tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492582207688325662023-11-16T03:58:01.494-08:00HE:EDBased on the belief that DISPARITIES MATTER, HE:ED provides content on health and education; including statistics, related developments, organizations, programs, and events of interest. Feel free to comment, pose questions, highlight relevant occurrences, launch opportunities to collaborate and/or introduce ideas for change.HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-2230517384187026372011-11-17T07:41:00.000-08:002011-11-17T08:01:09.253-08:00Ramblings about Teen Pregnancy, STEM and Poverty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_b7-NndDAildTzQAYyxia7wY0F2C-WaZkzEbSgsG4PPT9-qM7IK_wtpFq"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 117px; height: 166px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS_b7-NndDAildTzQAYyxia7wY0F2C-WaZkzEbSgsG4PPT9-qM7IK_wtpFq" alt="" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->In a recent conversation with a few friends (both male and female) we noticed that some people don’t completely understand the fact that daughters of teenage mothers have an increased risk of having children as teens themselves. Nor do those people grasp the potential effect of perpetual teenage motherhood on the teen mother’s community or on the United States as a whole. I guess the opportunity to witness perpetuating inter-generational cycles of poverty and poor education up close doesn’t present itself to everyone. But, for those who have seen this cycle in action - and understand it’s ramifications - it’s hurtful to observe. <p class="MsoNormal">The fact that daughters of teenage mothers have an increased risk of having children as teens themselves hinders the United States’ ability to contribute additional productive and successful professionals to the global community. This is especially true in a time when the president is calling for more women to enter STEM education/professions in the United States yet; the United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the industrialized world. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">If only 38% of mothers who have a child before the age of 18 obtain a high school diploma, and only 2% complete college by the age of 30<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[1]</span></span></a>, one could argue that there are way too many potential STEM <span class="a"><span style="color:#231F20;">(science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals, business </span></span>leaders, and innovators being left behind because they are too busy struggling to put food on the table to complete their own education and reach their professional potential. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">More specifically, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, teenage mothers typically receive less than $800 a year from absent teen fathers. Teen mothers are also less likely to finish school, more likely to be incarcerated and more likely to earn minimum wage. Which means the <i>majority</i> of teenage mothers are not founding lucrative startups, or becoming CEO’s of STEM-related Fortune 500 companies. They are instead often taking menial jobs and following some of the same behaviors their parent/parents did.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">President Obama’s <i><u>Friday Facts: Women and Girls in Stem</u></i> fact sheet<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[2]</span></span></a> states “<span class="a"><span style="color:#231F20;">increasing the number of smart, talented women who pursue STEM-related careers is key to creating jobs and keeping America on the edge of innovation.” </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="a"><span style="color:#231F20;">But, how do we get the t</span></span>hree-quarters of a million teens between 15 and 19 that become pregnant each year to reach the status of “smart and talented”?<span class="a"><span style="color:#231F20;"></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How many teenage mothers are there?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">According to the Center for Disease control, one-third of girls get pregnant before the age of 20. As stated on a site managed by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, www.teenpregnancy.org, there are "750,000 teen pregnancies annually. Eight in ten of these pregnancies are unintended and 81 percent are to unmarried teens."<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote">[3]</span></span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Are there any successful Children of Teenaged Mothers<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[4]</span></span></a>?<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Not all children of teen mothers are doomed to live out their life in lower socio-economic status. Child entertainers like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are two examples of successful offspring of teen mothers. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, however, statistics show us that Bieber and Gomez are exceptions. The average income of a U.S. teenage mom is $23,000 and short of having their children discovered on You Tube or receiving a larger salary for being cast in MTV’s Teen Mom, $23,000 is pretty accurate and up to date. According to the National Women’s Law Center<a style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[5]</span></span></a> recent poverty statistics yield sobering poverty rates and extreme poverty rates amongst women in 2010. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">More specifically female poverty in the U.S. is the highest it has been in 17 years at 14.5 percent last year, up from 13.9 percent in 2009. While the “extreme poverty rate” climbed to 6.3 percent in 2010 from 5.9 percent in 2009 among women (which was the highest ever recorded).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="tweet-user-name">What do folks on twitter think about pregnancy and poverty?<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="tweet-user-name">At 9:06 am on October 28<sup>, </sup>2011 @<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TheMamaFesto" title="Avital Nathman">TheMamaFesto</a> (aka </span><span class="tweet-full-name">Avital Nathman) tweeted </span><span class="tweet-user-name">“</span>More from <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/MotherWoman"><s>@</s><b>MotherWoman</b></a> centerpieces "Becoming a mother is the single leading indicator of <strong>poverty</strong> for <strong>women</strong> <strong>in</strong> the <strong>US</strong>. WHY?" <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23MWBrkfst" title="#MWBrkfst"><s>#</s><b>MWBrkfst</b></a>”. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now after you cut through all the twitter-ese and the hashtags you find a very interesting question, if you believe becoming a mother is the single leading indicator of <strong><span style="font-weight:normal">poverty</span></strong><b> </b>for <strong><span style="font-weight:normal">women</span></strong><b> </b><strong><span style="font-weight:normal">in</span></strong><b> </b>the<b> </b><strong><span style="font-weight:normal">US</span></strong>, why is that true? </p> <div style="mso-element:footnote-list"><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" ><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[1]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size:6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" > http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/why-it-matters/pdf/education.pdf</span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" ><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[2]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size:6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" > http://www.scribd.com/doc/67094594/Girls-Women-and-STEM-Education</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" ></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" ><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[3]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size:6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" > <span style="color:black;"><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/12504-teen-pregnancy-rates-usa/#ixzz1bw5Ef2dG"><span style="color:#003399;">http://www.livestrong.com/article/12504-teen-pregnancy-rates-usa/#ixzz1bw5Ef2dG</span></a></span></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn4"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" ><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[4]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size:6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" > http://parentables.howstuffworks.com/family-matters/reality-being-teen-mom.html</span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn5"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn5" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=549258220768832566#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" ><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[5]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-size:6.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" > http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/09/14/u-s-women-hit-hardest-by-poverty-says-census-report.html</span><span style="font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;" ></span></p> </div> </div>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-3802346609427437252011-10-28T09:56:00.000-07:002011-10-28T10:04:43.606-07:00Abstinence-only Sex Education<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">To all those card-carrying abstinence-only sex education supporters out there, hopefully you're doing some major damage control at the dinner table. (That is, if you’re even having dinner as a family these days<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=380234660942743725&from=pencil#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote">[1]</span></span></a>.) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Abstinence-only sex education in schools is an interesting idea. But…how realistic is it in today’s society where there is literally access to information and influence everywhere? For example, assume the main character in any teen’s favorite prime time television series is probably not abstinent. Add a few hundred online/tv interviews with sexy celebrities (or their pregnant siblings) and the lyrics of most any song on the radio/top 100 list and you have a pre-existing after school sex education program that you (the parents) probably pay for (meaning the cable, ipod, movie tickets, laptop and that HD flatscreen television you bought).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yep, abstinence-only sex education or not, your kid is exposed to sexuality and the choices other people their age make about sex every minute of every day. Advocating abstinence-only sex education - when documentaries, online quizzes, made for tv movies, Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks are covering everything from vibrators and viruses to whether or not oral sex is in fact sex - is probably not the best choice.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But, not having the uncomfortable conversations with your own children on top of your kids not learning about sex at school is really nuts. Some parents are afraid to ask or just naïve about what their teenagers knowledge of sexual health and healthy sexual activity but, waiting until your teen comes home pregnant or infected seems a little hands-off.</span> </p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=" ;font-family:arial;" ></span></span> <div style="font-family:arial;"><hr style="height: 3px;font-size:78%;" align="left" width="33%"> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=380234660942743725&from=pencil#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote">[1]</span></span></a> http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fooddrink/s_763761.html</span></p> </div> </div>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-29042761764355609472011-09-02T12:06:00.000-07:002011-10-28T10:32:59.146-07:00Does the public school nearest to you have a library??<span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Unfortunately, there are quite a few public schools in America that have underwhelming or non-existent libraries. A recent conversation lead to this post including various programs, organizations, resources and outlets related to literacy and it's correlation to access to libraries.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please feel free to add comments including other resources that may not be listed.</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span class="text"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Projects and Organizations Dedicated to building/re-opening libraries:</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.wepac.org/">West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC)</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">WePAC's mission is to promote childhood literacy by engaging volunteers in Philadelphia public schools through re-opening and staffing libraries, academic mentoring, and after-school enrichment. In our vision, every Philadelphia student will be empowered with the literacy skills vital to the success of the child and the prosperity of our community.</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span class="text"><br /><a href="http://www.roomtoread.org/">Room to Read</a><br /><br /></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:author>Keith</o:Author> <o:version>9.2720</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Room to Read works in collaboration with governments, organizations and communities to develop literacy skills in developing countries.</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span class="text"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><a href="http://www.librarybuild.org/">Library Build</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" class="text" ><span style=" ;color:black;" > </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span class="text"><br /><br />Founded in December 2009 by Callie Hammond, </span><span class="text">Library Build</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" class="text" ><span style=" ;color:black;" > is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to ending </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span class="text">educational inequities in Philadelphia, PA and in other American </span><span class="text">cities.</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > Excerpt from an article written about Library Build in the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal:</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><blockquote style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">The glaring lack of library resources, and the resulting potential effects on children’s academic achievement, resonated with Hammond. The idea for Library Build was conceived in November 2009. Since then, Hammond, Library Build’s founder and CEO, along with her husband, Jeff, who has signed on as co-founder and COO, have worked quickly and tirelessly to bring her idea to fruition.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Library Build’s mission is to bring books, computers, and librarians into Philadelphia’s public schools. According to Hammond, the inclusion of librarians is critical, as they play a pivotal role in acclimating students to computers and other media, teaching the basics of research, and engendering a holistic approach to reading and learning. She says, “Students need librarians to teach them not only how to use the library, but also how to enjoy it.” Hammond says that the organization will use the Teach for America model, recruiting college graduates with master’s degrees in Library Science to commit to two years of service as full-time librarians in city schools.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Library Build defines a library as providing 12-15 books per student. In addition, Hammond makes the point that it’s important to provide the kinds of books that students are interested in.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;">Library Build’s model incorporates space renovation and relies on input from students and teachers about the books, computers, and other resources they need. Hammond hopes Library Build will become a national model. The goal in Philadelphia is to start at the elementary school level, targeting those schools that have no library at all.</span></p> </blockquote><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.philasocialinnovations.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=243:nominated-library-build&catid=41:nominated-innovations&Itemid=89">Complete PSIJ Article</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Related Blogs/Publications:<br /><br /></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:author>Keith</o:Author> <o:version>9.2720</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> 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arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://slav.globalteacher.org.au/" target="_blank">Bright Ideas </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://dltj.org/">Disruptive Library Technology Jester </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://everybodyslibraries.com/">Everybody's Libraries </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://handheldlib.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Handheld Librarian</a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style=" ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://librarygarden.net/">Library Garden<br /></a></span></u></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://librarygarden.net/"> </a><a href="http://www.librarygrants.blogspot.com/">Library Grants</a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/" target="_blank">Never Ending Search </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://socialnetworkinglibrarian.com/" target="_blank">Social Networking in Libraries </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/" target="_blank">The Association for Library Service to Children Blog</a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://bestofpublib.wordpress.com/">The Best Of PubLib </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/" target="_blank">The Daring Librarian </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://libraryhistorybuff.blogspot.com/">The Library History Buff </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://themwordblog.blogspot.com/">The 'M' Word - Marketing Libraries </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://www.merrylibrarian.com/">The Merry Librarian </a></span></u></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u><span style="mso-bidi- ;color:blue;" ><a href="http://walt.lishost.org/">Walt at Random </a></span></u></span></p> <span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><u style="font-family:arial;"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-fareast-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SAcolor:blue;" ><a href="http://www.web2learning.net/" target="_blank">What I Learned Today</a></span></u><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Associations:</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/externalrelationships/coopacts/schoolplcoopprogs.cfm">American Library Association/Association for Library Service to Children</a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Library_Association" title="Public Library Association" class="mw-redirect">Public Library Association</a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Urban_Libraries_Council&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Urban Libraries Council (page does not exist)">Urban Libraries Council</a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Association_of_School_Librarians" title="American Association of School Librarians">American Association of School Librarians</a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Librarians_for_Fairness&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="Librarians for Fairness (page does not exist)">Librarians for Fairness</a><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=International_Association_of_School_Librarianship&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="International Association of School Librarianship (page does not exist)">International Association of School Librarianship</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Government Data:</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><a href="http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/academic.asp">National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Academic library data</a><br /><br /></span>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-70702782204360689362011-07-07T15:18:00.000-07:002011-07-07T15:57:47.742-07:00HEEDPoll: Lowest Common Denominator<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDiu_gtmbKVrPw5OXz-ZVyXeF4QqR4dhuK8XOtnf-drZgC3AnWXw"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 114px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDiu_gtmbKVrPw5OXz-ZVyXeF4QqR4dhuK8XOtnf-drZgC3AnWXw" alt="" border="0" /></a>HEED recently received an email from a concerned reader. After tutoring a few college-bound high school grads in his area, our reader started to wonder about the k-12 education system in the U.S. <br /><br />Yes, many people are already worried about k-12 education in the U.S. However, moving from a suburb with a successful school district to a less academically effective urban area proved to be an eye-opener to our reader.<br /><br />Anyway, in his email our reader stated that he wondered what the standards were for graduation. He also asked, if the high school graduates he was tutoring didn't know their multiplication tables or how to find a lowest common denominator (for example), why had they graduated?<br /><br />...which led HEED to the following poll: (feel free to leave your answers as comments)<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><br />How many high school graduates have you met that could not add fractions?<br /><br />What are the expectations for the students that graduate from your high school?<br /><br />What other questions/comments does this post lead you to ask?<br /><br /><br />Feel free to email your observations, questions or comments to he.edblog@gmail.com.HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-12363459230495652492011-05-21T10:18:00.000-07:002011-05-21T07:27:18.158-07:00Is a 360 degree education a realistic goal for inner city and rural youth?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrIZQ3QfVL0Sohd5CrSTrUkvkqeJguyEULaNMfuepP5HJt43ZQrplPImclMcuEdw-wQxw3RkQXhZYmgAIK9cxgXG53qFP6s7wSQyJruxP996TWaJuB9T5i-stfXKAZWIS9eJXCzwnJ60/s1600/moneymagnify.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrIZQ3QfVL0Sohd5CrSTrUkvkqeJguyEULaNMfuepP5HJt43ZQrplPImclMcuEdw-wQxw3RkQXhZYmgAIK9cxgXG53qFP6s7wSQyJruxP996TWaJuB9T5i-stfXKAZWIS9eJXCzwnJ60/s320/moneymagnify.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609170914631002194" border="0" /></a><br />At <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2010/04/heres_something_you_probably_d.html" target="_blank">http://blogs.edweek.org/<wbr>edweek/curriculum/2010/04/<wbr>heres_something_you_probably_<wbr>d.html</a> in an article written about a year ago, Arne Duncan said "I reject the notion that the arts, history, foreign languages, geography, and civics are ornamental offerings that can or should be cut from schools during a fiscal crunch," he also said "The truth is that, in the information age, a well-rounded curriculum is not a luxury but a necessity"<br /><br />Now, if shared with middle/upper-middle class parents with children learning via a suburban public school system, this statement would probably be supported as a "no-brainer". Beside the fact that some parents may suggest an offering (or two) they felt should have been added to this list, there would most likely be a general consensus.<br /><br />But, what about rural or urban parents with children attending schools that are struggling to effectively educate and graduate their students. What would they say about Arne Duncan's statement?<br /><br />Would they agree?<br /><br />Would the reaction from urban and rural parents be divided?<br /><br />If they didn't agree, what reasons would they have not to?<br /><br />Some administrators of traditional public school districts seem to hold "the notion that the arts, history, foreign languages, geography, and civics are ornamental offerings" as true. There are multiple examples of these same "offerings" being categorized as "enrichment" by (public school district) administrators across the U.S.<br /><br />What does enrichment really mean and does the definition depend on who's defining enrichment? For instance, would administrators and parents define enrichment in the same way?<br /><br />Here are a few recent examples of plans to both fight for and cut-back on arts, "gifted and talented programs", kindergarten and at-risk programs in school districts in the U.S. by state:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2011/04/despite_budget_cuts_many_local.html">New Jersey</a><br /><a href="http://borderzine.com/2011/04/school-district-budget-cuts-kill-jobs-and-crimp-the-arts/">Texas</a><br /><a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20110521_To_save__25_million__Philly_district_to_close_13_schools_for_at-risk_students.html">Pennsylvania</a><br /><a href="http://www.havasunews.com/articles/2011/02/11/news/doc4d54c18bf3173104133952.txt">Arizona</a><br /><a href="http://www.veronews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15491:school-districts-plan-to-cut-6-million-save-teachers-could-hinge-on-union&catid=61&Itemid=53">Florida</a><br /><br />Although these examples vary in location - some being urban examples and some not - they all depict a need to decrease local education spending as an issue and cutting teachers and/or programs as a controversial solution. You may have noticed these examples are similar to those you've read about (or experienced) in years past.<br /><br />So...if the same issue (a need to decrease local education spending) is a focus every year and the same solution is proposed every year; is it working?<br /><br />How are American youth (no matter where they live) supposed to close the apparent achievement gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world -and (domestically) between socio-economic classes - by employing the same tactics? Cutting spending (via terminating teachers and programs), fighting about education reform and watching more children fail doesn't seem to be working.<br /><br />If Arne Duncan's statement that "a well-rounded curriculum is not a luxury but a necessity" is true, how does the current cut-fight-fail cycle help American children attain this necessary 360 degree education?<br /><br />Last question, what are the literacy, high school graduation, college graduation and salary rates of those students who do receive an enriched education?<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br /><br /></span>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-50943014644477054482011-04-28T15:20:00.000-07:002011-06-01T04:35:05.590-07:00How many millionaires are illiterate?<a href="http://theanxietyofinfluence.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/literacy_1_3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 202px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://theanxietyofinfluence.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/literacy_1_3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">After watching a 5-minute film on 21st Century <a href="http://www.mindtv.org/cgi-bin/display_asset.fcg?member_id=1776;ordinal=1758;file=vodind.ttml;style=mind">Literacy</a> one education enthusiast emailed HEEDblog asking a few questions relating literacy to healthcare, wealth and incarceration/recidivism.<br /></span><div style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />What’s interesting is the verbiage from <a href="http://www.caliteracy.org/economic/">www.caliteracy.org/economic/</a> starts to address a lot of the following questions (received from the before mentioned enthusiast):<br /></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">• Does illiteracy have an impact on healthcare and/or the general health of the lower socio-economic class in the US?<br />• How does illiteracy affect the economy?<br />• How many millionaires are illiterate?</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">• Should accomplished members of society be more concerned / engaged with literacy efforts in their areas?<br />• How are there so many illiterate people in the US? (What does that say about our school system?)<br /><br />Below is the verbiage from the <a href="http://www.caliteracy.org/economic/">www.caliteracy.org/economic/</a> :<br /></span></div><div><blockquote><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"<em>Literacy in America and Economic Impact<br /><br />Many people consider literacy issues as personal concerns that<br />affect the illiterate individual and not society as a whole. In reality,<br />literacy issues are a collective concern that affects the quality and prosperity<br />of our entire nation. The struggle to win the battle of literacy in America is<br />one which should be fought by everyone.<br />The wealth creation opportunities<br />for those who lack reading skills are severely limited. The Washington Literacy<br />Council conducted a study which found that more than three out of four of those<br />who are on welfare are illiterate. This has a disastrous effect on our economy.<br />Without the ability to read classified ads, fill out an application, or gather<br />the skills necessary to acquire employment that pays well enough to be<br />self-sufficient, there almost seems no choice but to turn to welfare. This<br />limitation affects their ability to spend which hurts the economy by limiting<br />demand for products and stunting job creation.<br /><br />The prison population<br />represents another pool of lost opportunity in the fight for economic stability<br />in America. The Washington Literacy Council found that 68% of those arrested are<br />illiterate. While valuable tax dollars are spent housing and caring for inmates,<br />taxpayers are forced to look for additional sources of income to try to live the<br />American dream. Inmates, limited to non-existent reading skills and lost in a<br />cycle of violence and non-productivity, will rarely be able to escape a life<br />devoid of opportunity to make a legitimate living and contribute to the success<br />of our economy.<br /><br />Improving the reading skills of children and adults is<br />key to promoting literacy in America. As we struggle to battle the<br />ever-increasing costs of health care in this nation, we may also consider<br />literacy in America as key in our fight. Literacy affects an individual’s<br />ability to learn about different insurance policy options, complete an<br />application for insurance coverage, understand diseases and disorders, and read<br />prescription bottles and dosage instructions. This inability to properly care<br />for oneself as well as the resulting lack of preventative care results in an<br />increased occurrence of emergency care needed. Since these individuals may also<br />lack proper insurance coverage, or the ability to pay for insurance coverage,<br />unpaid hospital bills flood the nation. This cost is passed on to other<br />citizens.<br /><br />Providing help for citizens with impaired reading skills is<br />integral to ensuring economic prosperity in our future. As a concerned citizen,<br />you can help by joining a volunteer program that provides lessons in reading<br />skills. In doing so, you not only serve to improve the success and well-being of<br />the individuals who seek assistance, you help to promote the continued economic<br />success of America.” </em></span></p><em></em></blockquote><br /><blockquote><em><br /><p><br /></p></em></blockquote></div>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-20943616745884100602011-03-13T11:30:00.000-07:002011-03-13T11:53:38.492-07:00HEEDtweet : Who's TED?...actually not a who but a what. TED is a non-profit that is committed to ideas worth spreading. They often spread these ideas through informative annual conferences. TED.com is a website featuring "worth-watching" speeches from the world's leading thinkers and doers.<br /><br />Want an example?<br />Ok, let's look at something refreshing that relates to teaching! While looking for something completely unrelated a HEEDblog enthusiast came across this video of Salman Khan, creator of Khan Academy on TED.<br /><br />Who's Salman Khan?<br /> <p>A former hedge fund analyst who began posting math tutorials on YouTube. Six years later, he has posted more than 2.000 tutorials, which are viewed nearly 100,000 times around the world each day. Also, he quite his job at the hedge fund to create the Khan Academy.</p>Full bio <a href="http://www.ted.com/speakers/salman_kahn.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><!--copy and paste--><object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/SalmanKhan_2011-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/SalmanKhan-2011.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=1090&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=salman_khan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education;year=2011;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;event=TED2011;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/SalmanKhan_2011-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/SalmanKhan-2011.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=1090&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=salman_khan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education;year=2011;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;event=TED2011;"></embed></object>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-47478245549439223012011-03-13T10:58:00.000-07:002011-03-13T11:22:30.943-07:00HEEDtweet: What do YOU think about teacher layoffs?After discussing the current debate over (almost anything to do with) education, it can be hard to formulate your own objective view. If you've spoken with friends, family or someone riding the elevator with you regarding recent education-related chatter, many folks are focused on the improper treatment and/or hire-fire practices of teachers. The conversation will often include terms like LIFO, union, unfair and lazy.<br /><br />Reading the excerpt below from a Washington Post article written by Joel Klein (the complete article can be read <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031105900.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a>) seemed to give all the attention teacher layoffs (and unions) are getting some shape. Even if you don't agree with everything Klein writes, at least the article gives you a (quiet) starting place to explore your own opinion.<br /><br />Who is Joel Klein?<br />Joel Klein is both a former chancellor of New York public schools and current chief executive of News Corp.'s educational division.<br /><br />These are his words:<br /><blockquote><p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">As the debate rages over <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/10/AR2011031005940.html" target="_blank"> public unions</a> and, in particular, over their role in school reform, an unfortunate dichotomy about America's teachers has emerged. On one side, unions and many teachers say that teachers are unfairly vilified, that they work incredibly hard under difficult circumstances and that they are underpaid. Critics, meanwhile, say that our education system is broken and that to fix it we need better teachers. They say that teachers today have protections and benefits not seen in the private sector - such as life tenure, lifetime pension and health benefits, and short workdays and workyears. </p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Both sides are right. </p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Teaching is incredibly hard, especially when dealing with children in high-poverty communities who come to school with enormous challenges. Many teachers work long hours, staying at school past 6 p.m., and then working at home grading papers and preparing lessons. Some teachers get outstanding results, even with our most challenged students. These are America's heroes, and they should be recognized as such. Sadly, they aren't. </p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">On the other hand, there are also many teachers who work by the clock - they show up a minute before 8:30 and leave a minute after 3; when in school, they do the barest minimum. They get dreadful results with students and, if you spend time in their classrooms, as I have over the past eight years, it's painfully obvious that they belong in another line of work. </p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">The problem is that our discussion too often fails to distinguish between these very different types of teachers, treating them all the same. This "group-think" not only pollutes the current public debate - either you're for or against teachers - it is also killing our opportunity to fix our schools. Any reform worth its name must start by recognizing that teachers are our most important educational asset. That's why we need to treat teaching as a profession, by supporting excellence, striving for constant improvement and ridding the system of poor performers. </p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Alas, we do none of this. Whether you are good or bad, work hard or don't, teach in a shortage area (such as math) or work in a highly challenged school, you get treated precisely the same: You have life tenure and generous lifetime health and pension benefits, and you get paid more money next year simply because of seniority. </p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Consider the fight over teacher layoffs. In many states, you must lay teachers off solely based on reverse seniority - last in, first out. That's nuts. Do you know anyone who would say "I want the most senior surgeon" rather than "I want the best surgeon"? Sure, experience matters. That's why, in baseball, the rookie of the year is almost never the most valuable player. But the rookie of the year is better than a whole lot of 10-year veterans, and every baseball team takes this into account when deciding its roster. </p></blockquote>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-54155023703606000012011-02-01T05:52:00.000-08:002011-02-02T06:44:44.826-08:00Are young minority women screened for Chlamydia at a higher rate than young white women? #disparitiesmatterLots of people, who have recently read a study done by the Regenstrief Institute at the Indiana University School of Medicine, agree that young minority women are tested for Chlamydia more often than young white women. The purpose of this post is to begin to highlight the questions that follow this statement of STD testing disparity.<br /><br />How much more likely are African-American and Hispanic women to be tested for Chlamydia then white women?<br /><blockquote>"Despite a recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to annually screen all sexually active young women for this disease, only about half of sexually active women, ages 14 to 25, who receive health care, are screened appropriately. The IU and Regenstrief researchers found that black young women were 2.7 times more likely and Hispanic young women 9.7 times more likely to be screened for chlamydia, compared with white young women."<br />(According to <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111148.htm">http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111148.htm</a>)<br /></blockquote>Why?<br /><br />When asked if young minority women are screened for Chlamydia at a higher rate than young white women? Most providers said "Yes." When asked, "Why?", some providers thought that judgments are made about a woman's likelihood of infection based on her race or ethnicity and some did not. Those that did not think judgments are made based on race or ethnicity cited statistical probability as a possible motivation for (seemingly) biased Chlamydia screening, which seemed like circular reasoning to their opposition...<br /><br />Does type of insurance factor into screening probability?<br /><blockquote>In addition to race or ethnicity, the researchers found screening likelihood varied by insurance status and also by age. Women with public insurance had greater odds of chlamydia testing, compared with women with private insurance.<br />(According to <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111148.htm">http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111148.htm</a>) </blockquote> Does medical history factor into screening probability?<br /><blockquote>A medical history of STDs was more important than race or ethnicity or insurance status in terms of differences in chlamydia screening. Young women who had a previous STD were more likely to be screened for chlamydia, no matter their race or ethnicity, and differences by race or ethnicity in testing decreased substantially in this subgroup.<br />(According to <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111148.htm">http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111148.htm</a>)<br /></blockquote>What about pregnancy?<br /><blockquote>The same was not true for young women who had been pregnant in the past. After a pregnancy, young minority women were much more likely (24 times for Hispanic women and 4 times for black women) to be screened than young white women.<br />(According to <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111148.htm">http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124111148.htm</a>)<br /></blockquote>What if any impact does this disparate chlamydia screening practice have on the Chlamydia infection rates of minority women?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What do you think?</span>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-83356953755416822792011-01-31T14:06:00.000-08:002011-01-31T14:29:41.938-08:00Are teens using the web for sex-ed/sexual health info? Should they be? #disparitiesmatter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrsKCKPom3tNE-10-Q8JytvtUPcpL2X9LpetqZPdzjX-z2c7uP"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 201px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrsKCKPom3tNE-10-Q8JytvtUPcpL2X9LpetqZPdzjX-z2c7uP" alt="" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It almost seemed that Dr. Fulbright was against teens using the web as a resource for sex-ed/sexual health info. But, if you read the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-yvonne-k-fulbright/online-sex-ed_b_807557.html?ir=Technology">article</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> all the way through it seems to highlight the fact that - although a recent study (done by Guttmacher Institute and United Nations Population Division) shows teens are more likely to get sex-ed info from friends, family, doctors or teachers - previous studies on web users build a case for the internet being the ideal arena for sex info exploration. Moreover, the Doc actually cites some useful websites and valid reasons to seek sex-ed/sexual health info (from reputable resources) online.</span></span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial" > <span style="font-size:100%;">Recapping Dr. Yvonne K. Fulbright's insights:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%" > “...previous studies have found that web users, in general, see the anonymity and openness offered by the Internet as attractive for finding answers to their questions. Other positive features are that a person can do so with minimal embarrassment and judgment when it comes to one's physical appearance, gender, age, or health status, especially if dealing with private, sensitive issues like sex. Users are further able to explore the information on their own, working at their own pace and without the fears that a more public setting for sexuality information may invite.”<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%" >Re-posting sex-ed/sexual health resources</span><span style=";font-size:100%" > </span><span style=";font-size:100%" ><a href="http://he-ed.blogspot.com/2010/12/heed-highlight-sexual-health-and.html">here</a> ...just in case you didn’t get to check them out the first time.<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />Should teens be using the web for sex ed?</span></p> <span style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%" ></span>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-65741181703303793002011-01-28T11:44:00.000-08:002011-05-21T09:39:46.589-07:00HEEDtweet : Education by any means necessary?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTTI_exu9l1oVUUthYgibMXFS6zw41h2kbAbbzoBYAPQ7lH8uCB"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 216px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTTI_exu9l1oVUUthYgibMXFS6zw41h2kbAbbzoBYAPQ7lH8uCB" alt="" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ></span>So, you may have heard about (Kelley Williams-Bolar) the mother in Ohio that falsified the addresses of her children in order to get them enrolled into a quality school without paying tuition. It seems the Copley-Fairlawn school district (in which Williams-Bolar enrolled her two daughters) became suspicious that some malfeasance was afoot and hired a private investigator to find the children's residential records. (Find the full story at <span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://clevelandleader.com/node/15780">http://clevelandleader.com/node/15780</a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ></span> )<span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ></span> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ></span></h2>What does American society think of this incident? <br />There has actually been vast media coverage surrounding Williams-Bolar and her actions. One blog posits that "What this woman chose to do was wrong by cheating the system and getting caught then lying about it and not wanting to pay back the taxes because of her crime." On the other hand some <span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://oaklandlocal.com/blogs/2011/01/open-letter-kelley-williams-bolar-my-rosa-parks-my-harriet-tubman-personal-essay">articles/essays</a></span></span> have likened Kelly Williams-Bolar to Rosa.<br /><br />But, how do ed-choice groups, parents, teachers and you respond to Williams-Bolar's actions? <br /><br />Below is the response the Black Alliance of Educational Options' (BAEO) posted to the incident.<br /><br />BAEO Responds to Imprisonment of Ohio Mother <br />BAEO Communication Office | News Release Jan 26, 2011 <br /><br /><blockquote>We are writing to express outrage at the circumstances that led to the prosecution and conviction of Kelley Williams-Bolar. As reported in the Akron Beacon Journal, Williams-Bolar was found guilty and sentenced severely for an act that defied the strict letter of the law but does not defy reason.<br /><br />She sent her daughters to schools outside her district of residence. Ohio law says that if you live in Akron, you must send your children to your neighborhood school, even if it is a failing school and regardless of whether you feel your child would get a better education and stand a better chance of success elsewhere.<br /><br />The law says you’re stuck—unless you’re wealthy enough to opt out or fortunate enough to get into a high-performing charter school or to get selected for one of only 14,000 EdChoice scholarships available state-wide. Williams-Bolar is not wealthy, so paying private school tuition for her two children was not an option, nor could she afford to move out of public housing and into a district with better schools.<br /><br />To be fair, Ohio has done more than most states in terms providing options for parents whose children need better educational opportunities. But clearly, more could and should be done. In far too many states, however, these parents have no choice at all. It is high time we change the laws that force low-income and working-class families to choose between playing by the rules and doing what’s best for their children. <br /><br />Earlier this month, our nation honored the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., and this week, BAEO joins families, educators, and advocacy groups coast to coast in celebrating National School Choice Week. The Williams-Bolar case is a sober reminder that Dr. King’s dream remains unrealized, and parental choice is the most pressing civil rights issue of our time. Every child deserves access to a quality education, and as Dr. King said, we must act with the fierce urgency of now. <br /><br />Today, Kelley Williams-Bolar is serving a jail sentence for pursuing a better educational option for her daughters. Meanwhile, her children must—like thousands of other low-income students of color—endure a sentence of their own: consignment to unsafe, underperforming schools in close proximity to their homes, year after year. There is no justice here.</blockquote><br /><br />But, what do you think?<br />Was Williams-Bolar's choice unique?<br />Would the right move have been for Williams-Bolar to move to the district where her children attended school?<br />Should she have contacted ed-choice organizations for legal options?<br /><br />Last question, how many children at Copley-Fairlawn school district are being investigated today?<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="color:black;"> </span></span></p>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-36562737545195549242011-01-12T18:01:00.000-08:002011-01-12T18:19:16.874-08:00HE:EDtweet: What would it take to end us-versus-them? #charter #public<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYornSOT2_2ERoF_azSIJPNq3Ea-nREOZ4NNJvfd5t51EdMZDJ"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 143px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYornSOT2_2ERoF_azSIJPNq3Ea-nREOZ4NNJvfd5t51EdMZDJ" alt="" border="0" /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">After reading many tweets, updates, posts, and articles about the us-versus-them climate of traditional public school districts and charter schools (around the country) it seemed odd to find an <a href="http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/12/20/copy/columbus-district-maintains-arms-length-approach-with-charter-schools.html?sid=101">article</a> highlighting the fact that at least nine (9) districts in larger cities have signed <a href="http://www.ncgrantmakers.org/news/54605/">agreements</a> with intent to work with local charter schools. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">It would seem logical for traditional public school districts and public charter schools to work together but every other comment you read displays one bashing the crap out of the other. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Is it impossible to believe traditional public school districts and public charter schools can work together?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some of the barriers keeping collaboration from happening?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Is there nothing to be gained from collaboration?</span></p> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">What happens to the status/quality of education if traditional public school districts and public charter schools (that do not currently work together) cannot learn to partner?</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:";font-size:100%;" ></span>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-27215503425872285222011-01-09T20:42:00.000-08:002011-01-10T14:53:38.311-08:00HE:EDtweet : Chinese mothers. Not “Are they superior?” but, "Why...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Amy Chua’s essay asks “Can a regimen of no playdates, no TV, no computer games and hours of music practice create happy kids? And what happens when they fight back?”<br /></span></h2><h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >But, let’s take a step back to the title “Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior”, not “Are they superior?” but, why.</span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Now, if you’re not Chinese and you’re a mother, please note that Chua gives her respects to Korean, Indian, Jamaican, Irish and Ghanaian parents who “qualify too”. She also points out that she uses the terms “Chinese mother” and “Western parents” loosely. So, with that being said lets get to the point of this post. </span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Not only does Chua compare Western American mothers to immigrant Chinese mothers statistically in her essay, she also gives examples of her own personal application of the “motivation” many Chinese mothers utilize to make their children the “stereotypically successful kids” we have heard of/discussed.</span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Before moving on let’s define two things…</span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >What statistics does Chua cite on perception?</span></h2> <h2 style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html">Excerpt</a> - ‘ In one study of 50 Western American mothers and 48 Chinese immigrant mothers, almost 70% of the Western mothers said either that "stressing academic success is not good for children" or that "parents need to foster the idea that learning is fun." By contrast, roughly 0% of the Chinese mothers felt the same way. Instead, the vast majority of the Chinese mothers said that they believe their children can be "the best" students, that "academic achievement reflects successful parenting," and that if children did not excel at school then there was "a problem" and parents "were not doing their job." ‘</span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >What does “motivation” mean?</span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >After working on a piece of music (for piano) for a week Chua’s daughter was not performing the piece successfully. After yelling at the child, the child throwing a tantrum, threatening the child with the withholding of food and holiday gifts, the child still could not play the piece well. Even after talking with her husband about the way her daughter was being insulted Chua stated that she was just “motivating” her daughter. She also then called the child “lazy, cowardly, self-indulgent and pathetic”.</span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Now, it should be mentioned that Chua’s daughter eventually plays the piece her mother wanted her to play. But, at what cost? </span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Are western parents not doing the best job? </span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Are Chinese mothers that insult/motivate their children superior?</span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >How do the children that grow up in western homes and are academically successful without being insulted factor in?</span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >If parents of Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos insulted their children more would the gaps between their children's math and reading scores and those of Whites and Asians be lessened?</span></h2><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" >What do you think?</span><br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-35156631525273292472011-01-07T05:52:00.000-08:002011-01-07T06:00:33.253-08:00HE:EDtweet : Less #HOPE in Georgia?/ Where else can you get #HOPE?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTThjQg4mV9drMlXfaZRPU_Uu9pOiKp6tKKCZfGijIkIioKnbHpJw"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 152px;" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTThjQg4mV9drMlXfaZRPU_Uu9pOiKp6tKKCZfGijIkIioKnbHpJw" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">After reading a multiple tweets, retweets, and a few articles about Georgia’s potential loss of<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/07hope.html">HOPE</a>; it seems the recession has forced Georgia’s legislature and it’s governor to cut back the spending associated with the program through which $5.6 billion in educational support has been granted to 1.3 million Georgia students statewide.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few possible ways to reduce program spending are: decreasing the tuition percentage granted (currently 100%), raising the GPA cut-off (currently a B average), and/or introducing an economic need threshold.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Does this make sense? Seem unfair?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What ideas do you have?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Never heard of HOPE? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cliff Notes:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- Started in 1993</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- Originally funded by the Georgia State Lottery</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- Copied by other states</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9pt; text-indent: -9pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Improved SAT scores in Georgia (per New York Times writer Kim Severson)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9pt; text-indent: -9pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>As many as two-thirds of Hope students grades slip so much that they no longer qualify</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Is the HOPE scholarship program (or a hope-like program) available in your area?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here are some states that offer similar programs:</p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Alaska Scholars Award </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Florida Bright Futures Scholarship </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Georgia HOPE Scholarship Program </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Kentucky Educational Excellence </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Maryland HOPE Scholarship</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Michigan Merit Award Scholarship </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Mississippi Eminent Scholars Program </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Nevada Millennium Scholarship Program </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">New Mexico Lottery Success Scholarship </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Oklahoma Higher Access Learning Program </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">South Carolina HOPE Scholarship Program </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (TELS)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">West Virginia Promise Program </li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">There are also higher-ed related <a href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch02.html#en_US_publink1000204325">tax credits</a> that help to offset the costs of higher education by reducing income tax. So, basically the Hope Credit, American opportunity credit and the lifetime learning credit are different than those scholarship programs listed above.</p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >Please feel free to tag on anything I missed and as always COMMENTS WELCOMED…</span>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-34820479611370822782011-01-06T11:04:00.000-08:002011-01-06T11:31:21.672-08:00HE:EDtweet : Thanks for the follow! Now, SPEAK YOUR MIND!!!<p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRmpX9NHvlYDWdcspHl4SW8DTbEbMa_0WwEQnC7kxy3U_w2Qcts"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRmpX9NHvlYDWdcspHl4SW8DTbEbMa_0WwEQnC7kxy3U_w2Qcts" style="width: 120px; height: 80px;" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">THANK YOU to all those who have sent emails, followed us on twitter (@HEEDblog) and made suggestions! Now all we need are MORE COMMENTS! You know how we feel about the SAVAGE INEQUALITIES throughout America in the areas of education and health (if you don't, please feel free to read more HE:ED). But, that's not the end. You need to have a say! So, what do you think?<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">How do things you know/have learned about the state of education and health in America make you feel?<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">If your not American, how does American education/health compare to </span><span style="font-size:100%;">education/health</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> in your country?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Where do you think we go from here?<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">What are some worthwhile/effective programs in your area?<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Agreed, disagree, whatever, just speak your mind!!!<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">When's the last time someone asked you what you think and really meant it?<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">SAY SOMETHING, you've got the mic!!!</span></p><p><br /></p>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-34760238745778399762011-01-04T08:30:00.000-08:002011-01-06T11:29:09.830-08:00HE:EDtweet : Do some kids really feel they'd have to be #SuperRich to make a difference in health and education today?If you're on twitter it's kinda hard not to notice when a hashtag is trending. It's even harder not to notice when it's trending with a certain group...So, after reading a few #SuperRich posts it seems they're not all about the usual materialistic if "I was rich I'd buy..." stuff. Instead a group of the posts made reference to education, health(care) and quality of life.<br /><br />It makes you wonder "Do some kids really feel they'd have to be #SuperRich to make a difference in health and education today?"<br /><br />And after further consideration...depending on where they live and, what their socio-economic situation is the answer could very well be a resounding/turn your radio down, "YES".<br /><br />What's this mean? Well it could mean that while public schools fail, uneducated minority males end up in jail, single parents work multiple menial jobs to make ends (sometimes) meet and uninsured families don't get better, kids are watching. And these same kids believe that money will solve their problems...<br /><br />Not to pitch to my own post but, sounds like some of these #SuperRich tweeters may be aware of and experiencing the Great Divergence...HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-6229853020168860292011-01-02T15:06:00.001-08:002011-01-02T16:06:48.135-08:00HE:ED Highlight : Define High Quality Teacher.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQXm5VuoGqK5PJf4qemdd_PueV_oMyk_IulpOc9uIoIFLSP4dbl3A"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQXm5VuoGqK5PJf4qemdd_PueV_oMyk_IulpOc9uIoIFLSP4dbl3A" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Parents want to make sure the food they feed their children will nourish and strengthen their bodies. Mothers and Fathers want the clothes their kids wear to fit well and keep their children warm. But what about the lessons they learn?<br /><br />Are parents as aware about the contents of the education their children receive as they are with the food they eat and the clothes they wear? Parents make everyone that comes into contact with their little ones aware that allergies can cause a huge issue if their child mistakenly eats a peanut or wears clothes washed in a harsh detergent. But, do parents take that same level of care with the "<a href="http://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherqual/hqtplans/index.html">highly qualified teachers</a>" in their children's lives daily?<br /><br />Parents,<br />Are the teachers instructing your children in core subjects like math and reading even certified? And if they're not certified, does that mean they're not qualified?<br /><br />That's a question that <a href="http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2010/09/27/08-16661.pdf">Congress</a> has been wrestling with since 2004. However many parents still don't know that some teachers (which may be the ones teaching their children core subjects) are not actually certified and therefore are not actually "highly qualified teachers".<br /><br />An allowance has been made for uncertified candidates in worthwhile alternative programs (like <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.teachforamerica.org">Teach for America</a>) to teach for up to three years while pursuing certification. Does that make all uncertified teachers unfit to instruct your children?<br /><br />No.<br /><br />But, it makes you wonder where the uncertified teachers are teaching...HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-25488158814018899802010-12-29T19:38:00.000-08:002011-01-25T08:39:57.107-08:00HE:ED Highlight : Can education end poverty?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSOnpW58yffhL4SO45VBVawy_hFCfqFBtQ3ZkcAhrps86CE-U47"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSOnpW58yffhL4SO45VBVawy_hFCfqFBtQ3ZkcAhrps86CE-U47" alt="" border="0" /></a>For those of you that replied "Maybe" or "Amongst other things, yes", your response may have included some thoughts on quality education leading to better jobs, better jobs leading to higher income, and higher income leading to a non-poverty (level) socio-economic status. But, you may also want to factor in the fact that not all jobs are created equal. It's probably because of that same income inequality that Megan Cottrell, at <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-muckrakers/2010/09/is-education-enough-to-end-poverty.html">www.chicagonow.com</a>, says maybe/maybe not.<br /><br />Some people would agree that those who are not educated (and/or trained) are not skilled enough to attain the high skills jobs that will support their families. And because of this lack of education they may be forced to seek government assistance to make ends meet. These same people might agree that there is currently a strain on under/unemployment resources. Well, that means that creating programs that provide education and job training would alleviate the strain on under/unemployment resources, right?<br /><br />But, why aren't the under employed and unemployed educated?<br /><br />In an interview with HE:ED Joe Champion mentions, the right to quality education. And any educational options organization will site quality education as the basis upon which the current state of (especially minority) American communities will be augmented. But, citing Illinois as an example, Cottrell says "the sectors of the economy that are on the rise, the places that are hiring, are hiring people for wages where many workers still qualify, and need, food stamps."And to expand on Cottrell's statement, these workers qualifying for food stamps means they are still living in poverty. Moreover, if the head of household qualifies for food stamps (and the family is living in poverty) what are the odds that the children are attending quality schools?<br /><br />So, what does that mean?<br /><br />If the majority of vacant jobs (in an economy like Illinois') offer substandard pay, does education stand a chance of ending poverty?<br /><br />Does that mean we should not focus of the value of education with American youth?<br /><br />Should current high school students in Illinois just stop trying?<br /><br />No.<br /><br />Cottrell goes on to say that even though some people will not want to change income inequality we will need to both educate people and look at the reason why the "<a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2266174/">Great Divergence</a>" exists.<br /><br />Now, Cottrell focused mainly on retraining adults so that they may find jobs that allow them to function without government assistance. But HE:ED would broaden the scope of the education vs. poverty focus to not only retraining for adults but, widespread quality k-12 education.<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />HE:ED is now on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/HEEDblog">Twitter</a>!!!HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-89854254373149769812010-12-27T06:13:00.000-08:002010-12-29T17:54:18.002-08:00HE:ED Interview (Joe Champion) : STEM education and black youth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZkTTU3qv7nmpjZWiM9i-oiCM726wumtetn7-kIdMK9BeajtyEt-Om4qYGoxq9b4ezrb4sWkPA8ZJUqOT-P9skiymMfwfwpIOP44_EWzQCE_UKVIwzaJei8f5z5veo-tXxZunW690xBE/s1600/Joe+Champion+Pic.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZkTTU3qv7nmpjZWiM9i-oiCM726wumtetn7-kIdMK9BeajtyEt-Om4qYGoxq9b4ezrb4sWkPA8ZJUqOT-P9skiymMfwfwpIOP44_EWzQCE_UKVIwzaJei8f5z5veo-tXxZunW690xBE/s320/Joe+Champion+Pic.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555368258422538786" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;">HE:ED is trying something a little different...letting you have the spotlight. This is the first of a series of interviews which will feature various takes on youth, education and health-care in America. This post is an interview with Joe Champion, author of the blog <a href="http://thepowerofpao.com/">The Power of Pao.</a></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Joe is a technology professional, blogger and speaker that we thought would be an excellent "firestarter" for this interview series. Below are our questions and Joe's responses.</span></span><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >What role does STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) play in the education of black youth today?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >I'm not an educator so I can't accurately judge the role of STEM in the education of black youth today. It is my opinion that given the globalization of the world’s economies, driven by corporations' constant desire for lower costs and higher profits, STEM education is a necessity for personal, group and national competitiveness, If our youth can't compete academically, particularly in the STEM fields, with the youth from other nations, we all face a future of lower standards of living, higher incarceration rates, and less and less control over our personal and national destiny.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >What role did STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) play in your education?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >My education in technology played the primary role in determining my career direction and in enabling me to progress from childhood poverty to a comfortable economic status.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >What led you to your career in information technology?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >Actually, it wasn't something I consciously chose. After a couple of years of college, I still wasn't sure what direction I wanted to focus on. I dropped out and was working some entry-level jobs, not making much money, and was forced to live with my parents because I couldn't afford my own place. My childhood best friend had joined the Air Force after high school and he was telling me what a great time he was having, traveling the world and meeting all kinds of great, interesting people. That</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >sounded a whole lot better than working for minimum wage and living with your parents, so I went to the recruiting office and signed up. I took the <a href="http://www.military.com/ASVAB">ASVAB</a><span style=""> </span>(Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test and it identified my primary strengths in the Verbal field, and next in Mechanical, which I found surprising since I never was a hands-on kind of person, The recruiter advised me to go into the electronics field in the Air Force, even though my higher verbal scores pointed towards the administrative field, because he said it would be easier to get a job in technology once I got out. I took his advice and the rest is history.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >Why do you think (racial) education disparities exist in America? (Ex. the difference in math and reading scores of white male youth vs. black male youth)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""></span>I think the answer to that is pretty simple: Economics. Children who grow up with more money have more opportunities. They eat better, they have better schools, they have more extracurricular choices, and they feel safer, more self-confident, more optimistic, and more loved. It is not all about money, but it is the major factor that determines opportunities.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >Despite the fact that minority, and particularly black youth, are disproportionately at economic disadvantage compared to white youths, this shouldn't excuse them and their parents from competing. Countless cases throughout history show people who grew up poor, in bad areas with bad schools, with little or no parental guidance, and who became successful financially and productive members of society, demonstrating<span style=""> </span>that environment can be overcome. Is it easier to make it when you have all the advantages that money brings in our world? Absolutely. But the evidence is there that it's not money that determines success. It's the adults in a community deciding that the care and nurturing of the youth is the most important factor in ensuring the viability and survival of that community.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >What input do you have regarding the argument that blacks are "where they are" because they are lazy?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""></span>It's always been a strategy of victimizers and exploiters to diminish, demean, dehumanize and blame the victims of their exploitation. Whether it is been religious establishments justifying imperialism by labeling targets of imperialism as<span style=""> </span>'Infidels' or 'Savages ', regimes such as the Nazis or Rwandan Hutus portraying Jews or Tutsis as nonhuman devils to justify genocide ,or the modern Republican / Tea Party blaming the economic collapse on "sub-prime" borrowers (i.e., the blacks and illegal aliens), blaming the least powerful to excuse discrimination, exploitation and violence is as old as humankind. If blacks are portrayed as mostly "lazy and shiftless'; it justifies discrimination in the mind of an employer or bank against a qualified black job or loan applicant. 'Hey, you know if you hired one they would always be late, or if you gave them a loan they wouldn't pay it back, right?'.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >Blacks are no lazier than any other group of people, and most people know this. We are still coping with the effects of hundreds of years of slavery, terrorism, apartheid, discrimination and media assaults on our collective psyches and economic resources. Just because we have not progressed as a group as far and fast as we would have liked, or others tell us we should have, we should never accept others or ourselves characterizing us as 'lazy' and therefore less deserving of the good things in life.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >What do you think we should do?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >I read an article last year in a magazine called <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/">YES!</a>, called <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/climate-action/why-is-costa-rica-smiling">'Why is Costa Rica Smiling?'</a>, which describes a study by the <a href="http://www.neweconomics.org/">New Economics Foundation</a>, called <a href="http://www.happyplanetindex.org/">the Happy Planet Index</a>, which ranks countries ''based on their environmental impact and the health and happiness of their citizens ". Costa Rica ranked No. 1. The United States was No. 114. Costa Ricans live longer than Americans and "there is little difference in life expectancy across income levels, unlike in the United States". The article points out that the reasons that Costa Ricans are much happier and content than Americans is because they receive free or very inexpensive ($200 a year for college tuition!) education and health care, they spend a lot of time with family, friends and community, and, since Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948, it has more to spend on health and education.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >What does this mean for the challenges facing blacks in the United States regarding education and achievement? It points out the importance of priorities. To paraphrase Malcolm X," We've been bamboozled, we've been hoodwinked, we've been led astray". When we embraced the so-called American dream that was pushed to us by corporations through the media, the dream that told us that things are more valuable than people, that the individual is more important than the group, that he who dies with the most toys wins, that we deserve more than others because we are America and God blesses America more 'cause we’re God's favorite, we did not realize that chasing that dream was just a trap to impoverish the majority of us and imprison, physically and psychically, the rest of us (See the current economic depression as proof that short-term thinking and shallowness always leads to ruin). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >What should we do? To quote brother Malcolm again," Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today". Look at our priorities. A college education should be a right. </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >All education should be a right. Health care should be a right. Having enough to eat should be a right. This is all easily attainable. Guns or Butter? Profits or People. Fear or Courage. We just have to look at our priorities. </span></p>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-19010427140848764872010-12-25T10:25:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:26:28.213-08:00HE:ED Highlight : Define Health Disparities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxSPckJwuAQ6iIHNU5303hfpSL3thWD2-gmwgtuB1JG_C__oy3GA"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 273px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxSPckJwuAQ6iIHNU5303hfpSL3thWD2-gmwgtuB1JG_C__oy3GA" alt="" border="0" /></a>A fifth-grader recently asked her mother what health disparities were after hearing the words uttered (from someone closer to the register) while in line at the mall. The mother's reply was a little different than the definition given on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_disparities">wikipedia</a>. The girl's mother said "that means poor people can't afford rich people's doctors".<br /><br />Really?? Is that what it means?<br /><br />After hearing something like that, any curious person is forced to bring the subject up with any available group to seek feedback....wouldn't you?<br /><br />Holiday gatherings provide a captive audience so...here's what the captives thought.<br /><br />An eleven (11) year old girl said she thought it meant " when people from different racial or economic backgrounds receive a different level of health-care then others" An eight year old said "I don't know what it is exactly but, I know it's not fair".<br />A mother said "it's something I don't want my children to have to think about". A college student said "it means there's still work to be done to live up to the words and ideas of those who came before us".<br /><br />Pictured above and to the left is Augustus A. White III, Harvard educated Stanford graduate and surgeon. His own thoughts and feelings about health disparities led him to write a book entitled <span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search"><em>"<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Patients-Unconscious-Bias-Health/dp/0674049055">Seeing Patients</a></em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Patients-Unconscious-Bias-Health/dp/0674049055"><span style="font-style: italic;">: Unconscious Bias in Health Care</span></a>"</span></span><br /><br />Although the definition of health disparities will continue to vary, hopefully the discussion, literary works and advocacy amongst those that wish to close the gap will become more and more streamlined. There will be those that will acknowledge that the disparities exist and do nothing but, let's hope there are more individuals that act (by comparison).<br /><br />More info on health disparities:<br /><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/default.htm">Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (OMHD)</a>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-3957487326156757262010-12-22T08:34:00.000-08:002010-12-23T13:59:16.335-08:00HE:ED Share: Self-testing for STDs may soon be possible?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTI-LibBAOKJBCaQNzYLSvDhtuO9LU0AgHOU2oIGCLsxa4JAZPR"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 269px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTI-LibBAOKJBCaQNzYLSvDhtuO9LU0AgHOU2oIGCLsxa4JAZPR" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ok, basically health officials in the UK are saying that STIs will soon be able to be diagnosed by plugging a computer chip containing a sample of urine or saliva) into your phone. Post transmission/receipt and processing, health officials also say the results would be available in minutes.<br /><br />Why are they doing this? It's an attempt to control herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea infection rates.<br /><br />Questions:<br />What implications does this have for American mhealth?<br />Will this lead to pre-hook up testing?<br />How accurate will the results be?HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-61576871085283580322010-12-22T08:01:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:30:38.235-08:00HE:ED Share : Does the recession effect teens' sexual choices?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ0yFgEHEA_Y67FVJ4gfs0fgo4CpMZn5rPcqJHR071YhfcHcIe-yA"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 232px;" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ0yFgEHEA_Y67FVJ4gfs0fgo4CpMZn5rPcqJHR071YhfcHcIe-yA" alt="" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >The associated press reported that the U.S. teen birth rate in 2009 fell to its lowest point in almost 70 years of record-keeping. "Experts" are reported to believe the decline in teen birth statistics is partly due to the recession. (To read their article click <a href="http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_21796/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=DHebmWvN">here</a>)<br /><br />They sight the painstaking sights of neighbors loosing their houses make kids and their families feel stress...not sure about you but...don't think so. If in 2009 34% of currently sexually active high school students did not use a condom during last the time they had sexual intercourse it doesn't seem like recession related stress is helping kids make the right decisions. Plus, the article fails to tackle pertinent data including the amount of sex occurring amongst the highlighted group, whether their use of contraception changed, or whether they were having more abortions.<br /><br />This create curiosity about the rate of teen birth in countries around the world, that are not experiencing a recession...anyway, if teen birth rates are in fact down (for whatever reason) that is a good thing. Hopefully, it has more to do with events like <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sextech.org/">sex:tech 2010</a> and advocacy groups like <a href="http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/" target="_blank">www.advocatesforyouth.org</a>, <b><a href="http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">It's Your Sex Life</span></strong></a>,</b> <strong><u><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Go Ask Alice</span></a></span></u></strong> and others...</span><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;" ></span><span style="visibility: visible;" id="main"><span style="visibility: visible;" id="search"><span class="f"><cite></cite> </span></span></span>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-49652191632568863632010-12-20T15:02:00.000-08:002010-12-21T11:41:26.817-08:00HE:ED Highlight : Is Potential School Superintendent Corruption More Important than the Students?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaHGgzx9s4PwMJTwfEOD3xjZxyGyYrjeTUW4e3PKB3MFfFCC4yTd0qiwiWdppVtXAujwLgfOsg66Y1j5LIakBhVv0x4C3Mtr_WnnDL75fhSUmiIS5Nbr8-P3wH3kqJh9UDCaAstWwFVM/s1600/shcool+pic.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaHGgzx9s4PwMJTwfEOD3xjZxyGyYrjeTUW4e3PKB3MFfFCC4yTd0qiwiWdppVtXAujwLgfOsg66Y1j5LIakBhVv0x4C3Mtr_WnnDL75fhSUmiIS5Nbr8-P3wH3kqJh9UDCaAstWwFVM/s320/shcool+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552908588911488594" border="0" /></a><br />The media (and many other groups within American society) are so focused on who gave contracts to whom or made the call on which dirty deal that the actual issue is being ignored. That would be educating the children who will inherit the country. If people put half the energy they spend on writing about dirt (on possibly corrupt superintendents) into education reform; maybe Black and Hispanic students would not be so far behind White and Asian students (who incidentally are still behind students around the globe).<br /><br />Maybe the nauseating focus should be on creating, implementing, revamping and auditing worthwhile programs that will turn our youth into the physicists, engineers, developers and surgeons of tomorrow, instead of the unemployed and incarcerated of next year.<br /><br />Basically, if you're bummed because you didn't get the superintendent's position, that's cool but, the kids that SUCK at math and reading in the nearest public school could really use your attention. Try writing about that. Moreover, the parents in your community that weren't educated themselves and have no idea what education reform is (let alone which Charter schools they may be able to send their children to) may benefit from your two sense as well.<br /><br />So, if you've written an article about any of the following in the past quarter, understand that the whiff of corruption is not the only issue within that district/school system.<br /><br />Melody Johnson Fort Worth, Texas<br />Arlene Ackerman Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<br />Michael J. Ritacco Tom's River, New Jersey<br />Nicholas Perrapato Garfield, New Jersey<br />Ramon C. Cortines Los Angeles, California<br />Carlos A. Garcia San Francisco, California<br />James Notter Fort Lauderdale, FloridaHE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-16212831924122507912010-12-18T18:55:00.000-08:002010-12-18T19:02:09.993-08:00HE:ED Highlight : Hey, ever heard of CES? Which one?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, as it turns out, there's <a href="http://www.essentialschools.org/items/1">CES</a> and there's <a href="http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ces_about">CES</a> ...after speaking with a parent who was confused after being directed to "CES" as an ed-options resource it seemed logical to look into to this "organization that had two different websites". Upon further investigation it turns out there are actually to seperate entities.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Coalition of Essential Schools' is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating intellectually challenging schools, based in Portland, ME. Their offices are located at 482 Congress Street. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p><div face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">At the Coalition of Essential Schools' website - http://www.essentialschools.org/items/1 - the organization's vision is described by saying </span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in; margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"We envision an educational system that equips all students with the intellectual, emotional, and social habits and skills to become powerful and informed citizens who contribute actively toward a democratic and equitable society."</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p> <div face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Center for Effective Schools is an organization that offers consultations, trainings and workshops to prevent the escalation of anti-social behaviour. The Center for Effective Schools is based in King of Prussia, PA. Their offices are located at 2012 Renaissance Boulevard.<br /> </span></p> </div> <div face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">At the Center for Effective Schools website - http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ces_about - the following is listed</span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 0.5in; margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"The mission of the CENTER FOR EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS, a part of Devereux's larger <a href="http://www.devereuxictr.org/" target="_blank">Institute of Clinical Training and Research</a>, is to build capacity in schools for serving children with, or at-risk for developing, emotional and behavioral disorders. This mission is accomplished through training, consultation, new model program development, and applied research" </span></i><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">So, looks like both organizations are possible resources for parents, depending on the parents situation and needs…(as a parent) are you looking to work with an organization that creates schools or drives innovation within them?</span>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549258220768832566.post-68552476316259053392010-12-06T13:09:00.000-08:002010-12-18T18:27:23.607-08:00HE:ED Highlight: Sexual Health and Awareness<p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many groups are doing something about the sobering STI rates amongst youth around the world. It’s hard to discuss education disparities without discussing health disparities and more specifically the lack of informed sexual health action amongst youth/young adults. With World AIDS Day not too far in the rearview it seems pertinent to mention the infection statistics for youth, LGBTQ and women of color. The following sources were used for the statistics and organization links below: <a href="http://www.mysistahs.org/">http://www.mysistahs.org/</a> ; <a href="http://www.avert.org/usa-transmission-gender.htm">http://www.avert.org/usa-transmission-gender.htm</a> ; <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/youth.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/youth.htm</a> ; <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/sexualbehaviors/index.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/sexualbehaviors/index.htm</a> ; <a href="http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm">http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm</a> ; <a href="http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/about-us/mission"><span style="font-size:12;">http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/about-us/mission</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2009 America<a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=6855247631625905339#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:+0;">[1]</span></span></a><a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=6855247631625905339#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:+0;">[2]</span></span></a>:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">46% of high school students had ever had sexual intercourse</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">14% of high school students had had four or more sex partners during their life</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">34% of currently sexually active high school students did not use a condom during last sexual intercourse.<sup> </sup></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">Approximately 19 million new STD infections each year (almost half of them are among youth aged 15 to 24.)</span></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">Worldwide:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">Estimated 2 million people under 15 living with HIV in 2007,<a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=6855247631625905339#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:+0;">[3]</span></span></a> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">AIDS is the second most common cause of death among 20-24 year olds (globally).<a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=6855247631625905339#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:+0;">[4]</span></span></a> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>RESOURCES: </b></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Groups questioning why sexual health awareness amongst young adults is lacking and actually speaking to youth and driving awareness around STI prevention (in general or just HIV/AIDS) have been highlighted below.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>UNISEX</b></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-size:10;"><a href="http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/" target="_blank">http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/</a></span></b><b> </b></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Established in 1980 as the Center for Population Options, Advocates for Youth (AFY) champions efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates (AFY) believes it can best serve the field by boldly advocating for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><a href="http://www.sextech.org/" target="_blank">http://www.sextech.org/</a> </b></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sex::Tech, hosted by ISIS, is the premiere event for health and technology professionals, parents and youth, and community leaders to share insights and strategies for youth sexual health education and disease prevention. </span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b></b></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/disease_info.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Centers for Disease Control STD Hotline</strong></a><br />Provides facts and information on STDs. </span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The hotline is 1-800-227-8922 (English)</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1-800-344 7432 (Spanish)</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1-800-243-7889 (TTY).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/" target="_blank"><strong>Go Ask Alice</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Produced by Columbia University's Health Education Program, this site has questions and answers on relationships, sexuality, and sexual health issues.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hify.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Health Initiatives for Youth (HIFY)</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Works to improve the health and well-being of all young people. HIFY gives information about health in a non-judgmental, straightforward kind of way, so that young people can make their own decisions about what affects them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/" target="_blank"><strong>It's Your Sex Life</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation, this site offers information on STDs, birth control, abstinence, and how to talk with your partner or your parents about sexual health issues.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.iwannaknow.org/" target="_blank"><strong>I Wanna Know</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />A project of the American Social Health Association, this site provides information on STDs, body basics, and advice on how to deal with peer pressure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hivtest.org/" target="_blank"><strong>National HIV Testing Resources</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />This Web site contains many resources on HIV testing including a national database of HIV testing sites and answers to many questions about HIV/AIDS and testing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.notmenotnow.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Not Me Not Now</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />A site for teens who are choosing to wait, with articles, quizzes and a safe space where you can chat with other teens like yourself.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Planned Parenthood</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Believes in the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. Planned Parenthood clinics offer medical services, STI, HIV and pregnancy testing, and counseling. To find a clinic in your area, please go here. <a href="http://www.teenwire.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Teen Wire</strong></a><br /></span>This site from Planned Parenthood gives great information on body basics, how not to have sex if you don't want it, safer sex, and dealing with breaking up. It also provides referrals to local clinics. <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a href="http://www.scarleteen.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Scarleteen</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />A resource for sex information for teens as well as a supplement to in-home and school-based sex education to allow teens to make their own choices, and develop their own systems of ethics and values from themselves and their families.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.scenariosusa.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Scenarios USA</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />This site allows you to watch films—written by and for teens—that address important topics such as relationships, communication, sexual identity, teen pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sxetc.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Sex Etc.</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Written by teens, this Web site offers information on sexual health issues for young people.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.teenpregnancy.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Teen Pregnancy</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Created by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, this site has information for young people and adults who want to prevent teen pregnancy.<br /><br /><b>WOMEN</b></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.4girls.gov/index2.htm" target="_blank"><strong>4 Girls Health</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Developed by the Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services gives girls between the ages of 10 and 16 reliable, current health information.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blackwomenshealth.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Black Women’s Health </strong></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />An online forum for African American women that provides information and strategies targeted at improving health and wellness.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Center for Young Women's Health</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />The mission of their website, <a href="http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/" target="_blank">YoungWomensHealth.org</a>, is to help teen girls, their parents, teachers, and health care providers improve their understanding of normal health and development, as well as of specific diseases and conditions. They want to empower teen girls and young women around the world to take an active role in their own health care.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fwhc.org/teens/index.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Feminist’s Women’s Health Center</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Providing women of all ages with information so they can freely make their own decisions about their bodies and sexuality.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.4women.org/minority/index.htm" target="_blank"><strong>National Women’s Health Information Center: Minority Women’s Health</strong></a><br />A Web site to help you learn about the most common health risks and concerns of minority women<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nativeshop.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Native Shop </strong></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />A project of the Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center, to address pertinent issues of health, education, land and water rights, and economic development of Native American people<br /><br /><a href="http://ec.princeton.edu/" target="_blank"><strong>Not-2-Late</strong></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br />This Web site provides information about emergency contraception, to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.protectchoice.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Pro-Choice Public Education Project </strong></a><br />The Pro-Choice Public Education Project (PEP) puts choice on young women's radar screens, educates them about threats to their reproductive rights, and helps young women identify with pro-choice ideas. PEP is energizing a new generation of pro-choice leaders.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b></b></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-size:11;">FYI (America)</span></b></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">The Ford Foundation awarded grants totaling $4.1 million to six organizations to design and undertake innovative research on youth sexuality in the United States. <a href="http://www.fordfoundation.org/" target="_blank">http://www.fordfoundation.org/</a></span> </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">Ford Foundation Grant recipients:</span><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">The Public Health Institute (Center for Research on Adolescent Health and Development) </span><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">The University of Arizona/Gay-Straight Alliance Network/YWCA Tucson</span><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">The University of Illinois </span><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">The University of Michigan</span><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">San Francisco State University's Health Equity Institute</span><span style="font-size:10;"></span></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;">The Face Value Project</span></span> <div style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><hr style="HEIGHT: 3px;font-size:78;" align="left" width="33%"><br /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=6855247631625905339#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:+0;">[1]</span></span></a> CDC. <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss5905.pdf" target="_blank">Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2009</a>. <span class="smallgrey">[pdf 3.5M]</span> <i>MMWR</i></span> 2010;59(SS-5):1–142.</p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=6855247631625905339#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:+0;">[2]</span></span></a> Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. <i>Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health</i></span> 2004;36(1):6-10.</p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=6855247631625905339#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:+0;">[3]</span></span></a> UNAIDS (2009), '2009 AIDS epidemic update'.</span></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=549258220768832566&postID=6855247631625905339#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:+0;">[4]</span></span></a> Patton G et al (2009, 12th September), 'Global patterns of mortality in young people: a systematic analysis of population health data' The Lancet 374(9693).</span></p></div></div>HE:EDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604844086361600128noreply@blogger.com1