Free Asthma Screenings Are Coming in May
During May, adults and children with breathing problems can find out if they have asthma during the 11th Annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program, sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). In addition to identifying people who might be at risk for asthma, the screening program allows those who already know they have asthma to talk with an allergist about their disease and learn how to keep symptoms under control.
Allergists, working with community physicians and allied health professionals, will conduct the free asthma screenings at shopping malls, civic centers, health fairs and other accessible locations throughout the country. The screening program will also focus on increasing awareness of asthma in children under age 5.
As part of the screening, adults will complete a 20-question Life Quality (LQ) Test developed by ACAAI for the program. Children under age 15 will take a special test called the Kids’ Asthma Check. Another version of the Check is available for parents of children up to age 8 to complete on their child’s behalf. Participants also will take a lung function test and meet with an allergist to determine if they should seek a thorough examination and diagnosis.
For a list of asthma screening locations and dates or to take online versions of the LQ Test and Kids’ Asthma Check, visit http://www.acaai.organd click on Member Information. Screening locations and dates will be available at this site beginning April 11.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
House Committee Investigates Mismanagement of Reading First
On Friday, April 20, the House Education and Labor Committee raised questions about mismanagement by the Department of Education in running the Reading First program. The reading initiative was established during the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA-NCLB), aimed at improving literacy among at-risk children. Despite the possible ethical violations in the administration of the program, it has helped participating students improve their reading skills by over 15 percent.
Though the program has been a success, Congress is scrutinizing possible conflicts of interest by experts involved in both the assessment and the reading initiative's implementation. Additional allegations have been made that those in charge of selecting the materials required for the program are also selling the materials themselves, creating a certain profit with material that may not be the most beneficial to students.
The Education and Labor Committee will continue to scrutinize these practices as they prepare legislation for the reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB. As noted by Chairman George Miller of California during the hearing "There is no question that this mismanagement and these conflicts of interest undermined the program and the public's confidence in it. In reauthorization, this committee will act on legislation to explicitly prohibit these types of conflicts."
On Friday, April 20, the House Education and Labor Committee raised questions about mismanagement by the Department of Education in running the Reading First program. The reading initiative was established during the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA-NCLB), aimed at improving literacy among at-risk children. Despite the possible ethical violations in the administration of the program, it has helped participating students improve their reading skills by over 15 percent.
Though the program has been a success, Congress is scrutinizing possible conflicts of interest by experts involved in both the assessment and the reading initiative's implementation. Additional allegations have been made that those in charge of selecting the materials required for the program are also selling the materials themselves, creating a certain profit with material that may not be the most beneficial to students.
The Education and Labor Committee will continue to scrutinize these practices as they prepare legislation for the reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB. As noted by Chairman George Miller of California during the hearing "There is no question that this mismanagement and these conflicts of interest undermined the program and the public's confidence in it. In reauthorization, this committee will act on legislation to explicitly prohibit these types of conflicts."
House Committee Holds Hearing on Supplemental Education Services
On Wednesday, April 18, the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing to investigate the effectiveness of supplemental education services (SES) under the No Child Left Behind Act. SES has been a controversial topic as Congress looks to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2001, and parent involvement appears to be at the heart of the controversy.
Under NCLB, students attending public schools that have not made adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three consecutive years have the right to take advantage of free supplemental educational services, such as private tutoring. However, reports have highlighted a lack of parental awareness regarding these options, meaning eligible students do not have the chance to take advantage of these benefits under the law.
Testifying before the committee, Cornelia Ashby, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues at the Government Accountability Office, said that "part of the problem is parental notification." Parents may not understand what SES is and what it provides, she said, adding that "states need to help districts to better notify parents."
"The SES participation rate increased from 12 to 19 percent of eligible students between school years 2003-2004 and 2004-2005," said Ashby. "While districts have provided written information notifying parents of SES and taken other actions to encourage participation, challenges remain, such as notifying parents in a timely and effective manner."
Additionally, Chairman Dale Kildee of Michigan recognized the need to ensure proper funding is given to every school to provide these services and that without such funding, SES will certainly fail. In his opening statement, Kildee stated "We owe it to our children to ensure that their schools have the resources and support to provide them with the education they need and deserve."
The PTA Legislative Initiative for reauthorizing NCLB calls on schools and districts to do a better job in notifying parents about SES services. The law needs to create an incentive for schools to encourage student participation in these support services. Whether it's through a tutoring service or through an afterschool program, supplemental education services need to be widely available and advertised as such so that all students have extra support to achieve academic success.
On Wednesday, April 18, the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing to investigate the effectiveness of supplemental education services (SES) under the No Child Left Behind Act. SES has been a controversial topic as Congress looks to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2001, and parent involvement appears to be at the heart of the controversy.
Under NCLB, students attending public schools that have not made adequate yearly progress (AYP) for three consecutive years have the right to take advantage of free supplemental educational services, such as private tutoring. However, reports have highlighted a lack of parental awareness regarding these options, meaning eligible students do not have the chance to take advantage of these benefits under the law.
Testifying before the committee, Cornelia Ashby, Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues at the Government Accountability Office, said that "part of the problem is parental notification." Parents may not understand what SES is and what it provides, she said, adding that "states need to help districts to better notify parents."
"The SES participation rate increased from 12 to 19 percent of eligible students between school years 2003-2004 and 2004-2005," said Ashby. "While districts have provided written information notifying parents of SES and taken other actions to encourage participation, challenges remain, such as notifying parents in a timely and effective manner."
Additionally, Chairman Dale Kildee of Michigan recognized the need to ensure proper funding is given to every school to provide these services and that without such funding, SES will certainly fail. In his opening statement, Kildee stated "We owe it to our children to ensure that their schools have the resources and support to provide them with the education they need and deserve."
The PTA Legislative Initiative for reauthorizing NCLB calls on schools and districts to do a better job in notifying parents about SES services. The law needs to create an incentive for schools to encourage student participation in these support services. Whether it's through a tutoring service or through an afterschool program, supplemental education services need to be widely available and advertised as such so that all students have extra support to achieve academic success.
April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
It shouldn't hurt to be a child. Unfortunately, many children suffer physical and emotional abuse and neglect in homes where parents have substance-abuse problems, lack child-rearing skills, or become simply overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a family. There are many ways to intervene to help parents who are struggling-and who might take their frustrations out on their children.One way that other parents can help is to provide support. We all need social connections to emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors. Research has shown that parents who are relatively isolated stand a greater risk of abusing or neglecting their children. Look for ways to include families in community activities or social events. Reach out and offer a sympathetic ear. You'll be helping a child and may earn the gratitude of an entire family. For more information on how to make those social connections to families in trouble, visit www.childwelfare.gov
It shouldn't hurt to be a child. Unfortunately, many children suffer physical and emotional abuse and neglect in homes where parents have substance-abuse problems, lack child-rearing skills, or become simply overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a family. There are many ways to intervene to help parents who are struggling-and who might take their frustrations out on their children.One way that other parents can help is to provide support. We all need social connections to emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors. Research has shown that parents who are relatively isolated stand a greater risk of abusing or neglecting their children. Look for ways to include families in community activities or social events. Reach out and offer a sympathetic ear. You'll be helping a child and may earn the gratitude of an entire family. For more information on how to make those social connections to families in trouble, visit www.childwelfare.gov
Teaching Kids Responsibility
As parents, one of your many duties includes preparing your children to become responsible adults. Teaching responsibility to a child can begin at an early age. For example, children as young as two can perform simple tasks, such as putting clothes in a hamper or putting away their books. Children this age have a lot of energy and may be eager to help, which will help set them on the path toward a lifetime of responsible behavior.When children reach an age where procrastination takes the place of enthusiasm, the solution is not to offer them money as an incentive to do their regular chores or schoolwork. Rewarding children with money will teach them to expect financial rewards every time they do what is expected of them. Parents should give children a reasonable allowance that is separate from their tasks and only provide more when their child does something extra. To promote financial responsibility, parents can encourage their children to be involved in spending and saving the money they earn.Parents can teach children that being responsible means recognizing that everyone has to contribute, whether at home or in school. Here are some ways parents can promote responsibility:
Clearly state expectations.
Model the behavior you want your children to adopt.
Assign chores and assist your children with them until they learn how to do them.
Give children tasks that are fun; it may be helpful to let them have a voice in determining what their normal chores will be.
As parents, one of your many duties includes preparing your children to become responsible adults. Teaching responsibility to a child can begin at an early age. For example, children as young as two can perform simple tasks, such as putting clothes in a hamper or putting away their books. Children this age have a lot of energy and may be eager to help, which will help set them on the path toward a lifetime of responsible behavior.When children reach an age where procrastination takes the place of enthusiasm, the solution is not to offer them money as an incentive to do their regular chores or schoolwork. Rewarding children with money will teach them to expect financial rewards every time they do what is expected of them. Parents should give children a reasonable allowance that is separate from their tasks and only provide more when their child does something extra. To promote financial responsibility, parents can encourage their children to be involved in spending and saving the money they earn.Parents can teach children that being responsible means recognizing that everyone has to contribute, whether at home or in school. Here are some ways parents can promote responsibility:
Clearly state expectations.
Model the behavior you want your children to adopt.
Assign chores and assist your children with them until they learn how to do them.
Give children tasks that are fun; it may be helpful to let them have a voice in determining what their normal chores will be.
Spring Cleaning the Safe and Healthy Way
At this time of year, many families start to change over their closets from cold- to warm-weather clothing, give the house a good airing and cleaning, and pull out the garden tools for the summer. Whatever tasks make up your spring cleaning, make sure you do them safely.
Protect against falls when taking things down or putting things up on shelves by using a sturdy step ladder. Get one that has a hand rail at the top. For outdoor work, such as gutter cleaning, get professional help. If you must do the work yourself, ensure you have a sturdy ladder and an even surface on which to place the supports. Work with another person who can hold and steady the ladder while you're working.
When lifting and moving items, squat and lift with the legs to avoid straining the back. When moving large furniture, ask for help. Take out drawers if you need to; not only will this lighten the load, but also it will give you a chance to clear out unwanted items.
If you need to use chemical cleaners, ensure you follow the directions and wear protective clothing, if necessary. But consider "cleaning green" to keep potentially harmful substances out of your home and the environment. For example, cleaners that have "fragrance" as an ingredient often contain phthalates, which are asthma-inducing toxins.
At this time of year, many families start to change over their closets from cold- to warm-weather clothing, give the house a good airing and cleaning, and pull out the garden tools for the summer. Whatever tasks make up your spring cleaning, make sure you do them safely.
Protect against falls when taking things down or putting things up on shelves by using a sturdy step ladder. Get one that has a hand rail at the top. For outdoor work, such as gutter cleaning, get professional help. If you must do the work yourself, ensure you have a sturdy ladder and an even surface on which to place the supports. Work with another person who can hold and steady the ladder while you're working.
When lifting and moving items, squat and lift with the legs to avoid straining the back. When moving large furniture, ask for help. Take out drawers if you need to; not only will this lighten the load, but also it will give you a chance to clear out unwanted items.
If you need to use chemical cleaners, ensure you follow the directions and wear protective clothing, if necessary. But consider "cleaning green" to keep potentially harmful substances out of your home and the environment. For example, cleaners that have "fragrance" as an ingredient often contain phthalates, which are asthma-inducing toxins.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)