Chicago School Reform Could Be a U.S. Model

As Arne Duncan, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for education secretary, heads to Washington, the lessons of Chicago could provide a model for fixing America's schools. "Obama chose Arne Duncan for a reason, and part of that reason is the experimentation that Duncan has done in Chicago and his real attention to data and outcomes," said Elliot Weinbaum, assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education. "Duncan's willing to try new things and see if they work, hopefully keep the ones that do and drop the ones that don't. I expect that experimentation to continue on a national scale."

Preschool Pressure

Should preschool be more about ABCs or learning to play with others? With the help of Twiggle the Turtle, scientists found out that youngsters do better if they do both. A major study of Head Start programs shows that children who were given enriched instruction — including social lessons that teach specific problem-solving skills and reading-readiness instruction — scored higher on tests of school readiness, both social and academic.

Like to read? Head to Minneapolis and Seattle

Minneapolis, Seattle, Washington, St. Paul and San Francisco are the most well-read cities in the United States, a new survey shows. The study by John Miller, president of Central Connecticut State University, assessed cities with more than 250,000 people and focused on newspaper circulation, number of bookstores, library resources, periodical publishing resources, educational attainment, and Internet resources.

Reading on the Web

Prepared by Jefferson County Public Schools, this list of Internet sites provides a preview of resources about kids' books and children's reading available — for free — on the Web.

(Opinion) Taking the Kids: Books Fill Dead Times on Trips and Stir Memories

In the holiday season and into the new year, we have a family tradition: a new book for each of us. I used to get the kids new holiday stories. Now I'm more focused on books about places, the ones we've been to and the ones we hope to visit. Such a book can become a lasting souvenir or an opportunity to revisit a place you shared.

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Bike Ride to Support Multiple Sclerosis

Every year my brother George rides with more than 1,000 other people to raise money to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year the society hope to raise $1.6M. George hopes to raise $1,000. He will ride on September 13th and 14th, 100 miles each day in support of those that can't. As you know all the resources available on my website are free of charge. If you find it a helpful resource I ask that you consider making a donation to this worthy cause. No donation is too small and all are tax deductables. This disease has impacted our family and close friends. Thank you so much for your continued support.

For information, and to make a donation using your debit or credit card go to -

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/georgehess

Have a great day!

Laura

Debbie Miller's New Book

"In these times of scripted programs and prepackaged materials I know it may be tempting to surrender," Debbie writers. "But who among us is going to keep up the good fight? Who among us is willing to stand up for what we know is right? I'm in, and I hope you are , too."

This quote came from Debbie Miller's new book -
Teaching with Intention: Defining Beliefs, Aligning Practices and Taking Action K - 5
available through Stenhouse Publishers

You can preview part of the text online for free at -
http://www.stenhouse.com/html/millerpreview.htm?r=n144

I for one know how hard it is for teachers to resist the temptation to find that quick fix. The one program that will make teaching that much easier. Teachers are overworked and underpaid, and in most cases in NYC drowning in paperwork. Then along come the publishers touting their program as the answer to all prayers. Everything in one place - right at your fingertips. Don't believe the promises. There will never be a one size fits all program that will solve all your problems. Children are diverse learners and need diverse instructional practices. I think we should feel honored that we have the opportunity to create our own road maps even if it is hard work.

I for one will be waiting patiently to read the rest of Debbie's book. Please post your thoughts on the opening preview after you read it.

Enjoy.

Mentor Text for Launching 3 - 5

Launching in these grades looks very different from launching in the primary grades. We actually don't need to even launch in the traditional sense. The children should have a foundation for the workshop when they arrive at our doorsteps in September. So... what do you do to start your year? What text do you use to get the year off on the right foot? Feel free to share your ideas here so we can get a good collection together. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Laura

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