Psychological Screening - The Good the Bad the Ugly, Don’t let the System Dictate for your Children!
Informing Parents of Their Right to Opt Out of Preschool Screening
The state must now inform parents that they have the right to opt out of preschool screening. The current law states that parents may conscientiously object to screening, but public notices to parents are highly misleading. They usually state that Minnesota law requires all preschoolers to be screened before kindergarten. Most parents were not told that their children do not have to participate in the highly subjective mental screening or the nosy personal questions about family life that ask about gun ownership, eating habits and “exposure to violence.”
This is a very important victory that will shield many families from intrusive data collection and many children from false mental illness labeling at an early age that will follow them throughout their years. It will also reduce unnecessary referrals for dangerous psychiatric treatment. Great thanks for this goes especially to Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud), who sponsored this language as separate legislation, and to Sen. Betsy Wergin (R-Princeton) who worked to get it amended into the Senate bill. Thanks also to the DFL leadership for leaving this common sense parental rights language in the final bill.
Infant Mental Health Screening — Fails
The entire section of legislation to establish a Kindergarten Readiness Advisory Board that included infant mental health was dropped from the final K-12 bill.
This would have affected all children, birth through age 5, in the recommendations of a statewide early childhood system to be designed by this appointed board. (See EdWatch update here.) Part of that system would have included infant mental health as part of a federal grant program that seeks to “screen all children birth to age five early and continuously” for “behavioral health.” “Behavioral health” is used to describe socio-emotional or mental health. It requires screening and treatment which more and more frequently is drugs, even in very young children. Although this Advisory Board, appointed by elected officials, would have been preferable to the barely accountable MELF system which did pass (see Nanny State Expansion, Part I), concerns remained. The Advisory Board was directed to recommend a statewide early childhood system that included infant mental health. In addition, preschool mental screening continues in this state, with extremely vague or non-existent statutory authority and weak or non-existent parental consent or notification. Hopefully, this existing screening will be curbed by the parents’ rights language on screening that was passed and discussed just above (See item #1). Thanks goes to the Governor for threatening a veto and the House Republican Caucus for being willing to uphold a veto of the education bill that starved the funds for yet another bureaucratic intrusion into family life.
TeenScreen — Passes
Funding for mental screening programs like TeenScreen passed in the education spending bill (HF2245). Due to enormous opposition and pressure from you, the public, this program went from “in your face” specific implementation of the very controversial TeenScreen program to the stealth description of “voluntary, opt-in suicide prevention tools” in the Safe Schools Levy. Opt-in does not mean that parents have requested psychiatric screening or that they have been informed of the dangers of the program. [For more information on TeenScreen , click here.]
TeenScreen must be challenged at the individual school district level. Some districts in Minnesota have already been implementing TeenScreen, even before receiving the additional money this levy will provide. However, once parents and school boards are notified of the controversial and unscientific nature of TeenScreen with its high false positive rates and other problems, many boards across the country have refused TeenScreen or parental permission rates have been so low that schools have discontinued the program.
Besides many thanks to you for your calls and emails, great thanks goes to Representatives Mark Olson (R-Big Lake), Tom Emmer (R-Delano), Tony Cornish (R -Good Thunder), Laura Brod (R-New Prague), Paul Kohls (R-Victoria), and Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton) for sponsoring amendments to remove this provision and for speaking out on the House floor and in committees against this bad language. The entire House Republican caucus with the exception of Representatives Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), Carol McFarlane (R-White Bear Lake), Ron Erhardt (R-Edina), Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead), Denny McNamara (R-Hastings), Neil Peterson (R -Bloomington), and Kathy Tinglestad (R-Andovor) voted to remove this provision. (Rep. Dennis Ozment, R-Rosemount, was absent.). No Democrats supported the amendment.
Discriminatory Mental Screening of Poor Children
a pilot program that will psychiatrically screen the children of low-income families passed in the Health and Human Services bill. Those receiving benefits through the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) will have their children screened for mental illness. The dangers of this psychiatric screening are the same as the dangers of TeenScreen. This program is also highly discriminatory and stigmatizing for poor and minority children, because it assumes that low-income families are more prone to mental illness.
Minority activists strongly opposed this measure by testifying and lobbying. EdWatch hoped for a veto of this appropriation. Mental screening in this program will lead to more drugging of poor and minority children than is already happening. According to a study by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 90% of children who see a psychiatrist will receive medication. Poor children on government programs like Medicaid are more likely to receive the strongest anti-psychotic drugs compared to children with private insurance.
Rev. Herron, an African-American pastor of Zion Baptist Church in north Minneapolis, representing many members of the community group Parents Speak Out, testified twice against the children of the poor being targeted for mental screening. Rev. Herron stated that the poor and minorities are aggressively drugged with dangerous and addictive psychiatric medications as a result of unreliable and subjective mental screening. He testified that universal mental screening is destructive to their families. (See details here.)
In Rev. Herron’s Senate Health and Human Services Budget Committee testimony, Sen. Berglin, the Committee Chair, Sen. Higgins, the bill’s author, and committee member Sen. Lourey all insisted that he was mistaken — that child mental screening was not in the bill. In reality, screening has always been in the bill, and these Senators seriously wronged this highly-regarded leader of the minority community. Rep. Sondra Erickson (R- Princeton) and Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake) are to be thanked for their attempts to amend this language out of the bill.
Early Intervention to Include Mental Screening
Mental screening and behavioral intervention was included into an otherwise positive program that provides added instructional aid to students struggling with math and reading before referring them for special education. The problem comes with the “behavioral intervention” part of the program. Neither the language of the bill nor the program’s website clarify how students that are not yet identified as special education students are screened for behavior problems, what interventions taken, the scientific validity of these interventions, what the parental consent procedures are for screening or intervening, or how these issues are handled in student records. Both state and federal law require parental consent before special education evaluations occur, and Minnesota law upholds a parent’s right to refuse these evaluations. Struggling students should not be routinely screened and referred for mental illness or untested behavioral intervention, especially under such unclear consent procedures.
Dr. Karen Effrem raised these concerns in both House and Senate testimony. The sponsors, Rep. Tim Faust (D-Mora) and Sen. Kathy Saltzman (D-Woodbury), feigned concern about these objections, but in the end did nothing about them. The Senate added this language to the education bill on the very last night of the session. Sen. Warren Limmer (R - Maple Grove) is to be thanked for attempting to add parental consent requirements as an amendment.The entire Senate Republican caucus voted for that amendment with the exception of Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista), who inexplicably spoke against it.
All of the Democrats voted against it.
For more information, visit www.edwatch.org.
15 Year Old Jazzmin Brooks Tenth Grader at Blaine High School to be Honored at the Lt. Governor Red Wagon Award Ceremonies and Reception at the Governors Residence
Ms. Jazzmin Brooks
Sometimes our community focuses on the not so good and when an opportunity like this comes, we have to stop, look and listen because this person with the assistance of the Girls In Motion program learned about hard work and what it means to be a leader. May we all follow “her” lead!
Jazzmin is Vice President and Founding member of Girls in Motion Minnesota. Girls in Motion is an all girl’s organization that promotes literacy, self esteem and academic excellence. One of our Motto’s at Girls in Motion is, “We can make the world a better place one girl at a time.” Jazzmin volunteers at Nellie Stone Johnson School, YMCA Beacons After-school Program and other service learning projects with The Walker Art Center.
On Monday, September 15, 2008 at the Lt. Governor Red Wagon Award Ceremonies and Reception at the Governors Residence, located at 1006 Summit Avenue in St. Paul from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p. m., Ms. Jazzmin Brooks will receive The Red Wagon Award for Demonstrating Outstanding Academic Achievement, Civic Engagement and Exemplary Leadership Skills. This award given by the Minnesota Alliance with Youth is a statewide network advocating with and for youth to ensure access to five resources that all young people need in order to be successful: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, and effective education and opportunities to serve.
The award will be presented by Lt. Governor Carol Molnau, Honorary Chair and Board Member for Minnesota Alliance with Youth.
The letter to Jazzmin from Lt. Governor Molnau reads:
Sincerely, Carol Molnau
Lieutenant Governor & Honorary Chair and Board Member, the Minnesota Alliance With Youth
Jazzmin says, “I love to travel, visit new cities and try new foods”. Jazzmin’s favorite subjects in school are Humane Letters, Music and Science. Her future aspirations include pursuing a dual degree in Urban Anthropology and Chemistry. Brooks goes on to say, “In the future, I hope to attend Stanford University in California and participate in an international exchange program that will all me to study abroad.” The Minnesota Alliance with Youth is a statewide collaborative network of partner organizations, schools and communities advocating with and for youth. Red Wagon Awards, The Minnesota Alliance with Youth recognizes young people who have demonstrated any or all of the following: Increased academic achievement, Civic engagement, service and exemplary leadership.
About Jazzmin Brooks:
My name is Jazzmin Briahna Brooks, I am in the tenth grade and I attend Blaine High School. I am vice president and founding member of a non-profit organization called Girls in Motion Minnesota. Girls in Motion Minnesota was started in the fall of 2006 in Minneapolis. G.I.M. promotes literacy, academic excellence, civic and leadership skills. We create and participate in service learning projects throughout the Minneapolis. I think it is important for young girls to dream that the world can be a better place. Therefore, it is important for young girls to gain new skills and participate in that change. One of our mottos is “Girls can make the world a better place one girl at a time.” My favorite subjects in school are Humane Letters, Spanish and Biology. I enjoy Humane Letters because it is a combination class of English grammar, Literature and Debate. In this class I learned how to develop my voice and affirm my personal beliefs while debating with other classmates. In addition, the classic literature we read and discussed had many comparisons and relevance to current events. My hobbies include reading, writing, and designing clothes. I also play basketball, dance and run track.I want to attend Stanford University and I hope to have a triple major in college. I want to study Urban Anthropology, Theology and Biochemistry. My career interest will give me the opportunity to travel around the world and study different cultures from more than one aspect. I look forward to experiencing other cultures, cuisines and lifestyles; I would consider this a rewarding career.
Nellie Stone Johnson School - Open House - Wednesday, August 27, 2008
On Wednesday, August 27, 2008 from 5-7 p.m., the Nellie Stone Johnson School will have its Open House titled, “Help our Students reach Destination Excellence”. Come and meet and talk to Principal Mark Bonine; Learn about volunteer opportunities; Greet Parent Liaison and VIP’s. Join the staff of Nellie Stone Johnson School for a very special evening to welcome the community and parents. School supply donations are needed.
The Nellie Stone Johnson School is located at 807 27th Avenue North in Minneapolis. For more information about the school or to donate school supplies, contact Ms. Nicole Randolph, Parent Liaison at 612-668-2947.
We look forward to seeing you at Nellie Stone Johnson School.
About Nellie Stone Johnson School:
Academic Opportunities
- Girls Engineering, Mathematics and Science.
- Guys in Science and Engineering.
- AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an in-school academic support program for grades 4-12 that prepares students for college eligibility and success. It places average students in advanced classes.
- Get Ready Program is an early intervention and college awareness program preparing students with college planning information, academic tutoring, career and higher education opportunities.
- Gifted and Talented Program.
- Native Language Literacy Program.
- Robotics elective for 6th grade students.
- Extended Day Programs (Beacons).
- Math Recovery and intensive reading support.
Nellie Stone Johnson Community School Mission Statement.
“Destination Excellence”
The mission of Nellie Stone Johnson Community School is to ensure a safe inclusive learning community where all children successfully master academic and social skills preparing them to be creative and critical thinkers. “Smart isn’t something you are, smart is something you get.”
Who is Nellie Stone Johnson?
From Lakeville, Minnesota, Nellie and her six siblings grew up on a dairy farm near Hinckley, Minnesota. Her father was a member of the Non-Partisan League, a radical rural organization. Johnson grew up with a strong tradition of support for education. Her mother and grandmother were teachers with an interest in political philosophy. Her father was a school board member in Dakota County.
At age 13, Johnson distributed Non-Partisan League flyers on her way to and from school. She graduated from Hinckley High School and left home at 17 to finish high school through the GED program at the University of Minnesota. After a number of years in the work force, Nellie continued her studies at the University of Wisconsin using the money she earned from trapping to finance her education there. For over 30 years, she has owned and operated Nellie’s Alterations in downtown Minneapolis. Johnson’s commitment to education continued through her work on the Minnesota Higher Education Board.
She has had a long and distinguished record…Read more about Ms. Stone-Johnson at http://nsj.mpls.k12.mn.us/Who_was_Nellie_Stone_Johnson.html
Community Child Advocacy Forum
Find Out Ways You Can Help Abused & Neglected Children…
We need people who care about children caught in our child protection system. Social workers, child advocates and families positively impacted by court involvement will share their experiences and stories. Becoming a Guardian ad Litem (court appointed special advocate), and other ways community members can become involved will be discussed.
Sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Black Social Workers & Hennepin County’s Guardian Ad Litem Program
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED AND CAN’T MAKE THE FORUM, PLEASE CALL FOR AN INFORMATION PACKET (612) 348-6824 OR (651) 266-5270
Minnesota Pipeline: Making Minnesota’s Children a Political Priority in the 2008 Election
On Tuesday, July 22, 2008 from 6-8pm at the Minneapolis Urban League a Community Meeting will be held to address racial, health, education and social disparities for children of color in Minnesota. You are encouraged to attend this very important meeting.
Nearly 45% of black children in Minnesota live below the federal poverty guidelines; approximately 26% of Hispanic/Latino children and 20% of Asian children live below these guidelines. Children of color in Minnesota are more likely to live in a female-headed household and lack any kind of health insurance than white children. Moreover, children of color experience lower graduation rates in Minnesota – between 50-60%, while white children have a graduation rate of 92%.
Stop these disparities! Attend this timely Minnesota Pipeline discussion “Making Minnesota’s Children a Political Priority in the 2008 Election” to reverse these inequities and change the lives of children of color in Minnesota.
Join us to implement change on Tuesday, July 22 from 6-8 pm at the Minneapolis Urban League, Glover-Sudduth Center, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North.
Complimentary dinner for Pipeline participants. For more information, call (612) 302-3100.
This meeting is a collaboration between the Minneapolis Urban League, Every Child Matters and the Minnesota Children’s Platform.
About the Minneapolis Urban League
The Minneapolis Urban League is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that provides human services and advocacy that will enable African Americans and other diverse group members residing in the greater Minneapolis metropolitan area to cultivate and develop their individual and group potential on a par with all other Minnesotans.
For more information about the Minneapolis Urban League, visit www.mul.org or call (612) 302-3100. The Minneapolis Urban League is headquartered at the Glover-Sudduth Center, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.
