The initiative incorporates several elements: an in-school activity kit created for teachers by teachers, which includes curriculum-based activity sheets, program-specific learning materials and school promotional materials. There’s also an interactive fitness-focused Web site for children.

The “What Moves U” in-school activation kit has been developed for teachers of various academic disciplines to help them find ways to integrate physical activities into their existing lesson plans.

The activation kit is being provided to more than 22,000 middle schools nationwide; other teachers can download the kit at www.whatmovesu.com.

A safe school and classroom are essential to academic achievement. A recent survey on urban school climate by the National School Boards Association’s Council of Urban Boards of Education found that although a majority of students say they feel safe in their school, 25 percent say they are unsure of their safety, and older students are even less likely to feel safe. 

“Where We Learn,” surveyed nearly 32,000 students from 15 urban school districts in 13 states. They were asked their views on school safety and bullying. Almost 63 percent of these students report feeling safe at school. However, nearly 20 percent of students believe that other students carry weapons in school.

Students in grades 9-12 expressed even more concern over weapons, with more than 40 percent reporting that they were not sure if others came to school armed.  

In addition, more than half of the students say they see children being bullied at least once a month; younger students report more bullying. And more than twice as many students in grades 4-6 as students in grades 9-12 say they are bullied regularly, according to the survey.  

“Climate is especially important in urban schools, which enroll almost 25 percent of public school students,” says Anne L. Bryant, NSBA executive director. “A safe school environment is critical in making sure our students succeed academically.”

The full report, which includes tips on preventing bullying, can be found at www.nsba.org/cube/WhereWeLearn.

The Democratic leadership Council (DLC) and the labor movement have found common ground on an issue that’s near and dear to many American workers—the right to request union representation without being subjected to intimidation or lengthy battles.

In September, the DLC joined AFL-CIO president John Sweeney and other labor leaders in endorsing the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Reintroduced in Congress last year, the act seeks to strengthen worker protections by requiring that employers recognize unions when the majority of workers request representation, as well as provide mediation and arbitration of first-contract disputes. The act also authorizes stronger penalties for violations when workers are prevented from forming unions.

“The DLC has come together today with the nation’s top labor leaders to speak with one voice guarding a worker’s right to choose to join a union without fear or intimidation,” said Iowa Gov. Thomas Vilsack, who chairs the DLC. “We believe that worker protection is a concern to all Americans and will work together to ensure the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.”

Sweeney noted that the agreement between labor and the DLC to work together to pass EFCA “reflects a growing consensus that stronger unions are not only good for unionized workers, but for working families and the economy as a whole. The law that is supposed to guarantee a worker’s right to form a union and bargain collectively is broken, and all American workers are suffering as a result.”