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New Horizons for Learning Online Journal
Vol. XII No. 3, Summer 2006
From the Editors
Nathalie Gehrke
Dee DickinsonFor this issue, we offer a potpourri of articles for your summer reading. Please look to the abstracts below to discover all the good topics you can explore. From articles about the future needs of education to those on bibliotherapy and music therapy; from a piece on rethinking teacher leadership to one on using chess in the classroom; from an essay that worries about the math wounds of urban youth to one that describes an aerospace program for youth, to one that tells of the courage of three teachers fighting environmental pollution in their schools to several articles on special needs-- you're sure to find something here to provoke your thinking.
A Morning Metaphor:
I awaken to the songs of birds,
Seemingly singing in thanks for seeds,
Given in gratitude for some songs sung the day before.
The return of what I got
Was worth far more
Than these simple seeds,
Yet many will find their way, in and thru
To fertile ground where there they too will multiply a thousand fold . . . or more,
And once again find a feathered friend,
Who will pass it on.--Robert Dickinson
We trust the seeds we plant with these articles will find fertile soil in hearts and minds.
ARTICLES
Education's Achilles Heel: Unlocking The Dilemma of Difficulty Dee Dickinson, Margaret Gayle, Rick Smyre and Bob Stott
Four educators discuss why current movements fostering educational change are not enough, and announce the formation of a Transformational Learning Meta-Network.The Story of Arts Corps Lisa Fitzhugh
The story of a remarkable arts organization and its founder will inspire many on both personal and professional levels.More Arts! It's Essential and the Law! AnnRené Joseph
The Program Supervisor for the Arts at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Olympia, Washington offers critically important , practical, and timely information regarding the importance of the arts in education.The Future: Young Scholars' Inquiry: An Engaging Community of Inquiry Paula Fraser and Rich Henry
Two educators describe an innovative process that offers opportunities for students at all levels to think about current challenging issues and discuss how to create a more positive future for humanity.Bibliotherapy for the Inclusive Classroom Anita Iaquinta and Shellie Hipsky
Teachers can use bibliotherapy in the inclusive classroom as a tool to promote understanding of disabilities for all students.Respecting Teacher Professional Identity as a Foundational Reform Strategy Michelle Collay
If we consider relationships with colleagues and young people to be at the core of teacher professional identity, how might we think differently about the challenges of enacting school reform? When leadership values support equitable student outcomes, roles and purpose are congruent. We must document the tensions teachers experience when they perceive that a focus on adult development comes "at the expense of caring for students." We must bring this relationship issue into the mainstream reform conversation.Healing Math Learners George W. Gagnon, Jr.
The metaphor of healing math wounds inflicted by poor curriculum, poor instruction, and poor assessment is the basis of this essay on the current condition and changes needed in math education. Professional development of elementary and secondary math teachers through classroom coaching and professional learning communities to engage students in conceptual math learning is advocated by emphasizing number relations and basic operations of conceptual mathematics rather than the facts, figures, and formulas of textbook driven curriculum.The Internet as a Path to Adult Learning Lori Pendley Kupczynski and Buddy Hooper
This study examines the historical and current trends in adult learning and how these can be applied to the Internet-based medium of teaching and learning.The Group Games Model of Learning Gary Schwartz
Are students and teachers becoming increasingly stressed? Do we need to create more nurturing and creative environments? A well-known actor offers his views on the importance of dramatic games that can be included in any classroom.A Special Camp for Special Campers Nancy Presser
A group of dedicated volunteers offer a special camp for special kids.Music Therapy Interventions for Young Children Wendy Zieve
Music therapy harnesses the natural responses that children have to music in order to help them with their social skills, language, and communication. A useful bibliography of sources on music therapy completes this brief article.A Global Village Wendy Wardlow
A dedicated principal describes an inclusive public school where all students learn about and develop empathy for others with special needs.Washington Aerospace Scholars Program Bonnie J. Dunbar
The Museum of Flight in Seattle and Washington Governor Christine Gregoire announce a pioneering new aerospace program to foster student interest in math and science.Americans All: Searching for Sponsors for a History and Civics Data Base System Allen S. Kullen
In this essay, Kullen calls for sponsors to support Americans All, a program that will serve as the national operating entity to gather, organize, distribute and maintain electronic databases that will support how individual states teach and test history and civics at various grade levels. These inclusive databases will comprise the complete political, social and cultural history of the nation, organized by state and grade level.The Educational Value of Chess Wendi Fischer
Since 2000, America's Foundation for Chess has been working with 2nd and 3rd grade students and their teachers to promote the use of chess as an educational tool to increase higher level thinking skills, advance math and reading skills, and build self-confidence. This article tells about the program in schools in Washington state, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania.Democracy In A Learning Mode Rick Smyre
The author describes how electronic systems can be implemented by educators to help foster a 21st Century approach to democracy: A Knowledge Democracy that is a Direct Consensus Democracy.Contextual Learning and the World Classroom Wendy Church
Timely new resources from Facing the Future will be of invaluable help to teachers and students of many different subjects.Duz Ackurit SPELLING Matir? Four Meny Thee Ansor Iz NO! Butt R Thay Rite? Marion Blank
Teaching Reading : Why Are We Still in the Age of Leeches? Marion Blank
Two articles by Dr. Marion Blank, director of the Light on Literacy Program at Columbia University, will be of special interest to parents/grandparents and elementary school teachers. The first on spelling and the second on reading include special tactics for facilitating learning in these areas.Giraffe Heroes: Three teachers recognized as Giraffe heroes stick out their necks for school safety!
BOOKS OF INTEREST
Results Now
Mike Schmoker
ASCD 2006
ISBN: 10: 1-4166-0358-1The author, a former school administrator, middle school and high school English teacher, and author of four other highly acclaimed books, offers insightful critiques of current conventional practice and practical suggestions on how teachers and students can become more successful. Building on his background, he includes a critically important section on literacy as well as how to create and lead learning communities.
Schmoker concludes, "If the current school system wishes to survive against the increasing encroachments on its autonomy, perhaps its very existence, the there is only one worthy course of action: for teachers and school leaders at the state or province, district, and school levels to immediately and relentlessly begin to share examine, and engage in dialogue about these realities on every occasion—until our actions and commitments begin to erase the awful inertia of past decades." The ideas in this book are worthy of such discussion.
The Underachieving School
John Holt
Republished by Holt and Assoc., 2005
ISBN: 1-59181-038-8Originally published in 1969, this book is even more relevant today. It is a collection of controversial articles, chosen by Holt, that appeared originally in a variety of publications. Perhaps there might have been fewer "failing" schools if his book had been more widely read and applied. He begins, "True learning—learning that is permanent and useful, that leads to intelligent action and further learning—can arise only out of the experience, interests, and concerns of the learner."
In his chapter, "Education for the Future," he writes, I write about what I think ought to happen not what is likely to happen. We must hope for the best, but it does not look right now as if man is smart enough, far-seeing enough, generous enough, or trusting enough, to get himself out of the difficulties he has made and keeps on making for himself." He ends with, "If we want a country in which people will resist the growing pressures to conformity and servility and will vigorously defend their own rights and the rights of others, then we had better begin to give children some real freedom in school—freedom to move, to talk, to plan, and use their time to direct and assess their own learning to act, and be treated, like sensible human beings." (That was written in 1968)
Integrating Differentiated Instruction and Understanding by Design
Carol Ann Tomlinson and Jay McTighe
ASCD, 2006
ISBN: 1-4166-0284-4Understanding by Design is predominantly a curriculum design model that focuses on what we teach. Differentiated Instruction focuses on whom we teach, where we teach, and how we teach. Two highly respected educators who have spent over three decades in education as teachers, administrators, and consultants, bring these two models together in this practical and timely book with focus on diverse classrooms. You will find inspiring, practical, and well-documented ways of reaching all students and helping them to become engaged in and successful at learning.
The authors note that, "Beset by lists of content standards and accompanying 'high stakes' accountability tests, many educators sense that both teaching and learning have been redirected in ways that are potentially impoverishing for those who teach and those who learn. Educators need a model that acknowledges the centrality of standards but that also demonstrates how meaning and understanding can both emanate from and frame content standards so that young people develop powers of mind as well as accumulate an information base. For many educators, Understanding by Design addresses that need."
"Simultaneously, teachers find it increasingly difficult to ignore the diversity of learners who populate their classrooms. Culture, race, language, economics, gender, experience, motivation to achieve, disability, advanced ability, personal interests, learning preferences, and presence or absence of an adult support system are just some of the factors that students bring to school with them in almost stunning variety. Few teachers find their work effective or satisfying when they simply serve up' a curriculum—even an elegant one—to their students with no regard for their varied learning needs. For many educators, Differentiated Instruction offers a framework for addressing learner variance as a critical component to instructional planning."
The Educators Guide to Preventing and Solving Discipline Problems
Mark Boynton and Christine Boynton
ASCD 2005
ISBN: 1-4166-0326-3Help needed? Two former principals note that "whether staff believe they control student behaviors or not, they are right! Most students will behave appropriately when each and every staff member holds expectations for appropriate behaviors, when effective discipline systems are in place, when these systems are taught to students, and when students are held accountable for their actions." Their book includes a wide variety of prevention strategies, as well as recommendations on what to do when, despite them, problems occur.
Chapters include a description of the components of effective classroom discipline, how to improvement them building-wide, successful strategies for different uses, and dealing with challenging students. These well-researched strategies are based on the beliefs that the most effective discipline systems use proactive strategies designed to prevent discipline problems.
School Leadership that Works
Robert Marzano, Timothy Waters, and Brian McNulty
ASCD 2005
ISBN: 1-4166-0314-XThe authors have based this important book on 69 studies conducted since 1970 that met their selection criteria and a recent survey of more that 650 building principals. Combining research and practical advice, they have developed a list of 21 leadership responsibilities that have a significant effect on student achievement. The authors note that, "to provide practical guidance for those who face the daily challenges of leading a school, we translate all of our findings into specific recommendations for practice. We believe that our advice will help those interested in our research methodology better understand our purpose and focus. Alternatively, we believe that our discussion of the research will help those interested in our practical advice understand the sold research base underlying our recommendations." Educational leaders will find solid help and support in that critically important section section of the book on "Practical Applications."
Quantum Success
Bobbi dePorter
Learning Forum Publications, 2006
May be ordered from 760-722-0072
ISBN: 10: 0-9455253-8-9Bobbi dePorter is the cofounder of SuperCamp and President of Quantum Learning Network, which offers learning and life skills to youth and adults in 50 states and 80 countries. She is author of ten books, including Quantum Teaching, Quantum Learning, and Quantum Business. In this book, the author describes eight catalysts "to shift your energy into dynamic focus." These have worked for her and they can work for you. She points out that, "The effective twenty-first-century person is a quantum learner acquiring new knowledge quickly, deeply, and in many directions. Quantum learners process what they learn creatively, and can retrieve it and apply it in all kinds of new combinations. They are action-oriented: they learn in order to adapt. "
Building on her background and rich experiences as a dynamic educator, businessperson, and visionary, she shares strategies that everyone can utilize to live life more fully. This is a perfect book to read at any time, but for educators after a demanding school year, this is a book for reflection and renewal! In her conclusion, dePorter says, "Quantum Success is about who you are as a person. It's a shift in the way you exist in the world that changes everything else. It starts with awareness. This book demonstrates that when you bring self-awareness together with vision, values, passion, and a thirst for knowledge, you create a quantum shift—a shift in who you are as a person."
A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poems for Children
Edited by Caroline Kennedy and illustrated with paintings by Jon J. Muth
Hyperion/Hyperion Books for Children, 2006
ISBN: 0786851112Caroline Kennedy, Vice Chair of the Fund for Public Schools in New York City and president of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, has edited a beautiful collection of poems selected from those her own family enjoyed. Her selections reflect a child's world—About Me; That's So Silly!; Animals' the Seasons; the Seashore; Adventure; and Bedtime.
She writes, "Some people think poetry is solitary or boring. They worry that they won't be able to understand it. But people who start reading poems when they are young don't have these fears. As children, we enjoy exploring language and rhyme and creating word pictures of the world around us. A love of learning and the ability to express ourselves clearly are crucial in today's world. We are bombarded with information, but growing up with poetry develops a foundation in language and values that enables us to distinguish what is truly important."
Included is a lovely poem by Langston Hughes:
Dream Variations
To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark like me—
That is my dream!To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening. . .
A tall, slim tree . . .
Black like me.BULLETIN BOARD
Conference: Generation2007: Reimagine Growing Up!
Los Angeles, CA
March 30-April 1, 2007
Speakers include Jane Goodall, Eric Utne, Rachael Kessler, David Marshak and New Horizons for Learning's own Dee Dickinson. For further information, go to http://www.generationhome.org.Online Course: Using Data
Starting September 25, TERC will be offering a new session of the Using Data Online course for individuals interested in leading teachers through a process of turning student learning data into information they can use to change instruction and focus resources to raise achievement and close learning gaps. The course will run for 15 sessions /30 weeks. Tuition is $750. http://usingdata.terc.eduConference and Call for Papers
The National Association of Elementary School Principals will celebrate it 86th year by conducting its annual convention in Seattle, WA March 29th -April 2nd, 2007. See the website http://www.naesp.org for further details and for the call for papers.HAVE YOU SEEN? Related Links
The American Music Therapy Association has a newsletter for professionals who work in the early childhood area. Go to http://www.musictherapy.org and see in the menu on the left, Early Childhood Newsletter Vol. 12.
http://uc.princeton.edu/main/ A project of Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, the University Channel makes videos of academic lectures and events from all over the world available to the public. Embracing video as a valid educational tool, it is a place where academics can share their ideas and present research in a full-length, uncut, uncensored format. Free public access, but perhaps of even greater interest to colleges and universities seeking to expand their dialog with overseas institutions and international affairs. The University Channel aims to become, literally, a "global channel" for important thought to be heard in its entirety.
http://www.adenweb.org The new Architecture+Design Education Network website serves as a resource for K-12 architecture+design educators, school teachers and administrators, design professionals and community members who are interested in the design process and the built environment as means to enrich the student learning experience.
Report: Every school day nearly 1,000 public school teachers leave the profession, another 1,000 move to other schools, and others retire or are dismissed. Half of all teachers leave within five years of entering the profession and, it is argued, the best are the first to leave. The rate of attrition is 50 percent higher in poor schools than in wealthy ones and new teachers are more likely to leave than are experienced teachers. The estimated cost for the nation is about $4.9 million per year but the true cost goes far beyond dollars.
To read the entire report on the High Cost of Teacher Attrition please go to http://www.ncsmonline.org/OtherResources/rss.html
You can view other archived editions of New Horizons for Learning's Quarterly Journal. Special Journal themes include: Literacies, Differentiation, Special Needs, Out of School Opportunities, Assessment, Positive Outcomes for All, Leadership in Education, Environmental Education, Multicultural Education, New Technologies, and the Arts.
Go to New Horizons Online Journal Archive
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