www.EDUCATIONUPDATE.com AwardAward Volume X, No. 10 • New York City • JUNE 2005 Winner FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG U.S. POSTAGEU.S. PAID VOORHEES, NJ VOORHEES, Permit No.500 No.500 Permit PRSRTSTD.

VISIONARY ARTIST

pages 26-28 HOMESCHOOLING Photo: Ellen Wilson 2 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JUNE 2005

Interview with Nobel Laureate Dr. Paul INTERVIEWS WITH NOBEL LAUREATES AROUND THE NATION Nurse, President, Rockefeller University Illustrious CCNY graduates, nobel laureates, recently came together to celebrate the 100th anni- versary of the seminal discoveries of Albert Einstein who had visited City College when he came to New York in 1921. Education Update interviewed several of the nobelists about their school days, lives in science and views about stem cell research. [Ed.] Herbert Hauptman, SUNY Buffalo I attended elementary school in the Bronx, then Townsend Harris Hill High School in Manhattan, (CCNY (B.S.), Columbia University (M.A.), University of Maryland (Ph.D.) Outstanding Teachers: Professor Emil Post who taught “Theory of Functions of a Real Variable” (CCNY). Also outstanding were Professors Dick Wick Hall and Richard A. Good who taught “Topological Groups” at the University of Maryland. The greatest challenge was the phase problem of x-ray crystallog- raphy. This challenge was overcome through hard work and persistence spanning many years despite uni- versal opposition from the crystal- lographic community. Winning the Nobel Prize meant acceptance of our work on the part of the crystallographic community that for many years had rejected our work as not valid. To be vindicated in this way was important and meant a lot to me. By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. people can understand and make informed I continue to work on the phase problem that, this research. Education Update (EU): As the 2001 Nobel decisions about scientific advances that affect like any good problem, continues to provide What can one say about Einstein’s work but Prize winner for medicine (along with Dr. Tim society, such as genetically modified foods or significant challenges. that it demonstrates once again that the impor- Hunt and Dr Leland Hartwell, an American), as embryonic stem cell research. This dialogue Stem cell research is of the greatest impor- tance of fundamental scientific research cannot a Fellow of the Royal Society, and at the time should include public policy makers. Scientists tance and should receive major unconditional be exaggerated and should receive major pub- as chief executive of Cancer Research in the need to listen better to the general public. support. I find it incredible, and incredibly lic support and encouragement because of the UK, what considerations led to your leaving short sighted, that there is any resistance to benefits to society which it returns. # the UK to take up the position of president of EU: We have read that your own achieve- The Rockefeller University? ments are all the more remarkable for your Dr. Paul Nurse (PN): Rockefeller University having come from modest beginnings. Who obviously has an enormous reputation, and were the major influences (or mentors) in your research conducted here has had a huge impact life? You spoke of Imperial Cancer Research Kenneth Arrow, Stanford University on science and medicine. For example, the Fund taking you on “as a young scientist with to whom I owe very much indeed in many ways, discovery of blood groups, that a virus can a mission to understand the biology of cancer.” and Abraham Wald. cause cancer, that DNA is the chemical basis of What prompted this sense of “mission?” I had two significant challenges. One was to heredity, are but three of the many discoveries PN: Very early in my education, while I was stay the academic course. My parents had under- that have helped improve human life. I’d like at grammar school, I had a wonderful biology gone great economic insecurity, and I wanted to to help continue that tradition into the 21st cen- teacher who encouraged his pupils to study avoid that. In the postwar period, I was tempted tury by attracting the best talent and encourage natural history and to do real experiments. As to go into some private financially rewarding young people to take on the most challenging an undergraduate, I had a tutor who was huge- activity. Both Hotelling and another economist, scientific problems. ly stimulating and entertaining, and although Tjalling Koopmans, prevented this. The other sometimes wrong was always wrong in an was to write a dissertation that would satisfy the EU: You have stated to recent graduates that interesting way. He taught me the value of the high aspirations that I had for myself and that I “science transcends all cultural barriers within alternative view. During my Ph.D. studies, my felt others had for me. After years of work with the world” but recent studies in this country supervisor was an enormous influence. He was little to show, a chance question to me led me in point to a growing fundamentalism on the a great experimentalist and I rapidly learned a few days to a brand-new idea that satisfied me part of those who would excise Darwin (et al.) the need for good experiments to make any and others. from school texts and require teachers in some progress at all in a research project. And my Winning the Nobel Prize obviously was very states to give equal weight to creationism. postdoc supervisor was pivotal for my entire pleasant, and it has given me some influence. But What would you say to educators about this research career. He gave me both complete my own judgment of myself and the judgment of growing trend and is there similar expression support and total freedom. those I respect is much more important. in the UK? I emphasize my mentors at all stages of my My current work involves two main lines of PN: In the U.K. and Europe, there is real career because they enthused in me the passion research. One is an attempt to bring meaningful mistrust among the public about genetically to do high quality science, to honestly pursue I attended Townsend Harris High School, a spe- models to the extent to which economic behavior modified foods, which I don’t observe in the the truth wherever that might lead. This is what cial high school (entrance by examination) run is influenced by social interactions; the other is U.S. In contrast, in the U.S. the disturbing I have tried to do with my studies of cell biol- by The City College in 1933-6. Its staff included to improve the measurements of the economic pressure to give evolution, creationism and ogy and cancer. several Ph.D.’s, mostly of whom were hoping impacts of environmental failures. intelligent design equal weight is not an issue for a university position. They were perfect for On stem cell research: I am a layman in this in the U.K. and Europe. EU: Do your new duties as president of The me. I remember a French teacher, Leo Cortines; area. It clearly has great potential, and its study An important aspect of both problems is lack Rockefeller University interfere in what we he was a tyrant and perfectionist, and I disliked should be pursued. But I do think that some of public understanding of science and of good have heard are some of your abiding inter- him while in his class, but immediately under- respect must be paid to those whose religious engagement between the public and scien- ests—flying and motorcycle riding? stood what I had learned from him afterwards. I convictions lead to judgments on the value of tists. Sometimes minority groups with rather PN: Unfortunately, flying and motorcycling also remember two mathematics teachers, Irwin potential human life, even though I think these extreme views end up having an inappropriate have taken a backseat to my duties as president, Rothman and Rene Albrecht-Carrie; the latter judgments are incorrect. The distinction between impact on these complex issues. but I still find time to keep them up and to pur- eventually became a professor of history at therapeutic and genetic stem cells seems just sue my more relaxing hobby of looking at the Columbia. about right to me. EU: Reasonably, what might be done to stars with a telescope. # In City College, I majored in mathematics, with My reflections on the 100th anniversary of encourage a more scientifically literate general side interests in history, education, and econom- Einstein’s seminal work: the idea that one person public at a time when science seems increas- ics (really statistics). There was one great math- could write four basic papers on very distinct ingly so complex and specialized? TABLE OF CONTENTS ematics teacher, Bennington Gill; the rest of the branches of physics and have them published PN: Scientists have a responsibility to the faculty were helpful without being outstanding. in one year is so beyond the norm that one can public that goes beyond their science. Scientists ON PAGE 25 In my graduate education at Columbia, I had only marvel. It is a tribute to the possibilities of must engage the public in a dialogue so that several fine teachers, especially Harold Hotelling, humanity. # JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS 3

EDUCATION BEHIND BARS: PART II OF A SERIES PUPPIES BEHIND BARS RIKERS HIGH: A FILMMAKER’S By MITCHELL tion concerning the nature of the blind, and the LEVINE IEW OF RISON DUCATION detection of high explosives are prominent in the V P E Fans of HBO’s syllabus as well. By GILLIAN GRANOFF Oz probably recall Much other work needs to be done as well, “Making documentaries puts me in the enviable several episodes of which is where the large volunteer staff comes position of being able to explore the world and be the drama last year in. Because guide dogs need to be confident in in places where you wouldn’t ordinarily be; that’s which focused on a wide variety of social situations and environ- the gift they give to you.” a guide dog train- ments, they bring the animals into their homes Among the winning documentaries at the ing program figur- and communities to allow them to experience the Tribeca Film Festival this year was Rikers High ing strongly into the world outside lockdown. “Puppy shuttles” are a transformative story of the lives of young men series’ final season. While the Oswald State also sent directly into Manhattan on weekends to going to school in prison. The film produced Penitentiary was strictly fictional, readers might familiarize the recruits with major urban areas. and directed by Victor Buhler, paints with strik- be interested to know that the service it was based None of this was easy to accomplish. In fact, ing realism and raw honesty a portrait of three on is not. In 1997, Gloria Gilbert Stoga began prison officials were initially some of PBB’s most inmates who attend the Austin MacCormack New York’s first such inmate program in Bedford early obstacles: as Gilbert Stoga herself notes, the Island Academy at Rikers Island. Hills Prison, Puppies Behind Bars (PBB), bring- very nature of the program involves “bending and The Austin MacCormack Island Academy is a ing in dogs to bond and be trained by long-term altering prison rules.” As an admonition to those school that is accredited by the New York City prisoners in explosive detection and support for that might be interested in following in her foot- Department of Education and offers its 2000 the blind. steps, she points out that she’s worked sixty hour students, classes towards a high school diploma Coming from a public service position in the weeks for eight straight years, and is constantly (GED), courses in poetry, art, test preparation and Guiliani administration, she had little to no expe- fundraising. life skills. The school system is a virtual island rience with either dogs or corrections, but found But one thing everyone agrees on: Puppies unto itself, where teachers, guards and social herself fascinated after hearing of the country’s Behind Bars works. In fact, 87.5 percent of her workers are the only flickers of inspiration and first prison dog program, begun by Florida vet- guide dogs are accepted into formal training, and hope amid the dark, barren walls of the prison. erinarian, Dr. Tom Lane. Her initiative became a a full 96 percent of the explosives detection dogs. The school has its own barbershop where inmates huge success, expanding to five more institutions, In addition to the five facilities now sponsoring learn to cut hair and practice their skill on other and now employing 400 volunteers. PBB programs in the tri-state area, the group students. The vocational skills they receive will After carefully screening inmates by the nature has just welcomed its latest institution, the Mid- hopefully translate while the prisoners learn vital of their crime, emotional and psychiatric stability, Orange Correctional in Warwick, New York. skills needed to help them relate to their peers Producer Victor Buhler work history and other key factors, PBB matches When asked as to what the most important without violence. The boys sleep in close quarters Labrador retrievers with selected participants, thing she could recommend to someone consid- with others with only a cot and a small cabinet to who usually aren’t eligible if their first parole ering starting a sister program in another prison store their things. returns to the news that his girlfriend is pregnant. board hearing isn’t at least three years away. The system, Gilbert Stoga remarked, “Be prepared to The film was produced by Victor Buhler, In the final scenes, we see him struggle to fill inmate students are then enrolled in an eighteen- make a commitment.” For information on dog Jean-Michel Dissard, and Bonnie Strauss and out a job application with very little skills and month class covering basic handling, grooming, placement, or donating to Puppies Behind Bars, co-produced by Althea Wasow. Victor Buhler, education. biology and the “philosophy of dog raising.” visit the organization’s website at www.puppies- who conceptualized the project, is a 33-year-old The second character, Andre Blandon, is about Since the dogs are raised to be seeing-eye ani- behindbars.com.# seasoned documentary filmmaker and serves as to turn nineteen and serving time for setting his mals and to detect explosives, much informa- both director and producer on the film. Buhler aunt’s car on fire to claim the insurance. He cultivated a love for filmmaking and a desire to has a history of intense depression and running capture the stories of adolescents at risk on film away from home. His struggle to cope with a while an undergraduate at Harvard. A native of domineering father is compounded by news he England, Victor says, his love and admiration for receives while in prison that his younger brother his mother, a retired special education teacher, is following the same path. The news seems to influenced his calling. He produced his first film overshadow his success at the Academy where while still a Harvard student. In the film, he docu- he has acquired his GED and is cultivating his ments the lives of adolescents in a residential natural talent as a cartoonist. He dreams of creat- treatment center over the course of 6 months. The ing his own comic books while he is transferred film’s content and style bare striking similarities to an adult faculty to serve out the remainder of to Rikers High. Buhler says that he wanted to get his sentence involved with a volunteer project, teaching film Shawn Johnson, the Valedictorian of Rikers to students, to get involved in the real world. “I High, is the great hope of the Academy. He is was hoping to volunteer my time teaching film to serving time for robbery. Soft spoken, brilliant, students in school.” During his research, Buhler and embarrassed by being considered a coward, came upon a listing for the “Island Academy” on he reacts to the rejection of classmates by rob- the Board of Education’s website. “I got in touch bing two groups of teenagers at gunpoint. At the with the school principal.” What he uncovered Academy he flourishes academically and uses his was a school behind bars, located securely within gift for poetry and for self-expression to inspire the walls of Rikers Island, a maximum-security others to reach their true potential. Shawn deliv- prison. ers a touching, articulate valedictorian speech at With his curiosity and interest piqued, Buhler graduation, to the roaring applause of his peers. set out to gain access to the prison facilities. He The film opens with a teacher and student in visited and began talking with students in the the academy in a discussion of Mary Shelly’s Academy. For a year he visited prisoners with- Frankenstein. The teacher encourages the student out a camera, getting to know the prisoners on and the viewers to see the parallels between the a personal level and familiarizing himself with perceptions of Frankenstein as a monster and their routines. It was Buhler’s persistence, deter- how society demonizes criminals. He encourages mination and commitment to make the film that Rodriguez to recognize the anger it evokes in finally paid off two years later, when he success- himself. fully received permission to bring cameras within As we watch the stories of these young men the walls of the school. Despite being $30,000 unfold, and see them released, we can’t help in debt, he persevered and won the support of but root for them and hope they can break the Showtime Networks as producer of the film. cycle of incarceration. The film’s strength is in Rikers High, the 9O-minute documenta- its incredible access, and its ability to transport ry, examines the lives of three students in the its audience into the scene. You really feel like Academy. you’re there, but Buhler urges us not to make the The first is William Santiago, an eighteen- mistake of thinking that viewing the prison and year-old aspiring rapper with a history of petty being in prison are the same. This access is not crime and gang involvement. He has not spent simply a result of the proximity of the camera, more than four months out of prison since he but a result of intimate and open relationships was twelve and is back again for armed robbery, between the director and the students. Buhler after holding up a woman with a cigarette lighter describes that his success in earning their trust shaped like a gun. Teachers at Rikers High strug- was a delicate balance of listening and watching. gle to help him channel his sharp thinking skills “I think something different happens when you and gift for rap into his schoolwork, to no avail. continued on page 4 He is released from Rikers without a diploma and 4 SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005

EDUCATION BEHIND BARS: PART II OF A SERIES ISLAND ACADEMY: Rikers High make a difference in people’s lives. continued from page 3 Buhler states that “the ability of documentaries to change perceptions and raise awareness is HS STUDENTS FACE THE what he finds most rewarding about the profes- CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL IN JAIL go repeatedly. Every time they would pose for the sion. I hope that people ask questions, formulate camera I would deliberately not film them. The their own opinions and get involved. I wanted the By LIZA YOUNG munity organizations, such as CUNY Catch and more we got to know each other the more we got film to leave the viewer asking questions, simply With the striking contrast between the view of Friends of Island Academy, which assist with to the heart of the subject. Time has a huge way because the answers are wide ranging.” water on one side and barbed wire on the other, as successful reentry to society, focusing on job of breaking down walls.” Buhler transforms the criminals from threat- well as a landscape of trees and grass interspersed skills and college placement. Buhler’s stylistic choice of keeping the film ening, Frankenstein, into human beings with with small buildings and mobile structures, we Parent involvement at Island Academy is and its subject in the present tense adds to its their own struggles of conscience, dimension traveled the roads of Rikers Island on the way to encouraged to the fullest extent possible. A par- impact. “I’ve always wanted to make films that and depth. The lines and boundaries begin to a meeting with Principal Dody of Rikers Island ent coordinator organizes a parent support group, show things in the present, as they are happen- dissolve. By graduation, the viewer becomes so Academy. although attendance is not high ranging from 8- ing. I’ve always felt that narration in a film takes immersed in the celebration, that it becomes easy Passing through heavy security at Rikers to get 10. Parent Teacher Conferences are held as well you away from the present tense. My aesthetic to forget these graduates are in prison, to the school site, elements of a regular school with a better attendance range of 65-70. When is to take the filmmaker out of the equation as “I’ve seen a lot of films about jail that portray setting were noticeable, with the walls displaying possible, students assist in maintaining contact much as possible. I was aiming to film things to the inmates as animalistic and disturbing to inter- student achievement, a camaraderie among staff with parents through administrative work, such relate to what that person was going through at act with. I think the aggressive personalities that and the students passing through the hallways as stuffing envelopes with PTA information, and that time.” many inmates adopt are survival mechanisms for were friendly with each other as well as with students are encouraged to contact their parents The absence of scripts and contrivance chal- them in jail and on the street. I was determined teachers. via telephone in the after school setting. lenge the viewer to interpret and react to events not to be scared of them.” Austin H. McCormick—Island Academy cur- Progress is being made at the Island Academy. in the film from his/her own point of view. Rikers “The Answer to the Riddle” rently encompasses six sites at Rikers divided Those students who score at the ninth grade level High is an inspiring example of how films can Victor does not offer easy answers to what based upon crime classification, with additional in reading and math can go on to take the GED. break down stereotypes, motivate viewers and he refers to as the “riddle” of recidivism, other separation based on gender. Principal Dody stated that last year there was a 73 show how teachers and students are striving to continued on page 14 The program at the Island Academy focuses not percent passing rate, with 237 passing out of 323 only on academics, but on psychological services having taken the exam. and transition to society. Among the challenges at Island Academy, the All major subject areas are taught at the Island biggest challenge is the issue of transients. As Academy, with teachers certified in each spe- Rikers is a jail and not a prison, the length of stay cific area. There are additionally arts programs as is relatively short, with the average length of stay well as vocational educational programs which being 43 days. To deal with this is with modules includes auto shop, print and barbering classes, of one week duration, so new students are pre- and cooking classes for the girls. sented with a fresh module, where modules from Upon arrival to the program, the educational week to week may or not be related. level of students is tested through STAR Reading In general, there are many obstacles to over- and Math, a computerized assessment tool which come for students released from Rikers. The indicates math and reading levels and provides recidivism rate for adolescents is not of the an outline of suggested instructional goals. hopeful numbers it is for the adult prison com- According to Principal Dody, the majority of munity receiving education. The legal and social students arrive at the program with very deficient obstacles for students released from Rikers is skills; the average reading level at admission is the stigma attached—in seeking employment, as the fifth grade level. IEP conferences are held ex-offenders are required by law to report past with parent participation via telephone. Thirty crimes which in the long run extends incarcera- five to forty percent receive some form of special tion. Principal Dody feels that the stigma must education. be overcome, but it must be done within the Students are additionally screened for psy- framework of a balance between helping ex- chological problems. There is a team of mental offenders return to society and ensuring safety. health counselors composed of 12 social workers, He also feels that more programs to assist those three psychologists and one guidance counselor. released from Rikers should be created. “Kids are They work with students on a daily basis, with in jail short term. We get them interested. When the ratio of counselor to student at one to 40. they leave, more programs are needed that con- There is relatively low turnover at the school for tinue training. They are ripe for more programs,” teachers as well as counselors, with the average explained Principal Dody. length of employment at nine years. It is worthwhile to invest the proper resources Counselors focus on life skills and provide for these youth, with society as a whole standing transition planning. They work closely with com- to benefit. # JUNE 2005 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 5

EDUCATION BEHIND BARS: PART II OF A SERIES Interview with Dr. Michelle Fine Integrating Ex-Inmates Into Society By LIZA YOUNG colleges. Funding comes from foundation grants By NAZNEEN MALIK Furthermore, college in prison programs provide Even with the discontinuation of Pell Grants in and from the organization itself which has access “College in prison is a powerful intervention and inmates with “a kind of intellectual stretching” correctional facilities for adults, there are those to some funds from the church. There is funding relatively cost effective,” says Dr. Michelle Fine, and community building which enables them to whose belief in the value of higher education from the State Government through the support Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Urban have confidence in themselves, their abilities, and and the power of the individual to continually of Republican Senator Dale Volker and upstate Education, and Women’s Studies at the Graduate to become functional members of society. Some improve goes beyond funding crises. NY Assemblyman Jeff Aubrey. Center of the City University of New York. of the women Dr. Fine interviewed, post-release, Evidence of this phenomenon is clear through Talking with Benay Rubenstien, Director of In a recently published report, Changing Minds, described their college in prison experiences as the efforts which occur at the Episcopal Center College Initiative, it is easy to see her enthusiasm Dr. Fine, in collaboration with women in prison at teaching them “to recognize their own intellectual College Initiative, a non-profit organization with for the mission of reintegrating those who have the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility (BHCF), signatures, to persist, revise, and imagine a world the mission of assisting recently released individ- been, or are currently in correctional facilities, found that college in prison programs radically bigger and more interesting then the one they uals to pursue their goal of beginning or continu- into society. reduced recidivism rates from 30 percent for had been accustomed to, and to face their weak- ing college. The organization additionally works Rubenstein began her career 20 years ago women who did not attend college while in nesses.” closely with individuals currently in correctional working at Marist College, where she coordinat- prison to 7 percent for women who did. A cost- However, not all inmates come to prison with facilities who wish to engage in educational plan- ed programs at Federal Correctional Institutions benefit analysis further revealed that providing a sufficient educational background that allows ning. Currently enrollment includes 92 individu- (FCIs). At the time, Pell Grants and Half Grants inmates access to higher education is fiscally far them to jump into college level courses. In fact, the als—about 10 percent women—and 27 different continued on page 15 more efficient than incurring the inflated rates of average inmate has about 10.6 years of schooling re-incarceration and diminished employability. with the Math and English proficiency of a sixth Specifically, the report estimated savings of about grader. nine million dollars for every 100 prisoners, over There are a disproportionate number of high a period of four years. school drop-outs in prison, says Fine. The number In addition to fiscal savings, however, college in of men and women without high school diplomas ������������������� prisons programs have far-reaching implications or GEDs ranges from 50 to 80 percent depend- Administrative Assistant Educational that extend well beyond the inmates themselves. ing on the prison. She also mentions a growing “The best predictor of a child’s education is his or concern that high stakes testing may result in an Programs Department, Full time her mother’s education,” says Fine, and “educating increase in drop-out rates thereby limiting the Please note, this position is located in our Jersey City, NJ Office. [incarcerated] mothers is one way to dramatically economic and social options available to young interrupt the cycle of imprisonment of the next people and potentially increasing their involve- generation.” ment in criminal activities. Instability is an enormous assault on child Although many prisons do not offer college REPORTS TO: NIE Assistant Manager and Director development, says Fine. Children with incarcer- programs to inmates, they do offer basic adult edu- PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assist in the development and execution of NIE Programs ated mothers are in need of tremendous support cation and literacy, GED classes, and vocational and products, and provide administrative support or back up in any/all related areas as because not only are their families disrupted but programs. “Evidence of vocational training is necessary. many children, especially those of elementary certainly better than no education,” says Dr. Fine, school age, are bounced between foster homes and “but it is not as powerful as a liberal arts education SCOPE OF POSITION: Provide comprehensive administrative support, including have to deal with the stigma of a parent in prison. and I think that is true particularly for women.” We but not limited to full secretarial duties, circulation/order fulfillment, customer service, College in prison programs allow inmates to set need federal and state funds for college in prison ABC monitoring and compliance. Strong interpersonal and literacy skills required, to a positive role model for their children in spite of and pre-college programs.” coordinate interdepartmental efforts and to serve as liaison with education community. their circumstances or environment. continued on page 9 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Ensure smooth order delivery/processing to schools, by coordinating inter and intra departmental efforts, internal systems and external market. • Secure ABC affidavits from participating schools • Coordinate mailings, faxings, emails to participating and prospective subscribers • Assist in the development and execution of NIE programs, events and products • Coordinate and oversee customer service • Maintain correspondence, promotion and other program files. • Create and maintain program and subscriber histories • Data input and analysis • Work with creative services department to initiate, track and monitor projects • Serve as “back up” providing administrative support to the Assistant Manager IN ALL HIS RESPONSIBILITIES (including trafficking and editing of educational activity pages) and Director and perform other NIE duties as required. EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS: • Valid driver’s license • Minimum two years related professional experience • Strong interpersonal skills • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Strong analytical, creative and follow-up skills • Ability to work as part of a team, or independently when required, and to effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines, simultaneously • Enthusiasm for learning and working on new challenging projects • Working knowledge of Microsoft, Paradox, Discus, Quark or similar database applications. • Willingness to work long hours and weekends as needed • Ability to lift boxes weighing 40 lbs when necessary • Ability to work well in a fast-paced and fast-changing professional environment A Special Choice • Flexibility for Special People ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in relevant area of study.

Progressive education, home community for the intellectually disabled child and adult. Opportunity for educational progress at any age—multiple educational, Please send resume and salary requirements to: vocational, recreational and social activities. A year-round program with an active �������������������� and full lifestyle among friends on an 850-acre bluegrass campus. ��������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������������������� ������������������� 4200 Lawrenceburg Road • Frankfort, KY 40601 John P. Stewart, M.D. • Phone 502-227-4821 ������������������� ������������������������������ Please Include EPD Administrative Assistant Please Include EPD Administrative Assistant www.stewarthome.com Position on your Fax Coversheet Position in the subject line of your e-mail EOE - M/F/V/D 6 TEACHERS OF THE MONTH ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005 Outstanding Teachers of the Month — JUNE 2005 have become emergent readers and writers in implemented the technology (PDAs) that has Education Update welcomes our Advisory Board, Dr. Charlotte K. Frank, both of those languages. Ms. Cartagena is a been strongly imbedded in the curriculum. Mr. Senior Vice-President of McGraw-Hill and former Regent of New York State; wonderful asset to P.S. 214K. Sherman has helped me to be a leader of change. Dr. Augusta Souza Kappner, President of Bank Street College of Education; Dr. Innovative Teaching Strategies: Ms. His assistance in bringing technology to the OUTSTANDING Alfred Posamentier, Dean of School of Education of City College of NY; Dr. Cartagena displays her creativity and resource- forefront as well as help me raise awareness TEACHERS Pola Rosen, Publisher, Education Update; Adam Sugerman, Publisher, Palmiche fulness through her innovative teaching style. about our school, its mission and its cutting Press; Laurie Tisch Sussman, Chairman, The Center for Arts Education and By utilizing a thematic approach in an age edge instruction has provided our students with OF THE MONTH Honorary Chair, Children’s Museum of Manhattan. The Board makes the final appropriate way, Ms. Cartagena incorporates her higher level skills in literacy, math, science and decisions on the teachers to be honored each month. innovative ideas throughout her daily instruc- technology. He has helped to develop an effec- In 2003, Education Update began the tradition of honoring teachers each tional day. She motivates her students when tive staff team dedicated to providing students month for their outstanding work on the “frontiers” of education.We are now introducing a new theme or concept with an with a world-class education. He has shared ★ exciting picture, song or poem. From here, she and demonstrated his strong instructional prac- continuing the tradition which will culminate in a ceremony in June 2005 with Chancellor Joel Klein in attendance. Superintendents, principals and colleagues JUNE nominate teachers by filling out a form online. The information has springboards into a wealth of creative activities. tice with many other teachers on staff. He has been emailed to all principals in NYC public schools. If you have not received the email please contact ednews1@aol. One only has to visit Ms. Cartagena’s classroom been given a compensatory time position as a com. Deadline for Submissions: JUNE 21, 2005. to see how much learning is taking place! technology coach this year to train teachers to Teachers are the backbone of our educational system. They richly deserve the recognition that Education Update Motivating Students: As was mentioned ear- integrate the appropriate level of technology gives them. Congratulations to this month’s Outstanding Teachers of the Month in recognition of the vital role they lier, Ms. Cartagena utilizes a thematic and inter- into their classroom for school-wide literacy play in our childrens’ lives. disciplinary approach to teaching. Her students projects. PDA’s are used for increased writing, —Dr. Pola Rosen, Publisher are extremely motivated learners and are always reading activities and Internet research in the engaged in classroom activities. In a unit on content areas. Our ESL students record their Africa, Ms. Cartagena motivated her students English on PDA’s and send these recordings by completely immersing them in the subject to the teachers’ network folder. He has helped Michele Smyth became cooperative working groups, the chalk matter. The classroom was transformed into an teachers explore the higher-level potential of Principal: Brian O’Connell on the floor vanished and students became African-like jungle. The children created pic- Microsoft software with the goal of creating Superintendent’s Name: Dr. Kathy Cashin engaged in the learning process rather than tures of African animals and ate African food. paperless classrooms. Rubrics, writing fold- Name of School: Belle Harbor School spectators of it. Now, instruction starts with a They read literature reflecting African culture, ers and portfolio assessment are integral to his Student Progress: We are nominating Ms. big idea. Students get hooked and interested from African folktales to nonfiction African classroom. Mr. Sherman recently won first prize Michele Smyth. Ms. in math. Teachers begin their instruction based books. The students played games reflective of in the SAMSUNG Hope For Education Contest. Smyth is a phenom- upon where their students are. Differentiation the African way of life. Another fun activity for This brought an additional $10,000.00 worth of enal teacher, math takes place every day in every class. Math the students consisted of creating a book about technology into LESP. He then facilitated our coach, school leader, games, slate boards, computer centers, the ever- the Principal of P.S. 214K, Ms. Woda. Ms. receiving one jump drive for every member of and mom. Ms. Smyth loved carpet for sharing and reflecting have all Cartagena had the class create an invitation to the faculty. Ben Sherman was also instrumental has been a signifi- invaded our rooms to our students delight. Ms. invite Ms. Woda for a class visit so they could in implementing a student MOUSE Squad at cant contributor to the Smyth is all about student engagement. conduct an interview. After formulating inter- LESP to assist our technology department in efforts of our school’s Parent/Community Involvement: With view questions with the class and interviewing keeping every computer, PDA and laptop run- improvement specifi- regard to parent involvement, Ms. Smyth has Ms. Woda, Ms. Cartagena then proceeded to cre- ning. Mr. Sherman understands that education cally in the area of mathematics. During the presented EveryDay Mathematics workshops to ate a class book about the Principal. The children is a life long learning and growth process for 2003-2004 year, Ms. Smyth was a leader who parents on every grade both during, after school, are always excited to read the book they created everyone in the school community. As the leader helped spearhead an approximate 9% increase in and in the evenings to facilitate their apprecia- from their own classroom library. Ms. Cartagena learns and grows so must he/she encourage all mathematics scores for all tested students across tion and support of the work that their children also has her class help her develop and her bul- teachers to become learners. He is a fine teacher the grades. The student progress is unmistak- do within this program’s approach. During such letin boards. On this one occasion, they read who understands how to reach students and get able. workshops, Ms. Smyth has presented in our aloud WHOEVER YOU ARE by Mem Fox and them to be their best “selves.” He is compas- Ms. Smyth has worked with teachers on a one library, auditorium, lunchroom, or classrooms. they recreated the cover of the book, which is a sionate and creative, acting as a mentor, a guide to one basis, she has worked with our Academic Most presentations were followed by accom- picture of the world with multicultural children on the side, friend and big brother. He delivers Intervention Team to identify and develop a panied visits with parents into the classrooms surrounding it, with an accompanying writing carefully crafted and structured lessons using all comprehensive plan for remediation and dif- where the instruction was taken place. For fol- assignment. This was truly a masterpiece. Ms. of the available resources we have. His class- ferentiating instruction. Ms. Smyth has gone low up, Ms. Smyth debriefed with each parent Cartagena provides a strong academic founda- room is filled with current student work and a above and beyond her role as coach in offering group in the library to field questions, make tion for her Bilingual students. fully stocked classroom library. The joy of the her services to her colleagues on her lunch hour, connections, and develop “How can I help?” Parent/Community Involvement: Besides students learning is apparent. Ben has been a before, and after schools. This coach/partner strategies with the parents. By increasing par- being an excellent Early Childhood teacher, willing participant implementing changes, tak- relationship has had an incredible impact on ent involvement and awareness, Ms. Smyth has Ms. Cartagena also devotes time to teaching ing risks and experimenting with strategies. He student work and progress. improved the quality of homework and class ELL parents learn the basics of the English has learned to adjust his style to meet the needs Innovative Teaching Strategies: Ms. Smyth work. Moreover, her efforts have raised the language. She has been doing this for the past of the students and staff. He embodies the spirit embraces the workshop model. To this end, level of parent education and comfort with a few years and has a devoted population of par- I look for in a teacher leader. she has modeled during professional develop- new math program. All of Ms. Smyth’s efforts ents because of her excellent instruction and Parent/Community Involvement: Mr. ment periods, coaching sessions and via push with regard to parent involvement have paid pleasant demeanor. Her classroom has an open Sherman started Parent computer classes. PDA in coaching sessions, how to plan for, structure, dividends for children and parents alike. Many door policy, which enables parents to come and lending program administered by Mr. Sherman and implement an ideal math lesson. Ms. Smyth a kitchen table are now much more calm and participate in classroom activities, thus building brought parents, who otherwise might never has created many teacher resources linked much more capable when it comes to math. a bridge between home and the school. have come, to school. Ben has taken students creating synergy among: the New York State to the NYC Marathon and has done the Bike standards (big ideas), Everyday Math Program NY 40 mile ride with students twice. Ben was learning objectives, teaching strategies, port- Yolonda Cartagena Ben Sherman instrumental in bringing the organization “Ken’s folios, and test preparation materials. Through Principal: Joyce Woda Principal: Martha Polin Kids” to LESP along with I-mentor. the creation and deployment of such materials, Superintendent’s Name: Kathleen Cashin Superintendent’s Name: Doreen Cokley Ms. Smyth has made the day-to-day efforts of Name of School: P.S. 214K Name of School: Lower East Side Preparatory teachers easier so that they may better service School District/Region: Dist. 19 HS Laura Bertolotti their students. An innovator, Ms. Smyth found Student Progress: Ms. Cartagena has been a School District/Region: Alternative Schools Principal: Mrs. Eva Garcia avenues of connectivity between our school’s teacher in P.S. 214K for the past eight years and Student Progress: I have known and worked Superintendent’s Name: Ms Laura Rodriquez program schedule, academic intervention plan, has worked in the New York City Public School with Ben Sherman for almost three years now. Name of School: P.S.75X and coaching plan. Her endeavors have enabled System for the last Ben has been a strong supporter of the principal School District/Region: District 8/Region2 us to change gears with regard to the profes- twenty years. Her cre- and the administration, a powerful instructional Student Progress: It is indeed a pleasure to nom- sional development that we have delivered to ative talent and instruc- leader and has helped bring money, technol- inate Laura Bertolotti our staff. Ms. Smyth’s creativity has created a tional expertise has ogy and change to the forefront at Lower East as an Outstanding “thicker” multi-layered professional develop- earned her the label of Side Preparatory High Teacher of the Month. ment plan, coaching plan, academic intervention “Master Teacher”. Ms. School. Mr. Sherman Ms Bertolotti is a plan and school program all focused upon our Cartagena has created was the chief archi- model of excellence in students. With Ms. Smyth, energies of innova- an environment in her tect and writer of the the field of education. tion are always directed at our students. classroom that is nur- $100,000 Beaumont Her preparation for the Motivating Students: In April of 2003, most turing, child-centered and enjoyable. One can Grant that we received role of educator began of the students in PS 114Q sat in rows. Chalk only see from the look on the students’ faces that for the 2003-04 school at Manhattan College dust piled at the front of the room. many of the they are completely engaged in whatever con- year. Not only was over 15 years ago. Education was her career teachers taught one lesson on one skill, page by cept is being taught. As a Kindergarten Bilingual he instrumental in choice. Thus, Ms Bertolotti’s investment of time page in the text. I specifically recall frequently teacher, Ms. Cartagena teaches her students how our receiving the $100,000 grant, but he also and energy in perfecting her craft, in this noble seeing the faces of both frustrated and bored to become lifelong readers and learners through made sure that students and faculty made the profession, has been an extraordinary journey, students alike. Upon Ms. Smyth’s arrival and her interdisciplinary approach to teaching. She most of the technology that was awarded to which is worthy of much praise and emulation implementation of the workshop model as a utilizes a thematic approach, emphasizing both our school. Through our program, “Write on by her peers. According to Steve Gordon: “pre- standard format for the delivery of instruction, English and Spanish while incorporating both Reading,” we have witnessed huge gains in ceding everything else in teaching is the core teachers began differentiating their instruction Bilingual and ESL strategies. By the end of their the numbers of students taking and passing the belief in students and a fundamental belief in more. Students moved around, rows of desks Kindergarten year, Ms. Cartagena’s students English Language Arts Regents. Mr. Sherman the lives and minds of students.” And certainly JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ TEACHERS OF THE MONTH 7

Laura Bertolotti’s ability to program her stu- dents for mastery in all facets of the curricula Teresa Kutza THE STERLING SCHOOL is well known. This measurable progress is Principal: Deirdre A. DeAngelis also well documented and therefore worthy of Superintendent’s Name: Michelle Fratti The Sterling School, a grade school for youngsters with Learning Disabilities, salutes it’s merit and acknowledgement. As indicated by Name of School: New Dorp High School graduates. On June 16th, 2005 we will confer diplomas at graduation to: Ms Elena Garcia, a colleague, “Ms. Bertolotti, School District/Region: Region 7 Jesse Kronengold, Alex Miller, Brian Bronzino, Samantha Rodriquez, Saadia Hunt, Freddy has worked with my students over the years in Student Progress: Mrs. Kutza is the teacher Acevedo, Thomas Megna, Samuel Andrews, John Proto and Mathias Biernacki. Graduation will be the Academic Intervention Services Program. of Living Environment (Biology-ninth grade held at The Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club at 6:30P.M. We also are proud to acknowledge our award All of the students assigned to her program course), and Anatomy and Physiology (College winners: Freddy Acevedo and Jesse Kronengold will receive the “Triple C Award” presented by for remediation have shown progress. The Level Course.) Her students have shown prog- The Office of The Attorney General and Brian Bronzino is being recognized for academic excellence by of Office of the State Comptroller. We know that all of you will be a credit to the Middle Schools students love her. Ms. Bertolotti wants the ress in the following ways: student test scores that you will attend next year. children to be successful and it comes through. on the Regents have increased; test scores on She addresses the needs of each student. And departmental exams have shown significant she has designed a program that works with improvement; application of information to new them. Ms. Bertolotti is always ready to roll into situations. Student apply their creative skills to SCHOLASTIC action. She is highly skilled and well prepared create projects which demonstrate physiologi- to meet all challenges.” cal processes, using Scholastic, the name that kids love, parents trust, and teachers rely on has a new retail store in Innovative Teaching Strategies: For Ms. different media such Scarsdale, New York that offers the best books, toys, activities, and more to keep kids learning while Bertolotti, individualizing instruction is key. As as, sculptors, models, having fun.This unique destination was designed to engage and educate children in an interactive, a specialist in Reading and Special Education, poems, video’s and entertaining and fun, learning atmosphere, and offers a wide variety of educational, fun, and designing a modified Individualized Education CD’S. Students cel- professional resources under one roof. The Scholastic Store in Scarsdale is an “experiential retail” store that brings learning to life with the Plan with long and short-term objectives is ebrate the information best range of educational toys, games and other products for parents, teachers, and children and has only one facet of her action plan for each stu- they learn by creating an activity area in a glass greenhouse where children engage in crafts, build-a-book workshops, and dent. Informal assessment batteries in Reading and displaying varied private birthday parties. The Scholastic Store also offers free events every Saturday, such as author and Language Arts must also be crafted; behav- curricular topics on readings, character visits and special story times, free gift-wrapping, and customized gift baskets. ior modification plans must be developed; bulletin boards. They participate in contests One of the unique experiences that The Scholastic Store offers is The Klutz Book Factory workshop, a Brigance assessments are needed in Reading and competitions. Selected students from the hands-on crafting activity for kids and adults where learning comes to life. The Klutz Book Factory™ workshop is the perfect event to get kids to write, draw, and create! This hands-on, materials-rich and Mathematics; and last but not least, a Anatomy and Physiology class represented our workshop provides kids with a one-of-a-kind experience to create a book that is uniquely all their own. final report incorporating specific instructional school at the citywide annual Brain Bee compe- Learning is no longer a spectator sport with the Klutz Book Factory™ Workshop, where kids can build recommendations is required. In addition to tition. A 4th place winner in this competition has their own book and have a blast while doing it! The Scholastic Store™ hosts build-a-book workshops the aforementioned, Ms. Bertolotti has served been our best placement. Another student from for parents, kids, organized groups, class trips, and more. effectively in the Academic Intervention Skills the Anatomy and Physiology was selected to The Scholastic Store is an interactive experience where learning comes alive. Families can engage in Program. The program provides test prepara- represent Region 7 in the Nobel Laureate Essay learning and play together and have the opportunity to take that experience home with them through the wonderful selection of educational products. tion for students in reading and math in Grades contest in Medicine. This contest is open to stu- Parents, teachers, and children can also enjoy visiting The Scholastic Store’s flagship in SoHo, New 3 and 4. The students also receive help in dents from all high schools in New York City. York where they can find the best of their favorite characters, including Clifford The Big Red Dog™, developing effective reading and math strate- Innovative Teaching Strategies: Among the Magic School Bus®, Harry Potter, and more. The SoHo store also offers Book Factory workshops, gies. Tests are administered. Grade conferences innovative teaching strategies incorporated in birthday parties, and free events. are held to review and organize test prepara- the quality instruction provided by Mrs. Kutza SoHo, NY Scarsdale, NY tion materials. Ms. Bertolotti has modeled are: Varied Cooperative Learning structures, 557 Broadway 450 Central Avenue (between Prince & Spring Streets) Scarsdale Park Mall these dynamics at Grade Conferences and such as Jigsaw and Think Pair Share. She Store Hours: Professional Development Workshops. This uses the media of drama and theatre, and the Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m. (SoHo) 12 – 5 p.m. (Scarsdale) has been of incalculable benefit to the teachers strategy of role-playing; students in the class Events and Information Hotline: of our staff. demonstrated the structure and function of the SoHo (212) 343-6166, toll free: (877) 286-0137. Scarsdale (914) 725-7201. Motivating Students: Ms. Bertolotti’s ability DNA molecule in the biological process of Web Site: www.scholastic.com/scholasticstores to program students for success is evident to Replication, as well as the negative feedback parents as well as teachers. Her belief that all mechanism of hormonal control. Using every students can learn is mirrored in the seriousness day materials such as Gum Drops (candy) and of purpose of the work at hand. Every student is pipe cleaners, students construct the Double held accountable for the work prescribed. Work Helix model of the DNA molecule and the in the classroom as well as the homework is sarcomeres of skeletal muscle, and cardiac carefully monitored. Parent conferences are an muscle. She provides opportunity for students integral part of every step of the child’s educa- to create products that facilitate the understand- tion. The rewards are intrinsic as well as extrin- ing of specific biological processes. Examples sic. The ultimate goal is for the child to learn at of such products include: foldables, that dem- every turn. Bertolotti’s students were delight- onstrate the flow of energy in the ecosystem; ed to have received rewards for two science flip books that are used to tell the story of fair presentations: “Seashells” and “The Five protein synthesis; models that are created using Senses.” Literacy is a daily happening in her pipe cleaners that demonstrate the process of room. Through the balanced literacy model, stu- mitosis; and the cooperative learning strategy dents are engaged in various approaches i.e. read jigsaw that enables a group of students working alouds, guided and independent reading, and the cooperatively to learn large chunks of infor- writing process. Her Reading Recovery training mation from current science journal articles. at NYU has been beneficial. These strategies are She uses popular games such as Wheel of incorporated in her lessons. Hence, each year Fortune, and Jeopardy in review lessons. She Ms Bertolotti’s students’ academic advancement incorporates the use of current scientific infor- is significant. No child goes unnoticed. No child mation into the curriculum, via audiovisual is left behind. technology, and Internet instruction, using the Parent/Community Involvement: NIH (National Institute Of Health) curriculum Educators know that parental and community series, The Brain. She also incorporates writing involvement is important in the child’s educa- in the content area is accomplished through the tion. Ms Bertolotti has fostered a permanent use of Double Entry Journals, Critical squares, alliance with the parents and members of the and Word wall creations that incorporate the Hunts Point community in several ways. First, specific science vocabulary.# Ms Bertolotti has developed behavior modi- fication plans in conjunction with the parent of each of her students. Next, she provides for ongoing articulation with the parents through- out the school year. Then, Ms Bertolotti has participated in the Staff Development Retreats, Read about past the Curriculum Team Meetings, Learning Walks, and Comprehensive Educational Plan Outstanding Teachers Forums with members of the P.S.75X Family. And if it takes an entire village to raise a child, of the Month surely the goal of the school must be to include parents in the planning and decision making for its children. Therefore, we are fortunate to online at have Ms. Laura Bertolotti as a highly skilled professional in our midst. She is one educator www.EducationUpdate.com who will enable the youth of tomorrow to read, to study, and explore because their future is in ★ her hands. Adalante! Adalante! Adalante! 8 SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005

A CELEBRATION OF FATHER’S DAY Remembering Fathers in Different Ways By RICHARD KAGAN significant emotional impact on the father. Both EDUCATION UPDATE’S Fathers Day is just around the corner. For some Leggette and Rodriguez, note that fathers can get families it will be a happy day. For some fathers depressed and suicidal when being prevented by it will be a lonely day. Dad may be paying child a resentful mother, still hurting from the emo- Staff Shares Insights support because of a court order, unable to see tional toll of a broken relationship. Leggette says his kids. fathers need to learn “how to protect themselves To address the issues of young dads with from being victims in the system.” children, who are paying child-support, the Those fathers who attended the workshop were My Father B yFather LIZA YOUNG Male Development and Empowerment Center advised to keep records of court dates, receipts of By NAZNEEN MALIK of Medgar Evers College held a workshop on purchases made on behalf of the child, and any With Selfless devotion “Fathers, We Stretch Our Hands To You.” There record of financial change that might affect the There at my side I have always admired my father for his stub- are 400,000 cases that deal with child sup- status of child support payments. Crowe, who Tending to a wound born self-confidence and courage. To travel across port in New York City. According to Judith works with fathers in child-support and visitation Or celebrating my accomplishments with pride distant oceans and adopt a foreign land, alone and Albury, Director of Administration for Children matters in upstate New York, stressed that it is Instilling a thirst for books and art without much money, is no small undertaking. Services Child Support Enforcement/Paternity very important to establish paternity and that a Surrounding us with Van Gogh, O’ Henry, Mozart He is a confidant of sorts, a persistent reminder and Community Outreach Unit, 65 percent of father should not take this lightly. The work you do for others so inspiring that to achieve one only has to believe in the dads do pay their court-ordered child support Dwight Boone, 34, is the father of four chil- I look up to you, admiring possibility; the hero of my childhood memories, payments on a regular basis. dren by three different mothers. Boone works as Of your knowledge and brilliance, bearing gifts of books and chocolate, and the Ms. Albury and several colleagues from her a laborer at Medgar Evers College. He loves his Of your morality, kindness and resilience conqueror of midnight monsters and unwanted office, joined Alicia Crowe, attorney and advo- children and supports all of them financially either bugs. He is the storyteller who awakened my cate for fathers rights along with Eric Leggette, through agreements with their respective mothers, imagination and encouraged me to create my own founder of Fathers with Voices, Inc., and Efrain or by compliance with court-mandated payments fiction. And although there are many things about Rodriguez, President of New York State Fathers’ of child support. He has been dealing with the my father that remain elusive to me, hidden in Rights Association for a workshop designed to child-support system for years. He has recently A Bicycle Ride, conversations we are yet to have, as I grow older, inform and empower single fathers who desire to established a joint custody arrangement with the By GILLIAN GRANOFF I no longer regard him as simply a parental figure not only be financially responsible for the chil- mother of two of his daughters, Nahketah, 12 and To MY FATHER, MY TEACHER but as a friend. Happy Father’s Day! dren, but to be a caring dad as well. Nadira, 11 where the children would stay with MY COACH AND MY FRIEND Peter Holoman, Director of the MDEC at him half of the week. Boone is now going to court Medgar Evers College notes that of the 5300 in hopes that this plan will be approved. Boone My hands clench the handlebars, flushed red I steal away from you: my caretaker, my students on campus only 1250 are male. Of those, also has a son, Enrique, 7, with whom he shares a in anticipation hero, 30 to 40 percent have children. financial arrangement with his mother. With you behind me, I pedal faster In my newfound freedom, I forget you. This workshop was held to offer information “Money is not an issue when it comes to my your gait quickened to match my pace that a father needs to successfully deal with the kids,” says Boone. Boone says when he goes just a few steps behind me you hold tightly Then I remember you; Family Courts, and how to navigate through the to Family Court on child support matters, the to the fender. In a hesitant moment I turn, fall and cling to Administration for Children Services. Judge assumes he is a “deadbeat” dad. So Boone the pavement “We have a lot of fathers who do pay and don’t brings his receipts and documentation of money I sail smoothly on solid ground, I search for safety and find it in the pools of see their children,” Albury said. Dads who are he has spent on his two daughters to counter the Exhilarated by my independence, I pedal your eyes willing to own up to being financially responsible speculation.# faster I wrap myself safely in their embrace. and yet being unable to visit children can have a For more information call 1-888-208-4485

A Guided Journey to Achievement

If you are looking to improve your academic performance, Marvelwood is the place for you. From around the country and around the world our students discover their strengths and weaknesses developing close relationships with their teachers and peers.

• Grades 9–12 • Beautifully maintained campus: • Summer Sessions Grades 7–12 biking, canoeing, hiking, fishing Focusing on reading, writing ESL

For more information please call The Marvelwood School, 476 Skiff Mountain Road, P.O. Box 3001 Kent, CT 06757 www.themarvelwoodschool.com (800) 440-9107 / (860) 927-0047 – Ext. 24 Email: [email protected]

for more information JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS 9

Instead of negotiating in good faith, the school The City Council Commission on the Campaign Itʼs Time to Stop the Blame Game system’s administration has rejected our pro- for Fiscal Equity—headed by Anthony Alvarado, posals and embarked on a media campaign to an educator who turned around District 2 and demonize the union and strip away most of our District 4—recently issued a report saying that contractual rights and protections. quality teachers, smaller class sizes and a laser- For example, the administration says it wants like focus on the lowest-performing students are more productivity from teachers even though we the key ingredients to improving student perfor- are among the lowest paid teachers in the region mance. Numerous studies have shown that chil- with the highest class sizes. We responded by dren in smaller classes have higher test scores, proposing to add 10 percent more instructional better grades and a greater appetite for learning. time—the equivalent of four weeks—but the Despite the findings of the commission—and administration rejected the idea. a $3.3 billion city budget surplus unveiled ear- The administration says it wants the best lier this month—Mayor Bloomberg has said the teachers assigned to the worst schools. A year city does not have the resources to give raises ago we proposed a school enterprise zone for the to teachers, police and firefighters beyond the By RANDI WEINGARTEN contract for two years now since the previous 200 lowest-performing schools in the city. The 5 percent over three years he offered other Public officials who falter on a pledge gener- pact expired on May 31, 2003. Even so, we proposal included a 15 percent pay differential municipal workers who were willing to reduce ally have two choices: They can admit the task soldier on. Our teachers earn 15 to 20 percent for everyone working in the zone. The adminis- the starting salaries of workers hired after these was too tough and promise to work harder, or less than teachers in the surrounding suburbs tration said no. latest contracts were approved. they can blame someone else. Sadly, the cur- while teaching classes that, depending upon The administration says it wants to get rid The New York Times noted last fall that the rent school system administration has chosen the subject, can be up to 60 percent above the of incompetent teachers. We offered a way to UFT has been a partner to every positive school the latter. state average. We work in buildings that are streamline and expedite the process, but the reform over the past 40 years. We want to keep During his first mayoral campaign, Mike overcrowded and dangerously dilapidated from chancellor and the mayor rejected that, too, that track record going strong. But because the Bloomberg asked the public to hold him years of deferred maintenance and neglect. determined instead to strip teachers of the due school system administration has squandered accountable for the schools. He deserves credit All we want is a fair contract and the support process protections that shield teachers from opportunities for real educational reform, it has for that. Since taking office, he and Chancellor we need to educate the city’s 1.1 million stu- cronyism and patronage. resorted to playing the blame game and scape- Joel Klein have proposed various policies and dents. Aside from fighting for competitive sala- We have always maintained that any kind goating. And that means that any productive initiatives that made big news splashes and ries and better learning and teaching conditions, of sexual relationship between a teacher and contract proposals from the UFT are likely to be reorganized virtually everything. But, if public the union has proposed a number of reforms that a student is unacceptable and that any teacher rejected in the months ahead. opinion polls are any measure, no one believes could directly help kids in a number of ways. proven to have engaged in such activity has no Sadly, the biggest losers in this game are the the schools are better. In fact, teachers and par- For example, in recent months, the UFT has: place in a classroom. Last November, the union city’s 1.1 million school children. They and their ents, by and large, think they are worse. Sought salary incentives to attract the best proposed a zero tolerance policy on this issue parents deserve better, and we are determined to Now with the mayoral election just a few teachers to the lowest-performing schools. that would ensure the safety of children and fight to see that they get it.# months away, some, including the chancellor, Proposed a zero tolerance plan to fire any safeguard teachers against false accusations. Randi Weingarten is President, United are taking every opportunity to blame the sys- teacher proven to have had a sexual relationship The city rejected it. Federation of Teachers. tem’s woes on the contractual provisions the city with a student. previously negotiated with the teachers’ union, Offered ideas to streamline the process to the United Federation of Teachers. help, and failing that, remove, incompetent College, for example, has already initiated a The fact is our teachers have been without a teachers. similar consortium with a set of men’s prisons Dr. Michelle Fine and there is a consortium of colleges in New continued from page 5 Jersey that aims to work with the women’s pris- The program at BHCF serves as a model for ons in their area. Therefore, the climate seems to P.S. 57 AND ALL THAT BRASS . . . other colleges that are considering develop- be changing, and although progress is slow, it is ing programs with other prison facilities. Bard progress nonetheless.# AND WOODWIND . . . AND STRINGS By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. Principal Soto is eager to track his students When P.S. 57 Principal Israel Soto started trom- and find out how many will continue with their bone lessons after 25 years, having first fallen instruments or with music. The band program is in love with the instrument when he heard three doubling next year and concerts such as this past trombones at a salsa rehearsal in his native Puerto May’s orchestra recital, will undoubtedly con- Rico, it was not just love of music that prompted tinue to grow and attract larger audiences. him to study but love of his job. He saw music Key to the revival was the Y’s generous assis- as a way to encourage the children in his East tance from professional musicians, notably Oskar Harlem school at 115th and 3rd Avenue, not only Espina-Ruiz, a winds teacher and orchestra con- by infusing the arts into the regular program, but ductor, Caroline Chin, a strings teacher, and also by setting an example—performing with Rafi Malkiel, a brass teacher, not to mention the his students. The results? A lot to note musi- school’s own dedicated music teacher, Robert cally and academically. Test scores are up for McDermott. Other Y specialists in dance, the- this once failing school and P.S. 57’s partner, the atre and 3rd grade music also redoubled efforts, 92nd Street Y, through its Educational Outreach visiting the school and giving lessons to the stu- Program, is delighted to bear witness. In just five dents twice a week for two hours each day. The years, Principal Soto reports, attendance is 92 dynamic principal notes that 33 4th, 5th and 6th percent, self esteem high, there are fewer inci- graders who couldn’t even read music a year ago dents, suspensions, and—most significant—the are now rocking away with classical, pop, jazz, number of 4th graders reading at grade level has Latin beats, even rap, which they create, though it jumped from 6.6 percent to 42.4 percent, with must have a “positive message.” Approximately 63.3 percent (up from 36.7 in 2001-2) at grade 55 percent of the students are Latino, 40 percent level or more in math. And Israel Soto has obvi- African American, and the remainder coming ously found a soul mate in another brass player, from various Asian countries—a small world Misty Tolle Pereira, a Juilliard-trained profes- who will come to speak music, a world language. sional French Horn player who is the director of The Y is nearby, part of their community—they the Y’s Education Outreach program. The two of attend events—Cuban music, Peter and the Wolf, them speak enthusiastically about plans for 2006 Young People’s Chorus, Yiddish folk songs. (doubling the band, for example), for the next Also central to the changing dynamic at the few years, and—forever. Says Ms. Pereira with school through music has been the involve- a joyous catch in her voice, “We have a commit- ment of parents in the program. “We’ve made ment to P.S. 57, it is our school.” them artistic partners,” Israel Soto says, they are The Y is in every classroom watching for prog- involved, they even help with the hall decorations ress and talent and when they see it, they offer for the school’s May open house and concert. those students the opportunity to study at the Y How have the children reacted to having a in its School of Arts, Music, Dance and Visual band, chorus, xylophone orchestra (for the 3rd Arts—a gift that has stimulated other students to graders) and almost one on one instruction from compete, the principal adds. the pros? Israel Soto and Misty Pereira sponta- Why even he has been studying there. Indeed, neously do an unrehearsed duet: “Wow!” But the Y chimed in even more when just a year ago the kids themselves should have the last words. the school’s student orchestra looked as though it “Being in a band can make you feel really good might not succeed because students were drop- about yourself and can keep you from being ping out, despite evidence that individually, atten- bored. One day I thought, instead of doing noth- tion to the arts in the school was clearly making a ing, I can do something. That’s when I tried for difference. And they continue to plan and dream. the band. This is the best time of my life.”# 10 SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005 Tips on Teaching Forensics ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: The growing interest in forensics—fueled by will also explore simulated blood typing, blood AN INTERVIEW WITH JAKE KHEEL popular TV crime shows—is giving teachers a spatter analysis, fingerprint analysis, glass analy- new and exciting way to teach basic sciences. sis, luminol detection, and DNA analysis. The By NAZNEEN focus, we try to apply it to the needs of the local Your readers may be interested in a new class- kit includes a detailed teachers curriculum and MALIK area,” says Jake Kheel. room science kit from Ward’s Natural Science enough materials for 30 students. New York City For example, Punta Cana’s natural resources that gives students hands-on experience in a range To help students use their new forensic knowl- is brimming with and coastal location provide graduate students of authentic forensic techniques. Developed with edge to better protect themselves, the kit also natural treasures, of from the University of Miami’s Rosenstein Sgt. Lou Savelli—one of the NYPD’s most deco- includes 30 take-home personal ID kits that which most people School of Marine and Atmospheric Science with rated criminal investigators—the kit uses story allow the students’ parents or guardians to collect are simply unaware. the perfect opportunity to study coral reefs and lines based on actual criminal events that Sgt. fingerprint, DNA and other personal information As urban ecology coastal ecosystems while working directly with Savelli encountered in his career. as a record in the event of an emergency. The carves its own niche the Ecological Foundation to improve the area’s Lessons in the WARD’S Fore forensic kit also provides an ideal opportunity for in academia, organi- drinking water. nsic Detective Lab Activity begin with exam- teachers to engage local law enforcement officers zations like Nurture Columbia University’s program, however, ples of how to properly document a crime scene. to discuss their work and participate in the lab New York’s Nature caters to a slightly different crowd—non-sci- Students can then use their memory and obser- activities. # (NNYN) bring envi- ence majors—and uses Punta Cana as a labora- vational skills to create a composite sketch of Teachers can find out more about the forensic ronmental awareness tory for learning. Students receive basic training a suspect using FACES police software. They kit at http://www.wardsci.com into the forefront of our collective consciousness. in field research and investigation. Renowned mediator, Theodore Kheel, founded Early environmental education may foster an NNYN in 2003 with a gift from artists Christo appreciation for the environment and a desire to and Jean Claude entitling it to funds raised from protect it. Kheel attributes his own passion for New York Aquarium Unveils products and events related to The Gates of the environment to a week long intensive look New York on the condition that all proceeds are environmental issues while in grade school. directed towards environmental issues and not They measured tree sizes in math class and Exhibit Featuring Bathysphere for profit activities. “We created NNYN to be studied nature writing and environmental litera- On June 9, 2005, one of the founding the ongoing steward of that license agreement,” ture in English. “Our school was dedicated to fathers of the Wildlife Conservation says Jake Kheel, Project Director of NNYN and the environment and for that week each course Society (WCS) will be celebrated at great-nephew of Theodore Kheel. was taught thru an environmental lens. It really WCS’s New York Aquarium. The Soon afterward, they approached The City struck me and since then I knew that I wanted to Aquarium will unveil a special new University of New York with a book written get into this field.” he says. exhibit of the Bathysphere used by by David Rosanne on the nature of New York With a graduate degree in environmental William Beebe and Otis Barton in 1934 in hopes of developing it into a course. CUNY management from Cornell University’s Center to establish a new deep-sea diving accepted their proposal and offered the course for the Environment, Kheel began working record for that time. These first two through the School of Professional Studies the closely with Theodore Kheel, in 2003, creating deep-sea explorers ushered in a new era following semester. “The course was extremely NNYN. He admits that he was attracted to his of ocean research and opened the doors well-received,” says Jake Kheel. great-uncle’s solution oriented approach and the for many others to follow. Although NNYN stresses environmental way he viewed the issue of sustainability as a The Bathysphere was developed and awareness in urban environments, and focuses conflict between environmental protection and constructed by Otis Barton in 1929. By on New York City, its efforts are by no means development. “I’ve been converted to conflict 1930, Mr. Barton, Dr. Beebe and his confined within domestic boundaries. Theodore resolution; it rubs off on you the more time you staff were conducting test dives off the Kheel has been an investor in Punta Cana, the spend with Ted,” he jokes. coast of Nonsuch Island near Bermuda. fastest growing development in the Dominican I think the idea of urban ecology is really On August 15, 1934, Beebe and Barton Republic, for the past 35 years. In 2001, Kheel, relevant and becoming popular, says Kheel. descended to a record 3,028 feet. in conjunction with the Punta Cana Ecological NNYN is currently promoting a book, published In addition to breaking depth records, Foundation and Cornell University created in collaboration with National Geographic, Dr. Beebe, as a naturalist, was inter- the Punta Cana Center for Sustainability and entitled Go Wild in NYC. The book is intended ested in observing and cataloging the Biodiversity, a research and education facil- for all ages but works well for grades 4, 5, creatures of the deep. Until the turn ity complete with laboratories, and dormitories and 6 and is accompanied by a website, www. of the century, scientists believed that that can accommodate up to 24 students. It also gowildnyc.org, life could not exist below 500 feet of offers five to ten-week-long research programs The challenge, of course, is to get people’s water—Dr. Beebe showed otherwise— with Harvard University, Columbia University, attention; and that is where NNYN’s relation- bringing back accounts of strange and Stevens Institute of Technology, University of ship with CUNY is most valuable. “CUNY can exotic creatures from his deep-sea explorations— Aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Miami, and Virginia Tech. bring the intellectual firepower of scientists and giant fish, large silvery eels, transparent shrimp, Street in Coney Island. For directions, informa- “Typically the way that the program works,” researchers to the public and forge a connection and many creatures that produced their own tion on public events and programs, and other explains Jake Kheel, “is that a professor will between policy and research.,” He continues, sources of light through what scientists now call Aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or bring a group of students to Punta Cana as “they can do it on a grand scale like that of New the process of bioluminescence. visit their web site at www.nyaquarium.com. For either part of a course or as a stand alone course. York City, and it can then be applied to other Beebe went on to make biological discoveries info on special group rates, call 718-265-3454. Although the programs vary in terms of research cities.”# as the head of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (formerly the New York Zoological Society) Tropical Research Program. From the mountains of Burma, to the jungles of South America, to the White-Line Woodblock deep-sea trench off the coast of Bermuda, Beebe PrintmakingWorkshop observed many natural phenomena and popular- with Diane Lieberman ized them for the general public through twenty- one books and hundreds of magazine articles. # A Wildlife Conservation Society park, the New York Aquarium opens every day of the year at 10 a.m., and closing times vary seasonally. The

���������������������� ������� ���������������������� ������������������������������ This all day Workshop will introduce you to the distinctive method of woodcut ���������������������������� printing, easily learned, using one block ���������������������������������� of wood to produce a multi-colored print. �������������������������������������� Sunday June 5, 2005 from �������������������������������� 11:00 am to 4:30 pm ��������������������������������� at the National Art League ���������������������������������� �������������������������������������� 44-21 Douglaston P’kwy ������������������������������������������ Fee includes enough wood & printmaking paper to complete 4 to 6 projects �������������������������������� For further information please call: �������������������� (718)-969-1128 ������������������������� JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ABC 11 CORPORATE LEADERS IN EDUCATION AN INTERVIEW WITH PETER BONEPARTH, CEO, JONES APPAREL GROUP By NAZNEEN MALIK cated that funneling resources towards teachers 500 dollar stipend for classroom supplies and The response has been wonderful. Troy would be most valuable. He also relates a few equipment. Richards, a Computer Arts teacher at the Global perturbing facts about the challenges facing the “I think that a company of our size has a respon- Enterprise Academy, is among those who will educational system today, and more specifi- sibility to try to do something,” says Boneparth, be receiving a 500 dollar stipend as part of the cally, the difficulties that teachers encounter. “we benefit greatly from the workforce and the Adopt a classroom program. “The people at Research indicates, he says, that over the next talent pool throughout the country, so we have Jones are really interested,” he says, “and they decade the nation will need more than two mil- a vested interest in the educational system. We are coming back and showing us that they want lion teachers; however, nearly fifty percent of need to give something back to that.” to work with the students.” teachers leave their profession within the first Indeed, the Jones Apparel Group, has already Tamasia Johnson, a ninth grader at Global five years. In addition, teachers spend roughly begun. “We wanted to adopt an entire school to Enterprise Academy is excited about the pro- 1,200 dollars, on average, of their own money make a statement locally,” explains Boneparth. gram, especially the internship opportunities. to equip their classrooms. Perusing mission statements of various schools, “I want to be a fashion stylist,” she says with The Jones New York In The Classroom pro- they selected The Global Enterprise Academy, certainty, “and an internship will help.” Ninth gram, offers both monetary support and access housed in Christopher Columbus High School grader, D’ashley Moreira, shares her enthusiasm to human resources to combat these problems. in the Bronx, due to its heavy focus on business and wants an internship to learn more about Jones Apparel Group employees are allotted up related education. “The idea is to build a lasting business. to three hours of paid time off each month to relationship,” he says, “and not only will we “We want to be leaders in this field and we donate their time to communities and schools. continue working with students there, we are want to have other corporations join us,” says Employees in distribution centers and retail also going to be bringing the students out of the Boneparth. “For us the pride of authorship is stores have already begun taking initiative, school to visit places like NYSE.” In addition, less than the pride of leadership. We spent a lot comments Boneparth. From bake sales to face the Jones Apparel Group will also offer intern- of money up front to create an infrastructure that Boneparth (R) rings bell at New York Stock painting, they are starting to raise money in ships. “We want students to have that experi- could support a much bigger program because Exchange as John Thain (L), President of their local communities to give to schools ence so they can apply what they are learning in we want to grow and we want long term vis- the NYSE Foundation looks on and other educational endeavors. In addition, school to the real world,” he adds. ibility for teaching as a profession.”# the Jones Apparel Group has partnered with Poised with gavel in hand, Peter Boneparth, four non-profit organizations who share a President and CEO of Jones Apparel Group, similar vision—a teacher-centered approach Inc, stands in the balcony overlooking the floor to improving education. These organizations of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the include: TeachersCount, Teachers College New commercial capital of the world. At exactly Teacher Academy, Fund for Teachers, and four o’clock, he rings the closing bell, signal- Adopt-A-Classroom. ing the market’s close with the pounding of “We believe that over time we will be able his gavel. to elevate the stature of teaching, and these Earlier in the afternoon, Boneparth organizations will be able to provide tangible announced the launch of Jones New York In resources that will improve teachers’ experi- The Classroom, the first corporate-wide pro- ences,” states Boneparth. Teachers will have gram dedicated to improving the quality of access to grant programs that will enhance education through teacher recruitment, reten- their professional development, and be given tion, and recognition. Education was an issue the support and recognition they deserve so where we thought that we could make a differ- that they can be effective educators. Through Troy Richards, Teacher, with students Tamasia Johnson & D’ashley Moreira ence, says Boneparth, and our research indi- Adopt-A-Classroom, teachers will receive a Model UN-USA: Preparing Students for a Global Society By LIZA YOUNG The Model UN experience has until recently been primarily limited to suburban or private schools. It was through Global Classrooms, part of the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA), however, that dreams of urban middle and high school students to become part of the instrumental force in keeping world order were fostered through extending the Model UN experi- ence to students in urban areas, grades 6-12. Since its earliest roots, the Global Classrooms Model UN has grown tremendously. This year, its sixth year in existence, there are 2,100 student delegates from 150 different schools. Growth of Global Classrooms has been sup- ported by philanthropic efforts, such as Ted Turner’s billion dollar pledge to the UN and recently through the participation of Merrill Lynch with their $7.5 million pledge which will be used to extend Global Classrooms to 15 coun- tries as well as expand the curriculum to focus on global trade, finance and development. Ambassador William Leurs, President of UNA- USA, describes Global Classrooms as an excel- Ted Turner Eddie Bayardelle haps more importantly, make you better human lent opportunity to prepare students for global beings, more caring individuals and more com- civilization. The excitement and dedication of students was Finance and one of this year’s Head Delegates. passionate citizens.” The Ambassador elaborated on the motto of clearly evident at the meeting. With the profes- When the Faculty Advisor at his school left and Ted Turner praised the efforts of the UN Global Classrooms, “Learn, live, lead.” “Learn” sionalism of a seasoned UN delegate, Daniel the program was in danger of being dismantled, throughout history, and believes that the young refers to the experience in the global classroom Spitzer, Model UN Secretary General, made the Wilfredo, took the reigns, and became the pro- generation can face the challenges to come. “All of learning about the world, debating, about opening remarks at the Model UN. His dedica- grams new advisor. of us can make a difference. It may be the moves negotiations, conflict resolution, and about one- tion, as well as that of fellow participants, was Global Classrooms and the Model UN experi- that you make in your life that tip the scales.” self. “Live” is the experience at the Model UN evidenced with words of a guarantee of service ence are instrumental to the moral development And it is through programs, such as Global conference where students develop confidence to the public. of students. As stated by Eddie Bayardelle, First Classrooms, that foster the social, political and and express their views while acting as delegates The value of the Global Classrooms was emphat- Vice President of Merrill Lynch, “The knowl- moral development of children, that there is an of nations around the world. “Lead” refers to a ically clear through the efforts of Wilfredo Diaz, edge and skills that you gain as delegates, in increased chance of realizing this potential.# future of leading people, companies, the world. a senior at School of International Business and addition to preparing you for the future and per- 12 SPECIAL EDUCATION ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005

HELPING CHILDREN BARBARA CORCORAN SPEAKS AT WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS THE NYU CHILD STUDY CENTER

By DIANNE FOUTCH, M.A. The Center offers services for children from By RICHARD KAGAN language-based learning dis- It wasn’t too long ago when a student who infancy to age 18, as well as for their parents, Dyslexia is a learning dis- ability and occurs to people of was identified as having a hearing impairment within four areas: the Melinda Webb School, order that can be overcome. all background and intellec- was automatically relegated to a life of silence. a fully accredited preschool and primary pro- That is the message that tual levels. There is a genetic Hearing testing was basic and hearing aids gram for children with hearing impairments; the Barbara Corcoran, Founder predisposition of acquiring a were bulky and often prescribed in a trial and Audiology Clinic, which provides a full range of and Chairman of the learning disorder from a par- error method. Complicating matters further was services for children under 18, including hearing Corcoran Group, imparted ent who has one. the lack of specialized care and education that and hearing aid evaluation, earmold and hearing at the Adam Katz Memorial Corcoran spoke about feel- focused on improving a child’s hearing and spo- aid fitting, cochlear implant services and ongo- Lecture Series held at the ing lonely and an outcast at ken communication. ing monitoring; the Speech-Language Pathology New York University school because of her learning Today, children who are deaf or hearing Clinic, which serves children who have speech Medical Center recently. disorder, but she compensated impaired can learn to hear and talk with the assis- and language delays resulting from hearing loss; The Adam Katz Lecture by using her mind to imagine tance of advanced technologies, such as hearing and the Parent-Infant Program, which provides Series was created in 2003 and think of great possibili- aids and cochlear implants, and highly trained parents the skills they need to help their hearing- in memory of Adam Katz, ties. Barbara Corcoran was educators and speech-language pathologists at impaired infant develop communication skills. son of NYU Child Study one of 10 children. Her mom oral deaf education facilities like The Center for Eighty percent of the Center’s preschool chil- Center board member Howard Katz. Adam Katz gave each child a label, describing a positive trait. Hearing and Speech in Houston. With those skills dren wear a cochlear implant, a hearing assistive struggled with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Corcoran’s Mom dubbed her the “Imagination comes access to a mainstream, hearing world that device that is surgically placed in the inner ear Disorder (ADHD) and learning difficulties Child” of the family. Feeling frustrated by her was unavailable to past generations of children and connected to an external unit that contains a throughout his life. inability to read well, she sat in class and day- with hearing impairments. tiny receiver, computer and battery. The implant Corcoran’s talk “Brokering Success: The dreamed. Daydreaming became a time where For more than 55 years, The Center for Hearing sends electrical signals directly to the audi- Possibilities Within A Disability” focuses on her Corcoran developed her sense of visualizing, of and Speech in Houston has been working with tory nerve, bypassing the damaged parts of the struggle to cope with dyslexia which affected her creating images and ideas. This later served her children who have hearing impairments, teaching inner ear. The implants, combined with intensive reading and writing skills as a child. well in business. At a business meeting, she could them to listen and speak without the use of sign rehabilitation services, have the potential to help Corcoran, discovered that she had difficulty see a business plan in all its detail, without having language. Each year the Center provides educa- students acquire a high level of spoken commu- reading while in 3rf grade and did not perform to read the numbers. tion, audiology and speech-pathology services to nication and listening skills. well in grammar or high school. She became an Being an outsider as a child led to her becom- more than 1,200 children with mild to profound The US Food and Drug Administration outsider and didn’t fit into the social circles that ing an “innovator” in her career. “You can see hearing loss. approved cochlear implants in children as young one finds while in school. But she did not let this differently,” said Corcoran. It became a great continued on page 14 stop her and went on to become, according to advantage for her in building a business which CNN, one of “the most sought after (real estate) started out with a $1,000 loan from an ex-boy- brokers in New York City, and a nationally known friend in 1973 to become a multi-billion compa- real estate executive.” The Corcoran Group has ny. Corcoran sold the Corcoran Group in 2001 to sales of $5 billion dollars, with 1200 agents NRT, the nation’s premier residential real estate operating in New York City, The Hamptons, and company but retains the title of Chairman, and Palm Beach, Fl. is actively involved in generating publicity with According to NYU’s Child Study Center, many television appearances. approximately 10 to 30 percent of children have Cocoran remembers the day her college teacher some form of learning disorder. Dyslexia is a continued on page 14

Two unique programs empowering students with complex learning disabilities to recognize and optimize their full potential.

A family style boarding school for students grades 6-12 on our 80 acre complex.

A community- based post secondary program focusing Call us today at 618-457-0371 on the to discuss either program. transition to college Visit www.Brehm.org and/or SpringWWinterinte r2005 22005005 OpenOOpenpen House:House: SaturdaySatruday, June March 18 12 for more information. career. OpenSatruday, House Hours: April 9am 9 - 2pm Satruday, April 30 Open House Hours: 9am - 2pm 1245 East Grand Avenue • Carbondale, IL 62901 • www.Brehm.org JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPECIAL EDUCATION 13 THE TENNIS BALLS THAT HELPED DEAF CHILDREN

By E. OXMAN put a headband on Gigi for four months. On one pieces of music, like a Beethoven symphony. You Asta’s bark and growl. Every night for nearly the When you first realize you are having a child side she would have conduction of sound through learn that when you speak to a hearing impaired first six months of her life I sang her name the your imagination runs wild. Mine envisioned all her skull because a small porcelain-like box child, and say something simple like “Quick, zip- same French lullaby while I walked her around sorts of things as I lived nine months with bliss- would receive the sound and on the other side she per up your coat, please” that the child is sifting our dining room table until she fell asleep. ful anticipation. The fact that tennis balls would would have input of sound through a tiny micro- through what you are LIKELY to have said. The Finally, after six months, I changed tunes! At become important to me in raising my first-born phone. Although it was “there,” it was a long child thinks “She said ‘ick, perup your throat of about ten months I sang the unsung lullaby and child never entered my mind. way from the world of peas” and the child is there was no mistaking her reaction: her head The birth of a child is the world’s most nearly Helen Keller or Edison, off to the races trying moved right up, her eyes looked right into mine, miraculous event. Our child’s birth was miracu- who was also hearing to figure out exactly and I immediately understood that she had recog- lously perfect, but with a crooked “t.” They impaired. In fact, Edison what you said. Most nized her old, not heard for a long time, song. It could tell at birth that our daughter was hearing knew about conductive of the kids, through would be a block to build upon. It was a magical impaired by looking into her ear canals. Her loss, and when a famous lots of intervention, moment for us as a family, full of hope and plea- diagnosis would be bilateral atresia; bilateral pianist was playing for become truly adept at sure and joy. meaning both sides are affected, atresia meaning him he actually put his thinking ten words at The biggest challenge has been how to hear in a blockage. Ultimately, her hearing loss would teeth around the piano a time, selecting and school. My attempts to facilitate Gigi’s education be diagnosed as mild. At birth, they whisked her in order to “conduct” processing and putting have been full of ups and downs. I have made away to check her kidneys because children who the sound into his together a sentence that many mistakes where I should have said things are born with ear anomalies can also have kidney middle and inner ears, fits the situation they differently to teachers, or whomever. I also did problems since both organs develop, in utero, at which were intact. This are in. Obviously this many things right. about the same time. explains his love of pro- skill gets much trickier Now we are at the point where Gigi, as a sev- We were told Gigi’s loss should be viewed ducing sound, like the as they go off to school. enth grader in a mainstream school, is writing as deaf. I was crushed but the petite maternity invention of the phono- That is when the hard her science reports about her surgeries, and what nurse waited until the doctors left the room, and graph. work really begins her hearing is all about. I am glad that she under- she knew more. “That little baby is not deaf,” Educating a hearing and keeping track of stands it all. My job now is to keep the path as she said. “You will see. Don’t worry too much.” impaired child takes a your child’s education clear as possible so that her hearing aids work and She would be right. She, this maternity nurse lot of thinking, analyz- is exciting but fraught she can really be included in the classroom as a had the old-fashioned skill of observation down ing, guessing, trusting with issues that are serious participant. Not we scour the city for dead to a science. When the phone rang in my mater- your instincts, advocat- Genevieve with headband covering always unexpected and tennis balls. We take the balls, use a box cutter to nity room, that new little baby exhibited a startle ing in a way that takes her hearing aids deeply new terrain each make a slice in them and then slip them over the reflex. I did not quite know what to think since everyone to a new time. The most impor- bottom of the chair legs. This makes the scraping I was a first time mother and my concerns were level—educators, other parents, but especially tant thing to realize when you have some hurdle sound of the children’s chairs much less loud and bigger than the hospital, at that point. your child and yourself. I would walk Gigi for to clear, such as teaching hearing to a child who it leaves the room free of wall-to-wall carpeting. Still, I had been put on a journey and the jour- hours going over sounds in her ear that I knew has not as much hearing as you have, is to realize Audiologists from the New York City Board of ney would lead us many, many places. she had trouble with because of her audiogram what a gift it is to look at the world from a new Ed told me that they had trouble getting balls for There was the bear Stem test that we did first. that graphed her loss. Sheep in a Shop was a well- perspective, their perspective. I take my hearing the kids, so now it has become a little mission That involved a lot of wires and electrodes read book. It was super fun to find every book I for granted, but could not do so with my daughter for me: I have an old Buick station wagon, and hooked up to a computer and things were graphed could that addressed sounds in language and I and never will be able to do so. I have tried for 13 have been known to show up at tennis clubs in and written up. It did not give us much hope. It even found books that addressed sound in foreign years to hear the world through her ears, and this Westchester and Manhattan begging for bags of looked as if Gigi might be nearly deaf. During languages, such as French, Italian and German. has been an amazing adventure. dead balls. At first I felt pretty awkward, but now a lengthy and intensive search, the name of a After all, I reasoned, if I have to repeat a million My first gift was her response to her world— I feel that it is such a great thing to do. After 9/11 cardiologist kept coming up. Her method was different sounds, if I have to create a sound palate my singing, her father’s guitar playing, our dog, continued on page 14 called “Behavioral Observation Technique.” It over and over, I may as well make it interesting was actually fun, in a complicated way. for myself, and who knows? Maybe she will be Ultimately, Gigi’s loss would be labeled con- a linguist! My role model was the deaf Scottish ductive, meaning it was how she perceived sound percussionist, Evelyn Glennie. Although I believe by virtue of her ear canals and ear drums. There her loss is inner ear, she still uses the sound that NYUNYUCHILDCHILD are many reasons for hearing loss, such as the she feels with her feet and her body to tell her inner ear not working and often those children are where she is in the music. Since I knew there STUDYSTUDYCENTERCENTER candidates for cochlear implants. They hear the was a world to enter here, I did, and began a cor- word in a more electronically reproduced way. respondence with The Royal School for the Deaf Gigi hears more like your Aunt Tillie, who has in England, as well as with the Spencer Tracy 577 First Avenue, 1981 Marcus Avenue, Ste C102 lost hearing as she went past the 80 year mark. Institute in Los Angeles (Tracy’s son was deaf). I New York, NY 10016 Lake Success, NY 11042 Still, your Aunt Tillie grows up with language in found a world of magic surrounded the world of (212) 263-6622 (516) 358-1820 her ear, so her loss will not impede her progress hearing impaired children. With creativity, touch, through toddlerhood and the elementary years. A music, lights, patience and love I would learn such family has to be very vigilant in the face of any a lot. In England, they have tiny tots hold onto Clinical Services provided by expert psychiatrists, kind of skill set back in infants. In our case, we lights that vibrate and light up in time to great psychologists, neurologists and education specialists. Programs include:

����������������������������� ��������������������� o Child and Family Associates �������������������������������������������� ����������������������� o Young Adult Inpatient Program ���������������������������������������� o NYU Summer Program for Kids with ADHD o Family Studies Program o Institute for Learning and Academic Achievement o Tourette’s Disorder Service o Anxiety and Mood Disorders Service ������������������������� o Attention-De cit / Hyperactivity Disorder Service ��������������������������������������������� Educational Outreach Programs and publications teach ������������������������������ parents and educators about normal child development and how to recognize and intervene when a child ���������������������������������������� needs help. In addition to our award-winning web site, AboutOurKids.org, the Child Study Center offers: ��������������������������������� o A monthly Parent Letter (available online) ������������������������������������� o School-based intervention programs o Parenting Workshops ������������������������ o Professional development seminars for educators ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ • www.AboutOurKids.org 14 ABC MODERN LANGUAGES ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005 Hearing Corcoran CHANNEL 13 HOSTS 15TH continued from page 12 continued from page 12 ANNUAL LITERACY CONFERENCE as 12 months old in the late 1990s/early 2000s, read aloud her poem on “Raindrops” in her fresh- and research shows the earlier a child is diag- man creative writing class at St. Thomas Aquinas By GILLIAN GRANOFF workshops on a range of topics from commu- nosed with a hearing impairment and the sooner College. “Maybe I’m not stupid,” Corcoran Channel Thirteen recently hosted the fif- nity outreach, activism and advocacy, curriculum treatment begins, the more successful the treat- thought. She had 23 jobs before she found her teenth Annual Literacy Day Conference. The development, and strategies to expand literacy ment. Because children can receive cochlear niche. She took her thousand dollar loan and conference, with 148 participants, brought services. The sessions featured hands-on work- implants as young as 12 months old, they are able parlayed it into a dream. She stepped out and together adult literacy educators, computer and shops for adult educators on how to utilize the lat- to begin treatment earlier and therefore become “talked triple-time and a half” as she developed technology and community outreach profes- est visual and computer technologies to enhance mainstreamed at a much younger age than ever Corcoran Group into a major force in the NYC sionals, and representatives from New York’s their curriculums. Keith Eisenberger, a represen- before. To help teachers facilitate a hearing- real estate market. Department of Education. The emphasis was tative from Channel Thirteen’s KET affiliate sta- impaired child’s entry into the classroom, The Corcoran’s 11 year old son is also dyslexic. on finding ways to improve curriculum and tion in Kentucky presented a workshop on how Center for Hearing and Speech has collaborated She was diagnosed with dyslexia when her son resources to combat Adult Illiteracy. teachers can use the stations on air broadcasts as with Houston-area school districts to implement was also tested for learning disorders when he The Conference featured a series of engag- an adjunct to classroom instruction. an education/training program for its educators. was in second grade. By then, her company was ing speakers on topics ranging from advocacy Toni Schefflin, Manager of Instructional The program has been very successful and will firmly established as a leader in the city but now in adult literacy to presentations featuring the Television, introduced educators to Channel expand in the coming school year. To learn more she knew there was a name to what she experi- latest innovations in technologies to help facili- Thirteen’s latest innovation. The Video On about The Center for Hearing and Speech, please enced. “Oh, that’s what was wrong,” she said at tate curriculum planning. The day opened with Demand Programs, a project still in develop- visit www.centerhearingandspeech.org # that time. opening remarks from Ronald Thorpe, The Vice ment, that integrates video from a local website Dianne Foutch, M.A., is the Executive As Chief Executive of her company she gave President and Director of Education Channel to help instruct students on a variety of topics Director of The Center for Hearing and Speech tasks she hated to employees who could perform Thirteen/WNET New York. “Since 1990, Adult using downloading video clips. A Workshop in Houston, Texas. them better. Corcoran cites Esther Kaplan as Literacy Day has been our opportunity to bring Encouraging Independent Writers, emphasized being a great administrator who was very good together adult literacy educators and leaders to instruction methods that encourage ESOL stu- with financial matters. Delegating tasks helped share these resources and many others with the dents to correct their own writing. Sessions also Rikers High her focus on creative ideas for marketing strate- network of institutions in the adult basic educa- included basic information on the GED, and Post- continued from page 4 gies. “I still can’t read a financial statement,” tion community and ultimately the students who GED Academy, the collaborative effort of four Corcoran said. are empowered through our efforts.” alternative high schools that help prospective Corcoran has written a best-selling book, Use Participants had the opportunity to attend work- graduates to interview, resume write and filling than to raise awareness to the flawed nature of What You’ve Got And Other Lessons I Learned shops on a range of issues from advocacy to out applications. the prison culture. “Spending more time there, I From My Mother. All proceeds from the hard- action. Speakers spoke of the challenges faced by Elyse Barbell Rudolph, the Executive Director feel very hopeless about the future of these kids. cover and paperback versions go to fund the Adult ESL students, the challenge of sustaining of the Literacy Assistance Center, also spoke pas- I do not know the answer to this riddle. Society specialized needs of dyslexic children.# adult literacy programs in a climate of govern- sionately about the importance of advocacy and at large does not provide any kind of opportuni- ment cutbacks. Channel Thirteen executives pre- perseverance for adult literacy in a challenging ties or outlets. It’s very easy for these guys to sented a sample screening of Channel Thirteen’s political era of government cutback. go back to jail. When they leave, they have a four major adult literacy programs: TV411, GED The conference came on the heels of a rally criminal record. The enticement to sell drugs and Deaf Children continued from page 13 Connection (a biweekly program which includes challenging the proposed 64 percent budget continue with their old life is overpowering and lessons on reading, writing, mathematics, social cuts to adult education. The proposal, called is really a societal issue. It is illuminating and studies and science to help prepare students to “The Workforce Investment Title II,” proposed disheartening.” the Department of Special Services for the hear- pass the new GED), GED en Espanol, and Learn a decrease in spending in adult literacy programs From his mother Diana Griffin-Strauss, a for- ing impaired children was thrown to the wind by to Read (which airs Monday through Friday from $569 million in 2005 to $207 million mer special education teacher, Buhler inherited budget cuts. I have tried hard to keep track of 5:30 to 6 p.m.). Anthony Tassi, Special Assistant in 2007. A workshop gives educators skills to an innate respect for teachers and an implicit the system and now my mission is a simple one: to Mayor Bloomberg, spoke on the Mayor’s increase lobbying and to increase government understanding of the frustration of having a tal- recycle the balls, get them ready, and give them behalf to express appreciation and support to spending, while using local resources to enhance ented student who squanders his potential. After to the city audiologists who need them for all the the adult educators for the important work they community awareness. making the film, Buhler is left with no simple five boroughs. It is great to think that somewhere do and affirmed the Mayor’s commitment to The air of enthusiasm and camaraderie reflect- answers on how to solve the cycle of incarcera- a third grader can hear her times tables better support their effort. Jeanne B. Mullgrave, the ed the deep-rooted commitment and devotion of tion and recidivism. The U.S imprisons a fifth than ever, and may even win a scholarship to Commissioner of the New York City Department these educators to their cause. President and CEO of the world’s prisoners, and 8 out of 10 are Princeton some day to study math. That is the of Youth spoke passionately about the critical of Channel Thirteen Bill Baker echoed Thirteen’s rearrested within a year, although they do not future of our society and to feel in touch with it role of parent involvement in fostering adolescent commitment. “Thirteen Literacy Services are necessarily return to prison. With such a high through my own family adventure gives us a real literacy. She encouraged parents to be involved a major part of what we do in this community. rate of recidivism, Victor Buhler acknowledges sense of what life is truly about—each other. We and support their children in their homework And they are at the heart of what sets this tele- it’s easy to be hopeless about the possibility of have been so fortunate to have all the help we and schools even if they do not understand the vision station apart from others. Broadcasts of imagining a better life for these prisoners through have, even from my doorman who has so kindly material. Afternoon breakout sessions presented GED Connection and GED en Espanol, TV 411, rehabilitation. “Certainly these guys do commit cut open the tennis balls for us. The kids even like and, of course, Learn to Read are crimes; however, our fetish with building prisons the decorative quality that the tennis balls bring among the most important programs has a short term gain but creates a larger problem to their classroom! Now we are looking for the we put on the air. Through online when these guys go to prison and make no real newest, hottest color, but green still seems to be resources, educational newsletters contribution to society.”# all we can find. We are waiting for the day that and resources guides, tutorials and Rikers High debuted at the Tribeca Film the Williams sisters commission a new eye-catch- help lines, and professional devel- Festival and will air at Showtime networks and ing color tennis ball! We will be first on line to opment activities, Thirteen provides France 2. It is a stunning example of how film- pick up those that have lost their bounce on the invaluable resources to the institu- making can generate dialogue on a significant court, but live a different life in the classroom!# tions that serve adult learners.” policy issue. The conference helped to empow- er educators and inspired them to continue to improve adult literacy,  empowered with practical tools to  families to become more effective  communicators become productive and successful and functional member of the community (I’m having trouble getting at what this sentence is trying to say—I don’t know if I can correct Learn Spanish, French, Italian it!). Yvonne Neil, a computer teacher or one of 17 other languages and adult educator was inspired to � bring to the variety of resources and Weekend classes in NYC & New Paltz thing she learned to back her work � Two-week summer sessions as a caseworker in the classroom. “In � Overseas Learning Vacations my room, students come down and � Optional College Credit talk about problems such as housing � LII Book/CD series issues and how to fight on their own  behalf without physical violence. I  learned that I can be my own best 845.257-3500 � [email protected] advocate.” Indeed, this valuable les- For more information, or to RSVP to attend a free trial son is one she hopes to impart to her www.giveusaweekend.com activity call (914) 723-8915 or (800) 315-4387 own students by applying the skills Sponsored by SUNY New Paltz WWW.LEXLRF.ORG she acquired in the conference to her work as a computer teacher and Hippo Family Club is a program of LEX America A 501(c)3 Not-for-Profit Organization caseworker. # JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ BOOK REVIEWS 15

Packed Crowd Hears Book Winners CHILDREN’S BOOKS at Bank Street College Awards JUNE IS THE START OF By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. Award winner began by saying that a motivating SUMMER READING FUN The 33rd annual Irma S. and James H. Black force for him as a writer was a moment-of-truth ! (ISB) Awards for Excellence in Children’s experience he had at 13, when he found himself By SELENE VASQUEZ POETRY: AGES 5 THRU 10 Literature, hosted by Bank Street College of alone in a kayak, nearing a dangerous falls. Soon, PICTURE BOOK: AGES 6 THRU 8 The Book of Fairy Poetry by Michael Hague. Education, reached hilarious heights last month however, the plausibility factor yielded to loud Tadpole’s Promise by Jeanne Willis. Illustrated (Harper Collins, 156 pp., $19.99). Rich and when 2004 ISB winner Mo Willems brought laughter, as the hip and wildly funny storyteller led by Tony Ross (Atheneum, 32pp., $15.95). “She varied poetry of fairies, elves, goblins and other down the house with his acceptance speech. If his suckered audience down a fictional path that was his beautiful rainbow, and he was her shiny fantastical creatures whereby children see and he couldn’t make it as a writer, one guest was paid homage to librarians. The put-on deliciously black pearl.” An amusing tongue-in-cheek tale of a believe in them. Typical of Hague’s beautiful overheard to say, he certainly could make it as a illustrated Ms. Sierra’s criteria for “real” stories. love story between a caterpillar and a tadpole. Ross’ illustrations to portray this enchanting world deep stand-up comic. “Pop culture tells kids they can do anything,” he vibrant pen and ink and watercolor illustrations within a forest like earth. Humor and good cheer were noticeable from the has said in interview, which of course they soon depict the humorous nuances of their affection. FOLK TALES: AGES 5 THRU 10 start when Augusta Souza Kappner, President of realize is a “crock.” By contrast, his own antic Looking for Uncle Louie On The Fourth Of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden by Jane Bank Street College, welcomed everyone, thanked stories turn on “hidden but persuasive” themes July by Kathy Whitehead. Illustrated by Pablo Ray. (CIP, 32 pp., $17.00). A graceful and expres- the benefactors, and reminded the audience of the about “failure,” or not getting it right. The titles Torrecilla. (CIP, 32 pp., $15.95). While await- sive account of the Creation with God’s all seeing “unique selection process” for the IBS awards: alone of some of Willems’s books are worth the ing his uncle, a southern Texan boy enjoys the vision. Exquisite artwork framed in a quilt like, kids themselves make the decision. Keynoter Judy price of admission—Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive splendor of this holiday parade in spanish style, decorative border lends a mystical aura to this Sierra, who has been a puppeteer, storyteller, chil- the Bus!, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, Time to including dancers wearing boots and bandanas version of the Old Testament story.# dren’s librarian, professor of children’s literature, Pee. As for his wry take on life, well, he was raised and a conjunto band playing a “hot like jalap- Selene Vasquez is a media specialist at Orange and an ISB winner, spoke of her own early love of by Dutch immigrants (father a potter, mother a enos” version of the ‘Star Spangled Banner”. Brook Elementary School in Hollywood, Florida. reading and writing, but noted that she particularly corporate attorney) in a house down the street from Digitally enhanced acrylic illustrations in super She is formerly a children’s librarian for the New likes to write for children who, for whatever rea- “a seedy New Orleans blues bar” where storytell- bright colors. York Public Library. son, come to reading late. With them particularly ing demanded being “clear, funny, and succinct” in mind she wrote Wild About Books, illustrated because the audience was usually drunk. by Marc Brown and published by Knopf, one of Knuffle Bunny, a Cautionary Tale (Hyperion), work done with clients is not limited to academics this year’s ISB Honor Books (runners up). “Real” though intended for the very young, doesn’t shy Integrating Ex-Inmates and employment. “We assist formally with educa- books, Ms. Sierra noted, are “fun scary, adventur- away from drama caused by parental ineptitude. continued from page 5 tion, but we assist informally with everything. ous and funny.” “Serendipity also plays a part Elegant looking, with colorful cartoon charac- This encompasses issues ranging from voting to – “books seem to find their readers,” a playful ters superimposed onto lovely black and white \ere available and Rubenstein “loved the work.” socialization.” She recommends jobs in the Human theme of Wild About Books, which tells about a photos shot in the author’s Park Slope Brooklyn Prior to working at College Initiative, she ran the Services field to former prison inmates. In this librarian who drives a bookmobile into a zoo and neighborhood, tells what happens one afternoon college program at Bedford Hills for three years. field, experience is a plus, especially when the ser- inspires the various animals to build a library of when daddy is left in charge of taking his toddler She cites the rewards of working in the field as vices deal with individuals who are being released their own. Other Honor Book Awards went to daughter and the family wash to the laundromat. being many. The students are there voluntarily from correctional facilities. There is unfortunately, Henry and the Kite Dragon by Bruce Edward Somehow Trixie’s beloved stuffed bunny gets lost, and largely are individuals who would not have the explains Ms. Rubenstein, a stigma attached and the Hall, illustrated by William Low and published and when they leave the child tries to let daddy opportunity to attend college outside of the prison way to overcome it is to see people as individuals. by Philomel Books (Penguin), about Asian and know that something is wrong. But she can’t talk, setting and so they come to the program with an She believes that there is the need to “get past the Italian youngsters learning how to get along, and all that comes out is gibberish. When they get eagerness to learn. view of ‘us/them’ because “as long as there’s a to The Firekeeper’s Son, a compelling tale set in home, an unhappy Trixie and a frustrated daddy “There is the sense of excitement, of soak- group excluded, society as a whole suffers.” 19th century Korea about signal systems, written are met by mommy who immediately asks Knuffle ing it up, of being thrilled at the opportunity to Rubenstein has a holistic view of individuals, by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Julie Downing, Bunny. Needless to say, the problem is hap- expand one’s knowledge base and choice,” says believing that “human beings, whether in prison and published by Clarion Books. pily resolved and Trixie says her first two words Rubenstein. She metaphorically describes the or not are always growing, changing and evolv- Mo Willems was then called to receive his award. (guess!). Little ones will be fearfully delighted, experience as lighting a small torch which then ing—it’s just the nature of being human.” Deadpanning his way in, the six-time Emmy grown-ups impressed.# proceeds to light up the entire sky. The biggest challenge regarding the criminal Cheryl Wilkins, a former inmate at Bedford Hills justice system is lack of funding. But Rubenstein who is currently a counselor at College Initiative, closely monitors the possibility of the return of Logos Bookstore’s Recommendations emphatically describes her appreciation for the Pell Grants. A national conference is planned educational program there: “It is a shrine for us.” with a focus on a more organized campaign for By H. Harris Healy, III, President, Logos Bookstore While in prison she completed a B.A. in sociology Pell Grants for correctional facilities. Rubenstein 1575 York Avenue (Between 83rd and and described the program as a great privilege, believes that with the return of Pell Grants, “edu- 84th Sts.), New York, NY 10028 helping to keep her focused on her future. cational programs will return and benefit society (212) 517-7292, Fax (212) 517-7197 Life Principles: At College Initiative, relates Rubenstein, the as a whole.” # WWW.NYCLOGOS.CITYSEARCH.COM Feeling Good By June will be bursting out all over at Logos by Bruce Weinstein, Doing Good Bookstore by the time you will have received your PhD, The Ethics by Bruce Weinstein, copy of the June issue of Education Update. The Guy (Seen on CNN Kill Your TV Reading Group will have already on Saturdays around (Emmis Books, $17.95) met and discussed The Known World by Edward 12:30 P.M.) is a must P. Jones. The two children’s story time programs rreadead d duringuring t thesehese r ratherather m morallyorally a ambiguousmbiguous under the expert direction of Dvorah continue times. Weinstein presents 5 Life Principles: Do every Monday at 3 P.M. for younger children up No Harm, Make Things Better, Respect Others, to 5 years old and at 4: 45 P.M. for older children Be Fair, Be Loving. He discusses how not only 6 years old and up. Dvorah is currently presenting is it virtuous to follow these principles but also The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. practical. To not follow them ultimately is hurt- On Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 7 P.M., Logos ful to oneself. Throughout the book he presents will have an art exhibit and reception for the artist quizzes and questions for the reader to find out Ava Day, whose work has been hailed by noted where he or she is at in terms of the ethics of the critic Anthony Haden-Guest as more interesting in situation and the course of action to take. painting method than the work of Odile Redon and Meanwhile, come shop Logos for Father’s Day, ���������������������������� Rene Magritte. Currently card size reproductions of Graduation cards, books, music and gifts. Also �������������������������������������������������������� Day’s artwork are available for purchase at Logos. come get your summer reading. See you there! �������������������������������������������������� For those who missed the Freud Free Clinics Upcoming Events At Logos and the Life Principle Wednesday, June 1, 2005 at 7 P.M. KYTV Freud’s Free Clinics: ����������� book events, there Reading Group will discuss The Known World Psychoanalysis & are still copies of by Edward P. Jones. �������������������� Social Justice, these books for sale. Monday, June 13, 2005 at 7 P.M., The Sacred ����������������������������������������� 1918-1938 ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� Freud’s Free Clinics: Texts Group led by Richard Curtis of the Richard Psychoanalysis & by Elizabeth Ann Danto, Curtis Literary Agency will discuss the books of Social Justice: 1918- (Columbia University Ruth and First Samuel. ����������������������� 1938 by Elizabeth Press, $29.95) Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 7 P.M., Exhibit Ann Danto, associate and Reception for artist Ava Day. professor at Hunter Every Monday at 3 P.M. Story time for very College and the daughter of Arthur C. Danto, young children (up to 5 years old) and Story time noted academic and literary critic, is a very thor- for older children (6 years and above) at 4:45 ough account of its subject matter and an impor- P.M., all led by Dvorah tant addition to the study of Freud and Vienna and Transit: 4,5, 6 Subway trains to 86th St., M86 Weimar Germany. Bus (86th St.), M79 Bus (79th St.), M31 Life Principles: Feeling Good By Doing Good Bus (York Ave.), M15 Bus (1st & 2nd Aves.) 16 COMMENCEMENTS IN NEW YORK CITY 2005 BANK STREET BARNARD COLLEGE: COLLEGE OF EDUCATION: ANNA QUINDLEN, PRESIDENT KAPPNER AWARDS AUTHOR & JOURNALIST Pulitzer Prize-winning the right thing from fear,” HONORARY DEGREES journalist and author Anna Quindlen said. Bank Street College of Education Bank Street President Augusta Quindlen challenged the Quindlen has been active awarded Honorary Doctorates of Souza Kappner feels that this graduating class at her alma as an alumna of Barnard, Humane Letters to: year’s honorees hold a special mater, Barnard College, to a trustee since 1983 and Wendy Ewald, photographer, place in education today, and are resist the country’s “culture now chair of the Board writer, and educator, travels the making a profound and positive of conformity” and coura- of Trustees. Winner of world working in communities change for future generations of geously embrace their own the Pulitzer in 1992 for such as Labrador, Appalachia, learners. “The work and accom- direction in life instead of commentary, she writes Colombia, India, South Africa, plishments of these honorees,” following the “muddied mes- “The Last Word” column Saudi Arabia, and Holland, teach- she says, “represent the impor- sages of a timid world.” for Newsweek and is the ing photography to children. tance of education and the sup- “You must refuse to be author of four best-selling Partnering her observational skills port of children throughout the cowed by the opinions of oth- novels. In her latest book, and with her students’ imagina- world. Their dedication to human ers,” Quindlen told the 580 Being Perfect, published tions, she encourages them to use rights and literacy through the members of the graduating last month, she shares her cameras to create individual self- President Augusta arts makes our world a more class at the country’s most thoughts on avoiding “the Souza Kappner portraits and portraits of their com- compassionate and meaningful sought-after women’s col- President Judith R. Shapiro perfection trap.” munities, and to articulate their dreams place for children and adults alike.” lege. “The world has changed in President Judith R. Shapiro, and hopes while working with her in visual and The colorful and festive procession marched remarkable ways for women in your lifetime. a cultural anthropologist, urged the gradu- verbal collaboration. Ms. Ewald is the creator of along 112th Street, starting at Bank Street But we still live with the pinched expectations ates to engage those whose views differ from Literacy Through Photography and has received College, crossed Broadway and Amsterdam of a culture of conformity. The greatest differ- their own. “We must be prepared to change numerous awards and recognitions, such as a Avenue, traveled up the steps of the Cathedral of ence is that you have so much more you will our minds as we hear more persuasive argu- Fulbright Fellowship, a MacArthur Fellowship, St. John the Divine, ending inside the Cathedral. be expected to conform to. If you decide at ments well-supported by evidence, and also be several grants from the National Endowment for Once inside, President Kappner presented the some point in your life that your vocation is prepared to hold to those views we continue the Arts, and the Lila Wallace Reader’s Digest doctorates to the honorees, followed by the to raise your own children fulltime, you will to find true and compelling, no matter how Visual Arts Fellowship. conferral of master’s degrees for the graduating surely be criticized by those who think you’re unpopular they may be.” Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director of class. wasting your intellect. And if you decide to Shapiro presented the Barnard Medal, the Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama in Bank Street’s mission, unchanged since its combine fulltime work outside your home with the College’s highest award, to economist Montgomery, Alabama and a Professor of inception in 1916, is to improve the education a family within it, you will be criticized for not Amartya Sen, a Nobel Prize winner, and to Law, New York University School of Law. Mr. of children and their teachers by applying to juggling as well as a circus performer. We live Carla Hayden, past president of the American Stevenson’s work with the poor and people of the educational process all available knowledge in a country that trashes poor women who will Library Association. Sen was honored for his color has been nationally recognized through about learning and growth, and by connecting not leave their children to go out to work, and commitment to “the alleviation of deprivations numerous awards such as National Public teaching and learning meaningfully to the out- trashes well-to-do women who will.” and the reduction of inequalities of all kinds,” Interest Lawyer of the Year, the Thurgood side world. In so doing, we seek to strengthen “Only a principled refusal to be terrorized particularly as they impact women, through Marshall Medal of Justice, the ABA Wisdom not only individuals, but the community as well, by these stingy standards will save you from his transformative research and extraordinary Award for Public Service, the ACLU National including family, school, and the larger society a Frankenstein life made up of others’ outside humanity. Hayden, who has been at the fore- Medal of Liberty, the Reebok Human Rights in which adults and children, in all their diver- expectations grafted together into a poor sem- front of the debate over the USA Patriot Act, Award, the Olaf Palme Prize for International sity, interact and learn. blance of existence. You can’t afford to do that. received the medal as a leading voice in the Human Rights, and the MacArthur Foundation We see in education the opportunity to build a It is what has poisoned our culture, our com- fight to safeguard privacy and guarantee the Fellowship. better society.# munity and our national character. No one does free flow and open exchange of ideas.#

CCNY: OSCAR DE LA RENTA & CITY TECH: JOSEPH H. FLOM EXECUTIVE CARL J. COSENZO The City College of New York (CCNY) con- was Dean of the Law School. New York City College of Technology (City Station and the ongoing reconstruction of the ferred honorary degrees on fashion designer Oscar de la Renta left the Dominican Tech) marked the annual rite of passage for Stillwell Avenue Station in Coney Island and Oscar de la Renta and prominent attorney Republic at age 18 to study painting in Spain. graduating students at its 65th Commencement the Times Square Station, all for the New Joseph H. Flom, Class of 1948, at its 159th Art would lead him to the world of design. Mr. Exercises at Madison Square Garden. President York City Transit Authority. In addition, he is Commencement Exercises. In addition, the City de la Renta, moved to New York in 1963 and is Russell K. Hotzler conferred 1,766 degrees, presently overseeing the construction of Water College President’s Medal for Distinguished now one of the world’s leading fashion design- including 1,063 associate and 703 baccalaureate. Tunnel Number 3; the first phase of the Croton Service was presented to Dr. Lucy Cabrera, ers. Mr. de la Renta serves on the boards of The City Tech alumnus Carl J. Cosenzo, execu- Water Treatment Plant, located in Van Cortland president and chief executive of the Food Bank Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Channel tive vice president and operations manager, Park; and the construction of the new South for New York City, which supplies over 240,000 Thirteen/WNET and several other institutions. Schiavone Construction Company, delivered Ferry Station for the New York City Transit meals a day to disadvantaged New Yorkers. Dr. He received the Doctor of Humane Letters the commencement address. Cosenzo, who Authority. He is presently overseeing projects Gregory H. Williams, CCNY’s President deliv- honorary degree. graduated from the College in 1967 with an in New York with a total value in excess of 1 ered the commencement address. This year’s Joseph Flom (’48) has in his 56 years at associate’s degree in construction technology, billion dollars. graduating class includes approximately 2,500 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom, also received the President’s Award. The Class of 2005 valedictorian was students, of whom approximately 1,500 are built the law firm into one of the largest and “Carl Cosenzo provides a great example Bensonhurst resident Nicole Caruso, 19, who is candidates for bachelor’s degrees. most widely admired in the world. The firm’s of what you can do with a degree from New graduating in only three years with a Bachelor The valedictorian was Amie N. Dave, who commitment to pro bono service is unpar- York City College of Technology, hard work of Science degree in human services and a per- received a Bachelor of Science degree in alleled. Mr. Flom established the Skadden and determination,” said President Hotzler. fect 4.0 grade point average. Of Italian, Cuban, Biomedical Sciences from the Sophie Davis Fellowship Foundation to support young law- “Carl has gone on to manage the affairs of German, Dutch and Cherokee Indian descent, School of Biomedical Education. Ms. Dave yers who want to pursue public interest law. one of the largest construction companies in Caruso is a symbol of the diversity of the stu- will enroll at the New York University School He has also been a generous supporter of the the region and has personally administered dent body at City Tech and The City University of Medicine. Co-Salutatorians were Lev City College Honors Programs and mathemat- over $2 billion in construction contracts. He of New York. Her future plans include earning Sviridov and Erja Vettenranta. Mr. Sviridov, ics education through the Flom and Petrie has never forgotten his City Tech roots, and a master’s degree in education and becoming a Chemistry major, is the first City College Foundations. Mr. Flom received the Doctor of is the founder of the Schiavone Construction an early childhood teacher. graduate to receive a Rhodes Scholarship since Laws honorary degree. Company Scholars Program at City Tech. We “My main problem,” she says, “is having 1939. Ms. Vettenranta, an outstanding scholar- Dr. Lucy Cabrera has served as President of are very proud of him, as we are of all of the too strong a drive for perfection. During my athlete, was a double major in English and the Food Bank for NYC, a network of more graduates in the Class of 2005.” second year at City Tech, for example, I took Spanish. than 1,200 nonprofit community food pro- Carl J. Cosenzo has 38 years of experience 22 credits in one semester, had no free time and Dr. Gregory Williams is the 11th president grams, including soup kitchens and shelters. in the heavy construction industry, with the actually burnt myself out. I’ve since learned to of The City College. Under his leadership, Under Dr. Cabrera’s direction, the Food Bank last 17 of them as an executive at Schiavone pace myself a little better,” she adds, “so that the College has gained increased national has expanded its distribution by approximately Construction Company. During his tenure this semester I’m taking only five classes and recognition. Dr. Williams has published three 700 percent. It regularly conducts research on there, the company has been awarded major have more time for myself.” books including the award-winning “Life on hunger in NYC while playing an active role in contracts for highway, bridge and tunnel con- “I’ve learned to trust myself,” she adds, “so the Color Line: The True Story of a White Boy public policy issues. Dr. Cabrera sits on sev- struction, foundations, sewerage treatment that I can be more patient, more observant, and Who Discovered He Was Black.” Dr. Williams eral Boards, including The Jewish Home and plants, subway construction and deep founda- can listen not for what is just on the surface, holds five degrees, including a J.D. and a Ph.D. Hospital Lifecare System, Citizens Union and tion installations. but for the thoughts and concerns behind the from George Washington University. He came Rutgers University’s Food Policy Institute.# Among his projects were the recently com- spoken words.”# to CCNY from Ohio State University, where he pleted reconstruction of the Atlantic Avenue COMMENCEMENTS IN NEW YORK CITY 2005 17 SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND: AT CUNY HONORS COLLEGE ERICA JONG FIRST GRADUATING CLASS So it has come to this—gradua- I can offer some simple guidelines: tion. I’m so proud of you all today. check the language you hear for clar- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered California/Berkeley, Scripps Research I know the sacrifices you’ve made ity. If it’s not clear, the motivations the keynote address at the first gradua- Institute, UCLA, Duke, Columbia to be here and I know the joy of aren’t either. Murky language means tion ceremony of The City University Teachers College and the University standing up and saying “I did it!” somebody wants to pick your pock- Honors College. The graduating class, of Illinois. For me this is a kind of home- et. Phrases like “Wellness Website” 187 students who would have been Ms. Depasquale, graduated with coming. My first real job, when and “Heart Healthy” mean that your accepted to virtually any top college, a double major in creative writing I was in graduate school, was credit card will soon be punched. chose to enter the new CUNY pro- and journalism. She discovered her teaching at the City University Phrases like “AXIS OF EVIL” and gram that was launched by Chancellor passion for writing during her first (CCNY) and I still remember my “9/11 CHANGED EVERYTHING” Matthew Goldstein in 2001. Honors College seminar. A member of Phi Beta students with great fondness. I’m mean that your draft card may be

Speakers included CUNY Board of Trustees Kappa, she has received four awards for excel- a writer and I’ve spent more than James Kriegsmann the next thing punched. And phras- Chairman Benno C. Schmidt, Jr., Chancellor lence in English, as well as the Bertha and Philip thirty years worshipping the word, es like “the bravest who fell” and Matthew Goldstein, and two Honors College stu- Goodman Short Story Award for her recently putting words in the right order, and trying to “Honor the Fallen” mean that you may soon be dents, Elizabeth Depasquale of Brooklyn College published novella, Innocence, In a Sense. Ms. make sense—which to me means telling the among them. All these phrases are meant to keep and Yosef Ibrahimi of Queens College. Depasquale hopes to become a fiction writer for truth. Telling the truth has never been easy and you from thinking. All these phrases are meant The graduates include Justin Gogel of Hunter young adults and a college professor. has never really gone out of style, but it has got- to instill fuzzy feelings of pride and patriotism College, who spent a year in Beijing, completing Mr. Ibrahimi has been accepted to a number ten harder these days because the language we that prevent clear thinking. Why should anyone a documentary film about political oppression of of top law schools. Born in New York City, speak has been captured by deliberate liars. Who want to keep you from thinking? There are only the Uyghur Muslims of Xinjiang, China, and will he graduated from Queens College with dual are these liars? Advertisers, politicians, movie a couple of possibilities: to pick your pocket, to be commissioned as a U.S. Marine Corps offi- majors in political science and philosophy. stars and other celebrities who all have what they cover up something, or to put your life at risk cer following graduation; Priya Suryanarayanan A member of Phi Beta Kappa, he is a New think are good reasons to say the opposite of what while pretending to protect you. of Queens College, who will travel to Nairobi, York Life Scholar and president of the Queens they mean. I know you can’t predict the future. Nuclear Kenya on a postgraduate fellowship as part of a College Speech and Debate Club. Mr. Ibrahimi Telling the truth has never been harder because Armageddon could come from an American, a World Bank Internship; and Emily Foss of Hunter has studied in Florence, Italy, and interned with our very words have been corrupted. But our Russian, a North Korean, an Israeli, an Iranian College, who studied in Argentina and in Spain, New York City Councilman John Liu, as well as country was founded on the truth that the plain (count the countries) mistake, rather than a sui- where she examined that nation’s health care in the New York State Assembly. He will attend words of the people are more important than the cidal terrorist with a loose nuke. The truth is, system and its relationship to the European Union, Cornell Law School. fancy words of kings… we just don’t know. What we do know is the and wrote her senior thesis on the Arabic influence “These 189 graduates come from all over New I guess I’ve been chosen to talk to you because more materials out there, the more the percent- on Spain’s medieval lyric tradition. York City, and from Russia, China, India, Hong as a writer (I’ve published nineteen books— ages against our survival go up. Think about Members of the first Honors College graduating Kong, and many other countries,” said Chairman poetry, fiction, non-fiction) I’ve never stopped New York in the case of some kind of Chernobyl class majored in subjects ranging from Chinese, Benno C. Schmidt, Jr. “Together, all of you repre- expecting it, never stopped trying my best to happening here. Multiply 9/11 times a million. to engineering, to finance, the arts, the sciences, sent the continuation of the American dream and tell it and never stopped getting mad when it is People die, get radiation poisoning, children die and political science. They have been admitted the power of higher education to change lives.” not told to me. I want you to learn to get mad or get cancer, the stock market tanks, the world to the finest graduate and professional schools, Chancellor Goldstein described the Honors when you are deliberately lied to. That’s one of stops dead, nobody worries about “Deep Throat” including Harvard and Cornell law schools; Weill College as “a bold experiment that has been the main things an education is for—learning to or Martha Stewart or Paris Hilton’s engagement Cornell, SUNY Downstate, SUNY Stony Brook, enormously successful, as well as a symbol of the distinguish between lies and truth. or whether the vote count in Ohio was fudged. Syracuse and Mt. Sinai medical schools; and academic renaissance that has transformed CUNY Why is getting mad at lies so important? GMA and the Today Show are still neck-in-neck, master’s and Ph.D. programs at the University of into a first-choice University.”# Because our survival depends on it, our republic but nobody is watching. Why is nobody focusing depends on it. Our lives depend on it—whether on this? What will it take to get us to focus? As it’s pharmaceutical companies lying about the we used to say in the 60s, what do you do in the side effects of drugs or chemical corporations case of a terrorist with a loose nuke? “Bend over ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY: lying about pollution or politicians lying about and kiss your ass goodbye.”# why our young people are coming home in boxes. Erica Jong was awarded an honorary doctor- AYMOND ELLY We are in danger unless we know the truth and ate from CSI. Excerpts from her speech appear R W. K , the truth depends on words. above. COMMISSIONER, NYPD

Congratulations graduates. I am proud to share St. John’s alumni, myself included, already serv- COOPER UNION: with you the soaring reputation of our alma mater, ing in the NYPD. All of it tells me a lot about which has spread far beyond the confines of New the character of the Class of 2005, about your COLUMNIST FRANK RICH York City, throughout America, and overseas. resilience, about your dedication, about your deep Most of the members of the Class of 2005 began commitment to the Vincentian tradition of service There’s no getting around it. The class of 2005 if the trauma of 9/11 meant anything certain, it their college experience just one week before woven into the fabric of this great institution. You is also the class of 9/11. You entered Cooper was supposed to mark a goodbye to all that. A September 11. When we look back to that terrible are the reason all of New York has something to Union from one world, and are now graduating terrorist attack was the wakeup call that would day, it is hard not to measure New York by what celebrate today. into another world, against the backdrop of a force us to get real, to reorder our priorities and we lost. But when I look at you, the graduates, I In my role as commencement speaker, I’m wounded city that has emerged from shock but is address a world that in our complacency we see only hope and optimism. I think I know why. expected to offer you sage advice. Here it is: stay still in transition. It was an extracurricular educa- had misunderstood. But as many of you have St. John’s Manhattan campus stands no more in New York; the future is under construction tion. We suddenly saw that our world harbored noticed, a funny thing happened on our ren- than three blocks from the site of the most vicious here. terrorists who had in fact been moving in plain dezvous with reality. As nearly four years have and destructive attack on America in history. 129 You, more than most, have learned that duty can sight through America for years. We learned gone by since that day, the fictions that perme- of our alumni perished in the devastation, as did call at any time in unexpected ways, that you may that there were heroes we hadn’t noticed before ate our culture and civic discourse seem to have family members and many others. be called upon to lay self interest aside and serve either, and that they outnumbered the terrorists: become more entrenched than ever. Some of you are native New Yorkers. Others this city, our nation, and the world in ways you the firefighters, police and other emergency It’s not so easy to navigate a real world in come from across America and around the world. never imagined. You more than most are prepared workers. And also the good Samaritans who were which so much fiction masquerades as reality. But on September 11, in one way or another, you because of what you learned here, what you saw not in uniform but were in the towers that day You have it harder than my generation did. We each earned the title “New Yorker for Life.” One here, what you did here. and extended a hand to a stranger nearby, some too entered a real world defined by a controver- hundred and twenty St. John’s students had to be In his inaugural address, President Kennedy of whom paid with their lives. sial war, Vietnam, with no end in sight—taking evacuated from their residences near the World said, “In the long history of the world, only a few But those memories of heroism seem weirdly place in an unfamiliar culture on the other side Trade Center. Yet, shortly thereafter, that facil- generations have been granted the role of defend- distant now. In the years since that shattering of the world. But you enter that world fresher ity at Murray and West Street became one of the ing freedom in its hour of maximum danger.” You day, we’ve all lost a lot of our innocence. We’ve for the task than many of us are, prematurely main respite centers providing comfort and aid to are one of those generations. And it brings to mind learned that prior to the attack almost every wise in the ways of a culture that is always police officers, firefighters, and other emergency something else President Kennedy said when he institution in America had failed in its role as a trying to sell you something, more wary than first responders at the scene. St. John’s students went to Berlin in 1963, “Today in the world of guardian of our country. The failures not only those of us who stumbled into the matrix naïve across the city sprang into action, organizing trips freedom, the proudest boast is ‘Ich ein Berliner.’” include those that have been the subject of so and ill-prepared. You enter with a keen eye for to the local hospitals to donate blood, as well as Four and a half decades later, in our world, today, many investigations—those at the FBI and the the phony. donations of food and socks to recovery workers. after all we have been through together, the proud- CIA and the White House. They also include my We need your talent—your creativity—your St. John’s campus, the most diverse in the city, est boast is “I am a New Yorker.” own institution, if that’s what it can be called— art. Remember, the artistic techniques used in the quickly established a tone of unity to help offset We are proud of our freedom, of our diversity, the news media. In the months before Sept. 11th furtherance of propaganda are kitsch. This is junk any fear and suspicion sewn by the attacks. of our creativity, and of our tolerance. New York many of my colleagues were fixated on shark art, some of it very slick, in the service of telling Significantly, since September 11, over 100 will not be cowed by an act of terrorism, no matter attacks. Before that was Monica Lewinsky, who lies. Great art is the reverse. It also constructs St. John’s alumni have chosen to help defend how horrific. Yes, I am proud to be a New Yorker. became a national obsession while Osama bin fictions—as it must—but it does so to illuminate the world’s most important city in the ranks of Prouder still that the Class of 2005, that all of St. Laden plotted away with little fear of scrutiny the truth, not to cover it up in the service of per- the New York City Police Department, including John’s, stood with New York City shoulder to in the American press. petuating power and the status quo.# members of your class. They will join the 700 shoulder in our darkest hour.# Had everyone been sleeping? Perhaps. But 18 RAUSCHENBERG EXHIBIT: CELEBRATION IN CAJUN COUNTRY EDUCATION UPDATE | JUNEJUNE 20052005

Zydeco Band Dancing during breakfast at Café Des Amis

ZYDECO MUSIC & AMMING WITH AMA JBy HERMAN ROSEN souvenirs are sold.M Called Louisiana Heritage and Zydeco, a foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ music Gifts in Lafayette, it is definitely worth a stop. is an integral part of the culture of Lafayette, Participants include violinists, accordion play- Louisiana. It is considered black, Creole music, ers, and guitarists. Some players are farmers in with French lyrics and comes from a song called this area where rice and sugar cane proliferate. The “Les haricots sont pas sale” or “The snap beans group gradually swells to about 25 in a small room aren’t salty.” Historically, when people talked where about 20 are players who congregate every about “les haricots” music it was slurred in Saturday, while during weekday eves, lessons are their speech to morph into “zydeco.” Musicians given. Most of the players don’t read music; they played during a breakfast recently at Café Des learn by just playing along. The accordion player Amis in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, which bears chooses the song and sings loudly while the musi- the signatures on the doorposts of Tim Zagat as cians all tap their feet in time. well as Rauschenberg. Local art is displayed on Linda Castle lives nearby in Arnaudville, the walls while patrons munch on local delica- Louisiana. Originally from San Francisco in the cies such as spicy crawfish stuffed cornbread, biotechnology field, she has traded the hectic pace fried alligator, various flavored grits, sweet beig- of the big city for jamming with her violin for over nets dusted with powdered sugar and boudin pat- three years. ties (spicy meat). Murphy Smith, age 76 comes to jam from Meanwhile, dancing to the beat, men and women Eunice. Originally an oil worker, he’s been coming are doing a brisk variation of a two-step while here for two years. His first fiddle, made from a musicians play the accordion, guitar (bass and cigar box when he was seven years old, had strings regular), a washboard (frottoir), drums, a triangle made from window screens. He recalls his abject (fer), accompanied by a singer. poverty and how proud he was when his daddy In the afternoon, we go on to a jam session of finally bought him a fiddle for $5. Cajun music. It’s a relaxed place for music lovers As we left, two young men were jamming alone to just drop in and practice, enjoy, brush up on old on the porch: Joshua Richard on leave from the songs, learn new ones and chat in-between. Mama marines was fiddling at a fast pace with fancy Linda Castle Redell has spicy jambalaya on the stove with white finger work while Aaron Chesson accompanied Murphy Smith rice and pork rinds, self-service in the kitchen him on the accordion. They had formed their own while out in front, CDs of Cajun music along with group called The Hadiah Playboys.#

Tub Bass Jam Session (l-r) Joshua Richard & Arron Chesson 19 RAUSCHENBERG EXHIBIT: CELEBRATION IN CAJUN COUNTRY JUNEJUNE 20052005 | EDUCATION UPDATE

A MEMORABLE VISIT TO LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA WITH ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG, CHRISTOPHER RAUSCHENBERG AND ARRYL OTTORF By POLA ROSEN, D Ed.D. up inP painting.” To speak to and see the master artist Pottorf never thought of himself as an artist. Rauschenberg in his hometown of Lafayette, Later he became Rauschenberg’s assistant and Robert Rauschenberg & Christopher Rauschenberg Louisiana alongside his son, sister and friends ultimately developed his own style. A notable amidst an opening of his world famous paint- shared characteristic in all three artists is their of 9-11 while in another part of the museum, Chris underscores the fact that his father was ings, was an extraordinary experience. Add to penchant for collaboration. Bob’s view is that Christopher’s photograph of Pompeii drew me interested in just doing his work, not with the that some spicy gumbo and tasty alligator meat, one idea invites another; Chris was raised to see back into the misty history of the ruin as well goal of becoming an international artist. rhythmic, foot-tapping Zydeco music, primeval art as a team sport; Darryl also generates ideas as a remembrance of my own visit in the past. Reflecting back on his education, Rauschenberg swamp tours with rare roseate spoonbills, and when working with others. Christopher stated his reward as an artist is in recalls Black Mountain College, North Carolina, the southern hospitality of Kay Doré at her The three artists shared insights on how to “people saying they love my work.” Pompeii is as a place of freedom where he found out who 80-acre plantation and you have a vision of deal with criticism. Bob stressed the importance one of his personal favorites. “In general, I don’t he was; a place to milk cows, wash dishes, study Lafayette not readily available to the casual of feeding one’s curiosity and nourishing it have people in the photographs because I want dance and learn Russian. “People did their best visitor. every day while Chris stressed the pragmatic the viewer to come up and be in the picture.” when they were there,” he said. When Chris The stark modernity of the new Paul and Lulu need to find friends and galleries that have work Born in Port Arthur, Texas and coming home stated that his father had found a community Hilliard University Art Museum underscored the similar to yours. from the military to life in Lafayette, how did of people there, Bob laughed and pointed out huge, complex images of Bob Rauschenberg’s As far as pursuing a career in art, Chris said, Rauschenberg make the quantum leap from that Chris was being carried around in a laundry canvases. In fact, Rauschenberg said, “I feel like “Go for what you can do now; use the web or local artist to acclaim that commands worldwide basket at that point so how would he know. my canvases are in a cathedral.” Remembrances technology, for example. He feels his “role as an prices from $100,000 to $1 million? A key event Darryl’s humorous comment on education was of drawing throughout his childhood and seeing artist is to be an antidote to society becoming all was the Biennale that granted credibility but “Stay in school as long as you can. It cuts down Blue Boy at the Huntington Library, made him the same. An artist should bring uniqueness to a on the overhead.” realize that a human being actually made it thus culture and to society.” Rauschenberg now has a home and studio in launching his career as an artist. What is Rauschenberg’s greatest fear? “I Captiva, Florida, a place that for him has a magic Christopher Rauschenberg, son of Robert, had might run out of the world!” that includes yellow butterflies and turtles. a different experience about how he came to be Particularly outstanding in the exhibit was Chris has a photography gallery in Portland, an artist. “As a math and science major, with Party Line 2003 with the red phone booth seem- Oregon where he “thinks with his hands” refer- three parents are artists, I was the black sheep ingly popping out at the viewer. Pottorf’s Face ring to his intuitive placement of objects. “An of my family,” he quipped. “I eventually ended of September 2001 was a moving portrayal artist,” he says, “takes ordinary objects and sees them in unusual ways.” In this memorable exhibit, Herman Mhire, director of the stunning University Art Museum, has presented the works of the triumvirate, father, son and friend, enabling us to transcend the ordinary and enter the visionary world of the artist.# Darryl Pottorf Exhibit runs through September 3rd.

Party Line 2003 by Robert Rauschenberg

Pompeii by Christopher Rauschenberg Face of September 2001 by Darryl Pottorf New York City • JUNE 2005 FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS • 20

HEALTH EFFECTS OF OMEGA-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

By ARTEMIS P. When humans ingest fish or fish oil, the ingest- SIMOPOULOS, M.D. ed EPA and DHA partially replace the omega-6 There are two fami- fatty acids [especially AA] in cell membranes, lies of essential fatty particularly those of platelets, erythrocytes, acids, the omega-6 and neutrophils, monocytes and liver cells. Recent omega-3 polyunsaturat- research suggests that the response to omega-3 ed fatty acids (PUFA). fatty acids may be genotype dependent, since They are essential certain individuals respond more than others. It because human beings is essential to take genetic variation into consid- cannot make them and eration in setting up clinical intervention trials. they must be obtained There is a need to move away from the long-term from the diet. prospective studies, and proceed with genotype On the basis of specific clinical intervention trials. estimates from studies in Paleolithic nutrition Most of the research on the role of omega-3 fatty and modern-day hunter-gatherer populations, it acids in chronic diseases has been carried out in appears that human beings evolved consuming patients with coronary heart disease. Intervention a diet that was much lower in saturated fatty trials have clearly shown that omega-3 fatty acids than is today’s diet. Furthermore, the diet acids have anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, contained small and roughly equal amounts of hypolipidemic and antiarrhythmic properties, and omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA (ratio of 1–2:1) and decrease sudden death and all cause mortality much lower amounts of trans fatty acids than in the secondary prevention of coronary heart does today’s diet. disease and in one study also in the primary The current Western diet is very high in omega- prevention. Omega-3 fatty acids lower c-reactive 6 fatty acids (the ratio of omega-6 to-omega-3 protein (CRP) more so than any other nutrient, fatty acids ranges between 10–30:1) because of which accounts for decreasing the risk for coro- the recommendation to substitute vegetable oils nary heart disease. The decrease in sudden death —corn oil, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed and is most likely due to the antiarrhythmic effects of soybean oil—that are high in omega-6 fatty acids omega-3 fatty acids. Inflammation and cell pro- © J.P. Rini / originally published © in J.P. American Scientist for saturated fats to lower serum cholesterol liferation are at the base of many chronic diseases concentrations. Furthermore, intake of omega-3 and conditions, especially atherosclerosis and Need, the following caption to accompany cartoon: fatty acids is much lower today because of the cancer, but also diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, (copyright symbol) J.P.Rini / originally published in American decrease in fish consumption, and the industrial mental health, and various autoimmune diseases. production of animal feeds rich in grains contain- Individuals carrying genetic variants for these ScientistChristopher Reeve Foundation: Stem Cell Research ing omega-6 fatty acids, leading to production conditions are much more prone to develop them of meat rich in omega-6 and poor in omega-3 because the high omega-6:omega-3 ratio leads to By MICHAEL MANGANIELLO suffering from a myriad of diseases and disabling fatty acids. The same is true for poultry, eggs pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic states. I recently watched 25 chil- conditions. The truth is that we don’t know when and farmed fish. Even cultivated vegetables con- The time has come to return the omega-3 dren, members of a chorus, these cures and interventions will come, but we tain fewer omega-3 fatty acids than do plants in fatty acids into the food supply and decrease ranging in age from 5 to 15 will NEVER know if we do not allow our sci- the wild. In summary, modern agriculture, with the omega-6 intake. There is good scientific singing, “Don’t Forget Us”. entists to explore the possibilities. The truth its emphasis on production, has decreased the evidence from studies on the Paleolithic diet, the They all suffered from juve- is that most Americans, whether Democrat or omega-3 fatty acid content in many foods: green diet of Crete, other traditional diets (Okinawa), nile diabetes. I was attending Republican; Christian, Jew or Muslim; believe that leafy vegetables, animal meats, eggs, and even intervention studies, and finally studies at the a fundraiser for stem cell stem cell research should be allowed to proceed fish, while it has increased the amount of omega- molecular level using transgenic rodents that the research being held by the in an ethical and regulated way. The myth is that 6 fatty acids in foods, leading to high omega-6 physiologic omega-6:omega-3 ratio is 1:1 or 2:1. juvenile diabetes research embryonic stem cell research is somehow anti-life. intake for the first time in the history of human Japan has already recommended a ratio of 2:1. foundation in Los Angeles. The myth is that adult stem cell research holds all beings in many countries around the world. The Industry has moved in the direction of including They were honoring Dana, the wife of my late of the answers. The myth is that our scientists are traditional diet of Crete (Greece) is consistent omega-3 fatty acids in various products starting boss, Christopher Reeve. Dana was receiving the immoral and unethical. The myth is that human with the Paleolithic diet relative to the omega-6: with omega-3 enriched eggs, which are based on JDRF’s “National Caregiver Award,” the same embryonic stem cell research offers false hope. omega-3 ratio. The Lyon Heart Study, which the Ampelistra (Greek) egg as a model obtained award that Nancy Reagan received last year when There is no such thing as false hope. There is only was based on a modified diet of Crete, had an under complete natural conditions and which has she spoke so eloquently and passionately about hope. omega-6:omega-3 ratio of 4:1 resulting in a 70% a ratio of omega-6:omega-3 of 1:1. stem cell research. They played a tape of Mrs. Our nation’s best minds and some of America’s decrease in risk for cardiac death. The higher In the past, industry focused on improvements Reagan from the event last year, and I watched as most trusted citizens have told us that the potential the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in in food production and processing to increase Patty Reagan’s eyes filled with tears as her mother of the human embryonic stem cell is potentially platelet phospholipids, the higher is the death shelf life of the products, whereas now and in the spoke of her father’s battle with Alzheimer’s. unlimited. The National Academy of Science, the rate from cardiovascular disease. As the ratio of future the focus will be on nutritional quality in Dana received the award and spoke passionately National Institutes of Health, Orrin Hatch, Nancy omega-6 PUFA to omega-3 PUFA increases, the product development. This will necessitate the about her love for Chris and about his belief in Reagan, Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox and prevalence of type 2 diabetes also increases. A development of research for the nutritional evalu- the work that Californians were advancing with patients and their caregivers all across this coun- balance between the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty ation of the various food products and educa- the passage of Proposition 71, a ballot initiative try believe that we must move forward with this acids is a more physiologic state in terms of gene tional programs for professionals and the public. that would fund stem cell research with $3 billion important research. My hope, the hope of most expression, eicosanoid metabolism and cytokine The definition of food safety will have to expand dollars. Finally they played a psa that Chris had Americans and the hope of my former boss and production. in order to include nutrient structural changes and recorded just weeks before his death supporting friend, Christopher Reeve was that politicians not Today, more is known about the mechanisms food composition. The dawn of the twenty-first the passage of Prop 71. Chris looked down on the stand in the way of promising cures and interven- and functions of omega-3 fatty acids than other century will enhance the scientific base for prod- entire room with his piercing blue eyes and spoke tions. This nation is at a crossroad. My fervent fatty acids. Research has shown that docosahexa- uct development and expand collaboration among of his belief in the idea that science should not belief is that moderate voices across this nation neoic acid (DHA)—an omega-3 fatty acid found agricultural, nutritional, and medical scientists in be confounded by politics and that politics and and particularly in Congress will prevail. My hope in fish oil—is essential for the development of government, academia and industry. This should ideology must not stand in the way of unfettered is that the United States will take back the mantle the premature infant relative to visual acuity, bring about a greater involvement of nutritionists scientific research. It was emotional evening, one of leadership in the field of medical research and visual function and maturation. In the full term and dieticians in industrial research and develop- filled with sadness, remembrance and hope. in particular embryonic stem cell research and that infant, DHA may influence visual acuity and neu- ment to respond to an ever-increasing consumer I have spent the past five years educating this research will go forward in a regulated and ral pathways associated with the developmental interest in the health attributes of foods. # Congress and the American public about the truths ethical manner. # progression of language acquisition. These find- Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D. is the President of and myths surrounding human embryonic stem Michael Manganiello is Senior Vice President, ings have led to inclusion of DHA and arachi- The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health in cell research. The truth is that embryonic stem Government Relation with the Christopher donic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, in infant Washington, D.C. and author of The Omega Diet cell research offers hope to millions of Americans Reeve Foundation. formula by most countries around the world. (Harper Collins, 1999) JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS 21

red rose?” Lord Byron’s one sentence response MARYMOUNT COLLEGE’S MORTIMER The AssociationThe Association for Women for Women in Science in —“Master saw the water and it blushed”—won Invites you to aScience special screening of first prize in the contest. AliensInvites you toof a special the screening Deep of LEVITT ESSAY WRITING CONTEST Illustrating the time involved in being eco- AliensSpecial Guestof the Speaker Deep nomical, yet powerful with words, Professor And Featured in the Film She began by recalling a hesitation to give Singh related the story of Winston Churchill Special Guest Speaker And Featured in the Film advice to contest winners, but finding a compro- who during World War II wrote a letter to the DR. MAYAColumbia UniversityTOLSTOY mise by providing a list of 10 recommendations President beginning with “I wish I had more Dr. Maya Tolstoy that she feels is key to being an excellent writer. time to write a short letter.” June 10thColumbia atUniversity 7:00pm Among these are “Read everything from George All winners of the contest received certificates June 10th at 7:00pm Loews IMAX Theater at Lincoln Square Orwell to the New York Times” and read from the of achievement as well as generous bonds, spon- BroadwayLoews at IMAX 68th Street, Theater New at LincolnYork, New Square York point of view of the writer; that is, consider how sored by Mr. Levitt, and of course the chance BroadwayRSVP TO:at 68th Dr. Street, Judith New York, Weis New York the writer created the work. to respond to the inspiring words of this charis- [email protected] TO: Dr. Judith Weis Also, Prose advises, be observant and alert matic and philanthropic gentleman.# [email protected] of surroundings. Listen carefully when com- (l-r) Director Lewis Burke Frumkes, municating with others, paying attention to how 2nd Place Winner Mustapha Palmer, something is being said, to the language used. Author Carol Higgins Clark She went on to point out the importance of having the courage to write what you notice. Ms. Prose By LIZA YOUNG emphasized that we keep in mind that there’s Mortimer Levitt is 98 and still inspiring thou- something each of us knows which no one else sands. Not only does Mr. Levitt provide phil- may know. We each have unique experiences and anthropic support to educational institutions, he perspectives and the more this comes out in writ- inspires students and educators alike with his wit ing, the more “valuable and beautiful it will be.” and his passion for living. What was also evident at the awards ceremony Named in his honor, the topic of this year’s was the value of writing powerfully with an Mortimer Levitt Writing Contest of Marymount economy of words. College was a quote from his latest book 96 and Mr. Frumkes indicated that first prize winner, Too Young to Die: “Endless trouble is the price Matthew Lopez, was able to successfully write we must pay for the gift of life, there are no the essay using relatively few words—350 out exceptions.” of a possible 500—but that Matthew had related These words generated essays which were to him that it took him a while to realize the sig- intense and touching, as indicated by Director nificance of Mr. Levitt’s words. The end result Lewis Frumkes at the recent awards ceremony according to Mr. Frumkes was a “stylish and for winners of the contest. Professor Frumkes poetic piece.” explained that he chose not to read any essays Invited guest Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Professor aloud as they are of a personal nature, with Emeritus of International Studies at Marymount many students requesting their essays not be read College, took a few moments to emphasize the aloud. power and also the difficulty of writing some- Guest speaker, Francine Prose, author of eleven thing that gets the point across without any critically acclaimed novels and a finalist for the wasted words. He recalled the story of Lord National Book Award for the novel Blue Angel, Byron who won first place in an essay contest shared her valuable perspectives on writing. whose subject was “Why the color of wine was

Education Update June 2005 Issue P.O. #:

1 5 x 4 ⁄4”

T H E B A N K S T R E E T A P P R O A C H

You know a teacher’s been trained at Bank Street the minute you walk into her classroom.

Bank Street College Graduate School of Education 610 West 112th Street, New York, NY 10025-1898 I N N OVATION IN w w w. b a n k s t re e t . e d u 2 1 2 . 8 7 5 . 4 6 9 8 TEACHING AND LEARNING 5X1322 5/31/05 11:20 AMCOLLEGES Page 1 & GRADUATE SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005

MAYOR BLOOMBERG’S PROPOSED CUNY CAPITAL BUDGET By MATTHEW GOLDSTEIN, CHANCELLOR, CUNY We celebrate further progress in CUNY’s renewal with the announcement by Mayor Bloomberg of the largest community college capital construction program in the history of the University. Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed capital budget will infuse more than $157.4 million in new city funding for new science laboratories, classrooms, research facilities, student computer laboratories and long needed renovations and health and safety improvements. This is in addition to the more than $166 million in reappropriated City No generation funding for a total of $323.9 million. These new funds will be matched by the State better reflects total of a $569 million investment the first large infusion of capital dollars for our community col- leges in more than a decade. The Mayor’s actions offers both two-year and four-year programs. the American Dream will greatly enhance the learning environment on With this support, City and State officials CUNY campuses across the City and send a last- are affirming the ongoing renewal at CUNY. than ours. ing signal of support as we modernize programs Enrollment is at its highest level in thirty years, and services. our colleges are attracting many of the most aca- The Mayor’s initiative, when added to the demically talented faculty and students, and they expanded State capital budget approved by the are winning top awards from our two Rhodes New York State Legislature and the Governor Scholars and our Intel Science winner to our Generation Baruch. in April, provides $1.983 billion in support for faculty Pulitzer Prize and McArthur Foundation CUNY’s senior and community colleges through- genius award winners. We may not look like we’re part of the same out all five boroughs and creates a capital pro- We will further leverage this public support gram that will dwarf any capital program this with a competitive matching strategy that will generation, but while we grew up at different times, University has had in its history. seek private donors and other philanthropic dol- The Mayor’s 2005-06 Executive Budget pro- lars to further scale up our efforts. we come from the same place.We attended a college vides capital funding for Borough of Manhattan We look forward to working with a most sup- Community College, Bronx Community portive City Council to achieve a final budget College, Hostos Community College, LaGuardia that will enable CUNY to continue to offer high whose campus was New York. And we got there via Community College, Kingsborough Community quality educational programs and services. College, Queensborough Community College My thanks to all who worked so tirelessly to the IRT, not the LIE, which was good, because it’s and Medgar Evers College, a senior college that make this historic capital budget a reality.# easier to do your homework hanging on to a subway strap than a steering wheel. We all worked hard, became the first members of our families to graduate from college, and pulled ourselves up by our own bootstraps to achieve success. And if that sounds like Do you the American Dream at work, it is. It’s what brings us remember how together and makes us one generation. exciting learning Now we need your help so that future genera- tions can join Generation Baruch and help keep the can be? dream going.

Above, from left: Max Berger, Class of ’68, Senior Partner, Bernstein, Litowitz, Berger and Grossmann • JoAnn Ryan, Class of ’79, MS ’83, President and CEO, Con Edison Solutions • Alan Liang, Class of ’05, Baruch BBA in Finance, CUNY Honors College • Evelyn Taveras, Class of ’96, Baruch BBA in Marketing Management, Senior Media Planner, Della Femina Rothschild Jeary & Partners Announcing a part-time, Master of Arts in Education program. One summer intensive residency in Vermont per year. For more information on how you can support future generations, -Study at home- please call 212.802.2900. Or visit www.baruch.cuny.edu/bcf/. -Ideal for current teachers- -Students direct their studies-

next residency begins July 11th applications accepted until June 11th

The City University of New York 1-800-906-8312 www.goddard.edu JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS 23 THE TRIUMPH OF TRUTH & JUSTICE: Reflections on Visiting the CCNY SPONSORS TALK BY Extermination Camps: 2005 DR. DEBORAH LIPSTADT By HOWARD MAIER Jews, were exterminated during 1941-1942. Margaret and I have returned from The This was an awesome sight. One could feel By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. March of Living trip to Auschwitz and two the death hidden by the surrounding forest. We Calling her stunning victory in the British other Holocaust extermination camps. Joining heard the vivid testimony from survivor Eddie courts (the case in 2000 plus four appeals in us from the Nassau County Holocaust Center Weinstein, who was at Treblinka for seventeen 2001) over Holocaust denier David Irving were Holocaust survivor Gloria Glantz, her days before he escaped. We all benefited from who had sued her and her British publisher, son Craig, and Holocaust survivors Eddie and Eddie’s testimony that day. For the remainder Penguin Books, UK, for libel for what she Judy Weinstein. Also in Poland for the March of the trip I found myself often in conversation wrote about him in Denying the Holocaust: The of the Living were 21,000 others – many stu- with Eddie, hearing about his time doing forced Growing Assault on Truth and Memory (Free dents and Holocaust survivors from throughout labor, his seventeen months being hidden by Press /MacMillan, 1993) “a significant triumph the United States, Israel and over 65 other the owner of a fish hatchery, his time in the for Truth and History, “Dr. Deborah Lipstadt countries. This was the first time Holocaust Polish Army and his journey post liberation. spoke to an overflow crowd of City College survivors and other adults were invited for Later that day we stopped at the site of the administrators, faculty and alums last month at President Gregory Williams this annual march of teenagers. The inclusion Warsaw ghetto and heard about the ghetto The Sky Club at the Met Life Building about & Dr. Deborah Lipstadt of adults was inspired as a commemoration of uprising. We visited a standing ghetto wall why she felt compelled to write a book on the the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of the and memorials to the uprising. We asked about trial: History on Trial: My Day in Court with innumerable media requests to debate Irving. Holocaust camps. the current Jewish population in Warsaw and David Irving (Ecco/HarperCollins). Irving, a “What’s to debate?” We heard detailed survivor testimony about were saddened to hear that less than 300 Jews not insignificant military historian had chal- A political science and history major at The their horrific experiences, we saw cremato- live there today. Although census numbers are lenged Lipstadt’s assertions (100 words in her City College from which she was graduated in riums, gas chambers and many graves. On not available, it is believed between 5,000 and book) that he was a Hitler apologist (particular- 1969, Phi Beta Kappa, after taking off two years the other hand we were exhilarated by being 10,000 Jews live in Poland. ly evident in his 1977 book, Hitler’s War) and to study at Hebrew University (during the time among thousands of youth carrying Israeli The second morning after minimal sleep, we had falsified facts about the Holocaust when he of the six-day war), Deborah Lipstadt, who was flags and singing songs in Hebrew. went to the Warsaw train station for the four- claimed that it never happened and that argu- brought up in Modern Orthodoxy,went on to get This trip also provided a view of Jewish life hour ride to Auschwitz. On the platform our ments to the contrary were the work of Jewish a Masters and Ph.D. from Brandeis University in Europe prior to the Holocaust. We visited group stood along with hundreds and hundreds conspirators out to make money and generate in Judaic Studies. Now 58 and the director of old Jewish quarters in Warsaw and Krakow. of other people from around the world, many support for international Jewish hegemony. the Rabbi Donald A. Tam Institute for Jewish We saw abandoned synagogues and walked young, carrying flags from their country and The British judge, Charles Grey, who ruled Studies and Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish through old cemeteries where great rabbis and also holding Israeli flags. Adjacent to us was a against Irving spent two hours on the verdict and Holocaust Studies at Emory University in every-day Jews were buried. group from Ecuador and next to them Canadian that held that Irving was not only a Holocaust Atlanta, Georgia, she became an ardent advo- We heard historical talks from our tour leader, teenagers. The first train pulled in, jammed denier but an anti-Semite, a racist, a falsifier of cate of civil rights and of her academic disci- Dr. Bill Shulman, President of the Association with smiling teenagers. When the train stopped history, a Hitler apologist and a liar. pline. “We must use our scholarship to support of Holocaust Organizations, from our Israeli- the teens came to the window, and put out a In effect, Dr. Lipstadt said, she had no choice historical truth. It is our responsibility,” she born bus tour guide, and from our Polish bus sign saying “EITZ HAYIM MOSCOW.” The but to rise to the challenge, though she believes has written and continues to say. “If the history guide. We were also blessed with testimony Ecuadorian group began singing in Hebrew that Irving was surprised by her decision. of the Holocaust isn’t safe, then no history is from survivors throughout the week. and we all joined in, including the Russian He probably thought that because she was a safe.” If she didn’t fight back, Irving’s version Upon arrival in Poland, we boarded our bus teens on the train. We were all overcome with woman, an American, a Jew, she would sim- of history, of the Holocaust, of Dresden, of and immediately drove to Treblinka, a death emotion. ply ignore him. But British libel law puts the Hitler, would stand camp where over 800,000 people, primarily continued on page 33 burden of proof on the defendant: had she not In introducing Dr. Lipstadt, City College fought back, she would have been perceived as President Gregory H. Williams (his 1996 auto- acquiescing in his version of history and also biography, Life on the Color Line, is a stunner), been responsible for his legal costs. She was spoke of the extended “critical victory” that Dr. fortunate, she said, she got a dream team to Lipstadt’s trial has wrought at CCNY—a surge represent her that included Anthony Julius, a of interest in Jewish Studies, the recent visit of legal scholar who is also the author of a book a small contingent of students to Israel (90 per- on T.S. Eliot’s anti-Semitism, Richard Rapton cent of whom were not Jewish), and of his own Donna’s degree took her from and a host of stellar assistants and expert wit- plans for the summer to visit. History on Trial nesses., who studied Irving’s writings and will be out in July. Meanwhile, lest reasonable custodian to teacher of the year. found evidence of misleading research, date people think that Lipstadt’s victory has won the shifts, made up conversations, vague footnote war—this writer offers a personal observation: As an elementary school custodian, references. Feisty, focused, she was never not Type in her name on the Internet. See what convinced of the rightness of the cause, which comes up and who is behind it. As they used to Donna Laverne Williams dreamed of being a was not hers so much as history’s. And survi- scrawl on maps of old about unknown territory, teacher. Earning a UI&U bachelor’s degree— vors’ cause. Their frailty was a prime reason hic sunt dracones—here lie dragons, only here while maintaining a full-time job—helped she held her tongue during the trial and refused they are very real.# her realize her dream. She still works at the same school, but now as an award-winning teacher of children with special needs.

At Union Institute & University, learners and their faculty design individualized undergraduate and graduate distance-learning programs that combine flexibility, social relevance and academic integrity.

Offering: B.A. • B.S. • M.A. M.Ed. • M.F.A. • Ph.D. 24 COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005 “HOW A COWGIRL GOT TO THE SUPREME COURT” By NAZNEEN MALIK O’Connor made the Dean’s List in her first year “I was not seeking a position on the US and decided to major in economics. Supreme Court,” says Justice Sandra Day But it was an undergraduate class at Stanford, O’Connor at a recent lecture at Barnard College. taught by a persuasive professor with legal train- Originally intending to speak about women and ing that inspired O’Connor to pursue a law the law, she instead decided to share her personal degree. She applied to Stanford Law School, story with students, weaving together memories and was accepted as one of five women, at a and experiences like a masterful storyteller, thus time when the school allowed fourth year under- revealing an underlying principle that has gov- graduates to complete a law degree in three years. erned much of her life—the unwillingness to take Today, over fifty percent of law school students no for an answer. are female; however, back then, they represented Although Justice O’Connor is the first woman no more than three percent, nationwide. to be appointed to the United States Supreme Despite her high academic standing and hav- Court in our country’s then 205 year history and ing been editor of the Stanford Law Review, became the first woman majority leader in the O’Connor experienced tremendous difficulty Arizona State Senate, her road to success was obtaining employment. Intrepid firms confident- littered with many obstacles. But O’Connor has ly disclosed their reasons for not hiring women, never been one to shrink away from challenges. and there were no mavericks who wished to After all, her first pet was a bobcat. break precedent and hire a female lawyer. One Growing up on a cattle ranch in the American firm went so far as to offer her a secretarial posi- Southwest in an old adobe house with four tion instead. rooms, and no running water or indoor plumbing, In response, O’Connor took matters into her O’Connor learned self-reliance at an early age. own hands, approached the California district “It [the ranch] was so remote and out of town attorney’s office and negotiated the terms of her that we would go once a week to get groceries, first job—no pay. the mail and to pick up any supplies that were But when her husband was drafted and sent to needed. If anything on the ranch needed to be West Germany as part of the JAG unit, O’Connor built, or repaired, or doctored, or whatever it was, decided to leave her treasured job and accom- it was a place where you had to do it yourself,” pany him. When they returned, firms were still she declares. But she loved it, nonetheless. not hiring women so she opened up a law office It was education, however, that eventually with a colleague. Shortly afterward, O’Connor playedEducation a significantUpdate role in shaping her future gave up her practice to stay home and raise her Education Update aspirations.May 2005 WhenIssue she was ten, O’Connor children. Aware that if she simply stopped work- Junewas sent2004 to live Issue with her grandparents in El ing she would never get another job, O’Connor Paso so that she could attend school. My kept busy. Among other things, she opened up P.O. #: 15325 Photo credit: Diane Bondareff P.O.father #: never 13572 had a chance to go to college, a lawyer referral service and took bankruptcy says O’Connor. Her mother, however, had court appointments to be a trustee in bankruptcy Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (l) and President Judith Shapiro 1 3 briefly2 ⁄4 x taught1 ⁄4 school after graduating from the for smaller estates she could manage from home. 2-1/4University x 1-3/4 of Arizona. Both parents loved to “All of this was fine but I was so busy I needed explains, “but you start at the bottom and you try Reagan and played a central role in her appoint- read and understood the importance of provid- a full-time job so that I could have a little peace to make something of it.” ment to the Supreme Court in 1981. ing their daughter with an education. and quiet in my life,” she chuckles. O’Connor was later appointed to the Arizona “It’s a hard job,” admits O’Connor, “[but] I When she was sixteen, O’Connor enrolled in She was subsequently hired by the Arizona State Senate and became the first female majority always knew that I wanted to work and I wanted Stanford University and recalls being terrified attorney general’s office. “At first they didn’t leader. Ironically, it was the same man who had to work at work worth doing and I have been because all the other students seemed better pre- know what to do with me and sent me out to the offered her the secretarial position in the begin- privileged to have that kind of work.”# pared and knew more than she did. Nevertheless, Arizona state hospital for the mentally ill,” she ning of her career that introduced her to President

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY DIRECTORY ① ②

T THEH E B BANKA N K S TSTREETR E E T A PAPPROACHP R O A C H Please mail to: TLearnake College Directory - Education Update yourhow nextto be 17 Lexington Ave., Box A1207 stepa greatin New York, NY 10010 educationteacher. MAIL THIS COUPON

Bank Street Graduate School Bank Stre e t Name:______610610 WestWest 112th112th St,St, NY,NY, NY 10025 www.bankstreet.edu 212.875.4698 www.bankstreet.edu 2 1 2 . 8 7 5 . 4 6 9 8 Address:______

City:______State:___Zip:______➂ ➃ Phone (incl. area code): ______

I Am Interested In Applying As My Status ❑ Freshman ❑ Transfer ❑ H.S. Student ❑ College Come to Goddard as you are. Student ❑ Day ❑ Evening ❑ Teacher Leave the way you want to be.

1-800-468-4888 Please circle catalogs you wish to receive: www.goddard.edu 1 2 3 4 Open House May 14th- Plainfield, VT PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER June 2005 JUNE 2005 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 25

EDUCATION UPDATE GUEST EDITORIAL IS CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ALIVE AND LEGAL? Mailing Address: 17 Lexington Avenue, A1207 By MARTHA McCARTHY, Ph.D. Columbia have barred corporal punishment, and Amendment, and most claims have not been New York, NY 10010 The use of corporal punishment in public in 10 additional states, more than half of the stu- successful. Email: [email protected] schools attracts strong supporters and even stron- dents are enrolled in school districts that ban this Students who are injured by teachers can www.EducationUpdate.com ger critics—few people are neutral. Surprisingly, form of discipline. States still permitting corporal always bring criminal or civil assault and battery Tel: 212-477-5600 the United States stands almost alone among punishment are disproportionately in the southern suits, which might result in fines and/or impris- Fax: 212-477-5893 industrialized nations in allowing corporal pun- region of the U.S. onment for the teachers or monetary awards PUBLISHER AND EDITOR: ishment in public education. Canada finally The Supreme Court has rendered only one for the victims. Where corporal punishment is joined the mainstream by banning this disciplin- decision on this topic, Ingraham v. Wright banned by state law, school board policy, or Pola Rosen, Ed.D. ary technique in 2004. (1977), holding that the use of corporal pun- even action of a local school council, teachers ADVISORY COUNCIL: Although we have no national prohibition ishment in public schools does not violate can be dismissed for insubordination if they Charlotte K. Frank, Ph.D., Senior VP, on corporal punishment in schools, an increas- Fourteenth Amendment procedural due process repeatedly disregard such prohibitions. And in McGraw-Hill; Augusta S. Kappner, ing number of states and local school districts guarantees or the Eighth Amendment’s prohibi- schools that allow corporal punishment, educa- Ph.D., President, Bank St. College; Alfred have adopted laws or regulations prohibiting its tion against cruel and unusual governmental tors are not required to use it. Teachers who S. Posamentier, Ph.D., Dean, CCNY; use. Since 1970, 28 states and the District of punishment. Recognizing that state remedies elect to corporally punish students should be Adam Sugerman, Publisher; Laurie Tisch are available, the Court reasoned that challenges certain their actions are reasonable and prefer- Sussman, Chair, Center for Arts Education IN THIS ISSUE to excessive corporal punishment should be ably witnessed by another adult. ASSOCIATE EDITORS: handled under state law. There is mounting criticism of corporal punish- But the Ingraham decision did not foreclose ment, and more than 40 organizations, including Heather Rosen, Adam Sugerman, Spotlight on Schools ...... 2-11 a successful challenge to corporal punishment the American Bar Association, the American Rob Wertheimer under the U.S. Constitution. Several federal Psychological Association, and the National GUEST COLUMNISTS: TEACHERS OF THE MONTH . . . . . 6-7 appellate courts have recognized that excessive Education Association, have gone on record Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Matilda corporal punishment can impair public school opposing the use of corporal punishment in Special Education ...... 12, 13 Raffa Cuomo, Jill Levy, Dr. Carol Hankin, students’ Fourteenth Amendment substantive schools. Although this discipline strategy is still Dianne Foutch, Howard Maier, Michael Modern Languages ...... 14 due process protections against arbitrary and widely used in American schools, there has been Manganiello, Martha McCarthy, Ph.D., unreasonable government action if the punish- a steady decline in incidents of corporal punish- Scott Noppe-Brandon, E. Oxman, Randi Books ...... 15 ment shocks the conscience. This standard was ment since the mid-1970s. If its use continues T. Sachs, Assemblyman Steven Sanders, met where a coach knocked a student’s eye to decline, perhaps the U.S. will move more Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD Graduation ...... 16,17 out of its socket with a metal lock and where in line with the policies and practices of other a teacher restrained a student until he lost con- countries.# STAFF WRITERS: Cover Story ...... 18-19 sciousness and fell to the floor. Yet, students Martha McCarthy is the Chancellor’s Professor Jacob Appel, J.D., Stevanne Auerbach, must satisfy a very high standard to substantiate at Indiana University. Medical Update ...... 20 Ph.D., Joan Baum, Ph.D., Dorothy Davis, that corporal punishment violates the Fourteenth Gillian Granoff, Mitchell Levine, Colleges & Grad Schools ...... 21-25 Sybil Maimin, Nazneen Malik, Merri Rosenberg, Liza Young HOMESCHOOLING ...... 26-28 LETTERS INTERNS: Michelle DeSarbo Theater ...... 28 Prison College Programs Unlock the Keys to Kidney Donor Needed Human Potential To the Editor: BOOK REVIEWERS: Children’s Corner ...... 29 To the Editor: My name is Aldo S. Dominguez and you Harris Healy III, Lillian Shapiro, As External Sponsor of Vietnam Veterans of wrote an article on me on December 2003. I am Music, Art & Dance ...... 30,31 Selene Vasquez America Chapter # 682 (Incarcerated) at Powhatan an ESL teacher at the Yonkers Public Schools MEDICAL EDITOR: Calendar of Events ...... 33 Prison, VA, I strongly support programs in educa- and a patient of Dr. Gerald Appel at Columbia Herman Rosen, M.D. tion and spirituality as the humane prevention of Presbyterian Medical Center. I just wanted to MetroBEAT ...... 32 recidivism. The article is excellent! inform you that I received a kidney transplant. MODERN LANGUAGE EDITOR: Dr. W. R. Floyd I was called this year on my birthday, Friday, Adam Sugerman Resource & Reference Guide / Tutors . . .34 Chester, VA February 25, 2005, and on Saturday, February EDITOR-AT-LARGE: 26, 2005 at approximately 4:00AM I went into Steve Bailey An Interview with Arnette Crocker, Principal, surgery. This was the best birthday gift ever! I Young Women’s Leadership School just wanted to thank you and your staff for their MOVIE & THEATER REVIEWS: ERRATA To the Editor: efforts in writing the article about me and getting Jan Aaron Necola Eason, HELP Harbor Director of Client Services, It’s good to see people who haven’t just turned the word out on “Organ Donor Awareness.” and Former NYS First Lady and Founder of Mentoring MUSIC EDITOR: USA co-authored the article “The Glory of Motherʼs Day,” their backs on the inner city and have set up a Aldo S. Dominguez Irving M. Spitz published in the May issue of Education Update. means for those with hidden potential to bring New York Through interviews she conducted with the women it to light. Thank you for showing it is possible POLITICAL COMMENTARY: of HELP Harbor and her own expertise in the issues Stuart Dunn concerning domestic violence, Ms. Eason provided much to set up a continuous conduit that the youth can Debunking the Stereotype of the Female Boxer insight into the everyday struggles some women face, build and have access to. Please continue. To the Editor: ART DIRECTOR: making Motherʼs Day an even more special occasion. Storm Cloud J. Sims How can I become a professional boxer like Neil Schuldiner San Diego, CA you? GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jonmichael Seagroves Jeremy Diamond Olympic Medalist Nadia Comaneci Sunland Park, NM To the Editor: ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: I am a huge fan of Nadia so anything concern- Hospitality Management Excellence at Cornell Martin Lieberman, Manager. ing her life is of great interest to me. Not only University Joanna Leefer, Mitchell Levine, was she one of the greatest athletes of all times To the Editor: Nancy Kontos but also is an admirable person involved in chari- I would like to have more information about the ACCOUNTING MANAGER: table causes. This article shows some of these summer Hospitality program. Nadia Veliz aspects regarding Nadia. Marcia Alves Osmar Edgardo Brazil Education Update is published monthly by Education Update, Inc. All material is copy- Miami, FL righted and may not be printed without express consent of the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Education Update P.O. Box 1588 NY, NY 10159 Subscription: Annual $10. Copyright © 2005 Education Update

EDUCATION UPDATE IS AN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER 26 HOMESCHOOLING ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005 SPONSORED BY

PRODUCT REVIEW: DISCOVER! ASTRONOMY THE MYTH OF By MITCHELL LEVINE ing parents and children. As any home education family in New York is Using the model of a 3D virtual laboratory, TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS probably aware, there is a critical lack of great each of the CDs in the volume offers a differ- By CHRIS KLICKA, and student performance in the classroom. science enrichment available for homeschool- ent chapter in the basics of astronomy: Kepler SENIOR COUNSEL FOR HOME SCHOOL In July 1999, the Thomas Fordham Foundation ers. While much curricula and supplementary and Newton’s laws; the Big Bang; stars, planets LEGAL DEFENSE ASSOCIATION published a study entitled; “Better Teachers, Better material can be easily purchased for subjects and galaxies; the fundamentals of the scientific Most education officials publicly claim that Schools,” a 250 page study edited by Chester Finn like history, writing, math, and language arts, the method, and much more. Each one begins with teachers need special “qualifications” in order to & Marci Kanstoroom, employing data from the complexity of the scientific field and the need for a 30 minute digital video, and a large number be effective. Although this seems reasonable on National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988. hands-on learning seems to have thinned out the of supplementary multimedia tutorials (200 in the surface, such requirements not only violate The study also found that having a degree in edu- herd in that marketplace. all) as an exposition of the core knowledge. The the right of parents to teach their children as guar- cation has no impact on student science test scores EOA Scientific’s Discover! Astronomy thus real heart of the program, however, is in the labs, anteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments, and, in mathematics, having a BA in education fills a critical void. As teachers realized long ago, which allow the user to act as a scientist, and but virtually all academic research documents actually has a statistically negative impact on the science of the cosmos is a unique branch of take samples, perform tests, and analyze and that there is no positive correlation between scores in math! All the studies demonstrate that the sciences for students. By its very nature, it evaluate data for controlled experiments related teacher qualifications (especially teacher certifi- parents’ “hands-on” degree in homeschooling fascinates children and adults alike, and can be to the topics. The experiments can be performed cation requirements) and student performance. their own children is much more effective than used as a basis for the study of a bewildering in many different settings, and parameter tweaks, I have talked with hundreds of school officials spending all that time for a BA in education. number of subjects. By creating an interactive for example, often permit the student to move the who cannot understand how a “mere mother” with Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education environment for the investigation of astronomy whole project to another planet! a high school diploma could possibly teach her Research Institute released a report entitled, A and space science, this software presents an Particularly helpful for home-based learning own children. These officials literally take offense Nationwide Study of Home Education: Family opportunity to exploit those built-in advantages is the fact that all of the text in the series can be that parents would try to teach their children and Characteristics, Legal Matters, and Student in a fun and convenient manner for homeschool- accessed at two different grade levels, 6-7 and 9- actually think that they will do as well as teachers Achievement. The research revealed that there 11, doubling the range of age-appropriate target in the public school who have at least four years was no positive correlation between the state reg- groups. A sophisticated series of tests and quizzes and sometimes seven years of higher education. ulation of homeschools and the home-schooled are included, which are about as comprehensive What is so laughable about this belief in teacher students’ performance. as those bundled with any tutorial academic qualifications by public school authorities are Furthermore, this same study demonstrated software I’ve seen, and provide full performance the statistics which show the appalling decline in that only 13.9 percent of the mothers (who are the feedback to teachers. Best of all, the material has competency among certified public school teach- primary teachers) had ever been certified teach- been directly correlated to the New York State ers and the failure of the teacher colleges. ers. The study found that there was no difference standards, a rare luxury for NYS homeschoolers. One of the most significant studies in this area in students’ total reading, total math, and total Although I wasn’t able to trial them, EOA was performed by Dr. Eric Hanushek of the language scores based on the teacher certifica- Scientific makes a number of other science pack- University of Rochester, who surveyed the results tion status of their parents: Whether the home- ages available, like Discover! Geology, Discover! of 113 studies on the impact of teachers’ quali- school parent had a teaching certificate, a college Weather, and Discover! Oceans. Based on what fications on their students’ academic achieve- degree, or a high school diploma or less, did not I have seen, though, I would be hard-pressed to ment. Eighty-five percent of the studies found make any difference — all their children scored, believe that they were any less carefully planned, no positive correlation between the educational on the average, in the 80th percentile. This study thoroughly researched, and masterfully presented performance of the students and the teacher’s has been confirmed by two other studies of the to meet the needs of homeschoolers as this prod- educational background. Although 7 percent of qualifications of homeschool parents. uct so clearly is. the studies did find a positive correlation, 5 per- The trend in state legislatures across the coun- For more information, consult the manufactur- cent found a negative impact. try indicates an abandonment of teacher quali- er’s site at www.scienceschoolhouse.com.# Two education researchers, R. W. Heath and M. fication requirements for homeschool teachers. A. Nielson surveyed forty two studies of “com- In fact, Americans, in general, are realizing that petency-based” teacher education. Their findings the necessity of teacher qualifications is a myth. were that no empirical evidence exists to estab- The teachers’ unions and other members of the lish a positive relation between those programs educational establishment make up the small and student achievement. Four other education minority still lobbying for teacher certification researchers, L. D. Freeman, R. E. Flodan, R. in order to protect their disintegrating monopoly Howsan, and D. C. Corrigan, did separate stud- on education.# ies in the effectiveness of teacher certification This article appears courtesy of the Homeschool requirements. They all concluded that there is no Legal Defense Fund, www.hslda.org significant relation between teacher certification www. E Online Homeschooling Coverage Homeschooling Online DUCATION U PDATE at: .com/homeschooling JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ HOMESCHOOLING 27 SPONSORED BY

PRODUCT REVIEW: Putting Homeschooling Programs VISIONWORK READPHONICS By MITCHELL LEVINE can be developed and demonstrated with preci- to the Test Before You Invest Over the several years we’ve focused on home- sion on the part of a home-based educator. By MITCHELL LEVINE four main components of a provider’s offerings schooling in New York, I’ve noticed from our An interesting component of this process lays Finding a homeschool curriculum that match- when choosing a homeschool curriculum. reader feedback that the #1 issue discussed in the in the essay topic question provided at these es the needs of you and your child is one of The first step in a child’s academic experience responses has been reading pedagogy. Although junctions. Actual literary themes are introduced the most difficult and important decisions a should be appropriate placement in grade. The we’ve certainly spotlighted some excellent pro- in inquiries created by professors of English homeschool family makes. It isn’t easy. There’s ideal placement assessment takes into account grams, many of which have been phonics-based, literature, which first require single paragraph a great deal of good information about home- how your child arrived at answers in order to few of them seem to have been truly compre- responses and then gradually expanding to full schooling available from friends, neighbors, evaluate both concept knowledge as well as his hensive enough to allay the uncomfortability of five paragraph essays. Having looked at the essay relatives, other homeschoolers, and the Internet. ability to apply those skills. Because they offer parents with the teaching of reading. Thankfully, questions included with A Tale of Two Cities, However, knowing what to look for will help details about a child’s writing mechanics, vocab- Visionwork Education has stepped up to the plate I do have to remark that I felt they were rather you find a program that is right for your family ulary and spelling levels, sentence structure, with a truly integrated CD-based software tutorial challenging for the targeted age group, but not and child. content, and organization skills, evaluations of program, ReadPhonics. so much so that they’d be too difficult for the A homeschooling program is a lot like a pair writing samples are important. Probably the most significant element of the average homeschooling family. Visionwork Co. of shoes: It has to fit well to be comfortable and A good curriculum will draw material from system is the 77 volume set of literary clas- makes trained analysts available to evaluate stu- effective day after day. If you start off with a a variety of sources, incorporate opportunities sics appearing in the software, including Sense dent essays available through an online program, good program, you can tailor it with confidence. for practice to improve written and oral commu- and Sensibilities, Through the Looking Glass, as well as, for those that can take advantage of it, Careful evaluation is critical to success, say nication, and help your child to learn, analyze, and The Wind in the Willows. Divided into four a premium phone-based tutoring service. experts. “You want appropriate, academically and interpret information, not simply memo- levels, and segregated by grade, the books form For a package that names itself after phonics, challenging lessons that inspire your child to do rize facts. An integrated curriculum allows the foundation of the entire course. After choos- an unusual amount of attention is paid to vocabu- his best,” says Jean C. Halle, president of Calvert the student to write about all subjects, to think ing one to read, based on interest, the student lary development. Most noticeably, the Challenge School Education Services, based in Baltimore, mathematically about subjects other than math, receives an extensive series of tests and quizzes Words feature integrates an on-screen version Md. The company is the homeschooling pro- compare and contrast geographical statistics measuring their mastery of vocabulary, reading of the American Heritage Dictionary, accessed vider arm of Calvert School, which in 1906 history facts, and to review and obtain valuable comprehension, and writing at the end of every through links the reader clicks on if they can’t started to offer its private school curriculum to reinforcement of concepts taught. chapter. Through repetition, and access to the understand a particular word. The software keeps families who wanted to teach at home. Today, Lesson manuals should provide good detail, ReadPhonics Word Puzzle, complete expertise a record of those items, and tests the student Calvert enrolls 17,000 students each year in its including lessons that introduce topics, explain on them contextually. A “parent’s checkpoint prekindergarten through eighth grade programs. concepts, coordinate subjects with each other, feature” allows remote monitoring of this, and Calvert School receives thousands of calls each and suggest added practice and enrichment. Knowing if your child is learning is important. numerous other points, from any computer con- year from families investigating whether the At the appropriate age, the manual should be A good program will include tests, which evalu- nected to the Net. school’s complete classical curriculum is right directed to the student, and the role of the home ate both content mastery and skill development. In the mind’s of some parents, however, the for them. “We put a lot of time into helping teacher should turn to more of an advisory role. The availability of tests with answer keys can be program’s greatest strength might also be its families select what’s right for them, based If the provider offers answer keys for all daily helpful. If you have difficulty evaluating your weakness: the question presents itself, “Will on the students’ competencies.” says Halle. work, parents can confirm their child’s per- child’s composition and other subjective work, children want to read the books included with the “Sometimes student is placed ahead or below formance. Educational professionals, who can you should look for a provider that offers testing system?” Of course, that will vary with the child. his age grade level. In math, for example, he may offer strategies for teaching children with all support in these areas. Another key to success Given the broad extent and excellent selection of be placed at a different level than the balance of learning styles, should be available by phone, is evaluating the provider’s materials. “Take the included literature, a child inclined to read his studies.” “It’s critical that the curriculum be fax, or email, to answer any questions you may time to review sample lessons, if offered by the – or even one that hasn’t yet caught the bug – will well suited to that child’s needs in order for him have and offer suggestions for accelerated or provider, to be sure that the curriculum delivers certainly find something of interest. or her to be successful.” Parents should explore remedial work. as promised,” says Halle. “Your family is mak- Unfortunately, there are many more features ing a commitment for the entire school year, so than I have room to cover. Home educators the time you invest in evaluating your options is should log onto www.visionworkco.com for fur- well spent.”# ther information and online ordering.

THE WRITESHOP INCREMENTAL WRITING PROGRAM: Intended for students from grades seven through ten, this composition curriculum for junior high and high school students is much like the flip side of Elliot’s Basic English Skills and Basic Grammar. Instead of concentrating on the fundamentals of grammar and punctuation, the WriteShop curricula deals carefully with the elements of narrative and expository writing. Developed by two homeschooling moms over several years of teaching practice, the lessons begin with the essentials of description, and progress through topics like paragraph struc- ture, style, narrative and persuasive writing, and essay formats. Between the two semester components of the program, WriteShop I and WriteShop II, parents can expect lesson plans encompassing about two year of unit studies for the average student. The lesson plans generally revolve �������� around the actual composition of a writ- ten piece selected to highlight the spe- ���������� cific topic or topics being addressed in the unit. Typically, this involves brainstorm- ing, an organized process of revision, sev- eral rewrites, and a final evaluation over several days of instruction. While thorough and complete, WriteShop is not to be embarked on without a serious ����� commitment on the part of both students and parents. Extensive amounts of time spent writing, editing and rewriting can be anticipated, and a great deal of mutual ���������� participation on the part of a parent/ instructor is necessary as well. However, for the homeschooling family willing to ������� invest the prerequisite hours and effort, profound levels of improvement in all types of writing can be expected. ��� Although WriteShop is more expensive than the average homeschooling curricula, for any parent looking to vastly improve their child’s expertise in a skill set increas- ingly important in college placement and ��������� the job market, it’s probably the best avail- able today. For more information, log onto ������������ www.writeshop.com.# SPONSORED BY 28 HOMESCHOOLING ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005

������������������������������������������

�������������������������� � ��������������� � ������������� ���������������� ���������������� ���������������� ������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ���� � ��������� � ������������� � ������� � ������������� � ����� � ��������� � ������������������� � ������������������� ��������� ���� ���� ���������� ����� �������� �������������������������������������������� ������ ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ��������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������� ������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������� �� � ����� � ��������������� � ������� �� ���������������� � ����� �� ������������������ �� �������������������� ������������������������ �������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������� ��������������� ���������������������������������������� ������������ ��������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������ ������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ �������������������� ������ ������������������������ �������������� ������������������������ ���������� ������������������ � ��������������� � ��������������������� � ��������������� � ��������������� �� ������ ����������������� ���������������������� ����������� ������� ����������������������������������������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������

WRITE.Complete Language Arts Study SystemsREAD. for Home Education SUCCEED. Materials Available for Grades 1 through 12

Developed under the direction of Dr. Juliette Wells Mention This Ad (Ph.D., Yale University), ReadPhonics 2005™ is For A 10% Discount! the CD-ROM-based Language Arts Study System designed to help students Write, Read, and Suc- ceed. Far more than a set of electronic books—it is a complete guided-study program that cannot be replicated in print. Special features, such as the • 77 Classic Works “Click-to-Defi ne” dictionary, provide students with of Literature a faster and easier way to read eff ectively. • Over 30,000 Study Questions Comprehension reviews, vocabulary quizzes, and essay writing topics are just some of the many • Online Checkpoints for features that systematically improve both read- Teachers and Parents ing and writing skills. ReadPhonics 2005™ opens • Personalized Study up worlds of opportunity for students across the Programs spectrum, allowing you to help struggling students succeed and superior students excel. • Fully-Integrated American Heritage® Student Dictionary 1.800.READ.055 School & Academy www.VisionWorkCo.com Versions Also Available JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ CHILDREN’S CORNER 29

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT’S SEAT FROM THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN Easing the Diploma Dilemma Q & A WITH DR. CHRISTINA By DR. CAROLE G. they felt as an all-know- HANKIN WITH ing high school senior. COLON ABOUT SEEDS 2 RANDI T. SACHS However, with that June is certainly a magi- diploma in hand, there URRICULA LANT DAPTATIONS cal time of year. High school is an inescapable truth C : P A graduation brings excite- you must contend with. Teachers use the curricu- ment to many households. Ready or not, your child lum in the classroom as well It can also be a time when is now an “adult.” How as in the Everett Children’s parents and children clash do you expect your Adventure Garden. Classroom about expectations. Call it the graduate to take his materials include a com- “diploma dilemma.” or her place as a new prehensive teacher’s guide, Each graduation is a two- adult in your family? reproducible worksheets, a fold event of endings and What changes does your class set of hand-lenses, beans beginnings. Students graduate graduate expect you to for planting and measuring school after reaching the top. make? real seeds and fruits from As someone who has been to To avoid this diploma local plants to observe, and countless graduations, I can dilemma we suggest you non-fiction books. The unit tell you they are all special. (all parents involved) includes two class trips to the Each child is dressed identically in cap and discuss the situation privately before broaching Everett Children’s Adventure gown, and it’s hard even for parents to tell the subject with your graduate. Do you expect Garden where students experi- them apart. One by one they walk across the your son or daughter to earn income during the ence what they’ve been study- stage, receive their diploma, shake hands, and summer and/or during college? Will there be ing and practice their science emerge with a huge grin. Every one of them is any changes in house rules such as curfews, skills in a natural setting. The the same…until they call your child’s name. use of the car, overnight or late-night visitors, unit includes a full-day teach- Once you’ve identified your offspring and see help with household responsibilities and/or er training session as well as them grasp that diploma, it’s the rare parent expenses? When you are in agreement, it is Garden Adventure SEEDS: Science Exploration a teacher pre-trip pass to the who doesn’t get a lump in the throat and a tear then time to have a calm discussion with your and Education Discovery Series, is a unique class- Garden. Teachers can earn six units of new or two in the eye. It’s been a long time coming, new high school graduate. room curriculum developed by The New York teacher credits by participating in the spring, even though it feels as though kindergarten Inevitably, your graduate will have some Botanical Garden to educate children about science summer, or fall training session. was just yesterday. Your child is on top of the expectations of his or her own. Now is the time and improve their math and literacy skills. The world. Their next step, though, is again at the to listen and to clear up all misunderstandings. program launched in 2003 with SEEDS I, a unit on For whom is this unit appropriate? bottom rung. Consider the high school gradu- If you discover that your expectations are at plant parts for kindergarten and first grade. All children in grades 2–3 will benefit from ate. This year, they’ve been at the top of their opposite ends of the spectrum, you may have What’s new about SEEDS 2? SEEDS 2; even teachers of older students also school, seniors, with all the perks that go with to work through several negotiating sessions. The many ways that plants adapt to their find it appropriate and useful. Teachers who this elevated status. After the summer they’ll Just don’t lose sight of your goal: to establish a environment is the focus of SEEDS 2 which have ESL students or who teach children with be freshmen again. They will probably have code of behavior that reflects your new accep- was designed for grades 2–3. The most exciting special learning challenges have found SEEDS more freedom and more responsibility than tance of your graduate as an adult member of and innovative element of this new curriculum extremely helpful because it uses so many dif- they’ve ever had in their lives, yet their status your family and gives your graduate the confi- is that it teaches adaptations using plants as the ferent approaches to teaching these concepts. as freshmen may put a little hesitation in their dence he or she will need to face the challenges main focus. This is significant because many The curriculum is flexible and can be adapted step until they’ve won back the confidence of operating in the “real world.”# children only learn about adaptations as they to accommodate many learning styles. # pertain to animals, but plant adaptations are SEEDS 2: Plant Adaptations will launch just as exciting and easier to observe. Another Thursday, June 16th. A reception will be held MOVIE REVIEW significant aspect of this curriculum is that it in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden teaches about local plants and their adaptations from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Principals, adminis- to local conditions such as the change of season. trators, science cluster teachers and 2nd and Entrancing Dancing: Mad Hot Ballroom This is innovative because it allows students to 3rd grade classroom teachers from the New Complete Language Arts Study Systems for Home Education apply what they learn in a classroom directly to York metropolitan area will be attending to WRITE. READ. SUCCEED. PHILLY’S MUSICAL KIDS ROCK SCHOOL their everyday lives. For example, one area of learn about this important curriculum unit. To Materials Available for Grades 1 through 12 investigation is how temperate plants are able reserve a spot for the June 16th reception call By JAN AARON advantages (97 per- to adapt to the changing seasons, while wetland 718.817.8175. To learn more about the SEEDS Peppy and pleasing cent of the school’s plants are able to thrive in and around ponds. curricula visit www.nybg.org/chil_edu/ecag. Mad Hot Ballroom is families are at pov- New York is in the middle of a temperate zone html# Developed under the direction of Dr. Juliette Wells a documentary covering erty level or below), and is surrounded by vast wetlands so the les- Dr. Christina Colón is the Curator of Mention This Ad (Ph.D., Yale University), ReadPhonics 2005™ is tweenagers in a New but have all the sons learned have immediate relevance. Curriculum Development and Evaluation at the CD-ROM-based Language Arts Study System York citywide ballroom moves. At 112 in The New York Botanical Garden and creator of For A 10% Discount! contest and the devoted Bensonhurst, kids What do teachers and students like about the SEEDS curricula. designed to help students Write, Read, and Suc- adults who guide them seem not only inter- SEEDS? there. It provides insight ested in winning the Teachers like the hands-on, inquiry activities ceed. Far more than a set of electronic books—it into American Ballroom trophy, but in hav- because they are an excellent educational tool is a complete guided-study program that cannot Theater’s (AbrT’s) ing fun as coached by and they get students excited about the natural be replicated in print. Special features, such as the • 77 Classic Works Dancing Classrooms, Victoria Malvagno. world. At the same time, they are learning valu- currently offering Here, Taha Natab’s able science skills and behaviors like how to Preschool “Click-to-Define” dictionary, provide students with of Literature instruction in dance at Islamic sect prohibits make observations and record them, and excit- a faster and easier way to read effectively. over 60 of the city’s dancing, but he par- ing information such as how plants grow, and (212) 229-9340 • Over 30,000 public schools. First ticipates as the disc what resources they need to survive. 247 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011 Study Questions time feature filmmak- jockey. Comprehension reviews, vocabulary quizzes, and ers Marilyn Agrelo and The picture also How does a teacher use SEEDS? New Two’s Class Amy Sewell focus on Provided by Paramount Classics Photo By: Claudia Raschke-Robinson” allows kids to be starting September 2005 essay writing topics are just some of the many • Online Checkpoints for three schools also pro- frank about what they Applications Accepted 2005/06 features that systematically improve both read- Teachers and Parents files the rich cultural diversity in New York’s think, how important their teachers are, and how classrooms. they plan to succeed. The winning team, being Interested in Call Jennifer Denza for tour. ing and writing skills. ReadPhonics 2005™ opens • Personalized Study The program is about the making of “little one of the depicted schools, provides a happy International up worlds of opportunity for students across the ladies and gentlemen” to quote the emotion- ending. (102 mns. PG-13) •Open year round, 8 am—6 pm daily Programs ally involved teacher Allison Sheniak of PS Another irresistible not-to-be- missed docu- Adoption? •Ages 2 to 5 years spectrum, allowing you to help struggling students 150 in Tribeca. But it’s more than that. It shows mentary Rock School spotlights Paul Green, who the surprising charm and grace that develops runs the vibrant, tough-love Paul Green School •On site private and secure play- succeed and superior students excel. • Fully-Integrated Infants and tod- between 10 -and 11-year old boys and girls who of Rock Music in Philadelphia. Portraying the ground •Flexible hours and days dlers are available American Heritage® amaze themselves while learning dances rang- memorable Green as well as his students from •School tours by appointment only Student Dictionary ing from merengue and rumba to foxtrot, tango, ages 9 to 17, this is a place for serious learning singles and couples. and swing. with seriously talented kids. They study, prac- Programs include children from China, 1.800.READ.055 Perpetually patient dance coach Alex Tchassov, tice, rehearse for gigs, and ultimately play at the Korea, Russia, Cambodia, the Ukraine and Licensed by NY City guides the Tribeca group, one of them, totally famous Zappanale in Germany where they win others. For more information call Lisa Doyle Department of Health School & Academy caught up: Tara Devon Gallagher rehearses in accolades. Late in the picture, Green a husband Established 1993 front of her mirror at home. Teacher Yomaira and proud parent, recalls his own brief career as at 212-570-3793 days. It’s never too late to www.VisionWorkCo.com Versions Also Available Reynoso’s group at P.S. 115 in Washington a rocker which adds poignancy to his project. build a family. Heights, coached by Rodney Lopez, has fewer (93 mns. R).# 30 MUSIC, ART & DANCE ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005

NATIONAL DISNEY TEACHER AWARDS ANNOUNCED Executive Director of the Lincoln

45 Honorees Chosen from More Than 50,000 Nominated Teachers for Successful, Creative Classroom Center Institute Shares Insights Strategies By SCOTT NOPPE-BRANDON Disney heroes have been capturing children’s hearts for generations, but the newest Disney heroes finale, with that happy-sad feeling one reserves are reaching them in ways that Cinderella or Aladdin never could. Forty-five teachers from across For this column, for departing old friends and good TV cliff- the country have been chosen from more than 50,000 nominations to receive the 2005 Disney Teacher I thought I’d stray hangers. However, the show did not end with Award in celebration of their creativity, innovative teaching methods, and ability to inspire their a litle bit from my Dr. Carter’s leaving: it ended with a ten-year students. usual concerns, old boy named Alex, son of a nurse, running The Disney Honorees push beyond the limitations of the traditional blackboard-and-textbook style of teaching. For example, California Honoree David Vixie takes his history students out on the trail namely the state of away from home, hitching down the highway, in actual covered wagons, while New Hampshire Honoree Randy Wormald has his math students do arts in education. on his quest to find his father. He is picked up dances in the shape of algebraic functions in an activity called ‘graph master boogie.’ Some change Just a little bit, by a man in a truck. Gone. End of show. The the face of their communities, like Kansas Honoree Ron Poplau, whose community service students mind you: I want scene was haunting, chilling, surreal. And I work daily with senior citizens, gang members, and the homeless; or Washington Honoree Harlan to talk about a hated it. Kredit, whose science students have revitalized their local ecosystem and brought their river’s salmon favorite television I fear this as much as any parent. Kids are population back from almost nothing. And California Honoree Carol Anne McGuire taught both her students and her community an important lesson about dedication when her students, who are either program and, after abducted all year long, from home, from school, blind or visually impaired, wrote, produced, directed, scored, and edited a movie. all, being aware of from stores, from churches and temples. All of “Disney was founded on creativity, and we feel it is vital in helping children learn in ways that both the impact a pow- us dread the phone call, the empty space in engage and challenge them,” said Terry Wick, vice president of Disney Worldwide Outreach. “These erful medium can the playground. We don’t need the fear assault creative teachers open up new worlds to students through their creativity and passion for learning. We have is part of my work. Besides, my concern from the frames of our favorite TV shows. are proud to be able to provide both monetary rewards and professional development to these special today is certainly as universal as anything I But it is not only on our behalf that I resented individuals.” The 45 Disney Teacher Honorees (and teaching teams) receive $10,000 from Disney Worldwide might deal with in my professional life: it is the that ending. Television should not exacerbate Outreach and a trip to The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., for a week of fun and celebration from concern of a parent. this—all too realistic—fear. There is a distinc- July 23-28. In addition, Disney awards $5,000 to each honoree’s school. I enjoy good television. I do not believe tion between a parental warning, cautiously Disney Teacher Honorees are selected by their peers—former Disney Teacher Honorees and that absolutely nothing besides Masterpiece thought out, and an emotional manipulation, representatives of leading educational associations from across the United States. Honorees come from Theatre or Live from Lincoln Center is worth accompanied by strategic shots and subliminal every subject field and every level of teaching. watching. I also don’t choose my TV fare music (or uneasy silence) depicting children Established in 1989, the Disney Teacher Awards do not simply honor one teacher, they also make a permanent investment in that teacher’s educational community. In addition to the monetary awards, solely for its high-brow merits, any more than being picked up by strangers. Disney also flies the teachers and their principal to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in October we at Lincoln Center Institute choose our artis- The fact that we do not know—won’t know for a six-day professional development institute where they can refine their own innovative teaching tic repertory because it qualifies as “high art.” for months—how the story resolves itself, approaches by sharing ideas and learn how to engage other teachers to build an effective collaborative We choose it because it is, without exception, makes it worse. It departs from reality in teaching culture at their school. Once they return, the teachers and their principals will work with of high aesthetic quality. Television, too, has favor of blatant pandering to the morbid thrill. experts from the Center for Collaborative Education in Boston to design a schoolwide plan for making produced many works of great quality: they Maybe the truck driver will turn out to be a teaching more effective. The Disney Teacher Awards selection committee consists of former Disney Teacher Honorees and can be—dare I say it—art, and watching them good Samaritan and will immediately call the representatives from several leading educational institutions, including the American Federation of can be an aesthetic experience. By “aesthetic boy’s mother from his cell phone. Maybe the Teachers, the National PTA, the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero, the National experience” I mean, for example, an episode worst will happen. Not knowing may be good Education Association, the National Association of Black School Educators, the American Association of ER that moves me because the script is strategy to keep the show’s fans in thrall, but is of School Administrators, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Council strong, and the characters are convincing and that strategy worth crossing the moral line into for American Private Education, the Council for Exceptional Children, the Council of the Great appealing. In their joys and tragedies I can territory where our worst fears are trivialized in City Schools, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the National find reflections of the larger human condition, the name of ratings? Middle School Association. moments drawn from almost frighteningly rec- I do not bristle when I see the grittiness of During the week of celebratory events in Anaheim, five exceptional teachers will be chosen from the ognizable episodes of our own lives, and from life shown on TV, and I do not wish to debate 45 honorees. Four Outstanding Teachers and one Disney Teacher of the Year will receive an additional the joys and tragedies that touch us daily on the whether TV depicts too much violence and sex. $15,000 from Disney Worldwide Outreach. evening news. Simply, I wish to present a plea to the decision- Nominations for the 2006 Disney Teacher Awards will be open in mid-August. For more information More’s the pity to have witnessed what I can makers in the world of television, and, indeed, on the awards process, please visit www.disneyhand.com http://www.disneyhand.com.# The Disney Teacher Awards is part of DisneyHand, worldwide outreach for The Walt Disney only qualify as a gratuitous pull at the heart- all media: when your product has the rare and Company. DisneyHand is dedicated to making the dreams of families and children a reality through strings. Dr. Carter left ER last week after 11 delightful opportunity to be both entertainment public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of compassion, learning, years on the show. He gave a moving speech to and art, please keep the art in entertainment.# the arts and the environment. In 2004, DisneyHand contributed more than $165 million in cash, in-kind his fellow emergency room doctors and nurses Scott Noppe-Brandon is the Executive support and public service airtime globally, while Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 461,000 and then he was gone. Forever. I hoped to be Director of the Lincoln Center Institute for the hours to 1,852 outreach projects. For more information, please visit www.disneyhand.com. able to bask in the afterglow of the season’s Arts in Education. www.lcinstitute.org

VERMONT COLLEGE: PROFESSOR TANK COMMANDER BLANCHE SAIA NAMED PROFESSOR EMERITA By ANN CARDINAL Jim Hylton is a high school English teacher with a passion for Victorian literature. Now this isn’t unusual. I’m sure there are many teachers in the country that fit this description, but how many of them Bank Street College of Education is pleased to announce that it is simultaneously naming drove army tanks before becoming teachers? I can guarantee you that none of mine did. (Well, except Blanche Saia Professor Emerita, and establishing in her honor an endowed fund, the Blanche for Sister Mary Claire. I’m certain that the old station wagon in the parking lot was just a cover.) Saia Scholarship Fund, to help students fund their graduate studies. I first met Jim in graduate school. We were in the same Master’s Program at Vermont College (now a Ms. Saia began her career as the Director of the Temple Emanu-el Nursery School where part of Union Institute & University). Because of the self-designated nature of the program, it attracts she taught from 1953 to 1962. From there, she went on to become a member of the faculty a diverse assemblage of adult students, so I was not surprised when, on the first day of my residency, at Bank Street College for twenty-nine years. From 1960 to 1989, she taught many courses, an attractive middle-aged man walked in dressed in combat fatigues from head to toe. We introduced including the Study of the Individual Child; Behavior Disorders and Learning Disabilities; ourselves and, in turn, talked about what we were studying. When it came to Jim, he told us that he and Process and Techniques of Counseling, among others. While at Bank Street, Ms. Saia was a tank commander, which was no surprise to anyone given his outfit. However, I was surprised to developed the first training programs for Headstart. She also served as the Coordinator of discover that his thesis was on feminist Victorian literature, and I wanted to learn his story. Educational and Psychological Services for the Early Childhood Center, and the Coordinator Jim Hylton was a full-time soldier tasked with training the part-time Vermont Army National Guard of Field Placement Services in the Counseling Department. members. He was clearly a dedicated soldier, but his interests were many. “There would be hours of During these years Ms. Saia also was the Director of the Training Institute for Teachers of waiting in the tanks for our orders, and while the other guys read Playboy, I was reading Jane Eyre,” Indian Children in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was involved in a Bureau of Indian Affairs he said with a chuckle. But the military was not his whole life. He had a passion for literature. “I was funded training program for ten Native American groups. In addition, she was a seminar two years away from retirement and I knew the civilian job market probably had very few openings instructor for the President’s Committee on Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency. for a tank commander,” he said with a note of self-deprecating humor. “In my undergraduate studies I Concurrently Ms. Saia worked with the Early Childhood Programs of the Educational minored in English, so I decided to pursue a career in it.” While working in the military he occasionally Alliance as a Mental Health Consultant. She also established a private practice serving families taught as a substitute at a high school near the armory. “I always respected teachers. It’s an honorable and couples in l995. Ms. Saia was a delegate to the United Nations on behalf of the International profession,” he told me. But he knew that if he wanted to teach, he had to lay the groundwork by Council of Psychologists, as well as a delegate to the International Conference on the Family in getting a graduate degree, so he enrolled in the master’s program at Vermont College of UI&U. Malta in 1994, and a delegate to the World Summit on Women in Beijing in 1995. While writing his thesis he was offered a job as an English teacher at a high school in North Carolina, A graduate of Hunter College, with a master’s degree in early childhood education so Jim retired from the military and he and his family relocated. Jim loves teaching, and he has found from Teachers College, Columbia University, Ms. Saia did doctoral work in psychological that his military experience has helped him in his new career. counseling at New York University. Blanche Saia is a member of the National Psychological “Creating lesson plans for teaching and planning training sessions in the military go hand-in-hand in Association for Psychoanalyst Training, the National Association for Advancement of terms of record keeping.” Also, many of the soldiers under his past command were either in, or right Psychoanalysis, the American Psychological Association, the Council of Psycho-Analytical out of, high school. “They were soldiers, but these kids were in the culture of their peers. Thanks to my Therapy, and the Association for Psycho-Analytic Self-Psychology; and she is a board interaction with them I have a better understanding of the trends in clothes, music, and language that member of the International Coordination Committee. are so important to my students.” So when his students say that a new cd is “sick,” Jim understands Bank Street College of Education offers master’s degrees in a several areas, including that they do not mean that it had bacterial meningitis, but rather that it is “good.” early childhood, infant and toddler, special education, and middle school education. But Jim has not left the military completely behind. He maintained his rank as Sergeant First Class The new scholarship program will help students who are enrolled in these programs at and is working with the Army Junior ROTC. That way, if the teaching gig doesn’t work out, he can a time when tuition nationwide is high, and private scholarship funding for graduate always make use of his old skills and start a taxi service. The tank is sure to come in handy in rush- work in education is scarce.# hour traffic.# Those wishing to make a gift to the Blanche Saia Scholarship Fund are encouraged to contact Barbara Ann Cardinal is a freelance writer and co-author of the up-coming novel SisterChicas. She is also the National Perry Morgan, Senior Development Officer, Bank Street College of Education, 610 West 112th Street, Marketing Director for Union Institute & University. She lives in Vermont with her husband and 8-year-old New York, NY 10025. Contributions are fully tax-deductible. son, Carlos. JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ MUSIC, ART & DANCE 31

STATEN ISLAND “DANCING THROUGH BARRIERS” AT DANCE THEATER OF ACADEMY 40TH ANNUAL HARLEM: AN INTERVIEW WITH KEITH SAUNDERS GERANIUM BALL: SALUTE By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. a world-wide celebration of neo-classical ballet, TO THE CLASS OF 2005 As its special contribution to the annual ben- and DTH would find itself uniquely positioned efit for the Emergency Fund for Student Dance to embody and export the founders’ dream of a recently, which took place at The Ailey School on multiethnic school and ensemble. Indeed, DTH West 55th Street, students in the Dance Theatre became the first ballet company to be invited by Staten Island Academy is holding the 40th of Harlem’s (DTH) unique artistic, educational the US Information Agency to perform in the Annual Geranium Ball in honor of the Class of and social outreach program, Dancing Through Soviet Union and the first major performing arts 2005. Barriers (DTB), once again were on their toes, troupe to visit South Africa. Dina Marie Filippini is chairing the traditional performing pieces set to the music of Bach, DTB, the educational in-house division of DTH dinner and dance. Committee members include Elissa Carpenter, Stacey Castellano, Christine Norah Jones and Philip Glass, and ardently faith- formerly incorporated into DTH in 1992, is a DeVito, Linda Dezio, HeeJoo Duch, Deborah ful to DTH co-founder Arthur Mitchell’s mission comprehensive and certified educational and com- Fafian, Judi Kane, Rose LaMorte, Sally Ling, to do in dance “what Jackie Robinson did in munity outreach initiative, with age-appropriate Lisa Lonuzzi, Maria Petrone, Ilene Rosen, baseball”—namely, disprove the myth that blacks and tailor-made collaborations with departments Laura Shack, Lauren Sosler and Lisa Yost. could not do classical ballet. In 1969 Mitchell, of education, providing weekend and after school The first Geranium Ball was held in 1965 as who studied with Balanchine became premier opportunities for youngsters 10-17 to study dance, a year end celebration to honor graduates and to mark the final merger of the Academy’s danseur with the New York City Ballet. Deeply and multi-week weekend residencies to study Wall Street and Todt Hill Road campuses. The moved by the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., under DTH faculty. Outreach activities are as evening began with private dinner parties at he and the late internationally known ballet art- imaginative as they are various and include lecture the homes of Academy families followed by a ist Karel Shook decided to establish a school in demonstrations on classical ballet, live action and party at the Headmaster’s residence to toast the tribute to Dr. King that would inspire African- the kids, he says, whose dedication may not yet be videotaped performances of the DTB ensemble graduates and their families. A sumptuous Ball American youngsters to see dance as a way to matched by their “muscular memory,” but whose and staff that can be adapted for individual and and midnight supper then took place on the school’s campus. The prom-like event grew in generate pride and self-respect. The only part of focus improves with each run. Indeed the chal- classroom use, training sessions for dance teachers popularity over the years making it the social the mission that has changed over the years is that lenge is great since Saunders has been changing and academic faculty, a master class, introductory event of the year. DTH, still dedicated to people of color, now also the Glass piece daily. Both he and Garland note classes in movement for students, for their parents This year’s event will take place at The reflects the full diversity of the city. that the youngsters are not used to the Ailey space or guardians, athletic workshops, field trips and Vanderbilt at South Beach. E-Squared Productions DTH ballet master Keith Saunders continues the with its rubberized floor to accommodate barefoot summer intensives, not to mention sessions in cre- will provide music. Tickets to the event cost $150 tradition. A onetime principal dancer with DTH, dancing and are trying to figure out how to man- ative writing, discussions of basic anatomy, physi- per person. For reservations, contact 718-987- 8100 ext. 814. then faculty member, Saunders, who has recently age slides. cal therapy, allied arts, nutrition, and stagecraft. Geranium Ball chairperson Dina Marie Filippini taken over the directorship of DTB, looks on with Saunders, who went to Harvard when he was 18, That’s the curricular part. The heart of DTB and is a longtime Staten Island Academy parent. intense interest as faculty member and resident got interested in Afro-American and modern jazz DTH can be heard beating miles away. When DTH Filippini is the Secretary of the Academy’s Board choreographer Robert Garland leads youngsters dance, after taking just one course, and was even- was experiencing financial difficulties a year ago, of Trustees. In addition, she served as president in rehearsal: “One more time, gentlemen, some tually accepted at DTH, where he rose through the Saunders recalls, alums responded from every pro- of the Parents’ League for two-terms. steps are funky there.” The boys comply with yet ranks. He is proud that starting late, he succeeded. fessional walk of life—dancers who had become Staten Island Academy, founded in 1884, is an independent, co-ed college preparatory school another “run” of “New Bach,” turning, jumping, He also points out that the timing was right. lawyers, doctors, executives. They sent not just educating children from Pre-Kindergarten paying homage to the Baroque, with an admixture America in the 70s, largely due to Baryshnikov, money but heartwarming letters, testimony to what through high school on a 12-acre campus located of “the Harlem shake.” The girls join, and then was rediscovering ballet. Marry that development DTH meant in their lives in the broadest sense of at 715 Todt Hill Road. The Academy celebrated Saunders steps forward to provide pointers for in the arts with Arthur Mitchell’s “fantasy” of education. Talk about being on point! # 120 years of educational excellence in 2004.# the Jones and Glass pieces, which he has choreo- building a “Noah’s Art” whereby each country in For information about DTH and DTB see graphed. He enjoys the challenge of working with the world would sponsor two dancers as part of www.dancetheatreofharlem.org.

Dance Th eatre of Harlem School Annual Spring Celebration

Th ursday, June 9, 2005 7:00 pm

United Palace Th eatre 4140 Broadway @ 175th Street

Tickets:Tickets: $12 in advadvanceance at DanceDance Th eatr eatree of of H arlemHarlem 466 WWestest 152nd SSt.,t., near AAmsterdammsterdam AAve.;ve.; or $15 at the UUnitednited PPalacealace Th eatr eatree Bo Boxx Offi Offi ce ce 30 minutes priorprior to perperformanceformance time.

ANOTHER GREAT ANNOUNCEMENT: On Saturday, August 13th, 2005, Dance Theatre of Harlem presents their Annual Street Festival from Noon to 7:00 pm. 152nd Street will be closed off from Amsterdam Avenue to St. Nicholas Place. There will be a stage with on-going entertainment; and many booths featuring crafts, jewelry, and discount items simply not seen elsewhere. As with all festivals, there will be a wonderful array of foods of the fi nest ethnic cuisine.

For further information call Dance Th eatre of Harlem at 212-690-2800 www.DanceTh eatreOfHarlem.com JUNE 2005 MetroBEAT EDUCATIONcontinued on page UPDATE 29 • 32 Scandal At The State-Operated School Moving in the Right Direction For The Blind Exposes State Edʼs By MAYOR MICHAEL them with the intervention programs they needed, R. BLOOMBERG such as our Summer Success Academy. By the Neglect Of Multiply-Disabled Kids I’ve always believed that time the new school year began last September, By ASSEMBLYMAN abilities in public schools throughout all of New if we set high academic stan- we had promoted roughly the same number STEVEN SANDERS York State, including in New York City. dards for our city’s students, of kids to fourth grade as had been promoted I have called for a criminal Accordingly, I plan legislative hearings into the and surround them with the right support and the previous year. The difference was that, for investigation as well as for quality of educational services and quality of care encouragement, they will achieve more than we the first time, every one of those students was two federal probes, by the Justice Department’s provided students with disabilities throughout the can ever imagine. This is the guiding philosophy ready to do fourth grade work. The fourth grade Office of Civil Rights and by the Department of state. These hearings will certainly look closely behind our ambitious efforts to reform our public State scores confirm this; nearly 90 percent of Health and Human Services’ inspector general, at outcomes and data; probe whether children are school system. And recently, with the release third graders who attended the Summer Success into the recent scandal involving serious neglect of learning in special education, or whether for many, of the results from this year’s State English Academy passed the test. multiply-disabled children and young adults at the goals on IEPs (individual educational plans) are Language Arts exam, we have even more proof The scores in eighth grade, however, also State-operated New York State School for the Blind being ignored, or not ever tracked. that it’s working. highlight how much more work still needs to be in Batavia, NY. When the State Education Department fails The number of fourth graders in the city who done. Fewer than one-third of eighth-graders met It is bad enough when the State Education to protect children with disabilities under its are reading and writing at grade level has now or exceeded the State literacy standards—down Department (SED) or other State agencies fail in own watch, it raises grave concerns about the reached a record high. Nearly 60 percent met or slightly from the previous year. This is, in part, their mission and solemn responsibility to ensure Department’s overall monitoring of—and delivery exceeded the State’s standards—a 10 percentage because eighth-graders haven’t had the benefit of that the most vulnerable children, those with mul- of—quality education to these children, as well as point increase over last year when fewer than 50 our new intervention efforts which, by and large, tiple disabilities, are provided an appropriate edu- its diligence, professionalism, seriousness or com- percent did so. We won’t be satisfied `til we are we’ve concentrated on the lower grades. But cation and quality health-care in facilities charged petence to protect disabled children from neglect closer to 100 percent—but the fact that we had that’s about to change. We will soon invest $40 with their care. But when the State itself operates a and abuse across the state, in every school. And the biggest one-year gain in reading scores ever million to improve performance in our middle school, such as the School for the Blind, and serious needless to say, SED it would seem apparent, can is very heartening. schools through a number of initiatives, including incidents of neglect and, reportedly, even physical certainly not be relied on to monitor the well-being Perhaps most encouraging is the progress made an expanded summer program. abuse occur, it is indefensible, and those responsible of thousands of disabled kids placed out of state. by segments of the student population that have Of course, when it comes to state scores, let’s must be held accountable, at every level, to the full- This is very, very worrisome, and my committee struggled the most in the past. For instance, the not make the mistake of reducing their meaning est extent of the law. will look into this as well. five regions that had the weakest performances to just a bunch of numbers. Remember, they rep- A recent report both prepared and based upon True, there are many dedicated, professional last year were the same five that made the biggest resent our children—and the potential we believe inspections performed by the State’s Office of teachers and administrators who serve children with improvements this year. And for the first time they all can realize. All New Yorkers should be Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities disabilities well. But accountability and faith in the since the State began administering the test in happy—not because we can point to a positive (OMRDD) found that SED had been incompetent system as a whole is clearly lacking. I look forward 1999, more than half of the fourth-grade Hispanic figure on a page—but because we are laying a and negligent in not properly providing for the well- to working with parents, advocates, teachers and and African-American students taking it met or solid foundation for our kids to succeed later being of 18 students at two interim care facilities on administrators in exploring whether children and exceeded standards. in life. Everyone is working harder—principals, the campus. Students’ medical needs were ignored, young adults with disabilities are in fact learning There are a number of factors behind our fourth parents, students, and, above all, our teachers. and complaints of abuse were not investigated. and receiving appropriate, mandated services, be it graders’ stunning improvement. One of the most When we ended social promotion in the third Medication was not provided, or inappropriately in District 75 or in inclusionary programs here in significant is our decision, early last spring, grade last year, it was a drastic but necessary administered. Conditions warranting follow-up vis- New York City, and across New York State. to finally end “social promotion” in the third change. It was imperative that we be honest its with physicians were simply ignored—for month How many students who have both disabilities grade—the practice of automatically promoting about who was learning and who wasn’t. These after month. and enormous intellectual or artistic potential are kids, regardless of whether they’re ready for a latest test scores remind us that we need to There can be no excuse for the systemic--and being warehoused in the public schools, rather than higher level of work. For the remainder of that confront our problems, not cover them up. And now admitted—failure of SED to have had properly educated? What is the State doing to make every school year, we identified the third graders who when we do that, and focus our resources and our trained staff, or for the fact that the Department had district accountable? And how can we trust the were in danger of being held back, and provided energy on our kids, great things can happen.# no procedures or policies in place whatsoever to State to do its job, when it has been found to be protect children under its direct care from physical responsible for outrageous misfeasance at its own abuse, mistreatment or gross neglect. school?# Consequently, what has transpired raises grave Assemblyman Sanders is chairman of the Education Fatherʼs Day questions about SED’s competence to monitor the Committee. E-mail him at [email protected]. By MATILDA RAFFA Sigmund Freud said, “I cannot think of any health, safety and delivery of appropriate, quality ny.us or phone 212.979.9696. His mailing address CUOMO need in childhood as strong as the need for a education and related services to children with dis- is 201 East 16th Street, New York, NY 10003. Surprisingly, the United father’s protection.” The brilliant educator and States is one of only a few social psychologist, Dr. Kenneth D. Clark, in countries in the world that his superb work, “Dark Ghetto,” pointed out that Teacher, Scholar, Manager, Entrepreneur? sets aside one day of the boys without a strong and sound father-figure year to honor fathers, and it took a woman, in their life on which to model their behavior THOSE WHO HIRE PRINCIPALS OFTEN DON’T UNDERSTAND THE JOB inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, often lapse into unstable and irresponsible rela- skills do not match the requirements of the stan- By JILL LEVY, to think of the idea. Sonora Smart Dodd of tionships with girls. Some attempt to identify dards movement, the needs of a particular school CSA PRESIDENT Spokane, Washington had been raised by her and affirm their masculinity by seducing and or school system. father after her mother died while Sonora was dominating as many girls as possible, confusing Having been part of the pub- Significant Partnerships still a young child. His patience, wisdom, cour- masculinity with sexual prowess. Clark opined lic education system in New School leaders are no longer expected to simply age and selflessness won her love and admira- further that without a healthy father-figure in York City for 34 years, I find maintain a level of learning that’s appropriate for tion. To express her gratitude and to give other her life, a young girl’s yearning for acceptance the question of who is lead- their school or its special needs. Most of a princi- children an opportunity to do so for their father, and identity can lead her into numerous frivo- ing our schools of paramount pal’s time is spent managing the school. Yet, they she promoted into existence the first Father’s lous sexual relationships inviting all the obvious importance. Yet, no one has are judged primarily on their students’ academic Day in June 1910, during the month of her problems they can cause. defined leadership as it applies to our schools. success, as demanded by the politicians, the media Dad’s birth. These are truly tragic realities in these days of Gone are the days when the titles automati- and the public. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge institu- single parent households, with the father usu- cally evoked status, knowledge and power. We Expected to be entrepreneurial in order to obtain tionalized the holiday by proclaiming the third ally the missing parent. Today approximately 67 no longer select superintendents of urban schools necessary materials, funding and contacts for their Sunday in June as Father’s Day, when red roses percent of the families in homeless shelters have because of what they know about education, child students’ success, principals must forge significant would be worn for a living father and white for only one parent. In many classrooms children development, teaching or learning. They come to partnerships with community organizations and one who is deceased. living in a two parent household are the excep- us from the ranks of business, the armed services, corporations. This requires that they have the One would have expected a formal recogni- tion rather than the rule. political power structures and the legal profession skills appropriate for a boardroom as well as the tion of the father’s significant role long before Many family problems today can trace at least —managers, not educators. Gone are the days of schoolroom. Mother’s Day of 1910. a significant part of the fault to the absence of teacher innovation and creativity. Gone are the And if managing a staff of hundreds and an ever- In primitive societies the father was lionized a father-figure. Nearly twenty years ago, in an days when Principa changing budget of millions were not enough, they as the dominant family figure and the symbol of attempt to help fill the dangerous vacuum that ls were revered and respected as intellectual are required to manage school leadership teams, leadership. The Bible paid fathers the ultimate failure creates in a child’s life, the State of New leaders. Gone, too, is the nation’s pride in urban provide encouragement and guidance to parent token of respect by picturing God Himself as York established a mentoring program providing public education. associations, address student medical and health “Father of the World,” with the Christians giv- trained mentors who brought to children-at-risk By in large though, school principals still come needs, cope with transient students, students with ing the mother a strong runner-up role. That some of the companionship, instruction, affec- from the ranks of educators. The selection of a special needs, students and parents who speak little has remained the symbolism until today, and to tion and reassurance that are best provided by principal is usually based on subjective criteria or no English, maintain safety and security, imple- a great extent it accurately reflects the strong two loving, devoted, and competent parents. As rather than on defined leadership skills and char- ment dozens of monthly central office directives role the father plays in shaping the lives of their continued on page 33 acteristics; thus, we have a national crisis of school continued on page 33 children—and, therefore, of society. leadership in which, too often, a school leader’s JUNE 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ MUSIC, ART & DANCE 33

Would that we could turn back the clock and Cuomo Levy transform the education and certification of Integrating Ex-Inmates continued from page 32 continued from page 32 Principals! Would that we had created a supervi- continued from page 5 sory and administrative license that tells us that First Lady, I supervised the first national, state- and ensure that federal and state education laws future principals can manage a not-for-profit orga- were available and Rubenstein “loved the work.” wide, one-to-one New York State Mentoring are upheld. nization as well as understand and resolve conflict, Prior to working at College Initiative, she ran the program from 1983 to 1995 and thereafter Remember, the Principal is not the CEO of the handle sensitive cultural needs, understand the law college program at Bedford Hills for three years. continued a private, not-for-profit mentoring school. He or she is simply the middle manager as it applies to their profession and communicate She cites the rewards of working in the field as program for at-risk children called Mentoring in a system of rules, regulations and mandates with numerous constituencies as well as advocate being many. The students are there voluntarily USA or MUSA. from above. for children and educate them. and largely are individuals who would not have Today MUSA provides mentors for some one Often, we select our Principals based on the A Prestigious Job Once-Upon-A-Time the opportunity to attend college outside of the thousand boys and girls in after school programs fact that they are good teachers and classroom But the truth is, here in New York State, educa- prison setting and so they come to the program and community sites including HELP’s facilities managers or because they have shown evidence tion is not even considered one of the “profes- with an eagerness to learn. in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. of being superior teacher mentors. But there is a sions.” This too, must change. We require a license “There is the sense of excitement, of soak- Sonora Smart Dodd has left a meaningful huge chasm between being a successful teacher to cut hair and provide manicures, but not to run ing it up, of being thrilled at the opportunity to legacy, honoring our fathers because they are and being an innovative school leader. Essential our schools. Peer review and continuing education expand one’s knowledge base and choice,” says special from the beginning of our lives, nur- leadership skills, attitudes and characteristics are credits are also essential if we are to hone the skills Rubenstein. She metaphorically describes the turing us, giving us counsel and by example only considered if the applicant served in some of school leaders and bring back the prestige and experience as lighting a small torch which then teaching us values. As we grow older we realize other supervisory capacity. pride in this profession and our urban schools. proceeds to light up the entire sky. and appreciate the patience and sacrifices of our Another flaw in the selection process is that Once-upon-a-time, the Principal was revered in Cheryl Wilkins, a former inmate at Bedford fathers. We honor our fathers for a lifetime. # the people doing the selecting often do not know a school. It’s not too late to return to those times.# Hills who is currently a counselor at College Former NYS First Lady Matilda Cuomo is how to judge the competence of an applicant for a Jill Levy is the President of the Council of Initiative, emphatically describes her apprecia- Founder and Chairperson of Mentoring USA. principal’s position. School Supervisors and Administrators. tion for the educational program there: “It is a shrine for us.” While in prison she completed barracks all stand. We went through each, hear- a B.A. in sociology and described the program Extermination Camps We then went to Krakow. ing about the operation of the camp and think- as a great privilege, helping to keep her focused continued from page 23 On day 3, we returned to Auschwitz-Birkenau. ing about the people coming to the camp, going on her future. We walked throughout the camp for hours see- through selection and for the few who were At College Initiative, relates Rubenstein, the We marched into Auschwitz and hours later ing a gas chamber, barracks and a prison, while allowed to live, to hear about life at the camp. work done with clients is not limited to aca- heard inspirational presentations by former continuously listening to survivor testimony. Among our other stops, we visited the demics and employment. “We assist formally Israeli Chief Rabbi Meir Lau, Israeli Prime Over the next three days, our trip included recently opened Auschwitz Jewish Center, the with education, but we assist informally with Minister Ariel Sharon and Nobel Peace Prize a lengthy stop at the Majdonek extermination Galicia Jewish Heritage Museum in Krakow, everything. This encompasses issues ranging winner and Auschwitz survivor Elie Wiesel. camp where the gas chamber, crematorium and an old large Jewish cemetery in Warsaw and from voting to socialization.” She recom- the Jewish Heritage Institute. mends jobs in the Human Services field to This trip was physically and emotionally former prison inmate. In this field, experience challenging. Often I felt like I was on an is a plus, especially when the services deal DISNEY GIVES SCHOOLS FIRST-CLASS TREATMENT “emotional roller coaster.” Although I have with individuals who are being released from read many books about the Holocaust and correctional facilities. There is unfortunately, When you let your students discover the wonder and joy of Disney on Broadway, we’ll make the experi- recently heard many survivors’ testimony at explains Ms. Rubenstein, a stigma attached ence unforgettable! This school year give your students a day to remember by taking advantage of Disney’s our Holocaust Center, being in Poland at the and the way to overcome it is to see people as educational program, which provides schools with special rates for groups of 15 or more for Beauty and the sites brought out a much more intense feel- individuals. She believes that there is the need Beast and The Lion King. In addition, because we know you want to provide the necessary adult supervision, Disney gives educators ing. Margaret and I spoke at length about our to “get past the view of ‘us/them’ because “as one free ticket for every 15 purchased at both shows. Flexible policies allow teachers to pay in full 2–3 months feelings at dinner after the two-day visit to long as there’s a group excluded, society as a before the performance. Disney invites schools to dedicate an entire day to the theater and to enhance the group’s Auschwitz feeling totally emotionally drained. whole suffers.” experience by taking a historical tour of the New Amsterdam Theater the morning prior to the performance. Built I expressed my desire to further my involve- Ms. Rubenstein has a holistic view of individ- in 1903, the New Amsterdam has long been the crown jewel of Broadway’s theaters. After a two-year restoration process that led to the theater’s re-opening in 1997, the theater now hosts Disney’s Tony Award winning musical, ment at the Nassau County Holocaust Center uals, believing that “human beings, whether in The Lion King. The New Amsterdam Theater is the perfect venue for events ranging from 15 to 1,800 people. The to memorialize this era and help prevent anti- prison or not are always growing, changing and theater and its two historic rooms, the Ziegfeld Room and the New Amsterdam Room, can accommodate every- Semitism and racism from happening again. evolving—it’s just the nature of being human.” thing from a full production to an intimate candlelight dinner. For more information please call Amy Andrews My work ahead will be challenging, but this The biggest challenge regarding the crimi- at 212-282-2907. We will help teachers arrive to the theater prepared. For every show, Disney has developed study guides week has provided tremendous stimulation. nal justice system is lack of funding. But that help teachers develop projects, discussions and activities. And, for those students who always have a I have always been proud to be a first genera- Rubenstein closely monitors the possibility of question after most Wednesday matinees, members of the cast, orchestra or crew are available to appear for tion American whose Jewish parents escaped the return of Pell Grants. A national conference special Q & A sessions with students. from Germany. This trip reinforced how spe- is planned with a focus on a more organized Students can also enjoy discounts on Disney on Broadway souvenir merchandise, as each member of your group will receive a merchandise coupon for great savings at the theater. Teachers can also arrange special cial it is to be a second generation Holocaust campaign for Pell Grants for correctional facili- lunch savings at McDonald’s Times Square location, which, seating over 2,000, specializes in school groups survivor and the importance of teaching “the ties. Rubenstein believes that with the return of customized for any budget. Finally, groups save on Gray Line New York bus charters, as special Disney lessons of the Holocaust.”# Pell Grants, “educational programs will return promotional rates are available.# Howard and Margaret Maier are involved in and benefit society as a whole. # For more info or to book call 212-703-1040 or 1-800-439-9000, fax 212-703-1085 or email [email protected]. Or visit www.disneyonbroadway.com. many humane causes.

Calendar of Events June 2005

Saturday, June 11, at 10:30 am. Panelists Camp Fair Events will include: Donna Demarest, R.N., Ed.D, GROUP FOR ADHD TOURO COLLEGE Dean of the School of Nursing and a CNR Lenore Ruben LMSW. CHT. EMDR The President, the Board of Trustees, the RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN WITH THE STUDIO MUSEUM IN HARLEM alumna, Associate Professor Margot DeSevo, Orly Calderon, Psy D. NYS Lic. Psychologist Faculty, and the Graduates of the SPECIAL NEEDS, INC. PUBLISHES 144 West 125 St., NYC 10027 R.N.C., Ph.D., and Associate Professor Mary Cathy Wein, PhD, NYS, Lic. Psychologist School of Career & Applied Studies SECOND EDITION OF AFTER Phone: 212-864-4500Fax: 212-864-4800 Alice Donius, R.N., Ed.D. They will discuss 250 West 57th Street #723 request the honor of your presence at the SCHOOL AND MORE Web: www.StudioMuseum.org how nursing schools can prepare nurses to New York, NY 10107 Annual Commencement Exercise transform hostile service settings into those Tuesday, the Seventh of June Resources for Children with Special Needs, Phone: 212-586-2135 Tuesday, June 7, 7 PM that emphasize a caring philosophy. Two Thousand and Five at 6:30PM Inc. (RCSN) is an independent, not-for-profit Title: Marberry, Craig. Cuttin’ Up: Wit and Now Forming --- call to reserve space NYC Millennium Theater information, referral, advocacy, training and Wisdom from Black Barber Shops. Doubleday, The College of New Rochelle’s 67th Annual Parents Discussion Group For parents of 1029 Brighton Beach Avenue support center in New York City for parents New York, 2005. Alumnae/i College Weekend will take place at ADHD and/or Learning Disabled children Brooklyn, New York and professionals looking for programs Speaker: Craig Marberry and other the main campus in New Rochelle. Alumnae/i Topics: Myths and realities about ADHD and and services for children from birth to 21 special guests who have graduated in a year ending in Learning Disabilities. Deciphering what these with learning, developmental, emotional About the Book: Crisscrossing the country five or zero, starting with the class of 1930, terms mean clinically, educationally, and le- Open Houses or physical disabilities. RCSN is one of a from Detroit to Orlando,and Brooklyn to will spend the weekend attending various gally in plain language. Methods of coping for national network of more than 100 Parent Houston, Craig Marberry listened in on lectures, gatherings, and award ceremonies. LANDMARK COLLEGE conversations that covered everything from parents, family and child. Active techniques to Training and Information Centers designated Scheduled events include: prevent home from becoming a battleground. Putney, Vermont by the U.S. Department of Education. For reminiscences about the first haircut—a sometimes comic rite of passage—to spirited The Ursula Laurus, Angela Merici, and How to advocate for your child. Exploration Phone: (802) 387-6718 more information see www.resourcesnyc.org. Women of Achievement Awards and sharing of strategies that help and of Web: www.landmark.edu Resources for Children with Special Needs, exchanges about women, to serious lessons in black history and current events. His collection Class of 1955 Golden Anniversary Cocktails pitfalls to avoid. Saturday June 18th 9am - 2 pm Inc.115 East 16th Street, 5th Floor NY, NY of wit and wisdom of patrons and barbers and Reunion Dinner 10 weekly sessions beginning Jan 13, 2005 10003 brings together an irresistible and often Castle Gallery 25th Year Celebration and $40. per person per session TOURO COLLEGE tel: 212-677-4650 touching chorus of voices. A musical and dramatic review of the 2004- $60. per couple per session NEW YORK SCHOOL OF 2005 season including “You’re a Good There is a 10% discount for prepayment of series. CAREER AND APPLIED STUDIES Entertainment CNR’S 67TH ANNUAL ALUMNAE/I Man Charlie Brown,” “Amahl and the Night 1870-86 Stillwell Avenue COLLEGE WEEKEND: Visitors,” “The Shadow Box,” and “The Fifteen Brooklyn, NY 11223 to Spotlight Wellness in the 21st Century Minute Hamlet.” Graduation Phone: 718-265-6534 x1015 TWO HOT SHOWS Fax: 718-265-0614 - Beauty & The Beast The College of New Rochelle will be School of Nursing alumnae/i from all years THE STERLING SCHOOL - The Lion King presenting a faculty panel from the School of are invited to attend the Saturday panel Friday June 17, 2005 6:30PM Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am - CALL: 212-703-1040 or 800-439-9000 Nursing on on “Caring in Healthcare” during and luncheon. To register or if you have At The Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club 7:00 pm. Sundays 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. at FAX: 212-703-1085 the College’s 67th Annual Alumnae/i questions about the weekend, please Emmons Avenue, Sheepshead Bay 27-33 West 23rd Street [email protected] College Weekend scheduled from June 10th contact: Office of Alumnae/i Relations at For further information New York, NY 10010. www.disneyonbroadway.com/groups to 12th. The panel will adress alumnae/i on (914) 654-5293 or [email protected] Call: (718) 891-0991 212-463-0400 x500 34 RESOURCE & REFERENCE GUIDE ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JUNE 2005 *RESOURCEANDREFERENCEGUIDE*

BOOKS CONTINUING EDUCATION health at NYU Medical Center, now offers child. Music, dance, theater, visual arts specialized services for attention-deficit and much, much, much more!! JASA: Jewish Association For hyperactivity disorder, anxiety-related Bank Street Bookstore problems, consultations for learning 112th St. & Broadway Services For The Aged disabilities and giftedness, and seminars SCHOOL RECRUITMENT (212) 678-1654 132 West 31st Street, 15th Floor, NYC on parenting and child development.

(212) 273-5304 Call for more information. Exceptional selection of books for SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS children, teachers and parents. Sundays at JASA, Continuing Education Advanced Degrees in Medicine, For All Your Substitute Needs Knowledgeable staff. Free monthly for Adults 60 and Over at Council Science, and the Health Professions at www.SchoolProfessionals.com newsletter. Open Mon-Thurs 10-8 PM, Senior Center. Call 212-273-5304 for New York Medical College Valhalla, [email protected] Fri & Sat 10–6 PM, Sun 12–5 PM. catalog and information about courses. New York; (914) 594-4000; 212-916-0825 www.nymc.edu Finally, a one-stop service whose sole Logos Books DANCE PROGRAMS focus is recruiting, interviewing and 1575 York Ave. PASSES TO HEALTH CLUBS providing qualified substitutes for (@84th Street) elementary, middle and high schools. (212) 517-7292 New Dance Group Arts Center & YOGA STUDIOS One quick call to us means not having 254 West 47th St. to interview and hire on your own,

A charming neighborhood bookstore NYC, NY 10036 Fitness Alliance eliminating the worry and work of located in Yorkville featuring quality finding last minute replacements, (212) 719-2733 • www.ndg.org (212) 808-0765/www.health-fitness.org selections of classics, fiction, poetry, “doubling-up,” or even canceling philosophy, religion, bibles and Musical Theater Program for kids/ Get 400 free passes for the best classes. Our proprietary roster of pre children’s books, and greeting cards, young adults. Dance classes in all fitness, yoga, dance, martial arts, screened candidates enables us to gifts and music. Books can be mailed. disciplines. Teaching/rehearsal space sports, swimming, pilates, and more. quickly find a professional precisely Outdoor terrace. available. Located between Broadway Just sign up for the New York Fitness matched to your school’s requirements, and 8th Avenue. PassBook, all for the one-time sign- saving you the time and expense of up fee of just $65, to go anywhere, scrambling to meet last-minute needs. High Marks In Chemistry anytime, all throughout the year, to And, with 24/7 coverage, you can 1-877-600-7466 request staff at any time - even at GRADUATION enjoy and discover the best for free. Just go to www.health-fitness.org for night or on weekends. Schools can get Over 65,000 books sold. HIGH MARKS: details, or call the American Health started today by calling 212-916-0825 REGENTS CHEMISTRY MADE EASY BY THE STERLING SCHOOL and Fitness Alliance at 212-808-0765. or e-mailing info@schoolprofessionals. SHARON WELCHER (College Teacher, Friday June 17, 2005 6:30PM. At The Hurry,* they're going fast. com to register for our services. Chairperson and teacher of high Sheepshead Bay Yatch Club - Emmons school review courses). This book is Avenue, Sheepshead Bay. For further your private tutor-Easy review book information Call: (718) 891-0991 SCHOOLS SPECIAL EDUCATION for NEW regents (second edition) with hundreds of questions and solutions, The Sterling School, Get HIGH MARKS $10.95. Available at TOURO COLLEGE Darrow School (718) 625-3502 Leading book stores or call (718)271- The President, the Board of Trustees, Darrow School an independent, co-ed, 7466. the Faculty, and the Graduates of the boarding and day school in New Lebanon, Brooklyn’s private elementary www.HighMarksInSchool.com School of Career & Applied Studies New York, offers a comprehensive school for Dyslexic children offers request the honor of your presence at college-preparatory curriculum a rigorous curriculum, Orton - the Annual Commencement Exercise Gillingham methodology and hands- Transition Matters - from School with a range of courses in writing Tuesday, the Seventh of June Two Thou– and literature, history, languages, on multi-sensory learning. One-to-one to Independence: A Guide and sand and Five at 6:30PM NYC Millennium mathematics, sciences, and the arts. remediation is also provided. If your Directory of Services for Youth with Theater 1029 Brighton Beach Avenue The beautiful mountainside campus bright Language Learning Disabled child Disabilities and Special Needs in Brooklyn, New York. is located on the site of the historic could benefit from our program please the Metro New York Area Mt. Lebanon Shaker Village. For more do not hesitate to contact Director: information call (518) 794-6000 Ruth Aberman at 718-625-3502. 500 pages, $35.00 + $8 postage and HOME SCHOOLING handling ISBN 0-9678365-6-5. Available at local and on-line booksellers or ScienceSchoolHouse The Harlem School of the Arts TUTORS direct from Resources for Children Home Schooling Parents! Do you need 645 St. Nicholas Ave., NYC with Special Needs, Inc. 116 East science resources that meet the New (212) 926-4100 ext. 304 Math Tutoring 16th Street/5th floor, New York, NY High School and Junior High. Two York state curriculum standards? Learning continues after school at The 10003 212-677-4650 (phone), 212 Sample Hours, No Charge. Arithmetic The content in the ScienceSchoolHouse Harlem School of the Arts, an after to Advanced Calculus. 254-4070 (fax) or visit us online at Discover!Science library has been school conservatory where the arts Call (212) 228-1642 or (917) 297-2389 www.resourcesnyc.org recognized by some of the largest and educate, stimulate and motivate your most progressive states as meeting

100% of their required learning CAREER COUNSELING outcomes for specific science courses in grades 6-12. All of our CDs feature interactive multimedia tutorials, two fully narrated text levels, beautiful For Educators, Parents, Students, photographs and illustrations, scores Admin, & Others of interactive exercises, half-hour video documentaries (plus lots of short video Thinking of CHANGING CAREERS or clips), quizzes, test banks—and our JOB HUNTING? Seek clarity, support, revolutionary new 3D Virtual Lab. more through all the steps. Contact Approved for purchase by the New York experienced board-certified Counselor. City Department of Education. Rose Mary Colorafi, MA: 646-732-3198 For more information on our titles in ������������������������������� astronomy, geology, oceans, weather, ��������������������������������������� life science and the environment, visit LANGUAGE CLUB our website at scienceschoolhouse.com Math Tutoring ��������★ �������������������������� or call us at 1-888-666-6362 TODAY! High School & Junior High ����� �������������������������������★ 2 Sample Hours, No Charge Open clubs on Saturday, April 2th ����� (Manhattan from 11:00-12:30 pm) MED & HEALTH SERVICES Arithmetic Advanced Calculus �������������������������������★ CAP21 at 18 West 18th Street, 6th floor, ����� and Wednesday, April 6th (Westchester 212.228.1642 ���������������������������������������������� from 6:30-8:00 pm) Girl Scout House at NYU Child Study Center 360 Park View Ave. in Yonkers. At open 550 First Avenue, NYC 917.297.2389 clubs,visitors may try Hippo Family (212) 263-6622. Club for free with friends and family. ��������������������������������� For more information, The NYU Child Study Center, a ��������������� call (800) 315-4387. comprehensive treatment and research center for children’s psychological JUNE 2005 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 35

Home Schooling New York City Parents Teachers Do you need science resources that meet the New York state curriculum standards? Discover!Science Library UR CURRICULUM DEVELOPERS SYSTEMATICALLY ALIGN INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA TUTORIALS: Each CD includes up to Oeducational content with the National Science 200 screens with text, pictures and illustrations, plus Education Content standards, plus learning outcome interactive exercises and lots of video clips. All core text is requirements from the largest and most progressive states. fully narrated (with an on/off option). Built to pedagogically A number of states—including Texas and Florida— correct standards with appendices for advanced research. subjected our CDs to rigorous reviews by administrators, school boards, and teachers, and then adopted our products TWO TEXT LEVELS: Students can toggle between grades 9-12 as “major teaching tools” (i.e., as meeting 100% of the and grades 6-8 text levels or stay at one of the two text levels required science learning outcomes) for specific courses in throughout. All vocabulary checked for age-appropriateness. grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. Approved for purchase by New York City Discover!Astronomy Series (3 CDs) 3D VIRTUAL LABORATORY: Select samples, Department of Education. Astronomy and the Universe™ instruments, tools, planets and natural Earth and the Inner Solar System™ environments. Design and perform “This is the first time in the history of The Outer Solar System™ dynamic, discovery-oriented experiments, Florida state education that a software Discover!Geology Series (3 CDs) then analyze and plot data to confirm or title has ever been approved as a main Dynamic Earth™ deny hypotheses. Each student learns by teaching tool in Science.” Minerals, Rocks and Resources™ doing science and being a scientist. Carving the Earth: Soils, Erosion and Landforms™ —Rick Lusher, Software Evaluator, Florida State University. Discover!Oceans Series (3 CDs) ONE 30-MINUTE, HIGH-RESOLUTION, Earth’s Oceans™ DIGITAL VIDEO on each CD, with content Oceans in Motion™ Producing top-notch educational indexing and one-click navigation. “ Earth’s Water Cycle™ science software has catapulted EOA Scientific into the stratosphere. Their Discover!Weather Series (3 CDs) QUIZZES for the students and TEST BANKS Weather Fundamentals™ cutting edge work is now in use in for teachers. Extreme Weather™ public schools and universities all Weather Forecasting and Climate Change™ across the continent. TEACHER’S GUIDES and state and national ” Discover!Life in the Environment (2 CDs) —Pamela McCaughey, curriculum correlations on the CDs Discover Life™ The Atlantic Business Journal. Discover The Environment™ and our website.

For information and For school purchases, home schooling purchases, contact Meizner, Inc. visit our website at at 914-738-6000 www.scienceschoolhouse.com or at [email protected] EdUpdate subway ad 5/26/05 8:36 AM Page 1 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JUNE 2005

DO ARE YOU G stimul MIS OKIN ARE ating an S OU LO ut dialog d engag Y ew job b Y ue amon ing for a n OU REA arti g schol ed new DY sts, perf ars, ne for a promo p ormers & skills? tion rofessio DO YOU but need to nals? WANT TO advance return to school but your skills? Y ARE need language or test OU for o LOO preparation? pport KIN learn unitie G ing, g s for co rowi nnec ng & ting?

ALL STOPS LEAD TO CITY UNIVERSITY’S CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

STUDY SKILLS GED TEST PREP FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PERSONAL FINANCE ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPING PAINTING ACTING COOKING MEDITATION YOGA STRESS MANAGEMENT BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT JOB SEARCH TECHNIQUES COLLEGE FOR KIDS TEACHER TRAINING CHILDCARE PROVIDER ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL TRADES TRIPS AND TOURS FILM VIDEO DIGITAL/MEDIA PRODUCTION NURSING ALLIED HEALTH ART HISTORY HOLOCAUST STUDIES LANGUAGES PARALEGAL CONTEMPORARY ISSUES REAL ESTATE INSURANCE SCIENCE MATH AND MORE

Sign up or call for information on Summer classes.

Visit www.cuny.edu/continuinged or call 866-344-CUNY

Baruch College • John Jay College of Criminal Justice • Borough of Manhattan Community College Kingsborough Community College • Bronx Community College • LaGuardia Community College • Brooklyn College • Lehman College • City College • Medgar Evers College • College of Staten Island • New York City College of Technology • The Graduate Center • Queens College • Hostos Community College • Queensborough Community College • Hunter College • York College