Some Thoughts

So, I've been sitting here for the past two months, well, not literally sitting here, but every now and then, I sit and think about my unemployment status. I think to myself, "Marcella, you have been unemployed for two months and really have no desire to go back in to the field you were in. Actually you are content being a full-time Master's student and holding out until the perfect job in education comes your way." Is this normal?" Should I be so happy in this state? Have you ever asked yourself that? Actually, those of you that are currently unemployed, have you ever found yourself perfectly content in the state you are in? I mean seriously. Now don't get me wrong. I am not referring to those lazy people who have never had a job, are not looking for a job, are not in school and just enjoy doing nothing. I am really talking to those people who are making career changes and won't stop until they find that job that enhances not only their life but another person's life as well; those people who have worked in corporate America for years but finally got a break to reflect on what they really want to do. Doesn't it feel good to be able to take time to make a decision about your next move and not feel pressured to just take anything? Let me help you out, IT FEELS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was talking to some friends yesterday and I could not hide my excitement about not needing to get up on Monday morning to clock-in to a job I hate and does nothing to benefit society. I remember saying to someone that I would work at a grocery store before I go back into the corporate world. It's ugly out there and can be very depressing. I feel blessed to be where I am. Everyday I am searching for new work and I get excited when I see things like Career Advisor ($29K/yr) or tutor ($9/hr) because I know just working in that environment I would be able to impact another person's life everyday. So to all of you out there trying to get back into the corporate world just for a check I would ask, "Is it really worth it?"

Teach for America in Atlanta

Teach for America is an organization that was set up to bring educated and motivated teachers into low-income areas. They have established precedence all across the country by equipping schools with educators ready to take students to another level with a passion for changing the educational state of the United States.

Georgia has been in the news a few times for failing to meet certain graduation rates among other things. So, Teach for America is certainly welcome in this part of the country. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Beverly L. Hall agrees in saying “In many of my school visits, I go into classrooms where there are Teach for America teachers, and I’m always impressed with them. I think Teach for America is having an impact in more ways than we probably even realize right now.”

This past year metro Atlanta had 195 teachers from the program and they hope to have more. It is imperative that attention is given to these areas where funding is low. What better way to do so than to bring in teachers coming from all walks of life with one common goal…Educating children.

Teacher for America searches for the brightest and the best. They look for passion and the drive to pull through for the students even in the worst case scenarios. Many of the teachers have had previous careers and can teach based on real-life experiences. Some are right out of undergrad and can relate to the students on their level. Whatever walk of life they are coming from Teach for America is ensuring that they will bring the best.

Atlanta has gone through major transformations as a result of the economy and has seen many of their schools not survive. The schools are looking for miracles to stay above the water and continue to provide the best for their students. Teach for America just may be that miracle!

Cobb County soars in standardized tests

This past school year Cobb County seniors outranked the state and national average scores on the SAT. Their county had an average score of 1523 on the test which was 70 points over the state average and 14 points over the national average. That is an amazing feat! The school system also saw an amazing victory with 91% of their schools meeting AYP standards. What is in the water in Cobb County Schools and can we all drink it?!

Earlier reports have shown that many Georgia counties struggled with meeting AYP this year but Cobb County has shown that not all of Georgia is the same. Only three schools of 110 are listed as “needs improvement”.

There are many factors that come into play when evaluating how they came to receive these high test scores. In 2006 only 8% of Cobb County’s classes were taught by “non-highly qualified teachers”. So with over 90% of your classes being taught by highly qualified teachers your school system is bound to improve and your students should be able to count on their teachers to understand and properly deliver the information. In researching information for the current year the numbers show 98.2% of teachers in Title 1 schools were considered highly qualified and 99.1% of teachers in non-Title 1 schools were considered high qualified.

The success of this county in education is something to speak of and also something to look into. For readers with students in school systems who are currently struggling to meet AYP or are currently on the “needs improvement” list check out the school improvement plan here and see what new suggestions you can locate and take to your school district.

All school districts are different and the demographics range significantly but it always helpful to learn from neighboring successful school districts. The ultimate goal is to see all of Georgia school districts succeed.

Inclusion of special education students in regular ed classess

Hey, would love to hear your thoughts on the inclusion of special education students in regular ed classes. An article will be forthcoming with more information on this process. Tell me what you think right now. Or post your thoughts on the discussion board for OneGirlsVoice facebook page!

Charter, home, public, private…What school is best for your child?

The world we live in now offers many choices to begin a child’s education. How do parents decide which choice is best for their child? Some say private school because it is more challenging. Others say public school because it allows children to be educated in a more realistic environment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 73% of students, grades 1-12 were enrolled in public schools in 2007 and 16% were in public school by choice.

So, are we to gather that 73% of students’ parents did not care what type of school their child was enrolled in or were there simply very few other options? According to an article issued by the NCES this percentage was based on many factors including, ethnicity, economic status and educational background. The study showed that white and black students with educated and economically stable backgrounds were finding other educational options for their students, while Hispanics and economically unstable households remained in the private schools. The reasons and choices for deciding which school is best for your child are endless and sometimes difficult.

Charter schools have become another option for parents. It provides a more centralized focus or specialty and gives the administration a little more freedom as they are not subject to as many rules as public schools. Charter schools are funded by the public and therefore cannot charge tuition. This is often an option for parents because it does not burden them with cost. However, since charter schools are scattered around the state the waiting list is often very long and it is often difficult to get in.

In 2007 it was reported that about 2.9 percent of students were being homeschooled. The most common reason for homeschooling was to provide moral/religious instruction. Many parents are turning to this type of education to help filter what their children are learning. It allows them control. It is very time consuming but there are many resources available to parents interested in getting their children started with homeschooling.

The answer to which school is best will always be based on the child and the parent. It is important that parents understand they have choices and not to settle for what is handed to them. Education is one of the most valuable things a person will receive and making the right choice for your child will result in greater academic results.

Please click here for more information on homeschooling.

Parental involvement in schools

Parental involvement has decreased so much over the years as a result of many different things specifically work schedules. Most parents can’t make parent teacher conferences because of their schedules and many just have to weigh the options of which is more important. The question is whether or not there is a legitimate excuse for a lack of parental involvement in the child’s education.

Teachers and administrative staff have been known to go out of their way to accommodate parents and their busy schedules. However, how much are parents willing to sacrifice to become more involved with their children? This article talks about a school system in Michigan where they are proposing to jail parents for missing parent/teacher conferences. Hearing this initially may take some aback but it discusses how the school system is willing to accommodate parents by coming after hours and on weekends to accommodate parents whose schedule don’t permit them to conference during regular work hours. So, if teachers try everything to accommodate for parents shouldn’t parents try as well?

It is imperative that parents understand the importance of their involvement in their child’s education. DeKalb County Schools provide a Parent Resource Guide each year to give parents an overview of what they should expect while their child is in school. The edition comes out each school year and can be accessed here.  

While some parents often think that the teachers and administrative staff are the only ones responsible for aiding the children in achieving high marks per the AYP standards, it is also necessary that they be involved. Parents challenge educators to accurately prepare their students and are also often the objective eye that can spot when something is not being beneficial to the school as a whole.

As schools continue to do their best to make sure communities and parents are involved through the Georgia Appleseed program and the National Coalition for Parental Involvement in Education, parents must also see the necessity of their involvement. They are major players in the education game and can help predict the future of education in their child’s life.

Bullying in schools

In Georgia schools everyday students are harassed and bullied. There was a recent article on 11 Alive News in Georgia discussing different types of bullying violating the laws in place in GA. It is very prevalent and has become very dangerous but how do counselors and teachers decide when it is time to take action?

That is the plaguing question which, so often, results in late action. Teachers and other administrators are too busy trying to decipher the difference between harassment bullying versus innocent banter. Anytime the topics of banter include race or sexual-orientation it’s obvious the innocent banter has gotten out of control. Many schools have failed to stop this ‘innocent banter’ on sensitive topics like these and it resulted in deaths of children at young ages!!

Do you remember Jaheem Herrera? He was a 10 year old DeKalb County student who took his life as a result of bullying. His mother informed the school of the issue but it was too late. The damage had been done. Unfortunately this has become common and the ages of children taking their lives as a result of school bullying are getting lower. Something has to be done.

As educators, especially school counselors, any complaint of bullying received from students must be considered immediately and examined. Waiving off bullying as innocent banter when a child is complaining can place the school in a bad position and even worse, result in the loss of another child. It is impossible to catch everything but there are ethical obligations as counselors and educators to listen and take seriously the complaints of students. Sometimes students won't seek help but often educators and counselors can spot bullying. It is important that it is addressed even if the child does not seek help.

It's easy to brush it off and say ‘that's just kids being kids’. It happens all the time. Unfortunately, as a result of this brush off children are suffering. Some students never get over one harsh comment made to them about their appearance, race or sexual orientation among other things. It's not easy and sometimes impossible to get every bullying situation under control but it is important that we do our best.

Check out this video for more information.