ED’s OSHS Prevention News Digest

Office of Safe and Healthy Students

President Obama on Back-to-School: Set Your Sights High—in School: Try new Things, Discover new Passions and Hone Skills to Prepare for the Kind of Profession Wanted in the Future

On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, students from across the country tuned in as President Obama addressed them directly in his third annual Back-to-School speech. The President encouraged America’s students to use their time in school to try new things, discover new passions and hone their skills to prepare themselves for the kind of profession they want in the future:

It starts, obviously, with being the best student that you can be. Now, that doesn’t always mean that you have to have a perfect score on every assignment.  It doesn’t mean that you’ve got to get straight As all the time — although that’s not a bad goal to have.  It means that you have to stay at it.  You have to be determined and you have to persevere.  It means you’ve got to work as hard as you know how to work.  And it means that you’ve got to take some risks once in a while.  You can’t avoid the class that you think might be hard because you’re worried about getting the best grade if that’s a subject that you think you need to prepare you for your future…

And that’s why when you’re still a student you can explore a wide range of possibilities.  One hour you can be an artist; the next, an author; the next, a scientist, or a historian, or a carpenter.  This is the time where you can try out new interests and test new ideas.  And the more you do, the sooner you’ll figure out what makes you come alive, what stirs you, what makes you excited — the career that you want to pursue.

The President explained that being engaged in school is not just for the students themselves, but for the country as a whole. He acknowledged that young people today are growing up fast and students have a lot of responsibility to take on, “because you’re not just kids.  You’re this country’s future.  You’re young leaders.  And whether we fall behind or race ahead as a nation is going to depend in large part on you.”

That’s why President Obama called on America’s students to set a goal to continue their education after they graduate from High School. “The fact of the matter is, is that more than 60 percent of the jobs in the next decade will require more than a high school diploma — more than 60 percent.  That’s the world you’re walking into.”

The President also spoke about the tireless work America’s teachers do on behalf of our students:

Teachers are the men and women who might be working harder than just about anybody these days.  Whether you go to a big school or a small one, whether you attend a public or a private or charter school –- your teachers are giving up their weekends; they’re waking up at dawn; they’re cramming their days full of classes and extra-curricular activities.   And then they’re going home, eating some dinner, and then they’ve got to stay up sometimes past midnight, grading your papers and correcting your grammar, and making sure you got that algebra formula properly.  And they don’t do it for a fancy office.  They don’t — they sure don’t do it for the big salary.  They do it for you.  They do it because nothing gives them more satisfaction than seeing you learn.  They live for those moments when something clicks; when you amaze them with your intellect or your vocabulary, or they see what kind of person you’re becoming.  And they’re proud of you.  And they say, I had something to do with that, that wonderful young person who is going to succeed.  They have confidence in you that you will be citizens and leaders who take us into tomorrow.  They know you’re our future.  So your teachers are pouring everything they got into you, and they’re not alone.

SOURCE: Cross-posted from the White House Blog.

U.S. ED’s IES’ NCES Presents Major Findings From the “Student Reports of Bullying and Cyber Bullying: Results From the 2009 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey” Web Tables (NCES 2011-336) Related to Cyber Bullying

The U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences’ National Center for Education Statistics recently presented findings from the “Student Reports of Bullying and Cyber Bullying: Results From the 2009 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey” Web Tables related to cyber bullying. They are as follows:

*About 6 percent of students ages 12 through 18 reported they were cyber bullied (anywhere) during the 2008-09 school year.

*Among students ages 12 through 18, a higher percentage of students reported being cyber bullied (anywhere) during the 2008-09 school year by being threatened or insulted via text messaging (3.0 percent) compared to having hurtful information about them on the Internet (2.0 percent); being threatened or insulted via email (1.3 percent); being threatened or insulted via instant messaging (1.8 percent); having unwanted contact via online gaming (0.8 percent); and being purposefully excluded from an online community (0.9 percent).

*Among the percentage of students ages 12 through 18, who reported that they were cyber bullied anywhere during the 2008-09 school year. 31.5 percent of students reported that a teacher or some other adult at school was notified of it.

* A higher percentage of students ages 12 through 18 who reported being  cyber bullied anywhere during the 2008-09 school year reported being a victim of a crime (12.8 percent), compared to students who were not cyber bullied (3.3 percent).

* A higher percentage of students ages 12 through 18 who reported being cyber bullied anywhere during the 2008-09 school year reported having been in a physical fight at school (15.6 percent) compared to students who were not cyber bullied (5.1 percent).

* A higher percentage of students ages 12 through 18 who reported being cyber bullied anywhere during the 2008-09 school year reported having brought a gun, knife or other object that could be used as a weapon to school (7.4 percent), compared to students who were not cyber bullied (2.4 percent).

* A higher percentage of students ages 12 through 18 who reported being cyber bullied anywhere during the 2008-09 school year feared that someone would attack or harm them at school or on the way to or from school (12.8 percent), compared to students who were not cyber bullied (3.7 percent).

* A higher percentage of students ages 12 through 18 who reported being cyber bullied anywhere during the 2008-09 school year avoided a specific place at school (17.0 percent), compared to students who were not cyber bullied (3.1 percent).

*A higher percentage of students ages 12 through 18 who reported being cyber bullied anywhere skipped school during the 2008-09 school year (4.0 percent), compared to students who were not cyber bullied (0.4 percent).

The “Student Reports of Bullying and Cyber Bullying: Results From the 2009 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey” Web Tables (NCES 2011-336 are available for download from the SSOCS & SCS table library link at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Crime and Safety Surveys portal, located: http://nces.ed.gov/programs/crime

U.S.ED’s IES’ NCES releases Projections of Education Statistics to 2020

Postsecondary enrollment rose by 43 percent between 1995 and 2009, and is projected to increase another 13 percent by 2020. “The Projections of Education Statistics to 2020” (http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2011017) provides national-level data on enrollment, teachers, high school graduates, and expenditures at the elementary and secondary school level and enrollment and earned degrees at the postsecondary level for the past 14 years and projections to the year 2020. This is the 39th edition of a publication first initiated in 1964.

Other findings include:

* Enrollment in elementary and secondary schools rose 10 percent between 1995 and 2008 and is projected to increase an additional 7 percent between 2008 and 2020.

* Reflecting actual and projected changes in the high school-age population, the number of high school graduates increased by 32 percent between 1995-96 and 2007-08, and a decrease of 3 percent is projected by 2020-21.

* After adjusting for inflation, current expenditure per pupil increased by 32 percent between 1995-96 and 2007-08, and a further increase of 14 percent is projected by 2020-21.

This compendium is a product of the National Center for Education Statistics at the Institute of Education Sciences, part of the U.S. Department of Education.

To view the full report please visit http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2011017.

Secretary Duncan Announces Plans for Green Ribbon Schools Award--Program Will Honor Schools for Excellence in Environmental Education, Sustainable Facilities and Healthy Practices

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently invited states to take part in the inaugural year of the Green Ribbon Schools program, which will recognize schools for reducing environmental impact on their communities, promoting healthy school environments for their own students and staff, and offering high-quality environmental education.

The program was developed by the Department with support and advice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).

The award aims to encourage energy and resource conservation measures that can lead to cost savings and job creation; environmental and behavioral changes to promote health and productivity among students, staff and other occupants; and the use of environmental and sustainability education to support students’ preparedness for some of the nation’s fastest growing employment sectors

In a video message featured on the Department of Education’s blog, Duncan said, “Our goal is to encourage all of our nation’s schools and communities to work towards a future where school facilities have no adverse environmental impact, have a positive effect on students’ health, and enable students to become environmentally literate citizens who are well prepared for the 21^st century economy.”  

Duncan’s announcement included details on the program’s eligibility requirements and nominating process. State education authorities will nominate schools based on their success in promoting healthy and sustainable environments and conducting environmental education. Nominated schools will also need to be in compliance with federal civil rights and federal, state and local health, safety and environmental statutory and regulatory requirements.

Duncan urged state and local school officials to review the various documents made available online today so that they might “get started right now in identifying their best candidates for the Green Ribbon award” for the first (pilot) year of program.

“Green Ribbon award guidelines focus on steps that will make our Nation’s schools healthier and more sustainable,” said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Quality.  “This program will help to ensure that our students are equipped to meet 21^st century demands and learn in an environment that is second to none.”

"With as much time as our children spend in school over the years, it makes sense for us to do everything we can to protect their health, encourage wellness, and make sure they are getting the most productivity out of their hours in the classroom. Green Ribbon Schools well help foster the changes needed to protect and support our students, teachers and school staff, and brighten their future in the process," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

The Department plans to provide a nominee submission deadline in early 2012 and announce the first Green Ribbon Schools before the end of the 2011-2012 school year.

More information on Green Ribbon Schools can be found at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/

Individuals can sign up for Green Ribbon Schools updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USED/subscriber/new?topic_id=USED_27 and follow Green Ribbon Schools on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EDGreenRibbonSchools.  Additional questions can be addressed to: [log in to unmask].

U.S. ED Announces a new Issue of Touching Base, a Quarterly Newsletter for the Military Community

The U.S. Department of Education announces the new edition of “Touching Base,” Vol. 4, Issue 3, September 2011, the special newsletter for the Military Community

Specific topics in this issue include:

Features

-Back-to-School Bus Tour Visits the Great Lakes Region

-Under Secretary Presides at Navy Recruit Graduation

-Deputy Secretary Speaks at Marine Corps Foundation Ceremony

-ED Deputy Chief of Staff Provides Remarks at Tuskegee Airmen Event

ED and DoD

-ED Focuses on Unique Life Challenges of Those in the Military

-OSDFS Annual Conference Hosts Discussion on Children of Multiple-Deployment Parents

-OII Hosts Meeting on Marine Corps JROTC Program

For the complete Newsletter, please see the attached document: Above under “Subject”.

Federal Agencies Announce Second Annual National Drug Facts Week, Oct. 31st Through Nov. 6—Teens and Drug Experts will Connect in Nationwide Community Events

National Drug Facts Week 2011--National Drug Facts Week is Monday, October 31st through Sunday, November 6th, 2011.  This year's National Drug Facts Week promises to be bigger and better than last year! We've updated the Shatter the Myths booklet, created a new Drug IQ Challenge, and are announcing the MusiCares® and GRAMMY Foundation's® Teen Substance Abuse Awareness through Music Contest Grammy in May.

-Find out more about how to host your own-- National Drug Facts Week Event

-Order or download the new Shatter the Myths booklet

-Learn more about the Grammy Contest

-Questions? [log in to unmask]

What is National Drug Facts Week? National Drug Facts Week (NDFW) is a health observance week for teens that aims to shatter the myths about drugs and drug abuse. Through community-‐based events and activities on the Web, on TV, and through contests, NIDA is working to encourage teens to get factual answers from scientific experts about drugs and drug abuse. Download the NDFW Info Sheet! [PDF format, 86KB]

How do I Participate in National Drug Facts Week?

-Host or Sponsor a NDFW Event!
Bring together the science and teens by having a scientific expert come to your event, or using NIDA's educational materials. The NDFW toolkit will show you how -‐ with step by step suggestions on planning and promoting events. After registering your event, order a "Drug Facts: Shatter the Myths" booklet for every teen attending your event! This booklet provides answers to teens’ most frequently asked questions about drugs.

-Tweet About NDFW!
If you're Tweeting about NDFW, be sure to use our hashtag #drugfacts2011

Take the National Drug IQ Challenge!
During National Drug Facts Week and year round go to http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/IQchallenge.php to test your knowledge on drugs and drug abuse by taking the interactive National Drug IQ Challenge quiz. New Challenge coming for 2011!

Chat Day 2011 coming November 01, 2011
Since 2008, NIDA scientists have a Web chat with thousands of teens who ask questions about drugs. Every year teens ask many more questions than the scientists can answer, so registration is limited. To learn more about Chat Day visit: http://www.drugabuse.gov/chat/. To read last year's transcripts visit: http://www.drugabuse.gov/chat/2010/

HHS’ NIH and AHRQ Study Finds Prescribed Stimulant use for ADHD Continues to rise Steadily

The prescribed use of stimulant medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rose slowly but steadily from 1996 to 2008, according to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The study was published online ahead of print Sept. 28, 2011, in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders, and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). The condition is frequently treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin), amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) or other types of medications. Behavioral therapies can also be effective.

During the 1990s, stimulant prescription use increased significantly, going from a prevalence rate among youth of 0.6 percent in 1987 to 2.7 percent in 1997, with the rate stabilizing around 2.9 percent in 2002. Recent reports, however, suggest that the prescribed use of these medications and the diagnosis of ADHD have continued to rise. Based on the Health Resources and Services Administration’s National Survey of Children's Health, the percentage of children age 4-17 years diagnosed with ADHD increased from 7.8 percent in 2003 to 9.5 percent in 2007.

"Stimulant medications work well to control ADHD symptoms, but they are only one method of treatment for the condition. Experts estimate that about 60 percent of children with ADHD are treated with medication," said co-author Benedetto Vitiello, M.D., of NIH's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

For this most recent survey, Dr. Vitiello and Samuel Zuvekas Ph.D., of AHRQ examined data from the AHRQ-sponsored Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative annual survey of U.S. households, to determine prescribed stimulant use among children under age 19 from 1996-2008. They found a slow but steady increase—from 2.4 percent in 1996 to 3.5 percent in 2008.The rate grew an average of 3.4 percent each year, which is substantially less than the growth rate between 1987 and 1996, which averaged about 17 percent per year.

Overall, prescription use among 6-12-year-olds was highest, going from 4.2 percent in 1996 to 5.1 percent in 2008. But the fastest growth of prescribed use occurred among 13-18-year-olds, going from 2.3 percent in 1996 to 4.9 percent in 2008. "This continuous increase among teens likely reflects a recent realization that ADHD often persists as children age. They do not always grow out of their symptoms," said Dr. Vitiello.

Prescription use among preschoolers remained very low at 0.1 percent from 2004 onward and decreased between 2002 and 2008, suggesting that stimulant use among very young children continues to be disfavored. Boys continued to be three times more likely to be prescribed a stimulant than girls, and use among white children continued to be higher than among black or Hispanic children (4.4 percent in 2008 among whites, compared to 2.9 percent in blacks and 2.1 percent in Hispanics). However, prescribed stimulant use is increasing among racial and ethnic minorities, likely suggesting more recognition of ADHD and acceptance of psychopharmacological treatment among these groups, according to the authors.

In addition, rates were substantially lower in Western states compared to other regions of the nation, with no increase in recent years, a finding consistent with other studies. In comparison, rates in the Northeast increased from 2.7 percent in 2002 to 4.6 percent in 2008.

"These persistent differences in prescribed stimulant use related to age, racial and ethnic background, and geographical location indicate substantial variability in how families and doctors approach ADHD treatment throughout the United States," said Dr. Zuvekas.

The researchers concluded that when comparing the rates of prescribed use with the estimated prevalence of ADHD diagnosis, it appears that many children with ADHD are not treated with stimulants. "The children with the most severe symptoms are more likely to be taking stimulants. Those with milder symptoms are more likely being treated with psychosocial treatments or other non-stimulant medications," they said.

For further information, please visit: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality  and the National Institutes of Health at: http://www.nih.gov/ .

Foundation Funding Opportunities

State Farm and Youth Service America Good Neighbor Service Learning Grants
The purpose of the Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant is to promote service-learning projects in K-12 public schools across the US and Canada. The focus of the grant is to engage participating youth in service-learning and promote academic achievement, workplace readiness, and stronger communities. The semester-long projects (a Semester of Service) should launch on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 16, 2012) and culminate on Global Youth Service Day (April 20-22, 2012).

Awards of up to $1,000 will be available. Teachers, service-learning coordinators or students (age 5 to 25) in a K-12 public school, or a staff member or youth in a community-based organization working within a K-12 public school in the US and Canada, may apply.

Deadline: November 9, 2011
 


Please contact Youth Service America for more information and to apply for this funding: http://www.ysa.org/goodneighbor/

The National Gardening Association and Home Depot  Announce 2012 Youth Garden Grants Program
The National Gardening Association awards Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs. In evaluating grant applications, priority will be given to programs that emphasize one or more of these elements: an educational focus or curricular integration, nutrition or plant-to-food connections, environmental education, entrepreneurship, and social aspects of gardening such as leadership development, team building, community support, or service-learning.

Five programs will receive gift cards valued at $1,000 and 95 programs will receive a $500 gift card to The Home Depot and educational materials. Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational groups throughout the United States are eligible. Applicants must plan to garden with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18 years.

Deadline: November 28, 2011
 


Please contact the National Gardening Association for more information and to apply for this funding: http://www.kidsgardening.org/grants/2012-youth-garden-grants-1/

SOURCE: The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS), The Weekly Insider, September 28, 2011