3 Consequences and a Goal........
I am angry at the United States for being so negligent. How can we claim to be one of the greatest countries on earth and continue to neglect our children?
Next, I am so glad that there are many countries in this world are taking the time to properly educate their children without struggles, and teachers are supported by their administrations and the community. They are much further in becoming recognized as professionals.
Thirdly, the European Union recognizes the importance of early childhood education and care, especially in enhancing social cohesion by breaking the cycle of disadvantages and laying the foundation for lifelong learning as well as contributing to better educational outcomes. (Klein, 2012). And because of this and its outcome, our own country needs to look at this positive stride Europe is making and echo their systems so our children will have a fighting chance.
Reference:
Klein, J. (2012), Das Nachrichtenportal Rhein-Neckar, p. 15
(This reference was received by me from my German contact. I asked her to find me a quote pertaining to what I was writing about, and this is the one she sent me that seemed appropriate to me.)
Oops! I almost forgot to include my goal!
Actually, my goal is two part. First to stay current on worldwide events in the early childhood field. And to stay current with the innovative Harlem Children's Zone. Secondly, to do everything within my power to make sure high quality early childhood education and care is accessible to all children.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
International Contacts - Part 3
I have really had an enjoyable time getting to know my "teacher friend" from Germany! This assignment has been fun and depressing comparing what we know and are learning to Europe, who seems to have it a lot more together than our country does.
The issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals being discussed in Germany are that Europe has a life-long learning project called, "Precious Project". This project was based on efforts within European partner countries to increase the quality of training for early childhood professionals. Their statement of commitment highlights "highly qualified staff performs more efficiently and increases the prevention effect and therefore reduces the cost factor".
Teachers are encouraged to attend at least one yearly training event. Carolyn tells me they are all glad to go because it does not cost them anything and the weekend long training is held three times a year in Germany. The classes are fun, they learn incredible amounts of information and are fed breakfast and lunch. Maybe if it was done that way here, people would be more willing to go and get their training. She told me that teachers are more than willing to go, but also that the general public sees them as professional teachers and their pay is comparable to the school system.
Carolyn also gave me a reference if anyone would like to check out the details.
http://www.european-agency.org/agency-projects/early-childhood-intervention
Those are the only details given to me. I did check out the website and it is very informative!
The issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals being discussed in Germany are that Europe has a life-long learning project called, "Precious Project". This project was based on efforts within European partner countries to increase the quality of training for early childhood professionals. Their statement of commitment highlights "highly qualified staff performs more efficiently and increases the prevention effect and therefore reduces the cost factor".
Teachers are encouraged to attend at least one yearly training event. Carolyn tells me they are all glad to go because it does not cost them anything and the weekend long training is held three times a year in Germany. The classes are fun, they learn incredible amounts of information and are fed breakfast and lunch. Maybe if it was done that way here, people would be more willing to go and get their training. She told me that teachers are more than willing to go, but also that the general public sees them as professional teachers and their pay is comparable to the school system.
Carolyn also gave me a reference if anyone would like to check out the details.
http://www.european-agency.org/agency-projects/early-childhood-intervention
Those are the only details given to me. I did check out the website and it is very informative!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Sharing Web Resources
Some of the links on the home page for the Harlem Children's Zone website lead to donations, more information about Harlem Children's Zone, Project Pipeline Information, Latest news and more news, and a business report to show how monies are being spent.
I chose to research the "Path to Sustainability" link on the website. President Obama is quoted as saying, "If we know it works, there's no reason this program should stop at the end of the blocks in Harlem. (Obama, 2008).
The Harlem Children's Zone has moved from an experiment to a success, and the final challenge is sustainability. Its clear what a nation such as ours needs to compete successfully in this global economy of the 21st century - a workforce that is ready and well-educated. (HCZ, 2012).
This project leads me to understand the wonderful job HCZ is doing and makes me believe that they will not have any problem sustaining their success. I hope it translates to other communities and becomes a national stereotype!
Reference:
Harlem Childrens Zone, Retrieved August 2, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://hcz.org
I chose to research the "Path to Sustainability" link on the website. President Obama is quoted as saying, "If we know it works, there's no reason this program should stop at the end of the blocks in Harlem. (Obama, 2008).
The Harlem Children's Zone has moved from an experiment to a success, and the final challenge is sustainability. Its clear what a nation such as ours needs to compete successfully in this global economy of the 21st century - a workforce that is ready and well-educated. (HCZ, 2012).
This project leads me to understand the wonderful job HCZ is doing and makes me believe that they will not have any problem sustaining their success. I hope it translates to other communities and becomes a national stereotype!
Reference:
Harlem Childrens Zone, Retrieved August 2, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://hcz.org
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