Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Weekly High School Sports Report - Expanded

Michael Hoffer, Sports Editor for the Forecaster, will report on high school sports, focusing on the "minor sports." We won't just be reporting scores and game results, but we'll focus on the kids who train hard and participate in those sports that receive less adult and media involvement. That said, Michael will keep us informed of all post season playoffs and tournament results, as well as behind-the-scenes and human interest happenings.

The Main(e) Event

The Professors are back! Mark Kostin and David Ruff from the Great Maine Schools Project/University of Southern Maine Partnership return with a look at how the 2007 graduating seniors are ready for college, work, and citizenship.

A recent study of last year's high school graduates by ACT, an Iowa testing organization, reported that only one quarter of high school students who take a full set of college-preparatory courses - four years of English and three each of math, science and social studies - are well prepared for college.

The Great Maine Schools Project has been working with nearly 30 high schools across the state for the last four years.  This is the first graduating class where students have spent their entire secondary education in these transformed schools that are committed to ensuring that all graduate ready for college, work, and citizenship.  This show will demonstrate -- through the experiences and aspirations of students -- what it will take for high schools to ensure they are well equipped and prepared for a Promising Future.

Who are Maine's graduating seniors and what are their plans?  How have their high school experiences shaped and supported their aspirations?  What's in store and what's next for the high school graduating class of 2007? Join us as we talk with graduating students and Principal Tom Ledue from Noble High School and hear about their plans for the future, what was most helpful, and how their schools can do an even better job of preparing and challenging future graduating classes.

Podcast Update

I'm experimenting with Podcasting the weekly show. Since I'm self-taught, the learning curve is steep at this point. Nevertheless, there are three "sample clips" of the show that can be listened to and downloaded at:

 http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/Podcasts.htm

I would appreciate any and all feedback, especially with regards to which player your browser used, i.e. Windows Media Player, Quick Time, etc. Were you able to download and save the file? How long did it take to download/play? What was the quality of the sound?

Once I figure out the best way to do this, anyone, anywhere will be able to listen to the show whenever it is convenient.

The Coaching Tip Of The Week

Remember: 1) These are just kids. Don't treat them like adults.  2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. Not you! It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will have nothing to do with the game you are coaching. 4) Never get angry or holler at your kids with an angry or impatient tone. Remember, there are two kinds of "holler:" a good holler to get their attention, and a bad holler that expresses anger, frustration, and disappointment. And 5) Be positive in all of your comments. Always focus on what the child did right even if it was just going up to the plate without crying!

This week's Tip: Visit the website, use the "Coaching Tips" link or just click on the link below to see my Tips for Coaches. These tips come from my 48 hour Coaching Development Workshop and have nothing to do with X's and O's or game winning strategies. These tips are all about your professional and personal development as a teacher of kids who happen to be organized for playing a sport.

http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/CoachTipsArchives.htm

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org