Friday, January 22^nd

Brandeis Report: Arts Help in Juvenile Court System

A Brandeis University report shows that arts in the state's juvenile justice system is beneficial.

Creative Transitions, a project of the Hampshire Educational Collaborative and Massachusetts Cultural Council that linked arts groups with Massachusetts Department of Youth Services facilities, is "an effective way that youth could manage their emotions and expand their horizons," according to the report. Read More

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Legislation Would Provide $2 Billion to Dropout Factories

In an effort to improve high school graduation rates, House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D–CA) and other Democratic leaders have introduced legislation aimed at turning around the nation's "dropout factories" and their feeder middle schools.

"We are failing our students, failing our communities, and failing our nation if we allow this dropout crisis to continue;' said Miller in a press release about the Graduation for All Act (H.R. 4122). "Ending this epidemic is a civil rights imperative, a moral issue, and an economic necessity:'

Under Title I, the Graduation for All Act would authorize a $2 billion competitive grant program for districts to support high schools with a graduation rate of 65% or lower and their feeder middle schools. Specifically, participating districts would implement a "Model of Success" in secondary schools similar to the four school intervention models outlined in the School Improvement Grants program. Read More (PDF File):

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Ex-Cop Pat Russo Fighting to Save Park Hill Boxing Program

The PAL (Police Athletic League) has kayoed boxing. It has cut funding for all its traditional boxing programs. Including throwing in the towel on the Park Hill boxing program on Staten Island.

For shame.

But a former narcotics cop named Pat Russo is still working the corner of these young fighters.

And so Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Russo's NYPD Boxing Team will stage a fund-raising boxing show at Roller Jam, 236 Richmond Valley Road, Staten Island, where fighters from Park Hill gym and the DeMarco gym will team up to battle fighters from gyms all over the metro area. Read More

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Why School Safety Encompasses More Than Guns and Drugs

Kevin Jennings Describes Three Steps Principals Can Take to Reduce Bullying

Are our schools really safe? Over the last decade, educators have seen a reduced rate of teen drug use and fewer incidences of violent crimes on school grounds. However, a reduction in violent crimes–the ones often sensationalized by the media does not necessarily indicate that our work is done and our schools are safe, said Kevin Jennings, the assistant deputy secretary for Safe and Drug–Free Schools.

Violent crimes in schools, Jennings warns, are really just the "tip of the iceberg" when considering how safe schools actually are. "A truly safe school isn't just one where you don't get stabbed or shot. A truly safe school is one where you are physically and emotionally safe. It has to be a place where every student feels like they belong and are valued". Read More (PDF File):

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