FSCA NEWS

Public Elementary and Secondary School Student Enrollment

2009-11-10T12:04:00.000-05:00

Public elementary and secondary schools enrolled about 49 million students during the 2007-08 school year, according to the report "Public Elementary and Secondary School Student Enrollment and Staff Counts From the Common Core of Data: School Year 2007-08." The report, released by the National Center for Education Statistics within the Institute of Education Sciences, also found that public elementary and secondary schools and local education agencies employed a total of 6.2 million full-time staff in the 2007-08 school year, of which 51 percent were teachers.

To view the full report please visit http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2010309

Enter To Win 100 SAT/ACT Prep Books

2009-11-09T19:30:00.000-05:00

Enter To Win 100 SAT/ACT Prep Books For Your School: Brian Leaf is giving away a prize package of one hundred copies of his books, which include "McGraw-Hill's Top 50 Skills for a Top Score" and "Defining Twilight: Vocabulary Workbook for Unlocking the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT." To enter, simply email BrianLeafSATBooks@gmail.com. One entry per person, but everyone from a school may enter. One email will be chosen at random to win. For more info, visit www.BrianLeaf.com.

Using Homophobic Slurs to Bully and Harass in the Online Gaming Environment

2009-11-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

Derogatory language about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons, often used to bully and harass others regardless of their sexual orientation, can often be heard in face-to-face interactions, such as on the playground or in the classroom. Now, these expressions of anti-LGBT sentiment can be as easily found online: we see it on blogs, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, in online gaming environments, and even in reviews for smartphone applications.

Podcast ASCAway: Online Safety

2009-11-05T13:26:00.001-05:00

Podcast: Nancy McBride, national safety director for the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, shares some advice on how school counselors can help keep kids safe online.

http://ascaway.podbean.com/2009/10/30/ascaway-online-safety/

Workforce Education: MEASURE* - Counselors Using Data

2009-11-05T12:55:00.001-05:00

While there are various methods for collecting and using data to show results of the counseling and guidance program, MEASURE is a six-step accountability process used in many Florida schools. Many schools have been trained in workshops sponsored by the Department of Education to use this process. Results from the Annual Online Guidance Report show that 59% districts report that they have either recommended or required that schools develop at least one MEASURE to show how school counseling has impacted students’ academic improvement.

http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/programs/measure.asp

S. 729: Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 (GovTrack.us)

2009-11-05T11:02:00.001-05:00

A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-729

Kids 'absolutely' feel parents' stress, 30% worry about finances - USATODAY.com

2009-11-05T08:29:00.001-05:00

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-11-03-kids-stress-parents_N.htm

The Walmart Minority Student Success Initiative

2009-11-04T18:34:00.001-05:00

The Walmart Minority Student Success Initiative

The Walmart Minority Student Success Initiative is a three-year program designed to help selected Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs)—Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities—that are already deeply committed to the academic success of first-generation, minority students, build additional capacity to serve this key group of students. Through a competitive award process, 30 MSIs will be awarded a $100,000 capacity-building grant to implement strategic practices and processes that help first-generation students of color achieve academic success. Participating schools will then share details about their accomplishments in a published best practices report. IHEP identified the first cohort of 15 institutions in 2009 and will be announcing a second cohort in early 2010. A second request for proposals is now available in September 2009 and due by November 24, 2009.

http://www.ihep.org/walmartminoritystudents.cfm

New Report: Social Isolation and New Technology

2009-11-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

Pew Internet & American Life Project

New Report

Social Isolation and New Technology

By Keith Hampton, Lauren Sessions, Eun Ja Her, and Lee Rainie
November 4, 2009

People who use modern information and communication technologies have larger and more diverse social networks, according to new national survey findings that for the first time explore how people use the internet and mobile phones to interact with key family and friends.

These new finding challenge fears that use of new technologies has contributed to a long-term increase in social isolation in the United States.

The new findings show that, on average, the size of people's discussion networks--those with whom people discuss important matters--is 12% larger amongst mobile phone users, 9% larger for those who share photos online, and 9% bigger for those who use instant messaging. The diversity of people's core networks--their closest and most significant confidants--tends to be 25% larger for mobile phone users, 15% larger for basic internet users, and even larger for frequent internet users, those who use instant messaging, and those who share digital photos online.

"All the evidence points in one direction," said Prof. Keith Hampton, lead author of the report. "People's social worlds are enhanced by new communication technologies. It is a mistake to believe that internet use and mobile phones plunge people into a spiral of isolation."

Read the full report on our site: http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/18--Social-Isolation-and-New-Technology.aspx

About the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project

The Pew Internet Project is an initiative of the Pew Research Center, a nonprofit "fact tank"that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. Pew Internet explores the impact of the internet on children, families, communities, the work place, schools, health care and civic/political life. Support for the project is provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Project's website is: http://www.pewinternet.org.

Recognize your school counselor!

2009-11-04T08:42:00.001-05:00

"Next Step Magazine is on a nationwide search for the best school counselors out there." http://bit.ly/2uj4HG

Link Online: November to-do list

2009-11-04T08:20:00.001-05:00

Next News

October/November To-Do:

Do you know a high school student who is especially hardworking, involved or interesting? They could be a Next Step Super Teen!

Super Teen winners get their pictures on the cover and are featured inside Next Step's March edition.

Get the application today. Hurry—deadline is Nov. 27!

Get more info
Download the application:
doc | pdf

This issue's sponsor:

Turn your students' passion for food into their meal ticket. Click here to receive a complimentary counselor information kit. And get a FREE ICE cutting board!

Student Resources:

	Write your college essay Essay do's and don'ts A winning college admissions essay More resources Handout Download		Apply to college Should you apply for early decision? Applying online? More resources Handout Download
	Consider tech/ community colleges Getting ahead in a community college 5 community college myths More resources Handout Download		Consider a gap year Take a gap year before college Ready to take a break? More resources Handout Download

See all college planning steps

Sent by Next Step Publishing, Inc.
2 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Victor, NY 14564
585-742-1260 FAX 585-742-1263

Login to CollegeWeekLive.com

2009-11-02T16:24:00.001-05:00

Hello students!

Are you deep in the college admissions process? Then make sure to Login to CollegeWeekLive.com Wednesday November 4^th through Saturday November 7^th. It’s the world’s largest college fair, free and online! Register now at www.CollegeWeekLive.com.

Video and text chat live with admissions representatives from HUNDREDS of colleges. Click here for participating schools: http://www.collegeweeklive.com/colleges.html.

Video chat with students on college campuses across the country and watch experts presenting on topics ranging from application essays, to how to pay for college. Get instant answers to your questions! Click here for the agenda: http://www.collegeweeklive.com/agenda.html.

Login to be eligible to win a cash scholarship and other promotions. Click here to learn more: http://www.collegeweeklive.com/scholarships.html.

CollegeWeekLive is free for all attendees. Whether you are just starting the college search process, or narrowing your final list of schools before you visit, take advantage of CollegeWeekLive.com. It’s as close as your computer!

Sign-Up for free now at www.CollegeWeekLive.com.

Upcoming 2009-2010 CollegeWeekLive Events

November 4-7, 2009 - CollegeWeekLive Fall
Thursday, January 14, 2009 - CollegeWeekLive Paying For College
March 24-25, 2009 - CollegeWeekLive Spring

Counselor Information: http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/guest/app-counselors

Can You Go to Jail for Cyberbullying?

2009-10-29T11:26:00.000-04:00

Can You Go to Jail for Cyberbullying?

After retiring from Arizona’s superior court in 2008, former judge Tom Jacobs began a site called askthejudge.info to help teens understand legal issues. Below, he applies his expertise to the issue of cyberbullying and its possible legal consequences.

http://uyn.blogspot.com/2009/10/can-you-go-to-jail-for-cyberbullying.html

Special Section of the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry: Parenting and Homelessness

2009-10-28T23:00:00.001-04:00

The special section on parenting and homelessness fills a gap in research on the challenges of family relationships in the context of homelessness. The articles include practice, policy, and research recommendations to support parents as they stabilize their lives, care for their children, and move out of homelessness. In addition to seven research articles, the special section includes two commentaries by a nurse practitioner who works with families in Baltimore, Maryland, and a mother who was formerly homeless.

Read More | Order Free Copy (AJO09-HOMELESS)

Exposure to violence in media

2009-10-27T15:40:00.001-04:00

Exposure to violence in media, including television, movies, music, and video games, represents a significant risk to the health of children and adolescents. Extensive research evidence indicates that media violence can contribute to aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, nightmares, and fear of being harmed. Pediatricians should assess their patients' level of media exposure and intervene on media-related health risks. Pediatricians and other child health care providers can advocate for a safer media environment for children by encouraging media literacy, more thoughtful and proactive use of media by children and their parents, more responsible portrayal of violence by media producers, and more useful and effective media ratings. Office counseling has been shown to be effective.

Read the full report:

http://bit.ly/3r2Fbn

Countdown to FSCA Convention 2009

2009-10-26T23:45:00.001-04:00

Created by OnePlusYou

Learning/Graduation Plans

2009-10-25T17:39:00.000-04:00

From Dr. Alan Burkard, Marquette University:

"I am asking ... a few of your colleagues who work in high school for some research that I am conducting on Individual Learning/Graduation Plans. There is very little research on this area to help school counselors in designing and implementing these programs, however, there are several states like yours that have mandated these plans. I am interviewing schools counselors about the implementation of these programs in their schools to help other school counselors understand how to develop these programs....

I fully intend to make this research available to the states that participated and I also hope to present this information at an upcoming ASCA Conference. If you have any questions about the project please do not hesitate to contact me." Alan.Burkard@marquette.edu

Education Department Seeks Advice from Experts on Ways to Improve Assessments

2009-10-24T14:06:00.001-04:00

The U.S. Department of Education announced today that it will hold public meetings across the country to listen and learn from assessment experts and practitioners. The goals are two-fold: first to gather technical input to inform the development of a Race to the Top Assessment Competition; and second to enable states, who will be the competition applicants, and the public to participate in and learn from these events.

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/10/10202009.html

Stereotypes can fuel teen misbehavior

2009-10-24T12:30:00.001-04:00

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/wfu-scf102009.php

Contact: Cheryl V. Walker
walkercv@wfu.edu
336-758-5237
Wake Forest University

Stereotypes can fuel teen misbehavior

Negative expectations might produce negative behaviors

Drinking. Drugs. Caving into peer pressure. When parents expect their teenagers to conform to negative stereotypes, those teens are in fact more likely to do so, according to new research by Christy Buchanan, professor of psychology at Wake Forest University.

"Parents who believe they are simply being realistic might actually contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy," says Buchanan, who studies adolescent development and behavior. "Negative expectations on the part of both parents and children predict more negative behaviors later on."

In her study, published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, Buchanan found that adolescents whose mothers expected them to take more risks and be more rebellious reported higher levels of risk-taking behavior than their peers one year later. The same was true for adolescents' negative expectations.

"Higher expectations for risk-taking and rebelliousness predict higher levels of problem behavior, even controlling for many other predictors of such behavior," Buchanan says.

More than 250 adolescents and their mothers participated in the study. The adolescents were sixth or seventh graders at the beginning of the study; they were resurveyed a year later. The study was co-authored by Johna Hughes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Parents who expect their kids to suddenly become James Dean when they turn 13, even if they have not been rebellious earlier in life, might be making an important mistake. "Sometimes parents expect more negative behavior from their own adolescents than they should based on the adolescent's history of behavior," Buchanan says.

"By thinking risk-taking or rebelliousness is normal for teenagers and conveying that to their children, parents might add to other messages from society that make teenagers feel abnormal if they are not willing to take risks or break laws. This can mean, for example, that when parents expect teens to drink before they turn 21 or to engage in other risky behaviors, kids are less likely to resist societal pressures to do so."

Because negative risk-taking during adolescence can lead to a variety of problems, parents should not be naïve about the possibility of such behavior, Buchanan says. But expectations that adolescents can not only resist such pressures but also exhibit positive behaviors might help reduce the incidence of negative risk-taking.

Buchanan offers the following suggestions for parents:

· Parents' own behavior is a powerful example. Do not suggest in your words or behavior that the only or best way to have fun is through drinking, sex or drug use.

· Let your teenager know that many adolescents resist drinking, smoking or early sexual activity.

· Draw attention to examples of teenagers who are doing positive things. Convey confidence that your child can do the same, and will not be alone in doing so.

· Communicate and support avenues for having fun without negative risk-taking. Teenagers who get into trouble are often simply seeking ways to relieve stress or have fun. Parents who understand this need can offer ideas and opportunities that are healthy and legal.

· Make your own home a fun and comfortable place for your teenager and his/her friends to socialize. Do not allow negative risk-taking such as drinking to occur in your own home under your supervision.

· Encourage and support involvement in positive extracurricular activities, such as community service, sports, music, theater, faith-based youth groups or other activities.

· Pay attention to your teenager's peer choices. Positive peer pressure exists! Encourage and support affiliation with other teens who are involved in positive activities and not getting into trouble. Get to know other parents, and encourage affiliations with families who share your values.

· Make sure your teenager knows that there will be negative consequences if he or she engages in negative risk-taking, and follow through if such risk-taking occurs. Lack of consequences implicitly communicates that parents accept such behaviors.

###

Web Forum To Discuss How To Help Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

2009-10-22T17:31:00.001-04:00

Web Forum To Discuss How To Help Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

On October 26, 2009, at 2 p.m. E.T., the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), in collaboration with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, will host a Web Forum to discuss best practices for helping children exposed to domestic violence.

The 1-hour session, which is cosponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), will be led by Sherry Hamby, Ph.D., coauthor of the OJJDP Bulletin "Children's Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National Survey," and Miriam Berkman, J.D., M.S.W., coordinator of the Child Development-Community Policing Program's Domestic Violence Intervention Project.

Resources:

Further information about this OVC Web Forum, including instructions on how to participate, is available at ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum.

For additional information about children's exposure to violence, visit OJJDP's Safe Start Center at www.safestartcenter.org/.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of the Office of Justice Programs in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Subscribe or unsubscribe to JUVJUST and OJJDP News @ a Glance.

Browse past issues of JUVJUST.

Vote for New Board Members

2009-10-22T16:09:00.001-04:00

Online voting is open through Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. PST. Cast your vote today. Log in with your ASCA username and password to access the ballot.

Stress Management and Creative Relaxation

2009-10-22T08:50:00.001-04:00

Stress Management and Creative Relaxation

CollegeWeekLive

2009-10-20T14:28:00.000-04:00

CollegeWeekLive (http://www.collegeweeklive.com) is the world's largest and most successful college fair and it meets entirely online. Our partners include: US Departments of Education, UNCF, CollegeBoard, Princeton Review, ACT and many more. With hundreds of colleges exhibiting and hundreds of thousands of registrants, CollegeWeekLive revolutionizes college admissions, making the process easier and more cost-effective by bringing students, parents, counselors and colleges together online, overcoming cost and distance. We also offer a $2500 scholarship for any student who registers and attends one of our live events, and are currently working on expanding our scholarship hall. CollegeWeekLive is free for attendees.

· Visit with Hundreds of Colleges, Live!

· Live video presentations on key admissions topics

· Video chat with students on college campuses

· Get answer to questions in real-time

· Attend to be eligible for scholarships and fun promotions

FREE Sign-up Now!

Our upcoming event is:
Nov. 4^th-Nov. 7^th 2009-CollegeWeekLive Fall:
Our biggest event of the year! We will have over 300 schools participating at CollegeWeekLive Fall; students can text chat live with admissions representatives, watch keynote speakers and watch over 100 student video chats.

I was hoping that you would be able to help us reach out to your contacts(students, teachers, counselors) via a dedicated email blast the week of the event (Nov. 4^th) to let them know that this free resource is out there! Please let me know if this is possible and I will send you a recommended email/naviance alert for you to forward. I have also attached a pdf flyer for your reference.

Thanks,

Stephanie Ko

CollegeWeekLive

100 Crescent Road

Needham, MA 02494

phone: 617.938.6020

fax: 617.938.6010
email: sko@collegeweeklive.com

web: http://www.collegeweeklive.com

Upcoming 2009-2010 CollegeWeekLive Events

November 4-7, 2009 - CollegeWeekLive Fall
Thursday, January 14, 2009 - CollegeWeekLive Paying For College
March 24-25, 2009 - CollegeWeekLive Spring

Counselor Information: http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/guest/app-counselors

Grants Available from Youth Service America

2009-10-20T09:11:00.001-04:00

Grants Available from Youth Service America

Please apply or distribute the following grant opportunities to your network.

State Farm Good Neighbor Grants (Deadline: November 9)
Youth Service America is currently accepting applications for State Farm® Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants to support service-learning projects that culminate on Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25, 2010. School and community educators across the United States and Canada (select provinces) can apply for up to $1,000 in funding for youth-led projects. Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy integrating meaningful community service with academic study and reflective practice to enrich learning, build civic engagement, and strengthen communities. State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning grant applicants are encourage to develop projects that launch on Martin Luther King Day of Service, January 18, 2010, and culminate on the weekend of GYSD, April 23-25, 2010. For the State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant application, please visit, www.YSA.org/awards

UnitedHealth HEROES Grants Support Youth-Led Innovative Solutions to Leading Health Threat (Deadline: October 22)
Educators, service-learning coordinators, students in the health professions, public health professionals, and community partners are eligible to apply for the UnitedHealth HEROES service-learning project grants.Grant recipients will receive up to $1,000 in support for service-learning projects that focus on childhood obesity, engage youth ages 5-25 in the planning and implementation process, and take place during Semester of Service 2010 (MLK Day, January 18, to Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25). The grant cycle opens August 1 and applications are due October 22, 2009. Eligible states include: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI. Learn more and access the application at: www.ysa.org/awards

Youth Leaders for Literacy Grants Available to Young Volunteers Who Inspire and Encourage Reading (Deadline: October 30)
Youth Service America is partnering with the National Education Association to once again offer Youth Leaders for Literacy grants to children and youth, ages 5-25, who offer innovative ways to increase literacy skills and appreciation for reading among their peers. Youth Leaders for Literacy will award 30 young people from across the U.S. each with $500 grants and $500 in books from the Pearson Foundation. Youth can submit their applications through October 30, 2009. Successful projects will be youth-led and address an established literacy need in the applicant's school or community. The projects will follow the framework of YSA's Semester of Service initiative, launching on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in January and culminating on Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25. An activity should also occur during the NEA's Read Across America Day on March 2. Begin the application by completing the eligibility quiz at: www.cybergrants.com/ysa/yll/quiz

Play with Your Produce Healthy Challenge

2009-10-19T12:32:00.001-04:00

Deadline: November 13, 2009

Web Site• Play with Your Produce Healthy Challenge

Produce for Kids (PFK) invites K-12 classrooms to enter the PFK “Play with Your Produce Healthy Challenge” contest for Fall 2009. Projects must focus on getting kids to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, feature at least three of PFK sponsor products, and involve the entire classroom. All entering classrooms will receive coupons and discounts for fresh produce, sample lesson plans with fun fruit & veggie activities, discounts on nutrition books and curricula, and Produce for Kids goodies for the classroom. Three grand prize winners will receive a classroom party toolkit (with party ideas, recipes, favors and $100 gift certificate to purchase produce and other nutritious food from a local grocery store), a $500 mini-grant to promote school-based health and wellness, and their photo and write-up highlighted on the Produce for Kids® website.