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Other National Resources
America’s Promise Report: Jobless Want Opportunities
(January 2011)
Report
http://tinyurl.com/7v9w2qy
“Opportunity Road: the Promise and Challenge of America’s Forgotten Youth,” a survey and research report released by America's Promise Alliance, Civic Enterprises and Peter D. Hart Research Associates, shows that 73% percent of 16- to 24-year-olds who are not enrolled in school, are not employed and do not have a college degree are confident that they will be able to achieve their goals in life. The survey sought to better understand how these youth became detached from school and work, and the challenges they face in trying to reconnect to society. The report discusses the benefits to the nation of re-engaging these young people and how to get them back on track.
Department of Education Issues ADA Amendments Act Dear Colleague Letter to Provide Guidance Under Amended Legal Standards
(January 2012)
Guidance
http://tinyurl.com/7xxsc6v
The Department of Education's (Department) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague letter concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (Amendments Act) and an accompanying Frequently Asked Questions document (FAQ) to provide additional guidance on the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) in elementary and secondary schools, given the changes to those laws made by the Amendments Act of January 1, 2009, which amended the ADA, as well as the Rehabilitation Act. The letter and FAQ discuss obligations of school districts such as the requirement to evaluate students for disability and provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities, as well as the changes made by the Amendments Act.
Disability and Health Data System
(March 2011)
Surveillance Tool
http://dhds.cdc.gov/about
The Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) is a state-level disability surveillance tool designed to assist partners, researchers, advocates, and the general public in the assessment of the health and wellness of people with disabilities. The DHDS was developed by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Division of Human Development and Disability (DHDD) at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD). It features three types of data: disability, psychological distress, and disability-associated health care expenditures. The data are presented in formats that include standard- or high-contrast interactive maps and data tables that can be customized or downloaded.
Dropping Out: Why Students Drop Out of High School and What Can Be Done About It
(November 2011)
Forum Brief
http://www.aypf.org/forumbriefs/2011/fb111811.htm
The vast majority of youth in developed nations finish high school, many more than in the United States, where the national high school graduation rate is about 70%. In this Forum Brief, reporting the November 18, 2011 forum presented by The Forum for Youth Investment, Jobs for the Future, and YouthBuild USA, Russell Rumberger offered a comprehensive overview (based on his book “Dropping Out: Why Students Drop Out of High School and What Can Be Done About It”) of the dropout crisis in America, including the fundamental questions of who drops out, why they do, and what happens when they do. Rumberger identifies challenges in current reform efforts, including insufficient targeting of dropout “factories,” inadequate funding, and lack of attention paid to the cost, sustainability, and scalability of interventions. Following his presentation, a panel of education leaders provided insights for policy reform at the federal, state, and local levels to reduce the incidence of high school dropouts.
Future of Children: Transition to Adulthood
(April)
Archived Event
http://www.brookings.edu/events/2010/0427_adolescence.aspx
Too many adolescents drop out of high school and then struggle with high rates of unemployment, incarceration, drug use and non-marital births, with high costs both to teens and to society. The start of a new journal, “Transition to Adulthood,” from the Future of Children project, was celebrated with an event focused on describing and analyzing second-chance programs that aim to help high school drop-outs, and featuring presentations by and discussions among researchers, community program operators and Obama administration officials.
Improved Federal Enforcement Needed to Better Protect Students' Rights to Testing Accommodations
(November 2011)
Report
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-40
Standardized tests are often required to gain admission into postsecondary schools or to obtain professional certifications. Federal disability laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require entities that administer these tests to provide accommodations, such as extended time or changes in test format, to students with disabilities. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined: the types of accommodations individuals apply for and receive and how schools assist them, factors testing companies consider when making decisions about requests for accommodations, challenges individuals and testing companies experience in receiving and granting accommodations, and how federal agencies enforce compliance with relevant disability laws and regulations. GAO recommended that the Department of Justice develop a strategic approach to enforcement by analyzing its data and updating its technical assistance manual, and Justice agreed with GAO’s recommendation.
Preparing for Change: A National Perspective on Common Core State Standards Implementation Planning
(January 2012)
Report
http://publiceducation.org/pdf/NewsBlast_20120120.pdf
“Preparing for Change,” from Education First and the EPE Research Center, looks at the readiness of the 50 states and the District of Columbia to implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and gives the status of state plans in teacher professional development, curriculum, and teacher-evaluation systems. (A summary of the report appeared in “Education Week,” at http://tinyurl.com/7r27uay.) The full report is available in pdf (1.01 MB, 16 pp).
Quality Counts 2012: State of the States in Education
(January 2012)
Report
http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2012/01/12/index.html?intc=EW-QC12-LFTNAV
“Education Week,” in its “Quality Counts 2012,” examined America’s place among the world’s public education systems. In its annual survey of state education agency officials, the EPE Research Center, which publishes Education Week, asked whether states draw on international comparisons in crafting measures for improving education. Twenty-nine states said they did, while 21 and the District of Columbia did not. Eighteen reported comparing student achievement, and 12 look to other nations in devising academic-content standards. Overall, the nation received a letter grade of C, the same as last year.
Re-Entry Programs for Students with Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System
(December 2011)
Policy Analysis
http://tinyurl.com/7ksp4ry
Project Forum’s newest policy analysis defines re-entry and describes federal efforts to support successful re-entry of juvenile justice offenders, the prevalence of students with disabilities in the juvenile justice system, and recommended re-entry strategies from experts in the field. The findings from interviews with four states and a review of program-related documents are provided. The goal of these four state programs is to reduce recidivism by supporting the transition of youth with disabilities from correctional facilities to community-based schools, jobs, and support services. Available in pdf (190 KB, 12 pp).
The High School Dropout Dilemma and Special Education Students
(September 2011)
Report
http://www.cdrp.ucsb.edu/pubs_reports.htm
The severity of the dropout crisis in California and the nation varies widely among student groups. This report examines four dropout dilemma topics in relation to special education students: (a) definition and incidence of dropouts, (b) economic and social consequences of dropping out, (c) causes of dropping out, and (d) possible solutions to the dropout dilemma. The report highlights both the national dropout picture and California’s, and concludes that current trends toward modest improvements in graduation rates among special education students are insufficient. Increased attention and societal investments in interventions, strategies, and programs that emphasize student engagement and retention, especially for special education students, are critically needed.
What's Happening
Other National Events
Assistive Technology & UDL in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports
Web-based Event
February 9, 2012
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Eastern)
http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=4165
This webinar will share the work of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Project at the University of South Florida (funded by the FLDOE) and the project’s Technology & Learning Connections: AT & UDL Team. Consisting of a team coordinator, five regional technology coordinators, and five AT/UDL resource librarians, the TCL Team is responsible for the development of an MTSS Framework for technology that includes accessible instructional materials, assistive technology, instructional technology, UDL, and virtual instruction/assessment.
Core Vocabulary: Why Use It?
Web-based Event
February 15, 2012
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (Eastern)
http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=4166
This webinar provides introductory information about core vocabulary. It explains the difference between core vocabulary and extended vocabulary and addresses the top five reasons people give for not providing core vocabulary to individuals with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs. It addresses the issue of representing core vocabulary with pictures, along with strategies for organizing core vocabulary for maximum production of generative language. It is an introductory presentation for people new to the field of AAC.
Consultation, Collaboration and Coaching: Tools for Providing Meaningful AT Support
Web-based Event
February 23, 2012
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (Eastern)
http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=4167
Effective assistive technology (AT) service providers use a variety of strategies, including direct service to students, consultation to teachers, and collaboration with team members, in their work to integrate AT into the everyday routines and activities of students with disabilities. This webinar will address each of these strategies and discuss the benefits of coaching to improve AT services. Training in specific coaching strategies will be provided as well as practice opportunities. Participants will receive forms to help organize and document their practice, and resources to help develop new consultation, collaboration and coaching skills.
GraduateFIRST: The Dropout Prevention Destination
Web-based Event
February 28, 2012
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Eastern)
http://tinyurl.com/79bked2
Schools often find addressing the challenges associated with improving graduation rates to be difficult, but for students with disabilities, the challenges can be even more complex. Georgia's GraduateFIRST initiative is designed to help students with disabilities and other students who are struggling stay in school and graduate. Funded by Georgia's State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG), GraduateFIRST is based on a data-driven intervention framework developed by the National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities. This webinar will highlight how school-based teams and team leaders diagnose causes of dropout and develop site-specific plans and strategies. Schools participating in GraduateFIRST are having success using tools and resources for monitoring and supporting students at-risk for dropping out. School teams are supported with on-going coaching, training, and technical assistance. GraduateFIRST results, best practices, challenges, and lessons learned will be shared.
Common Core State Standards: An Integration of Systems and a Culture of Change with Comprehensive Local Assessments
Web-based Event
February 29, 2012
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Pacific)
http://www.schoolsmovingup.net/cs/smu/view/e/5180
Joe Sassone, Director of Integrated Services at the California Comprehensive Center at WestEd, will present this webinar on how districts can think about the new rigor required in building a local comprehensive assessment system that reflects the Common Core State Standards. WestEd technical assistance staff, a district representative, and an assessment specialist will share their perspectives.
Race, Ethnicity, and Disability: State of the Science
Conference
March 1, 2012 - March 2, 2012
Arlington, VA
http://www.rehabeducators.org/listserv/state_of_science.pdf
Sponsored by NIDRR and held in Arlington, VA, the conference goals are: to advance the science of disability research involving racial and ethnic minorities by identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing evidence-based strategies being used; build the capacity of researchers in the fields of minority disabilities; and to foster communication among researchers, students, funders, consumers, and others interested in improving disability research and services for minorities. More information available in pdf (1.08 MB, 17 pp).
Autism Works National Conference 2012
Conference
March 6, 2012 - March 7, 2012
St. Louis, MO
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autism-Works/136057253090452
Sponsored by the University of Missouri Health System, the Autism Works National Conference will be held in St. Louis, MO.
National ADA Symposium
Symposium
March 12, 2012 - March 14, 2012
Orlando, FL
http://www.adasymposium.org
Sponsored by the ADA National Network, the first of two 2012 ADA Symposia will be held in Orlando, FL.
Disability Policy Seminar
Conference
April 23, 2012 - April 25, 2012
Washington, DC
http://www.thearc.org/Page.aspx?pid=2173
Hosted by the Arc of the United States and held in Washington, DC, this annual conference agenda of those in the movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is a forum for the exchange of information about issues and preparing for face-to-face meetings with elected officials on Capitol Hill. From self-advocates to family members, caregivers, and organizations serving individuals with I/DD, this is a large bloc of advocates who have the potential to change how the government views and interacts with people with disabilities.
National ADA Symposium
Symposium
May 30, 2012 - June 1, 2012
St. Louis, MO
http://www.adasymposium.org
Sponsored by the ADA National Network, the second of two 2012 ADA Symposia will be held in Indianapolis, IN.
PEPNet 2.0 Training Institute
Training Institute
July 9, 2012 - July 14, 2012
New Orleans, LA
http://www.pepnet.org/pti/
The PEPNet 2.0 Training Institute (PTI) will be held in conjunction with the Association of Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD) 2012 Conference in New Orleans, LA, July 9-14, 2012 and focus on issues related to enrolling, retaining, and instructing students who are deaf or hard of hearing and their varying communication needs and methods used, such as oral transliteration services, cued language transliteration services, sign language transliteration and interpreting services, and transcription.
Get Wired!
Web Sites
High School Matters
http://blog.betterhighschools.org/
The National High School Center shares resources for improving high schools on their website, including their High School Knowledge Database, Early Warning System Middle Grades (EWS MG) Tool, enhanced Early Warning System High School (EWS HS) Tool, EWS Community of Practice, High School Events Calendar, archives of their EWS Webinar Series, and information on relevant new articles.
Stop Bullying
http://stopbullying.gov/
Bullying can happen anywhere: face-to-face, by text messages or on the web. It is not limited by age, gender, or education level. It is not a phase and it is not a joke. Bullying can cause lasting harm. This website looks at bullying in relation to children, teens, young adults, parents, educators, and the community, with information on news, references, and resources.
Funding Forecast
Federal Grant Opportunities
Forecast of Funding Opportunities under the Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2012
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/find/edlite-forecast.html
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 2012 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.
FY 2011-2012 Discretionary Grant Application Packages
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html
This site, from the Department of Education, provides information on grant competitions that are currently open.
Additional Funding and Award Opportunities
Caring Institute: 2012 Caring Awards
http://www.caring-institute.org/caringawards.html
The Caring Institute is accepting nominations for its annual Caring Awards. Nominees should exemplify caring and serve as worthy role models for others. Award criteria include length of service, scope and impact of work, challenges overcome, and imagination and innovation. Maximum award: All winners are honored at a special ceremony, and young adult winners receive funds for college. Eligibility: individuals 9-99 years old. Deadline: March 1, 2012.
George Washington University’s Youth Transition, Career, and Vocational Services: A Distance Education Master of Arts Program Financial Aid
http://gwired.gwu.edu/finaid-g/index.gw/Site_ID/44/Page_ID/30453/
George Washington University seeks applicants for the summer semester of its on-line Youth Transition, Career, and Vocational Services Master's degree program. The first course in the program's sequence, SPED 236: Introduction to Vocational, Career, and Transition Services, will be offered summer 2011, along with SPED 235: Employment Models for Individuals with Disabilities. Students are expected to register for at least 2 courses (6 credits) per semester. This will enable them to be eligible for a range of financial aid programs. For more information about the degree program, email Bridget Green at greenb@gwu.edu or Dr. Michael Ward at mjward@gwu.edu. Application deadline: April 15, 2012.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
http://www.barronprize.org/
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors young leaders who have focused on helping their communities and fellow beings and/or on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment. Maximum award: $2,500. Eligibility: youth 8-18. Deadline: April 30, 2012.
McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Announces 2012-13 Academic Year Grants and Scholarships
http://www.mccartheydressman.org/
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation, to cultivate the skills and creativity of K-12 educators and pioneering approaches to teaching, has announced a call for applications for its 2012-13 Academic Enrichment grants, Teacher Development grants, and Student Teaching scholarships. Deadline: April 15, 2012
Youth Service America Invites Young Change-Makers to Apply for Disney Friends for change Grants
http://www.ysa.org/grants/disney-friends-change-grants
A program of Youth Service America and Disney, the Disney Friends for Change Grants program offers young change-makers in the United States funding to help make a lasting, positive change in their communities and the world. The program seeks to support volunteer projects serving a wide range of needs that highlight the creativity and commitment of young people working to meet the needs of others and that demonstrate how “even small actions can add up to big changes.” Youth between the ages of 5-18 in all fifty states and the District of Columbia are eligible to lead a project and apply for a $1,000 grant to fund it. (Applicants younger than 13 years of age must have an older person submit the application on their behalf.) Deadline: April 29, 2012
End of Issue
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