On Thursday, June 24^th, the House Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, chaired by Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), held a hearing on cyber bullying.  The witness panel included popular television psychologist, Dr. Phil Mcgraw, and 14-year-old Girl Scout, Dominique Napolitano. Ms. Napolitano offered personal insight by describing a cyber bullying incident involving a school friend, and indicated that “cyber bullying poses serious consequences to the health and safety of all children.” As the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) approaches, the panel urged Congress to add language to this act regarding the prevention of cyber bullying.

In 2009, 3.2 million American children perpetrated or were victimized by cyber bullying.   However, many parents remain unaware of the magnitude of problem.

Preventative measures include sites such as www.wiredsafety.com, which offer tools for cyber bullying prevention, as well as various media outreach campaigns. Ms. Napolitano and Dr. McGraw reinforced the importance of maintaining a dialogue with children regarding safe internet usage. Many schools have also implemented effective prevention programs that encourage children to anonymously report instances of cyber bullying. Congresswoman McCarthy stated that the committee would consider adding language to the ESEA regarding cyber bullying prevention programs.

For more information on the hearing: http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/2010/06/ensuring-student-cyber-safety.shtml

For more information on cyber bullying: http://www.helpstartshere.org/kids-and-families/schools-andcommunities/cyberbullying.html

For more information on ESEA: http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/education/esea/

The House Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, chaired by Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), recently held a hearing on “Corporal Punishment in Schools and its Effect on Academic Success.”  McCarthy explained that over 220,000 students were paddled in schools in the United States in the 2006-2007school year, according to the most recent data available from the U.S Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

Teachers and school administrators from across the country testified including Wynell Gilbert, a teacher at Erwin High School in Center Point, Alabama. He described a program developed by the American Federation of Teachers that trains teachers to “run effective, orderly, safe, and respectful classrooms” without the use of corporal punishment. It was also noted that research does not indicate that corporal punishment leads to better behaved students or enhanced classroom control. For the full hearing transcript click here http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/healthy-families/

According to Representative McCarthy, corporal punishment is permitted in 20 states and OCR statistics indicate that a disproportionate number of those paddled are African-American or disabled students and are likely to be in kindergarten through the 8th grade. McCarthy stated that she plans to introduce legislation to end paddling in schools, observing that federal statutes already prohibit physical punishment in prisons, jails, and medical facilities. NASW has long been opposed to the physical punishment of children in schools. To read about NASW’S policy statement on this and other school social work issues, go to www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/school/default.asp

NASW has co-signed a letter with the National Child Abuse Coalition, recognizing Representative McCarthy’s efforts to address corporal punishment in schools. To read the full sign on letter, click here.

For more information on NASW’s work in child abuse prevention, go to the Child Welfare or Children Adolescents and Young Adults section, Credentials, and Practice Standards.

NASW has launched a new webpage on school social work advocacy that includes the Association’s education policy statements, timely advocacy alerts and updates, and our public comments and testimony. There, you can read about how Congress has, for many years, designated the first week of social work month as School Social Work Week.

NASW is partnering with the College for Access and Success and the U.S. PIRG to urge Congress to ensure that the Restoring American Financial Stability Act (S. 3217) gives the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) full authority over all private student loans. The bill has been criticized for not providing CFPB enough teeth to enforce authority over existing private student lenders, some who have lent to for-profit colleges that are attended disproportionately by low-income and minority students. To view the coalition’s letter to the Senate click here.

Private student loans are considered to be one of the riskiest ways to pay for college, yet a significant number of students have private student loans as well as, or instead of, safer federal student loans.Private student loans typically have uncapped, variable rates that lack the fixed rates, consumer protections and flexible repayment options of federal student loans and are extremely difficult to discharge in bankruptcy.

NASW continues to advocate for public policies that make higher education more affordable for social worker students and professionals who are repaying their student debt obligations. You can view additional resources about federal and state loan forgiveness programs by going to www.socialworkers.org/loanforgivenss and for information about our school social work advocacy click here.

On March 30, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (H.R. 4872). NASW strongly supported this bill and has tirelessly advocated for the creation of public policies that make health care and higher education more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The higher education provisions are expected to generate significant savings by redirecting lender subsidies to boost Pell Grant scholarships, expand the Income Based Repayment Program, increase the number of students who enter and complete college, including community colleges, and invest over $2 billion in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and minority serving institutions (MSI) to provide students with the support they need to stay in school. The bill passed the House and Senate on March 25 with a Democratic vote of 220-207 and 56 to 43, respectively.

While some colleges and universities have already switched to direct lending, others are racing to switch from private lenders to the U.S. Department of Education by July 1, 2010. The lending overhaul, which would eliminate a program that subsidizes banks and other providers of federally backed loans, is projected to save the federal government $61 billion over 10 years with more than half of the savings channeled to Pell grants for low income students. More than 8 million low income students rely on these grants to fund their education.

For more information about our advocacy efforts to make higher education more affordable go to www.socialworkers.org/loanforgivness

To join the Advocacy listserv, go to http://capwiz.com/socialworkers/mlm/verify/

On March 17, 2010, Education Secretary Arne Duncan testified before the House Education and Labor Committee on the Obama Administration’s newly released blueprint for revamping the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as the No Child Left Behind Act. He focused on the themes of college and career readiness, accountability for all students, and incentives for states to improve their approach to educating our nation’s students. The Committee expressed a strong commitment to working with the Administration in rewriting the law. In his opening statement, Chairman George Miller said “the President’s blueprint lays important markers for us as we begin this rewrite.” To view the full statement click here http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/full-committee/

NASW, independently and in collaboration with the National Alliance of Pupil Serving Organizations (NAPSO), recently submitted comments for the Chairman to consider as Congress gears up to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act https://www.socialworkers.org/advocacy/issues/education/default.asp

• For information on joining NASW’s Advocacy listserv, go to http://capwiz.com/socialworkers/mlm/verify/.
• For more information on the School Social Work Specialist credential, go to http://www.socialworkers.org/credentials/default.asp.
• For more information on the school social work specialty practice section, go to http://www.socialworkers.org/credentials/default.asp
• For more information on school social work practice, including practice standards, go to http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/default.asp.
• For information on books and research regarding school social work practice, go to www.naswpress.org

The House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing on March 18, 2010 titled “Elementary and Secondary Education Act Reauthorization: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Students” to examine how schools can appropriately educate low-income, minority, English Language Learners, disabled, Native American, and homeless students within the context of reauthorizing  the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as the No Child Left Behind Act.

This goal was expressed by Subcommittee Chairman Representative Dale Kildee (D-MI) in his opening statement: “While the No Child Left Behind Act shed light on the inequalities in our education system, it unfortunately did not do enough to close the achievement gap for diverse students…This must be a top priority for future steps in education reform.”

To this end, the Subcommittee considered recommendations from a panel of educators, advocates, and a researcher working to close the achievement gap for diverse students. They included Dr. Daniel Curry, Superintendent for the Lake Forest School District in Felton, Delaware, Dr. Jack Dale, Superintendent for Fairfax County Public Schools in Falls Church, Virginia, Arelis Diaz, Assistant Superintendent for Godwin Heights Public Schools in Wyoming, Michigan, Dr. David Gipp, President of United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), Jacqui Farmer Kearns, Principal Investigator for the National Alternate Assessment Center, and Michael Wotorson, Executive Director of Campaign for High School Equity.

To read the transcript go tohttp://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/ecese/

Go here for more information on NASW’s advocacy efforts. 
Join the Advocacy Listserv to receive regular updates
NASW Standards for Social Work in Schools 
NASW Specialty Practice Section for School Social Work 
NASW School Social Specialist Credential

Video: Can We Live up to the Social Work Legacy?

Please take a moment to view a video NASW just recorded for you regarding the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 795/ S.686. This legislation is a first step to address serious workforce challenges such as low salaries, high educational debt, and safety concerns and will determine the best course of action to strengthen our profession. The bill is important to all social workers, and in this brief video we explain why leaders like Frances Perkins, Dorothy Height, and Whitney Young provide lessons for us to learn from and a legacy we must continue. NASW hopes we can count on our fellow social workers to stand up for our profession as we have always stood up for our clients.

NASW Attends Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference

On September 13-15 NASW attended the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Conference. On September 23-26, NASW attended the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). The Public Policy Conference and the ALC featured issue forums that focused on issues ranging from poverty and economic issues to housing, health and veterans.

HHS Secretary Sebelius Announces Senate Confirmation of Carmen Nazario as Assistant Secretary for Children and Families

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the United States Senate unanimously confirmed social worker Carmen Nazario as Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. In that role, she will oversee the Administration for Children and Families within HHS.

“Carmen Nazario has a distinguished record of more than 40 years working in human services at every level of government, as well as in the private and non-profit sectors,” said Secretary Sebelius.  “She has devoted her career to developing and implementing programs that promote the well-being of children and families, and she will build on that important work as Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.” (more…)

• $40 billion to expand the Pell grant program that aids low income students
• $10 billion to help community colleges increase enrollment and enable students to obtain a higher education
• $8 billion to help states improve early learning programs for children from birth to age 5
• $2 billion for historically black colleges and universities and other minority serving institutions

Take Action!

Senator Blanche Lincoln recently introduced, “Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act (S. 3364),” a bill that will have a tremendous impact on the lives of children by creating a better trained and prepared school social work workforce to address the psychosocial and emotional issues that can impede educational performance. Our nation currently faces a serious shortage of qualified school-employed professionals, putting students with issues that interfere with learning at greater risk for school failure.

Its companion bill, H.R. 6654, introduced by Representative Towns, has over 40 co-sponsors. We need your help to get both of these bills passed. The “Increased Student Achievement through Increased Student Support Act” seeks to address this shortage. It creates a federal grant program designed to increase the number of school social workers, school counselors, and school psychologists serving low-income local educational agencies (LEAs) by creating a pipeline between institutions of higher education and low-income school districts. Institutions of higher education with graduate training programs in school social work, school counseling, and school psychology that develop collaborative training and placement partnerships with LEA’s will be eligible to apply for federal grant funds to hire and pay participating graduates to work in those schools. Program participants who remain employed in a low-income school setting for a minimum of five years will be eligible for loan forgiveness. By expanding the number of school social workers in low-income, high-need schools, we can improve the school and life success for students throughout the country.

Action Needed: Please contact your Senator and urge them to join their colleagues, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY), Thad Cochran (MS) and Robert Menendez (NJ) as co-sponsors of the “Increased Student Achievement through Increased Student Support Act”. Let them know that you are a social worker who is committed to improving the lives of our nation’s children and you look forward to passage of this important legislation. Thanks for your advocacy. Nancy McFall Jean, MSW NASW Lobbyist