The Earlier the Better

The Earlier the Better

There has been a great deal of discussion about the importance of early education and preschool programs. Programs like Head Start have been under scrutiny because of funding issues and whether or not programs like these actually do work. In a 2008 research article, Jens Ludwig of the University of Chicago wrote that at that time over one million children were served by Head Start with a cost of $7 Billion. Ludwig noted that “The findings counter the view that only intensive (and expensive) early childhood interventions can generate long-term benefits, and they run counter to the perception that Head Start has been a failure from its inception. “

Another study was completed by the National Institute for Early Education Research. “The strongest evidence suggests that economically disadvantaged children reap long-term benefits from preschool. However, children from all other socio=economic backgrounds have been found to benefit as well. ( W. Steven Barnett) You can read the full report at http://nieer.org/resources/research/PreschoolLastingEffects.pdf

 A 15-year longitudinal study of low-income children in Chicago who participated in a school district preschool program found a 33% reduction in the rate of juvenile arrests, a 40% reduction in grade retention, a 41% reduction in the need for special education, and a 29% increase in the rate of high-school completion.

As educators we need to continue to press for funding for early childhood and preschool programs. We need to have the resources to identify learning disabilities and medical issues as early as possible. We also need to be able to provide healthy meals and snacks to children during the summer months. Be an activist. Contact local, state and federal officials to encourage them to support events for early childhood programs.

C.2013 J. Margolis

Smmer Programs for Teachers 2013

Summer Programs for Teachers

Are you still looking for a something to do this summer? Do you wish to expand your wealth of knowledge and professional development? Perhaps you are in need of additional graduate credits to complete an advanced degree or to qualify for a pay increase. If so it is not too late to register for summer program for teachers. There are numerous opportunities to attend a lectures and workshops given by renowned scholars, travel to new places and get hands on experiences that will be relevant in your classroom.  I came across several opportunities that are still accepting applications that you might wish to check out. Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for a summer program.

1)      Does the program offer graduate credit?

2)      What are the housing accommodations and can you bring along family members?

3)      Is there scholarship money available? Are their stipends available?

4)      Are there any final documents, papers or projects that you must complete?

5)      What type of travel arrangements do you need to make?

6)      Is the program restricted as to who can attend?

Some programs that are still available as of today (June 12, 2013)

National Council  of Teachers of English- a Program “ Literacies for All” From July 18-20 at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY.

 George Washington Institute Public Days-Mount Vernon Teachers Institute (Home of George Washington) Mt. Vernon, VA. July 17-18.

Museum Institute for Teachers of Science (Quincy, MA) several one and two week programs including an interdisciplinary program in Science and Literacy.

The Reading and Writing Project has a waitlist for its August offerings in language and Literacy (http://readingandwritingproject.com/institutes/tc-summer-institutes.html

For those of you with musical interests, why not take a look at the summer program at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (http://rockhall.com/education/inside-the-classroom/summer-teacher-institute/) The program runs from July 8-12. The museum is located on Rock and Roll Blvd. in Cleveland, Ohio.

For those of you who are high school teachers and teach in the Advanced Placement program, Pearson Publishing has several summer institutes for AP teachers. (http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/5/prweb10766539.htm)

All of these offerings are located here in the United States. There are also numerous programs overseas as well.  Time is running out. Plan yo0r summer program soon and have a great summer!

c. 2013 j. Margolis

Summer Learning Loss Prevention

Summer Learning Loss Prevention

One of the greatest concerns for educators and parents as the school year comes to a close is how much information will their children retain by the time school resumes in the fall. It is critical that school students get engaged in educational activities throughout the summer months so as not lose the edge when they return to class in the fall. Research has indicated that student scores on standardized tests tend to fall by the end of summer vacation. These losses have been as much as two months of grade level equivalency in mathematics. The losses seemed to center around factual as well as procedural knowledge. They appear to be more significant in lower income children than in the scores of their middle class peers.

In a related issue, these same children have fewer nutritious free meals in the summer months than they do during the school year which has impacted their growth and has led to an increase in child obesity .This also has a residual effect on school performance

A number of school districts around the United States have tried to mitigate these losses with summertime intervention programs. Some of these programs include:

1)      A Remedial Summer School for students who did not successfully complete the grade. This can be a 4-6 week morning program where students in small classes can review essential parts of the curriculum that they did not master during the school year.

2)      Extend the academic year.  Many schools have  come to the realization that 180 days is not a magic number nor is it an adequate number of class days to cover today’s extensive and demanding curriculum.

3)      Modify the school calendar. A number of years ago school districts around the country experimented with the   45-15 program where students were in class for 45 days and then had 15 days of vacation. Under this concept the school would be open all year and the students would not miss 10 or 12 continuous weeks of instruction as many students do today. Of course in parts of the US, having air conditioned classrooms would be a necessity in this scenario.

4)      Summer Literacy Camps. Students feel less intimidated by going to camp than to summer school. Many students can learn better in a less formal environment. However, organizations like the KIPP Academies have had much success with more formal summer programs.

For more information about summer learning loss and to continue the dialogue contact the Johns Hopkins University Center for Summer Learning.

You can also obtain information about summer reading a program from Reading is Fundamental at www. rif.org.

Also see the National Summer Learning Association web site www.summerlearning.org

Remember, children need constructive things to do  during the summer to make it a happy and productive one.

C.2013 J. Margolis