical-education lessons.
Report: D.C. Children Not Getting Needed Mental Health Services
May 8, 2012
Thousands of District children who need mental health services are not getting them, and the city’s complex system relies too heavily on institutionalizing and medicating those who do receive care, according to a report issued this week by a leading advocacy group. The report from the Children’s Law Center calls for routine mental health screenings in pediatricians’ offices, more school-based treatment programs and other measures to make it easier for children to access services.
Minnesota Sees Spike in Hungry Students
May 7, 2012
In Minnesota, more than 37% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals -- an increase of 14% since the fall of 2008. Officials say students' hunger can affect their education, and some districts are looking to help students outside of the school day. All high schools and many middle schools in the Anoka-Hennepin School District have food shelves to help families after school.
Study: Students' Fitness Affects Test Scores
May 3, 2012
Students who are more physically fit may outperform their unfit peers by as much as 5% on standardized tests in math and language arts, according to a recent study. The report, released by the Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, recommends schools dedicate time to physical education and encourages teachers to integrate fitness into daily activities.
Aldermen Tell CPS to Reduce Suspensions and Expulsions
May 3, 2012
A committee of city officials in Chicago is calling on school leaders to reduce school suspensions and expulsions by 40%. Several student and community groups have been pushing for changes to disciplinary policies in Chicago Public Schools, advocating a switch to "restorative justice programs."
President's Fitness Council Launches Video-Game Health Challenge
May 1, 2012
Video games and "screen time" are often named as culprits for the childhood-obesity epidemic in the United States, but a new federal initiative aims to promote the health benefits that certain video games can provide. The President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) have announced the launch of the Active Play Presidential Lifestyle Award (PALA)+ Challenge.
Council Says City Is Falling Short on Mental Health Services for Children
May 1, 2012
New York City education officials were criticized Tuesday for a lack of adequate policies for managing cases in which students with mental health difficulties are disruptive in school. At a hearing of the City Council's education and mental health committees, officials discussed the need for more comprehensive programs in city schools. The hearing follows recent reports of students with such difficulties being sent to hospital emergency rooms.
Students More Likely to be Fit When Physical Education is Mandatory
May 1, 2012
Students in California school districts that complied with the state's mandatory physical-education requirements were 29% more likely to be physically fit, compared with their peers in districts who did not follow the rules, a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found. Only about half of the 55 school districts that have compliance data met requirements that children get 200 minutes of physical education every 10 days, researchers found.
High School Holds All Girl Prom
May 1, 2012
A public high school in Michigan recently held an all-girl prom to accommodate its many students whose religious beliefs prohibit dating, dancing with boys or appearing without headscarves when males are present. The event was organized by a group of students, who conducted a survey and found that nearly 65% of the female student body at Hamtramck High School would be unable to attend the school's coed prom because of their cultural or religious beliefs.
Kids With Disabilities Face Fallout From Bullying, Exclusion
April 30, 2012
Being left out or bullied is more likely to lead to depression in children with developmental disabilities than any facet of their condition, new research indicates. Accordingly, the researchers said that children who report being bullied or excluded should be carefully observed for signs of depression or other internalizing behaviors.
Smart Program Teaches Students to Eat Healthy
April 29, 2012
In a Mississippi school district, educators are using art to teach students about nutrition, exercise and hygiene. Supporters of the Smart program say it is especially important given the state's high rate of childhood obesity. Officials say there already has been anecdotal evidence of the program's success, including a recent observation that students at a restaurant chose to order fruit and a salad, rather than french fries.
Bullying and Suicidal Behaviors Among Urban High School Youth
April 27, 2012
Urban youth who have been bullied or bully others may be at increased risk of suicide according to new research.
Schools to Launch College, Career and Community Readiness Pathways Program
April 26, 2012
A new program in Green Bay, Wis., schools is aimed at helping motivate students who are at risk of dropping out to stay in school and graduate. The College, Career and Community Readiness Pathways program will be held during the regular school day and will replace the existing Forward Bound program, which is held in the evening.
Youth Obesity 'Substantially Decreases' for Massachusetts Children
April 24, 2012
The childhood-obesity rate in Massachusetts "substantially decreased among both boys and girls" younger than 6 between 2004 and 2008, according to a study published online in the journal Pediatrics.
Schools Find Active Kids Make Smarter Students
April 23, 2012
Students who had struggled on state exams in a Minnesota district recently posted impressive gains following a 15-minutes-a-day exercise program implemented by the school's physical-education teacher. Physical-education advocates say the results are typical and part of a growing body of research that shows the academic benefits of student fitness.
Initiative Taps Arts, Celebrities to Help Turn Around Schools
April 23, 2012
A new public-private partnership is aimed at increasing arts education as a strategy for turning around eight struggling public schools. The two-year Turnaround Arts Initiative, announced Monday by a White House panel, will enlist celebrities, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and actress Sarah Jessica Parker, in efforts to improve school culture and academic achievement across the curriculum through high-quality, integrated arts instruction.
Children With Autism Are Often Targeted By Bullies
April 23, 2012
Nearly two-thirds of schoolchildren with autism have experienced bullying and those with autism are three times as likely as those without the disorder to have been bullied in the past month, according to a new survey by the Interactive Autism Network.
Road Back to School Is Rocky for Ex-Offenders
April 23, 2012
Experts say students leaving correctional facilities face a number of barriers. The responsibilities of the various agencies and schools involved in the transition are often not clearly defined by state or local regulation, and students are left to navigate through vague procedures and cope with a lack of educational continuity without clear guidance or support.
Kansas Takes First Step Toward Regulating Restraints, Seclusion
April 23, 2012
The Kansas State Board of Education voted unanimously this month to adopt regulations that regulate the use of restraints and seclusion at school. Among other provisions, the regulations—developed by a special education advisory committee—say that rules about the use of these emergency interventions should apply to all students, not just those with disabilities, and that these techniques be used only for emergency or safety reasons, not as a behavior modification tool.
President Endorses Anti-Bullying Legislation
April 20, 2012
President Barack Obama today endorsed a pair of bills that would protect students who are bullied at school and in some cases, provide for students or their families to collect damages from school districts that don't act swiftly or strongly enough in students' defense.
USDA to Issue New Standards for Vending Machines
April 19, 2012
A survey by Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project found that most respondents think food students buy from vending machines or school stores is not nutritious, and 80% expressed support for a national standard for food sold at school. USDA guidelines on school food are expected to be released in June, experts said.
Study Weighs Benefits of Organizing Recess
April 17, 2012
While an overwhelming number of elementary school principals believe in the power of recess to improve academic achievement and make students more focused in class, most discipline-related problems happen at school when kids cut loose at recess and lunch, according to surveys. One of the solutions, according to a study released this week by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: more, and well-trained, staff on the playground.
California Expands Law on Cyberbullying
April 16, 2012
Students who bully other students via social-networking websites could be suspended or expelled under legislation passed Monday by lawmakers in California. Lawmakers said the state's previous cyberbullying law -- written in 2006 -- was insufficient to address today's issues, which include students being impersonated online and "burn pages."
Social Risk Factors Linked to Youth Obesity in Girls, Study Finds
April 16, 2012
Girls exposed to a number of social risk factors in early childhood are significantly more likely to be obese by age 5, but young boys aren't prone to the same effects, according to a new study published online today in the journal Pediatrics. Previous research suggested that cumulative social stress could result in negative health outcomes, leading to this study examining the relationship between social stressors and obesity in young children.
Schools Take On Hunger in After-School Programs
April 15, 2012
Eighteen schools in Kansas City, Mo., have begun serving a light dinner to students who participate in after-school programs. Officials say the program helps give disadvantaged students access to food.
Richmond Schools Placing New Emphasis on Health, Physical Fitness
April 11, 2012
Schools in Richmond, Va., will test a new "Fit For Life" program intended to increase the focus on physical fitness and health. Under the program, students will participate in wellness screenings and graduating seniors will undergo fitness testing.
Keeping Students’ Mental Health Care Out of the E.R.
April 9, 2012
Some schools in New York City are challenged to provide on-campus counseling and other mental-health services to students with emotional and behavioral difficulties who disrupt the school environment.
Now On The Menu For Hungry Kids: Supper At School
April 9, 2012
All 50 states participate in the federally subsidized school dinner program -- up from six that took part a few years ago. In some areas, hard hit by the tough economic times, officials say they expect the number of students eating dinner at school to continue to grow. While the program has some critics, supporters say schools play an important role in feeding students who otherwise would go hungry.
Race-Specific Groups Take Aim at Academic Disparity
April 9, 2012
Around the nation, schools are forming race-specific groups to break through to some of the hardest-to-reach students. By focusing on black or Asian or Hispanic kids, educators say, they can chip away at the alienation that keeps students of color from succeeding in school.
Analysis: Lessons about HIV, STDs, Preventing Pregnancy Declining
April 9, 2012
A new analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that in 2010, the percentage of middle schools teaching about HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy prevention was significantly lower in 11 states than in 2008. The analysis also found that the percentage of secondary schools teaching several condom-related topics in a required course in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 was significantly lower in eight states and significantly higher in three states.
'Defiance' Seen as Cause of California Suspensions
April 9, 2012
More than 40 percent of suspensions in California are for "willful defiance," or any behavior that disrupts class, and critics say it's a catchall that needs to be eliminated because it's overused for trivial offenses, disproportionately used against black and Latino boys and alienates the students who need most to stay in school.
Fourteen of 20 Largest Districts Report No Bullying, Harassment
April 6, 2012
Analyzing new data from the federal Education Department, the American Association of University Women has found that 14 of the 20 largest school districts in the nation reported no incidences of bullying or harassment. They were also asked for the first time about incidents of restraining and secluding students. The Education Department said that any time there are new reporting requirements, there will be imperfect reporting.
USDA Official Pushes New School Meal Plan
April 5, 2012
Kevin Concannon, undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer sciences for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spoke recently in Iowa about the importance of new school meal guidelines. He said the standards, which take effect July 1, will require schools to serve more fruits and vegetables and provide more federal money for school meal programs.
MPAA Changes 'Bully' Rating to PG-13
April 5, 2012
The new documentary film, "Bully," will now be rated PG-13, instead of R, after filmmakers hoping to attract a wider audience lobbied for the change.
Students Create Fake Online Profiles to Bully Peers
April 4, 2012
Thirty-eight states have bullying laws that include a ban on "electronic harassment" in their provisions, and 14 states have laws that expressly prohibit cyberbullying, according to the Cyberbullying Research Center, which tracks such legislation. Some states, such as New Jersey, also have identity-theft laws that have been used in cases involving fake social-networking profiles, and California, New York, and Texas all have laws against cyber or digital impersonation.
D.C. Area Schools Turn to Parents for More Funding as Budgets Shrink
April 4, 2012
Several school districts in the Washington, D.C., area and across the country are turning to parents to help fill budget holes created by years of cuts. The arrangement has some concerned that relying on parents' help will exacerbate disparities for students and schools in low-income areas.
End-of-Month Hunger Hurts Students on Food Stamps
April 3, 2012
Families who receive food stamps tend to spend the bulk of the subsidy at the beginning of the month, when the money is issued, data indicate. This trend has been shown to affect students, who tend to misbehave at the end of the month when household stress and hunger may be higher. Researchers, however, found that such issues were less prevalent at schools with snack programs.
Student Perceptions of Teacher Support, School Connectedness Can Improve Emotional Health
April 2, 2012
Two nonrandomized trials showed some proof a supportive school environment enhanced the emotional health of students, while some data indicated individual perceptions of school connectedness and teacher support may predict future emotional health.
WI Program Helps Keep Hunger at Bay During Class
March 31, 2012
In Wisconsin, where 42.5% of students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, officials say the nutritious meals students eat at school can help them perform better academically. Aid programs such as the National School Lunch Program and Wisconsin's Student Achievement Guarantee in Education program try to combat the disadvantages impoverished students face, recognizing the connections between nutrition and cognitive development and academic performance.
California Looks to Require Meals in Charters for Needy Students
March 29, 2012
California charter schools currently do not have to provide free or reduced-price lunches to disadvantaged students. But legislation moving through the California State Capitol would subject charters to the same requirements that traditional public schools currently face for providing at least one "nutritionally adequate" meal per day.
More Middle Schoolers Are Exposed to Dating Violence
March 29, 2012
Data on more than 1,400 seventh-graders in a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program showed than 37% of them were victims of psychological dating violence and 15% were physical dating-violence victims. The survey also found 49% reported having been a victim of sexual harassment in the past 6 months.
Louisiana Legislator Introduces Bill to Grade Parents
March 28, 2012
State Rep. Joe Harrison introduced a bill in the Louisiana legislature, House Bill 808, providing for a program to grade parents on their required participation in the educational progress of their children. The bill, now in the House Education Committee, is still awaiting a hearing.
Maryland Governor Pushes School Breakfasts To Principals
March 28, 2012
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley wants school principals to expand the First Class Breakfast Program to 150 more schools. Last year, 20 schools took part in the program, which helps ensure hungry children eat breakfast at school. At schools that have participated, officials say students' grades have improved and the children are more alert in class.
White House LGBT Conference on Safe Schools & Communities
March 28, 2012
The White House Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Conference on Safe Schools & Communities, hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement and the U.S. Department of Justice in partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington, will be held in Arlington, Texas on March 20, 2012. Speakers will include Attorney General Eric Holder and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett.
'Bully' Documentary to Be Released Without Rating
March 27, 2012
The Weinstein Co. is moving past the R rating earned by its documentary "Bully" and plans to release the film unrated. The company announced Monday that "Bully" will hit theaters March 30 without a rating from the Motion Picture Association of America, meaning some theaters may choose not to show it.
Salad Bars Promote Healthy Eating in Schools Statewide
March 27, 2012
The Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools program, an offshoot of first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign, has set a goal of installing 6,000 salad bars in schools by 2013. So far, 1,200 are in place, paid for through private donations, and plans are in place to install another 400. Funding for the salad bars also includes training for school nutrition professionals on how to present the food to students and encourage them to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Children With Autism More Likely to be Bullied
March 27, 2012
The early results from a new survey find that 63 percent of children with autism spectrum disorders have been bullied at some point in their lives, three times as much as their brothers and sisters who don't have the disorders.
Farms on Wheels Brings Agriculture to Schools
March 26, 2012
Farms on wheels are designed to complement the San Diego Unified School District's existing Farm-to-School program by creating a living learning lab that travels from school to school. Students will be engaged in concepts of sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
Advocates Press Congress to Act on Restraints, Seclusion
March 20, 2012
A coalition of advocates for people with disabilities offered more criticism of a recent report by the American Association of School Administrators that touted the merits and necessity of using restraints and seclusion.
Md. Bill Would Give Parents Time for Parent-Teacher Meetings
March 20, 2012
Maryland legislators have proposed bills in the House and Senate that would require business owners to allow employees up to four hours of unpaid leave twice each semester to attend parent-teacher meetings about their children.
Study: Consistent School Attendance Matters in Pre-K
March 20, 2012
Prekindergartners and kindergartners who are chronically absent are more likely than regularly attending students to continue to miss school in later grades and to be held back by grade 3, according to a new study.
New Campaign Educates Youth About Good Cell Phone Habits
March 20, 2012
“Cell Phone Smart,” a new public awareness campaign created by I Know Better and the Internet Keep Safe Coalition and funded by the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, aims to teach children and youth about cell phone safety and smart cell phone use.
School Sports Opportunities Generally on the Rise, GAO Finds
March 19, 2012
The percentage of schools that offer students regular physical education classes declined over the past decade, but school sports opportunities appear to be increasing nationwide, according to a report released today by the Government Accountability Office.
U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice and National Organizations Convene Judicial Leadership Summit on School-Justice Partnerships
March 19, 2012
The National Leadership Summit on School-Justice Partnerships was convened on March 11-13, 2012 in New York City for top state justice and education officials and their partners to raise awareness of the importance of focusing on school-justice partnerships in order to promote practices and policies of our education and justice systems that can help children succeed in school and in turn reduce the number of children involved in the juvenile and adult court systems.
Another Strand in the Children’s Food “Safety Net”
March 16, 2012
Delaware state agencies are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture this summer to feed 5,000 children who currently receive free or reduced-price meals at school and who may be at risk of going hungry when school is not in session.
USDA Says Schools Can Opt Out of 'Pink Slime' in Lunch Program
March 15, 2012
Schools that get their ground beef from the federal government will now have the option of buying it with or without a product that has been dubbed “pink slime.” Only about 20 percent of the food served in school lunches is procured through the USDA Foods program, formerly called the commodities program. Schools get the items at no cost, although some fees may be charged for storage or distribution of the items.
Phoenix-area Parents Join Kid Health Program
March 15, 2012
An Arizona county has launched a pilot program in which 60 parents have been recruited and trained to advocate for children's health. As part of their responsibilities, the parent "ambassadors" will advocate for school policies related to children's health. Participating parents learned strategies to encourage schools to provide healthier meals and snacks and to keep playgrounds open during non-school hours.
Data Reveal Disparities in Schools' Use of Restraints
March 13, 2012
New federal data that for the first time attempt to catalog how many times students were isolated or restrained—by a school employee or with a device—show that, in many cases, those techniques are applied disproportionately to students with disabilities, particularly black students with disabilities.
New Study Finds Parent Engagement on Rise
March 12, 2012
While teacher satisfaction has declined to its lowest point in more than two decades, parent engagement is climbing to new heights across America, a new survey reports. And parent engagement turns out to be important for teachers as well as for students. It appears to play a key role for those teachers who are happier with their jobs.
Professional Help: 5 Ways to Stop Dating Violence Among Teens
March 10, 2012
Psychology of Violence editor Sherry Hamby shares five ways parents intervene to help their teens forge healthy romantic relationships and curb teen dating abuse.
Kids Who Bully May Be More Likely to Smoke, Drink
March 9, 2012
Middle and high school students who bully their classmates are more likely to use cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana than other students, according to a new study.
U.S. Report Examines Youth Tobacco Use, Prevention
March 8, 2012
More work needs to be done to keep young Americans from using tobacco, including creating smoking bans and increasing taxes on tobacco products to deter youth, the U.S. Surgeon General's office said in a report released Thursday. The report said it's particularly important to stop young people from using tobacco because those who start smoking as teenagers can increase their chances of long-term addiction.
BioMoto Project Combines Fitness and STEM Education
March 8, 2012
North Carolina students are losing weight and learning about the science of motorsports and bioengineering through a project called BioMoto. The program is a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) initiative that combines exercise, such as running and walking, with engineering projects such as creating an apparatus to change tires.
Duncan Tells PTA of Plans to Double Parent-Engagement Aid
March 8, 2012
Duncan said the U.S. Department of Education has asked Congress to double the budget for parent engagement programs in fiscal year 2013 to about $280 million, from about $135 million. The goal will be to replicate programs that help increase student graduation rates—both from high school and college—and that make more children career-ready.
Minnesota District Reaches Pact on Antigay Bullying
March 6, 2012
After years of accusations that it failed to stop antigay bullying and a spate of student suicides, Minnesota’s largest school district has agreed to sweeping changes designed to prevent harassment based on sexual orientation in a plan that federal officials call a national model.
Increase of Childhood Obesity Slowing in Calif., Study Suggests
March 5, 2012
Between 2003 and 2008, California students were still gradually growing more obese, but the rate of increase had slowed from years prior, according to a new study based out of the University of California, Davis.
IL Schools Taking Extra Steps to Prepare Students for Tests
March 5, 2012
As Illinois schools begin state exams, some schools are preparing by ensuring students have a healthy breakfast before they begin testing. One school planned to purchase 56 dozen eggs to prepare breakfast for students and teachers. The school also will offer a high-protein snack during a testing break. At another school, the parent-teacher association has arranged to provide students with healthy breakfasts in classrooms.
In Experimental School, Tight-Knit Community Helps Students Succeed
March 5, 2012
According to the school's leaders, Talent Development boosts kids' graduation potential by building long-term, trusting relationships between students and staff.
CO Students Encouraged to Eat Breakfast at School
March 4, 2012
Officials statewide are encouraging more students to participate in school breakfast programs. The Hunger Free Colorado organization encourages schools to serve breakfast in the classroom, which they say will increase access to the meals and eliminate the stigma often associated with eating breakfast at school.
Study Finds Young Adults Who Don’t Smoke or Drink Heavily Help Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
March 2, 2012
Young adults who avoid smoking and heavy drinking, and who eat a healthy diet, exercise and stay lean, reduce their risk of developing heart disease when they reach middle age, a new study indicates.
EPA Releases K-12 School Environmental Health Program Guidelines for Public Comment
March 2, 2012
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment the K-12 School Environmental Health Program Guidelines for States, Tribes and Territories. The guidelines are primarily intended to be used as a resource for the establishment of a state, tribal, or territorial K-12 school environmental health program.
To post comments, visit http://www.epa.gov/schools.
Federal Data Show Racial Gaps in School Arrests
March 1, 2012
African American students in large school systems are arrested far more often on campus than their white peers, new federal data show. The data, from an Education Department civil rights survey, provide the government’s most extensive examination yet of how public schools across the country bring police into the handling of student offenses.
CDC: Kids Consume Too Much Sugar, Mostly From Processed Foods
February 29, 2012
Kids are eating less sugar than ever before, according to a new report from the CDC. However, the report says kids are still getting way too much added sugar in their diets, which could raise risk for obesity and chronic diseases.
MD School Board Issues Discipline Proposal
February 28, 2012
Maryland's school board released a proposal to limit out-of-school suspensions to 10 days to be used only in cases where school safety is a factor. The board is also calling on schools to develop plans over a three-year period that would reduce suspension rates for students with disabilities and minorities after a recent report showed the two groups to be subject to a disproportionate number of overall suspensions.
Report: Crime at U.S. Public Schools on the Decline
February 23, 2012
Violent crime at the nation's schools is declining, and students and schools are reporting less bullying and gang activity. But new government data reports an increase in cyber bullying and youth suicides.
Department of Education Announces National Education Startup Challenge
February 23, 2012
Students from across the country are invited to submit a business plan and a video pitch for a for-profit or non-profit startup that includes an innovative strategy, product or service designed to address one of these four challenge topics:
1. Middle Grades Matter
2. Skills, Skills, Skills
3. Education Pays
4. Finish Faster
Schools See Sharp Rise in Homeless and Hungry Students
February 21, 2012
Officials in a Delaware school district say the number of students qualifying for free or reduced price meals has risen to 75% -- up from 55% five years ago. To help students get the food they need, the district has partnered with the Food Bank of Delaware to open a food pantry at an elementary school.
Students Learn Better with Engaged Parents
February 20, 2012
Students whose parents are more involved in their education earn higher grades, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Sherri Wilson, senior manager of family engagement at the National Parent Teacher Association, said parents typically become less involved in students' education after elementary school, when they often are required to sign report cards and attend conferences with teachers.
MD Considers Changes to Zero-tolerance Discipline Policies
February 19, 2012
Proposals expected to be considered in Maryland would seek to reduce school suspensions by revising the state's zero-tolerance discipline policies. The changes would include lowering the number of suspensions for nonviolent behavior, reducing the disproportionate number of suspensions ordered for minority students and students in special education, while requiring educational services be provided for those who are serving lengthy out-of-school suspensions.
NYC Children Participate in Nutrition-education Program
February 19, 2012
In New York City, where the rate of childhood obesity has dropped by 5.5% in the past five years, nutrition education is part of the core academic curriculum at some schools. Under the CookShop program -- established by The Food Bank For New York City -- 35,000 children and their families learn about cooking, nutrition and the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables through hands-on lessons.
How Impressive Are 'The Incredible Years'? Researchers Can't Say
February 16, 2012
A new review of the research about The Incredible Years, an intervention composed of training programs for children, parents, and teachers intended to reduce children's aggression and improve their social skills, has found no clear conclusions can be drawn about the program's effectiveness for preschool age children with disabilities.
Minnesota School Board Ends Policy Blamed For Bullying
February 14, 2012
The Anoka-Hennepin School District replaced a policy requiring teachers to be neutral in discussions about sexual orientation with a new one requiring them to foster a respectful learning environment for all students. Leaders in Minnesota’s largest school district said the long debate over how teachers should handle discussions about sexual orientation probably had a bigger impact than a new policy will.
Study: Bullying a Strong Risk Factor for Suicide in Gay Youth
February 14, 2012
In a new study, reported in the current issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers surveyed 246 LGBT youth aged 16 to 20 and followed them over several years to see what happened to them. Being bullied (over the time period of the study) and a low level of support from others boosted the risk that the teens would become suicidal. Bullying also boosted the risk that they would try to harm themselves.
Chicago Charter School Fines Students for Infractions
February 14, 2012
A charter network is charging students $5 for minor disciplinary infractions like having untied shoelaces, bringing chips to school or dozing off in class. Critics say the network is using the fines to push out troubled students so it can boost graduation rates, but school leaders say tougher discipline has led to a safer school environment.
After-School Programs May Reduce Adolescent Alcohol Use
February 13, 2012
Voluntary after-school programs on drug and alcohol use could be successful in curbing alcohol use in middle school students, says a recent RAND Corp. study. The study evaluates CHOICE, a voluntary after-school program that instructs middle school students about drugs and alcohol, ways to resist using both, and what harmful impacts they can have.
School Attempts to Let New Experiences Guide Learning
February 12, 2012
Educators at New York City's P.S. 142, where nearly all students qualify for free lunches, take students on neighborhood field trips to help provide real-life experiences and a broader frame of reference to improve their reading and math skills. The strategy was developed by the school's principal, along with a child specialist. It also includes more playtime for younger students to help make learning more fun.
Outsourcing Gym Class
February 11, 2012
Some parent-teacher groups are stepping in to provide exercise programs at California schools that struggle to meet state requirements for physical education because of budget cuts.
Arts Program Boosts Standardized Test Results
February 10, 2012
A program that integrates the arts across the curriculum has led to higher standardized test scores, new research shows. The Developing Reading Education with Arts Methods, or DREAM, is in place in 10 school districts, where educators are trained to integrate arts into lessons and professional artists provide weekly coaching in the classroom.
Common School Program Reduces Signs of Bullying
February 8, 2012
A school program designed to improve student behavior may help reduce bullying in elementary schools, a new study shows. Teachers at schools that have implemented the School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports program, in place now in about 16,000 U.S. schools, reported less bullying, teasing & aggression among students.
Obama Rekindles State Debates on Dropout Age
February 8, 2012
Some experts say that increasing the minimum school-dropout age to 18 would not improve dropout rates without other supports and programs in place. A successful initiative to stem the dropout rate in New Hampshire included an early warning system to identify and intervene with students at risk of dropping out, multiple pathways toward graduation, plus a higher mandatory attendance age.
Are Depressed Kids Bully Magnets?
February 8, 2012
A new study, published this week in the journal "Child Development," suggests that kids who cry easily, express negative emotions, and show other signs of depression ultimately suffer socially because they are shunned by their peers and attract the attention of bullies.
Secretary Arne Duncan Talks Hispanic Education
February 8, 2012
Arne Duncan sat down today with José A. Rico, the executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, to discuss education issues important to the Latino community, such as early childhood education and parental engagement to improve academic outcomes for Latino students.
New USDA Guidelines Call for More Healthful School Lunch Programs
February 7, 2012
Some San Francisco Bay Area school districts plan to go beyond the USDA's health guidelines for lunch, which must include whole grains and eliminate chocolate milk, among other changes, starting July 1.
Rural Students Lack Access To Mental Health Services
February 6, 2012
Many schools in rural areas lack adequate mental-health services for students, according to a recent report by researchers at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The report found that there is a need in rural Texas schools for more mental-health resources that target Hispanic students, better communication about the few resources available and more mental-health training for school counselors.
Kids Who Feel Left Out Are Less Active
February 6, 2012
Children who were ostracized during an online virtual ball-toss game later spent 41% more minutes doing sedentary activities than those who were not excluded, according to a small study in the journal Pediatrics. The findings indicate exclusion may contribute to childhood obesity by negatively affecting children's physical activity, the researchers said.
Junk Food is Available to About 50% of Elementary-School Students
February 6, 2012
Almost half of all students in 2,647 public elementary schools and 1,205 private elementary schools had access to junk food between 2006 and 2010, according to a study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Researchers noted that an estimated two-thirds of students were able to purchase vegetables, fruits and salad at competitive venues.
Too Many Kids Exposed to Secondhand Smoke in Cars
February 5, 2012
In the first national estimate of its kind, a report from government researchers says more than 1 in 5 high school students and middle schoolers ride in cars while others are smoking. This kind of secondhand smoke exposure has been linked with breathing problems and allergy symptoms, and more restrictions are needed to prevent it, the report says.
Settling School Disputes Before They Escalate
February 5, 2012
A program funded by the nonprofit Center for Civic Mediation is teaching students in a troubled California middle school to act as peer mediators. The students learn conflict-resolution and other skills as part of the program, which is aimed at reducing school violence and suspensions by resolving disputes before they escalate.
N.C. Elementary School Blends Exercise, Academics
February 4, 2012
Students at a North Carolina elementary school are riding stationary bicycles while reading as part of an exercise-learning program intended to help improve students' health and academics. While limited data from similar programs show they can be successful -- in raising students' test scores and lowering their Body Mass Index -- few schools have adopted them.
Psychologists, Educators See Facebook as Aid in Suicide Prevention
February 3, 2012
In the emerging social landscape, mental health professionals, universities and schools are facing new questions about how the Internet should be used to help emotionally suffering individuals. As schools strive to balance the need to protect individuals’ privacy and the need to keep students safe, some experts said it’s likely that schools will have to clarify how their staff handles electronic communication when responding to students in distress.
Principals Matter: School Leaders Can Drive Student Learning
February 3, 2012
The quality of school principals -- like teachers -- affects students' long-term success, suggests Stanford University researcher Eric Hanushek. The findings show that school leaders are not interchangeable, but rather are "pivotal to our schools functioning as networks of opportunity for all children," says Karin Chenoweth, a senior writer for The Education Trust.
N.J. Board Finds Bullying Law an Unfunded Mandate
January 30, 2012
A little-known New Jersey state government council ruled Friday that New Jersey's tough new anti-bullying law constitutes an unfunded mandate for local school districts and must be changed for the law to remain in effect. The Council on Local Mandates ruled 7-2 that the year-old law requires local school districts to provide training and personnel but doesn't pay for them.
Kids Have A Say In Louisville's School Lunch Menu
January 26, 2012
New guidelines announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday call for less fat and more fruits in school lunches. In Louisville, Kentucky, the Jefferson County School District lets students evaluate its healthy food offerings.
Obama Wants Lower College Costs, Higher Dropout Age
January 25, 2012
During his State of the Union address, President Obama called on universities to hold down costs in order to make higher education more accessible to the middle class; urged states to raise the dropout age to 18; and reiterated his call for Congress to approve some version of the DREAM Act, which provides a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who came to the country as children, if they go on to college or the military.
New USDA School Meal Rules Cut Calories, Salt
January 25, 2012
The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled final rules for school breakfasts and lunch. The sweeping changes, which school districts must act on in the 2012-13 school year, were made based on recommendations from the medical community, and could have a huge influence on children's health in the U.S., because many kids get more than half the calories they eat in a day at school.
After-School Programs' Newest Activity: Supper
January 25, 2012
More students in the U.S. are getting free dinners as part of after-school programs under the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which allows programs to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the meals they serve.
Early Education a Crime-Fighting Weapon?
January 25, 2012
Sheriffs and police chiefs are on a mission to convince state legislatures that investing in early childhood education, such as quality prekindergarten and the federal Head Start program, can be an important crime-prevention weapon—and ultimately save states money in incarceration costs.
Obesity Rate of NYC's K-8 Students Declines Over Past Five Years
January 25, 2012
Since the 2006-07 school year, the obesity rate in New York City's K-8 public school students decreased 5.5 percent, according to a report published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, the declines in childhood obesity varied wildly based on race and socioeconomic status. Among all K-8 children, the two largest decreases were seen in white children and Asian/Pacific Islanders.
Legal Issues Still Murky on Online Student Speech
January 25, 2012
The U.S. Supreme Court's refusal last week to take up appeals involving school discipline of student speech on the Internet leaves the state of the law unclear for school leaders, parents, and students themselves.
Chicago Schools' Plan Would Mandate Elementary-School Recess
January 23, 2012
A new plan that outlines how longer days in Chicago Public Schools should be spent includes a requirement that all schools include recess for students in elementary school, and a second recess for students in grades K-3.
MD Student Homeless Population Doubles
January 22, 2012
The number of homeless students in Maryland has more than doubled in the past five years, rising from 6,721 to 14,117 last school year, according to the Maryland State Department of Education. Nationally, the number of homeless children rose 38 percent from 2007 to 2010, including those too young to attend school. A new report by the National Center on Family Homelessness found that the recession left one in 45 children in the United States homeless.
Study Lauds Role of Early Education
January 20, 2012
Poor children who get high-quality day care as early as infancy reap long-lasting benefits, including a better chance at a college degree and steady employment, according to a UNC-Chapel Hill study that followed participants from birth to age 30. The research is widely cited in a body of evidence that early childhood education can change the trajectory of young lives.
'Smarter Summers' Initiative Shows Student Progress
January 19, 2012
The National Summer Learning Association has just released results of its "Smarter Summers" initiative. The three-year project is supported by a $11.5 grant from the Walmart Foundation, which is used to expand and enhance summer programs in 10 cities, serving around 20,000 middle school students.
Supreme Court to Schools: Take Care with First Amendment
January 18, 2012
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear appeals of three cases involving students' free-speech rights on the Internet. Two cases involved Pennsylvania students who had posted mockeries of their school principals on the Internet, while another case involved a West Virginia student who had ridiculed a peer online.
Study: Out-of-School Eating Habits has Greater Impact on Childhood Obesity
January 18, 2012
One-third of children are overweight, but a new study says it probably has nothing to do with junk food in the schools. Researchers found that the percentage of children who had access to candy, soda and chips at school jumped dramatically between fifth and eighth grades — but it didn’t translate into more weight. How kids eat outside and at home has a much greater impact than their exposure to high-fat or sugary snacks in school.
Turning the Lunch Tables
January 18, 2012
The second annual "Eat for Kids" program is under way in New York City, asking restaurant patrons to donate money to the nonprofit Wellness in the Schools program, which uses it to make student meals healthier. Executive Director Nancy Easton said culinary-school graduates are placed in public schools to "undo processed menus and replace it with scratch-cook menus."
Supreme Court Could Consider Educators' Response to Cyber-Bullying
January 17, 2012
The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to decide for the first time on the dividing line between the rights of students to freely use their own computers and the authority of school officials to prevent online harassment of other students and the staff. It may act as early as Tuesday.
Reforms Pitched for Colorado Schools' Zero-Tolerance Rules
January 17, 2012
Colorado policymakers are divided on how best to reform the state's practices for disciplining students, which have relied on a zero-tolerance approach for nearly 20 years. Advocates of reform criticize what they call a "school-to-prison pipeline," particularly for minority students. Others, including some school districts, are concerned about the effectiveness and cost of alternative programs.
Rural, Minority Children Overrrepresented In Special Ed
January 17, 2012
Too many rural minority students are categorized as learning disabled, a new study asserts, attributing that in part to an overly broad method used to identify those children.
Volunteers Walk Students to School Amid Bus-Service Cuts
January 16, 2012
Military veterans and other community volunteers are working to ensure that students in Orange County, Fla., make it to school safely after budget cuts caused the district to reduce bus service.
Physical Challenge
January 15, 2012
Lawmakers in Florida are poised to consider a proposal that would eliminate a mandate that students take a minimum amount of physical-education courses in middle school. Many parents sign a waiver allowing their children to opt for academic, remedial or other elective courses instead. Supporters of the PE requirement say the courses offer benefits for student health as well as academics.
Self-Esteem Boosting Losing Favor to Rigor
January 15, 2012
Attempts to boost students' self-esteem by praising minor achievements and effort has not improved academic achievements, researchers say. Some teachers say they are abandoning unearned praise in favor of methods that reward "persistence" and "risk-taking." Some experts say this type of praise leads students to embrace challenges and work harder.
Group Acts to Address Overidentification of Black Children as Disabled
January 12, 2012
A new initiative is aimed at using advocacy by parents and educators to address factors that contribute to a disproportionate number of African-American students being identified as having disabilities. Data show that black students comprise 17% of public-school students but account for 31% of those with intellectual disabilities, 28% of those with emotional disorders and 21% of those with learning disabilities, all diagnoses that could be influenced by bias.
Study: Underutilized Young Adults Cost Society Trillions
January 12, 2012
The Corporation for National and Community Service and the White House Council for Community Solutions just released a report called "The Economic Value of Opportunity Youth", in which they analyze the social and taxpayer burdens of "Opportunity Youth"—16-24-year-olds who are "not investing in their human capital or earning income" by working or being educated.
Group Acts to Address Overidentification of Black Children as Disabled
January 12, 2012
A new initiative hopes to tackle one of special education's most persistent problems: the disproportionate identification of black children as having disabilities. Now, the National Association for the Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities will use grant money from the Oak Foundation to train parents how to better advocate for their children and address this persistent disproportionality.
Educating Immigrant Students a Challenge in U.S., Elsewhere
January 12, 2012
One out of every five children now enrolled in a U.S. public school speaks a language other than English at home. Many of them were born in other countries. Some have had little or no formal education before coming to the United States, even among those who are the age of American middle or high school students. Efforts to help foreign-born students and children learning new languages are complicated by immigration policy, culture and other factors.
Choosing Alternatives to Dodgeball for After School
January 11, 2012
The Ohio Afterschool Network and the Ohio health department have teamed up on a guide on how best to incorporate physical activity into after-school programs to curb childhood-obesity rates. The guide includes a list of 11 main recommendations for programs along with tips and strategies for implementing them.
New Sex Education Standards Released
January 10, 2012
Health and education groups have released guidelines for sex education that urge states and districts to provide students with a foundation for lessons in sex, relationships and bullying before second grade. The groups also suggest teaching students about sexual orientation by middle school and instructing elementary-school students to use proper names for parts of the human anatomy.
Rural Schools Grow in Enrollment, Diversity, Poverty
January 10, 2012
Enrollment in rural schools is growing faster than in any other geographic area, and its students also are becoming poorer and more racially diverse, according to a report released by the Rural School and Community Trust.
Some Interventions Do Curb Children's Screen Time
January 6, 2012
A meta-analysis of 47 studies targeting intervention programs to curb screen time among children younger than 12 found that 29 showed programs were successful at getting kids away from the television, computer and video games.
Feds Plan to Help Teens, Young Adults Find Summer Jobs
January 5, 2012
A new federal initiative aims to provide paying jobs to up to 100,000 low-income young people this summer, a combined effort of the federal government and private companies.
MI to Expand Summer Food Program to Rural Areas
January 5, 2012
Education officials in Michigan say a federal grant program that gives low-income families $60 per month per child for food during summer months will be expanded to rural areas this year.
Study: Head Start Programs May Increase Parents' Involvement
January 5, 2012
Parents of children enrolled in Head Start programs spend more time reading, attending museums, and engaging in academic activities with their children, according to a December 2011 paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research.
'Strong Evidence' of Link Between Physical Activity, Academic Success
January 3, 2012
Children who participate in physical activity also tend to benefit in the classroom, according to a new systematic review of 14 studies from the past few decades. The review sought to discover a potential link between childhood physical activity and improved academic performance.
Special Preschool Helps Address Students' Behavioral Challenges
January 2, 2012
A preschool in Ohio offers short-term interventions for preschool students with behavioral and mental health challenges who have been suspended from other area preschool programs. Educators at the school use puppets and other hands-on strategies to help teach positive behavior and impulse control to students, who typically attend the school for three to six months.
Pediatrics Academy Stresses Low-Income Students' Need for Playtime
December 27, 2011
To allow low-income children to reach their full potential, parents and teachers must provide them with ample opportunities to play, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises in a new report.
Online Site is Aimed at Monitoring School Bullying in Iowa
December 27, 2011
A new website is designed to foster the reporting of student bullying in Iowa schools. ReportBullyingIowa.com is being launched by the Eychaner Foundation and will allow users to report details such as the name of the school, the type of incident and information on those involved.
The Haves’ Children Are Healthier Than the Have-Nots’
December 24, 2011
Schools that score high on state fitness tests in California have fewer students from low-income families, data show, and more resources to offer extras such as physical-education specialists. Location also may influence fitness, as schools near parks or open spaces may encourage outdoor activities.
Five Organizations to Create New 'Promise Neighborhoods'
December 19, 2011
More than two years ago, President Obama pledged to scale up the Harlem Children's Zone's model of pairing education with health and other community services. Now. five communities are getting up to $6 million implementation grants to create new Promise Neighborhoods under the federal program of that name.
School Bullying Report Makes Recommendations To Address Issue, Support Victims
December 17, 2011
According to a report released Friday by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, victims of bullying are often, as a result of social and emotional hurdles, distanced from learning, disadvantaged academically and more likely to fall behind in school attendance.
9 States Win Race to Top Early Learning Grants
December 16, 2011
Nine states will share $500 million in Race to the Top early learning grants, the U.S. Department of Education confirmed this morning. They will get grants ranging from $50 million to $100 million, based on the state's student population, to significantly improve early-education programs in their states.
Study: Long-Term ELLs More Likely to Drop Out
December 15, 2011
The longer students are classified as English-language learners, the greater the likelihood that they will drop out of school. And English-language learners who are reclassified as English proficient in earlier grades tend to be similar to non-English learners when it comes to achievement and dropout rates.
Survey Finds More Pot-Smoking, Less Cigarette Use Among Nation's Teens
December 14, 2011
The latest annual survey from the University of Michigan shows fewer students are drinking and smoking cigarettes, but more are turning to marijuana and prescription drugs.
DoJ Steps Up Oversight Of Juvenile Justice
December 14, 2011
The Justice Department, stepping up its oversight of the juvenile justice system, has launched an investigation into whether school and law enforcement officials are targeting black students in Meridian, Miss., for unfair treatment.
Facebook Provides First-of-a-Kind Service To Help Prevent Suicides
December 13, 2011
The new service enables Facebook users to report a suicidal comment they see posted by a friend to Facebook.
Overweight Children as Young as 3 Face Heart Risks, Study Says
December 9, 2011
When children are overweight, heart-health risk factors such as dangerous cholesterol levels and artery inflammation can start as early as age 3, according to a University of Miami study published in this week’s medical journal Obesity.
Youth-Obesity Interventions Found to Be Effective, Do No Harm
December 8, 2011
School-based programs that promote physical fitness and healthy eating were found to have a positive impact in the fight against childhood obesity, according to a review published Tuesday in The Cochrane Library.
Health Care Law Yields More Grants for School-Based Health Centers
December 8, 2011
More school-based health clinics will be upgraded, expanded, or built from scratch, thanks to a fresh infusion of federal cash that will also add enough capacity eventually to serve about 53,000 additional students across the country.
Study Details Societal Ramifications for High School Dropouts
December 8, 2011
Teens who drop out of high school have a greater likelihood of ending up in jail, being unemployed, relying on food stamps and becoming a fiscal drain on society than those who graduate, according to a new study commissioned by the Chicago Alternative Schools Network.
Obesity More Common Among Kids With Special Needs
December 7, 2011
Children with disabilities and special medical needs are more likely than those without disabilities to be overweight or obese, according to a report by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Youth Sexting Not All That Common, Reports Find
December 6, 2011
Illegal actions involving sexting befall a relatively small number of youth Internet users nationally, according to two reports from the University of New Hampshire. But the reports focus on transmission of videos and pictures, and don't address sexually explicit text-based messages.
Disability A Focus As School Bullying Protections Grow
December 6, 2011
Only 16 states have laws that specifically prohibit the bullying of students with disabilities. Research shows students with disabilities often face a higher risk of becoming victims of bullying than do students without disabilities.
Study Finds Only 13 State Laws Address Off-Campus Bullying
December 6, 2011
A recent study found that only 13 states have laws that allow schools to address off-campus bullying, despite the federal government's warning that schools are responsible for intervening in such cases.
Study: P.E., Recess Mandates Boost School Physical-Activity Time
December 5, 2011
Schools are more likely to offer students 150 minutes of physical education per week if located in a state or district that mandates that level of P.E., according to a study published online today in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Influenza Vaccination Rates Up in Children
December 5, 2011
Flu vaccination rates among children in the U.S. increased this year compared with last year, CDC officials said. The agency found that Hispanic children had the highest immunization rate at 43%, compared with 36% in black children and 34% in white children.
Minn. Online Schools Address Cyber-Truants
December 5, 2011
Online schools in Minnesota are enlisting county prosecutors to help track down truant cyberstudents. The efforts require an expanded view of current truancy law, which some say need to be updated.
Study: Adolescent Suicide Risk Can Start in Middle School
December 5, 2011
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests the risks for depressed children can start much earlier than expected: Nearly 40 percent of adolescents who attempt suicide first try to kill themselves before high school.
Detroit Public Schools to keep some schools open during holiday break
December 2, 2011
Detroit will keep some public schools open during the holidays to offer academic services, free meals and food baskets to students.
Fewer Than One-Third of California Students Meet Fitness Goals
December 1, 2011
To encourage fitness and healthy eating, the state superintendent has launched a "Team California for Healthy Kids" campaign that includes online resources to help schools or community organizations promote physical activities, eating fruits and vegetables and providing access to drinking water.
Substance Abuse Greater Problem Among Rural Youth
December 1, 2011
The problem is influenced in part by rural communities limited expectations for students' futures, according to a new study.
Rewrite of School Lunch Rules Falls Short of Goals
November 30, 2011
Congressional lawmakers put a crimp in a U.S. Department of Agriculture proposal to limit starchy foods and serve more fresh vegetables in school meals.
Schools Add Internet Etiquette, Safety to Coursework
November 30, 2011
More schools in the U.S. are incorporating digital citizenship and Internet safety into classroom lessons as students' use of technology continues to grow. Among other things, schools now are teaching students about the importance of their digital footprint.
Youth Soccer 'Headers' May Lead to Brain Injuries
November 29, 2011
Athletes who often "head" soccer balls were found to have brain abnormalities similar to those found in patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), according to a recent study.
MI Poised to Have School Anti-Bullying Law
November 29, 2011
Gov. Rick Snyder is "very likely" to sign legislation that will require Michigan schools to adopt anti-bullying policies. Lawmakers approved a new version without a clause that critics said would have allowed religious-based verbal harassment.
Lines Grow Long for Free School Meals, Thanks to Economy
November 29, 2011
Economic experts say the economy and layoffs are behind government data showing a 17% increase from 2006-07 to last year in the number of U.S. students getting subsidized school lunch.
Study Links Academic Setbacks to Middle School Transition
November 28, 2011
While much research points to 9th grade as a problem transition year for students, a new study suggests the move from elementary to middle school may be more of a worry.
Students' Fitness Linked to Higher Test Scores
November 22, 2011
In the public schools in Lincoln, Neb., students who passed the district's physical-fitness test were significantly more likely to pass state reading and math tests, according to a recent article from the Lincoln Journal Star.
Text-Message Bullying Becoming More Common
November 21, 2011
Twenty-four percent of more than 1,500 youths aged 10 to 15 who were surveyed in 2008 said they were harassed via text messages, up from about 14% in a 2007 survey of the same respondents, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics.
DOJ Releases Video on Tribal Youth and Their Communities
November 18, 2011
The U.S. Department of Justice has released a public service announcement (PSA) on the issues that tribal youth identified as important to address with their tribal leaders.
House Protects Pizza as a Vegetable
November 18, 2011
The House of Representatives has approved a spending bill that would block government efforts to improve nutrition standards in school meals. The food industry says the standards would have required companies to change products in ways not acceptable to children.
Sweets Ban at School Parties May Cut Calorie Overload
November 18, 2011
A study of four classroom birthday parties showed that children consumed an average of 344 to 455 calories from sweets and other sugar-rich items. However, children ate fewer calories, an average of 259 to 405, when fruits were served alongside sugary treats.
Kids' Heart Health Is Faulted
November 17, 2011
Data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed a poor overall performance among those age 12 to 19 on the American Heart Association's criteria for ideal cardiovascular health.
Survey: Ohio Teens Lacking In Nutrition, Fitness
November 16, 2011
A survey of teens by the Ohio Department of Health found that 83% wear seat belts but only 7.2% eat fruits and vegetables at least twice daily. The 2011 Youth Risk Behavioral Survey also showed that 30% of teens reported a height and weight that was in the overweight or obese range.
USDA: Continuing to Serve Pizza to Schoolchildren Won’t Save Much Money
November 16, 2011
The legislative push to enable school cafeterias to keep serving pizza and french fries won’t save nearly as much money as some lawmakers have suggested — if any, according to the Agriculture Department.
Counselors See Conflicts in Carrying Out Mission
November 15, 2011
A survey of 5,300 counselors shows a committed but frustrated corps that sees a divide between what schools do and should do.
Calming Schools by Focusing on Well-Being of Troubled Students
November 14, 2011
Turnaround for Children is a non-profit focusing on students’ psychological and emotional well-being, in addition to academics. Turnaround offers a whole-child model that requires the hiring of social workers and the training of teachers in how to respond to outbursts in ways other than sending children to the principal’s office.
Western Diet in Youth May Up Diabetes Risk in Middle-Age
November 11, 2011
High school students who followed a Western-style diet high in desserts, processed meats and refined grains had a 29% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later years, partly due to weight gain, according to a study in Diabetes Care.
Cooking Classes Teach Students More Than Nutrition
November 9, 2011
Classes that teach students cooking and nutrition also support critical thinking and collaboration, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
DOJ: Dating-Violence Program in NYC Got Results
November 9, 2011
NYC middle school students who were warned against dating violence and harassment as part of a federal study were up to 50 percent less likely to commit dating violence than a control group of students.
National Study Finds Widespread Sexual Harassment of Students in Grades 7 to 12
November 7, 2011
Roughly 50% of students in grades 7 to 12 report having experienced sexual harassment during the past school year, with a majority of those saying the experiences caused them to miss school and sleep or have stomachaches, according to a new study.
New Census Measure Finds Fed Programs Lower Child Poverty
November 7, 2011
Nearly 2 million children in the U.S. are staying out of poverty because of federal programs. The data suggest that child poverty is still on the rise, but that social initiatives, such as national school-meal subsidies and other programs, are helping keep poverty at bay for some.
Waking Up to Young Kids' Sleep Troubles
November 5, 2011
About 85% of children in the elementary through middle school are not meeting the required 10 to 12 hours of sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Obesity, Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Problems in Children Linked
November 4, 2011
Obesity, sleep apnea, behavior and learning difficulties can cause significant dysfunction in children, but a new study suggests these three problems interact with one another, exacerbating the effects of each individual problem.
A Place at School Where Students Can Unload Stress and Worry
November 3, 2011
The San Francisco Unified School District has built a pioneering support network to improve students' social and emotional well-being.
Fight Against Bullying Moves to Congress
November 2, 2011
Federal lawmakers are considering anti-bullying legislation that would apply to every school in the country and could explicitly protect gay students.
Bisexual Teens at Highest Risk of Bullying and Suicide
November 2, 2011
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and those questioning their sexuality are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, bullying by their peers and truancy, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Illinois.
Emotional Distress More Common in Sexting Students
November 2, 2011
Students who sent or received "sext" messages or were "sexting" victims were more likely to report psychological distress compared with students not involved in sexting, a 2010 study of 23,187 high school students in Boston found.
Children With Disabilities More Likely Overweight Than Peers
November 2, 2011
Statistics from "Finding Balance: Obesity and Children with Special Needs," show that children with disabilities are 38 percent more likely to be overweight or obese than their peers.
Report Warns Shorter School Year Would Hurt Poor Students
November 1, 2011
A report released Monday by a statewide advocacy group warns that low-income students, students of color and English learners will be disproportionately harmed if school districts in California move to further shorten the academic calendar due to budget cuts.
Study: Violence More Common Among Students With Deployed Parents
October 31, 2011
A new study suggests that when parents are deployed in the military, their children are more than twice as likely to carry a weapon, join a gang or be involved in fights.
Many Parents Skipping Kids' Vaccinations
October 31, 2011
Researchers analyzed California figures on personal-belief exemptions and found that more than one in five kindergartners at some schools had been exempted from vaccination. Researchers identified "hot spot" schools, raising concerns that clusters of exempted students could result in outbreaks of illnesses such as measles.
Study: Asian Americans Most Bullied in U.S. Schools
October 29, 2011
Asian Americans endure far more bullying at US schools than members of other ethnic groups, with teenagers of the community three times as likely to face taunts on the Internet, new data shows.
Study: More Soda, More Violence
October 28, 2011
Teenagers who consume large amounts of soda are more likely to display violent tendencies, according to a study recently conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Sesame Street and Committee for Children Take on Bullying
October 26, 2011
Sesame Street hosted this month a panel of anti-bullying experts. The panel's discussion is presented in a 5-part video series titled "Happy to Be Me: An Anti-Bullying Discussion," and is available to parents on the Sesame Street website and YouTube Channel.
Sleep Deprivation Tied to Obesity in Male Teens
October 24, 2011
After adjusting for potential confounders, sleeping less than eight hours on weekdays is associated with obesity in male but not in female teens, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians.
L.A. School Police to Issue Fewer Truancy Tickets
October 21, 2011
The Los Angeles School Police Department has issued new rules aimed at reducing the number of truancy tickets written to students and focusing efforts instead on helping these students get to and remain in school.
Perspectives Charter School Awarded Federal Grant For 'A Disciplined Life' Program
October 20, 2011
Chicago-based charter program Perspectives, which operates five schools across the city, will receive $400,000 in federal funding over the next two years. Their program, called "A Disciplined Life," focuses on social and emotional learning inside and outside of the classroom.
New Laws Take Aim at Bullying
October 19, 2011
The issue of bullying rose on state legislative agendas this year, with 21 states passing anti-bullying laws—some of which expanded schools’ responsibilities to keep a check on any harassment that goes on among their students.
Cyberbullying: The Power and Peril of Anonymity
October 19, 2011
While the faceless nature of the Internet can bring out the worst in cyberbullies of all shapes and sizes, it also means concerned bystanders can more easily report wrongdoing without the stigma of public identification, said panelists at a town hall meeting on cyberbullying Tuesday in Chicago and on a live Web stream worldwide.
NY Teachers Union Launches New Bullying Hotline
October 19, 2011
Teachers' union officials in New York City have launched a hotline for students to call, in confidence, to speak with mental-health specialists about issues related to school bullying. The hotline is being publicized in all city schools and lines will be open each day from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
New Report: Dropout Rates Five Times Higher for Poor Students
October 19, 2011
Despite a dip in the overall school-dropout rate since 1972, latest statistics show students who are poor are five times more likely than their peers from affluent homes to drop out of school. In addition, the dropout rate stands at 5.8% for Hispanic teens and 4.8% for black teens, compared with 2.4% for white teens, the data show.
Survey Will Measure Impact of Bully on Children with Autism
October 18, 2011
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN Project) has launched a national survey to study the impact of bullying on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are believed to be especially vulnerable targets due to their social deficits and other challenges.
Senate Saves the Potato on School Lunch Menus
October 18, 2011
U.S. senators amended a 2012 spending bill to prohibit the Department of Agriculture from setting limits on starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, in school-meal programs for health reasons.
Illinois Elementary School Awarded 'Gold Medal' For Health
October 17, 2011
Northeast Elementary Magnet School in Danville, Ill., is the first elementary school in the country to win a gold medal from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Its program boasts healthy cafeteria food and snacks, nutrition lessons and a commitment to exercise.
FL Change in Oversight for School-Nutrition Program Approved
October 17, 2011
The USDA has approved Florida's plan to switch control of school-nutrition programs from the state Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who had made the change a priority since taking office, says he plans to get more fresh fruits and vegetables to schools to improve students' eating habits.
'Sesame Street' Launches Anti-Bullying Campaign
October 13, 2011
The venerable PBS show will air a special episode Monday that aims to teach preschoolers how to recognize and combat bullying.
Survey: Few Schools Have Comprehensive Physical Activity Programs
October 13, 2011
Less than 20 percent of K-12 schools nationwide provide their students with before-, during-, and after-school opportunities to engage in physical activity, according to a survey released by the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
How To Teach Kids 'Digital Literacy'? Build A Private Social Network Playground For Them
October 13, 2011
The School at Columbia University in New York City has created its own private social network to teach middle-school students digital citizenship in a safe environment.
Film Addresses Online Bullying in Chicago Public Schools
October 12, 2011
The film, "Your Social Life," was produced by two nonprofits with the support of the school district, whose students are featured discussing examples of bullying involving social-networking tools such as Facebook and YouTube.
CNN Study: Schoolyard Bullies Not Just Preying on the Weak
October 11, 2011
A new study commissioned by CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360°" found that the stereotype of the schoolyard bully preying on the weak doesn't reflect reality in schools. Instead, the research shows that many students are involved in "social combat" -- a constant verbal, physical and cyber fight to the top of the school social hierarchy.
L.A. Unified to Consider Expanding Anti-Dating Violence Programs
October 11, 2011
The Los Angeles Board of Education is expected to consider a proposal Tuesday that will take on teen dating violence by teaching students to recognize when a relationship is becoming abusive.
National School Lunch Week
October 11, 2011
While schools are improving the quality of foods they serve, including offering more fresh, local produce, future gains will require more buy-in from students. Diane Pratt-Heavner of the School Nutrition Association says students must be willing to give new foods a try, and schools must give them more time to eat lunch.
MA Launching Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs
October 11, 2011
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has received a $1.7 million four-year grant from the CDC to introduce pilot obesity prevention programs for children ages 2 to 12 in New Bedford and Fitchburg. The grant aims to combine effective clinical and community-based obesity prevention initiatives for children.
Research Links Student Activities to Academic Achievement
October 11, 2011
Even as districts eliminate extracurricular activities to cut costs, some researchers find that student clubs and sports could improve academic achievement. However, it is unclear whether after-school clubs and other activities improve students' performance, or whether high-achieving students are drawn to extracurricular activities.
DOJ Awards $20 Million to Support Mentoring Children of Military Families
October 11, 2011
OJJDP awarded a total of $20 million to nine organizations to support mentoring programs and services for youth with a parent in the military. The Department of Defense provided this funding to OJJDP as part of a joint effort to support military families.
Crying Found to Give College Football Players a 'Mental Edge'
October 10, 2011
College football players who felt comfortable displaying emotion—both positive (happiness) and negative (sadness)—were found to have higher self-esteem than those who shunned emotion, according to two papers in Psychology of Men & Masculinity, a journal published by the American Psychological Association.
Teachers Increasingly Use Home Visits to Connect with Students’ Families
October 9, 2011
There’s no better way, many educators say, to turn distant or unresponsive parents into allies and communicators actively involved in the education of their children. It’s an effort to connect with even the most withdrawn families, who might have immigration difficulties or perhaps feel spurned by the public school system.
Group Urges More Money to Pay for Support Services Outside of School
October 9, 2011
The Campaign for Educational Equity, a group of education experts at Teachers College at Columbia University in New York, is recommending the state increase annual education spending by $4,750 for each poor student to pay for support services outside the classroom.
In Oakland Classrooms, Getting Fed is First Lesson of the Day
October 8, 2011
Almost 70% of students in Oakland public schools in California qualify for free or reduced-priced meals, so Oakland schools have introduced and expanded a host of programs, some federally subsidized, to feed students at school and home.
Study Finds Minority Students Get Harsher Punishments
October 5, 2011
A new report finds that African-American and Hispanic students are suspended or expelled more often than white students—even for minor offenses.
Bullying Prevention a Special Concern for Students With Disabilities
October 5, 2011
Several organizations are stepping up efforts to curb the bullying of students with disabilities in schools during October, which has been designated as bullying-prevention month.
School Lunches Healthier than Homemade
October 5, 2011
Meals offered by the National School Lunch Program appear to be healthier than those packed at home, a study of second graders showed.
New Muppet to Raise Hunger Awareness
October 5, 2011
A new Muppet named Lily, whose family struggles with issues of hunger and food insecurity, is being introduced into the television show "Sesame Street" to raise awareness of the problem. Lily will first appear in a PBS special called "Growing Hope Against Hunger."
Proposed Rules About School Meals Remain a Hot Topic
October 5, 2011
A reduction in servings of starchy vegetables is one of many changes to school meals proposed by the USDA to reflect recommendations from the Institutes of Medicine. The changes also require more green and orange vegetables, less fat in milk, more whole grains, and less sodium.
Pollution May Play Role in Childhood Obesity
October 3, 2011
Exposure to high levels of air pollution from motor vehicles and secondhand smoke appears to be associated with an increase in body mass index in adolescents, researchers found.
Poll: Young People Say 'Digital Abuse' Pervasive
September 27, 2011
A new Associated Press-MTV poll of youth in their teens and early 20s finds that most of them — 56 percent — have been the target of some type of online taunting, harassment or bullying, a slight increase over just two years ago.
Bill to Crack Down on Cyber-Bullies Introduced in New York
September 26, 2011
New York State Senator Jeffrey Klein introduced a new "cyber-bullying" bill on Monday, saying outdated pre-digital harassment laws fail to punish bullies who use the Internet and smartphones to torment others.
CDC Awards $6.5 Million for Study of Youth Violence
September 23, 2011
The CDC awarded a $6.5M grant to the University of Colorado's Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, named by the CDC as one of 10 National Academic Centers for Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention. It will be part of a five-year program to study youth violence and introduce prevention programs in the community.
Bullying Remains Federal Priority; More Research Needed
September 21, 2011
When Congress gets around to revamping the No Child Left Behind law, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said he'd like to see a provision that calls for surveying students about bullying.
Study: Children of Unauthorized Immigrants Face Education, Social Problems
September 21, 2011
Many immigrants come to the United States seeking a better life for their children, but a new report finds those who come to the country illegally face worse social and academic development as they grow.
New Facebook App Targets Bullying Bystanders
September 20, 2011
Facebook's Stop Bullying: Speak Up Social Pledge app addresses bystanders, with the opportunity to take an "interactive social media pledge" to specific actions that will help stop bullying.
Obese Kids May Face Social, Emotional Woes
September 19, 2011
Obese 8- and 9-year-olds are more likely to suffer socially and emotionally than their normal-weight peers, a new study finds.
D.C. Schools Prepare for Nation’s First Sex-Education Standardized Testing
September 14, 2011
D.C. public and public charter schools, which annually test student progress in reading and math, will also measure what they know about human sexuality, contraception and drug use starting this spring.
Parents, Students Report Different Rates of Bullying
September 14, 2011
About 70 percent of parents across the U.S. say that their child has been bullied on school grounds, according to a new survey—a percentage much higher than students report.
Survey Ranks CPS Schools on Learning Environments
September 13, 2011
The survey aimed to determined how Chicago schools' perform on the following factors: instructional leadership, how teachers work with one another, support from families and the community, the learning climate and a challenging curriculum.
Justice Dept: LGBT Student Bullying On the Rise
September 13, 2011
Bullying of LGBT youth is making up a growing number of discrimination complaints received by the Obama administration.
CO Panel: Strict School Discipline Should Be Scrapped
September 12, 2011
Colorado lawmakers and police said Monday that strict disciplinary policies at schools created after the Columbine High School shootings should be scaled back or scrapped and that administrators should have more control over student punishment.
More Bullying Cases Have Parents Turning to Courts
September 12, 2011
Bullying lawsuits are on the rise nationwide, says to Francisco Negron, general counsel for the National School Boards Association. The lawsuits are increasing for several reasons, including increased awareness, new standards and more experts in the legal community, says David Finkelhor, director of the University of New Hampshire's Crimes Against Children Research Center.
U.S. to Award Green Ribbon Honors for Schools' Environmental Efforts
September 12, 2011
The U.S. Department of Education, following in the footsteps of its well-known Blue Ribbon Schools recognition program, is set to launch a Green Ribbon Schools initiative to salute environmental achievers.
EPA: Back to School Environmental Education Information and Resources
September 7, 2011
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is highlighting key environmental education information and resources available to improve energy efficiency, save money, and better protect people’s health and the environment during the school year.
Bullying Linked to Lower School Achievement
September 5, 2011
Bullying in high school is not just a problem of individual torment: It is linked to lower academic achievement across the school. The research shows that high school campuses with more reported bullying had lower passing rates on Virginia’s standardized tests.
Youths' Social Goals Help Determine Response to Bullying
August 30, 2011
A new study in the journal Child Development has found that the types of goals children set in their relationships help determine how they respond to being bullied—and whether they choose responses that are effective.
Socially Anxious Kids Are Bully Targets
August 30, 2011
Children who want to interact with their peers but find the prospect of making friends anxiety-inducing are at high risk of rejection and bullying, a new study finds.
Bullying Law Puts New Jersey Schools on Spot
August 30, 2011
The law, known as the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, is considered the toughest legislation against bullying in the nation. Schools worry about meeting the mandates without additional resources.
Minority Students More Likely to Face Metal Detectors
August 29, 2011
Minority students in a high-poverty neighborhood are more likely to pass through a metal detector on the way to class than their better-off and white peers are, even if the schools are equally safe, according to new research.
School-Based Mental Health Screening for Teens Results in Connection to Care
August 25, 2011
A new study involving nearly 2,500 high school students demonstrates the value of routine mental health screening in school to identify adolescents at-risk for mental illness, and to connect those adolescents with recommended follow-up care.
Bullying Affects a Quarter of High Schools Students
August 24, 2011
About a quarter of high school students were bullied at least once during the 2008-2009 school year, and about 7 percent were bullied online by other students, according to new data released Monday by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Bullying Victims Often Suffer Academically, Particularly High Achieving Blacks and Latinos
August 24, 2011
Victims of bullying often suffer academically, and this is particularly true for high achieving black and Latino students, according to new research to be presented at the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association.
USDA Announces Historic School Nutrition Improvements as Children Return to School
August 15, 2011
USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon hosted a conference call to highlight the historic school nutrition reforms and improvements that students and families will see in the new school year.
Bullying Takes Toll on High School Test Scores
August 8, 2011
Students attending high schools dominated by bullies are more likely to have lower standardized test scores, a new study shows.
Facebook Offers Grants For Anti-Bullying Research
August 2, 2011
Educational institutions and non-profit organizations can apply for research grants from Facebook on the topic of bullying prevention. The deadline is next month and funds will be awarded in October.
Attorney General Holder and Secretary Duncan Announce Supportive School Discipline Initiative
July 21, 2011
The Supportive School Discipline Initiative is a collaboration between the two agencies that hopes to target the school disciplinary policies and in-school arrests that push youth out of school and into the justice system, also known as the school-to-prison pipeline.
Federal Authorities Investigate School District After Civil Rights Complaint
July 20, 2011
The Justice Department together with the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights are looking into "allegations of harassment and discrimination in the Anoka-Hennepin School District based on sex, including peer-on-peer harassment based on not conforming to gender stereotypes," according to a district memo.
Facebook, Time Warner Take On Bullying
July 12, 2011
Facebook and Time Warner are teaming up to tackle bullying with a joint campaign that encourages people to speak out. Dubbed "Stop Bullying: Speak Up," the campaign will have a presence on the Internet, TV, radio, and major magazines.
NY Charter School Throws Foster Kids a Safety Net
July 10, 2011
Many schools cater to disadvantaged children, but Haven Academy is unique because it houses hundreds of counselors in the same building. The school features a small student-teacher ratio, an extended school day, many tutor options and special training to keep teachers consistent in the language they use and their responses to problems.
USDA Announces Improvements in School Wellness Promotion
July 7, 2011
Improvements included in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 will enhance local wellness policies in schools, an important tool for parents, local educational agencies and school districts to promote student wellness, prevent and reduce childhood obesity, and provide assurance that school meal nutrition guidelines meet the minimum federal school meal standards.
Survey: Bullying A Top Concern Among Virginia Public School Students
July 7, 2011
The Virginia School Safety Survey found that among the 737 elementary, middle and high schools that gave students anonymous safety surveys, bullying emerged as students’ main concern at all grade levels in 2009-10, the most recent data available.
EPA Recognizes Port Arthur ISD and Veolia Technical Solutions, L.L.C., for Creating Safer Schools
July 6, 2011
The partners agreed to address risks posed by chemicals in Port Arthur schools and develop a plan for removal of unnecessary chemicals. This cooperative agreement promotes a district-wide approach for raising awareness for responsible chemical management practices.
Parents' Military Deployment May Harm Kids' Mental Health
July 5, 2011
Children with a parent on long-term military deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan are at increased risk for mental health problems, new research suggests.
'The Bully Project' Finds Its Moment
June 23, 2011
The Bully Project follows stories of several kids who are being bullied or have been bullied. What The Bully Project adds to the public conversation is an unflinching look at the stakes.
Youth Cybercrime Linked to Friends’ Influence
June 23, 2011
Peer influence and low self-control appear to be the major factors fueling juvenile cybercrime such as computer hacking and online bullying, according to a new study led by a Michigan State University criminologist.
Bullying's Scars May Last a Lifetime, Experts Say
June 20, 2011
Experts warn that bullying should be treated as a serious issue and not accepted as normal childhood behavior. For victims, damage to self-esteem can be profound.
Fast-Food Outlets Near Schools May Not Be Making Teens Fat
June 16, 2011
If a new survey of high school teens in Maine is any indication, locating fast-food outlets near schools may not actually affect students' chances of being overweight. The real issue, experts say, is making kids more knowledgeable about healthy choices.
USED Seeking Comments on Plan to Conduct Analysis of School Bullying Laws and Policies
June 16, 2011
U.S. ED will conduct case studies of 24 school sites nationwide to document state and local implementation of anti-bullying laws and policies. Comments are due by August 1, 2011.
More information on comment request
Detailed description of proposed analysis
Screening Helps African-American Students Connect with School-Based Mental Health Services
June 14, 2011
Mental health screening has been demonstrated to successfully connect African-American middle school students from a predominantly low-income area with school-based mental health services, according to results of a new study.
Secretary Duncan Encourages Youth To Read, Learn, and Stay Fit
June 10, 2011
In an effort to combat childhood obesity and summer learning loss, the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Justice are addressing young audiences throughout the nation to encourage youth to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and asks students to continue to read and learn over the summer.
EPA's Tests of Air Outside Schools Find Problems
June 9, 2011
The federal government's first attempt to assess the dangers from air pollution around schools is nearing completion, and the findings underscore the need for more extensive air monitoring, especially in pollution hot spots, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency says.
How to Cut Crime, Alcoholism and Addiction? It's Not Elementary, But Preschool
June 9, 2011
To cut crime, raise education and income levels, and reduce addiction rates among the poor, no program offers more bang for the buck than preschool, as a new study published in Science demonstrates.
Homeland Security Hosts School Safety Workshops
June 9, 2011
Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), in conjunction with the Department of Education, will be hosting a School Safety Training Workshop for five (5) weeks for all School Personnel. The workshops began on Monday, June 6, at GHS/OCD.
Boys Who Bully May Grow Up to Be Abusive Men
June 6, 2011
Though it's not clear whether one type of violence directly leads to the other, a new study says that men who bully others during childhood are more likely to grow up and abuse their wives and girlfriends.
Kids Who Bully Often Get Poor Sleep
June 3, 2011
Poor sleep may be a factor in aggressive behavior among kids, according to new research that found that children who bully other kids are more likely to be sleepy during the day.
Does a Bad Classroom Climate Lead to Stressed Students?.
May 25, 2011
Researchers have looked at how bad jobs affect adults’ mental health. One of the first studies to turn a similar lens on schools suggests a bad classroom climate can shape children’s emotional well-being too.
LGBT Friendly Anti-Bullying Bill Heading for Key June Vote
May 24, 2011
The Student Non-Discrimination Act (SENDA), introduced in the House by Rep. Polis (D-COL), would add to existing federal statutes explicit protections against bullying on the grounds of perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Colleges Find Electronic Mental Health Screenings Faster and More Effective
May 24, 2011
Health News
In an effort to help meet the rising demand, as well as to identify serious issues more quickly, a growing number of campus counseling centers have begun using computerized mental health screening questionnaires instead of traditional paper evaluations.
Study Links Lead Exposure, Low Student Test Scores
May 18, 2011
Children who ingested even small amounts of lead performed poorly later on school tests compared to students who were never exposed to the substance, according to a new study of Connecticut students.
Seventeen Magazine, ABC Family Team Up to Fight Cyber Bullying
May 12, 2011
Seventeen magazine and ABC Family are coming together to try to put an end to cyber abuse and bullying with Delete Digital Drama, an initiative that will begin on ABC Family July 5 and in the August 2011 issue of Seventeen.
Teens Who Feel Responsible to Their Parents Are More Engaged in School
May 12, 2011
Researchers surveying 835 youths in suburban Chicago and Beijing have found that youths who feel more responsible to their parents stay engaged in school and perform better.
Teen Boys With Autism at Risk of Being Bullied: Study
May 11, 2011
Among teen boys with an autism spectrum disorder, those who are considered high-functioning are confronted with a greater degree of bullying behavior than their "typically developing" peers, new research indicates.
National PTA: Bipartisan Family Engagement in Education Act Introduced Today in U.S. Senate, House of Representatives
May 11, 2011
The legislation would strengthen family engagement in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which both Congress and the Administration have placed as a top priority this year.
Study Links School Safety to Achievement, Relationships
May 10, 2011
Education Week
A new study finds that students' achievement and relationships with educators may play more of a role in school safety than neighborhood crime rate.
Report: To Keep Schools Safe, Teachers Need to be More Visible
May 10, 2011
A new report suggests that schools in even the most crime-ridden neighborhoods can foster safe environments by building strong relationships between teachers and students.
Study Links School Safety to Achievement, Relationships
May 10, 2011
School safety depends far less on the poverty and crime surrounding the campus than on the academic achievement of its students and their relationships with adults in the building, according to a new study of Chicago public schools.
Bullying Grabs Global Attention
May 6, 2011
CNN
The guilty pleas of students in a Massachusetts school harassment case this week thrust the spotlight back on bullying in the United States, but the issue is also drawing more attention beyond America's borders.
Start Strong Shares Ideas to Stop Dating Violence Before it Starts
May 6, 2011
Juvenile Justice Information Exchange
Sometimes the solution to a very big problem is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. That’s the theory behind Start Strong, a national program designed to defeat teen-dating violence by helping middle-school kids learn how to avoid unhealthy relationships.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Has Finalized E. Coli Tests
May 6, 2011
Food Safety News
A paragraph in this week's Government Accountability Office report on USDA's school meal safety policies confirms that the Food Safety and Inspection Service has developed "standardized tests" to detect all six strains of non-O157 E. coli, a critical step in the agency's ability to regulate pathogens.
Anonymous Bullying on Social Network Seeps into Schools
May 6, 2011
Education Week
In waves throughout the school year, school counselor Julia V. Taylor has found herself consoling students who have been taunted—often anonymously—on the social-networking site www.Formspring.me.
Environmental Illness in Kids Costs Billions
May 5, 2011
MedPage Today
Childhood diseases thought to be linked to environmental causes cost the nation nearly $77 billion in medical costs and lost productivity in 2008 alone, a new analysis found.
The Shutterfly Foundation’s Programs Assisting Children and Families
May 5, 2011
ED's Safe Supportive Schools News
The Shutterfly Foundation is offering grants to support children’s education and family-wellness. Grants up to $10,000 will be awarded. The deadline to apply for this grant is June 1, 2011.
Saucony Run for Good Foundation Youth Running Programs
May 5, 2011
ED's Safe Supportive Schools News
The Saucony Run for Good Program’s mission is to improve lives of children through running. The program has been created to encourage active and healthy lifestyles in children, fight obesity, and reverse the trend of shortening life spans. Grants are awarded up to $10,000. The deadline to apply for this grant is June 13, 2011.
Build a Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation Champion Fur Kids Grant
May 5, 2011
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools’ (CHHCS) The Weekly Insider
The purpose of the Champion Fur Kids Grant is to fund health and wellness programs such as childhood disease research foundations, child safety organizations and organizations that serve children with special needs. Grants will be a one-time contribution and range from $1,000 to $10,000. The deadline to apply for this grant is October 28, 2011.
Google Joins Fight Against Gay Bullying in Chrome Ad
May 4, 2011
ADWEEK
Google has come out in support of Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project in a big way, compiling loads of footage from the anti-gay-bullying campaign for a 90-second Chrome commercial, which aired Tuesday night on Glee.
Air Pollution Near Michigan Schools Linked to Poorer Student Health, Academic Performance
May 4, 2011
R&D Mag
University of Michigan researchers found that schools located in areas with the state's highest industrial air pollution levels had the lowest attendance rates—an indicator of poor health—as well as the highest proportions of students who failed to meet state educational testing standards.
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
May 3, 2011
SAMHSA
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a day to join SAMHSA, communities, organizations, agencies, and individuals nationwide in raising awareness that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth. This year, the national theme will focus on building resilience in young children dealing with trauma.
For the complete picture, please visit: http://www.samhsa.gov/children/save_date_2011.asp.
Confronting Cyberbullying
May 2, 2011
THE Journal
Experts say that schools need to stop worrying about external internet predators and take on the threat within: cyberbullying.
How to Avoid Raising a Bully
May 1, 2011
Live Science
Parents who don't want their children to become bullies should stay positive, talk to their kids and meet their children's friends, according to new research presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Denver.
Conference Examines Pressures Faced by Korean-American Teens
May 1, 2011
North Jersey News
Korean-American children and their parents gathered at a conference to deal with mental health issues facing teenagers who bounce between two culturally different worlds on a daily basis.
The Creative Coalition and WWE® Launch Anti-Bullying Alliance
April 29, 2011
The Creative Coalition and WWE (NYSE:WWE), announced today the launch of “be a STAR,” a multi-platform, nationwide anti-bullying alliance, in conjunction with the National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN), GLAAD, True Educator Inc., Ad Council, Island Def Jam Music Group, Close Up Foundation and others.
College Announces New BGLTQ Resources
April 29, 2011
The Harvard Crimson
Dean of Harvard College Evelynn M. Hammonds announced at a community meeting Wednesday night the development of new resources for BGLTQ students at Harvard, including the establishment of a full-time staff person and campus space dedicated to the BGLTQ community.
School Climate a Key Factor in Feelings of Safety
April 28, 2011
A University of Arizona College of Education faculty member led an investigation into the perceptions students and teachers throughout Arizona hold about campus safety, finding that each school's climate plays a large role in what people believe.
School Nurses See Both Bullies and Victims
April 27, 2011
School bullies and their victims both spend more time at the nurse’s office compared with their other classmates, according to a new report.
Student Bullying Linked to Family Violence: CDC
April 21, 2011
Student bullies, their victims and bully-victims -- those who are victimized and also engage in bullying -- face a broad range of health risks, including family violence and intentional self-harm, a new U.S. study finds.
School Burnout Can Be Turned Into Educational Engagement
April 21, 2011
The results of the FinEdu longitudinal study indicate that both prolonged exhaustion caused by schoolwork and cynicism toward school inevitably lead to an increased sense of inadequacy.
School's a Community Effort in Indiana District
April 20, 2011
A “community school” relies on ties between its district and churches, social service agencies, nonprofit community groups, and other local organizations that have built a web of support to nurture schoolchildren across the entire district from “diaper to diploma.”
Are High Schools Safer From Guns Since the Columbine Shooting?
April 20, 2011
On the 10 year anniversary of the Columbine shooting, consulting firm National School Safety and Security Services released a report suggesting schools are safer, but not out of the woods.
Supportive Environment Cuts Suicide Attempts by Gay Teens
April 19, 2011
Gay and bisexual teens are five times as likely as heterosexual peers to attempt suicide, according to new research — but a supportive social environment can cut that rate by one-fifth.
‘Day Of Silence’ Shows How Bullying, Hate Crimes Silence Youth
April 15, 2011
Friday, April 15 marks the “Day of Silence” – a day in which hundreds of thousands of students nationwide take a vow of silence to bring attention to anti-gay name-calling, bullying and harassment in their schools.
Social and Emotional Learning to Support Student Achievement
April 15, 2011
Secretary Duncan stopped by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Forum to join a panel of school district superintendents, moderated by New York Times columnist David Brooks, in discussing how social and emotional factors support student achievement.
EPA Selects Environmental Achievement Award Winners
April 14, 2011
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mid-Atlantic region announced 11 winners of its annual environmental achievement awards including two from Philadelphia Area.
Report: Domestic Problems, Safety Concerns Lead to Truancy
April 14, 2011
The D.C. Council's committee on school safety and truancy found in a report released Thursday that domestic problems and safety concerns both during commutes and at school cause truancy.
Unlikely Allies Call for Shifting of Monies from Prisons to Schools
April 8, 2011
The NAACP has joined forces with fiscally conservative groups, former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, and others to persuade legislators and policymakers to shift the growing amount of money spent on prisons to education.
Attorney General Holder Speaks on School Violence, Critics Question Federal Role
April 7, 2011
Attorney General Eric Holder says the Justice Department has a central role to play in tackling the problem of youth violence, but some education experts are skeptical of the federal government’s hand in the matter.
Buildings That Conserve and Educate
April 6, 2011
Sustainable school buildings, says a green-schools architect, can be powerful teaching tools to help students monitor and change their own energy-consumption behavior.
No Teacher Is an Island
April 6, 2011
Teachers do not operate in a vacuum. The environment in which they work impacts their perception of their own level of competence. Having the support of peers, principals, and central-office administrators has an impact on how well they believe they can perform.
D.C. Council Bill Links Mental Health, Truancy and Violence
April 5, 2011
At-large D.C. Councilman David Catania introduced a bill Tuesday that would crack down on student truancy and tailor behavioral health programming to the needs of District schools.
Federal Government Reviewing Sexual Violence in D.C. Schools
April 4, 2011
The federal government is investigating how D.C. public schools respond to reports of sexual violence and what they are doing to prevent such incidents, a senior U.S. education official said Monday.
Vice President Biden Announces New Administration Effort to Help Nation's Schools Address Sexual Violence
April 4, 2011
Vice President Biden and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan introduced comprehensive guidance to help schools, colleges and universities better understand their obligations under federal civil rights laws to prevent and respond to the problem of campus sexual assault.
New Books, Apps Teach Kids About Their Emotions
April 1, 2011
Magination Press, the American Psychological Association's children's book imprint, has released a self-help book for older kids called Understanding Myself: A Kid's Guide to Intense Emotions and Strong Feelings. It has also released a book for younger kids as an iPad app, called The Grouchies.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
March 31, 2011
This spring, the Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. On Saturday, April 30th, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, DEA and its partners will hold their second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at sites nationwide. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
To learn more, visit the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day website.
FY 2011 Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant Application Released
March 31, 2011
The purpose of the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant is to assist LEAs and CBOs to initiate, expand, or enhance physical education programs that help students in kindergarten through 12th grade meet their state standards for physical education.
The application package is available on the OSHS web site at: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/applicant.html.
Nickelodeon Launches Anti-Bullying Campaign
March 28, 2011
Nick, the most-watched TV network among kids ages 2 to 14, will begin an on-air public service campaign Monday featuring some of its stars offering advice on what young people should do when confronted with hostile texts, emails or Facebook posts.
Underreporting Masks Violence in Philadelphia Schools
March 28, 2011
A yearlong Inquirer investigation of violence in Philadelphia schools uncovered dozens of cases of students assaulting each other, punching teachers, kicking school police officers and threatening to harm staff. The incidents only came to light—weeks or months later—when city police issued arrest reports on the incidents, prompting district officials to ask principals about them. Teachers and union officials, meanwhile, spoke of constant pressure from senior administrators at the district and school level—sometimes subtle and unspoken, sometimes blatant—to hold down the reported numbers.
Chronic Social Stress Like Bullying Affects Genes
March 16, 2011
Bullying and other types of chronic social stress affect gene activity in the brain, suggests a new study in mice. The changes may lead to persistent social anxiety.
Grim Report Helps Launch Anti-Bullying Campaign in Defense of Disabled
March 16, 2011
Special needs children are two to three times more likely to be bullied than the general student population. In addition, 85% of bystanders do nothing in response to bullying they witness. Fifty percent of special needs respondents reported being fearful of their peers.
NEA Survey: School Staffs Need More Help to Prevent Bullying
March 11, 2011
A new survey on bullying by the National Education Association (NEA) finds that school employees know bullying is pervasive in schools and that they believe it’s their job to intervene—but that they need more training to do so effectively.
Formspring Takes a Stand Against Bullies — With Help From MIT
March 10, 2011
The startup announced Thursday it is partnering with MIT’s Media Lab to develop detection tools for finding “problematic content” and putting a stop to online bullying.
Facebook Announces New Anti-Bullying Tools
March 10, 2011
Facebook is announcing a new suite of tools to protect users from bullying, foster a stronger sense of community in the social network, and “create a culture of respect” among Facebook users.
Bullying Isn’t Just “Kids Being Kids”
March 10, 2011
Bullying is a serious problem that not only affects a child’s self esteem and emotional well-being, but can significantly affect a child’s ability to learn.
WH Conference on Bullying Prevention Highlights Private, Non-Profit, and Federal Commitments to Bullying Prevention
March 10, 2011
The President and First Lady called for a united effort to address bullying at the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention. Approximately 150 students, parents, teachers, non-profit leaders, advocates, and policymakers came together to discuss how they can work together to make our schools and communities safe for all students.
Full Press Release. This release includes a number of valid and helpful resources.
President Obama & the First Lady Address Bullying in Facebook Video
March 9, 2011
President Obama and the First Lady talk about bullying and the growing movement, led by young people, to make our communities places where young people can thrive.
Senate Leaders Co-Sponsor Interoperable Communications in Schools Bill
February 24, 2011
Democrat and Republican leaders in the Colorado Senate co-sponsored the first school safety bill in the nation calling for statewide communications interoperability that includes all schools.
Study: Most, Least Popular Kids Less Likely to Bully
February 8, 2011
A new study suggests that neither the most popular students nor the least are likely to be bullies at school but rather the kids who are in the middle of the social hierarchies.
Too Many Hours on the Job May Put Teens at Risk
February 6, 2011
High school students who work more than 20 hours a week at part-time jobs during the school year may be more likely to have academic and behavior problems, according to a new study.
Study Finds Social-Skills Teaching Boosts Academics
February 4, 2011
According to the largest analysis of social and emotional learning programs to date, researchers found that students who took part in social and emotional learning, or SEL, programs improved in grades and standardized-test scores by 11 percentile points compared with nonparticipating students.
Bullying Studies Take Aim At Playground Gossip
February 4, 2011
Gossip and social ostracization may come far down on the list of concerns for educators trying to prevent bullying, yet emerging research suggests relational bullying, though often the most frequently overlooked, may hold the key to changing an aggressive culture in schools.
U.S. Department of Education’s Kevin Jennings on School Bus Bullying
February 1, 2011
School Transportation News caught up with Kevin Jennings, the assistant deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools to discuss school bus driver-specfic training necessary to combat the problem.
Report: Community Organizing Essential to Long-Term Education Reform
January 28, 2011
Community organizing plays an important role in maintaining the momentum of school and district reform efforts and sustaining improvements over the long term, a new report commissioned by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation finds.
Sharp Rise in New York City School Suspensions
January 28, 2011
A report, compiled by the New York Civil Liberties Union and based on 10 years of previously undisclosed suspension statistics in New York City schools, echoed a nationwide trend toward mandatory suspensions for an increasing variety of infractions. The department is looking to use more social and emotional mediation to address behavioral issues among special-education students.
Attorney General Holder, Justice Department Officials Meet with Defending Childhood Representatives
January 26, 2011
Attorney General Eric Holder today met with Defending Childhood representatives from eight communities across the country to discuss local efforts to address children’s exposure to violence.
No Easy Fix Found for Bullying
December 30, 2010
Cambridge University findings underscored a growing consensus that any effort to combat bullying must be collective, involving an entire school community — teachers, parents, children who suffer and witness bullying, bullies, school bus drivers, cafeteria workers — and must be regularly reinforced.
Experts Begin to Identify Nonacademic Skills Key to Success
December 23, 2010
More and more, research shows young people need the same cognitive and social-emotional skills to complete school and progress in the workplace, and, moreover, that those skills can be taught and tested like any other subject in school.
Program Builds School Supports for Foster Pupils
December 7, 2010
Five districts in the Los Angeles area are weaving a web of interagency supports to catch a group of high school students who face an especially great risk for slipping through the cracks in school: youths in foster care.
