"Medicaid"... or "MedicATE"?

Did you catch the eye-opening piece in The New York Times this weekend, Poor Children Likelier to Get Antipsychotics? Fascinating... We can basically assume that there will be class disparities in almost every facet of life. Whether discussing inequities in the education system, gentrification, disease, employment, etc. those with less are seemingly always up against more. But, the notion that poor kids are being drugged at alarmingly higher rates than their middle- and upper-class counterparts with similar symptoms really seems... well, "unfair" doesn't capture it.

Studies revealed that Medicaid is prescribing antipsychotic medication four times as fast to the poorest children, and often for much less serious conditions. The problem? Obviously, no one wants to over-medicate children. But, these drugs can also lead to various complications, including heart and weight issues. It isn't bad enough that poor neighborhoods are populated with fast-food options while bereft of healthy choices, now the medicines being prescribed are compounding the problem?

Hopefully, this piece will raise the awareness of the decision makers - from doctors to health-care reformers - to analyze the current policies and practices in the prescribing of medication. The message also must reach poor parents who need to understand it is within their rights to ask questions of their insurance companies and doctors. For many groups, a doctor's word is law and is almost never questioned. But, we all have the right to gather more information, obtain second opinions, and seek alternatives to medicating.

And, where children's health is concerned, parents should have more information - not less.

The Problem With Summer

For its poorest students, America doesn’t have a school problem.

It has a summer-vacation problem.

- Malcolm Gladwell

By now, you've either read Outliers, or become completely annoyed by those around you who keep recommending it (if not, you may need to change your circle). Gladwell's eye-opening read sheds light on a number of topics, one of the most interesting being the damaging effects of summer vacation on America's poorest students.

The studies cited in the book show that while lower-class students and upper-class students perform at similar levels during the year (5th Grade, in this particular study), over the summer, privileged students continue learning at a superior rate, while the rest fall behind. The obvious result is that come September, the gap between the haves and the have-nots is quite substantial - and, extremely difficult to overcome.

The reasons why you can probably figure yourself: absence of reading, days spent hanging out in the neighborhood, parents who can't take vacation leaving kids unmonitored... And, of course, there are those missing life experiences: camps, travel, trips to museums and other cultural institutions. For some, learning simply doesn't stop.

Which is why it was so refreshing to follow the Obamas' first summer in office.

Eiffel Tower. Pantheon. The Kremlin. Ghana. Rome... If these stops were crossed off your bucket list, you would have done well in life. Imagine covering them in two months! The message is clear: summer is not a time to slack. And, while you can read about a slave prison, nothing will replace the experience of having set foot in one. Indeed, the first-daughters have truly been exposed to an amazing amount of life experiences already...

Also amazing is that some have been critical of this type of travel in such a poor economy. What kind of message is the President sending to those who are struggling financially right now? The point is not invalid, but it doesn't address the counterpoint: True, but what kind of example is he setting for those who face financial struggles regularly?

The problem with summer? Probably, when it's viewed as a break - instead of an opportunity.

I Used To Rule The World

Kudos to the PS22 Chorus - kids and faculty!

In light of vast budget cuts in the music and arts, the voices and faces in this video serve as clear reminders that these programs enrich kids' lives.  Look at the seriousness with which these young singers approach their Coldplay cover.  Note the pride in their faces as they harmonize effortlessly.

Government officials should visit PS22's blog to be reminded of what is lost when these programs are cut . . . Or, they can simply enjoy a respite from the grind of the day.

Don't Google Your Name!

It was advice given by a former American Idol contestant to the current cast.  Rihanna may need to take this advice to heart.

The internet reaction to the Rihanna-Chris Brown saga has been alarming . . . and, yet, somewhat predictable. Were Rihanna to read these comments, she might start to believe that this assault was her fault. Young female voices are placing the blame on Rihanna in large numbers - and in no uncertain terms. Yes, they are girls and young women, but they are also fans:

“She probly ran into a door and was too embarrassed so blamed it on chris.” (NYTimes March 18, 2009)

After sitting in on a NYC middle school advisory this week, it is clear that this "siding" [with Chris Brown] is the norm, not the exception. Are we raising a generation of girls that will come to accept violence in relationships as normal? Even worse, are we raising boys who are listening to these girls and thinking, "If they don't have a problem with it..."

The Othello lesson at the end of the article (above) is one approach to addressing this issue. Would love to hear what else is being done out there...

Can't Focus With Her In The Room?

 

Seems that's the case for a lot of boys. And, one school in the Bronx is trying to address it. Not completely going the traditional route of a single-sexed school, PS 140 is attempting to solve some of its performance numbers by separating girls and boys for certain academic classes.  

The thought behind the experiment is simple: "some advocates believe that girls are more likely to participate in class when no boys are present — and that boys, particularly those from low-income families, tend to focus better without girls around." (NYTimes March 10, 2009)

The results? Arguable at best. PS 140 has seen results - especially where behavior is concerned. But, the jury is still out in other schools around the country on this topic.

One point that's hard to dispute, however, is that conversations about social issues? Body changes, bullying, hormones, feelings?? Those conversations are NEVER the same when we're all in the room...