Current Issues That Affect Education

Though grounded in history, philosophy, and research, the theories and practice of education are constantly changing in response to new knowledge and children’s needs. Whether you decide to teach young children or work in a related profession, you will need to be aware of the current issues and challenges that are affecting the lives of young children, their families, and the educational field.

For this Discussion, choose one of the following current issues listed below to explore:

• English as a Second Language
• Children with Special Needs
• Effects of Being Born into and Living in Poverty
• Effects of Stress and Trauma on Learning and Development
• Brain Research and Learning

Based on what you have learned about education and children in this course, consider what teachers need to know in order to be respectful, responsive, and effective.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 3: 
  Post at least three findings/insights that you believe will provide vital knowledge to your colleagues in this program. Be sure to reference the Learning Resources or any other sources.

Required Resources

• Article: Benard, B. (1995, August). Fostering resilience in children. ERIC Digest (EDO-PS-95-9). Retrieved fromhttp://resilnet.uiuc.edu/library/benard95.html

• Article: Colker, L. J. (2008, March). Twelve characteristics of effective early childhood teachers. Beyond the Journal. Retrieved fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200803/BTJ_Colker.pdf Copyright 2008 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Reproduced with permission of the National Association for the Education of Young Children in the format electronic usage via Copyright Clearance Center.
  Note: The characteristics discussed in this article also apply to teachers at the intermediate grade level.

Standards and Regulations for Early Childhood Education

• Program Standards

• • Web Article: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (n.d.). When babies and toddlers are in care, accreditation is a key to quality. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/resources/research/when+babies
  • Article: NAEYC. (n.d.). A guide for families: Using NAEYC standards to find quality programs for young children. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved fromhttp://www.standrewumc.org/fileadmin/New_Website/Children/CWP/NAEYC_Accreditation/NAEYC_Right_Choice_for_Kids_brochure.pdf
    Note: Though this brochure is written for families, it will provides a sound overview of quality education for preschool-age children.

• Ethical Standards

• • NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
    http://www.naecte.org/docs/ethics.pdf
    

Standards and Regulations for the Elementary Grades

• Learning Standards

• • Standards for the English Language Arts
    http://www.reading.org/General/Publications/Books/bk889.aspx?mode=redirect

  • Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
    http://www.nctm.org/standards/content.aspx?id=16909

• Program Standards

• • Minnesota Department of Education: Alignment of Minnesota K-12 Kindergarten Academic Standards with the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: Minnesota’s Learning Standards and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework
    http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=005279&RevisionSelectionMethod=latestReleased&Rendition=primary
    

Current Issues in Education

Note: For this week’s Discussion, be prepared to post your thoughts and insights about one of the following issues that affect education. Peruse the suggested Web sites in order to gain insights into the topic of your choice.

• English as a Second Language

• • TESOL
    http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/secet.asp?CID=1893&DID=11074

• Children with Special Needs

• • CEC SmartBrief: Children with Special Needs
    http://www.smartbrief.com/cec/index.jsp
    Note: Free registration is required in order to access this article.
    
    
• Effects of Being Born into and Living in Poverty

• • Child Welfare League
    http://www.cwla.org

• Effects of Stress and Trauma on Learning and Development

• • Child Trauma Academy
    http://www.childtrauma.org/

  • David Baldwin’s Trauma Information Pages
    http://www.trauma-pages.com/
  • Zero to Three (Infant mental health)
    http://www.zerotothree.org/
    
• Brain Research and Learning

• • Brain Place
    http://www.amenclinics.com/brain-science/
  • The Dana Foundation
    http://www.dana.org/default.aspx
  • Learning and the Brain
    http://www.learningandthebrain.com

Optional Resources

• Course Text: Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs: Serving Children From Birth Through Age 8 edited by Carol Copple and Sue Bredekamp

• • “Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practice,” pages 16–23
    These guidelines, though written with early childhood education in mind, also apply to teaching at the intermediate grade level.

• Web Site: National Education Association
  http://www.nea.org/

• Web Site: American Federation of Teachers
  http://www.aft.org/