Hard Times Hit Schools

Just two months ago, states had already racked up $40 billion in budget shortfalls so far this fiscal year—or the equivalent of the K-12 education budget for the entire state of Texas, with a couple billion left over in change. The number only keeps rising, along with the pressure on educators at every level, as they start the 2008-09 school year.

10 New York City Schools to Focus Reading Skills on Content

In a bid to correct what he called a "knowledge deficit" among New York City public school students, Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein announced on Monday a pilot program that would overhaul the way children in 10 city schools are taught to read.

Scared of School?

Much more than normal first-day jitters, roughly 5 percent of youngsters experience social phobia at some point in their academic careers, struggling for at least two weeks to attend or remain at school. Also called "school refusal" or "school avoidance," most cases surface at the start of the school year — this week for most Houston children.

First-Day Jitters Aren't Just for Students

In those last few seconds before the beginning of the school year at 7:45 a.m., Paul Murdock's baby face was a mask of concentration. He was nervous. It was his first day of class at Langley Park-McCormick Elementary School. In fact, it was his first day as a teacher as he joined a professional corps of tens of thousands in Washington area public schools. Murdock was out of time to change his mind. These were his kids. He had to take charge.

A Promise of Pre-K for All Is Still Far Off in New York

More than 10 years after New York's political and education leaders promised to work toward providing access to pre-kindergarten classes to every 4-year-old across the state, more than a third of the 677 local school districts have no such programs. Last year, fewer than 91,000 children attended state-financed pre-kindergarten classes — 38 percent of the state's 4-year-olds.

Category: News

More Feeds

Debbie Miller's New Book

"In these times of scripted programs and prepackaged materials I know it may be tempting to surrender," Debbie writers. "But who among us is going to keep up the good fight? Who among us is willing to stand up for what we know is right? I'm in, and I hope you are , too."

This quote came from Debbie Miller's new book -
Teaching with Intention: Defining Beliefs, Aligning Practices and Taking Action K - 5
available through Stenhouse Publishers

You can preview part of the text online for free at -
http://www.stenhouse.com/html/millerpreview.htm?r=n144

I for one know how hard it is for teachers to resist the temptation to find that quick fix. The one program that will make teaching that much easier. Teachers are overworked and underpaid, and in most cases in NYC drowning in paperwork. Then along come the publishers touting their program as the answer to all prayers. Everything in one place - right at your fingertips. Don't believe the promises. There will never be a one size fits all program that will solve all your problems. Children are diverse learners and need diverse instructional practices. I think we should feel honored that we have the opportunity to create our own road maps even if it is hard work.

I for one will be waiting patiently to read the rest of Debbie's book. Please post your thoughts on the opening preview after you read it.

Enjoy.

Mentor Text for Launching 3 - 5

Launching in these grades looks very different from launching in the primary grades. We actually don't need to even launch in the traditional sense. The children should have a foundation for the workshop when they arrive at our doorsteps in September. So... what do you do to start your year? What text do you use to get the year off on the right foot? Feel free to share your ideas here so we can get a good collection together. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Laura

Mentor Text For Launching K - 2

Now that we have some time to reflect I'd like to start organizing for the coming school year. In thinking about one of the challenges we face each day, finding the right materials to match lessons is high on the list. I thought I would start a notebook for next year with sections in it for each unit I teach. In there I would keep notes on text I use, copies of any clippings I find, etc. I'd like to start this first blog entry around the first units we will be teaching in September - Launching. What mentor text have you all used to get the year off on the right foot? Please remember to include the full title of the text you are discussing, the author's name and any other information you feel we should know. I look forward to reading your entries.

Laura
readinglady.com

Category: Uncategorized

More Feeds