The information for the Save the Children website
(savethechildren.org) that seemed relevant to my current professional development
is that the Save the Children site also strives to better the education for the
children. They mention that children around the work don’t get quality
education where they can learn and develop. The organizations trains teachers
to engage their students through more effective teaching practices, they coach
parents and caregivers to help their children learn early on, so they are
prepared to enter school, they offer ways for parents and community volunteers
to get kids reading and doing math outside of school hours, they introduce
children to the power of artistic expression to help them heal, learn, and do
better in school, and they make sure that children don’t stop learning during a
crisis (Save the Children, 2014).
While exploring the site I can across an article I taught
was controversial. I can across an article where U.S. Representative Paul Ryan
talks about how he supports early childhood education and think it is important
for children to have access, yet he proposed a budget that would cut/eliminate
Head Stare slots for 57,000 children and cut another 20% from the Head Start
budget, which would estimates about another 200,000 children would lose their
spots (Shriver, 2013).
I found this information interested because the government
will say how they are looking after the children’s best interests to hopes to
get reelected, and then they go pull something like this. This shows you that
they are more worried about saving money than they are of the actually benefits
these programs have for children. So the economists, neuroscientists, and politicians
aren't necessary looking out of the best interests for the children
I found that there are celebrities that are helping advocated
for the children through Save the Children Organization. Those include Jennifer
Gardner and Mark Shriver (whose mom is Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of
the Special Olympics). I think that by having these people advocating for the
children, that the neuroscientists, economists, and politicians will start
looking at the true benefits for early childhood education.
References:
Save the Children. (2014). The power and promise of education. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6153015/k.E633/Education.htm
Shriver, M. (16 Dec 2013). Invitation to a dialogue:
Children and poverty. The New York Times.
Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/18/opinion/invitation-to-a-dialogue-children-and-poverty.html?emc=edit_tnt_20131217&tntemail0=y&_r=2&
Abby,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post I am interested in understanding how US Representative, Paul Ryan proposes to support the cause of early childhood education and the access to these programs. Is he looking to promote more effective programs or use funds on subsidies for these parents? You are right, this information seems to be contradictory because on the one hand Ryan is supporting early childhood programs but on the other hand you stated that he is proposing to cut/eliminate funds to some of these programs. Politicians can’t just say they support a cause without backing up their statements with actions. In the same respect I don’t think throwing money at a problem is always the answer. That is why research is important and policies and programs need to be reviewed as well as assessed to make sure the money is being spent wisely.
Thank you for your post.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI also share your sentiments as it regards the economists, neuroscientists and politicians. I believe that they are not necessarily looking out for the best interests of the children but are seeking their own benefit. Dr. Cathy Grace pointed out that, the economists look at things in units or commodities whilst educators look at children in an entirely different way. The Scientists believe that if you do not get everything you need by the time you are three or five then you are doomed and the politicians are trying to help their agendas by looking at early childhood education as a viable piece of education in the country (Laureate Education, Inc. Executive Producer, 2011).
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Issues and trends in the early childhood field: Economists, scientists, and politicians supporting the EC field. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your article and I can't tell you how much I really love the Save the Children Foundation. I have read and seen a great deal of their work. I commend them for their efforts and hope that they continue with their projects.
I have always wondered what Save the Children did with the money we donate to them. Knowing that it goes to also train educators and introduce families to the system of education is great news! I have gotten caught up in the commercials about helping to care for a child for "just dollars a day" and called in to donate money, but every once in awhile I am skeptical about use of those dollars.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Shawna