The NEA Foundation June & September Grants

Could you use a grant to fund an innovative classroom project or professional development experience? Look ahead to The NEA Foundation's next two grant review dates, June 1 and September 15, and apply for an Innovation Grant or Learning & Leadership Grant. 

Innovation Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants are available to all NEA members who are practicing public K–12 school teachers, education support professionals, or higher education faculty and staff at public colleges and universities. 

Members just like you have applied for and received over 1,500 grants throughout the years in all subjects, including the arts, literacy, science, and technology. Grant amounts are either $2,000 or $5,000. Read about recently funded projects then submit your own idea. 

Apply by June 1 and you will be notified by November 15. Apply by September 15 and you will be notified by February 15, 2006.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing, year-round basis, so proposals received after these dates will automatically be included in the next review cycle. Grants fund activities for 12 months from the award date. 

Applying for a grant is easy, so why wait? Here's more information, including guidelines and an application, or call 202-822-7840.

Award for Journalism Educators

The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund recognizes outstanding high school journalism teachers and newspaper and newsmagazine advisors through its National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year award. The annual competition also selects four Distinguished Advisors and several teachers who receive special recognition awards.

The Teacher of the Year will act as a spokesperson for scholastic journalism and speak at journalism education events, receive a stipend to write a quarterly column for Adviser Update, and receive a laptop computer, plaque, and pin. In addition, one of his or her students, who wins a school-wide writing contest will receive a $1,000 scholarship to pursue journalism studies.

To apply, teachers must submit an application, résumé, color photo, 12 copies of the school newspaper or newsmagazine, and no more than three letters of support.

Applicants can be nominated by principals, professional newspaper editors,  journalism schools, state press associations, or themselves. To be eligible, teachers must:

• have at least three years of experience teaching high school journalism or advising a newspaper or newsmagazine
• have taught or advised during the current academic year
• plan to continue teaching or advising next year.

The application postmark deadline is July 1, 2005.

Here's an application.

Scholarships for Educators

The Horace Mann Companies offers $30,000 in scholarships for educators to take college courses. To apply, you must be an educator currently employed by a U.S. public or private school district or college/university and planning to enter a two- or four-year accredited college or university. In addition, you must have at least two or more years of teaching experience and be employed by a U.S. public or private school district or college/university at the time of application and at the time the scholarship is awarded.

One recipient will receive $5,000 in scholarship funds payable over four years, and 15 other recipients will receive $1,000 each in scholarship funds payable over two years. Twenty additional recipients will each receive one-time $500 awards.

Scholarship applicants will be judged on a written essay, school and community activities, and letters of recommendation. Applicants who have all education expenses paid through other scholarships or grants are ineligible. The program also is not open to residents of Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York. The application deadline is May 14, 2005.

Prizes for Excellence in International Education

The Goldman Sachs Foundation and Asia Society are seeking applicants for the 2005 Prizes for Excellence in International Education. Five prizes of $25,000 each recognize schools, higher education institutions, states, and media/technology organizations that are working to "put the world into world-class education."

Applications are due May 10 for higher education institutions, states, and media/technology, and May 17 for elementary, middle, and high schools. Full eligibility and application instructions, along with information on past winners.

What Does Your Neighborhood Mean to You?

The National Neighborhood Day organization is promoting National Neighborhood Day with a short film contest for both professional and amateur filmmakers to illustrate, through a five-minute or less film, what their neighborhood means to them. The short film contest is open to K–12 students and adults. There is no entry fee for the Youth Category and the grand prize is $2,000. The deadline for entries is June 1, 2005. For contest rules, entry forms, and more information.

Sign Here for School Supplies

Students in grades K–8 can compete in Sharpie's Autographs for Education contest to win supplies for their school. Between now and December 31, 2005, students can collect autographs from everyday people around the community. The 30 schools who collect the most signatures each win $25,000 in school supplies. To enter the contest, schools must download and use official entry forms from Sharpie's Web site. While there, teachers can check out online autograph-inspired lesson plans for grades K–8.

Also, students age 13 and older can go online and enter the "Autographs for Education" sweepstakes for a chance to win a $50,000 scholarship.

Scholarships for Students who serve

The Corporation for National and Community Service will award up to 7,800 Presidential Freedom Scholarships to students who have completed at least 100 hours of community service and plan to attend a higher education institution. High schools can nominate two students who have shown outstanding leadership in community service. The Corporation then provides $500 to which the school must secure a matching donation from a community organization or business. The high school must fill out certification forms with information about the student, his or her service activities, and prospective college information.

Certification forms must be filled out online or postmarked by July 1, 2005.

Read Across America

A Summer Season Of Reading

Read Across America Day is over but the reading fun continues. NEA's bilingual partnership with Major League Soccer, Get a Kick Out of Reading\Leer y Marco Un Golazo can help with your reading fitness.

What's Up at HIN

NEA HIN Accepting Nominations for the Ryan White HIV Prevention Award

Each year HIN presents the Ryan White HIV Prevention Award to an NEA member or affiliate who has demonstrated a commitment to implementing or supporting innovative HIV prevention education programs. The award will be presented at the 2005 NEA Representative Assembly in Los Angeles, California. To nominate an individual or affiliate, contact Paul Sathrum for a nomination form at 202-822-7787. The application deadline is May 27, 2005.

Easier Access to Online HIN Resources

Check out HIN's new and improved Web site. Find information and resources on everything from preventing HIV to improving the indoor air quality in your school with this new user-friendly navigation system. Peruse the site and tell us what you think! E-mail comments or suggestions.

A Tool for School Wellness Policies

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires federally funded school districts to develop and implement a local wellness policy by the fall of 2006. This policy will address nutrition and physical education, establish an assessment plan, and involve a wide range of stakeholders. Does your school or district need a guiding hand in this effort? SmartBODY, HIN's new fitness information center, contains model programs and useful links to get you started.

Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month in May

Join HIN in celebrating healthy lifestyles and exercise! With warm weather upon us, many opportunities exist to promote health and fitness in schools. Organize fun, creative events or campaigns to motivate kids and adults alike. For more information, events, and ideas, check out the President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports guide to fitness event collaboration. For fitness and nutrition resources, visit the SmartBODY Fitness Information Center.

HIN to Host NEA Crisis Response Training and Organizing Conference

Is your state or local Association ready to assist members who experience a natural disaster, violence, or other traumatic event? HIN will host the third annual national NEA Crisis Response Team Training and Organizing Conference, June 1–3, 2005, at NEA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Conference sessions will be conducted by experienced national and state affiliate staff and emergency management experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress. Registration is free but limited to state and local Association staff. For more info or to register, e-mail Courtney Sams or Echelle Jordan or call 202-822-7570.

Promoting Healthy Schools Through Construction and Renovation

As part of its School Construction and Renovation to Promote Healthy Schools Campaign, the National Parent Teachers Association (PTA) revised its legislative action packet that focuses on promoting physically sound and healthy schools. The packet includes a fact sheet, promotional instructions, reproducible postcards, an environmental checklist, and a guide to Web-based advocacy resources. Download the packet.

Diversity Calendar

May

May 1–31—Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Presidential proclamation designates May as a time to celebrate the collective accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans, who comprise many diverse ethnic groups.

May 1–31—Better Hearing and Speech Month

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association sponsors this month to raise awareness about how to identify, prevent, and treat speech, language, and hearing disorders. For more, see www.asha.org.

May 17—Anniversary of School Desegregation Ruling

On this day in 1954 the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools violated the Fourteenth Amendment clause guaranteeing equal protection under the law.

June

June 2—Republic Day

Now a national holiday, on this day in 1946, Italy selected a republican government instead of returning to a monarchy.

June 13–14—Shavuot

Beginning on sunset, June 12, this Jewish festival commemorates the giving of the law (Torah) to Moses on Mount Sinai.

June 14—Flag Day

Celebrated with numerous patriotic observances, this day marks the date in 1777 when the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes.

June 16—Day of the African Child

A day to celebrate the heritage of African-American children and to commemorate the achievements and future challenges of Africa.

Books by NEA Members

	Creative Book Reports: Fun Projects with Rubrics for Fiction and Nonfiction By Jane Feber The 39 standards-based projects in this book appeal to all types of learners in grades 4–8, helping them improve their comprehension of different genres of literature and demonstrate knowledge of literary elements. Reproducible rubrics give teachers an effective tool to assess reading comprehension. Written by a language arts teacher, the book includes a CD-ROM with rubrics that can be customized for different content areas. 96 pp.
	Peanut Butter and Jelly Possibilities By Dawn De Lorenzo Young people can accomplish big things as proven in this compilation of stories about extraordinary youths using their lives to help others. Written by a special education middle school teacher, the book uses real-life examples to promote love, hope, commitment, courage, and charity. Each story includes insightful follow-up discussion questions, and the book also has a resource section to help kids learn about causes that appeal to their interests. 96 pp.
	The Goat Lady By Jane Bregoli Elementary school art teacher Bregoli writes and illustrates a quiet homage to an interesting woman in this tale for readers in grades 3–6. Children new to a neighborhood meet and befriend their elderly neighbor, Noelie, dubbed "the Goat Lady" and a social outcast by townspeople for the many animals she keeps. But the children learn what is truly important about this remarkable person and, with their mother, help turn the community's understanding around. 32 pp.
	Honey Baby Sugar Child By Alice Faye Duncan The poetic words of librarian Duncan and the warm, rich illustrations of Susan Keeter beautifully blend in this book for children ages 3–6. Short and sweet, the book describes the limitless love between mother and child. The sing-song style of writing and the fluid artwork make Honey Baby Sugar Child like a song captured on page.

In Print

	Hearing for the Deaf Jean Ferris' novel Of Sound Mind, for high school readers, explores the challenges that a disability can place on a family. Theo is the only hearing member of his family and often has to act as an interpreter and caretaker. But during his senior year of high school he's forced to re-examine his life when his father suffers a stroke and he meets self-starter Ivy, who can both hear and sign. 213 pp.
	Learning Through Writing Writing Every Day encourages young minds, K–8, through the drafting and sharing of personal narratives. Using the Daily Letters system—a whole-class sharing of the immediate news, concerns, and experiences of students—educators can create a powerful story-sharing community in their classrooms. Author Kellie Buis shares practical ideas on how to use this alternate approach to teach reading and writing that helps students open the door for dialogue and recognize patterns in everything they read, write, and learn. 152 pp.
	Discovering a Little-known Ecosystem Nature lover Lynne Cherry raises awareness about the mangroves, beautiful and beneficial Caribbean trees, in her children's book, The Sea, the Storm, and the Mangrove Tangle. The life of one tree becomes an engaging epic as it grows from a tiny propagule (seed pod) to an entire ecosystem. Sadly, the mangrove population is quickly being depleted because of commercial developments and shrimp farming. The book addresses this issue and more with lavish illustrations of marine life. 32 pp.
	Fairy Tales Redux Eleven traditional fairy tales including Jack and the Beanstalk and Sleeping Beauty receive modern and Latino twists in Patricia Santos Marcantonio's Red Ridin' in the Hood. The alterations are memorable—for instance, Snow White succumbs to a poisoned avocado instead of an apple—and provide readers with a fresh perspective. The cuentos vary in tone from the pert to the poignant. One story even incorporates the Mexican Revolution. A glossary of Spanish terms is also included. 208 pp.

Heads Up from NEA Member Benefits

Don't Sell Your House Short

You say your home is your castle or—at the very least—your most valuable possession. You do what's necessary to protect it from wind, water, ice, and snow. You spend a lot of money maintaining and improving it. So why, then, is it underinsured? 

If disaster strikes and you have to rebuild your home, you want to be sure you can construct the same size and quality home, but at today's costs. You can only do this if your homeowner's policy provides for "replacement cost." Talk to your insurance agent to be certain your home is adequately covered.  Also, check into the special rates for educators offered by the NEA Members Auto & Home Insurance Program® and the NEA Homeowners® Insurance Program. Call toll free, 1-800-637-4636, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) ET.

Window of Opportunity

The NEA Member Benefits Web Site is your window into the world of benefits offered exclusively to NEA members and their families. Whether you're shopping for insurance, credit, retirement savings and deposit programs, or home loans, you'll find the latest information on product features, no-obligation quotes, and useful tools to educate members about their needs and options. Don't miss the "Free Giveaways" where you can enter to win the monthly giveaway prize.

Take Note

Kudos to You

When was the last time someone thanked you for all your hard work? Been a while? Well, this year's National Teacher Day presents the perfect opportunity for students, parents, communities, and colleagues to show their gratitude for educators. "Thank a teacher for making public schools great!" is the theme of this year's celebration, taking place on May 3, 2005, as part of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 1–7). National Teacher Day is a time for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to help children succeed in school and in life.

To celebrate this year's event, check out NEA's Teacher Day Web Site. There you'll find this year's poster, a brief history of National Teacher Day, suggested activities, and resources for those considering entering this worthy profession.

What Do You Believe?

If you're looking for an interesting way to discuss different religions and foster tolerance in your school, you might want to check out the award-winning documentary from Sarah Feinbloom, "What Do You Believe?" In 49 minutes, dozens of teens speak candidly about religion, spirituality, suffering, death, the purpose of life, morality, prayer, and the divine. The video focuses primarily on five teenagers: a Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, and Native American, who, in speaking frankly about their personal struggles and beliefs, deflate countless stereotypes and misconceptions and make a strong case for tolerance. For a companion discussion guide and to order a copy of the documentary. Copies are $99 to purchase or $79 to rent for institutional use; $29.95 for home use.

Oh Say Can You…Sing?

How long has it been since you last patriotically belted out America's National Anthem? Know it by heart? Most of your students probably don't. According to a recent ABC News poll, as few as 15 percent of American youth can sing the words to the anthem from memory. To remedy this situation, the National Association for Music Education (MENC) has launched The National Anthem Project: Restoring America's Voice, a multi-year effort to re-teach Americans "The Star-Spangled Banner." The nationwide initiative comes on the heels of a recent Harris Poll that shows two out of three Americans don't know the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and many are unaware of the historical events that inspired the penning of the song. This startling statistic prompted MENC, the world's largest arts education association, to shine the spotlight on the importance of school music programs, as school is where most Americans learn the national anthem and other patriotic songs.

The campaign will include education initiatives in schools across the country, special performances and alliances with professional sporting events, and an extensive mobile marketing tour stopping in cities nationwide. The project has several education partners, including NEA.

Any classroom can get involved in the project. MENC members and staff have created resources to help educators teach patriotic music and raise awareness of the importance of music education in preserving American musical traditions. To access their free lessons, resource lists, advocacy materials, and tips for teaching "The Star-Spangled Banner."

'Weighted' Budgeting for Weighty Needs

The finer points of education finance won't ignite spirited debate in your staff lounge. But the moment a colleague pounds the lunch table over the lack of money for ever-growing student needs, it's good to know fiscal concepts such as equity, adequacy, and—a new one—the weighted student formula (WSF).

NEA Research has just released an educator-friendly analysis of WSF (also known as student-based budgeting), a trend emerging in several large urban school districts. Unlike the traditional budgeting model, pegged to staffing needs for a given school's enrollment and teacher-student ratio, a weighted student formula tailors a specific funding level to each child—with extra "weighted" dollars for individual special needs. That funding then follows the child around the district.

WSF proponents contend that this method yields budgeting "efficiency" and fiscal equity, and that it is a useful tool for implementing school site-based management efforts. Little argument there from NEA policy analyst Michael Petko, who scoured available research and authored the WSF study.

WSF indeed appears "more efficient," Petko concedes, curbing redundancy and waste. He also finds that "there appears to be consensus [in the research] that a successful WSF system is enhanced by the degree of site-based management allowed within the district"—so long as site administrators are properly trained in personnel administration and the "complexities" of budgeting.

While WSF "shows promise in helping large districts provide equity" between struggling and high-performing schools, Petko adds, more research is needed to analyze the impact of budgeting efficiency on student success.

And WSF, cautions the researcher, is only a "budgeting system for reallocating resources that currently exist within a district; it is not a system that will increase funding for student services." This method does not, he stresses, address the broader issue of adequacy—funding sufficient to meet rigorous state and federal standards for student achievement and school accountability.

"To date, no costing-out study in any state has concluded that the level of resources within the state meets an acceptable level of adequacy," Petko concludes. Take that bit of wisdom to the lunch table.

Read Weighted Student Formula: What Is It and How Does It Impact Programs in Large Urban Districts?. To learn more about funding adequacy, read the "Rights Watch" column.

On TV

	Time Machine—Cinco de Mayo History Channel, May 5, 6 a.m., ET, check local listings. This program tells the story of the 1862 battle in Puebla, Mexico, between the French army and an ill-equipped Mexican army. The hourlong show can be taped and used in the classroom for two years with Spanish-language teaching materials available.
	SportsFigures ESPN2, May 9, 4:30 a.m., ET. In this popular series, professional athletes use sports to demonstrate math and physics concepts. This month's episode, "Ice Ain't Easy/Breaking Energy," figure skater Sasha Cohen explains heating curves, heat of fusion, and calorimetry, while Tiger Schulmann uses karate to demonstrate kinetic energy, stress, and work. Educators can tape and use the show in the classroom with materials.
	TLC Elementary School—Exploring Stars TLC, May 13, 6 a.m., ET, check local listings. Designed for grades K–6, this program examines the forces that power the Sun, follows the life cycle of a star, and looks at telescopes that photograph objects light-years away from Earth. The show is part of a series that consists of segments edited from original documentaries and that can be taped and used in the classroom for two years. Teaching materials are available at the Discovery School Web Site.
	Vietnam: The Next Generation PBS, May 17, 10 p.m., ET, check local listings. Americans remember the Vietnam War. But what do we know of those born in its aftermath? Meet eight young Vietnamese, some born in the final days of the Vietnam War, others in the war's tragic aftermath. They are entrepreneurs and street kids, farmers and students, artists and engineers. Together they embody the hopes, dreams, and frustrations of a new Vietnam. Through their stories, this groundbpreaking Independent Lens program takes an in-depth look at modern day Vietnam, where communism and capitalism are going head-to-head. For more, visit PBS after May 9.
On TV listings are provided by Kidsnet, a national resource for children's media in Washington, D.C., and by Cable in the Classroom's Access Learning magazine.

Censored in America

Each year Project Censored picks the top 25 stories that were "overlooked, under-reported, or self-censored" by the major media and compiles them in a book.

The stories are chosen from 700 to 1,000 news nominees. This year's top story: the rise of inequality and the decline of the middle class in America.

Specifically, the rich—the top 5 percent—are getting richer, while the rest of us—95 percent—are losing ground. Inequality in America has increased dramatically since the late 1970s.

If this is news to you, that's probably because the mass media self-censor important news and trends, according to Project Censored, which operates out of Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California, and tries to shine a spotlight on "news that didn't make the news."

The current book, along with more information about the project, is available at www.projectcensored.org.