A study entitled ‘A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement’ concluded that “when schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.” So with Father’s Day approaching, I thought I’d explore how a dad specifically can make a difference in furthering their child’s education. 

Education.com defines the roles of a father by the 5 P's -- problem-solver, playmate, principled guide, provider, and preparer. All of these are important and surely not the end of the list, but 'preparer' is the role that references education. The description reads, “Fathers often see themselves as someone involved in preparing their children for life's challenges… fathers may advise their teenagers about educational and employment goals… They may guide their child about how to behave in school and work to ensure their child's success in those areas.” As you can see, a dad's guiding hand in a child's education shapes their educational and career path; a father's influence can help lead to a child's future achievements. 

As for examples of ways to get involved, a national survey revealed that the top ways parents currently participate is by attending school meetings, such as parent-teacher conferences, and fundraising. Several articles also pointed out that parent involvement decreases as a child ages, leading to a lack of involvement while the youth attends high school. But involvement is important at all levels of development. The Center for Public Education reveals, “Teachers, parents, and students have little understanding of each other’s interests in children and schools…Most teachers do not know the goals that parents have for their children, how parents help them learn, or how parents would like to be involved. Most parents do not know much about the educational programs in their children’s school or what teachers require of them.” If fathers, mothers, and teachers work to be on the same page and communicate openly, the student will benefit from it.

So dads, keep on sparking your child’s curiosity at home (by reading a story aloud or provoking a fun debate for example), setting realistic expectations for them to strive for, and encouraging them. You have a very special opportunity to make a difference in your child's education and therefore the rest of their life. Happy Father’s Day! 

-Samantha Phillips

Please comment here to share how your dad has helped you with school or any other thoughts this post brought to mind! 

There is currently a campaign called Don’t Steal Possible occurring in New York which is calling for change in the NY public education system. It has the support of parents, students, teachers, and celebrities as well as some fairly staggering statistics on its side. 

Don’t Steal Possible is demanding radical change because they can’t make their kids wait any longer. The supporters are holding up an example of certain schools, district and charter schools specifically, that are currently succeeding and are asking other institutions to replicate this model.

They’re pointing out that the issue is worse in certain communities: “It is clear that our crisis of failing schools predominantly affects children of color from under-served communities… At schools where the majority of students are living at or below the poverty level, achievement rates plummet.” And they’re highlighting the consequences of ignoring the problem as well. They make the fair point that educating and empowering students to succeed is the “linchpin of any meaningful attempt to restore opportunity to every New Yorker.”

Recently, Team Possible made a big move. On March 4th, 13,000 New Yorkers rallied in Albany to demand great schools for all kids. Janelle Monae performed a free public concert at the event. “It’s heartbreaking to know that there are 800,000 New York kids falling through the cracks every year,” Monae said in a statement. “I am honored to stand with families demanding an end to this crisis.” Monae isn’t alone; other supporters of the campaign include Questlove and members of the Roots, the Beastie Boys’ Mike D, and Estelle.

Even if you don’t agree with the proposed solution of the Don’t Steal Possible campaign, it’s hard to disagree with their facts: the NY public education has its faults and needs to be fixed. 

-Samantha Phillips

What would you suggest as a solution? Check out more about the Don’t Steal Possible campaign here and see what 4T’s Productions is doing to make a difference!

Sources:
Rolling Stone: Janelle Monae Playing Education Rally to Support New York Children
Families for Excellent Schools: Don't Steal Possible

This video discusses the importance of incorporating the concept of global citizenship into students' education.  Although global issues can be hard topics to tackle especially in a classroom with young audiences, it is a necessity for students to succeed in the globalized world we now live in.  With connectivity and communication at never-before-seen levels, students need to be aware of global issues and the happenings of the global economy. They need to be capable of reacting to events and contributing to the solutions to issues as well. The video points out that, "You can't make change in the world if you don't know the issues." 

Teach UNICEF is addressing this shortcoming in our education system by providing downloadable lesson plans for topics ranging from armed conflict to gender equality to poverty.  It designs lessons to be suitable for differing age groups.  

As I mentioned, at the present moment in our society it is not easy to broach these issues in school since there is such high sensitivity to "political" issues, especially inside the classroom. Yet I believe that we each have the responsibility to be knowledgeable about the global issues of our lifetime, and teachers have an even greater duty to take it upon themselves to introduce their students to the topic of global citizenship in the best way they can. At the very least, teachers should provide their students with tools to explore these topics on their own. 

Whether you are a teacher, parent, or student, global citizenship lessons are important to learn. Explore these topics with such tools as TeachUNICEF and then share what you know. Your personal success in the current globalized economy as well as the well-being of the world depends on it.

-Samantha Phillips

Please share any tools that you use to learn about global issues.  Thanks! 

Since the subject of state testing came up in both interviews with educators (see here and here), this week’s blog will explore New York’s state requirements, particularly the Regents Exams. 

According to the website of the New York State Education Department, students are currently “required to pass five Regents exams in high school in order to graduate – one each in English, science, math, as well as the U.S History and the Global Studies and Geography exams.”  New regulations, however, have added a “4+1” option that “permits a student to take four Regents exams and a comparably rigorous technical, arts, or other assessment for the fifth examination required for graduation.”

Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch said that these new regulations aim to “improve the state’s 74.9 percent graduation rate, increase the percentage of students who graduate prepared for college and careers (currently 37.2 percent), and help prepare more students for success in the 21st century economy.”

On the other hand, there is talk of additional new requirements such as “by 2022, students will not only have to pass five Regents Exams to graduate, they’ll have to score at least 75 percent on the English exam and 80 percent on the math exam.”

So, this begs the real question: will either of these rules, and the Regents in general, help students graduate and succeed?  Do these tests prepare all students for the paths they plan to pursue after school?

Teachers are speaking out on the contrary.  Eileen Riley-Hill, a New York English teacher, writes, “There’s nothing wrong with high standards or standardized tests — but our schools need to serve all kids, and becoming “college-ready” shouldn’t be the only way to graduate high school.” 

She points out the fact that the Regents Exams were originally designed for students who planned to attend college, while Regents Competency Tests were offered for those interested in “fields outside traditional academics: auto mechanics, culinary arts, cosmetology, business, health care and on.”  Hill concludes, “There are many ways to succeed in life; we must offer many ways to succeed in school.” 

I agree that these fields are important and can offer students a road less traveled to success.  In fact, two past blog posts of mine have explored non-traditional careers, including in the culinary arts (click here to read more). 

In my opinion, education is meant to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in their everyday lives as citizens and professionals, regardless of whether that means pursuing their formal education further.  While college can offer significant benefits to students, this does not mean that the Regents Exams should prevent others from graduating high school because they aren’t prepared for college, an environment they don’t even intend to join.  State tests also shouldn’t limit teachers in the classroom so that they aren’t able to inspire students to become involved in their own education, whether that is on a college campus or on their own.  

The Regents Exams seem to be going against their own stated goals and taking away from the ultimate goal of education.  For this reason, they need to be honestly evaluated based on the real impacts they are having on students’ lives and their attitudes towards education.

-Samantha Phillips

What are your opinions on the Regents Exams or state testing in general?

Sources:
New York State Education Department: Board Of Regents Approves New Graduation Options
New York Post: New York’s diplomas leave too many kids out

This week I will play devil's advocate to try to answer the question of whether education is important to pursue.  Surely, life does not always make it easy to go to school.  While there are benefits to receiving an education, they all exist in the long-term.  Down the road, many years from now, you will get a better job with a better income.  But what about making ends meet right now?  What about paying the expenses due at the end of the month?  What about putting a roof over your head and food on the table?  In this context, education appears to be a luxury that may or may not be worth it in the end.  

While this is a compelling argument, so are the numbers and testimonials.  Below is a graph that reveals the median annual earnings of full-time year-round wage and salary workers ages 25–34, by educational attainment: 1995–2012.

For young adults, your level of education greatly impacts your income.  You’re looking at approximately a $10,000 increase with each higher degree you earn.  The difference is so significant that I would argue that education is, in fact, worth it in the long run.   

So, theoretically, it seems that you should do what you have to do now to get an education so that you may benefit in the future.  Easier said than done, right?  You would prefer to hear from real people facing real situations, wouldn't you?  Well, Latisha Hopewell is one such person.  She is a mother of two in her thirties from New York.  While she had originally intended to pursue a higher degree, life interfered, and she didn't graduate from college.  But through hard work and funding opportunities, Ms. Hopewell found her way back to schooling.  Lori Holcomb-Holland writes of Ms. Hopewell’s journey, “College is different this time around. She says she is a better student now that the consequences, as well as the rewards, are more tangible. She wants to give her daughters a better life.”  

While it may be difficult to picture how education will improve your life in the future and so easy to feel the ways it is currently burdening you, I recommend that you try to identify and define your tangible consequences and rewards.  Use the images of these realities as your motivation.  Commit to giving yourself a better life by investing in your education; the future gains will outweigh the current negatives.  It’s worth it.  You’re worth it.  Those who count on you are worth it.  Start your future today.    

-Samantha Phillips

Please comment and share your motivations, visualizations, or tips that keep you on track!

Sources:
New York Times: Going Back to College, and Teaching Her Daughters the Value of Education
National Center for Education Statistics: Fast Facts- Income of young adults 

It’s around that time of year that you are brainstorming ways to get your act together and become some better version of yourself.  No matter what kind of goals you are hoping to achieve in 2015 (but possibly something along the lines of committing to your schoolwork and subsequently your future), getting organized could be a smart first step to kick start your plans for the new year. 

The initial step I recommend taking as you get back into the swing of school is to map out the rest of your semester.  Sit down with your calendar and pencil in all of your upcoming due dates.  This will help you visualize when you should start studying for that big exam or should start meeting with your group to put together your presentation.  You’ll be aware of when your busy weeks will be and can prep as much as you can for them in advance. 

From there, I advise that you take the time to break down your upcoming weeks as they come.  Factor in the amount of time you need for a good night’s rest, meals, and maybe some exercise.  Block off your weekly recurring meetings, practices, and your favorite TV show.  Free time is important to include too for your mental health.  Then set aside some reasonable time periods to do your homework and study.  I recommend that you keep your goals realistic and don’t overwhelm yourself, yet make that promise to yourself to use that time wisely to improve yourself.  If you keep at your work steadily while respecting deadlines, you will have the tools to avoid procrastination.  You will be in the position to be at your best and on top of your work. 

After that, my suggestion is to make a list every day of the small steps you have to accomplish that day within the bigger projects.  Then, prioritize them.  After taking the first two steps, you’ll be better able to see what the order should be.  Prioritizing is key to a student’s success and is probably one of the more difficult skills to achieve.  Yet once you figure it out, it is a transferable skill that will serve you later in life, both professionally and personally.  In addition to prioritizing, pay attention to due dates with respect to how long writing a five paragraph essay takes you or the amount of time you need to dedicate to looking over your notes before you feel confident for an exam.   Once you have your daily to-do list, be sure to check tasks off as you complete them.  It will bring you a sense of accomplishment, which will keep you moving forward.

I hope these organization tips will help get you started on the way to accomplishing your goals in 2015.  Getting organized helps you to make better use of your time and energy.  It can help you see where you need to cut back on certain activities (such as browsing Facebook) as well as make you recognize where you need to dedicate more time.  These tips will also hold you accountable for what you truly need to do to be successful. 

-Samantha Phillips

Please let me know your thoughts and feedback on these tips and any you would like to share that currently serve you well.  Good luck!