"Peer Effects on Children's Language Achievement During Prekindergarten"

Preschoolers’ exposure to the stronger language skills of peers in the preschool classroom can have a small but significant impact on their language learning, according to a study published in the May/June issue of Child Development by researchers at the University of Virginia and Ohio State University.

The researchers note that while much research focuses on the importance of effective teacher interactions with preschoolers for language learning, the results of the study suggest that a successful language intervention for preschoolers with low language skills can also be interaction with children who have higher-level language skills. This should take place, the researchers add, in classrooms where children’s behavior is well managed. The study looked at more than 1,800 preschoolers in more than 450 publicly funded prekindergarten classrooms in 11 states.

The findings are important, the researchers note, because students in public preschool programs tend to be surrounded by peers who have underdeveloped language skills for their age. They suggest that state preschool programs be designed to include children with mixed language abilities, including those with higher-than-average abilities.
By Mary Ann Zehr READ MORE http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/05/20/32report-2.h28.html?tkn=XRRFtmSBtTulKtb1yjsKAL1n1Bp2a5n0YRHn

Tuesday, May 5, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time

The National Math Panel, a White House-commissioned task force, has called for a new, streamlined teaching approach for early-grades math to better prepare students for algebra. The panel’s report calls for more focus on whole numbers, fractions, and geometry, but it also makes broader suggestions about the work that parents, teachers, and others can do to encourage young students' learning of math. The recommendations made a big splash among educators, but critics say the math strategies outlined by the panel are too narrow.

Join us for a live online chat with two former National Math Panel members about the report’s impact on teachers, curriculum directors, academic researchers, and education publishers.

Guests:
Francis M. “Skip” Fennell, professor of education at McDaniel College, former National Mathematics Advisory Panel member

Vern Williams, math teacher at Longfellow Middle School, in Falls Church, Va., former National Mathematics Advisory Panel member

Related Stories:
• Panel Calls for Systematic, Basic Approach to Math
• Efforts Undertaken to Publicize Math Panel’s Results

Sean Cavanagh, assistant editor at Education Week, will moderate this chat.

"The Quality Imperative: A State Guide to Achieving the Promise of Extended Learning Opportunities"

Students who take part in high-quality before- and after-school programs show substantial improvement in academic achievement, school attendance, student engagement, and social and emotional development,a report concludes...

The report from the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers outlines seven strategies states can pursue to improve the quality of extended-learning opportunities, including identifying state and federal funding to support such programs, setting program standards, measuring the programs’ standards and results, and providing incentives to improve program quality.

In addition, states are urged to convene groups of key stakeholders who will develop, administer, and monitor before- and after-school programs, establish professional development for educators and workers in those programs, and target such opportunities to the children deemed most at risk.

READ MORE http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/04/29/30report-2.h28.html?tkn=YWWFfXWP%2BOad%2BfDKLQ7hBCS26Kp4qhrgULX6

It's easy to think that if children get good grades they are doing their homework. The reality is that many children scrape by with very poor work and scheduling habits from an early age and then, when they must tackle more complex or difficult tasks later in life, they struggle. It's important to remember that homework, while arguably tangential to the actual learning process, does offer an opportunity to practice good work habits. In fact that may be the best lesson your children can learn from all that busy work. It's a lesson I definitely wish I could have learned sooner.

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The results of the 2008 Nation's Report Card were released at the end of last month. While we may not be competing equally with other countries it is encouraging to see that we are continuing to chip away at achievement gaps that exist in our own country. You can get more in dept details about the report card at http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/

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Your step by step guide to Hope and Healing.....your simple step-by-step guide to the breakthrough Diet that produces extraordinary results..... Read More...http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/glutenfreecookbooks/gr/reviewautismdiet.htm

A wonderful story that will open your eyes about Autism and the journey one family made through it. I will not spoil the book for you. All I will say is that my hope is that every child will make their way out of Autism.

Visit the website: http://www.leeannwhiffen.com/book.htm

Portion of the proceeds from this book are donated to the National Autism Association to help support families affected by Autism.

A special thank you to Leeann Whiffen for sharing your story and letting the public hear Clay's voice and the powerful message about family, love, faith and hope!