NEA Today Extra - November 2004 

Take A Stand Tell us what you're doing  to make sure your classroom is a "safe zone" free from "isms" and biases so that all students can learn and succeed. Download and share our poster today!

Table of Contents

Curtain Call

Students who study the arts score higher on standardized tests but schools are increasingly phasing out classes that promote creativity and self-expression. Since the passage of the so-called No Child Left Behind law many administrators have wiped out music, art, dance -- even social studies and physical education under pressure to raise test scores. Our cover story features educators who are struggling to keep the arts alive in our schools with help from the following organizations:

• The Educational Theatre Association offers professional development programs for teachers and organizes festivals for students.
• The National Association for Music Education wants to know if and how state testing is affecting your music program.
• At the National Art Education Association you can download and share flyers that help bring attention to art education policy deficiencies in schools.
• The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance serves professionals in all disciplines of health, physical education, recreation, dance and sport.

Check out these organizations if you want tips for building a strong arts program.

The Arts Education Partnership is focused on influencing national, state and local educational policies and practices to promote quality arts education. Their publication "Gaining the Arts Advantage" offers real lessons from school districts.

Americans for the Arts offer ways to support your programs and even include step-by-step guidance for setting up programs for at-risk youth.

Visit Opening Minds Through The Arts to see why student achievement can be improved by linking the arts to the core curriculum.

Tell Me Where It Hurts

School staff have higher rates of respiratory infections, chronic voice disorders, and musculoskeletal problems than folks who work in other professions. Learn what you can do to stay healthy in the classroom.

If sinus troubles don't respond to medication. Your school -- and you -- may be suffering from "sick building syndrome." The Occupational Health and Safety Administration can give you advice on cleaning up the ventilation system.

Flu season -- and unfortunately a shortage of the vaccine -- is upon us. Check out the CDC's recommendations for staying healthy this winter. Educators, school staff, and parents should download and print their "Cover Your Cough" and "Germ Stopper" posters from their Actions for Schools site. Also visit the CDC's Health In Schools section for more tips.

For kids and educators with allergies and asthma school presents a maze of questions not related to math or science class: Are there peanuts in that birthday treat a classmate brought in? Is there mold in the bathroom that will cause sneezing and coughing?

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology can help you spot these allergens and make a plan for avoiding them. Check out their report "Classroom Triggers for Asthma and Allergies."

Vocal hygiene

Did you know that one in five teachers miss work because they've strained their voices and can't even talk? ... Or that it's healthier for your vocal chords if you talk quietly rather than whisper? Visit www.sayitwell.com to learn how to care for your voice.

Aches and pains

Educators have disproportionately high rates of chronic back pain and sore joints. The trick to beating them is learning how to move properly. Check out "Danger: Teachers Working" NEEDS LINK for exercise and movement advice from a specialist.

Part Teacher, Part Camel? Not!

Many people don't realize that emptying the bladder is a key defense against infections. Unfortunately, teachers (along with nurses and pilots) have learned to avoid needed trips to the bathroom -- and they're paying for it. Educators are at the top of the list of people suffering bladder problems. Don't hold it any longer. Learn how to care for your bladder NEEDS LINK and find a urologist if you need one.

Sore feet

Heel inflammation is common among educators. Ankle exercises and a good pair of shoes can banish the pain. Visit the American Foot and Ankle Society for more.

Catch High-Tech Cheaters

Find out where students go online when they want to cheat on term papers and learn how you can promote academic honesty in your classroom. Get help from fellow educator Patti Tjomsland from her dynamite site: Ethics 101:  Cheating, Plagiarism, Site Evaluation, Copyright and Your Students.

Storm Season's Not Over Yet