Sharing Updates: Anti-Bullying Campaign, Prom for Special Needs, and Special Ed Disability Programs

Popular kids may be key to stop bullying

Despite a surge in policy and research attention to conflict and bullying among adolescents, there is little evidence to suggest that current interventions reduce school conflict.

By encouraging a small set of students to take a public stance against typical forms of conflict at their school, this type of intervention reduced overall levels of conflict by an estimated 30%. Analysis determined certain kinds of students (called “social referents”) have an outsized influence over social norms and behavior at the school.

The study demonstrates the power of peer influence for changing climates of conflict and suggests which students to involve in those efforts.

(source: www.cnn.com)

Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine: More than 200 Proms for People with Special Needs

Night To Shine: For 2016, the Tim Tebow Foundation is organizing more than 200 proms in 48 states and 8 different countries for people with special needs. Guests will arrive on a red carpet that includes photographers (Tebow calls them “friendly paparazzi”). Once inside, guests can get their corsages and boutonnieres, visit hair and makeup stations, and participate in a karaoke room. And yes, there will be dancing. To make it all happen, the Tim Tebow Foundation provides each prom with financial support, decorations and gifts for each participant, and step-by-step guidance to make the prom a
success.

Tim is thrilled about the event’s 450% increase since last year. “Every time I think about it, I’m so humbled and amazed by the way God has continued to grow Night to Shine. I can’t wait for February 12th; it’s my favorite night of the year”

(source: www.timtebowfoundation.org)

More Money on the way for Special Ed, Disability Programs

With funding gains for special education, housing and other disability programs, advocates say the federal government’s latest budget is a step in the right direction.

The $1.1 trillion plan lawmakers approved last month boosts spending – at least a little bit – for most federal government programs that touch the lives of people with disabilities. Specifically, the plan calls for an additional $16 million for housing for people with disabilities and increases at Social Security to improve its administrative service. Meanwhile, funding to states under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for school-age children is up $415 million.

(source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com)