March 2007 Special Educator e-Journal

Each year, NASET presents awards in a variety of categories for outstanding professional accomplishments.  NASET takes great pride in the accomplishments and service of its members, and therefore bestows on to them awards and recognition for their work in the field of special education.

This year, we have created a very simple awards form to be completed online.  If you have someone you feel is worthy of any of the NASET awards below, take the time to nominate him or her.

Visit http://www.naset.org/788.0.html for more information

Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award
This award is bestowed on special education teachers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement as a teacher in the field of special education. It recognizes and rewards the special skills and excellence of special education teachers throughout the United States.

Outstanding Graduate Student Performance Awards
For the 2006-2007 academic year, the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is awarding The NASET Outstanding Graduate Student Performance Award to graduate students who are entering the field of teaching with degrees in special education. 

Only nominations from Graduate Schools of Education are permitted to submit nominations for winners of this award. If your institution has students who are worthy of this award, NASET would like to send you the respective award certificates to bestow upon them either prior to or at graduation.

You may give NASET up to three names of students whom you feel should receive The NASET Outstanding Graduate Student Performance Award.  You can simply discuss it amongst your faculty and let us know the names of the students you have chosen.

Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Special Education
The NASET Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Special Education is an award given annually to schools that NASET members believe have exhibited excellence in the education of exceptional students.
 
The NASET Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Special Education is bestowed upon schools that have shown great dedication and commitment to the education of children with special needs.

Distinguished Service Award in Special Education
The NASET Distinguished Service Award in Special Education is given to an individual(s) that has made a commitment to educate and/or advocate for children with disabilities and their families on a national or international level.

The NASET Distinguished Service Award in Special Education is NASET’s most prestigious award and is bestowed annually. The winner of this award exemplifies a genuine concern for the education and well being of children with special needs.

NASET Exemplary Service Award
The NASET Exemplary Service Award is presented to a member, or members of NASET, who have distinguished themselves in the field of special education, as well as having attained long-term service to the field of teaching exceptional children.

NASET’s Excellence in Special Education Award
NASET’s Excellence in Special Education Award is open to organizations who have made a commitment to educate, and or advocate for children with disabilities and their families.  The NASET’s Excellence in Special Education Award is one of NASET’s most distinguished awards which will be bestowed no more than once a year and not necessarily every year.

Previous winners of this award include the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (www.nichcy.org) and Learning Disabilities Online (LDonline.org)

Researchers to Create Autism Databank
http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=3085
Scientists at the University of Michigan and 10 other universities will use a $10 million gift from a New York-based foundation to create a databank of DNA samples from 3,000 autism patients that they hope will help them identify different kinds of autism and develop treatments.

Lead Removal Times Too Lengthy:Clean-up of home toxins getting quicker but lag endangers children
It takes an “unacceptable” length of time to remove lead hazards from homes after the threat has been detected.  Lead can harm a child’s IQ and cause cognitive impairments, plus hearing and behavioral problems. In extreme cases, lead poisoning can cause death.

The four-year study (1996-1999) looked at 382 children, ages 6 months to 6 years, who had blood lead levels of 20 micrograms per deciliter or greater. Overall, 18 percent of homes were cleared of lead hazards within six months, while 46 percent took more than 18 months. The study also found that black children were nearly twice as likely as other children to live in homes that took longer than six months to be considered lead safe. This may be because many of the black children in the study lived in rental housing, where the landlord is responsible for dealing with lead hazards, said study lead author Kristina M. Zierold. 
http://healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docid=601769 

Eye Movements May Spot Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders
Simple test tracking child’s ocular range might help diagnose other problems
A simple test may be able to diagnose children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Canadian researchers say.  Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a wide array of adverse developmental outcomes in children caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD is more widespread and less severe than fetal alcohol syndrome, but FASD is harder to diagnose because of a lack of objective diagnostic tools. In a study published in the March issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, James Reynolds and Doug Munoz of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, collaborated with colleagues to find out if eye movement, or oculomotor, tasks could be used to assess FASD in children.
http://healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docid=602072

Summary Available on National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Research Workshop on Children with Hearing Loss
The NIDCD sponsored a workshop titled Outcomes Research in Children with Hearing Loss on December 12-13, 2006, in Bethesda, Maryland. The purpose of the workshop was to determine and prioritize research needs and discuss the design of research studies. The workshop focused specifically on children with degrees of hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. Participants were asked to consider not only the auditory, speech, and linguistic capabilities of children, but also to consider all factors influencing the child as a whole, such as family, cultural, demographic and individual characteristics. The goal was to define critical issues, to weigh the pros and cons of conceptual and statistical approaches, and to identify feasible research questions and research needs that could be addressed over the next few years.
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/funding/programs/hb/outcomes/

Puerto Rican Children Seem to Have More Asthma
The latest issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report cites National Health Interview Surveys for the years 2003-2005 that show a higher prevalence of asthma in Puerto Rican children than in Mexican-American, non-Hispanic white, or non-Hispanic black children.
http://www.healthinschools.org/2007/feb12_alert.asp

What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder, a group of conditions that include autism and other disorders with similar symptoms, such as problems with language and communication, and repetitive or restrictive patterns of thoughts and behavior. People with Asperger syndrome have autism-like problems in areas of social interaction and communication, but have normal intelligence and verbal skills.  Asperger syndrome is usually thought to be the mildest of the autism spectrum disorders.  To learn more, visit, http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asperger_syndrome.cfm

AAMR Becomes AAIDD
http://www.aamr.org/About_AAIDD/name.shtml
Effective January 1, 2007, the American Association on Mental Retardation, a 130-year-old association representing developmental disability professionals worldwide, officially changed its name to the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).

New Information About Pendred Syndrome Released
Research from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) describes the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of this genetic disorder, which causes early and progressive childhood hearing loss and also may affect the thyroid and the vestibular, or balance, system.  Pendred syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes early hearing loss in children. It also can affect the thyroid gland and sometimes may affect a person’s balance. The syndrome is named after Vaughan Pendred, the physician who first described individuals with the disorder.

Children who are born with Pendred syndrome may begin to lose their hearing at birth or by the time they are three years old. The hearing loss is progressive, which means that a child will have less hearing over time. Some individuals may become totally deaf.

The loss of hearing often happens suddenly and in stages. Sometimes, after a sudden decrease in hearing, a person’s hearing will nearly return to its previous level. Almost all people with Pendred syndrome have bilateral hearing loss, or hearing loss in both ears. The hearing loss often is greater in one ear than in the other.
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pendred.htm

Looking for research-based information to guide your work with children with disabilities? You’ve come to the right place! We’re pleased to connect you to the knowledge base that the field has accumulated over years of investigation and practice. Be sure to check back often as we continue to gather, review, and organize this information!
http://research.nichcy.org/default.asp 

Playtime Benefits Children’s Development:
Children’s mental development can benefit from stimulating play even if the child is malnourished or living in poverty, says a new study in the medical journal The Lancet.
-The National Academies
http://nationalacademies.org/headlines/20070123.html

QIAT Please: Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology
This issue looks at how a whole community can engage in education and create demand and support for improvement.
-The Family Center on Technology and Disability
http://www.fctd.info/resources/newsletters/displayNewsletter.php?newsletterID=10042

OSEP Parent Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students With Disabilities
Offers a collection of parent-focused resources on the same substantive areas addressed in the initial release of the Tool Kit, including assessment, instructional practices, behavior, and accommodations.
-U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
http://www.osepideasthatwork.org/parentkit/index.asp

No One Strategy Is Best For Teaching Reading, Professor Shows
Lots of individualized instruction, combined with the use of diagnostic tools that help teachers match each child with the amounts and types of reading instruction that are most effective for him or her, is vastly preferable to the standard “one size fits all” approach to reading education that is prevalent in many American elementary schools.
-Science Daily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070125173154.htm

Factors Predict Special Ed Placement
Preschool is often the time when learning and behavioral disabilities are first identified, according to a new study from the Elementary School Journal
-WESH.com
http://www.wesh.com/education/10883301/detail.html

Building on Results:A Blueprint for Strengthening the No Child Left Behind Act
http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/nclb/buildingonresults.html
This report from the U.S. Department of Education sets forth the policy proposals of Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings for reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act. Proposals relating to high schools include steps to improve graduation rates and promote rigor, and increased funding for schools serving low-income students.
 
Utah House OKs bill rewarding Special Education Teachers
A bill that would give teachers in the ‘shortage’ areas of math, science and special education teachers a pay boost cleared the Houseof Representatives in the State of Utah this month. HB381, sponsored by Rep. Ronda Rudd Menlove, R-Garland, would allocate $5,000 annually to educators who teach in those areas where there are significant shortages.Lawmakers are asking for $28.5 million for the Professional Excellence Program, ProExcel, to establish a teacher-induction program, recruit and retain teachers in shortage areas and look into merit pay.
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660197693,00.html

Special Education Official Leads Data-Collection Push
http://www.jfanow.org/jfanow/index.php?mode=N&id=3046
Beginning next month, states will have to report more information on their students with disabilities to the federal government than they have ever been required to under previous incarnations of federal special education law. The data-collection effort is not only a challenge for state officials—it is also one of the first major activities to be entirely overseen by Alexa Posny, who took over as Director of the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs last April.

Twenty-Sixth Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
http://www.ed.gov/about/reports/annual/osep/2004/
The Twenty-Sixth Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is now available online. Volume 1 focuses on the children and students being served under IDEA and provides profiles of individual states’ special education environments. Volume 2 contains state-reported data tables and appendices.

NCLB and IDEA:What Parents of Students with Disabilities Need to Know & Do
http://education.umn.edu/nceo/OnlinePubs/Parents.pdf
This guide from the National Center for Educational Outcomes informs parents of students with disabilities about The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), two of the most important federal laws relating to public education. Available in PDF (23 pages, 753 KB).

Final regulations of IDEA Now Available
You’ve no doubt heard that final regulations for IDEA 2004 have been published. They’re only 307 pages long— including the comments and analysis of changes— perfect reading for a 3-day weekend. Pick up your copy of the regs (in PDF), at:
http://www.nichcy.org/reauth/IDEA2004regulations.pdf

How Has IDEA Changed?–Comparing IDEA 2004 to IDEA 1997
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) answers this question with its Topic Briefs prepared just for the new regulations.  Hook up with available briefs at:
http://www.nichcy.org/idealist.htm

Implementing IDEA:How Are We Doing?
www.abt.sliidea.org/reports.htm
Marking the Progress of IDEA Implementation discusses the implications from the six-year Study of State and Local Implementation and Impact of IDEA (SLIIDEA). SLIIDEA addressed how states, districts, and schools made progress toward issues of concern identified by Congress in the 1997 amendments to IDEA. A three-volume Sourcebook has been prepared to complement the report provided at the link above. Volume I summarizes study findings for each of the Congressional topics. Volume II consists of tables that display state, district, and school-level data for each data collection year and that show changes, including trends over time, in responses to individual survey items for each Congressional topic. Volume III provides a complete description of the sampling design and analytic approach used in SLIIDEA. Where would you find these three volumes? At the link above as well, where all the reports from the project can be found.

OSEP-Reviewed Materials on IDEA 2004 
http://www.nichcy.org/idealist.htm
The materials listed on this Web page from NICHCY, the National Dissemination Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities, relate to IDEA 2004 and its implementing regulations. They have been reviewed by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs for consistency with the IDEA Amendments of 2004. Materials are available on the following topics: assessment, behavior/discipline, disproportionality, due process, early intervening services, evaluations/reevaluations, funding, highly qualified teachers, IEPs/IFSPs, learning disabilities, mediation, model forms, NCLB, NIMAS, Part C, preschool, prior written notice, private schools, procedural safeguards, state complaint procedures, and transition.

Best Practices for Retention/Recovery of At-Risk Latino Male High School Students Sought
http://copp.asu.edu/zi1/cdcr.asu.edu/portal/Programs/latino-males
The Latino Male High School/College Achievement Program at Arizona State University’s Center for Community Development and Civil Rights is identifying and cataloging best practices relating to the retention and recovery of at-risk Latino male high school students. They invite anyone working with intervention, retention, and prevention programs for at-risk students or parenting teens to contribute ideas and information. Contact Robert Soza at Robert.A.Soza@asu.edu or 602-496-0440 to participate or to refer an expert practitioner.

Parents of Young Adults with Significant Intellectual Disabilities who have Transitioned Successfully:Seeking Your Wisdom
The Beach Center on Disability, University of Kansas is looking for families who have successfully set up supports for their young adult child (age 19+) with a significant intellectual disability. The child, with family support, should have control over at least some of his/her Medicaid budget and should be able to decide whom to employ and how much to pay them. The family should have found creative solutions to the complexities of community living, including having a home, job, friends, hangouts, and/or transportation. If you know of or are a member of such a family, please contact Ann Turnbull at turnbull@ku.edu or 785-864-7608. 

Secondary and Postsecondary Students in Career and Technical Education: Enter an Essay Contest
http://www.acteonline.org/about/awards/CWMEC/
Secondary or postsecondary students enrolled in at least one career and technical education (CTE) course are invited to enter an essay contest. The question to be answered is, “How will what you learned in CTE help the American economy in five years?” Secondary students must submit an essay no more than 500 words in length; postsecondary students must submit an essay at least 500 words in length. One entry in each category, secondary and postsecondary, will receive an award of $250. Entry deadline: March 30, 2007.

Secondary Special Educators and Rehabilitation Personnel: Apply to The George Washington University’s Transition Special Education Certificate Distance Education Program
http://gsehd.gwu.edu/Transition+Special+Education+Certificate
The George Washington University will offer its Transition Special Education Certificate program through distance education again this fall. The program provides secondary special educators and rehabilitation personnel with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to assist youth as they transition to postsecondary opportunities. It will begin with SPED 236.DE: Introduction to Career, Vocational, and Transition Services, to be offered this fall.

Young Leaders with Disabilities: Apply to Participate in the 2007 Youth Transit Talk – http://www.cilberkeley.org/youthtalk/
Young leaders with disabilities (ages 16-28) with an interest in improving access to public transit are invited to apply to attend the National Youth Transit Talk, to be held July 27-28, 2007 in Washington, DC. Participants will discover how to work within their communities, find out how to identify and resolve local transit issues, learn transit rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), share ideas for improving access to public transit, and network with past and future leaders from across the country. Application deadline: March 1, 2007.

Young Playwrights With and Without Disabilities: Enter VSA’s Playwright Discovery
http://www.vsarts.org/x1548.xml
The VSA arts Playwright Discovery Program invites middle and high school students with and without disabilities to examine how disability affects their lives and others’ lives and express their observations through playwriting. Entries may be the work of an individual student or a group or class of students. The selected script will be professionally staged or produced at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The award recipient will receive up to $2,000 and a trip to Washington, DC to see their work performed. Application deadline: April 13, 2007.

Youth with Ongoing Health Needs:Take a Survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=515192928222
14-21 year olds who have a chronic health condition that has lasted at least a year are invited to take this Web-based survey. Information from the survey will be used to help other youth with chronic health conditions learn to become more independent in taking care of their health. Survey ends April 15, 2007.

Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: Create or Join a Next Chapter Book Club
The Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) provides adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to read and learn to read, talk about books, and make friends in a fun community setting. NCBCs meet weekly in local bookstores and cafés across the country to read and discuss books of their choosing. NCBC members range from those who read well to those who do not read at all. On this Web site, you can sign up to be a member, facilitator, host site, or sponsor organization of an NCBC.
http://www.nextchapterbookclub.org/

Children and Youth with Learning Disabilities:Enter the “30 Voices of LD” Competition
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is seeking works of art, photography, poetry, videos, essays, short stories, websites, blogs, etc. that express what life is like for individuals with learning disabilities. From the works submitted, NCLD will select 30 entries to showcase on its Web site and at its benefit dinner in April. In addition, NCLD is offering a grand prize of $500 for outstanding works from each of the following age groups: children (ages 4-13), teens (ages 14-17), and adults (ages 18+).
http://www.ncld.org/content/view/1104/874

Secondary Special Education Professionals: Apply to the KU Online TransCert Program
University of Kansas (KU) TransCert is a project providing online graduate training for secondary special education professionals through a 12-hour block of online graduate courses plus a 3-hour culminating experience. The program provides a comprehensive approach to preservice transition training and an opportunity for current special education professionals to increase their instructional strategies in transition service and delivery. Applicants for Fall 2007 are now being sought. Student stipends are available. Application deadline: March 16, 2007. Click here for more information 

Teachers, Share Your Alternate Assessment Administration Experiences
The National Alternate Assessment Center (NAAC) is gathering stories about effective and/or ineffective practices in administering alternate assessments. Share your administration stories to help NAAC identify successful alternate assessment administration practices used across the nation.
http://www.naacpartners.org/OTS/default.aspx

Stand Up for Public Education: The National Conference on Education
(Conference)
Date: March 1-4, 2007
Location: New Orleans, LA
Abstract: Speakers at this conference will include Sandra Day O’Conner, John P. Kotter, Terrence E. Deal, David Berliner, and Chris Gardner, author of The Pursuit of Happyness. Program sessions to be offered fall under the following topics: Instruction, Assessment, and Data Management; Leadership; Policy and Politics; Public Engagement; and Systems Thinking.
http://www.aasa.org/nce/

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP)’s Annual Conference

Dates: March 3 – 7, 2007
Location: Arlington, VA
Sponsor: The Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP)
Contact: The Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP)
1220 19th St., N.W Suite 801
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 775-0436
(202) 775-0061(Fax)
AMCHP@designingevents.com
www.amchp.org
Abstract: The 2007 conference theme is Healthy Communities. Join leaders in maternal and child health, public health practioners, and family advocates for workshops led by researchers, federal officials, advocates, health care providers and directors of state programs.

Disability Policy Seminar
(Seminar)
Date: March 4-6, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Abstract: The 2007 Disability Policy Seminar will bring together state and local executives and affiliates, self-advocates, families, providers, and others for two days of in-depth policy discussions focused on issues affecting people with disabilities and their families. On the final day, participants will visit Capitol Hill to deliver a unified message that the federal government cannot continue dismantling the benefits and services important to the disability community. Co-hosted by The Arc of the U.S., United Cerebral Palsy, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, the Association of University Centers on Disability, and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
http://www.aamr.org/Events/gas.html

Access to Community Living: Promoting Independence and Choice: The 2007 New Freedom Initiative Conference
(Conference)
Date: March 5-7, 2007
Location: Baltimore, MD
Abstract: “Choice and Independence” is a key ingredient of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) vision for a person-centered long-term services and supports system for the future. This conference will focus on the policies, programs, and tools—including opportunities authorized by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2007—available to shape and carry out that vision. Presentations will present CMS’s Roadmap for Reform and provide perspectives from consumers and advocates. Sessions will address components of programs that promote independence and choice. Participants will have opportunities to meet with CMS officials to discuss the roadmap and available options and offer recommendations for reform.
http://tinyurl.com/yxd9rz 

The Fourth International Conference on Positive Behavior Support: The Expanding World of PBS: Science, Values, and Vision
Date: March 8-10, 2007
Location: Boston, MA
(Conference)
Abstract: This conference, presented by the Association for Positive Behavior Support, will provide families, professionals, support providers, researchers, and school personnel with innovative positive behavior support (PBS) skills and the latest research findings on a variety of topics related to PBS, including school-wide applications, early intervention, autism, family, and individual supports for adults with disabilities.
Website:http://www.apbs.org/conference/

23rd Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities
(Conference)
Date: March 12-13, 2007
Location: Honolulu, HI
Abstract: The Pacific Rim Conference is one of the top-rated international educational offerings for persons with disabilities, family members, researchers, service providers, policymakers, and professionals in the various disciplines in the diverse field of disabilities. Pac Rim provides opportunities to learn from one another; share resources and ideas that support quality of life, community inclusion, and self-determination for all persons with disabilities and their families; and help shape our world community.
http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/

Addressing Challenging Behavior National Training Institute
Location: Clearwater Beach, FL
Date: March 14-17, 2007
www.addressingchallengingbehavior.org Abstract: Come to the beach for the very latest information on addressing challenging behavior and implementing evidence-based practices. Learn, network, discover, interact, explore and take home…Join us for this popular and intensive learning opportunity.

The Help Group National Autism Foundation – Distinguished Lecturer Series behavior management Strategies for Asperger’s disorder: a practical guide
Date: March 20th, 2007
Location: Irvine, CA
Website:http://thehelpgroup.org
Abstract: Dr. Stephens is the Director of The Help Group Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and is Assistant Clinical Professor at the
Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Stephens has lectured on a wide-range of topics related to
autism spectrum disorders both nationally and internationally. She oversees the Young Learners Preschool for Autism and provides clinical direction to
The Help Group’s Village Glen, Bridgeport and Sunrise Schools, serving the full range of autism spectrum disorders.

The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Project SEARCH Program—An Innovative Employment Program
Date: March 20, 2007 – 2:00-2:45 p.m. (Eastern)
(Web-based Event)
Abstract: Ten years ago, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center partnered with Great Oaks Institute of Technology to create an on-site business-based yearlong transition program for young adults age 19+. The program includes 3-4 internships at the organization, employability curriculum taught on and off the job, and on-site staff, including special education instructors and job coaches. Project SEARCH has since grown to include other business settings and has expanded throughout Ohio and across the country. This Webcast from Worksupport.com will share why the project is so successful and if it could work in your community. Registration is required and a registration fee does apply.
Website:http://www.worksupport.com/training/webcastDetails.cfm/80

18th Annual National Service Learning Conference
(Conference)
Date: March 28-31, 2007
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Abstract: The National Service Learning Conference is the largest gathering of youth and practitioners from the service-learning movement: nearly 3,000 participants from all 50 states and 12 countries, including more than 900 youth. More than 200 workshops will be offered, in addition to showcases of service-learning projects and keynote speeches from internationally recognized experts. Those unable to attend can also participate in the conference “virtually.” Presented by the National Youth Leadership Council.
https://programs.regweb.com/metro/NYLC2007/registration/

April 2007

Parents as Teachers Conference
Dates: April 2, 2007
Location: Renaissance Grand Hotel St. Louis, MO
Sponsor: Parents as Teachers National Center
Contact: Janet Hinrichs, Special Events Specialist
Parents as Teachers National Center
2228 Ball Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146
Janet.Hinrichs@ParentsAs Teachers.org
www.parentsasteachers.org
Abstract: The conference theme is Why Research Matters. It will focus on the latest early childhood development and parenting research and the implications of this research for practice. The conference is geared towards: parent educators and service providers; child care professionals; and other early childhood specialists, teachers, and administrators.

Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion, and Disability Annual Conference: Rights, Responsibilities, & Social Change Conference
Date: April 3, 2007 – April 4, 2007
Location: Columbus, OH
Abstract: This conference, presented by the ADA Coordinator’s Office at The Ohio State University, aims to catalyze positive change and provide a springboard for collaborations with education, business, the public sector, and social service. It will bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. Its workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through collaboration.
Website:http://ada.osu.edu/conferences.htm

Disability Studies in Education Conference: Disability Studies and Inclusive Education: Implications for Practice?
Conference
Date: April 7, 2007 – April 9, 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Abstract:  Disability Studies in Education (DSE) is a special interest group of the American Educational Research Association. The annual DSE conference attracts researchers, professors, teachers, and other individuals who actively seek to change traditional theory and practice around disability within the fields of education and rehabilitation services.
Website:http://www.nl.edu/dse/

Employment for Individuals with Disabilities with Criminal Records
Web-based Event
Date: April 16, 2007
Time: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM   (Eastern)
Abstract: This Worksupport.com Webcast will discuss barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities who have criminal records, and supportive interventions that have worked for job placement, development, and retention for such individuals. Registration is required and a registration fee does apply.
Website:http://www.worksupport.com/training/webcastDetails.cfm/83

CEC’s 2007 Annual Convention & Expo
Conference
Date: April 18, 2007 – April 21, 2007
Location: Louisville, KY
Abstract: The Council for Exceptional Children’s 2007 Annual Convention & Expo, the largest conference on special and gifted education in the world, will feature the latest information on topics in special and gifted education, including the new Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations, identifying students with learning disabilities with response-to-intervention, assessment and accountability, evidence-based practice, the 2 percent flexibility option, autism, preparing students for transition, effective strategies to teach content, and the newest resources for students with disabilities.
Website:Click Here

Autism and the SCERTS Model: A Comprehensive Educational Approach-Two-Day Introductory Seminar
Dates: April 26-27, 2007
Location: New Orleans, LA. Pan-American Life Conference Center
601 Paydras St New Orleans, LA 70130.
Sponsor:  Childhood Communication Seminars, Inc.
Contact:  Kelly Dickson, 401-467-7008 Fax – 401-383-3980 
Email:kelly@ccseminars.com
Website:  www.ccseminars.com
Abstract: The SCERTS Model is a new, innovative approach to autism that offers a framework of specific goals and prcedures for assessment and educational programming. The SC (Social Communication), ER (Emotional Regulation) and TS (Transactional Support) domains of the Model directly address the core challenges faced by children with ASD. 

Meeting the Nation’s Need for Personal Assistance Services: State of the Science
Conference
Date: April 27, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Abstract: Participants in this conference, sponsored by the Center for Personal Assistance Services, will discuss the current research and policy implications for personal assistance services (PAS) in the home, community, and workplace; and identify the potential future directions for research and policy regarding PAS. Agenda items will include PAS: A Public Policy Challenge; Need and Unmet Need for PAS, Its Consequences, and Costs; and Trends in the PAS Workforce.
Website:http://www.pascenter.org/sos_conference/

Forecast of Funding Opportunities under the Department of EducationDiscretionary Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2007
This document lists virtually all programs and competitions under which the U.S. Department of Education has invited or expects to invite applications for new awards for fiscal year 2006 and provides actual or estimated deadlines for the transmittal of applications under these programs. The lists are in the form of charts organized according to the Department’s principal program offices and include programs and competitions previously announced as well as those to be announced at a later date.
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/find/edlite-forecast.html

FY 2006-2007 Discretionary Grant Application Packages
This site, from the Department of Education, provides information on grant competitions that are currently open.
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/
 
Abreu Charitable Trust : Grant Program (Atlanta, GA area)
The Abreu Charitable Trust supports organizations in areas of children and youth, education and health. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area.
http://www.healthinschools.org/grants/ops900.asp

Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust — New England Health Grants
The Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust is accepting applications for its New England Health Grants program. The purpose of this program is to support programs that benefit underserved populations and disadvantaged communities in the New England area. Projects that focus on prevention are preferred.
http://www.healthinschools.org/grants/ops901.asp

Lucile Packard Foundation — Promoting Emotional and Behavioral Health in Preteens in California
The Lucile Packard Foundation is accepting applications for its Promoting Emotional and Behavioral Health in Preteens grant program. The purpose of this program is to support programs that focus on promoting healthy development in youth to prevent high-risk behaviors.
http://www.healthinschools.org/grants/ops902.asp

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Child Health Research Career Development Award
The Department of Health and Human Services is accepting applications for its Child Health Research Career Development Award program. The purpose of this program is to develop resources to speed the transfer of knowledge gained through studies in basic science to clinical applications that will benefit the health of children.
http://www.healthinschools.org/grants/ops903.asp

U.S. Department of Education — Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse
The U.S. Department of Education is accepting applications for its Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse program. The purpose of this program is to develop and implement innovative and effective programs to reduce alcohol abuse in secondary schools.
http://www.healthinschools.org/grants/ops904.asp

Faye McBeath Foundation — Health Education Grants (Milwaukee, WI area)
The Faye McBeath Foundation is accepting applications for its Health Education Grants program. The purpose of this program is to support promising programs and innovative approaches to health education, especially those that enhance community programs that promote healthy lifestyles among children.
http://www.healthinschools.org/grants/ops905.asp

Coca-Cola Foundation
http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/foundation_guidelines.html
The Coca-Cola Foundation aims to provide youth with the educational opportunities and support systems they need to become knowledgeable and productive citizens. It encourages new solutions to the countless problems that impede educational systems and supports existing programs that work. The Foundation supports innovative K-12 public school programs, teacher development programs, and smaller projects dealing with specific activities in K-12 classrooms. Its Board of Directors reviews funding recommendations quarterly.

Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams
http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/
Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams is a national grants initiative to foster inventiveness among high school students. Teams composed of high school students, teachers (of math, science, or technology), and mentors collaboratively identify a problem that they want to solve, research the problem, and then develop a prototype invention as a class or extracurricular project. Grants of up to $10,000 support each team’s efforts. Application deadline: April 27, 2007.

Red, White, & Green Climate Change Grant
http://www.ysa.org/awards/award_grant.cfm#nowavailable
Youth Service America and the Civil Society Institute announce the Red, White, & Green Climate Change Grant of $500 to support service-learning projects about climate change. All U.S. youth ages 15-25 and organizations that engage them are invited to apply. Applicants are expected to develop and implement a service-learning project about climate change that engages their community and candidates running for election in 2007 and 2008. Projects where youth work in partnership with adults are welcome, but projects should be youth-led. The service must take place between May 1 and October 1, 2007. Application deadline: March 9, 2007.

RGK Foundation
http://www.rgkfoundation.org/guidelines.php
The RGK Foundation’s primary interests within education include programs that focus on formal K-12 education (particularly mathematics, science, and reading), teacher development, literacy, and higher education. Foundation staff reviews electronic Letters of Inquiry on an ongoing basis. Most grants awarded by the Foundation are under $25,000.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation – Click Here

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports projects that: 1) mobilize youth, families, and communities to inform policies that affect learning and achievement for vulnerable children and youth; and 2) forge partnerships between educational institutions and communities to promote learning, academic performance, and workforce preparation among vulnerable young people. Its overall goal is to support healthy infant, child, and youth development by mobilizing, strengthening, and aligning systems that affect children’s learning. The Foundation accepts and reviews proposals on an ongoing basis. Amount awarded is based on the amount needed for the specific project based on the scope of work and expected outcomes.

Building and Sustaining a Vibrant Local Education Fund
http://transaction.publiceducation.org/LEF_Handbook/
This handbook from the Public Education Network provides step-by-step information on how to establish and run a local education fund, including organizing a 501(c)(3); creating a strong board of directors; writing a mission statement; building partnerships; managing budgets; and raising funds. Cost: $13 plus shipping.

Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community
Each year, the Hitachi Foundation presents the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community to 10 high school seniors from across the country who have left a lasting impression on their communities as a result of their community service activities. Many past recipients have started projects and programs or taken on challenges that relate to the corporate citizenship, philanthropic, and corporate social responsibility priorities of the Foundation and Hitachi, Ltd. The Award is accompanied by a gift of $5,000, dispensed over two years, which recipients may use at their discretion. Nomination deadline: April 1, 2007. http://www.hitachifoundation.org/yoshiyama/ 

Community Schools National Awards for Excellence
http://www.communityschools.org/
The Coalition for Community Schools’ national awards program highlights the expansion and effectiveness of community schools, which it defines as any school or initiative that is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources, whose integrated focus on academics, youth development, family support, health and social services, and community development leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities. Winners receive recognition on Capitol Hill. Individual community schools and community-wide initiatives that have been operating for at least three years are eligible to apply. Application deadline: March 22, 2007.
ING Unsung Heroes Awards: Funds for Inspirational K-12 Teachers – Click Here 

The Unsung Heroes Awards from ING Financial are given to K-12 educators (teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff members) at accredited public or private schools with creative and innovative projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. 100 finalists will receive $2,000 awards. Of these 100 finalists, 3 will be selected for additional awards: $25,000 for first place; $10,000 for second place; and $5,000 for third place. Application deadline: April 30, 2007.

Scholarships for Foster Youth
http://www.orphan.org/scholarships.html
The Orphan Foundation of America and the Casey Family Scholars Program award $1.5 million in scholarships annually to help foster youth attend college or training programs. Eligible applicants have been in foster care for one consecutive year at the time of their 18th birthday or high school graduation OR have been adopted or taken into legal guardianship out of foster care after their 16th birthday OR have lost both parents to death before the age of 18 and not been subsequently adopted. Application deadline: March 31, 2007.