The percentage of Latinos in a 4 year period from 2005 to 2009 has dropped in enrollment because of the steady decline in the economy. Many Latino parents have lost jobs and are unable to pay for preschool fees. When they are compared to their White and African American peers, those two groups have managed to stay in the preschool system even though the life situations are similar. One of the problems that many Latino families face is the accessibility to these services. They may have to rely on public transportation or other less convenient sources of transportation. The article summarizes this point with this, "Until Latino children gain equal access to preschools that display robust quality , it's difficult to see how early achievement gaps can be narrowed."
The argument here is find ways to close the achievement gap within this population and to observe the effectiveness of early childhood education in those precious preschool years. I believe that early childhood education is important for the development of a child to get on the school track at an early age, however, I don't think it's completely necessary. Firstly, the cost of sending a child or multiple children can be very costly especially for low income families and limit them for further growth. One thing that these lower income families could do in stead to save them the cost; they could go to the local public library and check out books and read at home to get a head start in the literacy race, and the best part is, it won't cost them nearly as much as preschooling would be.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Most Students Don't Meet 'Proficient' Bar on NAEP in Civics
A recent report in Education Week showed that many of our young people in this country fall below proficient or advanced in the area of civics. For example, within this past year, the nation's 4th graders were scoring proficient at about 27%, while the rest of them were at a basic understanding for the subject. There were two other grades that were tested as well (8th and 12th), and these percentages were also just as not impressive. However, some good news, the article mentioned some gains within the Hispanic population of students. At all three grade levels, Hispanic students made some great leaps in the test scores in the past years and have made some steady improvement to date.
This isn't the first time that I've heard about students falling below average in this area of school subjects. I recently heard a news report of a percentage of high school seniors not able to locate certain middle eastern countries on a map, even though there is plenty of U.S. involvement in many of those countries. On one hand, this fact may be a result of ignorance, or on the other, having a lack of interest in learning about these foreign nations and their history. If one of the objectives of schooling is to help foster young minds gain a greater awareness of the things around them and an appreciation of other cultures, doesn't it make sense to have this type learning occur in our classrooms. And yes, this means to be able to locate countries on a map as well.
This isn't the first time that I've heard about students falling below average in this area of school subjects. I recently heard a news report of a percentage of high school seniors not able to locate certain middle eastern countries on a map, even though there is plenty of U.S. involvement in many of those countries. On one hand, this fact may be a result of ignorance, or on the other, having a lack of interest in learning about these foreign nations and their history. If one of the objectives of schooling is to help foster young minds gain a greater awareness of the things around them and an appreciation of other cultures, doesn't it make sense to have this type learning occur in our classrooms. And yes, this means to be able to locate countries on a map as well.
2011 Teacher of the Year Sees 'Abilities, Not Disabilities'
Michelle Shearer was named the teacher of the year and was honored in a ceremony at the White House recently. Within this next year, she will be touring around the country to encourage other fellow teachers to focus on science, technology, engineering, and math; and make those accessible for all students, including those with special needs.
I think it's great to see a great teacher of her caliber to be recognized nationally at the White House. This just shows how the leaders of this country respect teachers and it's awesome to see some good in the news in spite of changing system and economic turmoil. I'd like to see more stories like this in Education Week so that the image of the teaching profession can gain more appreciation and the light be shone on towards kids and the citizens of this great country. This should be a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a freer nation than many others around the world.
I think it's great to see a great teacher of her caliber to be recognized nationally at the White House. This just shows how the leaders of this country respect teachers and it's awesome to see some good in the news in spite of changing system and economic turmoil. I'd like to see more stories like this in Education Week so that the image of the teaching profession can gain more appreciation and the light be shone on towards kids and the citizens of this great country. This should be a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a freer nation than many others around the world.
Quality of Summer Teachers Examined
As another school year is coming to a close, the summer is nearing and so is summer school! This can be crucial time for both students and teachers. For students, it's a time to get ahead in their coursework or to catch up with credit retrieval. For teachers, it's time to be evaluated and careful chosen because of the budget constraints many districts are facing in these harsh economic times. With many districts, teachers are hand picked using the value added system. These days, there seem to be added pressure for students to perform well especially during the summer days where many students experience summer learning loss. A major factor to keep from having students lose what they've learned over the past year is the effectiveness of the teacher.
When it comes to hiring great teachers to facilitate summer school sessions, I feel that there is no easy method of evaluating their performance because no matter which form one uses, the basis of interpretation can be subjective. In order to have a system that is non bias and much more fair, systems based on bringing in outside opinions that hold no stake in the betterment of one candidate over another might be a much more fair way of going about hiring. For example, in sports such as basketball, referees are hired from outside of a district and even sometimes the state to do the officiating because they are less likely to favor one team over the other and make calls more fairly.
When it comes to hiring great teachers to facilitate summer school sessions, I feel that there is no easy method of evaluating their performance because no matter which form one uses, the basis of interpretation can be subjective. In order to have a system that is non bias and much more fair, systems based on bringing in outside opinions that hold no stake in the betterment of one candidate over another might be a much more fair way of going about hiring. For example, in sports such as basketball, referees are hired from outside of a district and even sometimes the state to do the officiating because they are less likely to favor one team over the other and make calls more fairly.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Budget Cuts Hit Close to the Bone in Districts Nationwide
There have been many cuts to well protected programs of many years within this past year that have a huge impact on the communities that the schools serve. Many summer school programs have been eliminated, along with music programs and even our beloved sports programs that many schools hold dear to. Another area that has been greatly reduced is with transportation and buses. For example, in the Bayless District of St. Louis, the school board voted to eliminate bus transportation to save $250,000. When it comes to sports programs, many districts would save up to a few million dollars if they cut those programs to help use the budget sparingly.
My initial reaction to this article was, "What is the world coming to?" and "Where in the world are our priorities?". It's sad to see so many programs that have to be eliminated because of budget shortfalls and poor economic planning for those rainy days. Well, here is the rainy days! I think that so many times we take things for granted and when our nation is faced with difficult times like these budget cuts, we lose out on all of the great programs that we used to have and now have to get rid of. Maybe this is a lesson that the whole country can learn from for the future.
My initial reaction to this article was, "What is the world coming to?" and "Where in the world are our priorities?". It's sad to see so many programs that have to be eliminated because of budget shortfalls and poor economic planning for those rainy days. Well, here is the rainy days! I think that so many times we take things for granted and when our nation is faced with difficult times like these budget cuts, we lose out on all of the great programs that we used to have and now have to get rid of. Maybe this is a lesson that the whole country can learn from for the future.
Changing Policy to End Anti-Gay Bullying
In a recent report in the Social Policy Report, it states that schools that take explicit action to prevent bullying based on gender, race, or sexuality go a long way toward creating a positive climate for all students. Today's youth are expressing sexual identities at much younger ages than ever before. This means that LGBT kids are being harassed and bullied much earlier because they don't quite fit in with the status quo or the mainstream. To ensure more attention and safety for these students, many educators are pushing for policies to be put in place to keep them safe.
This is a sensitive area within schools and students that I don't have a lot of experience with. However, just like any other students, LGBT students must be protected of their rights as well to be educated and not discriminated against. Schools need to have their best interests in mind as well, especially with safety because these students are going to be opposed by many of their peers and they should have every right to be at school and feel safe.
This is a sensitive area within schools and students that I don't have a lot of experience with. However, just like any other students, LGBT students must be protected of their rights as well to be educated and not discriminated against. Schools need to have their best interests in mind as well, especially with safety because these students are going to be opposed by many of their peers and they should have every right to be at school and feel safe.
An educator's Role in A Pop Culture World
This was a reflection by Michael C. Obel-Omia, head of school at the Paul Cuffee School in Providence, R.I. that talks about the pop culture in general and the kinds of idols that are represented in the U.S. today. He describes a couple pop stars in today's scene such as Rihanna and Kanye West. Young girls want to be like Rihanna and imitate her beauty and sense of fashion while young boys copycat the whole "gangster" and hip hop lifestyle with their saggy pants and big t shirts. At the same time, teachers are trying to find ways to crack into the minds of the youth while battling these opposing forces; pop culture and intellectual culture.
I think that the pop scene can be both detrimental and positive at the same time. It just all depends on how you let it influence you and choose to make it a part of your life. Kids are always looking up to the older adults and older peers all the time. If educators can create the most positive and fun environment for students at the schools while abiding by school rules, then they will really look forward to want to learn something and find more fulfilling meaning in their lives other than looking to pop culture idols.
I think that the pop scene can be both detrimental and positive at the same time. It just all depends on how you let it influence you and choose to make it a part of your life. Kids are always looking up to the older adults and older peers all the time. If educators can create the most positive and fun environment for students at the schools while abiding by school rules, then they will really look forward to want to learn something and find more fulfilling meaning in their lives other than looking to pop culture idols.
Parent and Community Engagement: Has its Time Finally Come?
There have been recent and older discussions about having this unified system where students, parents, and teachers work together to increase academic success for the children instead of putting the responsibility on the school alone. The responsibility should be ideally spread out to everyone involved in the child's life and adults should model behaviors that are going to benefit the child. However, this is not a perfect world and not every child may have the best influences in their lives, and not by choice. I believe that if educators can learn about their students on a more personal level, then they could help them more and get the results they want to see out of the students. In theory, it should be a simple equation to get everyone involved, but because of whatever issues families may face, some priorities are just pushed to the side and not focused upon. In order to get America back on track to a successful future in the global market, everyone needs to step up their game and get the job done to keep our national pride in hand. There are too many other nations that are slowly but surely within competitive reach with the U.S. and we, as the best nation in the world cannot be ok with that.
Chicago Expanding Free Breakfast to All Students
The Chicago board of education has adopted a new program that offers free breakfast in all of its classrooms of public elementary schools. The breakfasts will include cereal, milk, fruit, and scrambled eggs for these students to help jump start their day off in a healthier manner. They already provide for about 21 million meals in the district and will soon extend out to the elementary schools.
It's awesome to see that extra funding is going into programs to increase the quality of food in our schools where we are a fast food driven society. These healthier options are crucial to have to increase attention and focus in our students to gain the best retention possible. The saying holds true "you are what you eat" in my opinion, because I know that for me, it's important to have a hearty breakfast that is filled with lots of nutritious calories to jump start my day, and I know that this will also hold true for younger, developing students as well. Good job Chicago!
It's awesome to see that extra funding is going into programs to increase the quality of food in our schools where we are a fast food driven society. These healthier options are crucial to have to increase attention and focus in our students to gain the best retention possible. The saying holds true "you are what you eat" in my opinion, because I know that for me, it's important to have a hearty breakfast that is filled with lots of nutritious calories to jump start my day, and I know that this will also hold true for younger, developing students as well. Good job Chicago!
'Attack a Teacher Day' Facebook Invitation Prompts Arrests
In Carson City, Nevada, 6 female students were arrested in connection with promoting to this Facebook invitation from two local middle schools. The students insisted that the postings on the website were just a joke, but school administrators did not tread lightly on the matter. The girls were later released to the custody of their parents and they were suspended for up to 5 days.
I think it's disheartening to hear these kinds of stories to make headline news because when I reflect on this particular story, I think of what was the motivation to want to even think and post this type of event online where the world would see it? It makes me wonder what kind of environment they live in, who their friends are, the types of relationships they have with adult figures in their lives, etc. How does this reflect them, their parents, their community in a positive manner? Overall, I think that so many miscellaneous news such as this makes more of the headlines than do the actual successes that are going on in the schools today. I am glad though to see administration getting this situation under control and see to it that no one got hurt in the midst of this "joke". In these sensitive times, students need to take these things more seriously because there have been actual crimes that occurred in the past.
I think it's disheartening to hear these kinds of stories to make headline news because when I reflect on this particular story, I think of what was the motivation to want to even think and post this type of event online where the world would see it? It makes me wonder what kind of environment they live in, who their friends are, the types of relationships they have with adult figures in their lives, etc. How does this reflect them, their parents, their community in a positive manner? Overall, I think that so many miscellaneous news such as this makes more of the headlines than do the actual successes that are going on in the schools today. I am glad though to see administration getting this situation under control and see to it that no one got hurt in the midst of this "joke". In these sensitive times, students need to take these things more seriously because there have been actual crimes that occurred in the past.
Robots Wheel Around Classrooms Teaching South Korean Students
In a pilot program, robots are used in classrooms speaking and reading to students in English with a display of an avatar face of a Caucasian woman. This program is not to replace existing teachers and is funded by the South Korean government that runs them $1.37 million. Mr. Sagong, Senior Scientist for the Korea Institute of Science and Technology stated, "The robots won't complain about health insurance, sick leave, and severance package, or leave in three months for a better paying job in Japan."
First of all, I think it's great that in other parts of the world; they are using unique forms of technology in the classrooms to further their skills such as learning English. I think that it's so awesome that in other parts of the world such as Korea, students are willing to learn the golden language of English to be able to compete on the global market, whereas here in the U.S., learning a second language is much more optional and not so much of a focus. Or at least I don't hear as much interest in learning another language from students. I think that Korea is doing an excellent job in the realm of education and are modeling great successes; where the U.S. should adopt some of those successes and create great reform in this great nation as well.
First of all, I think it's great that in other parts of the world; they are using unique forms of technology in the classrooms to further their skills such as learning English. I think that it's so awesome that in other parts of the world such as Korea, students are willing to learn the golden language of English to be able to compete on the global market, whereas here in the U.S., learning a second language is much more optional and not so much of a focus. Or at least I don't hear as much interest in learning another language from students. I think that Korea is doing an excellent job in the realm of education and are modeling great successes; where the U.S. should adopt some of those successes and create great reform in this great nation as well.
Teacher-Student Texting Is Targeted in Virginia
The Virginia board of education wants to set strict guidelines to discourage inappropriate use of electronic communication between educators and students. As a result, teachers must report to their supervisors of any communication that goes on between them and their students; this includes coaches too. The article also mentions that the use of online game play with students is restricted to just for academic use only and other types of gaming is strictly prohibited.
In my opinion, I think to completely avoid the issue of misinterpreting messages over digital communication and the internet; it's important to use the technology in a sensible and honest manner, and use only in emergency situations. There seem to be more attention on these types of issues in the news lately and to avoid litigations and problems with the law, it's best to play it safe when using cell phones and social networking programs altogether since there's no such thing as privacy anymore.
In my opinion, I think to completely avoid the issue of misinterpreting messages over digital communication and the internet; it's important to use the technology in a sensible and honest manner, and use only in emergency situations. There seem to be more attention on these types of issues in the news lately and to avoid litigations and problems with the law, it's best to play it safe when using cell phones and social networking programs altogether since there's no such thing as privacy anymore.
White House Eye Again on Bullying
President Obama unveiled a new website to counter bullying (stopbullying.org). It offers advice and guidance for kids, parents, teachers, and community members to help relieve this issue. Obama's staff has linked up with MTV and Facebook to counter bullying. MTV will launch a series of ads talking about the damage being done to kids that are being targeted; and Facebook will also add new safety features so that members will be allowed to report content that violates their policies.
I think that it's great to have this awareness of bullying to make so much attention on a national level. It's something that is happening all over the U.S. and other parts of the world. If administrators, parents, and government officials, and students are united to take a stance against this issue, then I believe that less homicides, suicides, and gang related violence will occur in our neighborhoods. The key is to stand together and set aside some of our opinions and feelings we may have towards one another and focus solely on the issue at hand and only then, just maybe, we can get real work accomplished.
I think that it's great to have this awareness of bullying to make so much attention on a national level. It's something that is happening all over the U.S. and other parts of the world. If administrators, parents, and government officials, and students are united to take a stance against this issue, then I believe that less homicides, suicides, and gang related violence will occur in our neighborhoods. The key is to stand together and set aside some of our opinions and feelings we may have towards one another and focus solely on the issue at hand and only then, just maybe, we can get real work accomplished.
What is the role of Teacher Education?
The article states that the age of the teacher, and the number of years of experience they've had in a classroom, or even where they have taught; the candidates in these programs said that the program was good and they'd recommend it to someone they know.
With all of the multiple teaching programs available in the country and the race to the top, along with programs trying to capture the interests of future educators, the general consensus from the article was that what the candidates found that was the most valuable in their program experience was through student teaching above all else in the program. While it's important for higher education programs to attract candidates and to want to sell their name, I believe that it's even more important that programs focus on building upon the strengths of their candidates and equip them with the tools that will help foster relationships with them and others around them along with their students. If we are committed to create and maintain these, then I can promise that positive academic growth will follow in time especially for the "struggling" students.
With all of the multiple teaching programs available in the country and the race to the top, along with programs trying to capture the interests of future educators, the general consensus from the article was that what the candidates found that was the most valuable in their program experience was through student teaching above all else in the program. While it's important for higher education programs to attract candidates and to want to sell their name, I believe that it's even more important that programs focus on building upon the strengths of their candidates and equip them with the tools that will help foster relationships with them and others around them along with their students. If we are committed to create and maintain these, then I can promise that positive academic growth will follow in time especially for the "struggling" students.
College For All Confronted
According to a Harvard study, there has been a lot of attention and focus towards classroom based academics rather than other skills that lead to non-college careers. The article stated that today's youth have been trained for college and not prepared for a career as mutually exclusive options. One idea to ponder that was brought up, was to create a multi track system after high school. Kati Haycock, President of the Education Trust stated, "Every single time we create multiple tracks, we always send disproportionate numbers of poor kids and kids of color down the lessor one."
I agree for the most part about how the education system is narrowly focused about steering kids to go a college route only and leaving other options out of the picture. I think it's important to have those other options for students who want to go those routes and not to feel less of a person for wanting a non-professional career. In all reality, not everyone is made to go to college for whatever limiting reasons there may be for those individuals, and I think we'd be doing a disservice for not having more preparatory courses of action for these students.
I agree for the most part about how the education system is narrowly focused about steering kids to go a college route only and leaving other options out of the picture. I think it's important to have those other options for students who want to go those routes and not to feel less of a person for wanting a non-professional career. In all reality, not everyone is made to go to college for whatever limiting reasons there may be for those individuals, and I think we'd be doing a disservice for not having more preparatory courses of action for these students.
Friday, June 3, 2011
School Groups Worry Revised Lunch Law Could Burden Districts
President Obama signed a bill in December 2010 that is intended to give more money to districts to improve school lunch nutritional standards. This a obviously a great act of service towards struggling school districts, but some anti-hunger groups say that hopefully the new bill doesn't harm low income families being supported by federal programs. Many districts charge less than $2.72 per meal and some say that an increase is likely to come.
As I was reading this article, I was curious of how the money was going to be spent on where schools would get there food. Was the food going to come from a catering service? Were meals actually going to be cooked on real grills in the cafeteria? Would they just order pizzas everyday to fill the little bellies of the students and contribute to a high fat diet? These questions were swirling in my mind as I thought about what kind of quality of food that would be given to the students. It seems that the price of raw materials are soaring; and that means with food prices as well. It won't be long until the price of these school meals to begin to rise, if not already; and it'll surely affect many families that are already struggling.
As I was reading this article, I was curious of how the money was going to be spent on where schools would get there food. Was the food going to come from a catering service? Were meals actually going to be cooked on real grills in the cafeteria? Would they just order pizzas everyday to fill the little bellies of the students and contribute to a high fat diet? These questions were swirling in my mind as I thought about what kind of quality of food that would be given to the students. It seems that the price of raw materials are soaring; and that means with food prices as well. It won't be long until the price of these school meals to begin to rise, if not already; and it'll surely affect many families that are already struggling.
High Achievers Scarce In Math, Science in U.S.
There have been recent international comparisons with the U.S. and other modern developed countries in the areas of math and science. The U.S. doesn't rank very high compared to countries like Finland, South Korea, and others. Overall, these international findings are present overwhelming data to show that the U.S. needs to step up and excel in these subject areas so that jobs won't be outsourced to people of other countries; which seems to be the trend right now.
I think that with all of this education news that is going around across the nation, it is important to keep in mind of the content areas that still need to be addressed and focused on with the future generations. America is definitely getting a wake up call and no matter what direction we decide to take education in, it's important that students, parents, educators, administrators, and community members become united and take a common stance in the pursuit of greatness in all areas of academia.
I think that with all of this education news that is going around across the nation, it is important to keep in mind of the content areas that still need to be addressed and focused on with the future generations. America is definitely getting a wake up call and no matter what direction we decide to take education in, it's important that students, parents, educators, administrators, and community members become united and take a common stance in the pursuit of greatness in all areas of academia.
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