Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Whole Child Blog 10-10-13 — Whole Child Education

The Whole Child Blog — Whole Child Education:

THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG

PodcastWhole Child Podcast

Early Childhood Education: Balancing Expectations and What Young Learners Really Need

October 10, 2013 by Whole Child Podcast
Download Podcast Now [Right-Click to Save]
What does "education" mean for our youngest learners? The first years of school are as important for an educated population as any other period, perhaps more. Additionally, research shows that implementation of high-quality preschool programs can be beneficial for the lifelong development of children in low-income families and that an upfront commitment to early education provides returns to society that are many times more valuable than the original investment.
With the current focus on standards and academic achievement, is learning and testing coming too early? Curriculum and assessment should be based on the best knowledge of theory and research about how children develop and learn with attention given to individual children's needs and interests in a group in relation to program goals. In this episode, we discuss the importance of early childhood education and the specific social, cognitive, and emotional needs these learners have that are different than those of older learners. You'll hear from
 
Community School Collaborations: A Lifeline for Early Learning Program Success
Post written by Janet Brown, Senior Early Childhood Program Specialist, and Kwesi Rollins, Director of Leadership Programs at the Institute for Educational Leadership In Lifelines for Poor Children, economist and Nobel laureate, James Heckman, argues that quality early learning programs represent our best national education investment, due to evidence of societal benefits from longitudinal studi
by ASCD Whole Child ... / 27min 
Afterschool and Summer: Ideal Times for STEM Learning
Post written by Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance; Sarah Pitcock, interim CEO of the National Summer Learning Association; and Gina Warner, executive director of the National AfterSchool Association There's no getting around it—to stack the odds in favor of career success and a competitive nation, kids today must embrace and develop proficiency in science, technology, en
by ASCD Whole Child ... / 27min 

YESTERDAY

Community School Collaborations: A Lifeline for Early Learning Program Success
Post written by Janet Brown, Senior Early Childhood Program Specialist, and Kwesi Rollins, Director of Leadership Programs at the Institute for Educational Leadership In Lifelines for Poor Children, economist and Nobel laureate James Heckman argues that quality early learning programs represent our best national education investment due to evidence of societal benefits from longitudinal studies
by ASCD Whole Child ... / 1d 
Community School Collaborations: A Lifeline for Early Learning Program Success
Post written by Janet Brown, Senior Early Childhood Program Specialist, and Kwesi Rollins, Director of Leadership Programs at the Institute for Educational Leadership In Lifelines for Poor Children, economist and Nobel laureate James Heckman argues that quality early learning programs represent our best national education investment due to evidence of societal benefits from longitudinal studies of
by ASCD Whole Child ... / 1d 

OCT 08

ED Pulse Poll Results: Where Does Early Childhood Education Fit Within Our National Priorities?
ASCD continually seeks to provide solutions to the challenges that face educators of all levels. Recently the ASCD SmartBrief ED Pulse poll addressed where quality early education falls within U.S. priorities and goals. The topic of early childhood education has always been important to certain groups in the U.S. But recently it has received more widespread discussion as the government and busine
by Kit Harris, ASCD ... / 1d 
PEACE at Oxon Hill Middle School
As kings and queens arrive at school, they are greeted with warm smiles, hand shakes, and student-initiated hugs to staff members and one another. They can't wait to get to school! It is clear that PEACE (Positive Energy Activates Constant Elevation) lives here. "Peace King, Peace Queen." Here it seems that positive energy activates constant elevation. Situated in the suburbs of Ft. Wa
by Ashanti Foster / 2d 
Throughout October: Early Childhood Education
What does "education" mean for our youngest learners? The first years of school are as important for an educated population as any other period, perhaps more. Additionally, research shows that implementation of high-quality preschool programs can be beneficial for the lifelong development of children in low-income families and that an upfront commitment to early education provides retur
by Klea Scharberg / 2d 

OCT 07

Throughout October: Early Childhood Education
What does "education" mean for our youngest learners? The first years of school are as important for an educated population as any other period, perhaps more. Additionally, research shows that implementation of high-quality preschool programs can be beneficial for the lifelong development of children in low-income families and that an upfront commitment to early education provides retur
by Klea Scharberg / 2d 
Why Resilience Is Critical in a Learning Environment
Resilience is a life skill that all teachers should focus on throughout students' educational careers. In many classrooms, resiliency and perseverance may be discussed early in the year and then left out of the classroom dialogue, or not discussed at all. As members of the school environment, we cannot wait for resilience to materialize organically for each student. To place an emphasis on resili
by Tammy Russell / 2d 
Posted by at

Now that Texas has a waiver from No Child, what will Michael Williams and team do about evaluating teachers and principals? | Dallas Morning News

Now that Texas has a waiver from No Child, what will Michael Williams and team do about evaluating teachers and principals? | Dallas Morning News:

Now that Texas has a waiver from No Child, what will Michael Williams and team do about evaluating teachers and principals?

1
2
0
Texas Education Agency Commissioner Michael Williams
Here is my question: Will the state of Texas come up with a serious evaluation system for teachers and principals now that theU.S. Education Department has givenTexas a waiver from the rules of the No Child Left Behind Act?
A couple of weeks ago, the department gave Texas the latest in a series of state waivers. I can see giving states some flexibility, but I fear these waivers are a way for Washington and the states to give up quietly on the belief that all children can learn at grade level.
But they are being given, so the next question is how will states use them. The stipulation for Texas is that it must now design a new evaluation system for teachers and principals.
You may recall that the Legislature tried to do this during its 2011 session. GOP Sen. Florence Shapiroof Plano crafted a bill that said teacher evaluations would be linked in part to data from their classrooms.
At first, she wanted about half of the evaluation to consist of such data. But she compromised on the amount. The Senate bill ended up with data counting for around 30 percent of a teacher’s evaluation.
The bill failed in the House, however. So, Texas has no requirement that data be used in classroom 
Posted by at

He says his daughter might be alive if not for school-nurse cuts :: News :: Philadelphia City Paper

He says his daughter might be alive if not for school-nurse cuts :: News :: Philadelphia City Paper:

He says his daughter might be alive if not for school-nurse cuts

By Daniel Denvir 
Published: 10/10/2013 | 3 Comments Posted
He says his daughter might be alive if not for school-nurse cuts
Provided by Daniel Burch
STUDENT DEATH: Laporshia Massey, 12, a student at Bryant Elementary School, became ill at school and died later that day.
Sixth-grader Laporshia Massey died from asthma complications, according to her father, who says he rushed her to the emergency room soon after she got home from school on the afternoon of Sept. 25. He says Laporshia had begun to feel ill earlier that day at Bryant Elementary School, where a nurse is on staff only two days a week. This day was not one of those days. 
Daniel Burch, Laporshia’s father, is angry and wants to know whether Philadelphia’s resource-starved school district failed to save his daughter’s life.
“If she had problems throughout the day, why … didn’t [the school] call me sooner?” asks Burch.
Related Articles

Philly teachers dig deep to fill in gaps as budget crunch continues

Indictments expected in school probe

How Pennsyl­vania schools erased a cheating scandal

He told City Paper that he received a call, from someone he assumed was the nurse, informing him that his 12-year-old daughter was sick. Burch, recovering from his own asthma troubles the night before, was sleepy — but believes it was near the end of the school day. His fianceรฉ, Sherri Mitchell, was walking her younger children home from school when she too received a call from Bryant. Mitchell, who volunteers at the school, said Laporshia told her, “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.” 
But neither Burch nor Mitchell realized how serious the situation was. Burch, who told his daughter they would 
Posted by at

4-H National Youth Science Day to Feature the Power of Geospatial Technologies

4-H National Youth Science Day to Feature the Power of Geospatial Technologies

4-H

4-H National Youth Science Day to Feature the Power of Geospatial Technologies

4-H leads the way in generating youth excitement in science
Chevy Chase, Md. (Oct. 8, 2013) – Tomorrow, millions of young people across the nation will become geospatial scientists for the day during the sixth annual 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD). This event seeks to spark an early youth interest in science and future science careers, and to bolster the nation’s leadership position in scientific exploration. As part of 4-H NYSD on October 9th, youth will participate in the 2013 National Science Experiment: 4-H Maps & Apps.
Designed by Colorado State University Extension, 4-H Maps & Apps will introduce youth to the importance of geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) as they use an important GIS technique called “layering” to map and design their ideal park.
The growing fields associated with GIS and GPS are driving demand for critical thinkers who can harness geospatial technology to examine how all things around us relate. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, GIS and GPS are ranked among the fastest growing occupational fields in the nation.
4-H National Youth Science Day is the premier national rallying event for year-round 4-H science programming that reaches millions of young people each year. The event brings together youth from around the nation to complete a single, innovative science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) related activity in an effort to expose young people to exciting new science topics and ultimately drive STEM workforce development.
Several hundred events are planned across the country at a variety of locations, including elementary and middle schools, colleges and universities, 4-H, youth, community, science centers, as well as National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
“4-H National Youth Science Day will again bring science exploration to life for young people in fun and interactive ways,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., National 4-H Council president and CEO. “By providing proven out-of-school time science programming, like 4-H NYSD, youth are given the opportunity to solve real world problems in a hands-on way that will ensure their contributions to their communities today and their success as global leaders tomorrow.”
“Improving access to quality STEM education will strengthen the caliber of the U.S. workforce, drive economic growth, and keep the U.S. competitive,” according to a report prepared by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (April 2012). The report also emphasized the need for young people to have more access to hands-on activities. Youth with "more opportunities to engage in STEM-related activities such as science fairs, projects, and clubs, are more likely to go onto STEM careers and have accomplishments in STEM fields.”
New additions to the 2013 National Science Experiment include an online game and free app (via iTunes), so that young people can participate in a traditional way or by accessing an exciting online version of the activity.
“We created this year’s experiment to inspire young people to be critical thinkers by embracing a technology that can help change and shape communities in innovative ways,” said Claire Dixon, regional extension specialist, Colorado State University Extension. “Ultimately, we hope that this experiment will motivate young people to stay engaged in science throughout their secondary education, through college and into a rewarding career.”
The 2013 4-H National Youth Science Day partners include Lockheed Martin, Philips, Toyota, the Motorola Solutions Foundation, John Deere, Donaldson Filtration, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
“Success in building the next generation of STEM workers depends on collaboration among industry, organizations, educators, policy makers and families,” said Emily Simone, Lockheed Martin Director of Community Relations. “Lockheed Martin is committed to working with 4-H to develop programs that educate and inspire tomorrow’s scientists, engineers and mathematicians.”
To join the conversation on 4-H NYSD, follow National 4-H Council (@4H) on Twitter or find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/4-H and use the hashtag #4HNYSD.
About 4-H National Youth Science Day
For more than 100 years, 4-H has been at the forefront of teaching youth about science, engineering and technology. Created to combat a shortage of American young people pursuing science college majors and careers, 4-H National Youth Science Day seeks to spark an early youth interest and leadership in science.
Currently, 4-H young people participate in more than five million projects in 4 H science, engineering and technology programming in topics as varied as robotics, rocketry, agricultural science, environmental science and alternative energy. For more information on 4-H NYSD, visit www.4-H.org/NYSD.
The 2013 National Science Experiment 4-H Maps & Apps kit is available for sale on the 4-H Mall website, www.4-HMall.org.
Posted by at

10-10-13 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum:




CPPS Looking for Boundary Stories
Our friends over at CPPS (Community and Parents for Public Schools of Seattle) are looking for your stories.From Stephanie Jones, Executive Director:I am seeking parents who may have been involved in boundary conversations around the NE or AP.  (Editor's note: this is her need here as Stephanie went to most of the other meetings.)CPPS is working on a newsletter that will highlight parent/community
by Melissa Westbrook / 3min 


Ignore Those "Draft" Growth Boundaries
I was quite startled when a reader, TC,  put in this comment taken from the district's Enrollment Planning - Growth Boundaries page:The information from the September 17 draft is now obsolete. Recommendations to the Seattle School Board, dated October 16, will be available after they are posted with the Board agenda at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11. Many of the recommendations are different from
by Melissa Westbrook / 7min 

Gifted Education News Roundup
A LOT of info in these links.  And a reminder - don't like gifted education, on principle or in specific?  Don't read this thread.  I offer this as information, not to start a fight.Back to School Means Back to Segregated Gifted Programs for Some: New Book with Solutions. From PRWeb:Vanderbilt education professor Donna Y. Ford has made it her mission to end segregation in gifted programs—a mission
by Melissa Westbrook / 17min 

I Am Malala - A Study in Courage
Malala Yousafzai - the youngest person in the world to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize - was on The Daily Show on Tuesday night. A year ago, she was shot in the head as she rode a schoolbus by a Taliban gunman near her home in Pakistan's Swat Valley.  She almost died and it's a miracle that she survived.  The Taliban has vowed to do it again and said they would be "proud" to kill he
by Melissa Westbrook / 45min mark as read  //  save
Overview of Special Education and Capacity Management
Reprinting from another thread because I believe this important information.  The writer is Mary Griffin, Sped parent and president of the Sped PTA. She says:NOTE: The following does NOT constitute any kind of official response from SpEd PTSA or SEAAC. It's just me. I have been fielding a lot of questions regarding SpEd and PTSA. Here is my standard email response to questions regarding special ed
by Melissa Westbrook / 1h 

10-9-13 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Executive CommitteeNo time to do a complete write-up to several major items of note:It appears that some changing are coming to EOCs for algebra and geometry.  It looks like there will be some sort of comprehensive exam coming in the next four years.  Michael Tolley reported this as coming from OSPI and that he had had a meeting with high schoo
by mike simpson / 2h 


Posted by at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)