Home Schooling

A wise man once said, "We can teach our children to have courage, faith, and endurance and show them how to learn, and they can teach us to laugh, to sing, and to love." In other words, each family member has valuable lessons to teach the family.


Yes, believe it or not, not all children leave their houses to get an education. Homeschooling is when parents teach their children an academic curriculum and work with their child just as a teacher wold do.

In the United States homeschooling is actually a fast growing trend when it comes to teaching and education. A leading homeschooling researcher names Dr. Brian Ray, says that the homeschooling has increased 15 percent over the past year couple of years. His information is backed up by the U.S. Department of Education's National Household Education Survey program. In 1999 the Department of Ed said there was about 850,00 homeschooler's nation wide and in 2003 the number increased to about 1.1 million. Now there are about 2.5 to 4 million homeschooler's nation wide.

Some statistics about homeschooling from Dr. Ray are...
95% of homeschooler's had a strong and better understanding of politics and government compared to the 65% of U.S adults.

76% of home school graduates voted in a national or state election compared to the 29% of U.S. adults

71% of home school graduates take part in on going community service activities.


Although homeschooling is another alternative for schooling it can have its advantages and disadvantages.
Some common reasons to home school are
- individual attention
- direct parent supervision
- teaching and learning experiences can be shared together
- the advantages of one's child. When your efforts have paid off and you can see that your child is learning.
- flexibility
- Your own schedule that works for the child

Since homeschooling can be very controversial there are of course some disadvantages.
- less sociable
- pressure from parents or pressure on the parent
- parents could like skills that a teacher has
- parents could be to laid back or to strict
- not enough time for your self. Homeschooling can be a full time job and the child could also not have enough time to really be a kid and have some fun.

When it comes time for college many home school families are concerned. Every year there are colleges that have accepted home school students. Some examples of those schools are Brown, MIT, Yale, Georgetown, and Harvard. Research also shows that home schooled children who attend college seem to have strong leadership skills, hard work ethic, and an increase in moral values.

Homeschooling is not for everyone, but it does work. It is an option for a schooling alternative and although it is not the number one option is is better to have your child educated in this way, than in no way at all.



http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Homeschooling&id=116931
homeschoolfacts.com
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nic_Haffner

Environmental Justice

When you think of schools and teachers teaching students the thing that is most ignored is environmental justice. Now a days students are not getting a clear understanding about environmental issues and that is a problem. Good questions for teachers to ask themselves and their students are what can we do to help the environment? and do students even know that there are many environmental issues out there? Or if the students know what certain issues cause our environmental problems?

From researching environmental justice I have learned that it is is a meaningful involvement of people taking care of the environment. One way of involvement is in schools. I think teachers not only have the responsibility of teaching students math and English, but also on how to take care of our environment, long with learning more about nature.

After reading the Rethinking Schools online article called Obama, Schools, and the Environment I learned that teachers have to play a strong role in educating children about our "world as a whole." In "A Pedagogy for Ecology" an excerpt from Rethinking Early Childhood Education, by Ann Pelo she states that "Helping children develop what Pelo calls an ecological identity is a prerequisite to children developing a connection to the natural world, and later, a commitment to defend that world." If children learn about our world, nature, and the environment it will be easier for them to want to make a difference and have a better understanding about the problems our world can face.

Another point in the article is from "The Wonder of Nature" by Bob Peterson, which is a review from three books about education and the earth. He says "that all education is environmental education, as children inescapably acquire attitudes about nature in their schooling." Every subject students learn can have some relationship with the environment. For example science or social studies can deal with environmental issues and students can learn from these different subjects to better expand their knowledge on our world.

Yes I do think it is important for teachers to educate students on this subject. I know when I become a teacher I want my students learn about the problems nature can face, what they can do to fix it, and why it is important to our world.

I chose the picture at the beginning because I think it really represents our situation about environmental justice. We have the control to change out world and learn more about it. The world is in our hands and we can only make it a better one.

http://www.liebertpub.com/products/product.aspx?pid=259

Social Justice

When I think of social justice I think of advantages and disadvantages within a society. I never really thought about it, withing a classroom setting. I think after reading both articles I strongly think teaching social justice is an important topic for students to hear about. In the article Teaching for Social Justice by Herbert Kohl he says that social justice teachers are people who teach children about the poor, or children dying young and living in a meaningless life. Children today don't get enough education on social justice and I don't think they ask enough questions either. Young children do not know how important it is to learn about whats important to fight for and what is the true meaning of "whats fair."

The article called Introduction: Creating Classrooms for Equity and Social Justice is a good article in that it basically tells you what we can do. The article states that "Classrooms can be places of hope, where students and teachers gain glimpses of the kind of society we could lice in and where students learn the academic and critical skills needed to make it a reality." I believe this is true because a classroom is a setting of different people and full of different stories. Students don't just learn the subjects of math or science, but of different cultures, races, and coming together as a society.

Both articles pretty much give examples of how to be a social justice teacher. The article by Herbet Kohl gives you little tips of what makes a good teacher. For example he says to just be yourself and don't surround your self with books and rules. He also states that it is important to know what your teaching and learn as many different ways of teaching as possible. Lastly you have to keep an eye out on your students and realize what works best for them and what makes them learn. The other article gives specific headings that relate to social justice. Each one gives a little explaniation of what students should do and what teachers should do for their classrooms.

What is important to me is that I think social justice is not a hot topic today. I think I will definatly teach my students about social justice, because I want them to learn about society and what's right from wrong. I think it is important for students to learn the causes of what is condisered "fair" and the values/benefits of learning about social justice.

Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori was born in Chairavalle, Italy in 1870. She graduated from medical school in 1869. She was the first female physician in Italy.She has a strong interest for children with diseases and children who were said to be "ineducable." Aside from her medical practices she analyzed children and how they learn.

She came to the conclusion that children learn from their environment. She focused her on the mind and went back to school in 1901. She studied psychology and philosophy. Her will to help children grew and in 1906 she gave up her medical career to work with sixty young children in the district of Rome. She found the first "Children's House" which was a place that provided a good environment for children to live and learn. This is where the Montessori method of education was developed. This method was based on Maria's observations of the child's tired interest in managing materials along with effortless strength to take in knowledge from their surroundings. Everything that Montessori looked at, all her methods, and exercises in daily living were based on what she saw from the children, and what they do "naturally" alone with out the help from adults.

The exercises practiced where to create a ladder effect on children. This was supposed to let children pick up a challenge and to then judge their process. This assignment was to catch the child's interest and engage the child's whole personality. Montessori had a full dedication to forwarding the self-creating child. This was influenced by Montessori's pursuit of methodology, educational reform, psychology, teaching, and teacher training. Attention was also placed on self determination and self realization of children.



She conducted a series of teacher training courses in London and opened a Montessori Training Centre in 1938 In Laren, Netherlands. She also founded teacher training courses in 1939 in India. shortly after she also founded a Montessori Training Centre in London in 1947.

Montessori was nominated for a Nobel Piece Prize three times. She died in Noordwijk Holland in 1952. Her work moves on through the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Which is the organization that she founded in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 1929.

http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-mont.htm

http://www.montessori-namta.org/NAMTA/geninfo/mmbio.html

ADD / ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder

ADD is known a a biological brain based condition. It is characterized by bad distraction and attention skills. It is also characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is the official name used by the American Psychiatric Associations and it surrounds hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive behaviors.

• Both terms are used interchangeably for those who do and those who do not have symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity.

• "It is estimated 3-5 percent of preschool and school age children have ADD or ADHD or approximately two million children in the United States"

Symptoms

Having a hard time concentrating
Mental focus
Careless or disorganized
Forgetful
Can't follow directions
Spacey
Speak before thinking
Have a slow time processing information
Interference of impulses/behaviors are pervasive and chronic and usually affect an individuals daily function settings
- Examples : At home, school, relationships, or work.
Or even lose things a lot.
These symptoms are seen in early childhood usually through school. The symptoms can affect through adulthood and if it is untreated it can lead to poor behavior, social relationships and bad performance in school or work and low confidence. In order for a child to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADD or ADHD their symptoms have to be to much then what would be appropriate for the child's age and educational level. Some inattentive symptoms are also over looked because they are harder to identify and not as disruptive.

Causes
Exact cause has not been determined. This condition can thought to be through genetics. ADHD also tends to occur within family members. Close relatives are 5 times greater at having ADD or ADHD. Boys are also three times more likely to be diagnosed as children. Studies focus on genes that may cause a person to be more affected of getting ADD or ADHD.
Risk Factors
Genetics and hereditary are the major risk factors because it can run in the family.
Structural differences
Brain Abnormalities
Depression
Struggle in school/work

Treatment
No major cure but there are alternatives. For example counseling, support services, and educational support services. There are medications that can help reduce symptoms like Adderall,Concerta, and many more. Settings that are structured and motivating also help. There is also social skill training with helps individuals learn more appropriate behaviors and better ways to interact with others.



http://add.about.com/od/adhdthebasics/a/ADHDbasics.htm

Schools and Special Education

Special Education is an individually planned arrangement of teaching methods. It is also accessible settings and adapted materials for students who need the extra help. Students who would benefit from this program are students with special needs, for example learning differences or mental health issues.

To be a special ed teacher you have to be licensed. This requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of a special education teacher training course. Special ed teachers are in high demand and there is a lot to look into when thinking about special education.

The Nature of Work.
Special education teachers with with children with a variety of different disabilities. Some focus on sever cases, but the majority of teachers work with children with mild to moderate disabilities. They use the general education curriculum to meet the students needs. First students classified under different categories, that can include, speech and language impairments, hearing or visual impairments, brain injury, or any other heath related problems. Teachers need to learn how to identify a student with special needs because it is important for the teacher it is essential to educate that child.
The teacher focuses on the student by different techniques. They can do individualized instruction or even group work with other students. An example of this can be, when it comes to taking a test so students need extra time and the special education teacher will help them get the extra time and if the student needs the test to be read to them, they will also do that.
Each student also has something called an Individual Education Program also known as an IEP. This will set goals for the student and works with the students individual needs and ability. This program also helps students get ready for middle school, high school, or college. The environment teachers work in can vary. Some special ed teachers have their own classroom while others could share a classroom with a resource room. The environment can sometimes be stressful because the teachers are always busy, but it is rewarding.

Training, Qualifications, and Advancement.
Other than elementary, middle school, and high schools some colleges offer programs in special education. Teachers going into this field do a lot more training. Some courses offered are educational psychology, child growth and development, and strategies for teaching students with disabilities. The last year of the special education program would be getting involved in a classroom by actually teaching with a certified teacher. Special ed teachers must stay motivated and learn to be very patient. They need to understand the students needs and respect their differences. They need to have good communication and cooperation, because they will have to get involved with parents.
Employment.
Special education teachers held a total of about 459.000 jobs in 2006. The jobs are to increase by 15 percent from 2006-2016. The number of students who require special education programs has also increased and parents have also done more to seek special services for their children.

Earnings. (in May 2006).
Special education teachers who work in preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools were 46,360. Middle school teachers were 47, 650 and secondary school teachers were48,330.

Special education programs and its teachers are very essential to schools. They really can impact a student greatly and are very appreciated for everything that they do.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm

Getting Parents Involved with Schools

It is very important for parents to get involved with their child's education. When this happens there are rewarding results. A child not only needs the support from the teacher, but the support and help from their parents. It is common for children to hate getting up in the morning and going to school. If Parents are involved with school activities it shows that they are interested in their child's education and that going to school is an important thing. Research has shown that children do better academically, emotionally, and socially when their parents are involved with school activities. Schools struggle to get parents involved because parents just don't seem to want to participate. They say they don't have the time or energy and might not feel comfortable being around a school. Some parents just might not know how exactly to get involved. It is important to know about successful parent involvement. This is defined as the ongoing active participation of a parent in the education of their child. Involvement does not have to be anything drastic. This can include helping with homework, attending school functions, volunteering, or even discussing school related events. there are a few ways in which schools can get parents involved. The first is through communication. This is the major factor. One reason for lack of parent involvement is the lack of information. Schools need to actually make contact with parents through phone call, in person, letters, and they need to talk to them reasonably with out using educational terms. Parents want to know what their children are learning how they can help in school and at home. If teacher regularly keep in touch with the parent by giving them all the necessary information I'm sure a lot more parents will be helping out. Another way to get parents involved is though accommodation. Parents need to know that schools are sensitive about there demands and needs. Teachers should be cooperative and try to work around parents work schedules, so they can be involved with meetings and conferences. Teachers also need to let parents know that their involvement doesn't have to a time consuming hectic process. Lastly schools need to be resourceful. Parents who actually want to learn more and become involved with school activities and their child's education should be given resources by the school. An example of this could be providing a resource center for parents with brochures, tips, textbooks, or even Cd's. Anything to help parents become more aware. At schools, sessions can be provided to also help children with homework, study skills, child care, or other opportunities that parents can be involved in. Along with the support from the school and teachers parents can play a huge role in the success of children's education and the best part will be seeing the smile on their children's face.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Get-Parents-Involved-With-School-Activities&id=137426

http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Getting_Parents/