Cable in the Classroom is pleased to present via podcast [MP3, 54MB], the October 17, 2006 edition of the U.S. Department of Education's Education News Parents Can Use.

This episode focuses on what we can do now to prepare for an influenza pandemic—a global outbreak from a new strain of flu—that could have a dramatic impact on our nation’s communities, schools, and families. Although it is difficult to predict when the next pandemic flu might occur or how severe it will be, one thing is certain: educators, parents and community leaders can take steps now to lessen the impact of such an outbreak. The program features experts from across the federal government who are highlighting exemplary flu and emergency preparedness programs; answering questions about the different strains of flu and how they spread; updating an emerging body of resources for families and schools; and providing user-friendly tips for parents on ensuring the safety, health and security of children. It addresses questions such as:

• What are the differences between pandemic, seasonal and bird flu?
  
• What is “H5N1” and why are scientists paying so much attention to it?
  
• What is known about the pandemic flu and the possibility of a future outbreak - and how real is the threat?
  
• What are state, local and federal agencies doing to prepare for the threat of pandemic flu?
  
• How can families prepare now for the threat of a pandemic flu?
  
• What does a “family plan” look like, and how might it be helpful in the event of other emergencies, such as natural disasters?
  
• What kinds of questions should parents ask their children’s schools about their pandemic flu and emergency preparedness plans?
  
• In the event of an outbreak, what measures would schools take, and how would families be notified? And if schools shut down, how can families ensure that their children keep learning?
  
• Where can families go for updated and helpful resources on the pandemic flu?

For more information about this program, please see the U.S. Department of Education's show notes.

Listeners may also be interested in the Fall 2006 edition of Cable in the Classroom's Threshold (produced in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers) and in the September 2006 edition of Cable in the Classroom Magazine - both editions of which focused on emergency preparedness in the 21st century.

Technorati tags: parents, news, NCLB, US Department of Education, public domain, pandemic flu, H5N1, emergency preparedness, CIC, Cable in the Classroom