Educational Policy…Where Do We Go From Here?

Educational policy from what I have read thus far in Fowler’s (2013) Policy Studies for Educational Leaders is defined as “substantive decisions, commitments, and implementing actions by those who have governance responsibilities….as interpreted by various stakeholders”. In truth, I know very little about educational policy except from what I researched about its association with the Civil Rights Movement and Brown vs. Board of Education. Also with its impact on segregation in the public school system…In addition, the students that attend my school which is a Title I school is over 5o percent free and reduce lunch, so every year I students have to complete the federal forms, which I believe is how we receive our Title 1 funding, but again I know very little… My principal always at our media committee meeting always before ordering any new material or resource always says that she made sure to include it in her “budget” at the beginning of the fiscal year…

          So on that note, taking this class is definitely a plus for me, because I am new to this altogether.  After reading the beginning of this book as it describes the incident at the educational official it makes me wonder, “What can I do to make a difference? Is it my responsibility to know all the policies surrounding education as it pertains to my student or is it the administrators?

          One goal that I can set for myself is to interview my principal about at least one policy in education that directly affects our children. Another goal is to stay more abased on the lastest educational research on policy. Lastly, read more print about educational policy and watch more news on educational policy…I don’t watch TV…so I guess I need to at least tend to news once a week. Or I just thought about I could visit a great educational website that gives formative educational news  about the lastest findings.

Joy Overflowing,

April

References:

Fowler, F.  (2013). Policy Studies for Educational Leaders. An Introduction. 4^th.Ed. New, York.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

        “My clothes are tattered and torn… I feel so all alone, darkness surrounds me…the streets welcomes me… hungry… don’t know when my next meal is going to be…I’ll work just let me try, please dry the tears from my eyes… Who am I?  I could be you…  Homelessness knows no age, skin color, or race…it simply takes and never gives… Leaving no stone unturned”.

I have truly enjoyed all that I have learned in this course thus from  my understanding of what antibias in education means to the concept of microaggression,  the reflections and thoughts of Marsha and Shaun’s experiences, to the research of  Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model, to all that I have acquired in my studies of homelessness. I  would have to say my favorite is the information I have learned about homelessness, because of the personal experience I have to the student who was previously in my class and still in my life… and at this very moment, her family is still being affected by the traumatic ramifications of homelessness.

In addition, reading all my colleagues posting via the discussion boards have been most interesting to learn about. I can truly tell through their thoughtful and innovative presentations given, they are going to enhance and enrich their children’s learning environment- now that is the bottom line…reach one. One day at a time…until you have conquered them all. .heart within a heart, combined to make one!

Joy Overflowing,

April

Discovering More about Homelessness via Interview Process

I think one of the most difficult decision in the interview process is making sure you pick the right person to interview as it relates to your chosen project. In this, you have to make sure the person of whom you decide to interview is not some random participant but someone who has an in-depth knowledge or experience to enlighten your understanding of the topic. In addition, I think another decision that one must render a lot of thought to the type of questions that need to be ask of the participant in the interview process. It is the questions that will determine the flow of the interview. The interviewer has to ensure that he or she are asking questions that are relevant to issue being investigated, Not only this, but ensure the interviews questions are not as means as to make the participant feel uncomfortable but open to share.

In interviewing my participants as it related to homelessness, I really connected to the teacher’s experience that she had with her student, being that I previously also had a child that was homeless in my class; however our experiences were totally different in that my student never allowed her situation to define her. She was diligent in her studies, smiled all the time, and brought joy into our family. Her mother was supportive of her learning, and attempted to attend meetings as well as after-school events, however sometimes couldn’t due to transportation issue.

In closing my research of the issue of homelessness is actually unfolding according to plan. I am able to find peer-reviewed articles that are informative and thought-provoking. Also in the interviewee that I have had the pleasure to interview aligned with the research I have read.

Joy Overflowing,

April

No Place like Home

        Homeless affects 1.4 to 1.5 million children out of 3.5 million people that are homeless (National Center on Family Homelessness, 2009). Children need to feel secure, safe and loved. They need a place to call home. Unfortunately for some children, life happens in the midst of their security and the very thing that makes them feel safe is snatched away from them for different reasons. Homeless affects so many facets of a child’s live constraining their psychological, emotional, social, and behavioral development. It can also affect their academic development, which is deteriorated by poor cognitive development and the circumstances of being homeless.  It is not surprising that emotional distresses come into to play.

          As educators we must create an environment that is warm and welcoming to the point that it gives the child some sense of hope that there is a brighter tomorrow.  We give the child the support he or she needs by aligning them with the school counselor so that she may delve deeper into what the child is experiencing in class daily.

          In my experience of working with children- who are homeless, in most cases those students preserve if they have a great support system in place. Also if the child feels that he or she is just as important as anybody else- they will be successful.

Joy Overflowing,

April

References:

National Center on Family Homelessness. (2009). America’s youngest outcast: State report card on child homelessness. Retrieved from www.homelesschildrenamerica.org.

Simple Reflections

Simple Reflections

As I envision the future. I hope for a world where parents and teachers are united as one for the same educational outcome-Success-A world that propels growth and academic achievement for all students; no matter their social economic background. It is my hope to continue to perfect my craft in such a way that it provides a shining light in a child that was surrounded in darkness. I want to be the type of teacher that sets expectations high for success wrapped in love, patience, and heartfelt hugs. I want every child and parent -that I am gifted to come in contact with; to know that I have complete faith in them and their abilities- as one, we can accomplish anything. In other words, triumph is eminent.

          In addition, my hope is that education continues to evolve to meet the needs of every student. As an educator, I am fortunate that I have the opportunity to work for a board that believes that professional development is the completeness for all student prosperity. In other words, focusing on current social and educational trends will lead to the prospect of producing high achieving students as our motto says. Another hope of mine is that this field will expand to cultivate all avenues that it can, to make parents more aware of the fact that they are the foundations in which their child shall stand. By creating a vertical team effort on the part of administration, teachers, and all stakeholders involved; the children will be one to reap the benefits. Are they not the most important piece to this puzzle?

We must understand that as educators, we are gifted with an exceptional gift- the life of a child in the palm of our hands. More importantly, we have the defining chance to shape the mind of a future president, doctor, lawyer, or even an educator to name a few... We have no idea what our students will become. However; we can instill in them the hope of what could be. It is our job to provide them with a learning environment that is full of promise; where every child believes he or she shall succeed. No this-if we fail our students; we are in essence failing ourselves.  Why do this, when we have been put into a position that has an unspeakable presence that can last a lifetime. For every student, we must envision them to be just like a beautiful rose that has not yet blossom; it takes time, tender loving care, nourishment, and pruning for its true element to unfold.

While on this journey; I have learned that there are many obstacles that can be discouraging for any student to learn. These obstacles being stress, childhood diabetes, high blood pressure, lots of transitions due to military life, lack of parental involvement, not having adequate modifications/accommodations in place for inclusion students, as well as homelessness.  In addition, in order to want change, we as educators must become the change we want to see. It is time out for complaining about what is wrong, and take actions to rectify.

Being in this course has afforded me the opening to meet some wonderful educators, who like me are reaching for the more in this educational realm of life. I have been blessed with the chance to embrace such infinite wisdom and encouragement through this shared vision.

Lastly, I will used what I’ve learned in this course to be a more profound educator for my children, do all in my power to include my parents as partners, and to become a part of the change by embracing new technology, proven research, and infinite knowledge.

Joy Overflowing,

April

Reflection

As I reflect upon all that I have learned on this eduacational journey...much comes to mind. I think of the first time I logged into Tedtalk and met an extraordinary woman named Rita Pierson, an educator of 40 years...she reminded me that every child, nomatter the challenges the can sometimes bring, their social economic status, or academic level-every child needs a champion!
Quotes that inspire me...
As a teacher, it is my desire to light a burning fire so consuming that my students will be compel to want to learn. 

 This quote inspires me because every day should be a beacon for a new horizoning for fresh new teaching for my students to explore.
This quotes inspires me because it signifies my belief that you must LOVE those that you TEACH!!!!
I truly believe that when a child is actively engaged in the learning environment, it allows him or  her to take ownership of their learning- this brings about empowerment, not given, yet earned.

After encountering so much research on the topic of the Lack of Parental Involvement...I have had alot to ponder and decipher, however; there were 3 articles that really stuck with me the most- Defining Parental Involvement by Young, Austin, and Growe (2009), Leveling the Home Advance, accessing the Effectiveness of Parental Involvement by Thurston Domina (2005), and the Barriers to Parental Involvement by Hornby and Lafaele (2011).

In the end, I continue to grow as a reflective practioner in the field of early childhood education. I truly beileve that parental involvement is essential in the life of a child when it comes to  all aspects of life, but especially education. Countless hours of research says it is so....I will progress each and every day towardas my goal of becoming  a scholarly writer as I continue to walk on this journey as a Waldne University student. With this is mind, no child will be left behind.
Joy Overflwoing,
April

References:

Hornby, G., & Lafaele, R. (2011). Barriers to parental involvement in education: an explanatory model. Educational Review, 63(1), 37-52. doi:10.1080/00131911.2010.488049

TedTalks. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks

 YOUNG, C. Y., AUSTIN, S. M., & GROWE, R. (2013). DEFINING PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT: PERCEPTION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS. Education, 133(3), 291-297

Technology-An innovative way to inspire and challenge young minds

Just imagine walking into a classroom where technology has been given birth and freedom to reign supreme in the life of a child. Technology is the artistic ability of science to create using gadgets in the palm of your hand or at your fingertips. And now with our students’ thirst for being left on the edge of their seat, as educators-we must get on board. Technology has a way of virtually opening the mind of a child to see beyond the concrete and become analytical in their thinking. The use of technology gives the child a freedom to explore, express, and become independent in a supportive learning environment. According to Gillis, Luthan, Parette, and Blum (2012) the use of technology has a profoundly positive impact on higher order thinking, self-concept, motivation and independence.

In my own experience of using technology on a daily basis has become a way of actively engaging my students to go beyond what is considered the “norm”. For example, my school participates in BOYD (Bring your own device) to school to integrate technology into the classroom. This means my students are allowed to bring any smart device whether it is a smart phone, IPad, Kindle, Nook…to they may use them during reading or math to enhance their learning experience. Also I allow my students to manipulate (Hope) my smart board every day so that those students who don’t have personal devices can participate as well through E-books or the use of our Elmo. Another real life experience for innovation of great technology use for which my students and I loved was when we learned about the history of the Creek and Cherokee Indians. I constructed the lesson using a Prezi board presentation, which incorporates music, links to videos, history clips, and colorful photography. The students absolutely loved this, it blew their minds. This is something that text books simply can’t do… Afterward; my students participated in accountable talk about what they learned- I was so thrilled about the enthusiasm displayed in their voices, and how they were able to retell detailed information about what they learned. Now that was authentic learning for me and my students.  

Question in what ways are you trying as an educator to invite technology into your classroom, not for your personal usage, but for your students? Food for thought…

Joy Overflowing,

April

References

Gillis, A., Luthin, K., Parette, H. P., & Blum, C. (2012). Using "VoiceThread" to Create Meaningful Receptive and Expressive Learning Activities for Young Children. Early Childhood Education Journal, 40(4), 203-211.