New Haven Independent

Posted by: jeffie Frazier | October 29, 2008 4:06 PM

As a participant in last night's panel discussion, I heard that it is important to include the entire community with Parents being the leaders and teachers next. To level any playing field all the players must feel as though their positions are of equal importance. They must practice together and become the cheering squad for the students. Parents and teachers must sit and talk eye to eye or e-mail to e-mail or phone to phone. Where there are no working phones parents must give the school an emergency contact. By any means necessary we must work together. It will take the entire village to help our students learn and provide an environment in which teachers are able to successfully teach all the children.

Posted by: John Tulin | October 29, 2008 6:48 PM

"One of the main themes to emerge was the importance of teachers reaching out to become a part of their students' lives outside of the classroom."

How come people just assume that the teacher is to be on call, for a salary one can barely live on? When teachers offer these services and similar ones at contract time and dare suggest that they get paid for them - the municipalities never think it is such a good idea then. Would we ever ask other professionals, professionals with masters degree and PHD's - and the loans to payments to prove it - to just work for free?

Next time you are at your psychiatrist, tell him to regularly check in with a bedtime call on the house. Or the dentist, tell her you know you're supposed to floss - but you could really use a free reminder phone call. Watch them stare at you, confused.

Posted by: Grace Griffin | October 29, 2008 8:11 PM

Last night's discussion was an excellent way to spotlight the positive things going on in our educational systems. So often the negativity around us overwhelms all the educational stakeholders. This often prevents everyone from recognizing what is working and building on it. At the same time, educators need to identify a culture where everyone works as a team to make improvements that better our students. Teachers need to be proactive by reaching out to parents and establishing positive relationships. Making a connection with a parent is just as important as connecting with a student. Teachers need to think outside the box in order to make these invaluable connections. The message that was stated over and over last night was that teamwork is effective! The goal should be on creating that team and building the lines of communication so that students receive positive messages everywhere they turn.

Posted by: norton street | October 29, 2008 10:55 PM

john, are you suggesting that the role of a teacher is in any way similar to the role of a psychiatrist or dentist?
in my opinion, educators are the most important people in a society, there is an enormous task put in front of them. so for me, a teacher has some type of responsibility to each of their students, if that means out of class/off the payroll in order to get everyone to succeed than so be it.
i would also like to see doctors/other professionals switch income with teachers.

Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | October 30, 2008 8:28 AM

Agree with Jeffie Frazier.

Tulin, If you continue to look at teachers as laborers or hourly workers, you will continue to short change your profession. How many respected highly paid professionals punch the clock?

CT. teachers salaries are among the highest in the nation and its a lot better than "barely" living on, especially for a nine month work year.

But until your union embraces merit pay and stops protecting bad teachers, all of the great teachers who actually deserve much high pay and higher praise will be short changed. Its the bargain you made.

Posted by: Enoc Reyes | October 30, 2008 2:19 PM

There was a great point that was brought up. That parents are a childs first teachers. And just as a teacher's experiences with a student are passed on to next teacher. So to must the knowledge of the parents be passed on to their child's teacher. Not every student learns the same and this communication is vital to making sure that truly no child gets left behind.

Posted by: Claudette Tracey | November 3, 2008 5:28 PM

Posted by Mrs. Tracey

I have heard a whole lot about this TV program about building school community partnerships.
I am very sorry that I could not have been there; unfortunately, I am one of those parents who works and goes to school in the evenings, but several people have been talking about this program.

One of the people on the program (Mr. Palmieri) talked about how important it is for teachers to respect the students and the parents. That has not been my experience. As a parent I have been treated poorly.
Ms. Shani, I am asking OneWorld to have more of these programs especially for parents. We need to learn how to deal with these principals who do not respect parents. I tell my children to be respectful to their teachers and principal, but my children see that I am treated with disrespect; that is not helpful at all. I know that teachers work very hard; I value what they do, but when my children are treated unfairly, and the principal is rude to me, it is hard for me as a parent to get past that and to build a good relationship with any of them. I am glad that OneWorld is doing these valuable programs; it is a very good use of public access television; please keep it up.

Posted by: Luis Melendez | November 10, 2008 1:29 PM

Reading the comments reminded me of my youth and in particular all of the teacher contact my family had as a result of the University of Connecticut Upward Bound Program I was involved with. I also had tutoring on Saturdays and attended school most of summer. I am thankful that the educators were there and that we (my family) had the good sense to receive them. I have enjoyed a long and successful career in higher education and I credit the educators that took the extra time to reach out to me and my family for this success. In higher education I try to reach out to my students as they did with me.

Posted by: elissa lupi | November 10, 2008 8:44 PM

i have often heard teachers say they would never live in the same town where they teach. i wouldn't have it any other way. my mom was a teacher in our high school and nothing was funnier than our friends seeing her being our mom--doing laundry, making dinner, or watching t.v.. they assumed she hung in the closet until monday morn! some of my students knew me as their cub scout leader or as the cashier at the farm stand. some have older siblings who are friends w/ my children. living and working in the same town,i've drop off work to students, run into families in the grocery store while in sweats, and share signs of peace in church on sunday mornings. i give my home phone to parents who may want reassurance about their struggling child. i think nothing of calling a student to ask for clarification on a project they submitted. i live in the same neighborhood as some of my students. they've stopped by as i'm mowing the lawn or hanging out clothes. i love the fact that i can connect to them by being myself whether at school, home or in the community.

Posted by: Marc Palmieri | November 11, 2008 4:50 PM

This education forum was of significant value on several levels: It brought together a cross-section of people who are all involved in education. They came with different experiences and different perspectives, but they all want the same thing - a successful education experience for children. For everyone to understand this we need to be able to talk to each other in ways that are sincere and meaningful. The forum gave us that opportunity.

Parents' relationship with the child's classroom teacher is critical in the education of students. This may differ from what they "can do" for the school! If all truly understand and value that education is a 24 hour process, teachers and parents should develop (or be trained to develop) a mutual understanding of the needs of the child. This doesn't mean that they will agree on all issues...simply, they respect each other enough to work for a solution which is best for the student. After these meetings, students, younger and older, "see and hear" the cues from parents and teachers either "modeling or dissing" these discussions.

There are no subtle comments...Kids hear everything an adult says! Therefore, parents and teachers need to always model that which they want children to copy; it might not be easy but we need to strive for conscious behaviors and comments; these are the messages we are delivering to children.

Parents must reflect an attitude that education is critical to their children's future. Often economic and social pressures cause comments which include "not enough money...just go get a job...or you'll never make it! It is critical for all adults to maintain high standards for school success and focus on the positive (scholarships, grants, etc.) While my parents never made it to high school...it was expected (and demanded) that I would go to college! This told me that my parents considered education to be of significant value, and that they wanted what is best for me. All parents today can find positive ways to communicate this to their children.

Posted by: bjfair | November 12, 2008 9:23 AM

I didn't see the show but it sounds as though it was an excellent program. As for professionals who work "off the clock and uncompensated", I am one of those professionals and I don't regret one moment that I work outside my paid time to help my clients.I am a (Masters level )licensed clinical social worker and one of the reasons I am successful in easily engaging children, youth and their family is because I take more of an interest in their lives than than the 45 minutes that I am paid for. I do so because I truly care about the families I work with. i have been to many of their homes,attended many school meetings, court proceedings, community events,etc unpaid because I am invested in the welfare of that child and that family and I love when they see me in the community as one of them and I would willingly be "on call" if they found themselves in crisis outside my 9-5 workday. I think teaching should be more than a 9-5 with expectations of some "unpaid" time built into the job. There are greater rewards than money.

Posted by: Paula Robinson | November 12, 2008 9:53 AM

I have always shared my family with my students and my students with my family. This open approach has portrayed me as a "real" person especially for my students. As my children were growing up they often accompanied me on field trips and to school events such as plays, concerts and festivals. I always make my personal contacts available to my parents/guardians in the event they may have a pressing concern after hours. I also find that sharing appropriate personal stories develops a bond and sense of trust with my students and their parent/guardians. As an educator I feel that I am an integral part of each student's life I touch as well as their family's.
To quote the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child."
It certainly does!

Posted by: N'Zinga Shani | November 12, 2008 1:16 PM

Comments from OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc.

1. The election is almost over and the really HARD work has begun. We have a president-elect whose life experiences and that of his wife's are testaments to the benefits and value of a good education. We can be hopeful that this fact will be an under-girder to how he approaches the nation's Pre-K-12 education challenges. However, as we all know, no one person, school system, or government can fix the education problems we have. The problems are huge; they are not insurmountable; they do require due diligence, a permanent commitment from everyone capable of contributing, and local, state, and national policies consistent with perpetual improvement. We need to develop communities that have a desire for life-long learning at their core. This would help to close the gap between those who have little or no formal education and those who do.

2. We at OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc. are simply trying to encourage and facilitate meaningful dialogue.
a) We are promoting civic engagement;
b) we are extolling the idea of Lighthouses of Knowledge; c) these can start at the kitchen tables;
d) they can expand to the basement of the dozens of churches and community centers in CT.
We welcome comments and we ask that each commentator think about the issue of adequately preparing our children and young adults for the fulfillment of their fullest potential and a productive place in a global society. We cannot do this if we are more concerned with assigning blame.
Parents are their children's first teachers. We do not need to have degrees to be good teachers to our children; we do need to partner effectively with those who do have degrees so that our children will benefit from the collaborative efforts.

3. America cannot stay #21 (among 30 industrialized nations) in Pre-K-12 education competence and effectively compete globally. America cannot continue to pay Math and Science teachers $32K per year (in many states) and expect to grow excellent teachers. In commercial industries they are paid more; all educated people have a right to earn the maximum amount they can so that they can enjoy a good socioeconomic standard of living. We should not be asking teachers to sacrifice more than we ask of parents or anyone else. This is supposed to be a free and democratic society. If-- as workers-- we all gave 100 percent to whatever it is we do-- everyone in our society will benefit. Parents, teachers and administrators should also give 100 percent of their capacity.

4. As long as we (in American communities) continue to fund education through property taxes, and as long as the structures of our towns and cities remain as they are there will always be great disparities in education funding. Restructuring will not happen overnight, but it needs to start and the ways in which education is funded need to be changed dramatically. However, there are things which all of us in communities can do today to improve the education outcomes for all children, and particularly for children from poor communities.
a) Parents can become more involved with their children's school work, with teachers and with the schools. Find out what is going on; ask questions; call on the phone; know if your child is late for school or has not turned in homework. Do not wait until the report card arrives.
b) If you work two jobs and cannot be at the PTA meeting, find another parent on your street or in your community who is attending the meetings; ask that person to share the information with you. Be involved!
c) Teachers, administrators: do not assume that because parents do not show up they do not care. Please make an effort to reach out to those who seem most resistant; let them know that you care about the well-being of their children. Ask if there is anything you can do to help them to participate more fully. Lack of knowledge is a powerful deterrent to positive action. It is incumbent upon those of us who know better to do better. Let us be examples of the behavior we desire in others. Many teachers do that, but not all; some teachers are also intimidated by some parents; this is where good adminstrative leadership is key. New teachers need good support.

OneWorld, Inc is grateful to all those who participated in the forum and to all those who have written comments. Please join us in our efforts to better serve the larger community. We are grateful to Paul Bass and the NHI for providing media coverage of our work. Please visit our web site www.oneworldpi.org to learn more about what we are trying to do. Watch "21st Century Conversations" on Comcast Channel 26, Sundays at 6PM; we are also on several other cable systems . We welcome your input and ask for your continued support. Peace. N'Zinga

Posted by: James O'Connor | November 12, 2008 6:07 PM

I was one of the lucky educators to be a part of this wonderful event. I really believe we must all work together to develop a large comprehensive community to support all of our students. I have always been an educator who believes one size doesn't fit all and we must do a lot of different things to reach our children.

One World is a great example of going above and beyond. They have opened the communication necessary to improve our educational community. N'Zinga is an exceptional example of dedication and committment to making our community and our students stronger and better.

As both a parent and educator it is my responsibility to support my child's teachers and develop a core group of support systems for my child. Our children have a lot of obstacles in front of them as children of the 21st century. We must guide and educate all of our children so we are a competitive society. I wish all students, parents, and educators luck in the daily pursuit of excellence.

Posted by: Andre Massiah | November 13, 2008 10:07 AM

As a participant in the panel discussion, it was evident that teachers and other educational officials play a great part in the lives of students. However, there appears to be greater need for parent/teacher/school official partnerships so as to truly develop and bring out the best in students.

In order to develop lasting partnerships we must be sincere and treat everyone with respect. Additionally, we must utilize all traditional and contemporary means of communication (face to face meetings, telephone messages/conversations, PTA meetings, panel/forums discussions, postcards, email messages, text messages, etc) to initiate the importance of education and remain in touch with each other.

If we agree that education is an on-going process and critical to societal development, then we should begin with the end in mind (not have any child left behind), always be proactive and involve everyone in the community. Teachers must reach out to parents and not assume that some parents do not care nor should parents conclude that teachers are not interested in their child's education without making an effort to meet with teachers.

If all parties truly believe and work together consistently we will not only demonstrate that "it takes a whole village to raise a child" but more importantly, bridge any gap that exists between parents and teachers and between parents and children.

In summation, this was a great session - many views and concerns were shared and discussed. N'Zinga Shani has been instrumental in community education over the years and should be commended for organizing this forum.

Posted by: Gina | November 13, 2008 11:27 AM

"I believe being involved in this forum was beneficial for parents, teachers, administrators and community members. The school to home partnership is probably one of the most important factors in the education of children. Parent communication takes many forms, email, letters, phone calls are just a few. Parents in my district have access, in the middle school and high school, to real time attendance and grades. This has been a very effective tool especially for the working parent that may have difficulty meeting with teachers during the day. The commitment of teachers is also represented in a variety of ways, they may want to attend every extracurricular activity, even the personal activities of their students; but we must remember that teachers have personal obligations outside of their professional world also. An example that represents this is; as a teacher I was once asked why I wasn't accompanying a group of students on a three day excursion. As a new mom at the time with a firefighter husband finding childcare for a three day/night excursion presented great difficulty. This is an extreme example but it certainly speaks loudly that lack of physical attendance at all events by no means represents less of a commitment to the education of the children nor does it mean that teacher does not care. They may have helped to plan the event or helped in some behind the scenes way. Just like parents can help in a variety of ways even if their physical attendance at an event is difficult. Sending emails or making phone calls are just as important. Providing parent nights also assists in forming partnerships. Parents can be assisted with transportation by bus companies as well as providing childcare on-site during the event. Ultimately it requires the continued communication, by any means possible, between the home and the school."

Gina

Posted by: Allen Oshana D.M.D. | November 14, 2008 2:09 PM

The importance of teacher involvment in mentoring and motivating students can not be stressed enough
today. A high school Latin teacher 40 years ago was responsible for changing my study habits, improving the quality of my work and inspiring in me a desire to continue my education. He cared and believed in me. Many children today go through the motions of attending school but don`t have the motivation to excell and achieve their full potential. If parental support is not present then a teacher could make all the difference in the world if they would care enough to realize that they can and do have a tremendous impact on the lives of their students

Posted by: N'Zinga Shani | November 15, 2008 10:10 PM

Good Teachers Are Changing Lives For The Better!

This article about the education forum we did on Oct. 28, has brought OneWorld several wonderful phone calls; not everyone wants to, or can write a comment. I am personally gratified when someone takes the time to call and express support for our work. A woman who identified herself as being in her 70's called to say she identifies strongly with Dr. Oshana's comment. A 7th grade teacher had also changed her life. When she went to school no one in her family had gone further than the 6th grade. She thought that to go to the 8th grade would be a major accomplishment.
When she was in the 7th grade a teacher convinced her that she can go on to high school; she did not believe it; however, this teacher worked very hard with her on teaching her how to write and tell a story; the teacher gave her a lot of extra help. In the last part of the 7th grade she wrote a story about her family. The teacher read the story to the class. "I had never felt so special in my life! No one outside of my family had ever invested in me; no one had ever made me feel special. Because of that teacher I graduated from high school. Today I have grandchildren who have graduate degrees! That teacher changed the future for several generations in my family. Good teachers are special people; they do not always know the great difference they make, but they do. Please keep doing these programs; you are also making a difference."
On PBS today I saw an interview with Beverly Purdue, the governor-elect of North Carolina. Ms. Purdue related that her 7th grade teacher also changed her life. During a parent teacher meeting, the teacher convinced her father that a good education will change Beverly's future for the better. Neither of her parents had gone to high school. After that meeting her father decided that she would be going to high school. She graduated from college and became a public school teacher. On Nov. 4, 2008 she became the first woman to be lected governor in No. Carolina. That 7th grade teacher changed the future of every generation in Beverly Purdue's family. When she graduated from college, her father expressed his regret at not having gone to high school. No parent today need to have that regret; high school is free; public education is free. Teachers have the power to influence and to change lives. Let us cultivate and develop great teachers; let us support them; let us partner with them for the benefit of all our children. I thank all those who call to support our efforts at OneWorld, Inc. Thank you.

Posted by: Nick & Cynthia Cunningham | November 17, 2008 6:36 PM

Good teachers have been changing lives for centuries; they always have. Unfortunately, in this the 21st century, for a number of reasons, the shine has mostly gone off of being an outstanding teacher. A good deal of that has been due to unionization, to poor teacher preparation, to the wrong motivation on the part of many who now populate the teaching profession, to the devastatingly low caliber of parenting skills and cooperation we find in so many parents, and the fact that teaching is no longer perceived by many to be the noble and distinguished profession it is supposed to be, or once was. For all of these reasons we are much poorer as a society. However, reading some of these comments gives us hope. We are certainly encouraged by the work of OneWorld Progressive Institute.

The future of education in this country and the quality of social life are directly related to the caliber of teachers we cultivate and support. In this century schools are being asked to play a more significant role in shaping children for the work place and for every aspect of life. Therefore, we need to put more into making schools the best they can be; essential to that is cultivating the best teachers and providing the support they need. We applaud OneWorld Progressive Institute for its work in helping to build effective school community partnerships; organizations such as this need the full support of the entire community. Please continue producing quality TV programs such as these; they are greatly needed.
The Cunningham Family

Posted by: Kelley Tetreault | November 18, 2008 5:09 PM

Without a doubt, parent/teacher communication is key in the education process. I am a firm believer that both students and parents need to feel comfortable contacting me at anytime. Because of this, I provide students and parents my home and cell phone numbers. This allows parents to call with questions/concerns and students call with homework questions. It takes away excuses for homework and allows me to build relationships with parents.

It is also important to remember that every phone call shouldn't be negative. I believe the "good" calls go further to improve student behavior/academics.

Posted by: Esther Duncan | November 20, 2008 12:40 AM

I really enjoyed reading many of these comments about this education forum and particularly enjoyed reading what some of the teachers had to say. Teaching today is a tough profession and not at all like it was many years ago when the teacher was usually assumed to be right about most things that go on at school. Today some parents are very unreasonable, unrealistic and too demanding. Also some parents do not teach their children right from wrong, and these children come to school unprepared to learn. On the other hand some teachers bring their prejudices to the classroom and do not give all children the same effort, support or guidance. Therefore, for teachers and students the classroom can be a battleground; this should never be the case because no one benefits. What is great about this education forum that OneWorld did was that it allowed teachers, principals and parents from three towns to meet, talk and learn from each other. We need more of this to happen because everyone benefits from it. It is also good to know that there are young fathers in the community who are raising their sons to commit to learning.I hope that OneWorld will soon present a forum just for parents from all three towns. Thank you all for this one, and I commend Dr. Rabinowitz for participating; it is a good example of educational leadership. Thanks to the people at OneWorld, Inc.

Posted by: Jim Fusco | November 21, 2008 3:28 AM

There are many issues kids today face that are different from what they faced a few years ago. It is important that parents and teachers join forces to help students to effectively navigate school, get a good education, and get prepared for life. Anything that supports and makes that easier will be better for all of us.

~Jim

Posted by: Jadwiga Goclowski | November 21, 2008 3:29 AM

Parental support and interest in the child's education is so critical. Most important is for the parent to set high and consistent expectations for the child's behavior and attention in classes and schooling in general. In my own experience, my parents' focus on the importance of formal education regardless of one's socioeconomic circumstances has been pivotal in my life as a lifelong student and parent. Forums such as the ones orchestrated by N'Zinga are so effective and needed. Your tireless work in this area is most commendable and has helped hundreds of children both directly and indirectly. Keep it up.

Jadwiga

Posted by: Becky Daly | November 21, 2008 3:34 AM

As a first year middle school teacher, I understand more and more the pressures and issues that adolescent children face.

On a daily basis, I deal with children that have full-time schedules...and they aren't even teenagers yet!

N'Zinga's programs are always well-thought-out and, for that matter, give you something to think about. It isn't easy getting kids to talk openly about the issues facing them today, but programs like this give me more motivation to help students in class because I know I can get through to them.

I hope more and more schools will show OneWorld's programming because the kids will pay attention. Why? Because these are people who actually care about what children and teenagers have to say. This is an organization that can make a difference and has. Their motto, "Better to light a candle than curse the darkness," is testament to just that.

~Becky

Posted by: Ina M. Solomon | November 21, 2008 5:09 PM

I have been working in the field of education for the better part of 10 years now. I served as a classroom teacher for a number of years and now I work as a staff developer in the New York City Public School System. What I believed, while working in the classroom and believe now more than ever - as I support teachers in their work, is that it is a teacher's moral and professional responsibility to do whatever it takes to ensure that each and every student in a given classroom is given all of the tools necessary to reach his/her fullest potential, no excuses!!!

The 70 year old woman that called in after Dr. Oshana's program perfectly illustrates that point. That woman had a teacher that made no excuses. And as a result, not only was her life affected, but the lives of her children and her children's children were forever transformed.

We teachers must not ever forget our power, our potential and most of all our purpose!

Posted by: Carl McBean | November 24, 2008 9:02 AM

Both single parent and dual parents need support. Our active single parent and active double parents are so engrossed in making ends meet financially, that homework review is non-existent. Furthermore, the demands of New Math may exceed the capabilities of the parents.Let's revisit with the parents their role in parenting. To that end, teachers and councellors need to lend a hand by motivating and training the parents in a community buiding forum. Of course,we shoiuld not assume that teachers and counsellors ar also fulfilling their roles as parents. If they are deficient, then maybe the state needs to play an oversight role in perpetuating a need to grow academically in all regions of the state.....prepare the teachers and incent them to prepare the parents to prepare the children.Now comes the question of what role does the employer play in facilitating the employee............Democratic Socialism in a Capitalistic environment?