US Needs to Step-up Early Child Care Efforts

Conventional wisdom as well as academic research has both pointed to the importance of early childhood education.  Currently about two-thirds of American children-four year olds- attends preschools or other early education programs.

However, according to a recent report by the RAND Corporation, American children lag behind their peers in other countries. A recent article by Barbara Janta, senior analyst at RAND, noted “ the US is alone among major Western democracies in its failure to invest in child care for all.”( Rand Review Jan/Feb 2018). Janta’s research pointed to the success of a recent program enacted by the government of Great Britain where childcare is offered for free to working families. The program is costing the government over $1 billion. According to her report, in the UK a couple earning average wages can spend over 25% of their income on childcare. This new program can certainly ease the burden. Janta cited studies conducted by Nobel Prize recipient James Heckman that the success rate for pubic preschool programs has been undeniable. Children who have participated in these programs have exhibited lower risk of deviant behavior and have earned higher wages during their working careers.     We in the US must strive for universal early childhood education and promoted the many benefits of such programs. For more information about this issue, please read the current issue of the RAND Review.

c.2018 J. Margolis

Fight Winter Doldrums with Virtual Fieldtrips

With the frigid and snowy weather in much of the United States it is impractical, if not dangerous to take students on a field trip. In many districts around the country, schools on tight budgets have cut student field trips as part of cost-saving measures. Fortunately in today’s hi-tech age, virtual field trips are available to a wide variety of museums and historic sites and with some advance planning teachers can develop plans for a meaningful and educational experience for their students.  IN addition, most of these experiences are free.Below are some suggestions for possible student trips.

1)   Learn how chocolate is made. Take a tour of the Hershey Chocolate factory (sans the smells) www.thehersheycompany.com

2)   Virtuamericanrevolution.com Students can learn about key battles of the American Revolution.www.amrevolution.com

3)   Interested in art or art history? Try a virtual tour of Le Louvre. The web site is www.louvre.fr.

4)   The National Archives and Records Administration  (NARA) has quite a few on line exhibits, including an up closed look at the Constitution of the United States. Archives.com

5)   There are a number of sites that can be accessed by going to the scholastic web site. Scholastic.com

c. 2018 J. Margolis

A Christmas Wish List for Teachers

As the holidays are swiftly approaching, I thought it would be a good time for educators to come up with a list of things to hope for as we enter the New Year.

Please feel free to add additional requests.

1)   Always #1- Peace around the world

2)   That Congress will retain the deduction for teachers out-of-pocket supply expenditures.

3)   All students who are “Dreamers” should be allowed to complete their education without fear of deportation.

4)   Issues of social justice and tolerance need to be a part of every curriculum.

5)   There should be public support for those who have the courage to come forward and discuss issues of sexual harassment

6)    The teaching profession should be recognized as that occupation that prepares students for all other occupations and not degraded by others.

7)   School districts and states should honor collective bargaining agreements.

8)   Better methods need to be established to evaluate student learning

9)   Politics needs to be removed for the textbook selection process

10)                   We hope that 2018 will be a successful year for teachers and students

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year

C.2017 J. Margolis

Teaching About the Holidays

It is that time of year again. The dilemma continues to arise about how to address the holidays with your students. How to decorate your room- how to explain the significance of the holidays- should you have a party in your classroom- and so on.

How do you respond in a politically correct manner?

Here are a few caveats.

1)   Hanukkah is not the “Jewish Christmas.” Although the holiday commemorates a significant historical event, it is not a major holiday. There are no special services in synagogues and temples for the event.

2)   ) Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday rather than a religious one.

3)   Diwali, The Hindu Festival of Lights, was celebrated in October.

4)   Christmas is both an historical and religious holiday and is celebrated by millions around the world, so it gets the most attention.

You may get questions like “Why are schools closed for Christmas and not the other holidays?

What should you say when someone wishes you a “ Merry Christmas?”

The Scholastic website offers teaching suggestions for celebrating.

c.2017 J, MargolisHow 

International Education Week

The week of November 13-17 has been designated as International Education Week. This event is a joint initiative of the State Department of the United States and the US Department of Education. The purpose of the event is to “promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.”

This week, Florida Southwestern College in Ft. Myers sponsored a program featuring noted children’s author Alma Flor Ada. Born I Cuba, Ada spoke of the importance to” preserve our humanness,” and believed that expressing yourself in writing was an important part of that goal. She said that diverse views and opinions must be heard and that “ we need to build bridges, not walls.”

In a standing room only gathering of students, faculty and community members, Ada challenged the gathering stating,” Without justice, we will have no peace.”

Many of those in the room were future teachers and Ms. Ada told them to never stop reading and to pass that notion along to their future students.

c.2017 J. Margolis