INNOVATIVE WAYS SCHOOLS ARE ENSURING NO CHILD IS LEFT BEHIND

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON FULL SERVICE SCHOOLS

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON OWNERSHIP OF LEARNING

LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR POSITIVE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

MY SUMMARY OF THE THREE ARTICLES BIBLIOGRAPHY

Some schools are now taking a holistic approach to education. They have community partners who offer health care services and mental health services at the school. The healthcare services have decreased the number of absences from school as many children at risk do not have healthcare coverage. They provide immunizations and treatments for minor illnesses.

The after school programs provide help with homework and child care. These two needs have been identified by most urban schools. The school that started it all was Thomas Edison Elementary School in Port Chester, New York. Many schools have followed suit. They started there venture as a full service school ten years ago and have dramatically increased their average ISTEP scores.

This article really showed me why data analysis is important. They were able to respond to the needs of their students by looking at income levels, ethnicity, gender, and family living situations. The quote that I found interesting was “A review of the school's health records confirmed teachers' observations that many students were coming to school sick”

I could not believe parents would be sending their children to school sick. Also using family caseworkers to assist the parents so they in turn may be of more assistance to their children was very encouraging. I am very impressed with the full service schooling method.

This article addresses the importance of using new innovative methods of teaching. It seems that students are more interested in using technology today. The article states “student engagement and student accountability are on the downswing” Using technology in the classroom would increase their engagement. As most students now have iPods, cell phones and laptops.

This article is a thought provoking look at how we as educators can get students more involved. Competing with cool technology is not going to be the solution so we must embrace technology and incorporate it into our teaching methods. Also the article places emphasis on the dual responsibilities of students and educators to achieve the goals needed for success.

I think the quote I found most compelling in this article was that “twenty six percent of students arrive to class without paper or pencils.” That was simply amazing to me that they would show up so unprepared. I am sure most had their iPod or cell phone though. The part of the article that really gave me insight was the video on YouTube that depicted students holding signs saying how long they spent on the internet and their iPods.

The quote that captured my attention right off was “It probably won't surprise you that classroom control/discipline is rated among the top four challenges teachers face in public schools today”. As an aspiring teacher I have significant concern over this area. This article was very beneficial with tips on how to lay a foundation for positive behavior. Two are showing respect and modeling positive behavior.

It states that it is also a good idea to involve the students by asking their suggestions about what they think should be expected and consequences if those expectations are not met. The article states that students are more responsive when they helped create the rules. Also it stressed the importance of being positive and encouraging in our actions not just to excelling students but to all.

My reflections on this article are that many problems arise just from boredom and frustration. This says to me I am going to need to be positive and enthusiastic in my teaching. I am going to need to be creative so as to keep the excelling students engaged while I am busy assisting those with a need for extra instruction. I will need to be aware of my own behavior so I may be a good model for them.

These three articles all deal with the challenges students and educators face to ensure no child is left behind. Behavioral problems, health problems, domestic problems, low income, and boredom all contribute to lower grades. We need to address the students individually and assess their needs to ensure their success.

Technology is going to play a large factor. Whether we are using technology as an assistive learning tool or for finding new ways to meet their needs. Also all three articles stress the importance of involving the student in the decision making process and discovery process. We should not only lecture but listen is a very profound truth. All these are very important to ensure the success of each learner.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP APRIL 2008 “A FULL SERVICE SCHOOL FULFILLS ITS PROMISE” VOLUME 65 ISSUE #7 http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/apr08/vol65/num07/A_Full-Service_School_Fulfills_Its_Promise.aspx

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP NOVEMBER 2008 “LEARNING-WHOSE JOB IS IT” VOLUME 66 ISSUE #3 http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/nov08/vol66/num03/Learning%40_Whose_Job_Is_It%2b.aspx

PEARSON EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT GROUP “LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR POSITIVE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR” http://www.teachervision.fen.com/classroom-management/teaching-methods/6400.html?_R=1