As my journey begins with Teach-Now, I was introduced to a number of education related organizations. I found the NEA website to be the page I'll be exploring the most. They have excellent resources and tools. Such as lesson plans and discussion boards for classroom management. Many of the other organizations have these tools as well, but I found this site the easiest one to navigate through. I really enjoyed reading this discussion on cell phone abuse. I have had difficulty with this matter and I found this discussion helpful.
As for NEA's common core state standards, I agree with their values. However, I feel it would be very difficult to accomplish across the board through out all school systems in America. This is the first time I am hearing about this effort. If you are new to this effort as well, I found this article helpful, 10 things you should know about the Common Core". And NEA isn't the only organization to touch on this matter. They have their own website; CCSS. So after furthering reading and educating myself on this CCSS, I was shocked to find out; "Forty-five states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity have adopted the Common Core State Standards". Virginia is not one of them; which is the state I currently reside in.
Other things I learned:
- AFT: They are a strong union of teaching professionals. The awareness about the 65% scheme that is currently being promoted.
- AACTT: They have 5 goals encouraging higher standards in learning and are strong advocates of networking with congress officials by actively being present on the Hill.
- CCSSO: The National Teacher of the Year program is something that was established in 1952,run by the CCSSO. To learn more about it go here. I would love to get involved with this program.
- ITL: Is one of the first programs to conduct a multi year global research. Their first project was in 2009-2010. It has had a positive impact in the classrooms; collaborating worldwide.
- ESEA: I disagree with the change to this act by the Bush administration in 2011. It now allows "military recruiters access to 11th and 12th grade students' names, addresses, and telephone listings when requested.". Personally meaning , let's brainwash them into joining the military, instead of furthering their education and going to college.
- IDEA: I found this article to very intriguing about how important it is create a stress free environment in the early stages of your child life.
- NCLB: I'll be honest I always heard about this, "No Child Left Behind" act, but I never fully understood the meaning or researched it. I found it interesting how over time, more than half of the United States have been granted waivers, so they don't have to meet the AYP's targets.
- AAIE: Great source to connect with teachers worldwide.
- UNESCO: Headquartered in France, working with the UN, committing to a "holistic and humanistic vision of quality education worldwide." Excellent website for science teachers.
- UNICEF: Such a positive impact on the world. They helped with Philippine reliefs, stopping child mutilations and children violence. They believe in "educating children, everywhere". I am truly touched by the things they advocate.
- OECD & CERI: Focused on jobs and equality. I found the statistical information on the US to be out dated.
- EFA: They work with the other organizations I mentioned above. They have 6 goals they want to accomplish by 2015.
- UNGEI: This organization opened my eyes. I never thought about the inequality of girls and boys education rights in other countries.
- GPE: I found this chart helpful. A good visual for what they do. The blog posts are my favorite!
