Final Blog...What I learned and where I will go from here

My international contact Eric Asbury in Dubai always shared techniques that he used in the classroom. Eric teaches 5^th grade boys so I was a little skeptical about the techniques working for me being that I work with Kindergarten students. To my surprise, some of his methods actually worked for me! Yay! I would like to share it with you all…

One of the techniques is meditation. I shared with Eric that my students usually become unfocused and off task after lunch. Since we cannot take naps, Eric suggested that I take a 10 minute period with the lights off and explain to the kids that we are meditating. Unlike schools in the US, students in Dubai have a certain time of day to pray and meditate. The meditation period has been working well for the students in my class. Another thing that Eric and I discussed is paperwork. I have never been a ‘worksheet all day’ type of teacher, but with the demands from standards and from parents (they want to see what their child is doing in class) I am sort of forced to use paper more than I’d like to. Eric suggested that I pick one day out of the week to incorporate hands on learning. My first time encouraging the hands on day was on December 19, 2013. I arranged centers in that manner for language arts and reading. I also did a whole group math assignment as we discussed numbers and sets using counting cubes. The children really enjoyed the activities. It gave them the opportunity to work together at their own pace and solve problems together. I emailed Eric to let him know how great it worked out and he was pleased that his suggestion was beneficial to me. I also shared with Eric a few strategies that he could use with his students. Since he is in a class with all males, I suggested that he take the boys outside for science and math lessons. He was able to build a lesson regarding rocks and soil and the kids enjoyed being outside searching for rocks, minerals, and so forth.

 Education in another country is not much different from here in the US. We still face common issues together (salary, learning styles of children, poverty, etc) I have learned by sharing strategies and techniques with Eric that we can help each other regardless of where we are in the world. Lastly, we come together for one common cause-the children. Just as in the US, Dubai had teachers that were passionate and some not so passionate. The field of education is changing all over the world, and it is up to educators to embrace the change or leave the field.

My goal is to stay in touch with Eric and continue sharing ideas and experiences with him. We have truly bonded over this 8 week period. I am proud to say that I have made a new friend. I also plan to continue following the Harlem Children’s Zone, as I value what they stand for and the impressive work that they are doing for the youth in Bronx, New York.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts- Part 3

My conversation with Eric Asbury in Dubai

My international contact Eric Asbury is in Dubai. During our conversation this week, I asked Eric the series of questions that we were given as a guide for our blog assignment this week. Our conversation is below…

Me: “Eric, what issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals are being discussed where you’re working?”

Eric: “Well, the biggest issue now is raising pay for the teachers who are already there. Some of them feel that they do more than what they are paid for. That’s everybody’s story, right? But, seriously, they are underpaid and then teachers from the US are brought in and it makes them feel somewhat incompetent, but at the same time we help to lessen their load as far as teaching the kids all subjects. With my help, the responsibilities are split. Back to the salary issue, some people are hired with fewer qualifications and you can tell that they are just doing it for the money. They show no passion for the profession at all. It’s sad, but true. I came to Dubai for the learning experience from a cultural stand point, and the money is good, lol. But to be honest, the kids get shorted because a lot of us (Americans) often return home after the experience, and the local teachers switch schools, sometimes before the school year is over, if they receive a more attractive salary elsewhere.

Me: Wow… I never knew that the teaching profession there was so stuck on the money issue. Don’t get me wrong, but we are all working to get paid, but when you enter the teaching profession in the US, you already know that it’s not for the money! Next question: what opportunities and requirements for professional development exist?

Eric: No professional development opportunities have been available to me since I came here. I just go with the flow because I am ready to come home!

Me: Awww… the holidays are coming up so that will be a much needed break, right? Ok…what are some of your professional goals?

Eric: Honestly, I have accomplished one of my goals by teaching here in Dubai. I have always wanted to teach in another country in order to get a feel for the culture. I want to bring back some of the culture and broaden the kids learning. Fortunately, I do have some things to bring back to the states, which is cool. Another professional goal that I had when I first started teaching was to make sure that my students received the individual help that they needed. I observed and offered my assistance in any way possible, and I continue to do so. I hold tutorials afterschool. I don’t get paid for that. I come to work early, have breakfast with the students that participate in morning tutorial and we work on their skills. Teaching is truly my passion, and I’m glad that I have been able to do it for the past 15 yrs.

Me: That is awesome Eric!!!  What are some of your professional hopes, dreams and challenges?

Eric: One of my dreams is to coach high school basketball. Since my degree is in early childhood, I will have to take a few classes in order to be certified to teach high school. Challenges? Well I can tell you that reaching every child is a challenge that I face both here and the US. I have to come to the realization that I can’t save them all, but… there’s always a but! I guess that’s it for now. Hopefully I can continue on with my extended services to help the kids out. Who knows? Maybe one day I can open up my own school for boys. Our youth is troubled, but the males need so much help and positive attention that it’s scary.

Me: Thank you Eric! We shall chat again, same time next week, ok? Take care and safe travels as you return home for the holidays!

I have enjoyed this time with Eric. He and I plan to keep in touch because I would like to know if he decides to continue teaching abroad.

Update on The Harlem Children's Zone

The Harlem Children's Zone

I decided to click on a link on the site that discusses the results of the organization. I was impressed! This organization is building a great future of children into society. I have posted a few of the results of some of their program and their results…

Baby College

• In fiscal year 2010, Baby College graduated 407 individuals
• 86% of Baby College parents who read to their children less than 5 times a week at pre-test, improved their frequency
• 92.5% of respondents said they had learned a lot from the classes

Harlem Gems

• Of the 190 four-year-olds that entered the Harlem Gems in the 2009-2010 school year, 16.5% had a school readiness classification of delayed or very delayed. By the end of the year, there were no students classified as "very delayed" and the percentage of "advanced" had gone from 21.3% to 41.6%, with another 6.8% at "very advanced," up from 2.1%. 99.5% of students attained a school readiness classification of average or above.

Promise Academy

• 100% of third graders at Promise Academies I and II tested at or above grade level on the math exam, outperforming their peers in New York State, New York City, District 5, and black and white students throughout the state
• Over 98% of Promise Academy II's students scored at or above grade level on the math exam, outperforming their counterparts in New York State, New York City and District 5, as well as black and white students in New York State
• In English and Language Arts (ELA), over 93% of Promise Academy I third graders tested at or above grade level, outperforming New York State, New York City and District 5 peers, as well as black and white students in New York State
• Over 84% of Promise Academy II's students scored at or above grade level in ELA, outperforming on average their counterparts in New York State, New York City and District 5, as well as black students in New York City
• In 2008, 93% of Promise Academy High School ninth graders passed the statewide Algebra Regents exam.

This organization has really helped a community that once struggled with issues of affordable child care and access to quality child care. It is a very active part of the community. They also provide after school services as well. The organization is making sure that the children are well prepared as they continue their education, from baby college, to preschool and pre-k, all the way to primary school. I am pleased with the work that they are doing to make sure they reach the children of their community in a positive and inspirational way!

Update on International Contact- EDUC 6162

After speaking to my contact Eric in Dubai, I was informed that the inequity that he feels that the children face is proper funding to support all children, not just those who are privileged. Eric stated that it is very important for parents to enroll their children in a school that received an outstanding or good rating. Most of the schools in these categories are private schools. Because parents are anxious to get their children in these schools, the schools have become overcrowded. There are waiting lists. One parent has a child who is in nursery right now, and she placed her 20 month old on a waiting list for one of the primary schools that received a rating of outstanding. This is really a big deal. It is unfortunate that all children are not afforded this type of luxury and are forced to attend our version of public school. Children that attend these schools are automatically placed on an academic pedestal and receive more opportunities for advancement when it comes to college placement and even sports.

The officials are now planning to build more schools in order to reduce the capacity of children in higher seeking facilities. A nursery school has opened a class for one primary grade because of the overflow of the waiting list. By 2024, there should be more schools and more room for adequate placement. Also, one particular school on the outstanding list usually enrolls children in the area automatically. They have been unable to accommodate even those who are to be rightfully enrolled. What I do like about the situation is that there is at least one school in each area that adheres to the rollover program for children. It is good that those children have an opportunity to attend a school with a good or outstanding rating.

Update on The Harlem Children's Zone organization

The Harlem Children’s Zone

www.hcz.org

The Harlem Children’s zone is an organization that is based in Harlem, New York. This organization has grown in many ways. The particular section that caught my attention is the baby college program. This program was adapted in 2000. They are well aware of the critical time of the first few years of life. This workshop is available for parents who have children within the 3 year old age range. This program is of interest to me because it serves children at a very critical time. Being that I am a kindergarten teacher, by the time the children get to me, some of them are still in need of basic learning and development skills. These skills can be reinforced in the early years. However, if parents aren’t aware of what is expected, the children will lack those imperative skills. The baby college provides parents with valuable information for their children.

I think it is a wonderful idea that all the parents who give birth at the neighborhood hospitals have the option to attend the baby college, free of charge. It is wonderful that it is an effort provided for the up and coming Harlem community. The Harlem community has re-vamped from being mainly a poverty stricken area. Even with the renovations and upward move to becoming a middle class area, there are still areas that are poverty stricken. The Harlem Children’s Zone can be credited for serving those who are poverty stricken or middle class. While viewing the site, I did not find any information that I deemed controversial. However, I thought it was relevant to my profession that 100 percent of the Harlem Gems(pre-schoolers) were pre-k ready. I was awed by this because it is so important for children to get the fundamental schooling needed which enhances school readiness. I am always amazed by the number of children entering Kindergarten that don’t colors, shapes, or  the alphabet.

The Harlem Children’s Zone is a non-profit organization that basically runs on donations and approved funding. I feel that the organization has proven to economists and others the importance of education, being with 0-3 year olds or for 3^rd graders(who by the had 83% either on or exceeding on the statewide math exam) I believe that receiving funding from outside sources and donations is not a problem considering that the organizations has made strides with the youth and the community.

My International Contacts

I was able to chat back and forth with Eric Asbury, an American teacher teaching in Dubai. Eric and I initially met via email contact. Due to his email account being checked periodically by his superior, he felt it would be safer to friend eachother on Facebook, and send messages. We introduced ourselves and from that point I asked Eric to tell me one thing that he misses about our culture, education wise. He explained to me that there is a total of 3 teachers in the classroom. That's a big difference from schools here, unless you are special education teacher.   He is the only American. He teaches 5th grade boys. One thing that he misses is the bond he is quickly able to make with the kids here. In Dubai, it's strictly teacher-student.
Eric also stated that when he is alone with the kids, which is rare, the children use profanity towards him. He has told his superiors about this behavior, and they support him, which is good. This week I asked him about the poverty/homeless demographic at his school. He informed me that the children in his class appear to be well taken care of. He asked one of his team members about the poverty rate, and he was told that poverty and homelessness is a sheltered issue in their area of Dubai.
Being able to converse with Eric once a week has been quite interesting. He is adapting to the culture in Dubai. I'm sure it was kind of hard, but he was intrigued by the experience. I have learned that education is not taken lightly there. The school also incorporates their muslim faith and traditions into the learning segment, which is why there are so many teachers in the room because Eric is not allowed to teach that. I look forward to our next conversation. Stay Tuned!

The Harlem Children's Zone Organization

The organization that I chose to sign up to is The Harlem Zone. In this week's newsletter, which was my first one, the organization was praising their president Geoffrey Canada. Geoffrey Canada received the National Freedom Award. Since 1991, the award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the battlw for civil and human rights, and who have helped create opportunity for the disenfranchised both in the US and around the world. The organization is focused on the bettering the youth of today. The program also offers a baby college. The baby college is a nine week program for expectant parents and parents with a child up to three years old. I think this is a good idea. The workshops promote reading to children and verbal discipline over corporal punishment. The organization focuses on a variety of issues in the early childhood setting. Their objective is to build a safety net woven so tightly that children cannot slip through. What a wonderful objective/focus! Some of their porgrams include:

THE THREE YEAR OLD JOURNEY

The Three-Year-Old Journey works with parents of children who have won the HCZ Promise Academy charter school lottery. Held on Saturdays over several months, it teaches parents about their child's development, building language skills and parenting skills.

GET READY FOR PRE-K

The Get Ready for Pre-K program brings in new Gems students before the start of the school year. The six-week summer session runs for extended hours during weekdays like the regular Gems program, helping children acclimate to the new schedule and readying them to start school in the fall.

HARLEM GEMS^®

Harlem Gems is an all-day pre-kindergarten program that gets children ready to enter kindergarten. Classes have a 4:1 child-to-adult ratio, teach English, Spanish and French, and run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. HCZ runs three pre-kindergarten sites, serving 200 children.

As far as diversity, the newsletter did not go into depth about it, but throughout the website it is evident that the program changes to suite the needs of the community.  I am pleased with the work the Harlem Zone is doing for their community. I look forward to the next newsletter.