Teaching about the Holocaust

Over 11 million people died during the Holocaust, and about 1 million of them were Jewish children. The tragic details of the events of the Holocaust are very painful, yet the persecutions and murders, and World War that followed make up an important part of our world's history.

Approaching a lesson plan on the Holocaust can be overwhelming. Many teachers begin with the story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who documented her family’s stay in an attic, hiding from the Nazis. This story can be a starting point to help students connect and understand the events that took place nearly 80 years ago.

• Introduction to the Holocaust 
• Teaching about the Holocaust 
• Anne Frank Overview and Background 
• Lesson Plans for Elementary School Students
• Lesson Plans for Middle School and High School students

Why Does Music Education Matter?

Because administrators and politicians generally view music as an “add-on” or “special,” it can be the first program cut from a school facing budget constraints. As a result, supporters of music education constantly struggle to justify music’s importance. They might show how music improves math scores and increases school attendance, or they may demonstrate that the focus and discipline required to master an instrument improve students’ overall academic performance.

Proponents of music education may also discuss one of the most compelling effects of music—the fact that creating music requires individual competence (based on practice and discipline) combined with attentiveness to others in an ensemble, and that this balance prepares children for success in any work or personal environment. They may also point out that learning to lead an ensemble, whether as a conductor, band leader, or first chair in an orchestra, is excellent preparation for leadership of any kind.

They’re right, of course, about all those things. But the underlying reason that music helps improve nearly every area of a child’s life is that music is a critical and necessary part of the human experience.

Read more from The Singing Classroom

Invitation - Keeping the Promise of Pre-K: Using Technology to Ensure Quality

The Rockefeller Institute of Government of SUNY and ReadyNation New York invite you to a forum entitled Keeping the Promise of Pre-K: Using Technology to Ensure Quality on Wednesday, November 12, 2014,from 11 a.m. ---- 1 p.m. at the Rockefeller Institute, 411 State Street in Albany. The event is free and open to the public and parking is provided.

High-quality Pre-K has demonstrated significant individual and societal benefits, including an economic return on investment, increased high school graduation rates, reduced criminal activity, and improved health outcomes. This forum will explore the role of policy and technology in ensuring that New York State continues to provide Pre-K services ---- and design an early learning system ---- in an effective and sustainable way, to achieve the best results.

The Keynote address will be delivered by NYS State Education Department Commissioner John B. King, Jr.

Panelists:

Low Reading Scores Show Majority of U.S. Children Not Prepared for Future Success

In a new KIDS COUNT® data snapshot, the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds that 80 percent of lower-income fourth graders and 66 percent of all kids are not reading proficiently - a key predictor of a student’s future educational and economic success. If this trend continues, the country will not have enough skilled workers for an increasingly competitive global economy by the end of this decade.

Early Reading Proficiency in the United States finds that two-thirds of all children are not meeting an important benchmark: reading at grade level at the start of fourth grade. Of even greater concern is that the gap between students from higher- and lower-income families is growing wider, with 17 percent improvement seen among the former group compared to only a 6 percent improvement among their lower-income peers.

More HERE.

See also: Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children.

Accepting applications for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy

The School of Business at the University at Albany, SUNY would like to announce a final call for applications for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy scheduled to begin on campus the first week of November. Launched at the Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester with financial support from the Kauffman Foundation, YEA! takes students in grades 6-12 through the process of starting and running a real business over an eight month period. These student-run companies also have the opportunity to pitch their business plans to real investors!

To see highlights from the 2011 Investor Panel event, check out the YouTube video titled UAlbany Biz School Helps Young CEOs.

A $100 tuition discount is available to children and grandchildren of University at Albany faculty, staff, and alumni. Financial aid is also available for students who qualify.

Michael Hoffman and Brian Straughter, who represent Turf Hotels, Inc. have provided continuing support with helping us launch and grow this chapter.

Bill Brigham, the Director of our award-winning Small Business Development Center, will continue this year as the lead instructor.

To download an application, visit www.albany.edu/business/young-entreprenuers-academy.php. For further information, contact YEA! Recruitment Manager Jason Cotugno (jcotugno@ albany.edu) or YEA! Program Manager Sally Mills at 442-4272 (smills@albany.edu) in the School of Business.

Education in Finland

In a piece in Metroland, Solidarity With Chicago by Miriam Axel-Lute, she talks about the mixed results of charter schools. Then she indicated:

But it also made me think of a stunning article from last December in the Atlantic about Finland, called What Americans Keep Ignoring About Finland’s School Success, Finland, on account of its startlingly high scores on international comparisons of educational attainment (even compared to its demographically similar Scandinavian neighbors), has become a bit of a mecca for education reformers. We have oohed-and-aahed at how they don’t push standardized testing, don’t push early reading, encourage play-based learning longer.

But, according to the Atlantic article, what we can’t seem to get our brains around is that the foundation of the current Finnish education system is almost the opposite of our beloved idea of “school choice.” It’s this: equity. “The main driver of Finnish education policy has been the idea that every child should have exactly the same opportunity to learn, regardless of family background, income, or geographic location,” says the Atlantic. They feed all the kids healthy meals and give them access to health care. They have no private schools at all. They give their teachers “prestige, decent pay, and a lot of responsibility” (and independence). Schools with high numbers of immigrants . . . do just as well as other schools.

They don’t aim for excellence. They aim to bring everyone along and level the playing field. And they get . . . excellence.

for-profit schools and the value of the education.

The graphic illustrates stats on for-profit schools and the value of the education, offered up by www.accreditedonlinecolleges.net.

New York Research Analysis Documents Positive Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement

The New York Comprehensive Center (NYCC)/RMC Research Corporation, in consultation with the New York State Education Department, the New York State Library and the New York Library Association has produced a new publication entitled Informational Brief: Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement. This comprehensive brief provides a current and rigorous research analyses which demonstrates the positive impact that school libraries and school librarians have in advancing student learning.

The Executive Summary notes that “Based on the conclusions from the research cited in the brief, it is clear that school libraries play an important role in student achievement, curriculum development, and instruction. Through political and fiscal state support, effective school library programs can serve as consistent drivers for student achievement in times of constant change and churning educational reform.” Here is the full NYCC publication.

By referencing numerous studies conducted throughout the United States, the brief illustrates the importance of school libraries in the lives of all students, particularly when it comes to literacy, college and career readiness, assessment and graduation rates. The brief is framed around the New York State Board of Regents Reform Agenda. The Executive Summary will be published in the Spring edition of “In Transition,” the journal of the New York State Middle School Association.

The New York Comprehensive Center (NYCC) is one of 16 regional comprehensive centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education. NYCC works with the New York State Education Department to support education leaders and encourage student achievement.

The New York State Library has served New Yorkers, state government and researchers from throughout the United States for more than 185 years. One of the nation’s leading library development agencies and research libraries, the New York State Library is a program of the New York State Education Department and is located in Albany, New York.

News and Notes - May 23, 2011

The May 23, 2011 edition of News and Notes from the Office of Dr. John B. King, Jr., Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education - P-12, New York State Education Department, is now available.

SeeThroughNY Posts 189 Updated School Labor Contracts

Updated school labor contracts for 77 teacher unions and 112 school superintendents were posted this week on www.SeeThroughNY.net, the Empire Center's government transparency web site.

The newest contracts are part of the most comprehensive public collection of school district labor contracts in New York. Contracts for the 733 school districts and BOCES districts were obtained under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).

The full text of this press release is available here.

Contact: Lise Bang-Jensen
518.434.3100

Public School Educators: Help Solve Challenges

If you are a public school educator, check out the Department of Education's Open Innovation Portal.
Through the portal, you can help to identify and solve education's most pressing classroom problems. Participating will allow you to connect with other innovators and possibly win a prize.

House version of Educator Jobs Bill includes funding for librarians

FROM ALA:

Thank you to everyone who called their members of Congress about the Educator Jobs Bill.

The May 22 draft of the House Supplemental Appropriations bill includes an Education Jobs Fund which specifically appropriates $23,000,000,000 to alleviate shortfalls and prevent impending layoffs of teachers, counselors, librarians, and other school personnel in order to preserve 300,000 jobs in elementary and secondary schools.

This is great news for us. Please call your representative and encourage them to vote for this supplemental appropriation.

Emily Sheketoff
Executive Director, ALA Washington Office

National Center for Education Statistics

If you're looking for a source of education-related statistics, visit the Institute of Education Sciences' National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

NCES is part of the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences. It is the primary organization that collects, analyzes, and reports on education-related data in the United States. NCES reports complete statistics on the condition of American education and education activities internationally.

In addition to education statistics, NCES also provides other tools, such as the ability to search for schools, colleges, and libraries, or use the college navigator to identify schools that best meet the user's criteria.

Summer Reading to be featured on U.S. Department of Education TV program

On June 16, the U.S. Dept of Ed TV program, Education News Parents Can Use, will be airing a show titled: "Summer Learning Programs: Preventing the Slide, Promoting the Achievement."
At the end of the one-hour program, the past president of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, Sally Snyder, has been asked to give some tips to parents on keeping their children reading during the summer months. The New York state Library has provided Sally with the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program's flyer "SIX EASY WAYS TO GET CHILDREN TO READ THIS SUMMER" along with the translated versions.

Information about the program is available here.

REGENTS APPOINT CAROLE HUXLEY AS INTERIM EDUCATION COMMISSIONER

The New York State Board of Regents announced today that Carole F. Huxley has been appointed as Interim New York State Education Commissioner, effective July 1, 2009. Carole Huxley had previously served the Education Department as Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education for 24 years, retiring in November of 2006.

Carole Huxley will begin service on May 15, working alongside current Commissioner Mills until he steps down at the end of June. She will assume the office and duties of Education Commissioner and President of the University of New York on July 1, 2009.

“We are grateful that after such a long and distinguished career Carole Huxley was willing to temporarily place her retirement on hold to continue the critical work the Regents have put in motion,” said Merryl Tisch, Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents. “Having Carole in place will ensure a seamless transition in leadership as the Board continues a wide and exhaustive search for the next Education Commissioner. Carole will be the bridge that connects the leadership of Rick Mills with the next Commissioner.”

“Now is a time of great challenges that we cannot set aside, but must confront. This is also a moment that presents great opportunities that we cannot set aside, even for a few months,” said Interim Commissioner Huxley. “I am eager to continue the work underway and to guide the progress ahead until new leadership is ready to take on the task.”

“Carole is an inspired choice to connect the current work of the Department with the Department of the future, said Education Commissioner Richard P. Mills. “I am certain that under her watch the Department will continue to move forward while preparing for the next Commissioner.”

U.S. Education Secretary Announces State-by-State Dollars

The U.S. Department of Education posted on-line state-by-state estimates of new education revenues included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan vowed to release a significant share of the $100 billion in funding in time to avert teacher layoffs.

NYS EDUCATION COMMISSIONER RICHARD P. MILLS ANNOUNCES PLANS TO STEP DOWN

After serving for more than thirteen years as New York’s Education Commissioner, Richard P. Mills today announced that he has notified the Board of Regents of his decision to resign from Office by the end of June 2009.

Commissioner Mills said, “The Regents, my colleagues and I, together with our partners, have completed an enormous body of work and have taken the first steps in the next phase of the Board’s agenda to raise achievement. We have established a timetable that ensures a seamless transition for my successor. I will complete the tasks the Regents assigned to me as we prepare the education system for the future.”

Mills continued, “There is no better time for a transfer of leadership than when an organization is strong and the building blocks for the future are in place. I am confident that my successor will find an agency of strength with a compelling agenda for the future.”

As Commissioner of Education, Mills serves as chief executive officer of the Board of Regents, which has jurisdiction over the most comprehensive state educational system in the nation. The system encompasses every education endeavor in the State, including public and non-public elementary, middle and secondary education; public and independent colleges and universities; museums, libraries, historical societies and archives; the vocational rehabilitation system; and responsibility for the licensing, practice and oversight of 48 professions.



“New York is unique,” Mills said. “We are so fortunate that we have an education system here, a system that includes all of New York’s educational and cultural institutions – schools, colleges, libraries, archives, museums, public television, the licensed professions, vocational rehabilitation, career and technical education, and so much more. And unlike any other state, all of these are under the care of one board, the Regents,” Mills continued. “This system gives us a spectacular advantage, providing New Yorkers with the knowledge and skills that are the currency of today’s global economy. We must take full advantage of the opportunities this unique system gives us.”

Mills continued, “There are so many people I want to thank, starting with the members of the Board of Regents. They have had the courage to set high standards and to insist that all children can succeed. I’d also like to thank my colleagues in the Education Department, whose dedication as public servants is unmatched. Thanks, also, to the teachers and school leaders who work tirelessly to lift up our children. Finally, I thank the students – our children – whose boundless energy and enthusiasm delights us all. Their ability to achieve, sometimes against the longest of odds, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit,” he concluded.

Mills was appointed by the Board of Regents as President of the University of the State of New York and Commissioner of Education in August 1995. Before being appointed Commissioner in New York, Mills served as Commissioner of Education in Vermont for seven years.

Mills said, “The experience of serving New York’s children is exhilarating. Even the hardest days have a clear purpose. I never tire of it. But now it’s time for me to begin a transition for the Department and for myself.”

Governor Paterson Calls for "New Vision for Student Engagement"

New York Governor David Paterson called on all New Yorkers to JOIN TOGETHER IN FIGHTING DROP-OUT EPIDEMIC. "Tens of Thousands of New York High School Students Drop Out Every Year", severely inhibiting not only the individual's but also the state's long-term success.

Associates Degree & Certificate Producers Rankings

From Community College week.

We Is Smart

There's a recent Business Review story indicating that Albany is 11th smartest metro in the nation, topping all New York cities. The full chart is here.

(And yes, I know it should be Are rather than Is.)