We’re Back — and More

WE’RE BACK! We took a brief hiatus (six weeks) to attend the recent biennial symposium by the Bridges Educational Group in Studio City California, in mid-October. (We also received a taste of wildfire smoke while we were there.) The Bridges 2e Center for Research and Professional Development honored us, the former publishers of 2e Newsletter, by inducting us into the Center’s “Hall of Fame.” Also inducted: Sally Reis; James Webb (posthumously, accepted by his wife Janet Gore); and Susan Assouline. Thanks for the honor, Bridges! (According to 2e News, we are now “visionaries.” Read more.)

PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR DYSLEXIC KIDS. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, the public school district runs a three-year old school serving kids in second through fifth grades with dyslexia. Other similar, public-funded schools are in the works in Colorado. (Why not in all states?) Read more.

ADDITUDE did an article on whether the Family Leave and Medical Act (FLMA), which allows parents to attend IEP meetings, also applies to meetings for 504 plans. Our friend Julie Skolnick, J.D., founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, is one of the experts providing opinion in the article. Find it.

EDUCATION POLICY, PRACTICE, AND FUNDING. The Council for Exceptional Children, which keeps a close eye on federal legislation related to education, offers some guesses on how education funding bills are shaping up for 2020. The organization urges advocates to weigh in on specific program funding. Read more.

CHILD MIND INSTITUTE. Last week’s newsletter from this organization dealt with “kids who, just as capable, aren’t so motivated or sure of themselves. These kids may need a push from parents to do things that are outside their comfort zone.” Find their articles offering advice on this topic.

OCD, ANXIETY, THE BRAIN. From Science Daily: “Scientists have discovered a new lineage of specialized brain cells, called Hoxb8-lineage microglia, and established a link between the lineage and OCD and anxiety in mice. Their experiments proved that Hoxb8-lineage microglia prevent mice from displaying OCD behaviors. Additionally, they found that female sex hormones caused more severe OCD behaviors and induced added anxiety in the mice.” Find the study write-up.

UPCOMING EVENTS
— November 2, SENG Mini-conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia. More information.
— November 5, SENG webinar, “Guiding the Multipotentialite through a Fulfilling and Balanced Life.” More information.
— November 7-10, NAGC annual convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. More information.
— November 8, TECA annual conference “Building 2e Awareness and Community,” Long Island, New York. More information.