| Those caring for an older relative need care, too
If you are providing care for a parent or older family member, chances are good that you are also feeling stressed at times. Perhaps you feel guilty because you feel you aren't doing enough, and you're frustrated that you can't do more. You can't remember the last time you slept through the night without a call from your father. You can't bear to see what's happening to your mother, whose health has been declining for some time. You are not alone. Many adults are providing care for an older relative or friend. A study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that more than half of those who provide major care for parents experience stress and strain. Studies have shown that experiencing stress can also negatively affect the caregiver's health, well-being, and ability to provide care.
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Schools scramble for subs
They say journalists have to become an expert in any given subject on any given day. Substitute teachers often ride in the same boat. Substitute teachers are in high demand right now. The Federal Way School District, along with many school districts in Washington state, faces so much of a sub shortage that it also employs emergency subs. These are community members with at least a bachelor's degree, although a teaching certificate is not required. "Over the last few years, we've had fewer and fewer subs," said Lori Simmons, director of employee services for Federal Way School District. "Most of the subs have been taken in full time." Another aspect hindering the availability of certified subs, or a sub who has received a teacher's certificate, is that many subs are registered in several districts.
Caution: Mid-valley roads may get slick
Roads were fairly clear of ice this morning but cold temperatures and precipitation could cause dangerous driving conditions the rest of the week.After a freezing fog hit south Linn County early Sunday morning and caused several Interstate 5 crashes, Oregon State Police had extra troopers on duty today, ready for similar road problems. However, only a couple of minor crashes were reported, said Lt. Mark Cotter, supervisor for the Albany OSP office. One collision was reported on Highway 34 near Oakville Road, and a car went off the highway in the same area.Cold temperatures and precipitation are expected tonight and into the week, which could make for hazardous conditions, said Joe Harwood, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Transportation.Drivers, especially those traveling early in the morning, need to be cautious and leave extra space between themselves and other vehicles and "drive to the condition," he said.ODOT crews are on standby and ready to put de-icer on the roads if needed.At about 4:20 a.m.
UQ hosts conference on changing issues in public health nutrition
The impact of climate change on health and the link between socio-economic status and food choices will be some of the topics discussed by the world's leading public health nutritionists meeting in Brisbane this week. The University of Queensland is hosting the Australia Public Health Nutrition Academic Collaboration (APHNAC) conference (November 29-30) which will examine the imperatives driving change in public health nutrition, including the obesity epidemic, and explore the responses required by public health nutrition in relation to changing political, socio-economic and environmental priorities, including climate change. APHNAC Chair, Associate Professor John Coveney, said the conference would highlight key issues that affect how the way food policy is developed and food choices are made.
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Supporters of FLES in Palo Alto might be interested to know that, after a Nov. 20th school board vote, the Menlo Park school district is on track to adopt an elementary foreign language (or FLES) program. The plan they are considering would slightly extend the school day, rationalize the way core and enrichment classes are scheduled and add several Spanish specialists. For more info see: Web Link Would this work for Palo Alto?
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Tougher road for future teachers
The state has revised what new teachers will need to learn and do before leading their first classrooms.
But some local educators worry the changes to teacher certifications could hurt recruiting efforts, students and cost taxpayers more.
The goal of the revisions is to demand specialized training (think pediatrician versus general practitioner) for the modern classroom.
The world of education is one of high-stakes testing in which teachers and schools are held accountable for the performance of all students, from all backgrounds.
"We need more focused education and that requires more focused teachers," said Michael Race, spokesman for the state Department of Education.
Michael Leichliter, an assistant superintendent in the Penn Manor School District, worries, however, the revisions will hurt his district's recruitment efforts, especially for those qualified to teach special education.
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