As I continue to review the Prek Now website and read their newsletters I am gaining lots of beneficial information. Specific information that seems particularly relevant to my current professional development is information about the race to the top challenge. The county where I teach has decided to pilot this program for the next two years. I am eager to see how this is going to work since I believe that prekindergarten programs are always overlooked.
A statement in an e-newsletter that I found to be controversial is how many states are facing budget cuts and the programs that are suffering the most are prekindergarten programs that serve at-risk children. Research has proven over and over again that a strong foundation is necessary for future academic success, so it doesn't make sense that these programs are the first to get cut.
The prek now website provides information that adds to my understanding of how politicians support the early childhood field because there is an entire section dedicated to policy makers. Some of the information in this section includes federal initiatives, fact sheets, policy maker profiles, advisory councils, and governance.
Some other insights I gain from the newsletters are policy makers are trying to do the right thing by doing what ever it takes to make sure prekindergarten programs do not get cut so every child has the opportunity to be provided with a good education by qualified teachers and other professionals
Friday, July 22, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sharing Web Resources
The website I chose it PrekNow: A Campaign of the Pew Center on the States. The web link is www.preknow.org
The main focus of this website is to inform everyone the importance of Prekindergarten and how investing early is the best way to go. Children who attend Prek are more likely to be ready for Kindergarten and are less likely to repeat a grade. The website offers information for parents and educators. I did subscribe to their newsletter and the most current issue that is being discussed is The Race to the Top. Many people are concerned that creating assessments for such young children is unhealthy since Prekindergarten is supposed to be a hands-on and holistic learning experience. The assessments are not paper/pencil, but based more on observations. The assessments are designed so teachers can enhance individual students learning experience and will not be used as a reward or punishment in any way. Even if students do not perform up to expectations they will not be denied entrance into Kindergarten.
This website has been very helpful to me because the county that I teach in is piloting these assessments in the upcoming school year. No one has provided teachers with any information, so I feel that I know have somewhat of an understanding of how the assessments are going to work.
The main focus of this website is to inform everyone the importance of Prekindergarten and how investing early is the best way to go. Children who attend Prek are more likely to be ready for Kindergarten and are less likely to repeat a grade. The website offers information for parents and educators. I did subscribe to their newsletter and the most current issue that is being discussed is The Race to the Top. Many people are concerned that creating assessments for such young children is unhealthy since Prekindergarten is supposed to be a hands-on and holistic learning experience. The assessments are not paper/pencil, but based more on observations. The assessments are designed so teachers can enhance individual students learning experience and will not be used as a reward or punishment in any way. Even if students do not perform up to expectations they will not be denied entrance into Kindergarten.
This website has been very helpful to me because the county that I teach in is piloting these assessments in the upcoming school year. No one has provided teachers with any information, so I feel that I know have somewhat of an understanding of how the assessments are going to work.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Establishing Contacts
In order to establish contacts with early childhood professionals outside of the United States I used the websites provided and decided to e-mail a couple of people to see if they would be willing to keep in contact with me. I have not heard back from them yet, but I am hopeful that they will get back to me soon. If not, I guess I will have to use the alternative assignment.
When reviewing the different websites I decided to study the website titled PreK Now. I chose this website in particular because it provides fantastic information about Prekindergarten. Since I am currently a Prekindergarten Teacher I feel that this website will provide me with the most up to date information in the field. Some of the information provided on the website is how to adhere to best practices, how to engage parents, and how to meet standards. The website is also designed to help families of young children. It includes a checklist that parents can use to help them select a good Prekindergarten program for their child. I signed up to get their monthly newsletter and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge within the field.
When reviewing the different websites I decided to study the website titled PreK Now. I chose this website in particular because it provides fantastic information about Prekindergarten. Since I am currently a Prekindergarten Teacher I feel that this website will provide me with the most up to date information in the field. Some of the information provided on the website is how to adhere to best practices, how to engage parents, and how to meet standards. The website is also designed to help families of young children. It includes a checklist that parents can use to help them select a good Prekindergarten program for their child. I signed up to get their monthly newsletter and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge within the field.
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