GIRLS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

More than two decades ago, the Equal Opportunities for Women and Minorities in Science and Technology Act proclaimed that it was in the nation’s best interest to encourage more people to participate in science and engineering. The act mandated that the National Science Foundation report statistics on underrepresented groups and create programs designed to increase their representation.

The foundation’s Program for Women and Girls, created in 1993, has awarded more than $90 million to programs that address the need to broaden the participation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering and math.

“New Formulas for America’s Workforce: Girls in Science and Engineering,” is a new compilation that describes the findings of 225 projects funded by the NSF program. Order a free copy of the book from the NSF (the printed book is NSF 03207; the CD, NSF 03208), at www.nsf.gov/home/orderpub.htm or read it online at www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03207/start.htm.
 

SLEEP: MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK

When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep—between seven and nine hours straight through? If your answer is “not recently,” read on.

In an effort to educate Americans about the importance of sleep and the pitfalls of sleep deprivation, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is sponsoring National Sleep Awareness Week (NSAW), March 29-April 4. The theme is “Sleep! It’s a Healthy Choice.”

By better understanding the nature of sleep, practicing good sleep habits and recognizing the signs of sleep disorders, individuals can vastly improve their sleep, overall health and quality of life, says NSF.

Most Americans experience frequent sleep problems, according to a recent NSF poll, and nearly one-quarter report daytime sleepiness that often interferes with activities.

An NSF study on the sleep needs and patterns of adolescents notes that sleep loss has been linked to poor school performance, negative moods and an increased likelihood to use stimulants.

“Lack of sleep not only makes it difficult for students to concentrate and learn, but also contributes to a broad spectrum of illnesses in children and adults,” says Darryl Alexander, program director of AFT health and safety.

The AFT has signed on as a NSAW partner. For additional information and materials, visit www.sleepfoundation.org.

JOIN THE ‘BIG LOBBY’ON GLOBAL EDUCATION

Around the world, more than 100 million children of primary school age—most of them girls—have never attended school. This is more than the entire primary school populations of Europe and North America combined.

The Global Campaign for Education (GCE), which last year coordinated the World’s Largest Lesson Plan to focus attention on this issue, is again planning a week of action, set for April 19-25, to support efforts to help every child in the world go to school.

This year, the campaign is promoting the World’s Biggest Lobby, where children will make their voices heard in national parliaments/ legislatures, in state assemblies and in village councils worldwide. During the 2004 Global Action Week, teachers unions and educators in more than 100 countries are expected to participate in the effort to urge political leaders to provide more money and leadership for the Education for All initiative.

Education International (EI), a federation of unions representing 26 million teachers and other education employees, is among the sponsors of the event. EI urges its member organizations to organize town meetings and lobbying by children to ask decision-makers what they will do to make a quality education a reality for every child.

The World’s Largest Lesson Plan in 2003 attracted more than 2 million participants in 70 countries including more than 20,000 in the United States—many of them in AFT-represented districts. AFT members are again invited to find out how they can participate in the event. Visit the GCE Web site at www.campaignforeducation.org.
 

AD CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Active, involved parents can make a huge difference in their children’s education, and the National PTA and the Advertising Council want to drive home that point. The organizations are teaming up to launch a public service advertising campaign designed to encourage parent involvement.

The campaign will use television, radio, newspaper, magazine and Internet ads to provide parents with tips on how to help their children succeed in school and in life. The ads will feature celebrities such as former basketball star Charles Barkley, model Kathy Ireland and actors Anthony Edwards and Luke Perry.

Studies have shown that parent involvement in a child’s education leads to higher grades and test scores, better attendance, increased motivation, higher graduation rates and a greater likelihood of pursuing postsecondary education, the National PTA points out.

“For today’s busy parents and caregivers, being actively involved in their children’s schools may seem easier said than done,” National PTA president Linda Hodge says. “But it is important for them to understand the significant impact their involvement has on their child’s education and future.”

The ads will be distributed to 28,000 media outlets nationwide. For more information and to view the public service announcements, visit www.adcouncil.org  and click on “campaigns.”
 

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