Megan Ann and concerns about all day kindergarten

After reading at an article on NJEA.org, I learned about a full-day kindergarten bill that was vetoed by the governor. Due to the bill’s veto, a 17-member task force will not be formed to study the feasibility of full-day kindergarten in New Jersey. The task force was to have looked at existing data and then  gather the opinions of parents and teachers with regard to full-day kindergarten programs. Since this bill planned to only gather research and data, and not to enforce full-day kindergarten in New Jersey, I think the bill should have been passed. If the bill had been passed, the information gathered could have helped all legislators in making  an informed decision about  full-day kindergarten programs.   This information would have been beneficial to the legislators and to the people of New Jersey. 

 As a future teacher, I feel that these young children would greatly benefit from a full day of education. Not only would the students get a full day of academics, but also a full day of learning social skills.  With this veto there will not even be an opportunity to discuss this topic here in New Jersey.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you agree or disagree with the governor’s decision to veto the bill? Do you think the bill could have helped students in New Jersey?  Do you think that students would benefit from a full-day kindergarten? If so, what benefits do you think there are in creating a compulsory  full-day kindergarten education? Have you had any experiences in a half-day and/or full-day kindergarten classroom? If so, what are your insights?

For more information about the bill, here is the link to the article:

http://www.njea.org/news/2014-02-06/christie-vetoes-full-day-kindergarten-bill

Alexandra and ESL student

Alexandra has a very direct question to ask each of you with regard to ESL students:


Do you have any ESL students in your class?    What strategies does your teacher use in order to make sure that those students understand all that is going on in the lesson?    Were you an ESL student when you were in elementary school?    As you observe ESL programs do you have any questions or any suggestions that you would like to make with regard to these programs?    Should there be ESL programs in our public schools or do you think that we should consider total English immersion programs, that is, programs where there is no transition for students?    Let me hear your ideas, concerns, opinion.    

Meghan is concerned about her privacy as a teacher. Are you?

 I recently read an article entitled " Schools Would be Required to Set Social Media Guidelines.” There is a bill currently being considered in the New Jersey Legislature that would require every public school district in the state of New Jersey to create guidelines stipulating how employees are to interact with students when communicating online and through social media. This bill, if it becomes law, l would prevent inappropriate communication between school employees and students.  The communication being discussed includes texting, emails, social networking and all other Internet-based social media.  If this bill is passed through the New Jersey Legislature,  school districts throughout the state of New Jersey  would have a four month grace period in which to  create the district’s guidelines.    Each district would also be required to enforce the guidelines that have been created.   

>      I always knew that my personal life would probably be monitored closely if I chose to become a teacher.    As a teacher I realize that I will have to set a good example in the classroom as well as in my community.    However, while reading this article I had several questions that concerned me as to on how in-depth my personal life would be monitored if, indeed, this bill were to become law.  I was wondering how would the state enforce this policy?  Would Facebook entries and emails be audited?  As future teachers, do you feel that this is going to affect your effectiveness within the classroom? Since education is incorporating technology in classrooms more and more, would you still feel comfortable using social media on a personal and professional level?
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Leticia poses a charter school question

While I was working in a daycare, I overheard a group of parents talking about possible elementary schools for their children. A debate started when one of the parents brought up the idea of charter schools vs. public schools. Some argued that public schools offer more sports, clubs, and so on.  They added that public schools had funding to attend to every need of their children, and have extra resources for students with disabilities. Others argued that Charter schools have smaller class sizes, they require more parental involvement, and there are different kinds of charter schools including private, religious, and bilingual schools. They also said that charter schools allow their students to learn at their own pace  and address the different teaching styles.

I am on the fence on this issue; I believe it depends on the child.    For example, clubs, sports, and big crowds do not interest my older sister.  She  went to a charter high school, graduated with ten people in her class, and she loved it. I, on the other hand,  like to be involved in clubs and I was interested in volunteering with our local ambulance. I went to a public high school, where I joined the emergency response team and became a first responder.

 Do you have an opinion on this?   Do you agree with the parents that I quoted above?   What do you think about charter schools vs. public schools? Did you attend one or the other? Or were you home schooled?  Would you recommend that your niece or nephew go to a charter school?   What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of charter school?    Do you think that you would like to learn more about charter schools?   

Dr. Ries and blog for Chapter 3

Diversity exists both within and outside of the classroom.   Why, as citizens of the United States of America and, equally as important, citizens of the state of New Jersey do you believe it is important for educators to address the idea of diversity among people?   As you are involved in your classroom and school visitations have you observed specific instances where you see either formal or informal attention paid to the issue of diversity?  Share one or two of those diversity-specific experiences, essons or activities.    

Bridget has thoughts about snow days

I recently read an article on NJ.com about a private school in Watchung, NJ that is taking a new approach to the term “ snow day”.  With the recent snow and ice storms closing many schools in NJ, some schools are choosing to hold classes virtually, substituting snow days for cyber days. The school in  Watchung has decided to use technology to teach students  when the snow falls and school is cancelled. Students are reminded by their teachers to bring all essential books home the day before the storm. On the snow day, the students and teachers are to sign onto the schools online portal. Podcasts, online chats, blogs and narrated Power Point lessons are presented on that site.

Cleary, there is always a concern when an interruption is present in student learning. After reading this article I thought this was a great idea, but not so sure if it would work with the younger grades. Also this was done in a private school setting, I wonder if the public schools would be able to do something along these lines? I know from experiencing this past week, that many of the teachers in my school were complaining about  how far behind they were because of these snow days. What are your views on this?  Do you agree with turning “snow days” into “cyber days”? If so,what grades do you think would benefit from this? What about the students that do not have the accessibility to a computer at home? Also do you think students and parents would approve of cyber day or is a snow day considered a “ free” day off?  

Taylor has concerns for non-English speaking students

 My mother-in-law does not speak English.   Her youngest son is four years old.   He has been classified as being on the autism spectrum.   He has gone through an early intervention program as well as ABA therapy.   It is incredible how much progress he has made in the last two years.   I can't help but think that his progress would be even greater if his mom spoke English.  I  don't mind that she doesn't speak that much English, however I do think that if she did speak English she could work with her son more.   He speaks both English and Spanish, however, when he goes to say, "Can I please have that?' or " I do not want that" he will say, "I want, I want,"  or "NO, NO, No" because that is what his mom has the ability to say.   

I think it would be a good idea if there were an after school program for parents who do not speak English so that they might learn the nursery rhymes that the students might be learning in school or learn how to properly say basic phrases in order to help their children progress in their non-native language.    Colors, numbers, songs, rhymes and book titles could all be learned, which would benefit both parent and child.  Just a meeting once a week with a teacher who speaks a different language or with a translator could make a world of difference.   During these meeting times news letters and class events could be gone over as well.   My young brother-in-law was singing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and his mom had no idea what the song was or what he was saying, because if was in English.   

I am not sure this would even be considered by school officials,but I think it could help.   What do you think of such a program?   Should school officials consider establishing such a program?   Would you be willing to work in a program for parents during after school hours?   Do you think such a program would benefit both the parents and students, or is this just another "change the world daydream" of mine?   Let us know your thoughts.     Do you have any similar experiences with non-English speaking parents?