week 8

It always amazes me that in our country where we are so advanced in so many ways, that there still is such a level of racism that permeates throughout.  My level of awareness has expanded since the start of this course.  The one issue that really stokes my professional passion is the disparity of funding and education that still exists in our country.  Racism and prejudice are running rampart in our cities.  Many people don't realize that they have lived a life of privilege.  They believe that because they don't have the latest iPod or many luxuries that their lives are deficit.  Until reviewing the resources in this course my perspective on privilege was limited as well.  People's perspective are embedded in their own parameters.   I now realize that my life has been one of privilege.   I would like to learn more about the effects of the ism's that resonate through our country, the effects and the consequences on the individuals they affect.  I would like to take all of this researched information and implement processes to counteract the negative consequences and effects that many people are experiencing.  When I finish this program and obtain my masters I would like to open a world school Pre K - 3 in North Philadelphia.  My goal is to be able to access grants, private and federal funding in order to develop a non-bias program that would cater to needs of each individual student.   

Thank you all for taking the time to read my thoughts.  I wish everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to working with many of you again.  

week 7

I am a kindergarten teacher with a new student arriving next week from France.  I do not speak a word of French but want the student and his family to feel welcome. 
The first thing I would do is welcome his family to the school and ensure that there is an interpreter to ease communication .  During this initial meeting I would have the interpreter gather all pertinent information on the student and the family.  I would invite the parents to come as guests to the classroom and make sure that they understand all of the accomodations that have been put into to place for their child.  The student would be working with an ESOL teacher and preparations would be made to send a copy of all work home.  This will help to instill a sense of collaboration between school and home.  It will also set the tone of "family learning".  When an individual feels important and senses he belongs it helps to solidify overall development.  This not only benefits the child, their families but the overall climate of the classroom. 

week 6

There are many memories that I have in which I have experienced prejudice.  Growing up Jewish in a predominately non Jewish neighborhood was not an easy feat.  I was the only one in my class that didn't celebrate Christmas.  I remember at the holiday chorus concerts in elementary school there were never any Chanukah songs.  One year I decided that I was going to confront the music teacher and ask her if I could sing the dreidal song.  To my surprise I was told no, that no one would know that song.  I remember feeling so alone and so sad.   Instead of embracing my moment of declaration, I was insulted and made to feel that there was something wrong with my families beliefs.  The only way that this situation could of been turned into a great opportunity was to allow me to sing the dreidal song.  This could of opened the channels of communication and in turn educate and incorporate diversified perspectives. 

Week 4 microagression

 This week was an interesting one.  I was waiting for my boyfriend for happy hour at a local bar in center city Philadelphia.  As I was waiting there with some teacher friends a group of men starting to talk to us.  Fun conversation, they were a bit drunk.  My boyfriend who is black came in and came over to us.  The one guy who was talking to me when introduced to my BF hits his chest saying whats up big boy.  It was so derogatory and simplistic.  It made me sad that there are so many un enlightened people in this world.  I am not sure if it is about jealousy or fear when hatred thoughts rule your being. 

wk 3 - culture and diversity

 The first person I spoke to about culture was my sister.  My sister is very religious and defines culture as the traditions of her family and ancestors.  I am what my mother and her mother where before her.  She believes that the most important part of culture is her identity.  Her definition of diversity is that diversity is what makes up the differences between us.  

The second person I spoke to about culture was my father.  He explained culture is your being.  It is the fabric of your family and the tying bond that exists to all that belong.  Culture is a sense of belonging.  Diversity in his opinion are the characteristics that define your individuality and highlight the wonder of differences.  

I then spoke with my niece who was home visiting from college.  To her culture was expansion.  Her perspective on culture had alot to do with the levels of cultural identity.  She felt that one's culture was the parameters to their being but their chosen identities pinpointed the importance of cultural differentiation.  Within one's own culture the determining of the importance of certain traditions is what keeps a culture flowing and in existence.  

So far the resources that have been presented in this course represent many of the perspectives like the ones I have shared today.  I believe that diversity and differences are beautiful and the sooner we can teach that to our children the better off we will all be. 

week 2 - Perspectives on Diversity

 If I was told that I had to leave my home with only three things I would choose my collection of pictures, my grandmothers china and my mothers opal necklace.  My pictures could tell the story of my life and well as all I love.  My grandmother was a very important part of my life.  She came over to American when she was 24 with 3 children 2 weeks before Hitler took over Latvia.  Her china made it through the treacherous boat ride and has always been a staple at any holiday meal for as long as I can remember.  My mothers opal necklace is over 40 years old.  Since I was a very little girl I can always remember loving the necklace.  When I graduated college she gave it to me.  It means the world to me.  If I was told that I would have to give these things I would be devastated.  Being taken away from your home is tragic enough, but when you have to give up a piece of your hope that is when a soul can be broken. 

week 8

Over the last 8 weeks my knowledge has expanded immensely when it came to the early childhood research. I never realized just how much work goes into to conducting a study that is reliable and valid.  

I learned that research is about uncovering and enabling the emergence of new understandings, insights and knowledge . The road to an effective outcome is always embedded in the research that is involved.   This is especially true when it comes to young children and their families.

I believe that there certain studies where societal benefits from subjecting children to greater than minimal risks.  Risk/Benefit equation in terms of a research study has to with the variables surrounding the study. The greater the benefit a study can possibly have , a possible higher risk is acceptable. Even if the research was very valuable, possible risks must always be taken into consideration and evaluated.   Millions of people die each year from Cancer.  If there were a study where the possibility of perhaps understanding the different variables of the disease and could possibly lead to iradication then certain risks would be warranted.  When discussing the risk/benefit equation it is important to always calculate and evaluate any possible risks and consequences.  

I learned that research studies are only as good as the design.  

The last 8 weeks have furthered my understanding of the architecture of how to effectively set up a research study.  I am now aware of the different variable that need to be put into place in order for a study to be successful.  

week 5 - International Research

International Research

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) is an independent, self-governing, international association which promotes and disseminates multi-disciplinary research on early childhood and its applications to policy and practice. EECERA is a non-profit organization, wholly-owned and subscribed to by its substantial and influential world-wide membership. It generates its own revenue, receives no external funding and thus ensures its independence, radical attitude and innovative openness.   EECERA Annual Conference is the largest and most significant early years' research conference in Europe, regularly attracting more than 600 researcher delegates from all over the world.   

Some of the current international research topics include Outdoor play and learning, Diversity in the early childhood education and appropriation of symbolic skills in 5 years old. 

The are many new facts that I learned from reviewing EECERA web page.  There is a Conference that is hosted in a different European city each year by a local university or early years network and to encourage networking and cross-national collaborations, includes a full social program. The local knowledge and the EECERA organizational structure mean that each conference is unique but of consistent quality.   The next conference will be in Estonia in August 2013.  It will be discussing the important issues of values, culture and contexts.   I as well became exposed to one of the most respected journals in the early childhood field.  The EECERJ, the Journal of EECERA, is one of the most prestigious early childhood journals in the world. It is one of only four early years journals indexed by the Institute for Scientific Information.    It consists of all pertinent research studies in correlation with effective early childhood development. 

Wk 3 - Research Experience

When I was 8 years old my best friend was diagnosed with leukemia.  At first thinks were not looking very good for her.  Then her parents were told about a new research study that was testing a new medication.  There were many risks involved but after careful review her parents decided that she could be a participate.  I remember the medication made her very sick but she still came to school as often as she could.  During an assembly one day she got up in front of the whole school and explained what was going on.  She discussed all aspects of her illness and the research study she was a part of.  She was so brave.  In the end the medication did help her and today she is raising her own daughter.  The trials and results of the study offered tangible hope to many that were afflicted with the same disease.   Many people are alive today because of that initial study.

6163 Critical Research week 2

Research has proven that play is such an important part of a child’s development.  Play in the classroom helps a child to explore their inner most and feelings a safe and effective way.  I would like to further research the correlation between play and effective early childhood development.  Three sub topics that I would research would be the following.   The first one would discuss the  how play helps children to develop effectively in all aspects.   The second sub topic would delve into effective ways to implement play into your classroom curriculum.  The third sub topic would discuss gender roles in correlation to play and development.

            I think that is very important that play is a part of every early childhood program.  Research has shown that play is an integral part to healthy development.  Some early childhood programs have incorporated a straight structured curriculum that focuses on future achievement tests. Incorporating play in a multi sensory curriculum seems to some to be a waste of time.   Administrators and families are concerned with their children learning the foundations of reading, writing and arithmetic.  These beliefs have been proven to not be true.  Neurologically speaking it is through play that children learn about themselves and their worlds around them.  This is when real life issues and situations becomes processed and compartmentalized in a way that understanding and coping are enhanced.  These understandings become the foundation for future learning no matter the environment.   The results from this study can serve as statistical data showing just how important it is to have a diversified curriculum that includes all avenues of expression. 

week 8

My first goal is to further my knowledge of international awareness by continuing to follow all pertinent newsletters and keep communication open with international professionals.  

My second goal is to continue to learn from my classmates/colleagues through our discussions and blogs. 


Over the last 8 weeks my knowledge has expanded immensely when it came to the early childhood field.  By expanding my perspective globally helped to reaffirm my commitment to being the best early childhood advocate I can possible be.  I never realized that poverty was such a wide epidemic affecting so many.  I teach in a middle school in North Philadelphia.  Many of the students come from poverty ridden families.  I have seen first hand the ramifications that can occur when the development cycle is skewed from natural course.  The last 8 weeks have furthered my understanding of the barriers and inequities that are currently preventing many children from attending programs.  All of the research has come to the same conclusion that effective early childhood programs are an essential part of normal development.   Most issues pertaining to early childhood programs are very similar throughout the world.  It was very encouraging to me to be able to see just how many people commit their lives to the betterment of all children.  Gives me hope that all of the work that has gone in to educate people on the importance of early childhood programs will pay off and things will change for the better.

week 7 - professional goals

  
I have been in contact with Sarah Klaus who is the director of the Network Early Childhood Program, Open Society Foundation, UK Sarah Klaus is Director of Early Childhood Programs (the Network Step by Step Program) at the Open Society Institute (OSI).    The Step by Step Program, OSI’s flagship program, was initiated in 1994 to promote reforms that support universal, accessible, quality early childhood education and development in Central Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.  OSI’s early childhood work now extends globally with an increasing focus on advocacy, policy, and development of leadership to support populations at risk.

Sarah explained that the issue of excellence and quality assurance is a universal hot topic.  It doesn't matter where you reside the allocation of funds and the disparities are always key.  In order to receive proper federal backing statistical research needs to be studied in order for allocation of funds.  Sarah explained that it is always the economic view that is used for positioning.  Research has shown that it is cheaper to invest in early childhood development programs then the varied ramifications that occur when proper development doesn't occur.  

Since Sarah has worked with OSI since its inception she has seen so much growth.  She explained to me that with all of the political and civil unrest in Central Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union that poverty has run rampant.   So far since the inception of step by step the tangible provisions have been implemented throughout the area which include early childhood educational programs for both children and their parents and a different level of initiatives that are aimed at iradicating the developmental gaps that stem from existing impoverished communities.   One of her main goals is to continue to be able to be a strong voice for those who can't.  She would like to be able to further the outreach and reach and help as many individuals as is possible. 

She also feels that it is important that the public service media continues to investigate and report pertinent findings.  It is easy to turn a blind eye to situations that do not initially affect you but with proper media coverage it is hard to ignore the injustices that many peoples face. 

Week 5 - Equity and excellence

I have been in contact with Sarah Klaus who is the director of the Network Early Childhood Program, Open Society Foundation, UK Sarah Klaus is Director of Early Childhood Programs (the Network Step by Step Program) at the Open Society Institute (OSI).  One of the most interesting facts that Sarah shared with me was about funding.  I always assumed that universal programs were not put into place for the most part because of lack of funding.  What she explained is that success in promoting early child development does not depend upon a society being wealthy.  Because early child development programs rely on the skills of caregiver, the cost of effective programs varies with the wage structure of a society.  Regardless of their level of wealth, societies can make progress on early child development by allocating as little as $1.00 in this area for every $10.00 spent on health and education.  It is all about perspective and priorities.  The interaction that occurs between individual characteristics(genetic and physiologic) and experiences and exposures drawn from the environment are basic to the development of the child.  Everything possible needs to be done to ensure that all factors are being put into place. 

Week 4 - National Institute of Early Childhood Research 

NIEER.org is an amazing resource.  It is filled with all pertanent information pertaining to early childhood development.    It went into to great detail about the research presented at the 2012 national seminar.  At the 2012 national seminar of the Education Writers Association (EWA), NIEER Assistant Research Professor Milagros Nores joined a panel on early learning research, which also included Steven Hicks from the U.S. Department of Education, Lindsey Allard Agnamba of School Readiness Consulting, and Thoughts on Public Education co-writer Kathryn Baron as moderator. Dr. Nores spoke on the benefits of investing in prekindergarten programs and the current state of preschool education in the U.S.  Economically speaking effective early childhood programs are fiscally advisable.   Part of this study focused in on the preparation of teachers.  Many teachers are not properly prepared and in some cases not state certified to teach preschool.  Last week I attended a professional development at the early childhood center at Philadelphia School district that focused on the characteristics of an effective pre school teacher.   The PD was based on the results of years of research.

In the economy section of the newsletter they spoke of the history behind NJ's effective early childhood programs.  I live very close to New Jersey and honestly had no idea what they had implemented.  In 1998, the New Jersey Supreme Court took a then-unprecedented step. It ordered the state to provide high-quality pre-Kindergarten programs to all 3- and 4-year-old children in 31of the state’s highest poverty districts, also known as Abbott districts after the long-running Abbott v. Burke school finance case. Universal pre-K is only one of numerous mandates the court placed on the state and the Abbott districts in its 1998 ruling, but that requirement has had a far-reaching effect on the state’s early education system.  Today, New Jersey has built a robust, diverse provider system to deliver high-quality universal pre-K in the Abbott districts, has taken steps to expand pre-K services for at-risk children in the state’s other 560 districts, and has done more than perhaps any other state in the country to link these early learning investments with early literacy reforms in the K-12 system, creating a seamless, high-quality PreK-3^rd early learning experience for the state’s most disadvantaged youngsters.  This is clear evidence just how important it is to develop a plan that is universally effective for all. 

week 3- speaking of poverty

I have been in contact with Sarah Klaus who is the director of the Network Early Childhood Program, Open Society Foundation, UK Sarah Klaus is Director of Early Childhood Programs (the Network Step by Step Program) at the Open Society Institute (OSI).    The Step by Step Program, OSI’s flagship program, was initiated in 1994 to promote reforms that support universal, accessible, quality early childhood education and development in Central Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.  OSI’s early childhood work now extends globally with an increasing focus on advocacy, policy, and development of leadership to support populations at risk. 

Sarah has worked with OSI since its inception.  She explained to me that with all of the political and civil unrest in Central Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union that poverty has run rampant.   So far since the inception of step by step the tangible provisions have been implemented throughout the area which include early childhood educational programs for both children and their parents and a different level of initiatives that are aimed at iradicating the developmental gaps that stem from existing impoverished communities. 

wk2 assigment- Professional Newsletter

nieer.org - National Institute for Early Educational Research

The National Institute for Early Research is an organization that focuses on all aspects of early childhood development in correlation with educational programs.  All of the information that they put together is compounded with clear and concise research

One of the major issues that was discussed was the funding aspect of pre school programs. 
Funding for state pre-K programs has plummeted by more than $700 per child nationwide over the past decade — keeping the quality of many states’ preschools low even as enrollment has grown, a new report from the National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER) shows.
“High-quality early learning is arguably the greatest investments we can make, which is why our Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge supports states committed to providing this important opportunity to more children,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Raising the quality of early learning and expanding access to effective programs plays a pivotal role in improving our children's chances at being successful in grade school through to college and careers. It's the kind of investment that benefits us all.”
Pre-K funding has dropped by $715 per student, when adjusted for inflation, between the 2001-2002 and 2010-2011 school years. Per-student funding dropped by $145 in 2010-2011 alone compared with the previous year.  If this trend continues eventually early childhood programs will almost become obsolete. 

The two professional that I emailed are Mr. Eva Hammes D. Bernardo from the German national committe for early childhood education and Sarah Klaus from International step by step association.

I have not heard back from either one.  I resent the emails again and if I do not hear back from either one of them I will start on the alternative assignment.

The organization that I have been reviewing is the National Institute for early educational research.
Newsletter nieer.org