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Products -- Safe from the Start Newsletter Archives
SFTS December 2005 Newsletter
SCHOOL READINESS INFORMATION
Language learning is a natural phenomenon; it occurs even without intervention. By understanding how the brain
learns naturally, language teachers may be better able to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. "How
the Brain Learns a Second Language" from BrainConnection, provides some intriguing insights into how to best
accomplish the goals of teaching and learning a second language.
For more information, check out http://brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/second-language.
An understanding of memory is an understanding of the role experiences have in shaping our lives, a critical tool
for effective learning in the classroom and beyond. "How We Remember, and Why We Forget," from BrainConnection,
explores how experiences become memories, and examines whether the way that we create and store memories can
influence the way that we learn. The article also discusses ways to develop memory strategies that focus on the
natural strengths of the human brain.
For more information, check out http://brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/memory-formation.
RELATED RESEARCH
Over the past decade, concerns about bullying and its role in school violence, depression, and health have grown.
There are a lot of bullies in elementary school, and for every bully there is at least one victim. New research
in the November issue of Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine shows that about 22% of schoolchildren
are involved in bullying.
For more information, check out http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/GeneralPediatrics/tb/2085 or the full text article is available for purchase at http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/content/vol159/issue11/index.dtl.
Men who were abused by a parent when they were children may experience more depression and post-traumatic stress
disorder symptoms as adults than boys who were not abused by their parents, according to a study published in the
Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers looked at men who grew up in urban areas in Pennsylvania that had
a high frequency of domestic violence against women and girls. Authors concluded that domestic physical abuse of
boys is associated with psychiatric illness in adulthood.
For more information, check out http://www.annals.org/cgi/reprint/143/8/581.pdf.
RELATED RESOURCES
Children’s exposure to family violence is a widespread problem. Research shows that trauma can undermine children’s
ability to learn, form relationships, and function appropriately in the classroom. Helping Traumatized Children Learn
is a groundbreaking report from Massachusetts Advocates for Children that can show educators and communities exactly
how to help children who have experienced family violence. This report recommends an educational and policy agenda
that will enable schools to become supportive environments in which traumatized children can focus, behave appropriately,
and learn.
For more information, check out http://www.massadvocates.org/uploads/images/203/Help_Tram_Child-Med.pdf.
This report, from the Family Violence Prevention Fund, looks at the unique needs of immigrant children affected by
domestic violence, which have not typically been addressed. Immigrants to the United States face the complexities
of adjusting to a new community, the loss of traditional family supports, and a lack of available culturally and
linguistically relevant services, all of which can compound the impact of domestic violence on both adults and children.
The report outlines best practices, policy recommendations, and available resources to support immigrant children.
For more information, check out http://www.esi-dc.com/immigrant/.
Healthy Kids, Healthy Care is a Web site produced by the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care
and Early Education (NRC). This Web site contains 34 key health and safety practices for parents and families to look
for when evaluating and choosing childcare and early education programs. Parents can also use the resources to help
improve the quality of their child's current program. Caregivers and teachers may find the resources useful to evaluate
and improve their services and environment
For more information, check out http://www.healthykids.us/.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The California Department of Education is offering local educational agencies an opportunity to improve education for
homeless children and youth. The purpose of this program is to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and success in
school of homeless children and youth and ensure homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free,
appropriate, public education provided to all other students. The deadline for applications is March 24, 2006.
For more information, check out http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=675.
The Tiger Woods Foundation focuses on providing opportunities to children and families who are underserved. The
Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt organizations in the following areas: education, youth development, geographic
focus, and health and welfare.
For more information, check out http://www.twfound.org/grants/default.sps?itype=7609.
UPCOMING TRAINING AND CONFERENCES
The California Kindergarten Association will hold its 24th Annual Kindergarten Conference on January 13-15 at
the Santa Clara Convention Center. Workshops include: art as a vehicle for peace, practical tools for positive
parenting, lunch box learning, and conflict resolution with young children.
For more information, check out http://www.ckanet.org or call (916) 780-5331.
The California Head Start Association will hold its 8th Annual Education Conference and Expo on January 18-20
at the Sacramento Convention Center. This event offers over 100 workshops, exhibitors, tours, networking
opportunities, and special events.
For more information, check out http://events.caheadstart.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=conference&cid=54 or call (916) 444-7760.
On January 11, 2006, at 11 a.m. EST (8 a.m. PST), the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
(OJJDP) will air the two-hour videoconference "Communities Respond to Youth Gangs in America." The videoconference
will focus on community programs and strategies that effectively address the problem of youth gangs and provide
examples of partnerships across disciplines, highlight innovative strategies, and share information on faith-based
responses and neighborhood efforts.
For more information, check out http://www.trc.eku.edu/jj.
UPCOMING SFTS TRAINING AND CONFERENCES
SFTS Criminal Justice/ P.O.S.T. Training - "Children and Domestic Violence," 8-hour Training for Criminal Justice
Professionals (law enforcement, probation, parole, prosecutors, judges) with trainers Dr. Linda Chamberlain and
David Love, MFT. P.O.S.T.-certified and reimbursable plan IV
Contact: arlene.shea@doj.ca.gov or lfraser@slocap.org
SFTS Multi disciplinary Focus Groups
Contact: lfraser@slocap.org
SFTS Community Forum with Dr. Linda Chamberlain
Contact: lfraser@slocap.org or craig.pierini@doj.ca.gov
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