In a fast paced world new issues and trends arise daily in the early childhood education profession. We as professionals will be reaching out all over the universe and collaborating with other professionals trying to make sense of all the challenges and changes we face.
Blog Assignment Part 1: Establishing Professional Contacts
For assignment one: we are to contact another professional in another country, or we could listen to a pod cast and this is were my assignment began:
I log on to the following web site:
Website: World Forum Foundation Radio. Includes links to podcasts of conversations with early childhood professionals. http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/radio.php
As I scanned through the various pods this particular one was interesting. I listened to MECCS's principal, T. J. Skalski. The school is an indigenous charter school located in Canada. It’s somewhat wilderness country with the school on a beautiful hillside setting. Skalski has an amazing story how she becomes interested in this school and how her grandmother is an inspiration in her decision. She is the fifth principal in five years. Skalski states, “The school has the elements needed for movement towards new approaches to curriculum delivery through historical approaches to learning. Preserving the language, sustaining a way of life, and understanding honored protocols are the keys to learning self-discipline. Embracing sacred teachings such as love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth — inherent teachings connected to the cultural value system — reignites hope to what seems to be a lost generation." (Kalinowshi).
I have done extensive research on this school and have attempted to further communications with Miss Skalski. I’m excited to learn more about this native community school and how she has impacted the schools success. Something I learned in the indigenous way, skills are developed through practice, hands-on experience. Not experiencing success is not seen as 'failure,' but as a teaching, a learning experience which adopts a more hopeful powerful learning that resonates more deeply with the student. I like this learning attitude and approach. To be continued.
Michael Kalinowski . (2011). Exchange Early Childhood Leaders. Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School. Retrieved from http://www.childcareexchange.com/resources/view_article.php?article_id=5019192
Blog Assignment Part 2: Expanding Resources
This is where my resource experience begins:
The pre-k program is an issue I follow because I too agree the learning process begins early. I began with this site which only opened many issues I had on my mind.
Across the nation, state and local school systems, recognizing the strong and growing evidence of pre-kindergarten’s effectiveness in closing achievement gaps and improving school performance, are implementing early learning programs as part of their education reform efforts. In low-performing districts, pre-k has emerged as a promising turnaround strategy, reaching children before they become low-achieving middle and high school students. As members of Congress discuss reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), they should look to state and local turnaround initiatives as examples of how strategic use of limited funds for proven early education programs can raise student achievement and to identify opportunities for smart federal investment. (Pre[K]Now: A Campaign of the Pew Center on the States).
Ok this sounds great and I agree we need a strategy, but what I don’t understand is: If we know earlier education is so effective, why isn’t it first priority? In the state of Georgia the pre-k programs are being cut along with teacher salaries and benefits, therefore our pre-k programs do not attract qualified and highly educated teachers. Plus, many parents have to seek other private facilities for early education and many families cannot afford or are not able to provide any outside accommodations for their young child. Then what?
Next, to expand on the assignment I wanted to be able to identify with specific information and how it relates to my area and I chose the following site: Resource:
Education Programs Face Crippling State and Local Budget Cuts ... Jul 28, 2011 ... More than half the states cut funding for higher education this year, in some ... cliff ' that has been looming since the federal funds were released. ..... next year in the wake of the latest round of state budget cutbacks. Georgia Pre-K Programs Brace For State Cuts. .... Senate backs 4.8 percent cut to colleges ... cef.org/education-programs-face-crippling-state-and-loc...
This site then leads me to the Channel 41 News Report: Resource:
Local Pre-K Programs Brace for State Cuts: Retrieved September 10, 2011 http://www.41nbc.com/news/local-news/2232-local-pre-k-programs-brace-for-state-cuts
41 NBC News, parents and government representatives address local pre-k cuts. Governor Deal suggests 160 day calendar versus 180 days or half-days. This creates many hardships on parents not to mention the calendar gap will affect our students learning. Deal states that by cutting the calendar days teachers will only receive a 10% cut in salaries versus a 25% cut. This is my opinion, “But there should not be any cuts in this department if this were the learning process begins”.
Actually for educators to get the job done, abide by all ethnic standards and Make sure what you are teaching, all students will be able to pass standardized tests, regardless of any disabilities. This is challenging for any educator. To continue my assignment I have posted a response to a comment on this issue.
I’m afraid these changes and the context of these changes are going to deliver future negative consequences.
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