"Last year we saw an unprecedented wave of new school choice programs launch across the country. These hard-won political victories for the choice movement also consolidated important improvements in program design. Following 20 years of heated debate, new programs reflect a growing sophistication regarding the design and implementation of school choice policies.

It is time for claims and counterclaims about school choice to show similar maturation. There are limits to how much we can learn by studying existing programs, and to what extent we can apply these findings to other contexts. However, we have learned much in the two decades since the start of the Milwaukee voucher program in 1990 and the passage, in Minnesota, of the nation's first charter school law in 1991.

We are scholars and analysts who support school choice in some fashion, though we have varied perspectives regarding the optimal nature, extent, and design of choice-based arrangements. Choice's track record so far is promising and provides support for continuing expansion of school choice policies."  Learn the conclusions of these analysts and scholars.

For adolescents, Facebook and other social media have created an irresistible forum for online sharing and oversharing, so much so that endless mood-of-the-moment updates have inspired a snickering retort on T-shirts and posters: "Face your problems, don't Facebook them." But specialists in adolescent medicine and mental health experts say that dark postings should not be hastily dismissed because they can serve as signs of depression and an early warning system for timely intervention. Whether therapists should engage with patients over Facebook, however, remains a matter of debate.... Last year, researchers examined Facebook profiles of 200 students at the University of Washington and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Some 30 percent posted updates that met the American Psychiatric Association's criteria for a symptom of depression, reporting feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, insomnia or sleeping too much, and difficulty concentrating. Their findings echo research that suggests depression is increasingly common among college students. Some studies have concluded that 30 to 40 percent of college students suffer a debilitating depressive episode each year. Yet scarcely 10 percent seek counseling. "You can identify adolescents and young adults on Facebook who are showing signs of being at risk, who would benefit from a clinical visit for screening," said Dr. Megan A. Moreno, a principal investigator in the Facebook studies and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  More.

Bucking Gender Expectations: for Kids, It's Relatively Common  But. . .

Children whose behavior doesn't conform to gender expectations -- girls who swing swords and play with trucks, boys who tend to dolls and are drawn to high heels and frilly dresses -- are only rarely tipping their hand about their future sexual orientation. But such behavior does predict that a kid is more likely to experience psychological, physical or sexual abuse during childhood, and will go on to suffer post-traumatic stress. Behavior that defies gender stereotypes is remarkably common, reports an editorial published alongside two studies on gender-defying kids in the journal Pediatrics this week. As many as 13% of teenage boys and 26% of teenage girls report that they engaged in cross-gender behavior as younger kids. And between 2% to 5% of boys and 15% to 16% of girls reported they sometimes wished they could be the opposite gender. Such behavior can hint at future sexual orientation or gender identity, but not with great accuracy. A new study published in Pediatrics finds that, of children who most intensively engaged in behavior that crossed gender stereotypes (the top 10%), about 60% would identify themselves as heterosexual between the ages of 19 and 27. (That still counts as a "strong association" between child gender non-conforming behavior and homosexuality, but it's far short of predictive.)  Full story here.

The Foundation for Youth Investment, an initiative of the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council created to provide greater resources to connect children, youth, and young adults to nature via parks and outdoor spaces, is inviting Northern and Central California nonprofits to apply for Catalyst Fund program grants to support work designed to get youth outdoors.  Applicants must be a federal and California tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization; or a public agency, school district, or federally recognized tribe; or have an eligible tax-exempt organization serving as fiscal sponsor.  Deadline:  March 1, 2012.    More information.  Complete RFP. 

First Nations Development Institute: Native Youth and Culture Fund       

The Native Youth and Culture Fund through the First Nations Development Institute will provide up to 20 grants to fund projects that address social issues related to youth such as drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, and mental health. Proposed applicants should incorporate culture and tradition (e.g., preserves cultural practices, increases youth leadership, increases access to cultural customs, and engages elders in activities). Tribal governments, tribal programs, and Native nonprofits in or near Indian lands are eligible to apply. Deadline:  Letter of Intent, March 2, 2012; application, March 30, 2012.  Info and application. 

Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program

Every year, Kohl's recognizes and rewards young volunteers across the country for their amazing contributions to their communities. Maximum award: $10,000. Eligibility: legal U.S. residents of a state in which a Kohl's store is located, between the ages of 6 and 18 and not yet a high school graduate as of March 15, 2012. Deadline: March 15, 2012.  Info and application.

Typical or Troubled? APF School Mental Health Education Grants   

For those who work in or with two or more middle or high schools, you are eligible to apply for a grant sponsored by the American Psychiatric Foundation to implement the Typical or Troubled? ™ School Mental Health Education program. Grant awards include: a grant of $1,000 or $2,000, innovative educational materials, brochures, evaluation tools, technical assistance, and connections with many of your colleagues across the nation. Typical or Troubled? ™ is a school community program designed to educate teachers and other school staff on: the warning signs of emotional and behavioral health issues; how to talk to students who may be experiencing problems and engage family members; and help connect students to appropriate resources within the school or community.  Implemented in 45 states, the program has resulted in critical interventions with students in need, ignited positive dialogue and collaboration among the school communities, and resulted in establishing or improving referral systems for treatment and services.  Deadline:  March 30, 2012.  Info and application.  

ING Unsung Heroes Award  

ING Unsung Heroes began in 1995as a way for ING to demonstrate its commitment to the education community. Grants are given to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning.  Each year, educators submit applications for an ING Unsung Heroes grant by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its:

innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence the students.  All K-12 education professionals, whether or not they are clients of ING, are eligible. Specifically, these individuals must be:  (1)  Employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the United States, or (2)  Full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, orclassified staff with effective  projects that improve student learning.  Deadline:  April 30, 2012.  Details here.  

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes    

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, founded by author T. A. Barron in honor of his mother, celebrates outstanding young leaders. Each year the Barron Prize honors 25 inspiring young people who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet.  These outstanding young leaders have focused on helping their communities and fellow beings and/or on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment. Maximum award: $2,500. Eligibility: youth 8-18. Deadline: April 30, 2012.  Nomination information here.