Dear Senator John Pederson,
I am both shocked and disappointed in the bill that you have introduced as SF 1291. I do not know how you can sleep at night knowing that you are trying to pass a bill that would eliminate Minnesota law that tells schools and districts how to serve students with disabilities. I work with a special needs boy, and it breaks my heart to even think of him not receiving the proper education that he so dearly needs and deserves. Every human being deserves a proper and fittind education. What you are trying to do is a disgrace. You would be doing children all over the state a great disservice. This bill, if enacted, would cause delays in service for children with disabilities, increase misunderstanding and complaints about special education services, and strip 50 years of protections from Minnesota’s special education system. Shouldnt we be trying to better serve these children? But no, what you want to do is cause mass confusion and put these children in a deeper hole then what they are already in. Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself this question: If my child had special needs and required special education, would I still support this bill? I would hope you would change your stance on such a critical issue.
Thank you,
Jesse Rischer
Monday
Incentives Offered to Raise College Graduation Rates
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/education/22college.html?ref=educationdepartment
In what amounts to a “Race to the Top” for higher education, the Obama administration is offering competitive grants and a new “tool kit” to help states increase their college completion rates. The campaign will include a new $20 million Comprehensive Grant Program for states that carry out plans intended to increase their graduation rates. The administration goal is for every American to get at least a year of post-high-school education, and for the United States’ college graduation percentage to rank first in the world by 2020. The United States lags behind several nations, with 42 percent of adults ages 25 to 34 earning college degrees. I personally think that this a joke. You cannot bribe universities with money to try and increase graduation rates. This is a student issue, not a university issue. The government should be putting money into programs that create better teachers to teach students. That is how you will increase graduation rates.
In what amounts to a “Race to the Top” for higher education, the Obama administration is offering competitive grants and a new “tool kit” to help states increase their college completion rates. The campaign will include a new $20 million Comprehensive Grant Program for states that carry out plans intended to increase their graduation rates. The administration goal is for every American to get at least a year of post-high-school education, and for the United States’ college graduation percentage to rank first in the world by 2020. The United States lags behind several nations, with 42 percent of adults ages 25 to 34 earning college degrees. I personally think that this a joke. You cannot bribe universities with money to try and increase graduation rates. This is a student issue, not a university issue. The government should be putting money into programs that create better teachers to teach students. That is how you will increase graduation rates.
American university uses Skype to orient international students
http://www.usaeducationguides.com/news/article/american-university-uses-skype-to-orient-international-students-688
When international students prepare to study abroad, they focus on large decisions, such as which school to choose and where to live. However there are many small details that need attention as well.
To assist new students with these arrangements, Pittsburg State University (PSU) has implemented a pre-orientation session using Skype. I think that this shows just how much technology can do for us. We are using it for things that I never thought to be possible. This is a great tool for international students. I hope that it makes their transition to the United States easier and more comfortable.
When international students prepare to study abroad, they focus on large decisions, such as which school to choose and where to live. However there are many small details that need attention as well.
To assist new students with these arrangements, Pittsburg State University (PSU) has implemented a pre-orientation session using Skype. I think that this shows just how much technology can do for us. We are using it for things that I never thought to be possible. This is a great tool for international students. I hope that it makes their transition to the United States easier and more comfortable.
Biden to Discuss New Guidelines About Campus Sex Crimes
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/education/04violence.html?_r=1&ref=educationdepartment
Vice president Biden is urging the nation’s schools and colleges to do more to prevent sexual violence, saying campus sex crimes often go unreported because victims fear that universities will not discipline offenders. I think that sexual violence is a major issue in college campuses everywhere. I think its good that it is being talked about and that we are trying to find ways to stop this alarming trend. An Internet-based survey of undergraduate women in 2007 at two public universities in which 19 percent of respondents reported that they had been victims of attempted or actual sexual assault while at college. That is very disturbing. Action needs to be taken now. We can not subject our students to this type of abuse. It is sickening and colleges need to be aware of the issue and do something to stop it.
Vice president Biden is urging the nation’s schools and colleges to do more to prevent sexual violence, saying campus sex crimes often go unreported because victims fear that universities will not discipline offenders. I think that sexual violence is a major issue in college campuses everywhere. I think its good that it is being talked about and that we are trying to find ways to stop this alarming trend. An Internet-based survey of undergraduate women in 2007 at two public universities in which 19 percent of respondents reported that they had been victims of attempted or actual sexual assault while at college. That is very disturbing. Action needs to be taken now. We can not subject our students to this type of abuse. It is sickening and colleges need to be aware of the issue and do something to stop it.
Group Presentation: Chapter 10
I thought that this group did a good job on their presentation. I learned a lot of new information and it was very smooth. They discussed the U.S. legal system as it pertains to schools, and ethics within a given school system. They also talked about teachers rights, collective bargaining, tenure and dismissal, teacher liability, academic freedom, and teachers private lives. I think that this is very important information to know as a future teacher.
Sunday
The Global Achievement Gap: Chapter 6
5 main points: Today's successfull schools have these things in common
- A different kind of school: These schools have personalization, real-world connections, and they all hold a common intellectual mission.
- A different kind of teacher: Teaching is different because the teachers focus is on the individual student. It is more of a student-centered philosophy on education.
- A different kind of student: The students are excited about school and they are confident in themselves because of their school and teachers. Creating an atmosphere of excitement makes students excited to learn.
- Successful schools are diverse: different kids do best in different kinds of environments. Diverse environments create learning opportunities. Kids learn from each other.
- Schools/ teachers listen to students and adjust accordingly: Student and teachers have better relationships. It is all about the students need. Whatever that can be done to improve the education of a student is done.
- A different kind of school: These schools have personalization, real-world connections, and they all hold a common intellectual mission.
- A different kind of teacher: Teaching is different because the teachers focus is on the individual student. It is more of a student-centered philosophy on education.
- A different kind of student: The students are excited about school and they are confident in themselves because of their school and teachers. Creating an atmosphere of excitement makes students excited to learn.
- Successful schools are diverse: different kids do best in different kinds of environments. Diverse environments create learning opportunities. Kids learn from each other.
- Schools/ teachers listen to students and adjust accordingly: Student and teachers have better relationships. It is all about the students need. Whatever that can be done to improve the education of a student is done.
The Finland Phenomonon
I thought that this was a very good documentary that showed that an educational system can actually work. The students in Finland are achieving at a very level, among the top in the world. They have come to realize that the teachers themselves are the root of every childs learning capabilities. Without a capable teacher, learning by students is very difficult. The standard for teachers in Finland are very different from those in the United States. There are very high standards to get into a teaching college. Only the best can be admitted to these schools. Finland has also came to the realization that it is not all about testing. You do not teach kids to test them. You teach them so they understand and dont forget the material. I remember so many times in high school you just have to memorize stuff for an exam and then you forget it two days later. What good does that do for you? The training that teachers receive in Finland better prepares them for future success with their students. And Finland's students are reaping the benefits from the system that is in place there.
Monday
Ideal Teacher Prep Program: 3 ideas
1. We need a program that stresses cultural understanding. There will be children of all different kinds of ethnic backgrounds in your classroom and you have to be able to understand where they are coming from and how they learn so that you can more effectively teach them.
2. Some sort class on effective motivation techniques. Kids need to be motivated and I think that there is a lack of motivation being provided by teachers. A program about motivational techniques I believe would be a great help for teachers as well as students.
3. Proper classroom management. This is a huge deal that I believe is often overlooked. Having structure is a key to a child's learning.
2. Some sort class on effective motivation techniques. Kids need to be motivated and I think that there is a lack of motivation being provided by teachers. A program about motivational techniques I believe would be a great help for teachers as well as students.
3. Proper classroom management. This is a huge deal that I believe is often overlooked. Having structure is a key to a child's learning.
Two Million Minutes Reflection
The documentary Two Million Minutes compares six high school students from China, the U.S. and India calls for reform of the U.S. education system in favor of the more rigorous Asian education systems. It points out that students in China and India work much harder than those in the U.S., score consistently better than American students on international student comparisons, and now pose a threat to American students' job prospects in the U.S. I think that this could be a serious issue. The United States continues to fall behind other countries and something needs to be done to reverse this disturbing trend.
Waiting for Superman
While watching this documentary I felt saddened that every child cannot succeed in the current system because it is damaged. It explores the tragic ways in which the American public education system is failing our nation's children, and explores the roles that charter schools and education reformers could play in offering hope for the future. We see the statistics every day -- students dropping out, science and math scores falling, and schools closing due to lack of funding. What we don't see are the names and faces of the children whose entire futures are at stake due to our own inability to enact change. There was a time when the American public education system was a model admired by the entire world. Today other countries are surpassing us in every respect, and the slogan "No Child Left Behind" has become a cynical punch line.
Group 6 Presentation: Regulating and Funding Schools
I thought that this group did a great in presenting their information. They all appeared to know what they were all talking about and that made it easy to follow and listen to. They discussed the things that go on behind the scenes. School budgeting and money allocation were discussed and I thought that it was very interesting information to know.
Group 5 Presentation: The organization of American schools
I thought this group did a very good job. They outlined the chapter well and covered all of the main points. They talked about the organization of a school, all of the employees involved within a school, and what their jobs entail. They also talked about the qualities of an effective school and how those schools are put together and run. Virtual schools were also brought up. I do not really like this approach to learning. I think that you learn so many people and social skills from a classroom setting that cannot be replaced.
Tuesday
Group 4 Presentation
Group four did their presentation on chapter seven, the philosophy of education. There are 4 areas in which the philosophy of education covers: Perennialism, Essentialism, Progressivism, and Social Reconstructionism. They gave us an inventory worksheet so that we could see what kind of philosophy we might have. Im glad they did that because I think it will be very helpful in writing our Philosophy of Education papers. I thought that they did a very good job in covering their topic.
Group 3 Presentation
Group 3's presentation was on chapter 6, which is on the history of education. They went through different periods of the history of our schools and how that has shaped our education system today. I liked how they were able to interview a teacher from California. It was good insight on what she thought of the education system there. Its always good to hear things from another person's perspective. They also gave some really good advice for future teachers. Be willing to go to teacher workshops and better yourself as a teacher. The kids of this nation deserve it and need it.
The Global Achievement Gap: Chapter 5
5 main points:
- Concern about the poor work ethic in our youth. Is it poor work ethic? or are people just differently motivated?
- Today's generation of youth are extremely technology orientated. Students feel the need to multi-task. Is this affecting their ability to concentrate on one task at a time?
- People in this day and age strive for immediate access to information. This makes us less patient and obviously more demanding.
- Technology is growing at an incredible rate and it is essential to understand the various ways that students are learning in today's world.
- Most students want learning to be active, not passive. They want to be challenged.
- Concern about the poor work ethic in our youth. Is it poor work ethic? or are people just differently motivated?
- Today's generation of youth are extremely technology orientated. Students feel the need to multi-task. Is this affecting their ability to concentrate on one task at a time?
- People in this day and age strive for immediate access to information. This makes us less patient and obviously more demanding.
- Technology is growing at an incredible rate and it is essential to understand the various ways that students are learning in today's world.
- Most students want learning to be active, not passive. They want to be challenged.
Mexico Bids Adios to Junk Food in Schools
http://news.change.org/stories/mexico-bids-adios-to-junk-food-in-schools
The United States isn’t the only country with a growing child obesity problem. According to Mexican President Felipe Calderon, obesity among Mexican children has more than tripled overr the last 30 years. This week, Calderon announced a sweeping ban on unhealthy food in Mexican schools. The bold move would affect 25 million students in a country where as much as 26 percent of children are overweight. I think that this is a very good move by their President. Something has to be done about the obesity epidemic. Its good to see that some steps are being made to help the youth of this world make the right choices when it comes to eating. Obesity is very dangerous, and the issue needs to be taken head on, starting in schools.
The United States isn’t the only country with a growing child obesity problem. According to Mexican President Felipe Calderon, obesity among Mexican children has more than tripled overr the last 30 years. This week, Calderon announced a sweeping ban on unhealthy food in Mexican schools. The bold move would affect 25 million students in a country where as much as 26 percent of children are overweight. I think that this is a very good move by their President. Something has to be done about the obesity epidemic. Its good to see that some steps are being made to help the youth of this world make the right choices when it comes to eating. Obesity is very dangerous, and the issue needs to be taken head on, starting in schools.
Cathleen Black Is Out as City Schools Chancellor
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/cathie-black-is-out-as-chancellor/?emc=na
Cathleen Black, a magazine executive with no educational experience who was named New York City schools chancellor last fall, stepped down Thursday. She was featured in the documentary that we watched last week in class titled Waiting for Superman. She oversaw a majority of the educational programming in New York City. At the news conference, Mr. Bloomberg said he and Ms. Black had agreed that news about her handling of the school system had become overly distracting.
City Councilman Lewis Fidler , who represents Brooklyn, said Ms. Black’s tenure “was bad from the beginning,” adding, “It wasn’t properly vetted; it wasn’t properly thought out.” Ms. Black, he said, “didn’t have either a unique qualification in education or a unique ability as a communicator in the public sphere.” Somebody has to take the blame for a failing education system. In this case, Ms. Black took the brunt of it.
Cathleen Black, a magazine executive with no educational experience who was named New York City schools chancellor last fall, stepped down Thursday. She was featured in the documentary that we watched last week in class titled Waiting for Superman. She oversaw a majority of the educational programming in New York City. At the news conference, Mr. Bloomberg said he and Ms. Black had agreed that news about her handling of the school system had become overly distracting.
City Councilman Lewis Fidler , who represents Brooklyn, said Ms. Black’s tenure “was bad from the beginning,” adding, “It wasn’t properly vetted; it wasn’t properly thought out.” Ms. Black, he said, “didn’t have either a unique qualification in education or a unique ability as a communicator in the public sphere.” Somebody has to take the blame for a failing education system. In this case, Ms. Black took the brunt of it.
Wednesday
21st Century Skills- Tony Wagner
Tony Wagner is the author of the The Global Achievement Gap. He contends that the educational system that is in place right now does not rightfully prepare students for the skills that they will need in college and the real world. He highlights seven specific skills that are needed:
1. Critical thinking and problem solving
2. Collaboration
3. agility and adaptability
4. Initiative and Entrepreneurship
5. Effective oral and written communication
6. Accessing and analyzing information
7 Curiosity and Imagination
1. Critical thinking and problem solving
2. Collaboration
3. agility and adaptability
4. Initiative and Entrepreneurship
5. Effective oral and written communication
6. Accessing and analyzing information
7 Curiosity and Imagination
Monday
The Global Achievement Gap: Chpt 4
5 main points:
- There is something wrong with the ways that educators are prepared for their profession and how their work is structured.
- We need to improve instruction for all schools.
- "Random acts of excellence" within the school system is greatly overshadowed by mediocrity.
- There is a problem with how teachers are trained and supervised.
- Educators work alone, all day, every day. They are lacking standards of practice. Very reluctant to criticize or evaluate one another.
- There is something wrong with the ways that educators are prepared for their profession and how their work is structured.
- We need to improve instruction for all schools.
- "Random acts of excellence" within the school system is greatly overshadowed by mediocrity.
- There is a problem with how teachers are trained and supervised.
- Educators work alone, all day, every day. They are lacking standards of practice. Very reluctant to criticize or evaluate one another.
The Global Achievement Gap: Chpt 3
5 main points:
- No Child Left Behind and the new state testing requirements continue to be a hotly debated topic, both locally and nationally.
- The goal of 100% proficiency in reading and math by all students is highly unrealistic.
- The parents and teachers definition of rigor are very different. Parents want to see more homework, more math problems, and more memorization. Teachers demand that students move at a faster pace and cover more material in their classes.
- There is a certain kind of core knowledge that students should know as well as specific content that they need to be literate and effective citizens.
- People dont agree on what kind of knowledge is truly foundational across high school graduates.
- No Child Left Behind and the new state testing requirements continue to be a hotly debated topic, both locally and nationally.
- The goal of 100% proficiency in reading and math by all students is highly unrealistic.
- The parents and teachers definition of rigor are very different. Parents want to see more homework, more math problems, and more memorization. Teachers demand that students move at a faster pace and cover more material in their classes.
- There is a certain kind of core knowledge that students should know as well as specific content that they need to be literate and effective citizens.
- People dont agree on what kind of knowledge is truly foundational across high school graduates.
Group 2 Presentation
Group 2 gave their presentation on chapter 5, Introduction to Teaching. I thoughts that they did a very good job in how you can identify a student with exceptionalities. A major focus of their presenetation was on Individual Education Plans, or IEP's. I found this information to be very helpful and useful for me in my development as a Special Education teacher.
Group 1 Presenetation
Group number 1 kicked off the start of our presentations. They focused on chapter 4. I think that they did an outstanding job in how they presented their information to us. It was very easy to understand and follow as they went from one topic to another. The Jeopardy game that we played at the end was great. It was a good way to hammer home the information that they just gave us. It also kept us engaged and was a fun way to learn new information. I learned a lot from their presentation.
Sunday
The Global Achievement Gap: Chpt 2
5 main points:
- All teachers should be teaching every student how to think
- Teachers are expected to only cover the specified academic content.
- Teachers have not been trained to teach students how to reason, hypothesize, and analyze.
- The OECD administered a test of problem solving skills.
- The United States came in at 28 out of the 41 nations that took it.
- All teachers should be teaching every student how to think
- Teachers are expected to only cover the specified academic content.
- Teachers have not been trained to teach students how to reason, hypothesize, and analyze.
- The OECD administered a test of problem solving skills.
- The United States came in at 28 out of the 41 nations that took it.
The Global Achievement Gap: Chpt 1
5 main points:
- There are two achievement gaps in our education systems. The gap between the quality of schooling that most middle-class kids in America and the quality of schooling available for most poor and minority children and.
- Standardized testing is taking up way to much learning time.
- 7 survival skills for the 21st century:
critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration across networks and leading by influence, agility and adaptability, initiative and entrepreneurialism, effective oral and written communication, accessing and analyzing information, and curiosity and imagination.
- Teachers are just teaching to the standardized tests.
- Teachers are not teaching the necessary skills effectively, it at all.
- There are two achievement gaps in our education systems. The gap between the quality of schooling that most middle-class kids in America and the quality of schooling available for most poor and minority children and.
- Standardized testing is taking up way to much learning time.
- 7 survival skills for the 21st century:
critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration across networks and leading by influence, agility and adaptability, initiative and entrepreneurialism, effective oral and written communication, accessing and analyzing information, and curiosity and imagination.
- Teachers are just teaching to the standardized tests.
- Teachers are not teaching the necessary skills effectively, it at all.
Speaking In Tongues
In class today we viewed a documentary called "Speaking In Tongues." This was a great video that showed what is possible if we emerse our children into a different culture at a very young age. These children are being taught to be bilingual from their kindergarten year throughout their educational career. A child's brain is most maleable during their early years. That is why it is essential to get them going on a different language as soon as possible. It expands the capacity of their brain and uses parts of it that don't usually get stimulated at that age. The children enrolled in these schools experience a higher level of learning and accomplishment. I think that schools and programs like these are a fantastic idea and I hope to see more of them in the future. It will greatly benefit our nation to see these programs thrive.
Field Experience: Day 2
On February 28th I went to my second day of field experience. After my first time, I was very excited to go back and to interact with the kids. The kids were a little bit more calm this time around. When I got there, it was read aloud time, so Ms. Snoberger was reading a book out loud to them. One thing I noticed that she did was she frequently stopped and asked her students questions about what she was reading. I think that by doing this, she was able to better keep their attention. She then went on to teach the math lesson on the Smart Board regarding fractions. The integrated her students into the lesson by having them come up to write their answers on the board. Her lessons are very hands on and keeps her students involved at all times, which is something that I believe is essential when teaching kids of this age. They Had a worksheet to complete and I helped reteach the lesson to some of the students that did not quite grasp it the first time. One challenge that is obvious within the classroom is keeping the kids quite and on task. She uses a technique that I really like. She says "clap two times if you can hear me." Then the students will respond if they heard her. She will do it again until everybody can hear her so she can make further instructions. I feel that my second time was a very productive one and I look forward to my third time.
Intercultural Development Inventory
This week in class we discussed intercultural development and took a Intercultural Development Inventory to assess where we are on the Intercultural Development Continuum. I had a perceived Orientation score of 121.71, which means that I am in between acceptance and adaptation. My Developmental Orientation score was 105.34, which puts me between minimization and acceptance. I have an Orientation gap of 16.37, which indicates that I have overestimated my level of intercultural competence. I am going to continue to work on my intercultural development so that it is at it's highest achievable level. I believe that it will better me as an individual and as a future educator.
Field Experience: Day 1
I had the pleasure of doing my first field experience on Valentines Day. I was a little bit anxious to start because you want the kids to like you and want them to want you around. I am in a 4th grade classroom at Madison Elementary. I introduced myself to them and told them why I was in their classroom. You could tell that they were pretty excited to have someone new in their room. They wasted no time in getting to know me. Their innocence is adorable and they sure do say what is on their mind! One little girl came up to me and said "your hair is big." She was the cutest little thing. The teacher gave her math lesson and after thought I helped students answer any questions that they had. It was Valentines Day so they were pretty excited to go outside for their snowman building contest. We broke up into teams and of course everybody wanted to be on my team, being new to the classroom. We had a great time outside and after came back in and had hot chocolate. One boy, Zakk, was nice enough to get me some. These students are so precious and I very much look forward to working with them on a regular basis!
International article- British Educators Telling Students: Go Abroad
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/education/28educLede.html?ref=education
Because of the rising cost of university tuition in England and the falling percentage of applicants offered places, one British school is giving its students some surprising advice, study abroad. Because of the rising costs and the students inability to afford such an expensive education, it is forcing many British students to study outside of the country. The shortage of university places in the past year has already prompted a record number of British students to study outside the country. I think its good that these British educators are giving their students good advice on studying abroad to save money.
Because of the rising cost of university tuition in England and the falling percentage of applicants offered places, one British school is giving its students some surprising advice, study abroad. Because of the rising costs and the students inability to afford such an expensive education, it is forcing many British students to study outside of the country. The shortage of university places in the past year has already prompted a record number of British students to study outside the country. I think its good that these British educators are giving their students good advice on studying abroad to save money.
Cities Take Aim at Truancy
http://education.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2011/03/04/cities-take-aim-at-truancy?s_cid=rss:cities-take-aim-at-truancy
This article discusses the ongoing problem of truancy within schools nationwide and some of the new techniques being employed to help curb the "epidemic." One thing researchers realize is the importance of making students want to go to school early in childhood. In New York, 79 percent of children in the juvenile justice system had been chronically absent, meaning they missed 20 days or more of school. About 90 percent of high school dropouts had missed significant portions of school prior to withdrawing. Truancy has also been linked to teen pregnancy, drug use, and poverty. "There isn't a city in this country that doesn't face this problem," says John Feinblatt, the mayor's chief policy adviser who oversees the task force. School districts in Anaheim, Calif. have begun piloting a GPS-monitoring system developed by Aim Truancy Solutions. In New York, students will receive automated phone calls from celebrities through the Wake Up! NYC program. Students who have missed at least 10 cumulative days of school will receive automated calls each morning from celebrities like Johnson, rapper Trey Songz, and New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes urging them to go to school. My belief on this issue is that you have to instill the proper motivation within your child and lay down the importance of receiving a quality education. You can try all the gimicks and gadgets you want, but it still has to come from within the child to want to learn, not from a system that we develop.
This article discusses the ongoing problem of truancy within schools nationwide and some of the new techniques being employed to help curb the "epidemic." One thing researchers realize is the importance of making students want to go to school early in childhood. In New York, 79 percent of children in the juvenile justice system had been chronically absent, meaning they missed 20 days or more of school. About 90 percent of high school dropouts had missed significant portions of school prior to withdrawing. Truancy has also been linked to teen pregnancy, drug use, and poverty. "There isn't a city in this country that doesn't face this problem," says John Feinblatt, the mayor's chief policy adviser who oversees the task force. School districts in Anaheim, Calif. have begun piloting a GPS-monitoring system developed by Aim Truancy Solutions. In New York, students will receive automated phone calls from celebrities through the Wake Up! NYC program. Students who have missed at least 10 cumulative days of school will receive automated calls each morning from celebrities like Johnson, rapper Trey Songz, and New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes urging them to go to school. My belief on this issue is that you have to instill the proper motivation within your child and lay down the importance of receiving a quality education. You can try all the gimicks and gadgets you want, but it still has to come from within the child to want to learn, not from a system that we develop.
International article- New Zealand: The Case for Early Childhood Teachers
http://www.ei-ie.org/en/article/show.php?id=13&theme=earlychildhood&country=newzealand
this article asks and debates the question whether qualified and registered early childhood teachers be paid the same as teachers in primary and secondary schools? some people believe that the bigger the child, the more important and demanding it is to teach them. They argue that a teacher’s job becomes more difficult and the stakes are higher, the closer a child is to entering the workforce or moving on to tertiary education. Personally I strongly disagree with that train of thought. Studies show that the most critical period in the brain development of a child occurs in their first six years. Positive stimulation of the brain in these early years lays the foundation for the child’s future ability to learn, to develop language skills and to interact with others. So it is without question that childhood teachers be paid the same as teachers in primary and secondary school settings. They lay the foundation for future learning and are vital in that child's development.
this article asks and debates the question whether qualified and registered early childhood teachers be paid the same as teachers in primary and secondary schools? some people believe that the bigger the child, the more important and demanding it is to teach them. They argue that a teacher’s job becomes more difficult and the stakes are higher, the closer a child is to entering the workforce or moving on to tertiary education. Personally I strongly disagree with that train of thought. Studies show that the most critical period in the brain development of a child occurs in their first six years. Positive stimulation of the brain in these early years lays the foundation for the child’s future ability to learn, to develop language skills and to interact with others. So it is without question that childhood teachers be paid the same as teachers in primary and secondary school settings. They lay the foundation for future learning and are vital in that child's development.
Legislature Spotlights Bullying in Schools
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/04/us/04ttbullying.html?_r=1&ref=education
This article spotlights the bullying that is taking place within the schools around the nation and the antibullying bills that have been filed for this upcoming legislative session. In Texas, the most highly publicized of those stories is Asher Brown’s. Asher, an eighth grader at a Cypress-Fairbanks middle school, shot himself last fall after what his parents said was two years of harassment for his small size, religion and perceived sexuality. I am so tired of hearing about these tragic stories of young teens taking their own lives because of the non-stop harrassment that they have to endure in their own school. Something drastic needs to occur very fast. The article states that ne challenge is how to define punishable behavior. State Representative Todd Smith, Republican of Bedford, said he was skeptical of any bill’s ability to provide “a clear, bright line definition of bullying.” I believe that there is a very clear line and definition of bullying. If a student feels the need to come to you and address an issue that he is facing, then that is clear enough for me to take action.
This article spotlights the bullying that is taking place within the schools around the nation and the antibullying bills that have been filed for this upcoming legislative session. In Texas, the most highly publicized of those stories is Asher Brown’s. Asher, an eighth grader at a Cypress-Fairbanks middle school, shot himself last fall after what his parents said was two years of harassment for his small size, religion and perceived sexuality. I am so tired of hearing about these tragic stories of young teens taking their own lives because of the non-stop harrassment that they have to endure in their own school. Something drastic needs to occur very fast. The article states that ne challenge is how to define punishable behavior. State Representative Todd Smith, Republican of Bedford, said he was skeptical of any bill’s ability to provide “a clear, bright line definition of bullying.” I believe that there is a very clear line and definition of bullying. If a student feels the need to come to you and address an issue that he is facing, then that is clear enough for me to take action.
International article- Spain: Education for equality
http://www.ei-ie.org/en/article/show.php?id=234&theme=gender&country=spain
This article discusses the fact that in spite of education reform and the introduction of mixed schools, there are still obstacles to gender equality in Spain. There are still many sexist attitudes that still remain and values that influence career choices amongst women. Several studies have shown that the career options available to female and male students are still largely oriented towards fields associated with traditional gender roles. A case in point is vocational training, where courses relating to healthcare, social work, education or fashion and personal image are still mostly attended by women, whereas courses such as telecommunications, automotive studies, and electrical and mechanical engineering are preferred by boys. I think that it is very important that there be a diverse population in all fields whether it has traditionally been a male or female oriented profession. We cant get stuck in traditional norms and expect to see the kind of advancement that is needed to thrive in society.
This article discusses the fact that in spite of education reform and the introduction of mixed schools, there are still obstacles to gender equality in Spain. There are still many sexist attitudes that still remain and values that influence career choices amongst women. Several studies have shown that the career options available to female and male students are still largely oriented towards fields associated with traditional gender roles. A case in point is vocational training, where courses relating to healthcare, social work, education or fashion and personal image are still mostly attended by women, whereas courses such as telecommunications, automotive studies, and electrical and mechanical engineering are preferred by boys. I think that it is very important that there be a diverse population in all fields whether it has traditionally been a male or female oriented profession. We cant get stuck in traditional norms and expect to see the kind of advancement that is needed to thrive in society.
Thursday
District 11 fine-tunes bullying policyat
http://abcnewspapers.com/2010/10/26/district-11-fine-tunes-bullying-policy/
Justin Anderson felt like he couldn’t go on living if the kids at school wouldn’t quit picking on him because of his sexual orientation. This is just one case of many thousands nationwide. The revised policies make it clear that students and staff can’t be persecuted, harassed, bullied or discriminated against due to their “race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status.” “Students shouldn’t have to enter school every day in survivor mode,” Schuster said, describing GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) students’ state-of-mind as a result of past bullying episodes. I think its good that they revised the harrassment policy, but there is still such a long way to go. Just because it is in writing doesnt mean its going to be followed. Its a step in the right direction though.
Justin Anderson felt like he couldn’t go on living if the kids at school wouldn’t quit picking on him because of his sexual orientation. This is just one case of many thousands nationwide. The revised policies make it clear that students and staff can’t be persecuted, harassed, bullied or discriminated against due to their “race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status.” “Students shouldn’t have to enter school every day in survivor mode,” Schuster said, describing GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) students’ state-of-mind as a result of past bullying episodes. I think its good that they revised the harrassment policy, but there is still such a long way to go. Just because it is in writing doesnt mean its going to be followed. Its a step in the right direction though.
Bullied
Today I watched the movie Bullied, and as a future teacher this showed me that any type of abuse cannot go unnoticed. Teachers need to take these things very seriously and if a student comes to you with a concern or to report an incident that he went through, you need to be there for them and make sure that the situation is taken care. In the movie, the boy constantly went to the principal of the school he went to and got no help from her. She told him that "boys will be boys" and that he should expect that type of treatment for being so openly gay. As a future teacher, I will ensure that these matters be addressed and a plan will be implemented to ensure the safety of students. Just mentioning the problem to the principal is not enough, as was the case in the movie. Educators play a very important role in these issues and kids need to be able to trust them to help them whenever they are in need.
Tuesday
Atomic Learning
The other day we were introduced to a program called Atomic Learning. I think that Atomic Learning will be extremely beneficial to me as I continue my education here at State. There are so many valuable resources that we went through. There are many instructional videos that go step by step on how to do various things. Especially for someone like me, who is not very tech savy, this should be a big help to me.
Monday
St. Cloud schools see mixture of spoken languages
http://www.sctimes.com/article/20110129/NEWS01/101290019/St-Cloud-schools-see-mixture-of-spoken-languages
The article talks about how the number of students who speak a language other than English has grown so quickly that the school district has had to rapidly add staff to work with them. I think that this is great to see that kids are beginning to be proficient in other languages other than just English. It is great to broaden one's horizon and explore the different languages that exist. One thing that I found to be very interesting is that schools receive additional money for students who speak another primary language and are not proficient in English. I also believe that international students who come to America should immediately be enrolled in an ELL program. Its a step in the right direction and it is good to see the number of different languages being spoken locally right here in St. Cloud.
The article talks about how the number of students who speak a language other than English has grown so quickly that the school district has had to rapidly add staff to work with them. I think that this is great to see that kids are beginning to be proficient in other languages other than just English. It is great to broaden one's horizon and explore the different languages that exist. One thing that I found to be very interesting is that schools receive additional money for students who speak another primary language and are not proficient in English. I also believe that international students who come to America should immediately be enrolled in an ELL program. Its a step in the right direction and it is good to see the number of different languages being spoken locally right here in St. Cloud.
Tuesday
International article- Internet Cheating Scandal Shakes Japan Universities
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/world/asia/02japan.html?ref=education
A student was soliciting help for answers to a series of difficult math and English questions over the internet. However, the questions were taken straight from an entrance exam to prestigious Kyoto University. And they were being posted — and being answered by other users — while the exam was still under way. This issue touches on the technological craze that is so evident today. With phones that have instant access to the internet, it only makes scenarios like this possible. This just shows that test administators need to be aware of all the possibilities that exist in internet communication world.
A student was soliciting help for answers to a series of difficult math and English questions over the internet. However, the questions were taken straight from an entrance exam to prestigious Kyoto University. And they were being posted — and being answered by other users — while the exam was still under way. This issue touches on the technological craze that is so evident today. With phones that have instant access to the internet, it only makes scenarios like this possible. This just shows that test administators need to be aware of all the possibilities that exist in internet communication world.
Monday
Freedom Writers
I found the Freedom writers to be a very inspirational movie for me as I aspire to be a teacher. While watching it, I found it astonishing that a teacher could play such a huge role in the lives of children.Erin Gruwell never gave on these children even though they were faced with obvious disadvantages. She had to dig deep inside of her and find a way to teach a group of racially divided teens and bring them together. She used her own methods to reach her students. She used journaling as a method for her students to express themselves and develop a connection with each other. Erin Gruwell gave her heart and soul to better her students in all aspects of life. I believe that she is what all teachers should strive to be.
Thursday
alternative teacher licensure article
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=900178
The new bill that they are proposing would ease the restrictions on new college graduates who go through different training programs. They are discussing different ways to license teachers outside of the process already in place. They are doing this because they believe that new pathways are needed so that they can add diversity among teachers and fill specific shortages. Personally, I agree with finding alternatives to be licensed as a teacher. As long as they receive the proper training, I dont think it matters how they do it, as long as it gets done. We dont have to do everything by the textbook.
The new bill that they are proposing would ease the restrictions on new college graduates who go through different training programs. They are discussing different ways to license teachers outside of the process already in place. They are doing this because they believe that new pathways are needed so that they can add diversity among teachers and fill specific shortages. Personally, I agree with finding alternatives to be licensed as a teacher. As long as they receive the proper training, I dont think it matters how they do it, as long as it gets done. We dont have to do everything by the textbook.
Why do I want to become a Special Education teacher?
I want to become a special education teacher for many different reasons. My older sister is a special ed teacher and I have had the privilege of shadowing her a couple times at work and it was great. The kids are so great and they have such big hearts despite their disability. It was great to interact with them the couple of times I was able to. I think it would be a great career choice for me to be able to do that on a regular basis. I am also a PCA for an autistic boy. It is such a privilege working with him on a regular basis. He really does bring a sense of joy to my life. Special ed kids in general are very fun and rewarding to work with.
Hi
My name is Jesse Rischer and I' am doing this blog for my SPED 200 class. I look forward to posting on this blog regularly.
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