Tuesday, December 2, 2008

A Sense of Calling: Who Teaches and Why

Referenced in Chapter 16 of our textbook, this study is full of "feel good" statistics about the teaching profession. A must read...

Abstract: 

At a time of intense concern over the quality of the teaching force, this study shows that individuals entering the profession are admirably dedicated to their craft. Nonetheless, they, as well as the school administrators who supervise them, find fault with the curriculum in place at the nation's teaching colleges.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Teacher Organizations

INTASC The Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) is a consortium of state education agencies and national educational organizations dedicated to the reform of the preparation, licensing, and on-going professional development of teachers.\

NEA - The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3.2 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

AFT - The American Federation of Teachers was founded in 1916 to represent the economic, social and professional interests of classroom teachers.  It is an affiliated international union of the AFL-CIO.

SCEA - South Carolina Education Association - The South Carolina Education Association (The SCEA) is the professional association for educators in South Carolina. Educators from pre-K to 12th grade comprise The SCEA. Classroom teachers, guidance counselors, librarians, principals, middle managers, superintendents as well as bus drivers, teaching assistants, lunch room operators, maintenance engineers, clerks and secretaries are members of The SCEA.

SNEA - Student National Education Association - The Student National Education Association (SNEA) was founded in 1937 as a department of NEA. The SNEA Representative Assembly almost 50 years later voted to end its affiliation status and merge with NEA as a program.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The History of American Education     

 

I. European Influences on American Educational History 
 

Colonial Institutions of Education/Schooling in the Revolutionary and Early National Period (ca. 1776-1820s).


II. Colonial Period of American Education (ca. 1600-1776)

 

III. Early National Period of American Education (ca. 1776-1840)

 

The First Era of Educational Reform: The Common School Movement (ca. 1830-1860).


IV. Common School Period of American Education (ca. 1840-1880)

 

 The Second Era of Educational Reform: Progressivism (ca. 1890-1920) and the Comprehensive Public High School. 


V. Progressive Period of American Education (ca. 1880-1920)

 

V. 1 Summary of the Progressive Era

 

VI. Modern Period of American Education (ca. 1920-present)

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

John Dewey's Pedagogic Creed

This is a must read for all serious pre-service and inservice educators.

John Dewey is the founder of instrumentalism and his ideas serve as a foundation for Progressivism (Progressive Education).


Pages 3-18.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Sanctions under No Child Left Behind

By The Associated Press Wednesday, October 01, 2008

The No Child Left Behind law requires schools to meet annual goals based largely on student test scores. When schools that have large numbers of poor students fail to make "adequate yearly progress," the law requires them to take corrective steps:

_ Schools that don't meet goals the first year are put on notice but don't have to take any specific steps.

_ After two years of not meeting goals, schools "need improvement." They must allow students to transfer to other public schools in the district that don't have the label, and pay for their transportation.

_ After three years, schools must offer free tutoring to poor students and continue offering public school transfers.

_ After four years, schools are in "corrective action." That could include using a new curriculum, replacing some employees or extending the school day.

_ After five years, schools must develop a plan to restructure the school.

_ After six years, schools must restructure. Options could include reopening as a charter school; replacing school employees; contracting with a private company to run the school; or taking decision-making powers away from school officials.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Technologies used in K-12 Classrooms

Ultra-portable and durable word processing and internet-ready laptops:






Common Software:





Games and Simulations (effecting core subject matters)

Other Resources:




touchspin.com