How Can I Coach A Resistant Teacher? (Part 2)

Hello Friends,

Current research regarding professional development for preschool teachers indicates that coaches can have a positive impact on helping preschool teachers address the challenges they face. Specifically, coaches can provide timely and focused feedback, enable teachers to develop skills to self-regulate their learning, and support teachers to become more intentional practitioners. In these roles, coaches can facilitate a shift in teachers' practice to accommodate current accountability expectations. Here is the second part of the article on coaching folks who don't want to be coached. It is interesting!

How Can I Coach A Resistant Teacher? (Part 2)

What do you think about coaching in early childhood programs? Have you been a coach or have you been coached? Let's talk!

"How Can I Coach a Resistant Teacher?" (Part 1)

Hello Friends,

Coaching in education is a change from traditional roles. The primaryfocus of the coach is to ask questions that are open-ended and promote thinking. Listening, probing for deeper meaning, and being non-judgmental are critical skills. Good coaching is built on a foundation of trust. It occurs when the coach creates a open, respectful and inviting setting. Coaching cannot be forced.

This two part article addresesses how to work with a resistent teacher. Part 2 will come tomorrow.

What are your thoughts about coaching in education? Can it help teachers? Let's talk.

"How Can I Coach a Resistant Teacher?" (Part 1)

To Close the Opportunity Gap, We Need to Close the Vocabulary Gap - Bridging Differences - Education Week

Hello Friends,

What is the achievement gap? It has been defined as the gap  in achievement that separates poor children and students of color from their more affluent peers. The achievement gap has been the focus of discussion, research and controversy for nearly 40 years. The good news is that the gap narrowed considerably through the late 1980s, particularly between blacks and whites; however, progress since then has been marginal — and the lack of achievement of minority students remains one of the most pressing problems in education.

Today, the average black or Hispanic high school student currently achieves at about the same level as the average white student in the lowest quartile of white achievement. Black and Hispanic students are much more likely than white students to fall behind in school and drop out, and much less likely to graduate from high school, acquire a college or advanced degree, or earn a middle-class living.

Are you asking the question "What does this have to do with preschool?" Well, studies report that three and four-year old children who are exposed to preschool have a greater chance of academic success throughout their schooling.
 Here are some interesting thoughts on the cause of the gap and how to close it.


To Close the 'Opportunity Gap,' We Need to Close the Vocabulary Gap - Bridging Differences - Education Week

Secretary Arne Duncan at the National Head Start Assoc. Conference

Hello Friends,

Secretary Arne Duncan gave remarks at the National Head Start Association conference held last week National Harbor, MD. This is evidence of the administration's interest in coordinated preschool programming. You can access the text of his remarks here:

Play Can Be an Effective Strategy for Assessment

Hello Friends,

There is an extensive body of research about play and the positive effects on early childhood learning and development. In general, research shows strong links between creative play and language, physical, cognitive, and social development. Play is a healthy, essential part of childhood. Infants explore their world through their senses while adults in their world foster their development and learning through playing games with them. Toddlers engage in pretend play when they imitate actions and events they have experienced in their family life. As they grow into four and five year olds, young children engage more and more in play activities that expand their knowledge of the world around them, develop their motor skills, and focus on their peers.

The link below connects you to some information on using play in observation and assessment. What do you think about play as an assessment measure? Do you use it for your observations?
Let's talk!

Play Can Be an Effective Strategy for Assessment

More Pre School? Yes! Let’s do it Right.

More Pre School? Yes! Let’s do it Right.

States Spending Less Money on Pre-K Education

Hello Friends,

State funding for pre-kindergarten programs had its largest drop ever last year and states are now spending less per child than they did a decade ago, according to the National Institute for released Monday. The State of Preschool 2012 report is compiled by  National Institute for Early Education Research. The  2012 State Preschool Yearbook is the newest edition of the annual report profiling state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States. The report also found that more than a half million of those preschool students are in programs that don't even meet standards suggested by industry experts that would qualify for federal dollars. Those findings — combined with Congress' reluctance to spend new dollars — may complicate President Barack Obama's effort to expand pre-K programs across the country. You can access the NIEER report below.

  The State of Preschool 2012 | nieer.org
 

After you read the report, let's talk! How is your state doing in regard to preschool spending?