Across America, young people are thinking and talking about equality. From the environmental justice movement to the trial of the Jena 6 – young people continue to come out in force, speaking their minds and making their voices heard on the issues they believe in. The National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights (NCRCR) is interested in hearing what today’s youth have to say about the question, “What does equality mean to you?†To that end, NCRCR seeks your assistance in reaching out to young people to let them know about our exciting essay and visual media contest.
In 1951, thirteen parents filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of their children, calling for their school district in Topeka, Kansas to reverse its policy of racial segregation. This landmark case, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), established that "in the field of public education the doctrine of "separate but equal" has no place," making it illegal to segregate students on the basis of race. Brown v. Board was a milestone, helping to lay the groundwork for major victories in court, on the streets, and in the halls of Congress. Within a decade, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, banning discrimination in employment practices and public accommodations and soon afterward passed laws restoring and protecting voting rights and prohibiting racial discrimination in housing.
The concept of legal equality - the principle under which each person or group is subject to the same laws – remains a cornerstone of American life. Through legal and legislative battles over race, gender, orientation, the environment, health, education, age, housing, immigration, and disability issues, the struggle for equality continues. NCRCR invites young people between the ages of 14 and 18, to answer the question, “What does equality mean to you?†Participants can enter the contest in one of two ways – by sending an essay of no more than 750 words or submitting a visual media entry, such as an original photograph, drawing, or cartoon. Please contact NCRCR at [email removed].
We appreciate your support and assistance in distributing information about this contest to students.
Many thanks,
Naoma Nagahawatte The National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights __
The National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights (NCRCR) is a non-partisan movement working to ensure that our courts protect and preserve equal justice, fairness, and opportunity. We achieve these goals through raising awareness, outreach, and building alliances. Recognizing how little information about the status of civil rights in the courts is reaching people across the country, NCRCR is focusing on public education and outreach, finding ways to get the message out about the impact of court rulings on our neighborhoods, our schools, our opportunities and our rights.
Autism now considered by many medical and educational professionals as a prevalent neurological dysfunction, which causes learning disabilities. According to Wikipedia, "Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a...See MoreAutism now considered by many medical and educational professionals as a prevalent neurological dysfunction, which causes learning disabilities. According to Wikipedia, "Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. The two other autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and PDD-NOS, diagnosed when full criteria for the other two disorders are not met.” Symptoms of Autism may appear as early as infancy, however are often assumed to be symptoms of a 'fussy baby’ or a baby with colic. Language delays are another early sign, as well as the inability for the child to self-calm. Many of these children are extra sensitive to touch and thusly often resist hugging. Autistic children tend to also be extra-sensitive to the feel and texture of food, which can cause eating problems.
Diagnosing Autism early is key to getting a head start on possible scenarios that may elevate many of the problematic symptoms of this dysfunction. Also, parents need to be aware of their child's situation. Often when Autistic children react to over-stimulation, it is misunderstood by adults for disobedience. Understanding that an Autistic child is screaming because they are overwhelmed, and not because they are throwing a temper-tantrum, is essential to the happiness and emotional health of the Autistic child, and the sanity of the parent.
These children rarely thrive in a public or private school environment. Often the Autistic child requires more specific individualized attention for learning. In addition to having special learning needs, children on the Autism Spectrum also have poor social skills, stemming from an inability to read or understand unspoken language. When any child can not make friends with their peers, and quickly become the brunt of cruel childish teasing, can cause disastrous affects for the child emotionally and mentally. This is common however, for an Autistic child, because they are prone offending people with their frank comments, and inability to read the body language and facial expressions of others. These added stresses make learning a monumental task for the Autistic child.
Tutoring Autistic children is very rewarding. One must first understand the dynamics of Autism, to understand how these children cope with, and interact with, the world around them. Many times these children are so distracted by the neurological symptoms of Autism, that one must seek to listen and learn from these children, in order to teach them. For example, to further explain how 'distractive' and 'disconnected' Autistic children can be, imagine if you were itching on the inside of your skin, and didn't understand why, or how to scratch. Would you then be interested in other people's needs, or even want to communicate with others? In many ways, this is how an Autistic child views their situation. The Autistic child must overcome the urge to 'scratch' and forget the 'itch', in order to connect with 'our' world. Getting specialized training and gaining experience with Autism should be a requirement of Special Needs Instructors and Tutors. UniversalClass.com offers very affordable CEU classes and certifications in Special Education, and Autism specifically.
Changing an Autistic child's diet can affect a considerable change. Many believe that diagnosing food allergies, and eliminating dairy and wheat for these children, has proven to be beneficial. AutismWeb.com is an excellent resource for parents and educators alike. This website provides information regarding research and suggestions for diet considerations of the Autistic child.
Is there hope for Autistic children? Yes, having seen miraculous results, hope is a tangible treasure. First as parents, educators, and medical providers, we must LISTEN to these beautiful children, and reach down into their world. Providing these children with special care such as occupational therapy, special diet considerations, and additional tutoring, enables Autistic children to overcome many of their limitations, and pursue a happy fulfilled life, full of potential.
By Lanita A. Wasson, Director, Lrng2HavFun Tutorial & Assessment Srvc. [link removed]
I will soon be starting a Postcard lesson to learn about the 50 states. I am hoping to receive a postcard from every state with a state fact written on it.... can someone please send us one from AR?
Thanks in advance!
Mrs. Anderson's Class Toledo Blade Elementary 1201 Geranium Ave North Port FL 34288
I was wondering if anyone had any questions about ASU's online graduate programs. My name is Susan and I would be happy to help you. We have a $500 grant for new students and many degree plans including Educational Leadership and Special Education P-4 and 4-12. Email me at [email removed].
BA and BEd and 30 years experience in Canada and Wales at the high school level. Need a contact name to start the process. I was an excellent teacher but I will not go through endless red tape.
I am looking for a classroom to Skype with my students to read a book. We kicked off Skype Across America on March 2nd which is Read Across America Day. We are trying to get one class from all 50 states to read to us. If you are interested and you haven't used Skype before it is very easy.
On 2/04/10, rick wrote: > could one of you please email me it's very inportant i speak > with one of you in arkansas. thanks. [email removed]