| THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 - "Ashland University Workshop" |
Dear Sponsors, Please share, as you deem appropriate, the attached workshop information for your teachers through Ashland University . With the number of community schools that serve "drop out recovery students" or those "at-risk of dropping out", there may be interest in such a course.
Best Regards, John Taracko, Consultant |
| TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008 - "Join us for the next LD Talk: Response to Intervention and IDEA - LD Identification in the RTI Instruction Model" |
Next LD Talk: Response to Intervention and IDEA - LD Identification in the RTI Instruction Model February 28, 2008 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the main federal program authorizing state and local aid for special education and related services for children with disabilities, including students with learning disabilities (LD). IDEA also protects parents' right to request a comprehensive evaluation by a school or school district when a student is suspected of having a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). Join experts Mary Beth Klotz, Ph.D., NCSP and Daryl Mellard, Ph.D. as they answer questions from parents and teachers about legislative requirements and best practices on how RTI can ensure accurate and timely LD identification. How to Participate Submit advance questions for the discussion http://ncld.convio.net/site/R?i=-XNiHAmHW2r1CPmV6XKo_Q.. . now or join simply join the chat live on February 28, 2008 at 1 p.m. ET! http://ncld.convio.net/site/R?i=i5MojnBqssHjZ1YB1GRCyw.. No special equipment other than Internet access is needed to participate in this text-based discussion. About our Experts: Dr. Daryl Mellard has been a research associate within the Center for
Research on Learning (CRL) (http://ncld.convio.net/site/R?i=8tS5oqpfYvF3umWjJeP3sg.. ) since 1982, and
currently is the director of CRL's Division of Adult Studies and the
principal investigator of research and evaluation studies. Dr. Mellard is
one of the principal investigators at the National Research Center on
Learning Disabilities Dr. Mellard has written and published materials examining the components of
RTI and their implementation for numerous respected journals, including, the Dr. Mellard is currently participating in several projects that involve
improving adult literacy through interventions provided in adult education,
the U.S. Department of Labor's Job Corps program, General Educational
Development (or GED) testing, as well as vocational rehabilitation and
literacy programs. In addition, Dr.
Mellard has researched extensively the issues of accommodating participants
with disabilities in post-secondary, employment, and social service As a service to the state of Kansas, Dr. Mellard served as chair to the Kansas Task Force on Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities and has recently completed his sixth year as a member the board of directors for the independent living center, Independence Inc. Mary Beth Klotz has served as the National Association of School
Psychologists' (NASP)
(http://ncld.convio.net/site/R?i=9DetESxVLcO_iVqI8Sp7dw.. ) Director of IDEA
Projects and Technical Assistance since 1999. She is NASP's primary liaison
for numerous coalitions and grant projects including, NCLD's RTI Action In addition, Dr. Klotz has represented NASP on the National Joint Committee
on Learning Disabilities since 2001, and was elected chair of the NJCLD for Dr. Klotz writes the "IDEA in Practice" column and numerous other articles
for the Communiqué, NASP's professional newspaper. She also develops fact Dr. Klotz is a nationally certified school psychologist and a certified special education teacher and administrator. Her previous work experience includes 15 years of direct service in public school settings in Maryland as a school psychologist and a special education teacher working with students with learning disabilities and emotional disorders. Dr. Klotz received her doctorate in special education with minors in psychology and counseling from the American University, Washington, D.C. Our discussion will be moderated by Laura Kaloi, Director of Public Policy at the National Center for Learning Disabilities. LD Talk Chat Transcripts Archive Transcripts of previous discussions are available for your review at NCLDtalks.org (http://ncld.convio.net/site/R?i=aHpSI0_6CeUdmGFE7I6NOQ.. ). For an archive of LD Talk transcripts from 2000-2007, click here. http://ncld.convio.net/site/R?i=VP4dXSjNu5rH1_tiNkebsA.. The National Center for Learning Disabilities brings you NCLD Talks, the Internet's only Web site featuring discussions on issues critically important to people with learning disabilities. Funding for NCLD Talks is provided by the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation. |
| THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2008 - "Save the Date - Parent School Expo" |
Save the Date - Parent School Expo You are cordially invited to participate in the Third Annual “Parent School Expo” sponsored by Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO). The Third Annual Parent School Expo will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008, at Columbus State Community College, 500 E. Spring St. Columbus Ohio 43216 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Booth/exhibit space is offered free of charge. Also, the parking is free. The School Expo is free to parents and participating schools/programs. All public, community/charter, and private schools, and other educational programs serving students have been invited to participate in the Second Annual Parent School Expo. Those attending the Parent School Expo will be invited to complete a survey, which will enter them in a drawing for door prizes. (Must be age 18 or older). What is a “School Expo”? School Expo is an opportunity for the education community to share information with families and individuals about programs under one roof. Why have a “School Expo”? Education information is important to the Columbus community. Parents have numerous options available and little time to investigate those options. This is an opportunity to seek information and ask questions about school’s curriculum and programs, the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship program, the No Child Left Behind Act, tutoring programs, pre-school options, before/after-school options for working parents, and post-secondary education programs. The deadline for pre-registration of your school/organization is FEBRUARY 1, 2008. A registration form is attached. © 2007 Black Alliance for Educational Options |
| THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2008 - "March 1st Science & Technology Fair For Community Schools" Hosted by Cleveland State University" |
Attached are letters of support for this event from two of the most powerful political leaders in Ohio. Speaker of the House Jon A. Husted and Senate President Bill Harris. We believe that it is very important that your school participate. Forgive me if this sounds shameless but, politically we need to have a strong turnout for this event. For years community schools have been portrayed as second class. This Science Fair is an opportunity for your school to show Ohio that community schools care about excelling in science & technology. Hopefully, next year we can invite and compete with district schools. 2008 will be a critical year for our schools. There are few opportunities to shape public opinion beyond State Report Cards. From a political perspective this Science Fair is less about who wins first prize and more importantly provides a vehicle to demonstrate that Community Schools are leaders in education reform. OCQE will give significant exposure to participants: • Media by coverage from Cleveland newspapers For details click onto: www.consef.org Don’t say there isn’t enough time….Don’t say that your students can’t participate…..Don’t stand on the sidelines….Register now. |
| WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2008 - "Measurable Results - on Reducing Student Addictions" |
Scott Gallagher here… In this Newsletter, I'd like to share some of the "specific, measurable results" we're seeing from my Addictions and Bullying program in schools. It's getting quite exciting! Also below is more information on: I know your time is precious, so I'll stop here. I hope you'll have a couple of minutes to read more. All the best, Scott In this Newsletter: 1) A Principal reports on "Specific, measurable results" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1) A Principal reports on "Specific, measurable results" "We want to believe that the school speakers we bring in really do make a difference, but we don’t always know for certain. It’s often hard to prove. And this is especially true when it comes to addictions." That's what I'm hearing from many school officials – and they're right. For that reason, I'd like to share this recent news from one school principal: "After Scott's Addictions Workshop, there were 12 students who chose to participate in the on-going support group component of his program. Addictions were mainly to marijuana, cigarettes and Internet/video games. Within 90 days, every single one of these kids has tapered off to the point that none of them are doing drugs or smoking anymore. One student who was addicted to the Internet and video games has drastically reduced how much time he spends on the Internet. Each and every student who joined the on-going group meetings had noticeable behaviour changes; for example, higher self esteem, regular attendance, more friends and a much clearer head upon returning to school Monday mornings." 2) Many Kinds of Addictions/Bad Habits: What I'm seeing in Schools Some educators tell me that "Addiction is not really a problem in our school." And they may be correct – at least about drugs and alcohol. However, here's what I'm finding at most schools where I've spoken. After my Assembly presentations, I give a follow-up All Addictions/Healthy Habits Workshop to help kids who self-identify with "problems." And no matter what city, state, province or country I'm in, and no matter what the social or economic profile of the school, I almost always get the same percentage of kids attending. That is, about 3% of the kids who've heard my talk. (In At-Risk/Alternative schools, that number jumps to as high as 15%.) But why is that? You run a good, clean school. So why am I seeing these numbers? First, EVERY school has kids that feel inadequate or unloved, who feel like they don’t belong or fit in. Kids who have problems at home, or with fellow students. Many of these kids turn to behaviors (or habits) that make them feel better, as a way of avoiding the emotional pain that hurts so badly. Second, its not always drugs and alcohol that kids turn to. I'm regularly seeing these other kinds of addictions/bad habits: Bullying, food (overeating, bulimia, anorexia, junk food, sugar), caffeine, Internet, video games, TV, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, marijuana, gambling, cutting and slashing, choking, porn, sex, violence, theft/crime. (And I understand that, because I was involved in many of these myself!) That’s why my assemblies and workshops deal with any and all bad habits & addictions that kids turn to, to escape how they feel inside. There's no point addressing one without addressing them all. 3) Assemblies and Workshops – What's effective? I know that schools are used to bringing in a certain number of keynote speakers each year. The intention is to have a high-impact message that kids will remember. But when it comes to addictions, "remembering a message" doesn't always work in preventing undesirable behaviors – let alone intervening with kids who are already doing them. That’s why my assembly presentation is not my program. It’s an important beginning, YES. It hopefully will stop some kids from starting, once they've heard my story. But more importantly, it gives kids who are hurting the opportunity to decide if they can really trust me, and then share that they have a problem. That happens in the follow-up workshop. It's where kids get to take 100% ownership for choosing to get help, to trust other students (and a teacher/staff person) enough to tell their "secret," and then commit to taking daily steps and supporting others (in an ongoing support/buddy group). The truth is, it's actually after I leave when the real work gets done – by the kids themselves. If we want to see "specific, measurable results" – of kids reducing/getting off addictions – we need to give them the practical steps and support they need to make a better life for themselves and others around them. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you'd like to know more about any of these topics, or my programs, please call or email me, or go to my Web site. Thanks for taking time to read this! Scott Gallagher |
| WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2008 - "NC State College of Design" |
From: Nicole Welch [mailto:nicole_welch@ncsu.edu] Dear Community Leader, Attached is information about the annual summer design camps held at NC State College of Design. The purpose of these camps is to expose high school students to academic and professional pursuits in architecture, graphic design, landscape architecture, art + design and industrial design. Camp projects developed by faculty of the College of Design challenge students to explore their creativity and critical-thinking skills while pushing them to try a range of techniques and media. In addition to studio projects, students will attend other supporting activities and events including lectures, films, and field trips. Design Camp is also a wonderful Since its inception over 20 years ago, Design Camp has exposed more than 1,500 high school students to the exciting world of design. In 2007, Design Camp became an outreach program of CAM (Contemporary Art Museum). CAM joined the College of Design in February 2006, becoming the lead component We need your help to reach students who would benefit from participating in this program. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in participating. Please note that we can offer financial assistance to offset the cost of tuition based on financial need. I have included some materials that you may duplicate as needed. Thank you for your assistance in promoting this opportunity. Registration for our 2008 camps will begin on February 18th. For more information please visit our website at Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions about the Sincerely, |
| WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2008 - "REACH Your Students With a Powerful Message of Hope" |
Happy New Year! Hope you are doing well. If there is any way we can be of service, please do not hesitate to contact us. With R.E.A.C.H. Communications you have the opportunity to inspire your students to make the best choices they can to experience life to the fullest in a healthy, safe, and positive way. We offer assemblies, workshops and in-class presentations that are exciting, engaging and extremely relevant to a variety of topics. I hope you will consider utilizing our services in the near future. Please take the time to visit our new and IMPROVING website and fill out a contact form (www.ReachComInc.net). I look forward to hearing from you soon. Take care. Sincerely Yours, Javier Sanchez "Everything is Within R.E.A.C.H.!" |
| TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008 - "Important Dates for Sponsors and your Community Schools" |
Please review the dates and information below and share with your schools:
Stacey Callahan |
| TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008 - "Insight Online: New grants from ODE and Insight into some important studies!" |
Insights from OAPCS President
Myth Busters: OAPCS Studies Shattering Myths About Charter School Performance and Finances
There's a TV show that occasionally catches my attention called "Myth Busters." The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools has an important role to play in keeping the discussion about charter schools factual. Charter school critics in Ohio have been a powerful, well-funded and well-organized opposition, effectively spinning and dominating the "dialogue."
The Alliance released a report last month analyzing the first state value-added or "gains" testing results, results that will be an important part of school report cards. The report compared the value-added test results of traditional schools and charter schools in the "big eight" urban districts. These ODE test results demonstrated that Ohio charters are performing as well or better than the traditional public schools, startling those accustomed to the drum beat of misinformation that charters were, as a whole, embarrassing failures.
Within the next two weeks, the Alliance will be releasing another report shattering myths about the impact of public charter schools on traditional public school finances. Stay tuned. Watch our Web site. It's called: "Shattering the Myth: An Analysis of the Impact of Charter and Voucher Students On School Finances In Ohio's Big Eight Urban School Districts."
It's a report you will not want to miss.
Regional Meetings Planned for Cincinnati, Cleveland, Youngstown
The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools' series of regional meetings throughout Ohio is heading into the home stretch, with meetings scheduled in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Youngstown in the next three weeks.
The Cincinnati meeting will be held on Feb. 12, starting at 10 a.m., at the North Central Branch Library, located at 11109 Hamilton Avenue - - near the Interstate 275-U. S. 127 interchange. The Cleveland-area meeting will be held on Feb. 20, starting at 9:30 a.m., at the Parma South Branch Library, located at 7335 Ridge Road in Parma.
The Youngstown meeting will be held on Feb. 26, starting at 9:30 a.m., at the Austintown Branch Library at 600 South Raccoon Road, Youngstown.
These two-hour sessions are designed to give charter school leaders an overview of what the OAPCS is and what we do. The meetings include a discussion of key issues impacting charter schools in Ohio, including the Attorney General's lawsuits against a number of charter schools in the state.
If you haven't yet joined the OAPCS, we're providing an extra incentive for you to attend. Charter school representatives who attend any of the regional meetings will receive a certificate that will entitle their school to receive a 50% discount on first-year membership. This special certificate is valid until April 1.
To register for the regional meeting, simply fill out the form, and mail or fax it to the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Our fax number is (614) 744-2255.
Ohio Charter Schools Science and Engineering Fair
The 5th Annual Concept - Ohio Charter Schools Science and Engineering Fair (CONSEF) is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Cleveland State University Continues Education Building. This fair is an affiliated fair for ISEF Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge Competition (DCYSC).
Students in grades 6-12 will compete not only to win the great prizes in CONSEF, but also to be nominated for the DCYSC. CONSEF is going to nominate the top 10% of the fair as DCYSC nominees. Finalists win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC in October to compete for a share of over $100,000 in scholarships, experiences and prizes!
Applications are due by Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008.
Care Team Collaborative
Care Team Collaborative is proud to announce several upcoming professional development opportunities for teachers, administrators and school community partners. March 11: Building Developmental Assets in School Communities (8am-4pm @ Muskingum Valley ESC in Zanesville, OH) This session will be hands on and engaging.
Celebrate the Stars of Teaching
The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is seeking nominations of teachers across the United States who are improving student achievement, using innovative strategies in the classroom and making a difference in the lives of their students. Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored as 2008 American Stars of Teaching this fall. Nominate a teacher who is deserving of this honor. The Charter Schools Program encourages charter school parents, students, administrators and colleagues to nominate exemplary charter school teachers whom they believe has the qualities to be an American Star of Teaching. The U.S. Department of Education received more than 4,000 nominations for the 2007 school year. This Teacher-to-Teacher Initiave is accepting nominations for the 2008 American Stars of Teaching until March 31.
CCIP and Dissemination Grants Available from ODE
The Office of Community Schools is opening up applications for startup and dissemination grants soon. They'll be available from February 4 through April 18 through your CCIP on the ODE Web site. Schools that are applying for these grants should attend an online Elluminate session on February 8 from 1-2:30 pm; login to that meeting.
More information about these grants are available on the Office of Community Schools' Web site.
Celebrate George Washington
The Mt. Vernon Ladies Association is working to promote George Washington by placing his picture back in schools across the country. The portrait, known as a "porthole portrait" is free and will be sent to schools. As George Washington's birthday approaches, historians have grown concerned that today's children have limited factual knowledge of George Washington and his presidency. By placing a portrait of George Washington in the schools, historians hope to raise interest regarding our first president, his life, and his presidency. To request a portrait for your school, please have your principal send a letter on the school's letterhead to the address listed blow. Your letter should include a description of the place you plan to hang the portrait and the school's street address for UPS deliveries. If you are requesting a poster for George Washington's Birthday, please have your letters in by Feb. 8, 2008.
Ann Bay
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