My PTA Pitch

Those of you who follow this blog are probably aware of how steamed I am about NCLB (The Federal No Child Left Behind Act) mainly because it mandates how/what a teacher must teach, and has resulted in a stale "teaching to the test" curriculum in our public schools. This method of teaching is detrimental to our children because it stifles creativity and critical thinking, and hinders meaningful learning. As a former teacher, I can tell you that things have really changed in public education, and I don't like what I see. When I taught elementary art 10 years ago in urban Allentown schools, students put on plays in the classroom, made art projects, science and history were important subjects, and there was teaching across the curriculum (i.e. integration of all subjects to help kids make connections and be engaged in learning.) I don't see this happening at my son's school, and I am not happy about it.

Should parents just accept the crummy curriculum? Well, the NCLB Act is law until 2012, so there is not much we can do about what is taught in the classroom. I am not happy about the fact that Obama has not just done away with NCLB altogether. That would be REAL CHANGE I could believe in.

There is a way parents can have a voice, and try to fill the creativity void: get involved with your school's PTA. That's where you can develop enrichment activities and programs for kids. And the kids really need it. I serve on the Board of my son's school PTA, and I chair the Reflections Art Program, Craft Day, and help with most special events. We just had a really cool science program for the kids at our last PTA meeting. Find your niche, and volunteer, even if it's just an hour a week, it does make a big difference. There are many committees and opportunities for parents and community members. It is very rewarding work, and the kids really do appreciate it.

The National PTA has important purposes and goals:

To promote the welfare of the children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
To raise the standards of home life.
To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.
To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

Read more here: http://www.pta.org/1162.asp

My PTA Pitch

Those of you who follow this blog are probably aware of how steamed I am about NCLB (The Federal No Child Left Behind Act) mainly because it mandates how/what a teacher must teach, and has resulted in a stale "teaching to the test" curriculum in our public schools. This method of teaching is detrimental to our children because it stifles creativity and critical thinking, and hinders meaningful learning. As a former teacher, I can tell you that things have really changed in public education, and I don't like what I see. When I taught elementary art 10 years ago in urban Allentown schools, students put on plays in the classroom, made art projects, science and history were important subjects, and there was teaching across the curriculum (i.e. integration of all subjects to help kids make connections and be engaged in learning.) I don't see this happening at my son's school, and I am not happy about it.

Should parents just accept the crummy curriculum? Well, the NCLB Act is law until 2012, so there is not much we can do about what is taught in the classroom. I am not happy about the fact that Obama has not just done away with NCLB altogether. That would be REAL CHANGE I could believe in.

There is a way parents can have a voice, and try to fill the creativity void: get involved with your school's PTA. That's where you can develop enrichment activities and programs for kids. And the kids really need it. I serve on the Board of my son's school PTA, and I chair the Reflections Art Program, Craft Day, and help with most special events. We just had a really cool science program for the kids at our last PTA meeting. Find your niche, and volunteer, even if it's just an hour a week, it does make a big difference. There are many committees and opportunities for parents and community members. It is very rewarding work, and the kids really do appreciate it.

The National PTA has important purposes and goals:

To promote the welfare of the children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
To raise the standards of home life.
To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.
To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

Read more here: http://www.pta.org/1162.asp

Quit Bashing Our Teachers

It's a rare occasion when our local "news media" reports anything positive about teachers, schools, or education in general. In fact, right now, teacher bashing is in vogue due to recent reaction to the Saucon Valley teachers strike. And when it comes to education issues, our local "newspaper" provides a stage for lunkhead columnist Paul Carpenter to bloviate regularly his misinformed opinions.

Teachers strikes are not good news, but the overwhelmingly negative opinions about teachers expressed in the majority of letters published in the Opinion section of The Morning Call is bad news for our community. If those know-it-all critics who like to opine about education would volunteer and spend just one day in a classroom in the Allentown School District, I believe they would have a new appreciation for teachers and the extremely demanding job they do. And it's a job that benefits everyone in our society. Sadly, teachers have been labeled as liberal elitists who belong to corrupt unions and work less hours than everyone else. Bullshit. And if it's such an easy and cushy job, then why aren't you a teacher?

Because of the Federal No Child Left Behind Act, teachers must now spend much more time doing paperwork and grading tests, so they are putting in many extra hours in addition to the very demanding school day of handling up to 30 or more kids in a classroom. But before NCLB and its mandated curriculum of teaching to the test, dedicated teachers spent extra time conducting after school clubs, preparing creative lessons, attending meetings and conferences, calling parents. What's expected of them now is unrealistic. And because of the unrealistic demands put on teachers due to NCLB, there is less time in the schedule for teachers to be creative. I could go on and on about the detrimental effects of NCLB on students, teachers, and society but that will have to be a topic for a future post.

Striking is a last resort for teachers. In Saucon Valley, one of the issues that the school board and teachers cannot agree on is tuition reimbursement for graduate work. The school board is discouraging teachers from becoming better, more motivated teachers because they believe teachers shouldn't be reimbursed for graduate work. They want to make sure that the already underpaid teachers don't make too much money by moving up on the pay scale! See this article

But in the private sector, it's common practice for companies to pay for employees to take graduate classes and to continue their education for the overall benefit to the company. This decision by the school board shows a disrespect for the valuable job that teachers do. And the commenters at the above article are saying "FIRE 'EM ALL." If this kind of negative attitude towards teachers is the norm in our community we are doomed, and I can understand why teachers may not feel motivated to do their jobs. Hopefully, the closed minded attitudes of some Lehigh Valley residents aren't representative of the rest of our community. If people really cared about children, they would not be bashing teachers, instead they would be supporting teachers.

This post was written by Mrs. Dottie, a former teacher.

Quit Bashing Our Teachers

It's a rare occasion when our local "news media" reports anything positive about teachers, schools, or education in general. In fact, right now, teacher bashing is in vogue due to recent reaction to the Saucon Valley teachers strike. And when it comes to education issues, our local "newspaper" provides a stage for lunkhead columnist Paul Carpenter to bloviate regularly his misinformed opinions.

Teachers strikes are not good news, but the overwhelmingly negative opinions about teachers expressed in the majority of letters published in the Opinion section of The Morning Call is bad news for our community. If those know-it-all critics who like to opine about education would volunteer and spend just one day in a classroom in the Allentown School District, I believe they would have a new appreciation for teachers and the extremely demanding job they do. And it's a job that benefits everyone in our society. Sadly, teachers have been labeled as liberal elitists who belong to corrupt unions and work less hours than everyone else. Bullshit. And if it's such an easy and cushy job, then why aren't you a teacher?

Because of the Federal No Child Left Behind Act, teachers must now spend much more time doing paperwork and grading tests, so they are putting in many extra hours in addition to the very demanding school day of handling up to 30 or more kids in a classroom. But before NCLB and its mandated curriculum of teaching to the test, dedicated teachers spent extra time conducting after school clubs, preparing creative lessons, attending meetings and conferences, calling parents. What's expected of them now is unrealistic. And because of the unrealistic demands put on teachers due to NCLB, there is less time in the schedule for teachers to be creative. I could go on and on about the detrimental effects of NCLB on students, teachers, and society but that will have to be a topic for a future post.

Striking is a last resort for teachers. In Saucon Valley, one of the issues that the school board and teachers cannot agree on is tuition reimbursement for graduate work. The school board is discouraging teachers from becoming better, more motivated teachers because they believe teachers shouldn't be reimbursed for graduate work. They want to make sure that the already underpaid teachers don't make too much money by moving up on the pay scale! See this article

But in the private sector, it's common practice for companies to pay for employees to take graduate classes and to continue their education for the overall benefit to the company. This decision by the school board shows a disrespect for the valuable job that teachers do. And the commenters at the above article are saying "FIRE 'EM ALL." If this kind of negative attitude towards teachers is the norm in our community we are doomed, and I can understand why teachers may not feel motivated to do their jobs. Hopefully, the closed minded attitudes of some Lehigh Valley residents aren't representative of the rest of our community. If people really cared about children, they would not be bashing teachers, instead they would be supporting teachers.

This post was written by Mrs. Dottie, a former teacher.

ASD Faces Big Challenges

Four years ago a group of business and community leaders in Allentown formed "Education 2010!" The group hired and paid a consulting firm in Denver to prepare a local "costing out study" for the Allentown School District. The reason for the study was to ensure equitable funding and a better education for ASD students, which in turn could result in a stronger regional economy, and a better quality of life for all residents.

The results of the study are quite surprising. Here's a link ...  

According to the study, these are some of the challenges that the ASD faces:

- ASD has almost 3 times as many poor students as the next highest district (Northern Lehigh)

- ASD has more than 5 times as many English learners as the next highest district (Whitehall)

-Compared to half of the other districts in the county, ASD has seven times as many poor students and fifteen times as many English language learners.

The study reports that Allentown has the lowest property value per student, less than half of what most other districts in Lehigh County have, but Allentown's tax rate is higher than both county and state averages. And the huge revenue gap between the ASD and other districts will keep increasing as more families move to Parkland and East Penn. Hopefully that trend will change, and in the future more families will choose to live in the city.

I have seen the gross inequity between the ASD and other local districts. This is unfair and unjust because the ASD child who is born into poverty deserves the same quality education as the suburban child who lives in the McMansion in the Macungies.

Why should the quality of a child's education be hinged upon local property values? It's wrong to deny a child born into poverty the necessary resources for a quality education. 

In the 2008-2009 budget, Governor Rendell introduced a new school funding formula to distribute funds based on the actual number of students in a district, factoring in the number of students living in poverty, English learners, and special needs. So Allentown would be getting more state funding this coming school year. But now because of the current budget crisis, those funds are at risk of being cut. This is really bad news for the ASD because if programs are cut, the needs of students will not be met.

What would help to improve this dire situation? Allentown's taxes are already too high.

The ASD would certainly benefit from more community involvement and help from business leaders, but that's not enough.

We believe that school district consolidation into a county district is worth looking into. Of course, there would be people who would complain that their hard earned tax money shoudn't be used to help some poor inner city kid who can't speak English. Not everyone wants to "share the wealth." And considering today's current divisive political atmosphere, overt racism in the media, and the classism and racism in our society, it doesn't look like people are willing to come together on important issues like education and health care. The Republicans are more concerned about stopping President Obama than listening to the American people.

But why not share the wealth, since a child who has a quality education is more likely to go on to college, help improve the economy, and benefit society as a whole. It's a good return on your investment. And what could be more important than our children?

ASD Faces Big Challenges

Four years ago a group of business and community leaders in Allentown formed "Education 2010!" The group hired and paid a consulting firm in Denver to prepare a local "costing out study" for the Allentown School District. The reason for the study was to ensure equitable funding and a better education for ASD students, which in turn could result in a stronger regional economy, and a better quality of life for all residents.

The results of the study are quite surprising. Here's a link ...  

According to the study, these are some of the challenges that the ASD faces:

- ASD has almost 3 times as many poor students as the next highest district (Northern Lehigh)

- ASD has more than 5 times as many English learners as the next highest district (Whitehall)

-Compared to half of the other districts in the county, ASD has seven times as many poor students and fifteen times as many English language learners.

The study reports that Allentown has the lowest property value per student, less than half of what most other districts in Lehigh County have, but Allentown's tax rate is higher than both county and state averages. And the huge revenue gap between the ASD and other districts will keep increasing as more families move to Parkland and East Penn. Hopefully that trend will change, and in the future more families will choose to live in the city.

I have seen the gross inequity between the ASD and other local districts. This is unfair and unjust because the ASD child who is born into poverty deserves the same quality education as the suburban child who lives in the McMansion in the Macungies.

Why should the quality of a child's education be hinged upon local property values? It's wrong to deny a child born into poverty the necessary resources for a quality education. 

In the 2008-2009 budget, Governor Rendell introduced a new school funding formula to distribute funds based on the actual number of students in a district, factoring in the number of students living in poverty, English learners, and special needs. So Allentown would be getting more state funding this coming school year. But now because of the current budget crisis, those funds are at risk of being cut. This is really bad news for the ASD because if programs are cut, the needs of students will not be met.

What would help to improve this dire situation? Allentown's taxes are already too high.

The ASD would certainly benefit from more community involvement and help from business leaders, but that's not enough.

We believe that school district consolidation into a county district is worth looking into. Of course, there would be people who would complain that their hard earned tax money shoudn't be used to help some poor inner city kid who can't speak English. Not everyone wants to "share the wealth." And considering today's current divisive political atmosphere, overt racism in the media, and the classism and racism in our society, it doesn't look like people are willing to come together on important issues like education and health care. The Republicans are more concerned about stopping President Obama than listening to the American people.

But why not share the wealth, since a child who has a quality education is more likely to go on to college, help improve the economy, and benefit society as a whole. It's a good return on your investment. And what could be more important than our children?

Recess Left Behind

Recently there was an article in "the newspaper" regarding a decision made by a BASD principal to allegedly "ban" recess from all students because "lower income" students scored low on PSSA tests. The principal required all students to stay in and read, instead of going outside for recess after lunch. The article is very misleading, and not well researched. http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5recess.6898545may29,0,1815465.story

First of all, the classroom teacher can take the kids out for recess when he/she wants. And most teachers realize that recess is important to a child's physical, social and intellectual development. Secondly, recess helps improve a child's behavior in the classroom.

According to a recent New York Times article: A study published this month in the journal Pediatrics studied the links between recess and classroom behavior among about 11,000 children age 8 and 9. Those who had more than 15 minutes of recess a day showed better behavior in class than those who had little or none. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/24well.html?_r=1&em

The NY Times article goes on to say: And many children are not getting that break. In the Pediatrics study, 30 percent were found to have little or no daily recess. Another report, from a children’s advocacy group, found that 40 percent of schools surveyed had cut back at least one daily recess period. I am surprised that the percentage of students not getting recess is so high. If you suspect that your child is not getting recess, say something. My son's school takes away recess as punishment for a child's misbehavior. This policy is wrong and actually increases bad behavior in active children.

In my experience as a teacher, I have never met an elementary teacher who did not take students outside. In fact, when the weather was nice, some teachers would teach lessons outside. I remember taking my students out for drawing lessons. And if they behaved, I even let them kick a ball around for a while. But that was 8 years ago. Things are different now due to curriculum changes and new requirements to meet standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act(NCLB). Everything is geared around testing. (Uggggh)

Children should be able to go outside twice a day during the school day because research shows that more recess helps improve brain functioning and concentration, which improves test scores. Unstructured play and socialization are so important to a child's development. In today's "teaching to the test" environment (thanks to NCLB) the value of recess has been left behind. And reading should never be used as a punishment if we want kids to enjoy reading and become life long readers.

I encourage parents to speak out for more recess, because recess is not just fun and games, it's as essential as reading and math.

Recess Left Behind

Recently there was an article in "the newspaper" regarding a decision made by a BASD principal to allegedly "ban" recess from all students because "lower income" students scored low on PSSA tests. The principal required all students to stay in and read, instead of going outside for recess after lunch. The article is very misleading, and not well researched. http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5recess.6898545may29,0,1815465.story

First of all, the classroom teacher can take the kids out for recess when he/she wants. And most teachers realize that recess is important to a child's physical, social and intellectual development. Secondly, recess helps improve a child's behavior in the classroom.

According to a recent New York Times article: A study published this month in the journal Pediatrics studied the links between recess and classroom behavior among about 11,000 children age 8 and 9. Those who had more than 15 minutes of recess a day showed better behavior in class than those who had little or none. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/24well.html?_r=1&em

The NY Times article goes on to say: And many children are not getting that break. In the Pediatrics study, 30 percent were found to have little or no daily recess. Another report, from a children’s advocacy group, found that 40 percent of schools surveyed had cut back at least one daily recess period. I am surprised that the percentage of students not getting recess is so high. If you suspect that your child is not getting recess, say something. My son's school takes away recess as punishment for a child's misbehavior. This policy is wrong and actually increases bad behavior in active children.

In my experience as a teacher, I have never met an elementary teacher who did not take students outside. In fact, when the weather was nice, some teachers would teach lessons outside. I remember taking my students out for drawing lessons. And if they behaved, I even let them kick a ball around for a while. But that was 8 years ago. Things are different now due to curriculum changes and new requirements to meet standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act(NCLB). Everything is geared around testing. (Uggggh)

Children should be able to go outside twice a day during the school day because research shows that more recess helps improve brain functioning and concentration, which improves test scores. Unstructured play and socialization are so important to a child's development. In today's "teaching to the test" environment (thanks to NCLB) the value of recess has been left behind. And reading should never be used as a punishment if we want kids to enjoy reading and become life long readers.

I encourage parents to speak out for more recess, because recess is not just fun and games, it's as essential as reading and math.

Humanities 101

President Obama understands the value of a liberal arts education. He's calling for access to higher education and better educational resources for all our children. He has an interest in history, literature, and the arts. In fact, the one person from the Bush administration that he has asked to stick around is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Dr. Gates has a master's degree in History, and a Ph.D in Russian and Soviet History.

Through eloquent speeches, aligned with the reality in which we find our nation, Obama inspires confidence during hard times. He calls for educational opportunities that will benefit all of us, and we must respond to his calls. An educated person is a better citizen, and we need better citizens, not just workers and consumers. Look at the damage that "W's" lack of curiosity caused us all. This economic crisis is the result of the soullessness of putting self before the common good, money before morals.

Many Europeans believe that this country is all about money. Should we look for a monetary value in everything? The need for "Humanities 101" is more important now during these tough times than ever, to help people re-examine what they value and care about as humans. Thinking, reasoning, making connections to history is important to Obama and to the people he has chosen to help lead us out of this mess he inherited from the previous administration. Thank goodness we have a smart President, with a heart.

As of March 2, Obama's approval rating is 68%.

Humanities 101

President Obama understands the value of a liberal arts education. He's calling for access to higher education and better educational resources for all our children. He has an interest in history, literature, and the arts. In fact, the one person from the Bush administration that he has asked to stick around is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Dr. Gates has a master's degree in History, and a Ph.D in Russian and Soviet History.

Through eloquent speeches, aligned with the reality in which we find our nation, Obama inspires confidence during hard times. He calls for educational opportunities that will benefit all of us, and we must respond to his calls. An educated person is a better citizen, and we need better citizens, not just workers and consumers. Look at the damage that "W's" lack of curiosity caused us all. This economic crisis is the result of the soullessness of putting self before the common good, money before morals.

Many Europeans believe that this country is all about money. Should we look for a monetary value in everything? The need for "Humanities 101" is more important now during these tough times than ever, to help people re-examine what they value and care about as humans. Thinking, reasoning, making connections to history is important to Obama and to the people he has chosen to help lead us out of this mess he inherited from the previous administration. Thank goodness we have a smart President, with a heart.

As of March 2, Obama's approval rating is 68%.

Only 39% Believe in Evolution

Our seven year old son said to me the other day "I think there was life somewhere before the "Big Bang." And this led to a discussion about evolution. Wow I thought, this is great, he's really thinking about these things. Turns out he didn't learn about "The Big Bang" at school, he saw it on a tv show.

Yesterday was Charles Darwin's birthday, as well as Abraham Lincoln's. According to a new Gallup Poll http://www.gallup.com/poll/114544/Darwin-Birthday-Believe-Evolution.aspx

only 39% of Americans believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. That's 4 out of 10 people.

36% had no opinion either way. 25% don't believe in evolution. 74% of those with a post-graduate education believe in evolution, compared with 21% of high school grads.

Education really does matter. Thank goodness that science and technology are important to a US President again.

Only 39% Believe in Evolution

Our seven year old son said to me the other day "I think there was life somewhere before the "Big Bang." And this led to a discussion about evolution. Wow I thought, this is great, he's really thinking about these things. Turns out he didn't learn about "The Big Bang" at school, he saw it on a tv show.

Yesterday was Charles Darwin's birthday, as well as Abraham Lincoln's. According to a new Gallup Poll http://www.gallup.com/poll/114544/Darwin-Birthday-Believe-Evolution.aspx

only 39% of Americans believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. That's 4 out of 10 people.

36% had no opinion either way. 25% don't believe in evolution. 74% of those with a post-graduate education believe in evolution, compared with 21% of high school grads.

Education really does matter. Thank goodness that science and technology are important to a US President again.

School District Consolidation

Governor Rendell wants to reduce the number of school districts in PA from 500 to about 100. He says this will save the taxpayer money by eliminating some local administrative positions. There is the claim that consolidation would provide better services, especially for programs like ESOL (English as a Second Language) which is usually only provided in larger districts like Allentown. I have heard that kids from surrounding districts already attend Allentown schools for ESOL programs and special needs programs, so I don't know if consolidation would really change anything in the ASD. Consolidation would also provide better equity from school to school since property taxes would be more fairly distributed. This is good news since every child should have the right to an equal education. Sounds like a good deal, but there are some concerns I have about such changes taking place so quickly.

Will making schools an even bigger bureaucracy really save the taxpayer money, and is there enough research to prove this? Consolidation may help rural students get the services they need, but is there evidence suggesting that consolidation will provide better services for all kids? And with all this focus on saving the taxpayer money, have we lost sight of what is so important, and that's the QUALITY of education for our KIDS?

Rep. Karen Beyer says in The Morning Call that "the creation of large districts allows a more standardized curriculum across a region." Good God, is that what we really want, MORE standardization? A "one size fits all" education for our kids? Just mix that in with the already stifling NCLB "teaching to the test" curriculum and it's a recipe for disaster. This is why decisions about education need to be made by experienced teachers, not politicians or CEOs.

School District Consolidation

Governor Rendell wants to reduce the number of school districts in PA from 500 to about 100. He says this will save the taxpayer money by eliminating some local administrative positions. There is the claim that consolidation would provide better services, especially for programs like ESOL (English as a Second Language) which is usually only provided in larger districts like Allentown. I have heard that kids from surrounding districts already attend Allentown schools for ESOL programs and special needs programs, so I don't know if consolidation would really change anything in the ASD. Consolidation would also provide better equity from school to school since property taxes would be more fairly distributed. This is good news since every child should have the right to an equal education. Sounds like a good deal, but there are some concerns I have about such changes taking place so quickly.

Will making schools an even bigger bureaucracy really save the taxpayer money, and is there enough research to prove this? Consolidation may help rural students get the services they need, but is there evidence suggesting that consolidation will provide better services for all kids? And with all this focus on saving the taxpayer money, have we lost sight of what is so important, and that's the QUALITY of education for our KIDS?

Rep. Karen Beyer says in The Morning Call that "the creation of large districts allows a more standardized curriculum across a region." Good God, is that what we really want, MORE standardization? A "one size fits all" education for our kids? Just mix that in with the already stifling NCLB "teaching to the test" curriculum and it's a recipe for disaster. This is why decisions about education need to be made by experienced teachers, not politicians or CEOs.

Social Studies Left Behind

Our seven year old son is fascinated with the US Presidents. He has researched several presidents on his own, finding out some interesting facts. He asks a lot of questions, recently I was asked "Mommy, why was Bill Clinton impeached?" (I think I'll let daddy handle that one!) My dad was a history teacher, and "Pappy" loves to talk to our son about the presidents.

I am not too thrilled with the curriculum at our son's school. It is clear that the Federal No Child Left Behind Act's (NCLB) emphasis on reading and math is squeezing social studies out of the curriculum. Our son has had a few civics lessons, and has done a science unit on rocks, but his day is mostly spent doing reading and math. His homework is reading and math worksheets every night. It has become repetitive busy work. I can see a big change in the classroom since I taught art in the district 10 yrs. ago. The teachers seemed to have more freedom to teach creative lessons, they had more time for drama and art projects. Now it seems like there is a standardized curriculum that all teachers must follow.

I believe that a good social studies curriculum can integrate literacy skills. I have written about how a good arts program integrates reading and math skills too. Teaching "across the curriculum" makes learning more meaningful to students, and increases their motivation to learn, and it connects learning to real life.

Here's why I think Social Studies/History is so important:

1. Boys are usually more interested in non-fiction, and will be motivated to read.

2. Social Studies teaches kids to see from many different perspectives, to better understand diversity.

3. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are encouraged. And kids will need these skills to make it in this "techno" world.

4. Students are engaged in the learning process rather than just completing tasks to improve test scores.

5. Teaches kids to become engaged citizens who understand how our country works. Democracy works best when citizens are able to think freely. That's why they call it a "liberal arts education."

Can you name the president pictured?

(Hint: he is considered one of the worst US Presidents and is the only president from the state of New Hampshire)

Social Studies Left Behind

Our seven year old son is fascinated with the US Presidents. He has researched several presidents on his own, finding out some interesting facts. He asks a lot of questions, recently I was asked "Mommy, why was Bill Clinton impeached?" (I think I'll let daddy handle that one!) My dad was a history teacher, and "Pappy" loves to talk to our son about the presidents.

I am not too thrilled with the curriculum at our son's school. It is clear that the Federal No Child Left Behind Act's (NCLB) emphasis on reading and math is squeezing social studies out of the curriculum. Our son has had a few civics lessons, and has done a science unit on rocks, but his day is mostly spent doing reading and math. His homework is reading and math worksheets every night. It has become repetitive busy work. I can see a big change in the classroom since I taught art in the district 10 yrs. ago. The teachers seemed to have more freedom to teach creative lessons, they had more time for drama and art projects. Now it seems like there is a standardized curriculum that all teachers must follow.

I believe that a good social studies curriculum can integrate literacy skills. I have written about how a good arts program integrates reading and math skills too. Teaching "across the curriculum" makes learning more meaningful to students, and increases their motivation to learn, and it connects learning to real life.

Here's why I think Social Studies/History is so important:

1. Boys are usually more interested in non-fiction, and will be motivated to read.

2. Social Studies teaches kids to see from many different perspectives, to better understand diversity.

3. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are encouraged. And kids will need these skills to make it in this "techno" world.

4. Students are engaged in the learning process rather than just completing tasks to improve test scores.

5. Teaches kids to become engaged citizens who understand how our country works. Democracy works best when citizens are able to think freely. That's why they call it a "liberal arts education."

Can you name the president pictured?

(Hint: he is considered one of the worst US Presidents and is the only president from the state of New Hampshire)

Obama's "Zero to Five" plan

I am re-posting this post about Obama's education plan because I believe it is so important. The original post was from 9/12.

The media has not focused too much on education, but Obama does have a pretty comprehensive plan.You can read about his education plan here: Barack Obama and Joe Biden: The Change We Need Education If you scroll down you can click on plans for specific grades. There is a lot to read. While in the state senate Obama helped to create the "Illinois Early Learning Council." Illinois has universal voluntary pre-school for all 4 yr. olds, and for 3 yr. olds who are at risk. Obama will encourage all states to adopt universal voluntary pre-school. He calls this the "Zero to Five Plan."

Obama's plan describes a study that proves that early childhood educational programs "reduced problems such as probation and criminal offenses by as much as 70% over 20 yrs." (when provided to disadvantaged children and families.)

This shows that an investment in early childhood education will help promote a more productive society. Expanding programs like "Head Start" is mentioned in Obama's plan. Under the Bush Admin., Head Start funding was cut.

Obama believes that NCLB is a failure and needs to be reformed, but he agrees with the goal of the plan.

I think those years that Obama spent as a "community organizer" in Chicago helped him to see up close the problems that poor families face, and how important early childhood education is, especially for kids living in poverty.

Research has shown that high quality pre-school programs that teach "school readiness" help to break the cycle of at-risk behaviors, decrease the need for special education, improve language ability, lower the drop out rate, raise test scores. I think pre-school teachers should be paid a whole lot more money for doing such an important job!

NOTE: first 5 comments are from September. Sorry for any confusion.

Obama's "Zero to Five" plan

I am re-posting this post about Obama's education plan because I believe it is so important. The original post was from 9/12.

The media has not focused too much on education, but Obama does have a pretty comprehensive plan.You can read about his education plan here: Barack Obama and Joe Biden: The Change We Need Education If you scroll down you can click on plans for specific grades. There is a lot to read. While in the state senate Obama helped to create the "Illinois Early Learning Council." Illinois has universal voluntary pre-school for all 4 yr. olds, and for 3 yr. olds who are at risk. Obama will encourage all states to adopt universal voluntary pre-school. He calls this the "Zero to Five Plan."

Obama's plan describes a study that proves that early childhood educational programs "reduced problems such as probation and criminal offenses by as much as 70% over 20 yrs." (when provided to disadvantaged children and families.)

This shows that an investment in early childhood education will help promote a more productive society. Expanding programs like "Head Start" is mentioned in Obama's plan. Under the Bush Admin., Head Start funding was cut.

Obama believes that NCLB is a failure and needs to be reformed, but he agrees with the goal of the plan.

I think those years that Obama spent as a "community organizer" in Chicago helped him to see up close the problems that poor families face, and how important early childhood education is, especially for kids living in poverty.

Research has shown that high quality pre-school programs that teach "school readiness" help to break the cycle of at-risk behaviors, decrease the need for special education, improve language ability, lower the drop out rate, raise test scores. I think pre-school teachers should be paid a whole lot more money for doing such an important job!

NOTE: first 5 comments are from September. Sorry for any confusion.

Poverty, population, and the ASD

I spend a lot of time talking to moms (and dads) on the playground at my son's school. One thing I love about Muhlenberg Elementary in west Allentown is that most kids walk to school, or are driven by parents, so kids and parents can stay on the playground after school and socialize. It is a true community school. Some days we are there till almost dinner time, unless we have a piano lesson or other activity to attend. We don't have much of a yard, so I am glad my son can run around like a nut for a while, play some ball, or climb on the equipment. Saves some wear and tear on our furniture and walls, plus, kids need exercise.

I don't know the exact numbers, but according to a high ranking PTA official, this year Muhlenberg has over 100 new students. The art teacher has lost her classroom and must go room to room with a cart. (I know what that's like since I did it for many years when I taught art in the ASD). Muhlenberg has two portable classrooms. A teacher has told me that they need more ESL teachers. (English as a second language) The majority of kids in my son's class are Hispanic. I don't know how many need ESL.

If you go to the ASD's website and read the section of the comprehensive plan called "population trends" http://www.allentownsd.org/Facilities/PDF/5_Population.pdf the data does not show a current notable increase in population. This does not make sense. Here is an interesting statistic from the plan. "Between 1990-2000 the general population only grew 1.5%, housing modestly grew 0.7%, but public school enrollments increased 21.5%. " Okay, so we have an increase in students, but not much of an increase in general population or housing. What is going on, and how is the ASD addressing this? How is the city addressing it?

Over at the informative Mapping Allentown blog, Squirrel provides maps, charts, and data regarding the population in Allentown. It's interesting to look at the map that shows the percentage of kids receiving free or reduced lunch in the ASD. And this data is from a few years ago. Seems like most families qualify for free or reduced lunch. If you compare Allentown with it's surrounding districts, it is quite shocking. Allentown looks like the poverty epicenter of the area.

In 2000, the poverty rate in the 18101 zip code was 40.2%. In the 18104 zip code only 5.9%. This huge gap between center city and the west end makes it appear like Allentown is divided into two cities, the haves and the have nots. See this chart:

DataPlace Beta: Data Profile for 18104, 18103, 18102 and 18101 (thanks to Squirrel) I am interested in knowing what the center city poverty rate is for 2008. I am sure it is much higher now.

The district is building a new elementary school, so maybe that will alleviate some of the over crowding, and the middle schools are being renovated and expanded to accomodate some of this growth, but I think something must be done about low income housing in Allentown. Row houses should not be allowed to be converted into several apartments.

Poverty and increased student enrollment seem to be the big issues for the ASD and for the city, so what is being done about it? Are city officials and the ASD working together on addressing these important issues?

If you have a child in the ASD I would recommend being an advocate for your child, ask questions, and get involved as a volunteer. Kids come first.

Poverty, population, and the ASD

I spend a lot of time talking to moms (and dads) on the playground at my son's school. One thing I love about Muhlenberg Elementary in west Allentown is that most kids walk to school, or are driven by parents, so kids and parents can stay on the playground after school and socialize. It is a true community school. Some days we are there till almost dinner time, unless we have a piano lesson or other activity to attend. We don't have much of a yard, so I am glad my son can run around like a nut for a while, play some ball, or climb on the equipment. Saves some wear and tear on our furniture and walls, plus, kids need exercise.

I don't know the exact numbers, but according to a high ranking PTA official, this year Muhlenberg has over 100 new students. The art teacher has lost her classroom and must go room to room with a cart. (I know what that's like since I did it for many years when I taught art in the ASD). Muhlenberg has two portable classrooms. A teacher has told me that they need more ESL teachers. (English as a second language) The majority of kids in my son's class are Hispanic. I don't know how many need ESL.

If you go to the ASD's website and read the section of the comprehensive plan called "population trends" http://www.allentownsd.org/Facilities/PDF/5_Population.pdf the data does not show a current notable increase in population. This does not make sense. Here is an interesting statistic from the plan. "Between 1990-2000 the general population only grew 1.5%, housing modestly grew 0.7%, but public school enrollments increased 21.5%. " Okay, so we have an increase in students, but not much of an increase in general population or housing. What is going on, and how is the ASD addressing this? How is the city addressing it?

Over at the informative Mapping Allentown blog, Squirrel provides maps, charts, and data regarding the population in Allentown. It's interesting to look at the map that shows the percentage of kids receiving free or reduced lunch in the ASD. And this data is from a few years ago. Seems like most families qualify for free or reduced lunch. If you compare Allentown with it's surrounding districts, it is quite shocking. Allentown looks like the poverty epicenter of the area.

In 2000, the poverty rate in the 18101 zip code was 40.2%. In the 18104 zip code only 5.9%. This huge gap between center city and the west end makes it appear like Allentown is divided into two cities, the haves and the have nots. See this chart:

DataPlace Beta: Data Profile for 18104, 18103, 18102 and 18101 (thanks to Squirrel) I am interested in knowing what the center city poverty rate is for 2008. I am sure it is much higher now.

The district is building a new elementary school, so maybe that will alleviate some of the over crowding, and the middle schools are being renovated and expanded to accomodate some of this growth, but I think something must be done about low income housing in Allentown. Row houses should not be allowed to be converted into several apartments.

Poverty and increased student enrollment seem to be the big issues for the ASD and for the city, so what is being done about it? Are city officials and the ASD working together on addressing these important issues?

If you have a child in the ASD I would recommend being an advocate for your child, ask questions, and get involved as a volunteer. Kids come first.