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Skills For Success Educator Newsletter |
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March 2008 |
Volume 1, Number 2 |
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In This Issue · Focus: SEL · A Teacher’s Story · Research, Stats, News You Can Use More Valuable Tools ONDCP report on prescription drug abuse among teens CADCA’s strategies to prevent prescription drug abuse
among teens in your community CASEL publications
and resources Start Planning! National
YMCA Healthy Kids Day 4/12 Global Youth Service Day
4/25-27 Spring/Summer
Lions Quest workshops SFA state correlation guides and K-12 national curriculum maps are available in the resource library of our website. Click here to access. “I absolutely love the {Lions} Quest
program. It was one of the best
workshops I have attended in a long time.
I am using the materials in my classroom and quite a bit with the
Senior High Student Council.”
Amy M. Wyant, “I found the training to be a wonderful experience that I will be able to use in the classroom. Our instructor was quite knowledgeable and helpful with the many questions by the class including teachers, administration, therapists and social workers.” Naomi Goldman Visit Us Contact Us 1-630-571-5466 1-800-446-2700 To unsubscribe from this e-newsletter |
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The
Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines
social and emotional learning (SEL) as “processes
through which children and adults develop fundamental emotional and social
competencies to recognize and manage emotions, develop caring and concern for
others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and
handle challenging situations constructively.”
Years of research now shows us that children need a safe, caring
environment where the needs of the whole child are addressed, in order for
academic achievement to be realized. The Research Brief for Schools,
from the As
the Brief explains, SEL is most effective when it becomes an organizing
framework for all school activities.
When integrated into the entire school experience, improvements in
attitudes, behaviors and performance can be obtained. SEL can be incorporated into existing youth
program efforts and infused into lessons from a variety of subject
areas. An
article by Lions Clubs International’s Jay Copp (The Lion, September 2007)
illustrated the efforts to teach schoolchildren to act responsibly and to
respect themselves and others, as demonstrated by In
2003, the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Act required the state Board of
Education to create SEL standards for school districts to address. The New York State Assembly has voted for
the development of student learning standards in SEL as well. The New York State Department of Education
will be recommending guidelines for social and emotional development for
voluntary implementation by October 2008.
Find out more about the NY legislation at http://casel.org/standards/policy.php. Creating a Integrating
social and emotional learning across the curriculum helps make a secure
learning environment. Read Traci
Vogel’s article discussing the increased role of SEL in K-12 education. Read more.
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With
curiosity and motivation Fowler students took on the rain garden
project. First, utility crews used a
water truck to treat them to an artificial rainstorm in the parking
lot. The students measured the size
of the drainage area, timed how long it took water to infiltrate soil, and
calculated the size of the rain garden needed. Finally, with the help of Clean Water
Services’ crews, the rain garden became a reality. For their initiative and hard work, Clean
Water Services recognized the students as Clean Water Heroes. This story adapted from original content in the
City of |
Lions Quest
parent meeting draws 200 participants
All
Lions Quest programs incorporate parent involvement in order to assist with
bringing the home, school and community together. At the most recent Glide meeting, Principal
Halter and his staff shared their knowledge on the implementation of Lions
Quest Skills for Growing and Skills for Adolescence with the parents, while
younger children were entertained in the gymnasium with child care
activities.
The
fifteen Lions in attendance sat 200 for dinner with assistance from ten high
school helpers. District Governor Lion
Charles LaTourrette and Past District Governor Lion Chuck Johnson presented
highlights of the many Lions programs including Leo clubs, Peace Poster
Contests, Young Ambassador Awards, service-learning opportunities for
students, and health services for schools and communities. For assistance with planning a parent
meeting in your community, contact Lion Don Potter, mpot32@aol.com, 503-670-7667.
Research, Stats and News
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National Schools of Character Every
year, the Character Education Partnership (CEP) names 10 public and private
schools and districts as National Schools of Character (NSOC) for their
outstanding work in character education.
Award recipients receive a $20,000 grant; $10,000 to enhance their
program and $10,000 to provide outreach to other educators. Twenty
states are now conducting State Schools of Character (SSOC) competitions as
a preliminary step to advancing to the NSOC awards. CEP also gives annual Promising Practices
awards to schools and districts implementing unique and specific strategies
in character education. Visit www.character.org
for online applications for both award programs, for links to SSOC
programs, or to see the just-released list of 2008 National Schools of
Character Finalists! Winners will be
announced in late May. Good luck to
our Lions Quest school finalists in Cherry Hill and |
NHTSA focuses on drug/alcohol-free prom and graduation
celebrations
The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Organizations for
Youth Safety are encouraging young people to partner with the community to
plan safe prom and graduation parties this year. Last year, seven in ten prom-age teens said
they would attend an after-prom party.
Read A Guide to Safe and Sober Event Planning to learn how to “Make
Your Parties Rock…Substance Free.” Read more.
World of Children, Inc. announces call for nominations
The
deadline for nominations for the 2008 World of Children Awards is April 30,
2008. Created in 1998, WOC has grown
to encompass three awards; Health Award, Humanitarian Award, and Founder’s
Youth Award. WOC seeks to identify
individuals across the globe who advance the rights and well being of
children. The Founder’s Youth Award
recognizes youth under the age of 21 who are making extraordinary
contributions to the lives of other children.
For more information or to access the online nomination form visit the
World of Children Online
Nominations Welcome Page.
Grant Opportunities
“Sprint
Ahead for Education” grants for character education are now available from
the Spring Foundation. Visit http://www.sprint.com/citizenship/education/sprintahead/index.html
“Teaching
Tolerance” offers grants to preK-12 classroom teachers for projects designed
to reduce prejudice, improve intergroup relations and/or support educator
professional development in these areas.
Visit http://www.tolerance.org/teach/grants/guide.jsp
“Pay-It-Forward”
grants are a one-time grant for activities that benefit the school, community
or neighborhood based on the pay-it-forward idea. The next deadline is April 15, 2008. Visit http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/educators/grant.html
The George Lucas Educational
Foundation Grant Information List provides resources for educators seeking
grants or grant information.
Smaller Classes Don’t Close Learning Gap, Study Finds
From
Washington Post writer Jay Matthews - a
Does block scheduling lead to higher
achievement?
Some
schools are switching back to the old routine of 45-minute daily classes as
educators and researchers question whether block scheduling has led to higher
achievement. Read more.
Molalla 7th grade students report practicing
refusal skills
During
their 7th grade year, 92% of
Service-learning workshops
expand knowledge among
Due
to overwhelming response,