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News Briefs (November 2006) Preschool, Childcare and Early Literacy
New America's Early Education Initiative Focuses on Pre-K-3
In response to research that calls for investment in pre-kindergarten to third grade to improve student performance, the New America Foundation has introduced its Early Education Initiative. The initiative includes universal access to preschool, full-day kindergarten programs, and extended learning time options for young children. For more on the Initiative, click here.
Preschoolers Better off in the Hands of Educated Teachers
Although studies are unclear as to the benefits of a two year associate degree versus a four year baccalaureate degree, experts agree that educated preschool teachers offer superior curricula and formal teaching, and are also "more stimulating, warm, and supportive," and "provide more age-appropriate experiences" than those who did not receive education in the field.
For the full article, click here.
Calling Attention to the Benefits of PK-3 Movement
In an interview with USA Today, education journalist Gene Maeroff discusses his new book, Building Blocks: Making Children Successful in the Early Years of School, and how we should pay more attention to the benefits of preschool, especially those programs for children under nine. To read the interview, click here.
More States Making Preschool a Priority
A review of 2006 State of the State addresses and budget proposals found that due to the increasing evidence of the long-term benefits of quality pre-kindergarten, twenty-four governors labeled early education or pre-kindergarten a priority and proposed a combined increase in new funding of $250 million. For more information, click here.
Addressing the Importance of Pre-Kindergarten
The New America Foundation has developed a new initiative that addresses the importance of pre-kindergarten through third grade and the disappointing national effort made to recognize its importance. The policy recommendations include universal access to preschool, full-day kindergarten, and innovative financial strategies. For more on the initiative, click here.
Playtime Essential for Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released a report calling for more undirected playtime for children, which is beneficial for their cognitive, emotional, physical, and social skills. The report acknowledges a decrease in playtime as a result of the changing American lifestyle, and offers guidelines on how it can be maintained despite increasing obstacles.
To download a PDF of the report (32 pages), click here.
More Freedom for Children in the Classroom Can Help Academic Achievement
A new, international study of early-childhood programs indicates that more classroom freedom for children—allowing them to choose their own activities with well-trained teachers and spending less time in whole-group instruction can help build strong language and thinking skills by age seven. For more information, click here.
Kindergarteners Getting Older
An increasing amount of children are being held back from starting kindergarten until they are almost or already six years old to give them an edge on the curriculum and a heightened sense of confidence. Although the practice is widespread, results are inconclusive and controversial. For the full article, click here.
Child Development Depends More on Family Characteristics than on Child Care
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has compiled findings from a study about different child care arrangements for children from birth to four and a half years. The study indicates that although there is a slight link between child care and development, family characteristics appear to matter more. To download a PDF of the findings (52 pages), click here.
Increasing the Effect of Preschools on Social Mobility
A new policy report by W. Steven Barnett and Clive R. Belfied indicates that increased investment in the educational effectiveness of early childhood programs and increased participation rates will improve the effects of preschool education on social mobility. The report shows that intensive interventions with highly qualified teachers and small class sizes are the most effective programs. To download a PDF of the report (26 pages), Early Childhood Development and Social Mobility, click here.
Helping Narrow the Latino Achievement Gap
Latinos are the largest and most rapidly growing minority group in the United States but often start school less prepared than white children and do not catch up during the primary grades. Pre-K Now has developed a report that explores the policies and practices that can help address and narrow the Latino achievement gap. To download a PDF of the Pre-K Now report (24 pages), click here. Google Launches Two New Web Sites
Google has recently launched a Web site dedicated to literacy, "The Literacy Project." Through the site, you can f ind books, articles and videos about literacy, or start your own literacy or reading group. Google has also launched Google for Educators, a new site that offers guides and lesson plans utilizing current Google tools. To visit "The Literacy Project," go to www.google.com/literacy. To visit "Google for Educators," go to www.google.com/educators/index.html
Bill Introduced to Track Students Pre-K through College
Senator John Ensign, a Nevada Republican, has sponsored a bill introduced to the U.S. Senate that would authorize spending to setup databases to track students pre-K through college. No votes are expected to be reached in the near future on this controversial bill. For an article on the proposed bill, click here. Conferences All Children Ready to Learn: The Role of Assessment and Accountability
From November 1-2, 2006, in Indiana University, the Early Childhood Center will present a conference, All Children Ready to Learn: The Role of Assessment and Accountability. Participants will examine state efforts to set research-based standards for early childhood programs, assess the quality of these programs, and use accountability data to improve early childhood policy and management systems. For more on this conference, click here.
2006 TASH Conference
From November 8-11, 2006, TASH will host a conference in Baltimore, Maryland, focusing on strategies for achieving full inclusion for people with disabilities. Sessions will focus on Inclusive Education Across the Lifespan; Innovations in Research and Practice; Transition, Community Living and Employment; and Values, Advocacy and Ethics. For more information, click here.
NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo
From November 8-11, 2006, in Atlanta, Georgia, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) will host its 2006 Annual Conference and Expo, focusing on practical experience and applied research that contribute to the healthy development and constructive education for all young children. For more information, click here.
International Dyslexia Association 57th Annual Conference
From November 8-11, 2006, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the International Dyslexia Association will host its 57th Annual Conference, "Racing to Literacy." S essions are geared towards educators, educational administrators, educational diagnosticians, academic therapists, parents, speech/language pathologists and of course, individuals with dyslexia and their families. For more on the conference, click here.
CEIEC Annual International Early Childhood Conference: Honoring the Child, Honoring Equity 6
From November 16-18, 2006, at the University of Melbourne , the Centre for Equity and Innovation in Early Childhood (CEIEC) will host its Annual International Early Childhood Conference, with the theme "Cultures, Challenges, and Change in Troubling Times." Attendees include researchers, teachers, care providers, policymakers, government and non-government organizations, parents, advocates, and activists. For more on this conference, click here.
2006 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention
From November 16-18, 2006, in Miami Beach, Florida, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association will host a convention with the theme "Building Bridges Through Communication." For more information on the convention, click here.
Early Childhood: Evidence into Practice, Rethinking Current Interventions and Strategies
From November 23-24, 2006, at the University of Melbourne, The Queen Elizabeth Centre will host "Early Childhood: Evidence into Practice, Rethinking Current Interventions and Strategies." Attendees include practitioners, policymakers and researchers whose work focuses on child care, early education, family-oriented services, foster care, infant mental health, parenting, psychology, and social work. For more information on the conference, click here.
National Training Institute, Zero to Three’s Annual Conference
From December 1-3, 2005, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the 21st National Training Institute will host Zero to Three’s annual conference. This year’s sessions will be divided into broad topic areas, including early intervention, social and emotional development and public policies aimed at infants and toddlers with the theme of "Sharing a Vision for Babies and Families."
For more information, click here.
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