National Education Telecommunications
Network
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COMMENTS FOR ELEMENTARY
EDUCATION (1)
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READING,
WRITING, AND MATH. Severalyears
ago, Jefferson County's Deane Elementary School located in the Denver Metro
Area, ranked in the bottom third of their peers nationally in reading,
writing and math on standardized tests. Today, Deans students rank close
to or above national averages in all areas, and the trend line seems to
be rising. District officials credit the change to a
strong principal, a clear focus, increased staff training, and a refusal
to accept poverty or any other learning obstacle, as an excuse for poor
achievement. Deane is a school where
the percentage of low income students is nearly three times the district
average. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills was used. A district
study of the schools found eight common characteristics, including a shared
vision, unified staff, strong principal, good hiring practices, training
for teachers, support for struggling students, consistent discipline and
ways to involve the community. Principal Melody Henson took the helm
of Diane Elementary 3 1/2 years ago. She found teachers who were
working hard but going different directions. Henson put the focus
on language arts and math and introduced a "Balanced Literacy" program
that brought consistency to reading and writing instruction. The
Principal reallocated the budget to create a position for a staff trainer,
who now moves from classroom to classroom, modeling teaching strategies
and suggesting ways to help students. Staff members worked together to
develop school-wide tests so they could monitor student progress and give
extra help early to children who were falling behind. "Every child
can learn, and we can start them where they are and go from there," said
one staff member. Teachers sit down at least twice a year with each
student and his/her parents to map out individualized goals. Henson
says parent turnout at the evening goal-setting conferences is 99 percent.
Seven other Jefferson County Elementary Schools and two Middle Schools
achieved "Model School" recognition at this same time. -- Excerpts
from Denver Post, Thursday, February 5, 1998.
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COMMENTS FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
(2)
NETN - To educate, is to
provide with knowledge, skills, or training through formal schooling or
other means of teaching with a particular purpose, usually to satisfy the
needs and requirements of the society in which we live.
CONTENT STANDARDS
- There has been a long standing effort to develop objectives
to teach a curriculum that expects something to be desired from students.
This concept has evolved into a "Content Standard" so that the curriculum
dictates something absolutely required rather than "desired."
We recommend you review your State's Standards for educational subjects.
However, if you click your computer's mouse's left button on any of the
underlined below, you will see an orchestrated effort of the core of what
has to be learned by a student in that area.
Awesome
Library (Educational Standards by State)
Colorado
Department of Education - (When you reach
this site:
(1) Go to "Table of Contents;" (2) Find
"Standards and Assessments." Civics, Economics,
Foreign Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music,
Physical Education, Reading & Writing, Science, and Visual Arts are
addressed)
Education
World (U.S. National Standards)
Florida
Department of Education(has done a tremendous job
with the subject of"Sunshine
State Standards." Go to "Search", then scroll down, and click
on "Sunshine State Standards." Focus
is superb. Reading is brief, concise, and takes various grade levels
into account)
For
other State Department of Education(s)
McRel
- Standards
National
Board of Professional Teaching Standards
FOR STUDENTS - Education is not mystical.
Take a good look at what Educators say you should know in the applicable
subject. Think about "staying a step ahead" and try to do so.
You'll be amazed at the results.
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COMMENTS FOR ELEMENTARY ED (3)
SEPARATE PAGE WITHIN LAW SECTION
TEACH
ABSOLUTE CORE CONCEPTS USING HOME VIDEO CAMS
(Click Underlined )
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