www.EducationUpdate.com AwardAward Volume XIII, No. 5 • New York City • January 2008 Winner For Parents, Educators & Students

Koplewicz, Neidich & Clinton PRESORTED STANDARDPRESORTED THE EDUCATIONTHE U.S. POSTAGEU.S. UPDATE PAID

Advocates for Special Education  Education update ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ January 2008

GUEST EDITORIAL The DEAN’S COLUMN Physician, Heal Thyself! The Beautiful Magic Square BY SCOTT NOPPE-BRANDON neering, and mathematics) within By Dr. Alfred S. Posamentier •The center 2 by 2 square has a Ah, the golden days—the 50s, our nations schools. In the spirit of the season, we offer you some sum of 34. the 60s, even the early 70s—when Hmmm—where are the arts recreation in mathematics. This should serve to 10 + 11 + 6 + 7 = 34 the arts were firmly ensconced in then, and why am I not just motivate the uninitiated to this beautiful subject! •The sum of the numbers in the the curriculum of public schools enthusiastic but extremely There are entire books written about magic diagonal cells equals the sum of across our nation. It was all so hopeful about the role of the squares* of all kinds. There is one magic square, the numbers in the cells not in the diagonals. much better then, wasn’t it? arts within education? Because however, that stands out from the rest for its 16+10+7+1+4+6+11+13 = Perhaps it is because, as another if you add up all of the above, origin and the many properties it has beyond 3+2+8+12+14+15+9+5 = 68 year winds down, I grow impa- it is clear that we need creative those required for a square matrix of numbers •The sum of the squares of the numbers in the tient with mooning over the past; and imaginative people in the to be considered “magic.” This magic square diagonal cells equals the sum of the squares of perhaps it is because of Allan workforce. Not just a few in even comes to us through art, and not through the numbers not in the diagonal cells. Kozinn’s Christmas Day article the best jobs, but in the jobs the usual mathematical channels. It is depicted 162+102+72+12+42+62+112+132= in The New York Times, which across the economic spectrum. in the background of the famous engraving 32+22+82+122+142+152+92+52=748 pleads for a renewal of arts in I fully subscribe to the notion produced in 1514 by the renowned German art- •The sum of the cubes of the numbers in the education, and briefly mentions that imagination, creativity, ist Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528), who lived in diagonal cells equals the sum of the cubes of the Lincoln Center Institute as one and innovation must be seen as Nürnberg, Germany. numbers not in the diagonal cells. of the organizations doing good essential and basic aspects of 163+103+73+13+43+63+113+133= work in this sphere—but I feel like shouting: the architecture of American society in the cur- 33+23+83+123+143+153+93+53=9,248 “Let’s get it together, already!” rent century. Even the 9/11 Commission, under •The sum of the squares of the numbers in the Yesterday will never be again, but we have all the chapter “Institutionalizing Imagination,” diagonal cells equals the sum of the squares of the the makings of a bright new era in our hands, called for making imagination a skill in the numbers in the first and third rows. and surely this is more exciting than repackaging service of the nation by claiming that it must be 162+102+72+12+42+62+112+132= what once was. At no other time in American routinized, even bureaucratized. Can there be a 162+32+22+132+92+62+72+122=748 history has education experienced the concern, better reality check? •The sum of the squares of the numbers in the ideas, and influence of so many divisions of With all this in mind, allow me to state unequiv- diagonal cells equals the sum of the squares of the our society beyond education itself, including ocally: the progress of our society depends on numbers in the second and fourth rows. politics, economy, and industry. No state of imagination being nurtured as a skill in the class- 162+102+72+12+42+62+112+132= the union—good or bad—throughout the 20th rooms, and the access to the imagination is not 52+102+112+82+42+152+142+12=748 century and into this one has created the present possible if we marginalize the arts. Simple and •The sum of the squares of the numbers in the conditions, in which a dramatic and complete true. The marginalization must not happen and it diagonal cells equals the sum of the squares of the rethinking of the basic values that frame our edu- certainly will not happen if we in the arts make numbers in the first and third columns. cational discussion is both needed and possible. sure that our work is relevant, even essential, to 162+102+72+12+42+62+112+132= And that includes, perhaps for the first time in the educational needs of today. By that I mean 162+52+92+42+22+112+72+142=748 any real way, the role of the arts. that our focus must be the student, not the cultural The sum of the squares of the numbers in the It is a quaint legend that in those good old days institutions, the unions, or the elected officials. If diagonal cells equals the sum of the squares of the everyone loved how the arts were taught in the it is a fact that the students are the future, then numbers in the second and fourth columns. schools. During my 20 years at Lincoln Center surely education must be instrumental in the 162+102+72+12+42+62+112+132= Institute, countless business leaders, elected offi- building of that future if it is to be a part of it. 32+102+62+152+132+82+122+12=748 cials, and philanthropists have confided, in an What can be done to make the arts part of educa- •Notice the following beautiful symmetries: informal moment and with a sheepish grin, “you tion, relevant and productive? First, dispense with 2 + 8 + 9 + 15 = 3 + 5 + 12 + 14 = 34 know, I hated being forced to play an instrument. short-term feel-good work and audience develop- 22+82+92+152=32+52+122+142=374 Gosh, I stunk at it!” Yet it is true—and extremely ment dressed as education: make the work truly 23+83+93+153=33+53+123+143=4624 important—that the arts became a major part of educational and clearly understandable to all. We •The sum of each adjacent upper and lower the lives of these same men and women. In other must define its educational and philosophical A magic square is a square matrix of num- pair of numbers (vertically) produces a pleasing words, teaching a student to play an instrument roots just as every other subject in education is bers, where the sum of the numbers in each of symmetry: is one thing (no, Lincoln Center Institute does required to be. TERC math, Whole Language, its columns, rows, and diagonals is the same. 16+5 = 21 3+10 = 13 2+11= 13 13+8 = 21 not do that); teaching all students, not just those Phonics, Lucy Caulkins, multiple intelligences, Just for practice, you might have your stu- 9+4 = 13 6+15 = 21 7+14= 21 12+1 = 13 who are already interested in the arts, that dance, backward mapping—all of these and other edu- dents try to construct a 3 by 3 magic square. music, theater, painting, and all other art forms cational methods have a stated mission that both Here is the solution (for your convenience). •The sum of each adjacent upper and lower pair open unsuspected doors to a life well lived, is explains and defends its structure. Only in the 4 9 2 of numbers (horizontally) produces a pleasing another: and yes, Lincoln Center Institute does arts do we—schools, policy makers, cultural 3 5 7 symmetry: do that. That is why I feel such excitement for organizations, etc.—believe it is sufficient to just 8 1 6 16+3 = 19 2+13 = 15 the chance that the arts will finally be recognized do it. We are not a field or a profession. We do not You might then ask them to construct a 4 by 4 5+10 = 15 11+8 = 19 for their vital role within our lives, be it in school build on the work of others. So arts group after magic square**. After they have had ample time 9+ 6 = 15 7+12 = 19 or out of school. arts group has a contract to provide “services” to to try to construct this magic square, begin the 4+15 = 19 14+1 = 15 We are witnessing a unique convergence of the schools. It is not good enough to be a service discussion of the Dürer square. Most of Dürer’s factors that can make this come true. The single provider; we must be educational partners and works were signed by him with his initials, one Can your students find some other patterns in greatest transition of teaching and administrative concept definers, so that the partnership can truly over the other with the year in which the work this beautiful magic square? The hunt will surely staff in education within the past 50 years, and be a joined arts-and-education effort. My former was made included there. Here we find it near the be enjoyable! most likely within the next 50, is taking place. mentor, Mark Schubart, believed that funding lower right side of the picture. We notice that it *Two books to be recommended are: New We are finally waking up to the flaws, fatal in organizations in the arts should fund arts orga- was made in the year 1514. Astute students may Recreations with Magic Squares, W. H. Benson, many ways, in our thinking that confused the nizations to present high-quality, fully realized notice that the two center cells of the bottom row and O. Jacoby (New York: Dover, 1976) and necessity for more accountability in education performances for school audiences and leave the depict the year as well. Let us look at this magic Magic Squares and Cubes, W. S. Andrews, (the positive side of NCLB) with standardization educational aspect of the work to those organiza- square more closely. (New York: Dover, 1960). A concise treatment and over-testing, known far and wide as the nega- tions that can study it, improve on it, and discuss 16 3 2 13 can be found in Teaching Secondary School tive side of NCLB. Both political camps favor its educational philosophy. 5 10 11 8 Mathematics: Techniques and Enrichment Units, th accountability and are determined to make our Next, we need to build the infrastructure to pull 9 6 7 12 7 Edition, A. S. Posamentier and J. Stepelman educational systems more transparent and more off the kind of partnerships that are necessary to 4 15 14 1 (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall/Merrill, accountable for its actions—and that is a good make this work. School systems should support 2006). pp. 240-242. thing. We, the progressives, have liked ourselves the hiring of arts teachers along with spending First, let’s make sure that it is a magic square. **A 4 by 4 magic square is usually constructed a bit too much over the past few decades and funds on building the infrastructure required The sum of all the rows, all the columns, and by writing the numbers from 1 to 16 in proper somehow we have wound up in an educational by the outside of school organizations that seri- the two diagonals must be equal. Well, they are, order, row by row, and then striking out the num- crisis within our urban areas. Perhaps it is time to ously work in an educational context, not merely each having a sum of 34. So that is all that would bers in the two diagonals. Each of these struck tell ourselves: physician, heal thyself! as service providers. The school system must be required for this square matrix of numbers to out numbers is then to be replaced by its comple- There is brain and maturity drain through attri- decide when it creates relationships with outside be considered a “magic square.” However, this ment, that is, the number which when added to it tion, myopic focus on over testing, low achieve- community organizations whether the effort is “Dürer Magic Square” has lots more properties yields a sum of 17 (one greater that the number ment rates fostered by unmotivated teachers, and vendor-based or education-based. that other magic squares do not have. We shall of cells). However, the Dürer square interchanged students entering the workforce while lacking Excellence: it is a standard that should be list some here: the two middle columns to get the date of the basic skills and capacities, let alone the imagina- aspired to by everyone. It is non-partisan, it is •The four corner numbers have a sum of 34. etching in the two bottom center cells. tive and creative capacities demanded with grow- inspirational, and with hard work, achievable. As 16 + 13 + 1 + 4 = 34 Dr. Alfred S. Posamentier is Dean of the School ing anxiety by the many professions that need to I’ve said before, to those who objected that public •Each of the four corner 2 by 2 squares has a of Education at City College of NY, author of over hire these 21st-century thinkers and doers. The education in urban centers is not rocket science: sum of 34. 40 books on math including Math Wonders to Senate, in one of the few bipartisan efforts of you’re right, it is harder. But why not shoot for 16+3+5+10 = 34 Inspire Teachers and Students (ASCD, 2003) and recent years, passed the America Competes Act the moon? # 2+13+11+8 = 34 Math Charmers: Tantilizing Tidbits for the Mind 88–8! The bill calls for a major new emphasis on Scott Noppe-Brandon is Executive Director of 9+ 6+ 4+15 = 34 (Prometheus, 2003), and member of the NYS the STEM subjects (science, technology, engi- The Lincoln Center Institute. 7+12+14+1 = 34 Standards Committee on Math. January 2008 ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ 07AA_PIMNY_EducUp01_ad_v4 1/3/08 1:34 PM Page 1 Education update 

Want Attention Results? Mathematics Educators “You have a choice, so take a serious look at Sadlier-Oxford Progress in Mathematics K–8.”

Alfred S. Posamentier Senior Author TM Progress in Mathematics Progress in Mathematics Dean, School of Education and K–6 Professor of Mathematics Education The City College The City University of New York New York, NY 56 55 � 54 Rigorous content aligned 53 with New York standards 52 � 51 Superior teacher support 50 � Extraordinary ease of use 49 48 � Research based

� Proven to work 0 See for yourself! Call toll-free: 877-930-3336 for your evaluation copies. Progress in MathematicsTM (Experimental Schools) Progress in MathematicsTM Non-Users (Control Schools) www.progressinmathematics.com *Quantitative Analysis of CST Results for Progress in Mathematics Users, Beck Evaluation & Testing Associates, Inc. Call toll-free: 877-930-3336 for copies of the study.  spotlight on schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ January 2008

Grace Outreach Helps High School A Look at Progress Reports By Ernest Logan lens into our schools, The progress reports that were released last not vague notions. Dropouts Get GED Degrees month by the Department of Education and Moving forward, we which graded New York City Public Schools on must make certain that a scale of A to F were borne of good intentions. progress reports will: They aimed to provide parents with an overall • Hold the entire assessment of public schools by evaluating fac- New York City pub- tors such as standardized test scores, gradua- lic school system tion rates, attendance, and student progress. In accountable, including the end, however, rather than making parents District 75, 79, K-2 & feel more confident in their children’s schools City-funded Charter or clearly identifying where improvements are schools. needed, they instead generated skepticism and • Encompass more than just standardized tests confusion. Sometimes good intentions can often scores by looking at students “holistically”. be frustrated by poor execution. As with any • Measure schools by more than a single letter new initiative, there will be issues that need grade. to be addressed. Let us take the time NOW to • Group schools fairly (including demograph- ensure that next year, these reports will more ics, level of overcrowding and the number of accurately and fairly assess ALL New York City Special Education and ELL students). public schools. • Use data covering a minimum of three years We all agree a meaningful assessment of our to more accurately determine progress. schools, administrators and teachers is neces- • Provide more opportunities for extra credit sary to truly challenge this system and move (especially for schools where students take col- (L-R) Margaret Grace, Founder & President & Darlene Jeris, Executive Director our students forward. Although the concept of lege level courses). progress reports was a step in the right direction, • Coordinate with ongoing professional devel- By Emily Sherwood, Ph.D. many issues have emerged since their release. For opment on how to maintain, understand and example, the reports only assessed some public analyze data. In Zaukema Blanding’s math class, students are schools and not others. They also relied heavily • Take into account any intervention that is poring over their math homework with intense on standardized test scores, grouped schools in an needed for students entering High School at concentration, scrutinizing conversion tables and unclear way, and penalized schools where a large levels 1 & 2. double-checking their fractions. A brightly col- portion of students were performing at or above We also must ensure additional supportive ored “hot seat” in the front of the class, currently grade level. Schools with solid records of perfor- services are provided to schools in need, and we unoccupied, will be the prize for the student who mance received below average grades. must all work together to find the most effec- aces her homework that day. But this is no ordi- We believe the progress reports should meet tive tools to properly measure our schools and nary school: there are no bells that signal class four basic challenges; they should be accu- improve student achievement.# times, and the students, all of them girls, are well rate, transparent, equitable and understandable. Ernest Logan is the President of the Council of out of their teens. Many are single parents. Progress reports are supposed to provide a clear School Supervisors and Administrators. Nestled in the heart of the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, where a staggering 46 percent of families live below the poverty level and only needs and abilities, be it immediate employment, their lives and tap into their potential to learn and 41 percent of adults has a high school education enrollment in a vocational training program, or make meaningful contributions to society. ”The or higher, the “school” is a nonprofit enterprise enrollment in a community or four-year college. GED is one of many things they’re going to do. known as Grace Outreach, and it’s helping low- Zaukema Blanding’s math students, all A-level It’s not the end game,” explains Jeris. income women earn their high school General women on-track to take their GED exams shortly, Margaret Grace is acutely aware that for every Equivalency Diploma (GED) through a free Triumph for a recent grad talk about their next steps with excitement and hundred women who graduate, there are hun- program of instruction in math, reading and writ- a pride borne of grit and determination: “I plan dreds more whose lives could be transformed by ing. “I think of this as a second chance charter “How do you get out of the welfare system? to go to a full-time college and become a police Grace Outreach. “One of our students has two school,” explains Executive Director Darlene There’s only one way: education. That’s how you officer,” says 23 year old Kinesha. Her class- cousins, a mother and a daughter who also need Jeris, an MBA who previously worked as a spe- get sustainable growth,” explains Grace Outreach mates discuss aspirations that run the gamut from our help,” she adds pointedly. With additional cial assistant to former IBM CEO Louis Gerstner. President Margaret Grace, who founded the construction work, house painting and plastering, financial support, Grace would like to expand “We are the only privately-funded all-women’s program in 2004 and now boasts over 200 GED nursing, accounting, administrative work, and a into other neighborhoods by opening low over- GED program in the country.” As such, the pro- graduates to date. But Grace and her colleagues commission with the U.S. Navy. “We all share the head centers that would allow more women to gram has the flexibility to hire and fire its teach- don’t stop with the GED diploma, or the festive same goals. We all have children and we all want graduate from high school: “We don’t want to be ers and to individualize its curriculum (students graduation ceremony that they hold each June, to do better for them. We’re all pushing for each owned by the address; all you need are two good fall into A, B, or C-level classes depending upon complete with white caps and gowns, red roses, other to pass,” sums up Kinesha. teachers to teach a group of 15 or 20 women,” she their readiness for the GED exam) so as to get and a full buffet dinner. The second cornerstone Indeed, Jeris cites research indicating that the adds with excitement. It’s clear that Grace and the women through high school and on with their of Grace Outreach’s program is to help each grad- educational level of the parent is the single most her staff won’t give up till they begin to make a lives as quickly as possible. uate pursue a personal career path that suits her important predictor of a child’s educational level, meaningful dent in the needy South Bronx neigh- underscoring that Grace Outreach will have a borhood they have chosen as their home, and ripple effect far beyond its graduation rates. “We that the women they serve, most of whom are the don’t live in an economy any more where you can first in their families to graduate high school, are LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE NEW YORK support yourself and become financially indepen- the unsung heroes in their lives: “So many indi- dent without education,” she asserts. Among its viduals can be crippled by what lies before them. many lessons, Grace Outreach hopes to instill in There are so many hurdles. But these women its graduates the confidence to move ahead with don’t stop,” she adds quietly.#

. Bilingual and private school from Nursery to 12th grade; . More than 50 nationalities represented on a brand new campus; . Mandarin classes in Elementary and Secondary schools; . Preparation for the Baccalauréat (100% passed in 2007) and New York High School Diploma; . Graduates attend the most prestigious North American and French colleges and universities. . Information: (212) 439 3834, [email protected], www.lfny.org

LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE NEW YORK - 505 EAST 75TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY10021 LWT&LatCUNY ad:EdUpdate 1/4/08 2:44 PM Page 2

January 2008 ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ Education update 

THE CHEMISTRY TEAM

ark Smiley vowed to become a physician when he saw a Baruch College Mfriend shot dead. He joined Dr. Charles Malerich’s research into blood protein components called metal porphyrins. That led Charles Malerich to a two-year United Negro College Fund/Merck Science Schol- Professor of Physical Chemistry arship for drug research and a federal postgraduate grant to study + musculoskeletal injuries. Future plans: Mark Smiley devising new orthopedic surgical SEEK Program (Search for Education, techniques. Elevation & Knowledge) B.A. in Biology, Baruch College, 2006 University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2011 Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship ($300,000 over six years)

Take a closer look at some of the areas where CUNY harnesses the power of faculty and student research to push the boundaries of knowledge and discovery.

THE CELLULAR AGING TEAM

r. Karen Hubbard, right, explores the basic biology of how cells age and die. DShanaz Ghandhi, who came to CUNY from India to study with her, used a genomic approach to investigate a protein that interacts with a cancer-causing gene called HDM2. Their research could help explain the aging process and cure or prevent cancer. Dr. Hubbard has received more than $3.8 million in research grants.

City College of New York Matthew Goldstein CHANCELLOR Karen Hubbard Professor of Molecular Biology Collaborates with Outstanding Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center faculty. + Gifted Shanaz Ghandhi Ph.D., 2006, Postdoctoral researcher, Center for Radiological Research students. Columbia University Medical Center CUNY is their classroom. CUNY is your University.

www.cuny.edu 1-800-CUNY-YES  spotlight on schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ January 2008

MUSIC, ART & DANCE Sarah Johnson Brings New Musical School for Strings Perspectives to Carnegie Hall Continues to Vibrate as Suzuki-based Music School

By Joan Baum, Ph.D presence to young, emerging musicians involved Only eight months into her new job as Director in the year-old Academy Program, a collabora- of The Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall tion between Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School By Joan Baum, Ph.D Suzuki, who believed that learning a musical (WMI), Sarah Johnson, full of energy and excite- and WMI, in partnership with the New York City Though it’s been a few years since Charles instrument was like learning a language, and ment about implementing plans for the 2008-9 Department of Education. What an extraordinary Osgood featured The School for Strings (SFS) involved immersion and encouragement—ear season—“I wish I could say more right now association! Dedicated to serving recent post- on CBS, nothing’s changed at this jewel of a training early on as opposed to theory, and family but…” nonetheless, waiting for final decisions graduate musicians interested in arts education children’s music school. In fact, nothing’s really reinforcement instead of lone rehearsal. As SFS’s to be made, is eager at least to identify now and community outreach, this two-year fellow- changed in the school’s 38 years of existence— mission statement puts it, the Suzuki method some areas of interest. “Teaser” information ship initiative provides recent graduates with which is the way its focused but wonderfully is premised on the idea that all children “can includes advancing education initiatives, mov- performance opportunities, advanced musical relaxed director Alexander “Sasha” Yudkovsky achieve beyond their expectations” and that close ing on strengthening community connections in training, and intensive teaching instruction and wants it (well, he wouldn’t mind roomier quar- collaboration among parents, teachers and stu- all five boroughs, as well as NJ and Westchester experience. The graduates, who give perfor- ters and being able to offer lessons tuition free dents can build a “love of music, self-confidence, County, and developing creative, skills-based and mances at Carnegie Hall and Juilliard, and at or at least more scholarships). Like the school’s discipline, good work habits, and outstanding integrated sequential curricula for grades K-12. other concert halls in NYC and NYS, hail from founder, an early Suzuki enthusiast, who’s still achievement.” Children get to feel that their Future seasons will also see programs that will some of the most prestigious musical institutions playing and teaching at 91, violinist, Louise instrument is part of their body, Sasha says. bring together more educators for discussions in the country, including The Curtis Institute of Behrend, whom Mr. Yudkovsky credits as his “Playing string instruments is not, as with at Carnegie Hall and ensure that their efforts are Music, Eastman School of Music, New England mentor, Russian-born Yudkovsky, who came to piano, a visual experience: you don’t see notes,” recognized. Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, Stony this country as a 14-year old cellist, and who has you have to feel it. Approximately 300 or so On the very mid-December day Education Brook University, and Yale School of Music. no problem answering to “Sasha,” wants SFS to youngsters now attend SFS. New emphases Update caught up with Ms. Johnson, The New While the Academy Program is a great opportu- remain small and intimate. It’s essential, he says, include programs in early childhood, summer York Times announced that from September 24 nity for these new artists-in-residence at Carnegie for him to know every student, from the age of pre-K workshops, a summer institute for chamber to December 13, Carnegie Hall and The New Hall, it is also a boon for NYC public school two and a half on, and to know their parents. music (ages 10 and up), and more professional York Philharmonic will present a series of 30 students who are able to meet Academy Fellows He’s not interested in fame that leads to expan- training sessions for teachers. concerts, film screenings, panel discussions and coming to their school for one and a half days a sion or development. It was CBS who came to To judge not only from the Osgood program other events to observe the 90th birthday of week, for 24 weeks, to work alongside school SFS, he points out, not the other way around. but also from on-site observation, SFS is doing Leonard Bernstein and the 50th anniversary of music teachers. Here, Ms. Johnson hopes, they Charles Osgood noted why: his own five children everything right. A three-year old child comes his appointment as the orchestra’s music direc- will work with music and classroom teachers to had been students at the school and absolutely in, “Where’s my class!” It’s just about to begin, tor. Central in these festivities will be Marin contribute to the making of a new generation of loved the experience. His wife pointed out how and Education Update is invited to look on. Four Alsop’s direction of student choruses performing music lovers and concert attendees, not to men- she would travel with their growing quintet over young girls and boys are being led in rhythm alongside the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, in tion the making of a new generation of profes- the years, spending four out of five days a week exercises. Teacher Tara Hoisington, full of charm October, in a presentation of Bernstein’s “Mass” sional musicians who are equipped with a broad at the school. The participation of parents, Sasha and confidence, with an expert Faina Khodos, on at The United Palace Theater in Washington range of skills and dedicated to creating cultural notes, is a basic requirement of SFS, regardless of piano, guides the small ones to do-re-mi…by way Heights. An educational project connected with change by inspiring a sense of the importance a youngster’s level or ability to play. Parents must of a “Solfege” Mat and directions to bob up and this spectacular event, Ms. Johnson notes, will of supporting classical music. Such hopes come attend classes with their children, learn the instru- down according to the notes on the scale. Then include middle school and high school students naturally to Ms. Johnson, who has a bachelor’s ment their children choose and pursue practice the children are led to say “Watermelon” and performing pieces they have created in response and master’s degree in oboe from Juilliard, and and music appreciation at home. That’s parents, recreate syllable accents with castanets. Big beats to themes about the “Mass” and excerpts of the is a founding member of Ariel Winds, a quintet not grandparents, nannies or caregivers. Hard and minor beats, fast and slow, are then illustrated “mass” at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall. dedicated to educational outreach. Before com- on working mothers and fathers? No doubt, but by way of “Jingle Bells” and the dance of the Of course, plans for WMI also extend to reno- ing to WMI, she served as Director of Education somehow they make it. Thousands of youngsters “Sugar Plum Fairy.” The parents delightedly go vation of the physical layout. The studio towers, and Community Partnerships at The Philadelphia from middleclass and lower middleclass homes with flow. Does it all work? Regional festivals Ms. Johnson says, will undergo renovation that Orchestra and as Program Associate for edu- have passed through SFS and applications contin- where groups of youngsters gather together to will allow WMI to bring all of its programs cational outreach at the 92nd Street Y, not to ue to pour in, and not just from Manhattanites. make magic, not to mention their appearances under one roof, as well as provide greater oppor- mention many other related positions where she Founded in 1970, with 180 students, SFS has every now and then at Carnegie Hall—and CBS! tunity for artists to interact with students and was and continues to be a key player in educa- been described as “the premiere Suzuki-based —Would seem to indicate an unequivocal Yes. audiences. There will also be more rehearsal tion awareness programs locally, nationally and music school” in the country, dedicated to teach- Call 212-315-0915 for further information. SFS space and practice rooms that will give greater abroad. # ing and promoting the ideas of Dr. Shinichi is located at 419 W. 54. # January 2008 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ spotlight on schools 

MUSIC, ART & DANCE Teachers Award Daily News Director Dale Lewis Celebrates 25 Years Exec Top Honors at Usdan & Usdan Celebrates 40 Michael Dabin

Diana Boschen (L), Director of Educational Programs and Partnerships at the Daily News, beams after receiving the Media Literacy Award for the 2007-08 school year from the New York Association of Teachers of English. Presenting the award were Dr. Rose Reissman (center) and Jospeh Reich. Previous award recipients include Pete Hamill, Nat Hentoff and Bill Moyers.

by Joan Baum, Ph.D. points out, that an overwhelming number of Over the years, each summer, more than 50,000 youngsters do discover or refine their love of the youngsters, ages 6-18, approximately 1,600 a day, arts at Usdan, while not feeling pressured to pur- now—some from as far away as NJ, Riverhead sue these interests later on. Of course, many do, and Westchester County—know that when their profiting from the camp’s individual and group air-conditioned chartered buses hit Exit 49N, of lessons. Lewis himself, a graduate of the Oberlin the L.I.E., they’re just minutes away from a won- College Conservatory of Music, switched gears derland in the woods that Time Magazine called when he gave up a successful career as a cellist, “one of America’s most unique camps.” With having made a Carnegie Recital Hall debut when 200 acres and 70 buildings that house music and he was 12, as the winner of the New York String art studios, galleries and theatres, Usdan Center Teachers Guild competition, then soloing in for the Creative and Performing Arts can easily this country and abroad and playing cello in the lay claim to being one of the most physically Alberg Trio, eventually moving on to assume var- impressive, professional and yet relaxed venues ious faculty positions in music. For 18 years he for pursuing music (classical, pop, jazz, folk, held the title of Music Director of the Westchester choral), painting, ceramics, computer graphics, Junior Orchestra. cartooning, dance (classical, modern, Broadway, The 25 years have been deeply rewarding, tap), drama, photography, film and creative writ- Lewis says, particularly as he looks back on recent ing, under the loving guidance of well known art- accomplishments—adding technology-based arts ists. Usdan also takes itself seriously as a camp, courses, a new Discovery Program for ages 6-8), however, and in addition to the courses students instituting an association between Usdan and elect (two hours a day for a major, one hour for the Joffrey Ballet, co-creating the Heckscher- a minor, which can include recreational sports), Usdan Student Art Institute (with year-round they also swim an hour in one of the camp’s two capabilities), superintending the construction of Olympic-size pools. the 1,000-seat McKinley Amphitheater for Music The success of Usdan is easily inferred from and Dance, and introducing and sustaining Usdan the unsolicited letters Dale Lewis receives daily, residences in ballet (San Jose, CA), chamber all year long, some missives accompanied by music (Tokyo String Quartet) and brass—the artwork. Alumnae, fondly recalling what Suzanne Canadian Brass, what else! Cheerful, confident, Usdan calls their “life-changing summers” at he also looks ahead and is especially pleased with the camp, are eager to enroll their own chil- a new direction that will kick in this summer: the dren, though word-of-mouth among neighbors Usdan College Prep Center that will assist upper and friends is as much responsible for Usdan’s division students in selecting and applying to col- extraordinary growth, some of it in areas that may leges, preparing for the SATs and, in September, not at first seem related to the arts. But, on reflec- engaging students in an intensive weekend of tion, Dale Lewis suggests, the more recent course essay writing and coaching in auditions and stage additions in chess and nature and ecology fit in techniques. This unusual and inspired program beautifully. Nature and ecology, for example, will bridge the gap between summer fun and the encourages youngsters to replicate sounds found usual college prep hysteria seniors face back in in nature and to make sculptures out of found the academic world. It will also give youngsters objects. Indeed, he laughs, in a recent poll asking information about little known but great colleges campers what they’d like to see added, perhaps “out there,” including well-regarded conservato- in future years, culinary “arts” came in number ries that would love to hear from Usdan gradu- one! How a major in such an area might affect ates. Regardless, at Usdan all youngsters, regard- appreciation of the long-standing tradition of free less of level of ability, have an opportunity not ice cream at the end of the Usdan day remains to only to embrace the creative and performing arts be seen, though Lewis expects that this joyous in a professional setting, Lewis emphasizes, but exit treat will continue. to form life-long friendships, meet mentors, have Though Usdan has been described as a place their minds opened to new experiences. “where you can lose yourself for a summer and For more info: www.usdan.com or call 212- find yourself for a lifetime,” the fact is, as Lewis 772-6060.#  spotlight on schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ January 2008

MUSIC, ART & DANCE National Dance Institute—“Dancing through Life” does the future hold for the NDI? d’Amboise bilities that are limitless. They are pathways that reflects: “What the NDI has done throughout its touch upon our brains and emotions; they are thirty-one year history, and is doing now, will human beings’ greatest form of communication. continue in the future in an expanded way.” That They walk in tandem with science and play, and expansion would include the establishment of a best describe what it is to be human.” permanent home for NDI, envisioned as a Center One NDI supporter observes, “When you expe- for Learning and the Arts. This center would rience an NDI performance, you have the sense serve as a crucible for the training of teaching art- that there is hope for a better future, because ists and would provide a much needed rehearsal these children will make it happen.” and performance space for NDI dancers. Such a For more information about this extraordinary permanent residence would solidify NDI’s future, arts program, visit www.nationaldance.org # and would offer an appropriate testament to the As an advocate for excellence in children’s edu- life of Jacques d’Amboise, who has inspired mil- cation, Dr. Margaret I. Cuomo is a supporter of lions of children through participation in the arts. several organizations involving the arts and In the words of the incomparable d’Amboise, world language education, including NDI and “The arts open your heart and mind to possi- Concordia Language Villages.

(L-R) Ellen Weinstein, Artistic Director, front row center & Jacques d’Amboise, center back row

By Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D. rently helping to establish a program in Mexico. “5-6-7-8—Lift your knees! —Higher! — What do the educational experts think of NDI? Higher! —Look at the audience! —Now Smile!” Dr. Howard Gardner is the highly respected It is a frigid Saturday morning in December at P.S. Professor of Cognition and Education at Harvard 130 in Chinatown, when many children through- University’s Graduate School of Education, and out New York City are watching cartoons in their a leader of Project Zero, an education research pajamas or still snug in their warm beds. For the group. For years, Dr. Gardner has been an young dancers of National Dance Institute (NDI), enthusiastic advocate of the pedagogy and per- Saturdays are reserved for learning and rehears- formance model established by NDI. Dr. Nancy ing the often challenging choreography presented McCormick Rambusch, renowned early child- by NDI teaching artists. hood educator, and founder of the American What is the magic that inspires this passionate Montessori Society, described NDI’s pedago- dedication in such young students? The answer gy as exemplifying quality teaching. In 2004, lies in the philosophy of education espoused by the Dr. Rob Horowitz, Associate Director of the extraordinary NDI Founder Jacques d’Amboise, Center for Arts Education Research at Columbia and the brilliant Artistic Director, Ellen Weinstein University’s Teachers College conducted an in- (rhymes with “Einstein”). NDI raises the bar high depth external evaluation of NDI’s In-School for its dancers. Recognizing the power of the arts Program. His report reinforced the efficacy of to inspire students to excellence in all aspects of the NDI pedagogy in engaging the students’ their lives, d’Amboise developed a dance peda- higher order thinking skills related to cognitive, gogy that would motivate all students to learn affective, and kinesthetic learning. Horowitz also and excel as dancers. Artistic Director Weinstein affirmed what NDI knows so well: that NDI has collaborated with d’Amboise to create a students demonstrate increased self-confidence, unique learning environment. Each year’s dance concentration, and focus. curriculum culminates in mid-year and end of Perhaps the “magic” of NDI lies in the way LEAD. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM. year assemblies, attended by parents and friends. the music and dance motivate the dancers, and The “Event of the Year” in June is a full-scale their teachers, to excel beyond what they thought performance with live music and scenery, usually they could accomplish. Perhaps it is the fact that ENSURE HIGH ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR EVERY STUDENT: presented at La Guardia High School. Weinstein the teachers believe firmly in the young danc- and her faculty of teaching artists select themes, ers’ ability, and the dancers strive to exceed the BECOME AN URBAN which invite an in-depth study of the culture, high standards set by their teachers. Some of that as well as the music and dance, of a particular magic was evident on November 22nd, 2007, at PUBLIC SCHOOL PRINCIPAL country or ethnicity. In the past few years, NDI the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The NDI curricular themes have included the life of Albert dancers marched and danced their way down IN NEW YORK CITY. Einstein, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Broadway, and performed at Herald Square where Dream,” and the cultures of Africa. Mexico is the they were televised nationwide by NBC. Viewers 2007 theme, and the NDI has collaborated with from across the USA were inspired and moved by Mexican choreographers and dancers to create a their joyful energy, as well as their obvious tal- vibrant and exciting program of yearlong study. ent. A petite powerhouse, Artistic Director Ellen Since it’s founding in 1976, NDI has impacted Weinstein nearly vibrates with enthusiasm as she the lives of over 2 million children worldwide. Over speaks about NDI. “NDI’s curriculum is acces- 35,000 New York City public school children par- sible to all. We challenge children beyond what ticipate in NDI programs each year. NDI’s teaching they ever dreamed possible, but not beyond what “team” consists of a master teacher/choreographer, they are capable of. We take the children on an a teaching assistant, and a musician. A commitment exhilarating adventure that has hard work, rigor- Pursue a unique pathway to the principalship. to live music is an essential part of the NDI expe- ous discipline and joy attached. It is everything Our comprehensive program offers: rience. The In-School Program provides weekly good education should be.” classes within New York City public schools to all The face of former New York City Ballet Administrative certification students, including those with physical, cognitive, Principal dancer, Jacques d’Amboise, radi- Rigorous coursework by national experts and emotional challenges. NDI programs also exist ates with a youthful zest for life. Although for grades K-5 at the Special Music School, and he is the recipient of numerous prestigious Year-long, paid residency in a NYC school for high school students at the Individual Pathways awards (Kennedy Center Honors, a MacArthur Ongoing training and support from successful principals program of Walton High School Annex. With the Foundation “Genius Grant,” The Academy of A national community of like-minded peers support of a planning grant from the New York Arts and Sciences, The Mayor’s Award for Arts State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), P.S. 163 is and Culture, The National Medal of Arts, People piloting an integrated arts curriculum for grades Magazine’s People First Honoree, and many PK-5 that will embed NDI pedagogy throughout others), Jacques is a humble, child-centered FINAL DEADLINE FEBRUARY 28, 2008 the academic disciplines. NDI has established affili- giant. Having traveled throughout the globe All applications must be submitted online ate programs in California, New Mexico, Colorado, with his beautiful ballerina and photographer North Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, and New wife, Carolyn, d’Amboise brings a wealth of life Jersey. Internationally, NDI has developed cul- experiences to his commitment to NDI. What has For more information, visit us online at www.nlns.org tural exchanges with Australia, Bali, Chile, China, d’Amboise discovered throughout NDI’s thirty- Ethiopia, Hawaii, India, Ireland, Israel, Nepal, one year history? “It all filters down to three or contact [email protected] Palestine, Russia, Senegal and Siberia, and is cur- essential words: Children are everything.” What January 2008 ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ Education update 

Corporate Contributions MUSEUMS AS EDUCATORS to Education Museum Educators Enjoy Michael Steinhardt: Legendary Evening At American Museum of Natural History Financier Turned Philanthropist By Emily Sherwood, Ph.D. What do you do when you’ve risen to the top of your profession and achieved undreamed-of financial success? If you’re Michael Steinhardt, who grew up on the streets of Brooklyn, grad- uated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School before his twentieth birthday, and became one of the world’s first and most suc- cessful hedge fund managers (his firm, Steinhardt Partners, L.P., managed $4.4 billion in assets and routinely boasted annual returns well over 20 percent), you close up shop and devote your life to philanthropy. “Since I stopped managing money [in 1995], I have devoted just about all my energy to a Children in fog curtain vision of a very different Jewish future,” explains Steinhardt when interviewed in his spacious mid- town office, which is filled with a dazzling array of silver and artwork. Steinhardt’s prodigious talents are indeed shaping the Jewish community in ways that he might not have predicted at his “retirement” twelve years ago. From a found- ing role in PEJE (Partnership for Excellence where he serves on their Board of Trustees and in Jewish Education) and Birthright Israel to heads up their Trustee Investment Committee. His major funding roles in just about every promi- involvement ultimately led him to donate gener- nent Jewish organization on the map—including ously to their school of education, now called The Foundation for Jewish Camping, Jewish the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, Early Childhood Education Initiative (JECEI), and Human Development, reflecting the inter- B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO), Hillel, disciplinary nature of their academic programs. Brandeis University, Tel Aviv University, and (The school offers a Ph.D. program in Education the Israel Museum, to name just a few—Michael and Jewish Studies, thanks to Steinhardt.) “It is Steinhardt has lent inspiration and support to, extremely important that the perception of the in his words, “take the present, non-orthodox teacher be elevated in society,” reflects Steinhardt Slot canyon Jewish community to a much better place.” on the long-term viability of public education in To illustrate the need for his mission, Steinhardt America. “It’s not going to be a budget buster for By Jan Aaron activities. The museum is also seeking Living throws out a challenge: “Name five great Jewish anyone, and it shows that our society really cares It would be impossible for the estimated 500 Environment Teachers for a pilot test involving [religious] leaders of the twentieth century.” Aha, about education.” educators who attended the recent Educator’s workshops and case studies (for information laughs Steinhardt at the silence his query evokes, Not all of Steinhardt’s ideas have hit home Evening at the American Museum of Natural [email protected]). knowing that he’s made his case. It is easy to runs, and he’s the first to admit that “to be an History (AMNH) to come away without feeling Educators toured the exhibit (running through name 500 great secular leaders who were Jews innovator, you don’t always win.” Several years excitement for classroom possibilities of the new May 26 2008) with its dramatic entry of a fog (Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, Albert Einstein, ago, he tried unsuccessfully with Bard President exhibition Water: H²O=Life. To start the evening, screen resembling a waterfall, stunning instal- Saul Bellow, and Sandy Koufax might lead the and educational visionary Leon Botstein to create they walked through a row of activity/resource lations and riveting wall texts offering startling list of standouts in their professions), because, a secular Jewish high school in New York City, tables collecting information and materials help- facts. A salient example is that water is not a he points out, “Jews get their pride from secu- and he’s now hoping to convince NYC Schools ful to teaching about water. renewal resource and what exists on earth is all lar accomplishments.” By working to improve Chancellor Joel Klein to create a Hebrew lan- “My sixth grade science teacher inspired we will ever have, and less than 1 percent of it Jewish education from pre-school through adult- guage charter school in the city. “I will bet I’m me,” said Eleanor Sterling, the exhibit’s curator is available for human use. In 27 countries, most hood, Steinhardt hopes to make his mark on the going to fail,” he adds with a twinkle in his eye. and director of the Center of Biodiversity and in Africa and Asia, water is not easily accessible future of the Jewish Diaspora: “We are a people But one guesses that, whatever the outcome of Conservation at the museum, greeting the guests. to half the population and many rivers there are who are fading, and I’m trying to reverse that,” he his latest project, Steinhardt will continue to use “We hope educators will bring their classrooms highly polluted. The show includes international adds passionately. his boundless energy and intelligence to explore here to inspire and engage them,” she added. exhibits such as a meteorite from Australia con- Of the dozens of causes he’s embraced, creative ideas and ultimately instigate meaningful Running slide highlights of the exhibit, Ms. taining 15 per cent water and display devoted to Steinhardt singles out Birthright Israel, created in changes to improve educational opportunities for Sterling explained that its objective is to provide mammoth Three Gorges Dam in China. There is 1999 to offer every young Jewish person between both Jews and non-Jews alike. “It’s a long life information about a precious resource, the envi- also much here to engage the younger students, the ages of 18 to 26 a living and learning experi- you lead, and if you’re lucky enough to find some ronmental concerns formed by its degradation who may not relate to the sophisticated world of ence in Israel, as “the single, most important pro- occupation that’s compelling to you, that touches and actions people can take to help preserve it. the water story. gram in the Jewish world in the last half century.” you at the deepest levels, you are extremely Museum packets given to participants includ- For more information or to get an Educator’s Founded by Steinhardt and Seagram heir and fortunate,” he muses philosophically. Clearly, ed Educator’s Guides to help teachers pre- Guide go to: Amnh.org/education/water. (AMNH, philanthropist Charles Bronfman, in cooperation Steinhardt has found many such occupations, and pare their students for their field trips to get Central Park West at 79th St. amnh.org Tel. 212- with the Israeli government, private philanthro- the world is a better place because of him.# the most of their visits and initiate follow-up 769-5100.)# pists, and Jewish communities around the world, Birthright Israel has provided a free round-trip ticket to Israel, combined with an intensive ten- HELP! CHEMISTRY, day educational experience, to 147,000 young Jewish adults from 52 countries (70 percent of PHYSICS TESTS FREE them are Americans). “The trip creates an extraor- OVER 100,000 BOOKS SOLD! Tax Return for 1st Year dinary spark…There’s an immediate heightening HIGH MARKS: REGENTS CHEMISTRY MADE EASY - BY SHARON WELCHER $10.95 Educators & Paras of Jewish identity,” explains Steinhardt, who has (College Teacher, Chairperson & now thrown himself into a sequel program known Teacher of High School Review Courses) ParEnts & studEnts as Birthright Next, a series of activities intended Easy Review Book with hundreds of ALL OTHER: 50% DiscOunT to connect and engage Birthright Israel graduates. questions and solutions for new Regents As one of its kickoff activities, Birthright Next NEW BOOK Free list of 75 Educator’s deductions staged a globally televised Chanukah party last HIGH MARKS: REGENTS PHYSICS MADE IRS EnRollEd AgEnt— month in sites as diverse as Russia, Mumbai and EASY - BY SHARON WELCHER $12.95 Los Angeles. “Through technology, we are now Easy Review Book with hundreds of 27 YEARS ExpERIEnCE able to celebrate all over the world at once,” adds questions and solutions for new Regents visit us online at teacher$tax specialist Steinhardt proudly. Available at leading bookstores A passionate believer in the power of education or call 718-271-7466 www.educationupdate.com (516) TAX-sAVE to transform all of society, Steinhardt has gener- www.HighMarksInSchool.com 2 million hits per month ously supported New York University (NYU), (516) 829-7283 10 Special Education ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ January 2008

From the NYU CHILD STUDY CENTER: ASK THE EXPERT Charles & Helen Schwab Foundation Selects Transition Partners About Kids Who Don’t Like Sports GreatSchools and Professor Garfield offerings, while welcoming Schwab Learning Foundation to Inherit Learning parents into a community of more than 33 mil- By Glenn S. emphasis is on individual rather than group Disability (LD)-Focused Web Content lion Americans each committed to school and life Hirsch, M.D. effort, as in bowling, golf, swimming, gymnas- The Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation success for their children. More than 30 million tics, fencing, archery, running, or martial arts. announced today its intention to merge its award- PROFESSOR GARFIELD FOUNDATION TO children and adolescents One great favorite is dancing, which most kids winning Schwab Learning websites with two non- ACQUIRE SPARKTOP.ORG in the United States love and combines fun and exercise. There are profit organizations, selected from an invitation- SparkTop.org content will transition to the participate in group or many other ways in which they can join in, get fit, only review process, to continue operations for Professor Garfield Foundation, a nonprofit orga- individual sports. The and feel good doing some kind of physical activ- SchwabLearning.org, dedicated to helping parents nization founded by Garfield creator Jim Davis, benefits of sports are ity. Music and the dramatic arts offer many of the of children with learning and attention problems, and committed to engaging children in learning. A numerous: sports are advantages of team sports, in that they require SparkTop.org, the first website designed exclusively strong desire to expand content for children who good for physical and physical dexterity, learning to be part of a team, for 8—12 year olds who struggle with learning. struggle with learning, existing partnerships with mental health, and they cooperating in performances, encouraging others, The Foundation recently announced that it Schwab Learning and a longstanding respect for promote psychological and academic develop- and social awareness. will shift its focus from its operating program, the work of the Professor Garfield Foundation ment. But what about the remaining millions of Tips for Parents Schwab Learning—a free direct service program were key factors in this selection. The transi- kids who really don’t like sports? I grew up with Respect and value your child’s particular abili- with a twenty-year history of helping families of tion of SparkTop.org into the Professor Garfield two left feet and hated sports. When I became ties and talents. Your child may have preferences children with learning and attention problems— Foundation combines two highly acclaimed a dad, I realized that I wanted to find ways to and gifts in areas other than sports, such as music, to concentrate on grants. resources in children’s media and literacy. A rec- encourage sports and physical fitness in my own drama, writing, or art. “In making this transition it was important to ognized leader in education, Jim Davis and his children in case they inherited my klutziness. Realize that free play, child-organized games, find partners who share our commitment to provid- powerful Garfield brand will now directly sup- We know that kids need to be physically active and physical education programs in school pro- ing the best possible information and resources to port success for kids with learning disabilities. every day. On the other hand, kids also need time vide opportunities for physical activity. the millions of families impacted by learning dif- “One of the unexpected joys of being in this line to rest, to think, to do homework, and to socialize Make sure your child is physically and cogni- ficulties. We reached out to a select group of part- of work has been hearing from the parents of chil- with other kids. Organized team sports appeal to tively able to handle the demands of sports. Not ners and ultimately selected two organizations who dren who learned to read thanks to the Garfield many kids at first, but then a considerable number until the age of 6 or 7 are children developmen- have the potential to reach even more parents and comic strip,” said Davis. “After nearly 30 years of drop out after several years. Why? Some kids tally ready for organized sports. their kids who struggle with learning,” said Jodell doing the strip, we’ve heard this often enough that don’t like the competitiveness of organized team Parents and coaches may lose sight of the Seagrave, managing director of Schwab Learning. we’re convinced the strip is a great teaching tool. sports. They just like playing spontaneously for child’s needs in their own drive for success, and In a move that ensures LD resources and sup- The simple combination of words and pictures fun. Some kids don’t want to devote the time and the child may be used to satisfy an adult’s needs. port reach an even wider range of parents, San stimulates learning. That’s why we created the effort. Here are some other reasons kids might be Stay attuned to the child’s signals. Try to assess Francisco-based GreatSchools will be the recipient Professor Garfield Foundation and the Professor turned off: whether the child is really interested in the activ- of SchwabLearning.org content. GreatSchools, a Garfield website. We all learn in different ways, “I just can’t do it”—Jeremy, 5 ity or just participating to gain adult approval. nonprofit organization dedicated to improving K- or as SparkTop.org says, No two brains spark Some kids develop motor skills, such as kicking Watch for signs that the child may not really be 12 education by inspiring parents to get involved, alike.’ It’s very gratifying that the Charles and or hitting a ball, later than others. Also, children enjoying the sport or experiencing the require- will also continue to support SchwabLearning. Helen Schwab Foundation are electing Garfield under the age of 6 or 7 may not have the attention ments as stressful. Difficulty in sleeping or eat- org’s community of parents of kids with LD. to carry on their vision. It’s a responsibility we span or the ability to understand the rules. ing, or obsessive preoccupation with practice and By joining forces, GreatSchools will preserve take seriously. It will encourage us to redouble “It’s boring”—Jenny, 8 winning, may be warning signs. Schwab Learning’s mission and high-quality our efforts to help kids grow and learn.”# Some children don’t like the rules and time While none of my children are truly athletic, requirements of team sports. Some may be afraid they are all interested and involved in physical of doing something wrong. fitness and enjoy the camaraderie of sports— “I’d rather watch TV”—Cindy, 10 playing, not just watching. Some kids haven’t been encouraged to try dif- This monthly column provides educators, par- ferent kinds of physical activity. ents and families with important information “I already tried it”—Jimmy, 14 about child and adolescent mental health issues. Some kids have already participated in a sport Please submit questions for ASK THE EXPERT and have not been successful. to Glenn S. Hirsch, M.D., Medical Director at “I’m always being watched”—Amy, 14 the NYU Child Study Center at glenn.hirsch@ Some kids feel they’re on display to please med.nyu.edu. To subscribe to the ASK THE other people. EXPERT Newsletter or for more information So how can parents find a balance for their about the NYU Child Study Center, visit www. kids? What are some other options? AboutOurKids.org or call 212-263-6622. Many kids are more comfortable when the

www.EducationupdatE.com Awardaward Volume XII, No. 1 • New York City • SEPTEMBER 2006 Winner FoR PaRENTS, EduCaToRS & STudENTS Back-to-School 2006 SUBSCRIBE to Education Update

) ii (part u.s. postageu.s. paid V p PRSRTSTD. oo ermit No.500 No.500 ermit RH ees SPECIAL EDUCATION NJ , Only $30 Per Year Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Payment Method: o Check o Credit Card Credit Card (Please circle one): AMEX VISA MC Card Number: ______Expiration Date: ______Signature: ______Please make checks payable to EDUCATION UPDATE, INC. Mail to: Education Update Subscriptions 695 Park Avenue, Ste. E1509. NY, NY 10065-5024 Or Call us at (212) 650-3552 January 2008 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ Special Education 11 Special Camp Fair On Excessive Tantrums In Preschoolers May Indicate Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 “It doesn’t matter how long these types of tantrums Parents and caregivers of children and teens with Serious Mental Health Problems last or how often they occur, self-injurious behavior disabilities can plan ahead for summer with the By Jim Dryden Belden, Ph.D., a National Institute of Mental Health almost always was associated with a psychiatric diag- wealth of information offered at the 23rd annual Certain types of tantrums in preschoolers may be (NIMH) post-doctoral research scholar in child psy- nosis in this study,” Belden says. “Children with major free Special Camp Fair on Saturday, January 26, a sign of serious emotional or behavioral problems, chiatry. “Healthy children may even display extreme depressive disorder tended to hurt themselves. We 2008 from 11 AM to 3 PM. at the Church of St. Paul according to researchers at Washington University behaviors if they’re very tired or sick or hungry. But didn’t see that in healthy kids or those with ADHD and the Apostle, (entrance to Fair on Columbus Ave. School of Medicine in St. Louis. Although temper if a child is regularly engaging in specific types of other disruptive disorders. It really surprised us that this near W. 60th St.) NYC. The Fair is presented by tantrums are common and normal in young chil- tantrum behaviors, there may be a problem.” type of behavior was emerging at such a young age.” Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. dren, the researchers found that long, frequent, vio- The researchers studied 270 children between 3 Other “red flags” involved children who had more Representatives from 70 New York City day camps lent and/or self-destructive tantrums may indicate and 6 years old. They gathered the information about than five tantrums a day for several consecutive and sleepaway camps in the northeast will be on hand the presence of psychiatric illness. tantrums from a parent. The children were divided days. Very long tantrums also signaled a problem. to help parents and professionals plan productive The research team reports its findings in the into four groups according to psychiatric symptoms: Healthy children might have a tantrum that lasts summer experiences for children with disabilities. The January print issue of The Journal of Pediatrics no psychiatric diagnosis, major depressive disorder, 10 or 11 minutes, but several children in the study, Fair will also feature information on travel programs, currently available online. Researchers compared disruptive disorder, or depression and disruptive dis- especially those with disruptive disorders, averaged remedial education programs, volunteer and job tantrums in healthy children to the tantrums in order. All of the children were part of a larger NIMH- more than 25 minutes per tantrum. opportunities and early childhood programs. Spanish children diagnosed with depression or disruptive funded study of psychiatric illness in preschoolers. Finally, when preschoolers are unable to calm and sign language interpreters will be available. disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity “We’ve been following these children for sev- themselves following a tantrum, they appear to be at Visitors to the Fair will receive a free copy disorder. Most children have temper tantrums at eral years,” says principal investigator Joan L. much greater risk of psychiatric problems. of the Camps 2008 Directory. The Camps 2008 some point, but the researchers found healthy chil- Luby, M.D., associate professor of child psychiatry “If a child is having tantrums and parents always Directory (publication date January 2008) is also dren tend to be less aggressive and generally have and director of the Early Emotional Development have to bribe the child with cookies or other rewards available by sending a check for $25 plus 8.00 shorter tantrums than their peers with depression Program at the School of Medicine. “It’s important to calm him or her down, this may be something more postage and handling to Resources for Children and disruptive disorders. to find age-specific ways to diagnose depression and serious than normal toddler volatility,” Belden says. with Special Needs, Inc., Dept. PR1, 116 E. 16th “It’s clearly normal for young children to have other problems in young children because it can be It’s important, he stresses, to replicate these find- St., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003.# occasional tantrums,” says first author Andrew C. difficult to get very young children to tell you about ings in studies of other children and to more rigor- their feelings. We’ve successfully used narrative and ously classify what types of behavior may be prob- observational techniques, but characteristics of tan- lematic. Since this study relied on parent reports Gov. Grants for Educators of information about, including information on suc- trums when present might be another helpful tool.” of children’s tantrum behaviors, future studies will Charter School Program (CSP): The purpose of the cessful practices in, charter schools. Luby, Belden and colleagues identified five types involve video analysis of them. CSP is to increase national understanding of the char- Applications Available: December 3, 2007. of tantrum behavior that appeared to be connected Belden, who has two young children, became ter school model and to expand the number of high- Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February with depression or diagnosable disruptive disorders. interested in tantrum behavior because of the very quality charter schools available to students across 1, 2008. The first involves extremely aggressive behavior different tantrum styles displayed by each of his the Nation by providing financial assistance for the Eligible Applicants: State educational agencies during a tantrum. When a toddler displays aggres- two children. His advice for parents is not to worry planning, program design, and initial implementation (SEA) in States with a State statute specifically sion directed at a caregiver or violently destructive when a child has a tantrum but to pay attention to of charter schools, and to evaluate the effects of char- authorizing the establishment of charter schools. behavior toward an object such as a toy during most how the child is behaving during the tantrum. ter schools, including their effects on students, stu- Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000-$10,000,000 tantrums, parents should be concerned. The study “The best news from this paper is that it’s normal dent academic achievement, staff, and parents. The per year. found that these children tend to have diagnoses for children to display excessive behavior some- Secretary awards grants to State educational agencies Estimated Average Size of Awards: $5,000,000 of ADHD, oppositional-defiant disorder and other times,” Belden says. “If a child lashes out at you, it (SEAs) to enable them to conduct charter school per year. disruptive disorders. doesn’t mean, ‘Oh my gosh! They’re doomed!’ But programs in their States. SEAs use their CSP funds to Estimated Number of Awards: 8-10. The second worrisome tantrum behavior is when if they lash out and hit you every time, there might award subgrants to non-SEA eligible applicants for Additional information is available online at: toddlersIDA-NYC_AVEad_F intentionally injure themselves—actions 12.17.06 be 09:24 a problem. AndPM if theyPage hurt themselves2 inten- planning, program design, and initial implementation http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/ such as scratching until the skin bleeds, head bang- tionally, I think it’s best to consult a pediatrician or of a charter school, and to support the dissemination announcements/2007-4/120307a.html ing or biting themselves. mental health professional.”#

“Our son is failing spelling. He tries so hard, but it’s not helping.”

If your child or someone you know is struggling with reading or writing, we can help.

The New York Branch of the International Dyslexia Association provides information, referrals, workshops and support to parents and professionals on the impact and treatment of dyslexia.

INFORMATION Contact us at 212.691.1930 or visit www.nybida.org. 12

EDUCATION UPDATE | January 2008

Who Are Our City Council Members hat o hey o By Dr. Pola Rosen Developers& (ANHD) W to pilot a program Dto con- the TNational Women’s Leadership D Forum.? slated to be developed by Sheldon Solow and the There are 51 elected City Council Members, duct roof-to-cellar inspections on buildings Inez Dickens has been recognized for her Hudson Rail Yards. yet few of the 8 million citizens of New York known to have multiple serious violations and work in economic development and community We need to plan carefully and wisely for our City can name what they do or who they dated inspections. life. She has received the Distinguished Service future. Going forward, I will continue to work are. Education Update emailed, faxed, tele- Education issues rank as some of Brewer’s top Award from the New York State Association with the Department of Education, my col- phoned and mailed each councilmember about priorities on the Upper West Side. In addition to of Black and Latino Legislators, the Sojourner leagues in the City Council, parents, and teach- their responsibilities, activities and goals. The her work integrating technology and education, Truth Award from the National Association of ers to ensure that every child in the city has the responses follow. she has worked closely with Council Speaker Negro Business & Professional Women, the opportunity to attain an excellent education. # Christine Quinn’s Middle School Task Force, sits American Red Cross Achievement Award, the Dan Garodnick on the Council’s Mayoral Control Workgroup, Public Education Award from the American James F. Gennaro Dan Garodnick was elected to and advocates tirelessly for more high qual- Diabetes Association, the Women Who Make My top priority as a New York the City Council in 2005. A mem- ity public school seats in her tightly crowded a Difference Award from the NAACP, and the City Council Member is protecting ber of the Council’s Education district. Council Member Brewer was also the Heritage Award from the Greater Harlem Real the city’s environment, launching Committee, Garodnick has first public figure to suggest that schoolyards be Estate Board. Other notable acknowledgements clean-air and sustainability initia- become a vocal leader in pressing open to the public outside school hours—now include: the Who’s Who of American Women, tives, and improving the health of the Department of Education to a central aspect of Mayor Bloomberg’s “Open Outstanding Citizen of the Year in Real Estate, our citizens. I’ve worked hard to develop a plan that will accommodate the explo- Spaces” initiative in PlaNYC. the Woman of Excellence and Woman of Industry create legislation that would meet all of those goals sive growth within District 2—an enrollment Brewer has received numerous awards for her Awards, and the 2005 Women of Excellence and have been successful in these endeavors. increase of nearly 25 percent by 2014. Garodnick service on over two dozen neighborhood and Award from NY Senate Democratic Leader, The most recent law I authored is the New York was recently appointed to co-chair the Council’s nonprofit boards as well as her work in the City Senator David A. Paterson. City Climate Protection Act, which mandates Infrastructure Task Force, through which the Council. In 2000, she was cited by the Daily Ms. Dickens is a product of the New York City a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions City will explore innovative ways of ensuring News as “One of 50 New Yorkers to Watch.” public school system, where she was educated at citywide by 2030. I also developed a blueprint that our infrastructure, including schools, keeps She has taught urban policy at Barnard, Baruch, P.S. 133 and Julia Richmond High School. She to generate more “green collar” jobs by attract- pace with our development. Brooklyn, Hunter, and Queens Colleges. Gale began her undergraduate studies in land econom- ing more environmental businesses to New York In 2007, to counter the erosion of arts educa- has an MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School of ics at New York University and later at Howard City. In addition, I’ve funded the planting of tion, Garodnick held a forum that brought 22 Government and did her undergraduate work at University. Ms. Dickens lives in Harlem with her hundreds of trees in my district to green our local cultural institutions together with public school Columbia University and Bennington College. husband, John Russell. # neighborhoods and shopping areas. principals from his district, so that the schools She is married to Cal Snyder and has raised I will continue writing legislation to protect could take advantage of the groups’ many arts adopted children. # Lewis A. Fidler our environment and working to improve the education programs. And when a middle school Councilman Lewis A. Fidler, health of my constituents and the people of New in his district needed a new library, Garodnick Inez E. Dickens (D-Brooklyn) currently serves on York City. # helped fund it—then organized a book drive that For 30 years Inez Dickens has the Education Committee and is brought in 4,000 titles to fill the shelves. taken an active role in the eco- Chairperson of the Council’s Youth Alan J. Gerson Prior to joining the Council in 2005, Garodnick nomic development and political Services Committee. During bud- Councilmember Gerson is represented the Partnership for New York City landscape of New York’s cele- get negotiations for the 2007-2008 Chair of the Lower Manhattan in the landmark Campaign for Fiscal Equity brated village of Harlem. A life- year, he was the primary sponsor of an initiative Redevelopment Committee of lawsuit, and directed the New York Civil Rights long resident of the 9th Council to increase funding for the Executive Leadership the Council. In this capacity he Coalition’s “Unlearning Stereotypes: Civil District, Ms. Dickens is a tireless and dedicated Institute, and has provided steadfast support for has held hearings on World Trade Rights and Race Relations Program” in 42 New leader, completely committed to improving the the schools in his district and for education city- Center development progress, York City public schools, teaching students non- quality of life for everyone in her community. wide. Since he took office in 2002, he has secured Governor’s Island, the Performing Arts Center violent ways to combat racial discrimination, and Inez E. Dickens is currently in her first term as a both a capital and expense budget item each year at the World Trade Center site, problems faced how to use the processes of government to affect New York City Council Member representing the for every school in his district. Among his priori- by small businesses, World Trade Center insur- social change.# 9th Councilmanic District (Harlem, Morningside ties is returning the education system to munici- ance issues, environmental health impacts and Heights, and Upper West Side). She also serves pal control. This would result in the Council and government’s response, community emergency Gale A. Brewer as the Majority Whip and the Chair of the community having more oversight power and notification programs and individual insurance Council Member Gale A. Brewer Standards and Ethics Committee. being able to step in, in limited circumstances, to problems, among many other important post has been representing the Upper In the course of her career, Inez Dickens has direct changes that need to be made. Additionally, 9/11 Downtown issues. Gerson also serves on West Side and Clinton in the New been in the business of rehabilitating housing he feels that it should be a priority of the system the following Council committees: Economic York City Council since 2002. throughout the City. Ms. Dickens was nurtured to help students who are failing and maximize Development, Finance, Fire & Criminal Justice She was re-elected in November in her chosen profession working at the right the potential of those students who are gifted and Services, Parks & Recreation, Waterfronts and 2005 general election with over hand of her father, the late District Leader and talented. Councilman Fidler firmly believes that Youth Services. 80 percent of the vote, receiving nearly 10,000 Assemblyman Lloyd E. Dickens, who is con- we must do everything possible to provide stu- more votes than any other incumbent. In the sidered the dean of African American politics in dents with the best possible education that suits John C. Liu November 2003 election, she received 86% of New York City. She not only learned her business their individual needs, as these students will soon John C. Liu was elected in 2001 the vote. Her service in the Council is a continu- acumen from her father, Ms. Dickens acquired become the leaders of our communities.# to the New York City Council and ation of nearly 30 years of public service. his sense of responsibility to community. currently chairs the Transportation Brewer chairs the Committee on Technology Inez Dickens has continued her family’s Jessica Lappin Committee. He also serves on in Government, where she works to make better involvement in the political arena, including In order to remain a vibrant the Committees on Education, use of technology to save money, improve City working door-to-door in voter education and reg- world capital we need to pro- Consumer Affairs, Health, Land services, and make government more open and istration. She was first elected to office in 1974 vide every child with access to Use, Contracts, Oversight & Investigation, and accessible to residents, businesses and non-prof- as a County Committeewoman, County Judicial an excellent public education. Lower Manhattan Redevelopment. its. She has been especially concerned with using Committeewoman and State Committeewoman. Many classrooms, including those As Chairperson of the Council’s Committee on technology to enrich public education, dedicating Currently, Ms. Dickens is the highest-ranking in my own district, are severely Transportation, John Liu focuses public policy more than half a million “Reso A” dollars to a African American woman in the New York State overcrowded. All across our city many schools on the critical role transportation options play in pilot 1 laptop student program in her district, and Democratic party. She is a Democratic District are literally falling apart and bursting at the economic development and access to jobs. John sponsoring the Digital Empowerment for Middle Leader for the 70th AD part B, serves as the First seams. The real long-term solution to this prob- demands, and has secured, more accountability Schools initiative that has provided $100,000 Vice Chair of the New York State Democratic lem is to build new, modern facilities. On the East from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, each of the last two years to bring much needed Committee, and she is an active member of the Side I have pushed for the construction of the a behemoth agency infamous for its lack of technical support to middle schools, citywide. Democratic National Committee. new East Side Middle School on East 9lst Street, responsiveness to the general public. John has Brewer has been instrumental in passing Among the many community organizations she which is slated to open in 2009. This school will enacted legislation improving safety for pedes- numerous laws, including legislation establish- serves, Ms. Dickens is most proud of her work increase seat capacity by 190 seats and will free trians and has initiated public works projects to ing a citywide Broadband Advisory Committee, on the advisory board of Project Greenhope, up classroom space in other schools. improve vehicular traffic flow and congestion. promoting fast and affordable Internet access to which provides transitional housing for women In addition, I chair the Subcommittee on He has also developed programs to bring yellow individuals and schools that need it most; a bill leaving prison so they can reclaim their lives, Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses. taxicabs to areas outside Manhattan. John also protecting domestic workers; two bills aimed at reunite with their families and rebuild their com- One of the Subcommittee’s responsibilities is to vigorously conducts legislative oversight over eliminating graffiti and unwanted stickers; and munities. She is an advisor and board member approve new public schools. I am pleased that the Department of Transportation and the Taxi & legislation requiring City publications as well as of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, over the last two years the subcommittee has Limousine Commission. all 311 data to be made available via the Web. Children of Parents with AIDS, Inc., the Eleanor approved 14 new schools—nearly 10,000 new John Liu strongly believes that quality educa- She also brokered an historic Memorandum Roosevelt Legacy Committee, the National seats—across the city. tion is the key to the future of our City. John of Understanding with the Department of Association of Negro Business and Professional I am also a strong proponent of including com- is a product of twelve and a half years of New Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Women, Women in Housing & Finance, the munity facilities, particularly schools, in large- York City public school education and is com- and the Association of Neighborhood Housing National Center for Housing Management, and scale re-zonings, such as the former ConEd site continued to page 14 13

January 2008 | EDUCATION UPDATE

NYU Child Study Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary At Annual Child Advocacy Award Dinner

Dr. Harold Koplewicz, Brooke Garber Neidich Ira Statfeld & Michael Recanti & Senator Hillary Clinton Katie Couric & Dr. Harold Koplewicz

The NYU Child Study Center hosted its 10th The evening program also included remarks from Board of Directors including Margaret S. Bilotti; campaign, was created pro bono by BBDO to Annual Child Advocacy Award Dinner at Cipriani NYU Child Study Center founder and director Arthur and Linda Carter; Lisa Pevaroff-Cohn highlight the nationwide epidemic of children’s 42nd Street recently. The evening was led by din- Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D. and New Jersey and Gary Cohn; Michael and Beth Fascitelli; mental illness. The new website will provide ner chairs and board members Michael Recanati Governor Jon S. Corzine. Jay Furman; Phyllis Green; Lori and George timely and accurate information to parents, edu- and Ira Statfeld, and honored Board Chair, A new fund was also unveiled in Brooke Hall; Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff; Ellen cators and healthcare professionals on childhood co-founder and philanthropist Brooke Garber Garber Neidich’s name. Through a philanthropic and Howard Katz; Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas and adolescent psychiatric and learning disor- Neidich for her dedication to the Center’s fight art project titled “Open Doors Open Minds”, H. Lee; Anne Welsh McNulty; Richard and ders. against childhood and adolescent psychiatric and The Brooke Garber Neidich Open Doors Fund Marcia Mishaan; Daniel Neidich; Linda and Founded in 1997, the New York University learning disorders. will enable the Child Study Center to offer free Richard Schaps; Klara and Larry Silverstein; Jill Child Study Center is the nation’s premier orga- This year’s dinner raised more than $8.8 mil- services to children who are unable to afford and Robert C. Smith; Alice and Thomas Tisch; nization for advancing the prevention, identi- lion and marked the 10th anniversary of the necessary interventions and treatments—so that Claude Wasserstein; and Robert I. Grossman, fication, and treatment of child and adolescent NYU Child Study Center. CBS News Anchor “a child with a need, need not worry.” M.D., Dean and CEO of NYU Medical Center. psychiatric and learning disorders through sci- Katie Couric hosted the event and Senator Hillary Guests at the dinner included: Ellen Barkin; Past honorees include Mayor Michael R. entific practice, research, and education. Last Clinton was in attendance to present Brooke Erica Jong; Chuck Close; Cynthia McFadden; Dr. Bloomberg; Governor George E. Pataki; Bob year children and families from 41 states and 26 Garber Neidich with the Child Advocacy Award. Ruth Westheimer; Perri Peltz; Heather and Steven and Suzanne Wright; Whoopi Goldberg; Former countries around the world were evaluated and More than 800 guests were treated to a spe- Mnuchin; Stuart and Vicki Match Suna; Lisa Mayor Rudolph Giuliani; Senator Hillary Clinton treated by the clinicians and faculty at the NYU cial evening, which included the debut of two and Richard Perry; Fiona Rudin; Elie Wiesel; and Stanley and Fiona Druckenmiller. This is the Child Study Center. new films created by Oscar-nominated director Alice Michaels; Sara Ruhl; Jerry Speyer; Merryl third year that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, The NYU Child Study Center is dedicated to Nathaniel Kahn (My Architect, 2004) and a live and Jimmy Tisch; Bradley Wechsler and Patty Inc. was the corporate sponsor of the event. giving children back their childhood and elimi- auction conducted by Sotheby’s Jamie Niven. Newberger; Andreas Dracopoulous; Julie and Ed This week the NYU Child Study Center also nating the stigma of being or having a child with Top auction prizes included exclusive travel, Minskoff; Arthur Altschul, Jr.; Alan and Susan rolled out the largest public service announcement a psychiatric disorder. culinary and entertainment packages and raised Patricof; Peggy Siegal; Marty and Susan Lipton; (PSA) campaign in its history and relaunched To learn more about the NYU Child Study over $160,000 for the NYU Child Study Center. and members of the NYU Child Study Center’s its web site, www.AboutOurKids.org. The PSA Center, visit AboutOurKids.org. #

Chuck Close Erica Jong, Elie Wiesel & Dr. Ruth Westheimer Governor Jon Corzine & Brooke Garber Neidich 14 Education update ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ January 2008

Who Are Our City Council Members & What Do They Do? continued from page 12 Michael E. McMahon is married to Judith including the JCC Family Center; the Staten people who live with HIV/ AIDS have proper and mitted to educational reform without sacrificing Novellino McMahon, a Judge of the Civil Court. Island Railway; PS 11, 41, 54, 58, 186K, 50, and adequate housing. I am ready and willing to help public schools. As a member of the Council’s They have two children, Joseph and Julia. # IS 2; and the South Beach and Berry Houses. He all those who are in need of adequate housing in Committee on Education, he insists on raising has also been a key figure in the fight to increase New York City. standards in our public schools, increasing reli- Hiram Monserrate police resources on Staten Island. These two bills are only a glimpse of what ance and trust in teachers to teach our kids, and In the City Council, Hiram To improve health care, Oddo has been a lead- I would like to see occur while I serve at the investing City resources in our future genera- Monserrate served as the Chair of ing advocate for increased access to necessary Council. I have passed and sponsored many bills tions. John has also provided millions of dollars the Veterans Committee. During services. He has allocated hundreds of thousands that will affect numerous New Yorkers. Although to fund high-tech upgrades to local schools. his tenure, he stood up to New of dollars to bring state-of-the art digital mam- there is legislation that The City Council debates John Liu believes municipal government must York legislators who voted for the mography machines to Staten Island and more on, ultimately our goal is to always try to serve in do more to protect consumers against fraud and new federal bankruptcy laws that than $1 million to help construct the desper- the best interest of the people. # other dishonest business practices. As a member penalize members of the armed forces who leave ately needed expansion of the emergency room at of the Council’s Committee on Consumer Affairs, businesses and families to defend our nation and Staten Island University Hospital. Tony Avella John has sponsored and helped pass legislation to fought against budget cuts to destroy our promise Oddo has also helped dramatically expand rec- Tony Avella won election to the New York City stop predatory lending by banks and retail price to take care of our veterans’ health, especially reational opportunities in his district through his Council in the 19th District—Northeast Queens gouging during sensitive periods. John has also while our country continues to ask American funding of new facilities such as the brand new New in 2001 and was reelected with an overwhelming closed down car dealerships guilty of cheating families to make sacrifices in the Middle East. Dorp Beach Park; the Greenbelt Recreation Center; majority in both the 2003 and 2005 elections. customers out of thousands of dollars and pro- Monserrate served as the Co-Chair of the and various athletic fields, such as a new soccer Tony is Chair of Zoning and Franchises for the posed legislation to require car dealers to provide Black, Latino and Asian Caucus. In this leader- field in Ocean Breeze and at the recreation Center. City Council and is a member of five coun- honest contracts. ship position, he led his colleagues to ensure pas- Oddo, a native Staten Islander, received his BA cil committees: Higher Education, Housing and Shocking as it may be, John Liu is the first sage of living wage legislation for hard-working from Fordham University and JD from New York Buildings, Fire and Criminal Justice Services, and currently only Asian Pacific American to be residents and families and successfully fought Law School. The youngest of four sons, he comes Land Use, and Veterans. Tony is the founder and elected to citywide office in New York. Although back attempts to cut funding for programs work- from a family of proud city employees and he has Chair of the first Italian-American Caucus of the he wishes Asian Pacific Americans had been ing to combat infant mortality and HIV/AIDS. never forgotten his roots. He has spent his tenure City Council. elected long ago, John is honored to be the As a consumer advocate, Monserrate intro- in office fighting for the oft-forgotten middle Since taking office in January 2002, Tony has first. As the first, John embraces opportunities duced and worked to pass a new law requiring class through his advocacy against higher taxes, lead the fight for and won citywide amendments to broaden representation and access to govern- truth-in-pricing in retail stores and battled the especially through his opposition to the historic to the “Community Facilities” section of the zon- ment for APAs and for all groups who have Mayor to successfully rollback Sunday parking 18.5% property tax hike in 2002.# ing code to address serious abuses that impact the lacked a strong voice in government. John is also meter regulations. As a former union member— quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the immensely proud to have been invited to become SEIU Local 32BJ and the PBA—he has fought Helen Sears City. His efforts resulted in the first real changes a member of the City Council’s Black and Latino for fair contracts for workers citywide. And as a 25th District, Queens to this part of the zoning code in over 40 years. Caucus; the caucus has since been renamed to the civil rights advocate, he led the successful fight Education is an important topic Tony has also been at the forefront in the battle Black Latino and Asian Caucus, and John cur- to secure immigrants’ rights and protect residents’ for all New Yorkers. The quality citywide against overdevelopment and the pro- rently serves on its executive board. confidentiality by working with the Mayor to of our schools is improving and liferation of “McMansions.” Working with the John Liu was elected to the City Council by create a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, Executive my colleagues and I on the New Mayoral administration and the Department of the people of northeast Queens in the neighbor- Order 41, regarding sensitive information in city York City Council are working to City Planning he has created new zoning districts hoods of Auburndale, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, agencies. The historic policy ensures the city’s ensure that the children of our city get the best such as R2A, which prevents the construction of Linden Hill, Queensborough, and Whitestone. safety by allowing all residents access to neces- education possible. “McMansions” and rezoned major portions of his Beginning with Kindergarten at P.S. 20, John sary city services, including emergency health I have stood with concerned parents from across district as well as numerous other neighborhoods attended local public schools and then went on to care and fire prevention. our city to call for more state aid for city schools. in the City to preserve the unique residential char- graduate from the Bronx High School of Science Raised and educated in Queens, Monserrate has This year we are finally seeing an influx of state acter and quality of life. # and Binghamton University, where he earned a provided millions of dollars in necessary fund- dollars as a result of the Campaign for Fiscal degree in Mathematical Physics. ing to ensure the quality of life in the borough, Equity (CFE) lawsuit. I will continue to demand Mathieu Eugene Prior to serving in the City Council, John Liu helping to expand libraries, provide quality play- accountability from the Department of Education Dr. Mathieu Eugene made his- worked as a manager at the financial consulting grounds and greenspace and support language to ensure that every dollar is spent in the interest tory on February 20, 2007, when firm of PriceWaterhouseCoopers. John draws and job training programs. # of New York City public school children. he won a special election to fill upon his real world fiscal expertise to root out In our community I have fought to bring money the vacant seat in the 40th New waste and mismanagement in municipal gov- James S. Oddo to our local schools to relieve overcrowded York City Council District, former- ernment. Minority Leader James S. Oddo classrooms and to make sure the children of ly held by the Honorable Yvette John has dedicated his life to public service. was first elected to represent the our community can learn in safe and comfort- Clarke, who ascended to a seat in the United He is a full-time Council Member with a mission people of the 50th Council District able environments. Earlier this year work began States House of Representative. to hold City Hall accountable and help restore in a February 1999 special election on I.S. 145 in Jackson Heights to replace aged Dr. Eugene broke down ethnic and cultural public trust in our democracy. # to fill the seat of his predecessor windows as a result of funding I secured. Also, barriers to became the first Haitian immigrant to and mentor John Fusco. Before I have secured funding to expand P.S. 13 and become an elected official in the City and State Michael E. McMahon being elected to the Council, Oddo served as P.S./I.S. 102 in Elmhurst by several hundred seats of New York. It is indicative of the support he Since January 1, 2002, Michael Chief-of-Staff for Mr. Fusco and Legal Council in each school. has from his constituents, who went to the polls E. McMahon has represented the for former Minority Leader Thomas V. Ognibene. to quell any question of who their candidate of North Shore of Staten Island. He Oddo ran and won five elections in his first seven Annabel Palma choice should be in City Hall. is Chairman of the Committee years in office. When Education Update asked me to submit Councilmember Eugene has had a longstanding on Sanitation and Solid Waste In 2002, Oddo was unanimously selected an article on what I am currently working on, my commitment to the residents of the 40th District. Management and has led the fight to serve as Minority Leader by the Council’s mind began racing because I wanted to include Prior to winning the City Council seat, he was a to keep the Fresh Kills Dump closed. In addition, Republican delegation. He has been re-elected to everything I have ever felt passionate about. dedicated member of the local community Board McMahon has become a leading voice in the City that post in 2004 and 2006. Most recently, I passed a piece of legislation that 14, as well as a member of the Community Board Council in the fight to save recycling and pre- Described by the Staten Island Advance as a the Council has made a priority. I was the lead for inpatients at Maimonides Medical Center serve the long-term success of the program. He “smart, passionate & savvy lawmaker,” whose sponsor of Intro 574 A, which allows all New and was founder of an organization dedicated to has also worked with the Administration in devel- “commitment on the issues is legendary,” Oddo York City and State inmates to receive a birth youth and families in the community. oping a long-term solid waste plan. McMahon has authored important and common sense legis- certificate free of charge if they serve more than The wins in the special elections were significant has also pushed the dialogue to at least look at lation. Examples include: A bill to protect houses 90 consecutive days in jail. I feel it is extremely in the context of their historic relevance that saw long-term solutions to land filling. His environ- of worship from vandals (Local Law 102/2005); important for us to help people transition back the first person ever and the first Haitian American mental record has earned him the endorsement of Legislation to protect high school age baseball into society. This bill will enable them to obtain elected to City Hall twice within months. However, the League of Conservation Voters. players by limiting the use of non-wood bats the necessary resources that will link them back it is also important to note that on September 18th, As a member of the Finance Committee, (Local Law 20/2007); Legislation increasing into their community. 2007, Dr. Mathieu Eugene had no opponent who McMahon has played a role in helping the City penalties for the illegal use or possession of dan- I am also working on a campaign called HASA contested him in the regular Democratic primary through a difficult fiscal time. He has been gerous fireworks (Local Law 69/2005). For All. HASA For All began by way of many and history again was made. It is a testament to the a strong voice on the Land Use Committee Recognizing that a quality education is one of organizations that are leading the fight for home- hard work that he commenced in the community for smart growth and preservation. He recently the most important issues facing our city today, less people living with HIV/ AIDS. We believe over 15 years ago and to the faith of the constitu- received the “Friends in High Places Award” Oddo has secured millions of dollars in new initia- that housing is a preventative tool and can save ents. On November 6th, 2007 Councilmember from the Historic District Council. tives for schools throughout his district, including lives. It has been proven that when people are Eugene won a landslide victory in the general In his district, McMahon has been a leading much-needed class room space; the investment in living in stable conditions, they are better able election with over 90 % of the votes. voice in the battle over unplanned development new and exciting technology that improves the to care for themselves and subsequently live The City Councilmember is committed to the and lack of City services. He has begun the “We learning experience, such as new computer labs, longer. Currently, there is a law in place to house betterment of the district and is thankful for the Are One” campaign to deal with the racial tension “smart boards,” and wi-fi technology; and new people living with AIDS, however, if we include mandate of the voters. His district comprises that has grown in Staten Island. He has formed a recreational places and playgrounds. those living with HIV; I believe we as a society communities in Flatbush, East Flatbush, parts clergy round table and has held town hall meet- Following in the footsteps of former Mayor can help those in need, live longer and healthier of Crown Heights, Prospect-Lefferts and Ditmas ings throughout the District. He has worked dili- Rudy Giuliani, Oddo has made public safety lives. I will soon introduce a bill that will include Park. Councilmember Eugene serves on the com- gently to connect his constituents to local govern- a crucial aspect of his tenure in office. He has the cost of people living with HIV and AIDS in mittees of Aging; Immigration; Fire & Criminal ments and build bridges into every community in allocated more than $4 million to outfit various the City of New York. We in the Council are try- Justice; Civil Rights; Environmental Protection the diverse North Shore of Staten Island. facilities in his district with security cameras, ing to figure out the best way to make sure that and Lower Manhattan Redevelopment. # January 2008 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ spotlight on schools 15

National Yiddish Theatre– OP/ED: CITY COMPTROLLER & PUBLIC ADVOCATE Folksbiene Honors Dr. Charlotte K. Improving Career and Frank & Sesame Workshop Technical Education Programs in New York City By William C. Thompson, Jr. Scott Wynn gained by young people who acquire solid, mar- & Betsy Gotbaum ketable skills. A renewed focus on CTE programs In our information age, the skills gap is widen- could help provide a remedy for youth who oth- ing rapidly. Gone are the days when well-paying erwise are at-risk of dropping out of school, and, jobs were available to unskilled workers. More ultimately, on a path toward joining the ranks of sophisticated and specific math and computer the under- or unemployed. skills are now essential in almost every field, Before CTE programs can become a prior- from medical assistant to mechanic. ity, however, the new per-pupil funding system Dr. Charlotte Frank flanked by Daniel Liebiskind (left) and Feliks Frenkel (right). And yet, against this backdrop, the City has must be revised to better reflect the varying largely turned a blind eye to the potential of costs of individual CTE programs and schools. The National Yiddish Theatre–Folkbiene hon- Gary E. Knell for helping us so graciously, and career and technical education to meet the needs The Independent Budget Office found that per ored the Sesame Workshop (the non-profit edu- Charlotte K. Frank, McGraw-Hill Education’s of young people, as well as employers. student spending was lower in vocational schools cational organization behind Sesame Street) and Senior V.P. for all that she does in so many are- Notably, state-approved Career and Technical than at general education schools. Under a new McGraw-Hill’s Dr. Charlotte K. Frank, one of the nas, but especially education. We couldn’t be Education (CTE) programs are more successful funding formula, some schools received budget country’s leading authorities on education, at its more proud to honor such fine people.” overall than other high school programs in pre- increases this year, but many continue to operate annual cabaret dinner gala Dan Victor, receiving the award on behalf of venting dropouts and graduating students who with antiquated equipment that must be replaced; What do Andréa Burns, Bebe Neuwirth, Peter Sesame Street quoted its founder Joan Ganz can immediately find gainful employment in in others, computer systems must be upgraded. In Yarrow, Sheldon Harnick, Sesame Street’s Bob Cooney: “The most important message of Sesame today’s marketplace. addition, specialized instruction requires the abil- McGrath & Grover, and McGraw-Hill’s Charlotte Street isn’t teaching the alphabet or how to count. For example, students who graduate from state- ity to attract appropriately trained personnel. K. Frank have in common? Yiddish and a love of It’s about warmth, compassion and human under- approved health care CTE programs can earn Moreover, while New York City’s employers education! Appearing at the special event cel- standing.” We are introducing a new production $40,000 or more with as little as a high school are crying out for skilled workers, CTE principals ebrating innovation in education was the Emmy of Shalom Sesame striving to help Israeli and degree. However, CTE is not only an alterna- have reported that they receive virtually no direct and Tony Award-winning actress Bebe Neuwirth, Arab children and families find their commonali- tive to a college track curriculum. In fact, most assistance from New York City’s Department of the Broadway rising star Andréa Burns (currently ties and celebrate their diversity. students who complete a CTE course of study go Education (DOE) in establishing partnerships with in “The Ritz,” Belle in “Beauty and the Beast,” The gala benefited the Drama Desk Award- on to two- and four-year colleges. Remarkably, private industry. These partnerships can lead to and the Broadway-bound hit musical “In the winning National Yiddish Theatre—Folksbiene, this is true even though CTE students are less internships, apprenticeships, job placements and Heights”), Peter Yarrow (of Peter Paul & Mary), America’s sole-surviving professional Yiddish affluent, and have less access to out-of-school donations of essential equipment and supplies. and the Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricist Sheldon theatre. The venerable company, which was enrichment and college preparatory programs They benefit students as well as the employers Harnick (“Fiddler on the Roof”). Joining in the founded in 1915 on the Lower East Side, is then other students in the system. who gain a steady supply of qualified employees. festivities was Sesame Street’s revered neighbor- in the midst of an unprecedented and eye- Indeed, when CTE is properly funded and well Another problem is that while State certification hood fixture Bob McGrath and his friend, the popping period of expansion. Folksbiene has run, it really works—for both the City and its stu- brings greater credibility to CTE programs, the ardu- lovable monster Grover, who (little-known fact) added new supporters (a national membership dents. For instance, three high schools in the city ous process of achieving State certification is placed is a devoted Yiddishist. McGrath and Grover drive launched last year), increased attendance, currently provide students with Emergency Medical almost entirely on the shoulders of CTE principals. performed, as did co-headliners, in English and doubled its outreach audience, produced out- Technician training in Queens, the Bronx and in These principals are already overburdened by the Yiddish. After a recent rehearsal with McGrath side of New York for the first time (its Drama Brooklyn. These programs appeal to teens eager for dual tasks of meeting Regents requirements while and Grover, Folksbiene’s artistic director Zalmen Desk-nominated revival of “On Second Avenue” an exciting, fast-paced occupation that carries pro- ensuring student proficiency in career or technical Mlotek, the world-recognized Yiddish music opened in Los Angeles in February), and added fessional respect while helping those in need. fields. The DOE must give them appropriate sup- expert and conductor, was beside himself. “Bob simultaneous Russian supertitles to all its per- Despite these existing programs, a strong bump port for achieving the State approval process. McGrath is one of the sweetest people I’ve formances (English supertitles were introduced in demand is expected due to the growth of Finally—because of the new Regents gradu- ever met. He happened to know Rozhinkes mit in 2003). Folksbiene champions a two-fold mis- medical emergencies as our population increases ation requirements and the need to raise many Mandlen from when he was touring worldwide sion: to be the custodian of a rich cultural legacy, and baby boomers retire. In addition, the State students up to grade-level academic proficien- with Mitch Miller. He had a whole arrangement while developing new works to add to this legacy. Department of Labor predicts that between 2004 cy—five-year graduation should become the of it. It was part of his ‘act’ at one time. And who Demonstrating its broadening appeal, in each of and 2014, the number of EMT positions in our city standard for some CTE programs and schools, as knew Grover is a closet Yiddishist! He loves the past two seasons Folksbiene received Best will grow by 14 percent. Thus, EMT programs is the case with Aviation High School in Queens. Yiddish and even told me he remembers hear- Musical Revival Drama Desk nominations—for will need additional support in the years to come. Many principals feel that this would make their ing it in the neighborhood when he was a boy “On Second Avenue” two seasons ago, and last Another area where worker retirements are cre- programs more attractive to a larger group of monster.! We’re tickled blue!” Mlotek continued: season’s dark horse hit, the Yiddish version of ating more and more openings is the construction young people. “I salute and thank Sesame Workshop’s C.E.O. Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance.” # industry. Through the Edward J. Malloy Initiative We anticipate serious shortages in years to come for Construction Skills, some 70 students from in fields such as healthcare, construction, and the Class of 2007 will be placed in union appren- automotive technology. Entrance into these indus- CAREERS ticeships within the next six months. tries—which offer gainful, middle-class employ- Since its inception the Construction Skills ment—are within reach of those who acquire the Dramatic Success in the World of program has placed some 870 students in appren- right skills. CTE can give students such skills, but ticeships, with some 83 percent of those men the programs must be well funded and they must and women still employed in the construction be well run. As it stands now, our students—and Fashion: Marc Daniel industry. Roughly 87 percent have been African our city—are being shortchanged.# By Alberto Cepeda and Theatre. During that time American, Hispanic, Asian or other minorities. William Thompson is New York City While individuals who possess linguistic or he reached a crossroads in his We suspect that much of the success of these Comptroller; Betsy Gotbaum is New York City logical-mathematical intelligence go onto suc- life in terms of what career he programs is directly related to the self-confidence Public Advocate. cessful careers in medicine, law or education, wanted to pursue. He explains, there are other kinds of intelligences that may not “I was just so undecided and ing as the student of the year in his class at the York City. He explains, “Anything to do with be reinforced through a high school curriculum my mom kept talking about a Vidal Sassoon Academy, he moved on to a two chemical service to the hair I can do it.” He adds, but may lead to a successful alternative career. career I wanted to choose and I year assistant program where he got the oppor- “Hairdressing is so easy for me; I can do it with Renowned hair color specialist, Marc Daniel felt very lost. And not being motivated in school, tunity to work at the Sassoon Salon in Beverly no effort.” is a testament to this. As a youth growing up I didn’t have much hope.” Hills as a hair coloring assistant and then to The salary for a hair coloring specialist varies in Los Angeles, California he discovered that Daniel reached an epiphany when a friend who various Vidal Sassoon hair salons throughout the depending on the prestige of the salon they work his future did not lie in logical-mathematical or was attending the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los United States. in and like any other business that provides a linguistic skills. He explains, “Throughout gram- Angeles convinced him to join the school and try Since then he has perfected and honed his craft service, the quantity of their clientele. But aside mar school, middle school, high school I always his hand at cosmetology. With no other viable working all over the world for many prestigious from it being a lucrative career, Daniel explains did very poorly. I never really liked school. I was options, Daniel enrolled in the Vidal Sassoon hair salons from Los Angeles, California to that the biggest reward comes in, “Making people never enthusiastic about it. I was one of those Academy. He explains, “I went and checked it Munich, Germany. He also had the privilege to feel better. That is the number one thing. As a hair kind of kids who couldn’t wait for it to be over.” out and it looked pretty interesting and it was teach cosmetology students as an instructor at dresser and a hair coloring specialist especially, But he did discover at an early age his pro- very expensive at the time for me and it was a the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica, the first thing people do is look at themselves in pensity and intelligence for spatial reasoning big commitment for me but I had no other means California, which he explains, “That was just a the mirror and I have the ability to make them in his zest for art and theatre classes where he or alternatives. I was completely at a loss at what great thing. To become a school instructor at an think about me every day.” could express his creativity. Despite barely get- I wanted to do.” He continues, “I got to hair academy for someone who barely though he’d Marc David has demonstrated throughout his ting through high school, which he described school and instantly I caught on and it was just make it to high school, it’s such an achievement. career as a hair coloring specialist that you don’t as a “surprise”, Daniel moved onto L.A Valley awesome and I zoomed through school which It was awesome.” have to be “book” smart to find your niche in this College where he studied fitness. was amazing.” Marc Daniel is currently providing his services world and find a lucrative career that you love.# It was while attending L.A Valley College that After completing the sixteen hundred hours in both coasts as hair coloring specialist at the Marc Daniel can be reached at 323-547-4999 Daniel furthered his interest in doing something of cosmetology classes mandated by the state of Jim Wayne Salon in Beverly Hills and privately for a home appointment in New York. creative while taking elective courses in Art California for a cosmetology license and graduat- as a freelance hair coloring specialist in New 16 COLLEGES & GRADuate Schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ January 2008

St. John’s Falls to Virginia Tech in Aeropostale Holiday Festival Tournament, 54-48 the Red Storm to within two points of tying the down. St. John’s was able to ride the hot hand By Richard Kagan game, at 34-32. But down by two is as close as St. of Anthony Mason, Jr. (12 points), the energy of With seven freshmen playing at Madison Square John’s would get the rest of the game, as they had Center Tomas Jasiulionis (12 points), and a late Garden, considered by basketball brethren as the great trouble shooting the ball. They shot an ane- key basket by senior guard Eugene Lawrence, to “mecca of college basketball”—the moment had mic 19% in the 2nd half, and 36% for the game. emerge victorious. to be somewhat intimidating. St. John’s Red “Let’s face it, the game was ugly,” Virginia Marist won 25 games last season and become a Storm had a few scant hours of sleep before Tech coach Seth Greenberg said. “We were just a force in the MAAC. Coached by Matt Brady, the playing against a foe from the Atlantic Coast little less ugly than they were.” Red Foxes figure to be competitive with their two Conference, one of the strongest in the nation, Greenberg, talked about buying a pretzel and fine guards, Jay Gavin and Louie McCroskey, a for the Holiday Festival Title. The Aeropostale soda as a youngster and seeing the Holiday transfer from Syracuse. Holiday Festival Tournament was played Dec. Festival at the old Garden. He knew its his- In this game, St. Johns went ahead by as many 28th and 29th. tory and said this was the premier Holiday as 11 points at 57-46. But Marist, refused to cave “I knew our freshman would be a little nervous Tournament before college basketball exploded in and they roared back behind some hot shooting playing for the first time in the Garden,” Roberts on the sports scene. to tie the game at 57 all. said. Virginia Tech made the shots when it count Both teams had 20 Turnovers, both teams shot Credit senior Eugene Lawrence with a big and won the Championship game 54-48. poorly. “We were fortunate to make a couple of hoop. Lawrence had the ball at the top of key and The Johnnies (6-5) fought tooth and nail with more shots,” Greenberg said. Junior guard A.D. drove in and scooped the ball into the net for a the Hokies (8-5) in the first half coming out with Vassallo, scored 16 points to earn Most Valuable 59-57 basket that broke the tie, with just 1:21 to a slim 22-21 half-time lead. Player of the Tournament. play. The Red Storm held on in the final minute And, then, in the one of the strangest 2nd Both teams’ defensive effort kept their club in to preserve the win. Halves in recent Garden memory, St. John’s the game. “I thought both teams did a terrific job Coach Roberts praised Lawrence on the play. couldn’t make a basket. Shots went in and out of Louie McCroskey defensively,” said Greenberg. “It was a huge shot,” Roberts noted. “Geno had the basket. An easy shot, that was sure to go in, Coach Roberts felt good about his team despite driven there a couple of times and they backed didn’t. Balls bounced off the rim, bounced up and 9:12 to play. Amazingly, The Red Storm were the poor performance on offense. “It’s a great off. He continued to go in there and finished the down and out. And, the futility went on—for over only down six points, at 34-28.Education Updalearningte experience for our guys,” he said. play which was awesome for him to do so.” 10 minutes, when Anthony Mason finally scored And, a few minutes later,J a whennua Sophomorery 2008 IssuSt.e Johns 62-Marist 59 Anthony Mason Jr. was named to the All- down in the paint among a flurry of players with Guard Larry Wright hit two free throws, he brought The Johnnies won a thriller in a close, hard Tournament team. Marist guard, Louie McCroskey P.O. #: 20121 fought game, in which neither team backed was also named to the All-Tournament team.#

5 1 ADVERTISE ON Disturbing Decline in Minority5 ⁄8 x 7 ⁄4 www.EducationUpdate.com Enrollment at Law Schools Choose an animated or stationary online banner ad. A new Web site created by Columbia Law Supreme Court decision written by then-Justice School documents a disturbing drop in enrollment Sandra Day O’Connor in Grutter v. Bollinger, Call (212) 477-5600 for rates. by African-American and Mexican-American stu- which reaffirmed the limited use of dents in America’s law schools. Even though affirmative action in university and African-American and Mexican-American stu- law school admissions. In this most dents have applied to law schools in relatively significant affirmative action case constant numbers over the past 15 years, their in a generation, the Supreme Court Explore our representation in law schools has fallen. found that “student body diversity is Even more worrisome is the fact that during a compelling state interest that can the same period, African-American and Mexican- justify the use of race in university American applicants are doing better than ever on admissions.” programs leading indicators used by law schools to deter- “We need diversity in our legal mine admissibility—undergraduate grade point profession to promote better legal average and LSAT scores. In addition, the size education and fairness in our system of law school classes and the total number of law of justice,” Johnson said. Columbia for teachers schools have increased—making room for nearly Law School students Christina 4,000 more students. Quintero ’08 and Jeffrey Penn ’07 Despite all that, first-year African-American and helped create the Web site as part of Mexican-American enrollment has declined 8.6 their experience in the Lawyering and leaders. percent, from a combined 3,937 in 1992 to 3,595 in the Digital Age Clinic. Paula in 2006. The data are provided together for the Johnson, a SALT board member and first time on a new Web site created by Columbia professor at Syracuse University Law School’s Lawyering in the Digital Age Clinic, College of Law, prepared the analy- in collaboration with the Society of American Law sis of the Grutter case. Teachers (SALT). Students in Columbia Law Learn how “Most folks are not aware of the numbers, even School’s Lawyering in the Digital among those interested in diversity issues,” said Age Clinic Columbia Law School and a member of SALT’s get hands-on experience using the to bring out Board of Governors. “Law school admissions digital technologies reshaping the among African-Americans and Mexican-Americans profession. They work with pub- is not as happy a story as some might think.” lic-interest lawyers and members of “The statistics help people focus on the num- the judiciary. Students have handled the best in bers, not on ideology. Nowhere else on the Web eviction cases, advocated to restore are these statistics pulled together in such depth,” essential government benefits, raised Johnson said. The site includes 12 graphs and awareness about the collateral con- nearly 200 data points based on Law School sequences of criminal charges, orga- all children. Admission Council statistics for each year. nized the pro bono efforts of the SALT is concerned about the trend because a private bar in response to 9/11, and less diverse body of law students leads to a num- worked with community groups to ber of poor outcomes, including a less diverse press for affordable housing.# pool of lawyers and judges to serve the public, Columbia Law School , founded Graduate School Open House and a less productive, creative workforce. In in 1858, stands at the forefront of addition, a diverse classroom experience helps legal education and of the law in PM to teach students about the world beyond their a global society. Columbia Law Monday, January 14, 5:15 own lives and to work with people very different School joins traditional strengths from themselves—a key asset to being a lawyer, in international and comparative Bank Street College Graduate School of Education Johnson said. law, constitutional law, administra- “We need our students to see more than one per- tive law, business law and human 610 West 112th Street, New York, NY 10025-1898 spective and develop their critical thinking skills. rights law with pioneering work in INNOVATION IN You can’t do that if all they see is the same small the areas of intellectual property, www.bankstreet.edu 212.875.4698 TEACHING AND LEARNING cut of society in class after class,” Johnson said. digital technology, sexuality and The site includes an analysis of the 2003 U.S. gender, and criminal law. January 2008 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADuate Schools 17

BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Children at Risk: Communities of Caring Help Get it Right from the Start By Margot Hammond, Director, dren are much more likely to do well, emotion- needs of children and their families, a system in group size, high teacher to child ratios, and devel- Bank Street Center for Early ally, physically, and cognitively; without it, they which (1) families are well informed about care opmentally oriented activities and curricula are Childhood Professionals are much more likely to experience difficulty as and education options, and provided with the the norm; (4) wrap-around services include full Earlier this year I was facilitating a group on they grow and enter school. services and support they need to raise healthy day, year round childcare as well as education, teaching writing in a high needs school in an I see the results of what happens when children children; (2) teachers are prepared, certified, well enrichment, and family support, so families have urban district. During a review of student work, a receive the support they need and what happens compensated, with access to ongoing professional the comfort of knowing their children are well kindergarten teacher shared a picture with a few when they don’t. Children who have gotten atten- development opportunities; (3) classes have a low continued on page 21 words created by a five-year-old student. “I am tion, children exposed to some of what the world sad,” the boy had written, “because my dad is has to offer, get along well. Children who have dead.” The illustration depicted a child with big not (and in poor communities they are far too tears running down his cheeks standing over a many) are in trouble from the very first day. They body lying on the ground in a pool of red…red struggle to learn the basics, fail, and then drop crayon used to draw blood. Violence is so com- out of school before they learn nearly enough FOR ARTISTS WHO WANT mon in this community that the boy’s teacher had to be successful in life. We must not continue to not even been informed. This child and thousands deprive a whole segment of our youngest citizens TO BECOME TEACHERS like him need us to provide the support he requires the foundation they need in order to succeed. for a better life, now, before it is too late. I know many of these children personally. They Research on child development is quite clear are intelligent, curious, active, and, given a better about what a healthy start requires, the activities start, would definitely have greater success. Eager The School of Visual Arts offers a Master of Arts in Teaching in and routines that support growth, the kinds of for learning, wanting to make friends, and curious Art Education. This 36 credit, three-semester program, leads to relationships children need, and what happens about reading and writing, they are artists who a New York State Initial Certification in Art. The MAT curriculum in terms of brain development when a mother, spend hours drawing pictures of their families, grandfather, or caregiver plays peek-a boo with singers with beautiful voices, and cub scouts proud centers on a community-oriented approach to art education. a baby, takes a toddler for a walk, or plays chase to carry the flag during assemblies. If given what The faculty of artists offer expertise in a range of areas, including with a preschooler. they need, these children have the potential to arts-integrated curricula, technology and museum education. And research on helping underserved children become scientists, mathematicians, poets, storytell- tells us that that support must begin in the earli- ers, athletes, and musicians. It is our responsibility est of the early childhood years. Well-known to see that they do, to give them what they need. For further information, please request a Graduate Programs studies, such as the Perry Preschool Project and Here is what works: Supporting the adults who catalog from the Office of Admissions, 212.592.2107. Chicago Child-Parent Project, have shown that support children. When we engage families and in school, and in life, children with high quality staff in family support, and enrichment and educa- early education have higher rates of achievement tion activities, and provide opportunities for build- and graduate high school more often and more ing community and learning and growing together, R quickly. As adults, they earn more and are more care and education for young children improves. School of VISUAL ARTS likely to own a home. The same studies demon- Creating a comprehensive quality system that is 209 East 23 Street, New York, NY 10010-3994 strate that quality helps to reduce grade retention, affordable and accessible to all. Tel: 212.592.2107 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.sva.edu special education, teen pregnancy, and crime and We know how to create comprehensive servic- ltd. press, arts visual 2007, © incarceration. With an early positive start, chil- es to meet both the educational and social service

THE COLLEGE OF NEW ROCHELLE GRADUATE SCHOOL Enrich your classes Through Innovative Learning

Spring 2008 Professional Development for Educators

• David Buckingham and TEACH/ THINK/ PLAY • Mind and Body in Autism and Related Disorders Art Education Preparing Students for Successful • Second City International Conference on Disability Studies Childhood Education Careers in Education • Music Improvisation and Composition Creative Teaching & Learning • New 39-credit Dual Certi cation Master’s in School • Di erentiating Instruction for Gifted (and All)Students – Dr. Carol Ann Early Childhood Education Building Leadership and School District Leadership Tomlinson Educational Leadership • Graduate Assistantships - 30 credits of tuition • Franklin Covey Series remission to highly quali ed students. • Multisensory Teaching Literacy Education • New Teacher Online Survival Course Mental Health Counseling • Selective Program Scholarships award $1,500 per semester for up to two continuous academic years. Multilingual/Multicultural Programs and Certi cates: • Competitive Research Assistantships award School Counseling up to 6 credits of tuition remission for continuing Intensive MA Program in Technology and Education-Summer 2008 - students working with faculty on research. School Psychology Apply Now Special Education Register Now. Classes Begin Jan. 22nd. Summer Intensive TESOL Certicate Program-2008 - Apply Now Online Certicate in Teaching and Learning Technology OPEN HOUSE www.cnr.edu/gs Certicate in Designing Interactive Multimedia Instruction [email protected] Wed., Jan. 9 800-381-0354 Certicate in Adult Learning at 6:00 pm 29 Castle Place in the Student New Rochelle To register or for more information, visit Campus Center New York 10805 www.tc.edu/continuingeducation or call 800.209.1245 18 COLLEGES & GRADuate Schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ January 2008

Global Classrooms: Concordia Language Villages Expanding Its Reach in New Ways Create Global Citizens in New Jersey By ambassador William Luers “Benvenuto, Lago del Bosco! We welcome children are motivated and interested in the same A priority for our society must certainly be to the opening of the Italian Language Village in things. They combine intellectual challenges with prepare young Americans to understand the world Blairstown, New Jersey in August, 2008! My two fun problem-solving opportunities that expand in which we live, the threats to our globe and the children are former villagers, and they are delight- your child’s interpersonal abilities and build social uncanny richness and variety of the human expe- ed to see the opening of the NE location. Bravo, confidence. Participants wrap their minds around Lago del Bosco!” issues that extend beyond their hometown to the rience across nations. Young Americans should -Margaret Cuomo Maier, M.D. greater global community. Older students can earn be prepared for the impact of globalization on Warm, sunny laughter is spilling from the dining high school credit in 13 of the world languages their lives and for the opportunities that can be hall. The villagers (participants ages 7-14) are sing- offered at the Villages. gained from acting as a global citizen. ing lively songs in Italian about ravioli. The coun- Yet they continue to serve the traditional camp The primary objective of the United Nations selors wear silly hats and exaggerated expressions objectives of providing fun, outdoor, healthy plac- Association of the USA is to educate Americans as they lead the mealtime presentation. es for summertime activities and meeting new about the United Nations. Our educational role Your native language disappears. Arabic, Chinese, friends. has become most methodical, and perhaps most Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Sometimes villagers arrive knowing nothing of meaningful, in our effort to build into urban Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, the language of their Village. Others may have public school systems the roots for a sustainable and Swedish are the languages of these summer parents who speak the language or they may have and expanding Model UN educational program. camps. Welcome to Concordia Language Villages, taken lessons. No matter what the proficiency level, We call this effort Global Classrooms, since the where the mission is to prepare young people for all the villagers are able to learn at their own pace work is primarily in the classroom, and since it responsible citizenship in our global community. while participating in activities together. Concordia Language Villages, a non-profit organi- Village staffs use gestures, drawings, expres- helps young people learn about the world, con- zation sponsored by Concordia College, Moorhead, sions, songs, and skits to communicate in another flict resolution and global citizenship in ways Ambassador William Luers Minn., now offers 15 languages each year to nearly language. Games, sports and arts reinforce not that few other programs in the public school sys- 9500 youth between the ages of seven and 18. only linguistic skills, but cultural awareness. At the tem can. Like the other UNA-USA educational people across the United States who have become Villagers and staff come from all 50 states and more Language Villages, villagers live the language. ambitions, we want to engage and excite young engaged in understanding the world through than 40 other countries for one-, two- or four-week New for 2008! Lago del Bosco, the Italian people about the world and the crucial role of Global Classrooms; (2) more than 800 teachers sessions at sites located in Minnesota, Georgia and Language Village is coming to Blairstown, NJ. the UN in that world. Much of the initial work trained in our curricular material; (3) another starting in 2008, New Jersey. In addition, there are Located at a beautiful site just 65 miles west of in developing the US program has been made 800 university students who have become Model adult and family programs in language and cul- New York City, youth 7-14 can experience one or possible through the guidance and support of the UN Conference Staff who help as mentors and tural immersion and Village Weekends for teachers two weeks in a full Italian language and culture Annenberg Foundation. student leaders for participants in our Model UN and their students during the academic year. immersion experience. Italian music, arts and crafts Growing Global Classrooms? We have been conferences, and (4) for each conference in 10 In 1961, Dr. Gerhard Haukebo, a professor at including drawing and mask-making, skits such as expanding our Global Classrooms educational US cities between 200 to 2300 students partici- Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., created a Commedia dell’Arte, soccer, authentic cuisine, and program for the past eight years and are now pating annually. As a supplement to our expand- two-week German camp for children. The counsel- even forays into opera, along with other traditional ors were college language education majors willing outdoor camp activities encourage villagers to taking it in new directions. We want to transform ing US program, our visionary Global Sponsor, to try a new total immersion language program. learn and use Italian in a natural and fun context. significantly the reach of Global Classrooms to Merrill Lynch, has encouraged our expansion to Haukebo imagined an entire immersion model Andiamo a Lago del Bosco. more students and make this expansion sustain- capitals around the world. We now have Global that eventually came to include Village passports, For registration or employment information, able. Our core objective from the beginning has Classrooms programs in 11 cities: Beijing, Beirut, “customs”, native speakers, authentic architecture, please visit www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org been to bring the Model UN experience to chil- Berlin, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, Mexico cultural cuisine and realia. or call 1-800-222-4750 or e-mail [email protected].# dren in urban public school districts in major US City, Mumbai, New Delhi, Saõ Paulo and Tel The Language Villages provide a place where cities. The key components of the program have Aviv. The impressive aspect of this global reach been our unique curricular materials, our teacher has been to build the concept of global citizen- program. Global Classrooms is becoming a glob- cities, and a more effective way of linking our training programs and the Model UN conference ship using the same curricular material and stan- ally recognized program. This was always antici- expanding international community of global that we organize for our students in each city. dardized Model UN conferences everywhere that pated as the real payoff for American children, citizens with our American students. Education Update Global Classrooms’ curricula cover conflict reso- are not America-centric culturally. which is to link them ever more directly toSeptember that 2006First, Issue we are linking our international stu- lution, sustainable development, human rights, The next step in our work beyond US borders broader world. P.O. #: 17897dents with our American students through two and our newest curriculum being tested this year will be to link up our international participants New Directions. Our vision now will be toEducation important Update initiatives: Internet Connection. We will 5 1 5 ⁄8 x 7October ⁄4 2006 Issue is the Economics of Globalization. with our US students in unusual ways that will achieve a broader and more sustainable com-P.O. #:be 18032 expanding our use of the internet for Global

To date we have: (1) tens of thousands of young enrich the experience for all participants in our munity commitment to this program in all of our 5 1 5 ⁄8 x 7 ⁄4 continued on page 19

“What I learned “aWt hBaat In lke aSrtnredet cato Bnatinnku Setsr eet College & University Directory tcoo nintisnpueirse me to inspire me 1 2 3 4 in my own in my own classroom.” classroom.”

A BANK STREET COLLEGE ALUMNA >ÃÌiÀʜvÊ
ÀÌÃÊÀ>`Õ>ÌiÊ i}ÀiiÃÊÊ — A BANK STREET ALUMNA ˆ˜Ê/i>V ˆ˜}Ê Whhiicchh ˜vœÀ“>̈œ˜ÊvœÀÊ ÕÃÞÊ
`ՏÌà Come to Goddard as you are. proggrraamm w willi ll -iÃȜ˜Ã
Ë:#2Ë
7 Ë0#Ë #Ë.Ë 0Ë.0
-0 ± STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK Leave the way you want to be. insppiriree y yoou?u? Wed., Feb. 22, 6 p.m. Fifth and Sixth Floors 325 Hudson Street 1-800-468-4888 Graduate School Open House (corner of Vandam) www.goddard.edu GraduaThteur sSdcahy,o Ooclt oObpere 1n2 ,H 5:o15uPsMe ÜÜÜ°iÃV°i`ÕÉ
/ˆ˜vœÊÊÊ New York City Tuesday, September 19, 5:15PM nääÊ{Èn‡ÈÎÇÓÊiÝÌ°ÊÓÓÎänÇÇÊÎÇӇÈǙä Open House May 14th- Plainfield, VT Bank Street College Graduate School of Education 610 West 112th Street, New York, NY 10025-1898 ÜÜÜ°iÃV°i`Õ Bank Street College Graduate School of Education INNOVATION IN 610 Westw w112thw.b aStreet,nkstr Neweet. eYork,du NY2 1 10025-18982.875.4698 TEACHING AND LEARNING INNOVATION IN www.bankstreet.edu 212.875.4698 TEACHING AND LEARNING 5 Please mail to: Please Include your phone number Education Update - college directory College Directory - Education Update 2/7/06 I Am Interested In Applying P.O Box 2358, Lenox Hill Station, January 2008 NY, NY 10021 2.375" x 1.75" Education Update ❑- CollegeFreshman ❑ Transfer Directory ❑ Day ❑ Evening Mail this Coupon Oct. 2007 As My Status 2.375 x 1.75 Name:______❑ H.S. Student ❑ College Student Grad-EdUpdateDir10.07❑ Teacher Address:______Please circle catalogs you wish to receive: City:______State:___Zip:______

1 2 3 4 5 Phone (incl. area code): ______January 2008 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADuate Schools 19

Global Classrooms munity support for Global Classrooms in each continued from page 18 of our American cities. As we reduce funding NYU Steinhardt Launches Policy from our national programs, we expect our Hub Classrooms and in the first six months of 2008, city approach in Chicago, New York, and Los Series on Gender and Education we will launch an upgraded website and a new Angeles will help us expand the community com- design for Global Classrooms that will enable us to mitment to the program. We are also expanding increase the scope of real internet interaction among the participation in our annual conferences in our students world wide, including enhanced online each city to include students from private schools simulated Model UN experiences. and suburban public schools on a paying basis Hub City International Conferences. We are to help cover the local cost of the conferences. beginning this year to expand the number of Finally, we are asking students who travel from international students who join our conferences around the US and from abroad to raise money in three major cities—New York, Los Angeles, for their travel while we seek support from local and Chicago. In Los Angeles, the city itself is corporations to fund our greatly expanding inter- getting behind a Los Angeles Pacific Rim Model national exchange program. UN Conference that will concentrate on economic Thirdly, we plan to renew our programs to sup- and trade issues bringing students and teachers port world wide Model UN programs and continue from the Pacific. This will be a unique regional to be the central repository of information about experience with LA County and city support. In the scope of the Model UN experience and sharing Chicago, which hopes to be the home of the experiences with Model UN groups who have not Olympics in 2016, there is a high commitment to been part of the Global Classrooms initiative. be a global city. Chicago supports the idea of hav- At a time when international education for ing an international Model UN program that will urban public school students in the US is decreas- attract students from our cities around the world ing due to pressures in the public school system to develop relations with students in the Chicago for ever greater concentration “on the basics,” (L-R) Prof. Joshua Aronson, NYU; Prof. Marcia Linn, UCBerkley; Dean Mary Brabeck community and enlarge Chicago’s development as Global Classrooms is bringing excitement to stu- a city of the world. In New York, we aim to greatly dents across the United States who are interested NYU Steinhardt recently launched a three- in how the different genders learn, Linn walked improve our annual international conference at the in learning about and experiencing the world. part policy breakfast series devoted to gender the audience of policymakers, researchers, and UN for over 2300 students annually making it the And in doing so, it is building an appreciation for and education and exploring the implications educators through current research, which shows premier event for high schools in the our network the role of the UN in that world. # for policy and practice. The first breakfast, “Do few, if any, differences in achievement attribut- of Global Classrooms programs worldwide. Ambassador William Luers is the president of Gender Differences in Academic Achievement able to gender. Aronson complemented Linn’s Secondly, our goal is to develop strong com- UNA-USA. Really Exist,” brought together Marcia C. Linn, presentation with a discussion of his own study professor of development and cognition in the of stereotype threat, which he and others have Graduate School of Education at the University identified as the psychological discomfort that Listen & see Education Update online at of California, Berkeley, where she directs the arises in a testing situation when an individual of NSF-funded Technology-enhanced Learning in a particular minority group becomes aware that Science (TELS) center, and Joshua Aronson, his or her performance on the test may confirm www. EducationUpdate.com associate professor of applied psychology at an established negative reputation for that group. NYU Steinhardt who has studied stereotypes, His research shows that performance is heavily We receive 2 million hits per month! self-esteem, motivation, and attitudes for the past influenced by “mindset,” which speaks against 12 years. Following an introduction by Steinhardt the idea that there are substantial differences in Dean Mary Brabeck, who cited the reemergence intelligence or problem solving that can be attrib- Look for our videos on YouTube soon! of the belief in significant statistical differences uted to gender. #

The Art of Leadership

Are you interested in advancing your career and enhancing your skills so that you can make a difference in your educational institution and your community?

Union Institute & University is the ideal place for you to earn your Ed.D.

• One-to-one mentoring • Strong emphasis on social justice • Designed for busy professionals

Specializations in: • Educational Leadership • Higher Education Administration

440 East McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206 Contact: 800.486.3116 ext. 2008 • www.tui.edu [email protected] Offering: B.A. • B.S. • M.A. • M.A. in Psychology M.Ed. • M.F.A. • Ed.D. • Psy.D. • Ph.D. 20 COLLEGES & GRADuate Schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ January 2008 Driven By Landmark’s Mission: Chair Charles Manley & His Board Envision Great Outcomes For Landmark Students

as well as being a parent of a child with ADD from Washington & Jefferson College in 1990. and executive functioning issues, I became However, I struggled in high school and college exposed to the difficulties even the best schools but fortunately—almost five years after earning go through in trying to meet the needs of kids my undergraduate degree—I was diagnosed who learn differently and the negative impact with ADD. I immediately enrolled at Landmark of that failure on the confidence of those kids. College where I remained for two semesters in These creative, different kids deserve more and 1994-1995. I became an effective learner for the at Landmark College they have the opportunity first time in my academic career and actually to break through barriers and find success. I have enjoyed school. Because of the skills I learned seen my son take steady and sure steps from a and confidence I gained at Landmark, I was able disastrous first six weeks to significant improve- to graduate cum laude from Thomas M. Cooley ment each semester (he is just entering his 4th Law School in 1998, where I served as an edi- Charles Manley semester). All this great work is going on in little tor of the Law Review. Landmark helped me Putney, Vermont—it’s pretty amazing. # realize my dream of becoming a lawyer. Based By Mary Kukovich upon my experience, I know that Landmark can The first thing you notice about Charles Manley help those like me, who might have been able is the way he listens with great care and intent. Gary Mooney is a self-confessed “John to graduate from college, but still lack the keys The second thing you notice is that when he Knox clone; a thundering evangelist for mean- necessary to unlock their full potential.# speaks—which is not often—his comments are ingful accessibility” in the world of alternative insightful and precise. learning. His avowed mission is to bring the That talent will serve Mr. Manley well in his insight that is the Landmark charisma into every new role as Chairman of Landmark College’s post-secondary institution in Canada. Gary Board of Trustees, which he assumed in comes by his missionary zeal honestly. He is November 2006. Like many board members, a former Jesuit Priest, educated at Cambridge his relationship with Landmark began when University, who has been in turn an academic, his daughter, Julia, enrolled as a student. After a lawyer, an entrepreneur, and is currently CEO graduating from Landmark in 1996, she went of the Canadian Division of a Fortune 500 on to Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, to Company. His declared goal is to create affilia- complete her baccalaureate degree in education tion agreements between Landmark and multiple and now teaches kindergarten. Canadian Universities such that the “accessibil- “My wife and I convinced Julia to attend ity’ for the learning disabled which is guaran- Landmark’s summer program. It was a huge teed by both American and Canadian law is adjustment for her, being separated from her fam- not merely a tinkling bell or clamoring cymbal. Holly Hayes ily and friends back in Texas. However, at the end Gary is a member of multiple Public Boards, Drawing on her experience in both education of program, she told us: ‘This is where I need to a Governor of the University of Toronto, and and business, Holly Hayes is helping Landmark be. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can a member of the Board of Osgoode Hall Law College look at ways of serving students out- learn in a new way.’ It was an incredibly brave School at York University in Toronto, Canada. side of Vermont. A former high school English Belle Brooks O’Brien holds a B.A. thing for her to do and we’ll always be grateful “Duces Caveant.” teacher, a recent member of the NSSED board in Speech and English Education and a M.A. to Landmark. What she learned here will sustain in suburban Chicago and past president of her in Communications. Before Belle began the her throughout her life.” local school board, she understands the needs full time position of child rearing, she held the Mr. Manley joined the College’s Board two and opportunities of students. She holds a mas- position of Director of Marketing and Public years ago, though landmark had tried several ter’s degree from Wesleyan University and an Relations for Jones, Day Reavis and Pogue; for times to involve him even sooner. “With my MBA from Yale’s School of Organization and KPMG Peat Marwick; and for Americom, Inc. job demands, I knew I couldn’t commit the Management. A former corporate development Prior to moving to the private sector, Belle kind of time needed to do the job well,” he said. executive at Kraft Foods, she thinks strategi- served in the Federal Government for 16 However, upon retiring in 2005 as Executive cally, understands market economics, and knows years in a variety of senior consumer and Vice president and Chief Administrative Officer how new markets develop. She has worked in public affairs positions at The White House, at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, one of the and with schools for over 30 years. Department of Health and Human Services and world’s largest independent oil and gas explora- The Federal Communications Commission. tion companies, he was ready to sign on. During her tenure in government, she served “Based on our family’s experiences and those as the Executive Director of The White of others, I knew firsthand the tremendous impact House Council on Consumer Affairs; the Landmark can have on its students. There was Chairperson of the Interagency Council on never any doubt in my mind of the value of Citizen Participation and as President of the Landmark’s mission; when I retired, I finally had Washington Chapter of American Women in the time to get involved the way I wanted to,” Radio and Television. She is currently Chair he said. As Board Chair, he believes his primary Ernie Marcus of the Suburban Hospital Foundation and a task is to assure Landmark’s long-term financial I am a real estate developer in Washington, founding member of the Washington Area stability. “We are a young college, so we lack D.C., focusing on urban mixed-use projects Women’s Foundation. the level of endowment other institutions have and affordable housing. My wife Madalyn is Belle became involved at Landmark when to develop new programs, fund scholarships and a painter. Landmark College has made a sig- her son attended and graduated from the reduce dependence on tuition.” Key to achiev- nificant impact on our son Jacob’s academic life College. She and her husband, Morgan E. ing that goal will be to continue to expand the through its comprehensive approach to learning O’Brien, Founder of Nextel and now Cyren Board “with a full cadre of individuals who are differences supported by its dynamic and caring Call, became committed members of the willing to devote their efforts and commitment to teachers and staff. While I just recently joined President’s Council. She later joined the Board Landmark’s vision.” the Board, from what I have learned thus far, because she and Morgan believe the college Today’s Board is largely comprised of indi- I believe Landmark could play a major role in Steven P. Moschetta made a profound difference in their son’s viduals who are grateful parents of current and redefining the way schools approach certain I am an attorney specializing in admiral- life and path to success. She believes that former Landmark students. “We’re making ter- aspects of learning in all schools. That enormous ty and maritime law litigation. Although my the expertise that Landmark has developed rific progress with the added perspective new potential to change the way things are done on office is located in Washington, Pennsylvania, in helping students learn in different ways Board members like Dr. Tom Brown from Yale a national basis is what led me to accept an I represent injured seamen and victims of river/ needs to be available to as many students as bring to the table,” he said. “Ultimately, though, I invitation to join the Board in November 2007. boating accidents from all states in the Ohio possible on the Vermont campus and shared hope many successful alumni of the College will As a prior board member for the Edmund Burke and Mississippi river valleys to the Gulf of throughout the world through the Landmark form the majority of our Board. They know and School where my son Jacob attended in D.C., Mexico. I earned my undergraduate degree College Institute.# understand the power of Landmark better than anyone else.” To help achieve that goal, the College recently Mr. Manley also sees opportunity in further throughout the country and the world for help dedication at the College is unlike any I’ve ever held the first meeting of its President’s Alumni developing the Landmark College Institute for in teaching students with learning differences. seen. Landmark really is a place that changes the Advisory Board. “Seven very successful Research & Training (LCIRT). “I would like We hope that Landmark will be at the front and lives of the students who attend its programs and Landmark graduates attended that meeting,” Mr. to see the Institute realize its full potential, center of this effort.” their families. We have set tall goals to help sus- Manley said. “We were greatly impressed by because it plays an essential role in our ability Mr. Manley states that it is Landmark’s stu- tain and grow the College’s work, but I believe their energy and enthusiasm—and we’re looking to reach out beyond Putney to the rest of the dents, faculty and staff members who ultimately that we have the collective will and the people in forward to their insights and ideas.” world,” he said. “There’s a tremendous demand hold the key to Landmark’s future. “The degree of place to make it all happen.”# January 2008 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ BOOK REVIEWS 21 Logos Bookstore’s Recommendations Alice McDermott Hits Homerun at Marymount By H. Harris Healy, III, President, Logos Bookstore Manhattan College Writing Center 1575 York Avenue, (Between 83rd and 84th Sts.) by Dr. POLA ROSEN achieve, what kinds of redemption. Frumkes, New York, NY 10028 “Somewhere in the Bronx, only 20 minutes clearly pleased with the warm reaction to the (212) 517-7292, Fax (212) 517-7197 or so from the cemetery,” read Lewis Burke final irish voices speaker, thanked everyone for www.logosbookstorenyc.com Frumkes, director of Marymount Manhattan coming including a group that had driven up from College’s much praised writing center the other Pennsylvania just to hear McDermott and prom- night to a packed house. He was standing before ised more wonderful fare in the coming months. a wildly enthusiastic audience explaining that he The writing center, on East 71st, continues Viti-Vini game P.M. Sit-n-Knit will meet Tuesday, January 8, was quoting from a book that the Philadelphia to offer the city unique cultural and intellectual 2008 and Tuesday, January 22 at 7 P.M., The Inquirer called “Alice McDermott’s astoundingly events he said proudly. Frumkes teased the audi- (Viti-Vini LLC), $24 Children’s Story Time will resume Monday, beautiful novel about the persistence of love, ence with highlights from the new winter/spring A new year is a time for one to do something January 7, 2008 at 3 P.M. In the early part of the perseverance of grief, and all but unbearable brochure. There is the best-selling author series, new. With this is in mind, why not try Viti-Vinii, January there is 50% off sale on boxed and single loneliness.” That book, Charming Billy, contin- which begins this month and will feature the great the fun way to learn about wine. Loaded with fact Christmas and Hanukkah cards. There is an ued Frumkes, went on to win the national book suspense novelist Joseph Finder January 17th, cards on grapes, history, regions, wine making ongoing 30% off book sale in specially marked award in 1998. Walter Mosley, February 19th, Adam Gopnik, and food pairings, novices and wine enthusiasts sales sections. Come on over to Logos, pick up a Most of McDermott’s novels in fact have been March 5th and Donald Westlake, May 5th. All alike will love this game. Players race to com- Viti-Vini, some books, cards and music and enjoy nominated for major awards. Frumkes added that he the events he said are free but the center will plete a portfolio of seven fact cards, answering the sales. remembered reading Child Of My Heart a second also offer paying events such as a special panel questions about wine and pairing wine with food Upcoming Events At Logos time two years after he had first read it and being called “The Secrets Behind Getting Published” to earn additional fact cards and coins. The player Tuesday, January 8 and Tuesday, January totally enthralled all over again. “Alice,” he went on February 27th which will showcase important with the most coin value for their fact cards and 22, 2008 at 7 P.M., Sit-n-Knit will meet. on, “has that power over readers. Sorceress-like she editors from The New Yorker magazine, The New coins wins the game. Whether one plays Viti-Vini Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 7 P.M., KYTV draws you into her tales easily, then forces you to York Times, as well as Adam Moss, the editor in or just studies the cards, one learns much about Reading Group will discuss The Gathering by look at her characters and yourself through a variety chief of New York magazine. As if this were not wine in a straightforward, fun, simple way. As the Anne Enright. of lenses until you understand both the character enough he titillated the audience with a course information is contained on cards this informal Monday, January 14, 2008 at 7 P.M., The and yourself in new ways.” “Great writers,” he said, called “Literary Erotica,” taught by Daphne wine course is quite portable and therefore quite Sacred Texts Group led by Richard Curtis will “are able to do this. It is like magic, it happens but Merkin, a stand-up comedy course taught by convenient for learning on the run in this modern meet. you are not quite sure how it happened.” Carolyn Brown, and a history of American clas- hectic world. Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 7 P.M., McDermott was the fourth and final speaker for sical music taught by the music critic, Barrymore At Logos Bookstore, to begin 2008 the KYTV KYTV Reading Group will discuss A Connecticut the fantastic “Irish Voices” series that Tina Flaherty Scherer. For more information or to register, call Reading Group will discuss the 2007 Man Booker Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain. and Frumkes cooked up this fall through the writ- 212-774-4810 or 212-774-0789.# Prize winner, The Gathering by Anne Enright at 7 Transit: 4,5,6 Subways to Lexington Avenue ing center and which Flaherty funded to the tune P.M on Wednesday, January 9, 2008. The Sacred and 86th St., M86 Bus (86th St.), M79 Bus (79th of $100,000. The other speakers were Mary and Texts Group led by Richard Curtis will resume St.), M31 Bus (York Ave.), M15 Bus (1st and Carol Higgins Clark, Edna O’Brien who flew over Bank Street its meetings on Monday, January 14, 2008 at 7 2nd Aves). from London for the occasion, Nuala O’Faolin, and continued from page 19 Alice McDermott. Next fall they intend to have the cared for and educated. men, either Irish or maybe Italian writers. But although we know what we have to do, McDermott, charming like Billy himself, and dedicated professionals work hard every day Each Book Is Unique—A Gem— recalled speaking once to another crowd where to make things better for children and families, someone asked her if the novel in question was somehow our society as a whole lacks the cour- and Precious To Learning! about her family. But before she could answer, age and will to face the political costs of making By Selene Vasquez she said, a woman on the other side of the room certain that all our children receive the quality PICTURE BOOK: AGES 5 THRU 8: blurted out, “no it’s about mine.” and the audi- care they need and have a right to expect. If we PICTURE BOOK: AGES 8 THRU 10: The Prince Won’t Go to Bed! ence roared. During the question and answer cannot summon the will and solve this problem Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly by Dayle Ann Dodds. Illustrated period McDermott became serious and said that once and for all, the fate of that sad little boy by Alan Madison. by Krysten Brooker. (CIP, unpaged, $16.00) she is very interested in what we all seek in life whose daddy was killed, and many of his play- Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes she said, what kinds of happiness we hope to mates, is all too easy to predict.# (CIP, unpaged, $16.99) When his highness simply refuses to go to sleep, a multitude of palace servants stumble in their Set in the lavish court of an African kingdom, A naturalist who lost his arm as a Union soldier The youngest of the highly gifted Gratch sis- attempts to lull the young prince off to dreamland. this delightful retelling of the classic fairy tale is in the Civil War, Powell had a vision for charting ters, Velma longs to be special in her own right. Regal and gilded in design, this laugh-out-loud full of elegant dancing and high-spirited romance. rough, new territories despite daunting obstacles. A field trip to the butterfly conservatory where tale is a jumble of merriment and mayhem. Double-page collage illustrations crafted in oil Full color paintings in watercolor and gouache a monarch magically perches on her finger for FAIRY TALES: AGES 6 THRU 8: paints and printed paper abound in African art render the wild beauty of the canyon country and days transforms her struggling sense of self. A The Twelve Dancing Princesses and cultural motifs. the life of this amazing explorer. sensitive but humorous story of a girl determined by the Brothers Grim. Illustrated by Rachel Isadora BIOGRAPHY: AGES 8 THRU 10: Selene Vasquez is a media specialist at to discover her own talents. (Putnam, unpaged, $16.99) Down the Colorado: Orange Brook Elementary School in Hollywood, John Wesley Powell, the One-Armed Explorer Florida.# by Deborah Kogan Ray ; (CIP, 48 pps., $17.00) RESOURCE & REFERENCE GUIDE BOOKS Teens only: All boroughs do not hesitate to contact Director: Ruth 1-888-611-KIDS Arberman at 718-625-3502. Bank Street Bookstore 112th St. & Broadway ; (212) 678-1654 Special Education Teachers Wanted Calendar of Events January 2008 GRADUATE EDUCATION Exceptional selection of books for children, Call: 718-436-5147 Fax resume to: 718-436-6843 teachers and parents. Knowledgeable staff. International University interactive feature -- “a view of the west” -- a photographic tour of the for Graduate Studies E-mail resume to: [email protected] late 19th and early 20th century american west. Free monthly newsletter. Open Mon-Thurs www.iugrad.edu.kn Visit our website: www.abcdnyc.net Camp Fair 10-8 PM, Fri & Sat 10–6 PM, Sun 12–5 PM. (888) 989 - GRAD (4723) Associates for Bilingual Child Development SPECIAL CAMP FAIR ON SATURDAY, Jan. 26, 2008 2007-08 Historians’ forums in new york city Inc. is Seeking Mono/Bilingual Special Ed Presented by Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. For the 11th straight year, the gilder lehrman institute presents Logos Books IUGS is an accredited and recognized twenty-eight year old University which offers Itinerant Teachers, Bilingual Certified. Teach Contact: Gary Shulman, 212-677-4650 www.resourcesnyc.org distinguished scholars and historians to lecture on their most recently 1575 York Ave, (@84th Street); Preschoolers 3-5 years of age, Full-Time Parents and caregivers of children and teens with disabilities can plan published books and answer audience questions. The historians’ forums only master’s and doctoral degrees. All (212) 517-7292 and Part-Time Opportunity, Competitive ahead for summer with the wealth of information offered at the 23rd are open to the public and are followed by a reception and book signing. A charming neighborhood bookstore relevant graduate credits including approved Salary and Rates. Call: 718-436-5147. Fax annual free Special Camp Fair on Saturday, January 26, 2008 from 11 Check out the 2008 schedule and buy tickets: continuing education credits are accepted in resume to: 718-436-6843. E-mail resume AM to 3 PM. at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, (Entrance to Fair www.gilderlehrman.org/institute/public_lectures.html located in Yorkville featuring quality on Columbus Ave. near W. 60th St.) NYC . transfer. Visit our website at www.iugrad. to: [email protected]. Visit our website: Featured document selections of classics, fiction, poetry, edu.kn or call (888) 989 - GRAD (4723). Representatives from 70 New York City day camps and sleepaway www.abcdnyc.net camps in the northeast will be on hand to help parents and The institute regularly features documents from the gilder lehrman philosophy, religion, bibles and children’s collection. In the spotlight this week is a broadside, printed in 1805 in books, and greeting cards, gifts and music. MEDICAL professionals plan productive summer experiences for children with Schools disabilities. The Fair will also feature information on travel programs, new york city, which illustrates the atrocious treatment of slaves. Books can be mailed. Outdoor terrace. remedial education programs, volunteer and job opportunities and See the broadside and read the transcript: NYU Cancer Institute Lycée Français de New York www.gilderlehrman.org/collection/docs_current.html 212-731-5000 505 East 75th Street; NY, NY 10021 early childhood programs. Spanish and sign language interpreters will High Marks In Chemistry www.nyuci.org be available. 1-877-600-7466; 212-439-3834; Visitors to the Fair will receive a free copy of the Camps 2008 Understanding Cancer. And you. At the [email protected] www.LFNY.org Guide. The Camps 2008 Guide (publication date January 2008) is www.HighMarksInSchool.com NCI-designated NYU Cancer Institute, we Open Houses Over 95,000 books sold. HIGH MARKS: The Lycée Français de New York is a mul- also available by sending a check for $25 plus $8.00 postage and provide access to the latest research, handling to Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., Dept. REGENTS CHEMISTRY MADE EASY BY ticultural, bilingual institution with students NEW LEADERS FOR NEW SCHOOLS treatment options, technology, clinical tri- from sixty nations (preschool-12th grade). PR1, 116 E. 16th St., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003. SHARON WELCHER (College Teacher, als and a variety of programs in cancer Final Deadline for applications- February 28, 2008 The school is an American, private, non- Contact info: www.nlns.org Chairperson and teacher of high school prevention, screening, diagnostics, genetic profit school chartered by the NY State counseling and supportive services. Visit email: [email protected] review courses). This book is your private Board of Regents, and accredited by the Conferences phone: 646-792-7855 tutor-Easy review book for NEW regents www.nyuci.org or call 212-731-5000. French Ministry of Education. (second edition) with hundreds of questions GILDER LEHRMAN INSTITUTE SPECIAL EDUCATION and solutions, Get HIGH MARKS $10.95. OF AMERICAN HISTORY touro college new york Available at Leading book stores or call The Sterling School Therapy 19 West 44th Street, (718) 625-3502 The Brain Clinic Suite 500 school of career and applied studies (718)271-7466. 1870-86 Stillwell Avenue; Brooklyn, NY 11223 Neuropsychological, Learning Disability New York, NY 10036 Brooklyn’s private elementary school Phone: 718-265-6534 x1015 History now looks at the american west FOSTER CARE & ADOPTION for Dyslexic children offers a rigorous & Attention Deficit Disorder Evaluations Fax: 718-265-0614 & Treatment The institute is pleased to present the ninth issue of history now, a 1-888-611-KIDS curriculum, Orton - Gillingham methodology Location: West 23rd Street 19 West 34th St, Penthouse, quarterly online journal for history teachers and students, available at Help rebuild a family in and hands-on multi-sensory learning. One- www.historynow.org. The issue examines the american west, with New York, NY 10010 your community today! to-one remediation is also provided. If your NY, NY 10001; 212-268-8900 essays by some of the most eminent scholars in the field. As always, Every Tues. & Thurs. from 10: am - 7 pm, ESS Foster care and Adoption bright Language Learning Disabled child [email protected] history now accompanies these scholarly essays with imaginative and Sun. 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. at 27-33. Children and Teens: Manhattan and Bronx could benefit from our program please www.thebrainclinic.com accessible supporting material and lesson plans. Don’t miss this issue’s Telephone: 212-463-0400 ext.500 New York City • January 2008 For Parents, Educators & Students • 22 Exercise Testing May Help Predict Edward M. Cooney to Receive Seriousness of Mitral Regurgitation Award for Child Nutrition In as many as one in five people over age 55, single case, and these methods require fairly The 2008 Gene White Lifetime Achievement Association as they have lobbied relentlessly on when the heart contracts to send blood around the sophisticated and expensive imaging. Our study Award for Child Nutrition will be awarded to behalf of these programs throughout the years. body, some degree of backward leakage occurs shows that exercise tolerance testing, a simple a leader who has spent over thirty-five years Mr. Cooney has served as the chief lobbyist across the mitral valve, a condition known as procedure often performed in doctors’ offices, combating hunger in the U.S. and internation- and political strategist for the Food Research and mitral regurgitation (MR). When sufficiently is an excellent tool for predicting if the patient ally. Edward M. Cooney, Executive Director of Action Center (FRAC). In this capacity, he worked severe, MR causes buildup of blood in the lungs, is deteriorating and needs surgery,” says Dr. the Congressional Hunger Center (CHC), will be on every major federal food assistance program bill leading to difficulty in breathing (dyspnea, or Jeffrey S. Borer, a study co-author ; director of honored as a champion of child nutrition at the 5th from 1979 to 1996, including legislation, which “shortness of breath”), a serious condition called the Howard Gilman Institute for Valvular Heart annual A Possible Dream Gala on March 4, 2008, led to full funding of the Women, Infants, and congestive heart failure. MR also can cause heart Diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell; in Washington, DC. Children (WIC) program, increased participation rhythm irregularities (arrhythmias) such as atrial and the Gladys and Roland Harriman Professor Mr. Cooney has spent his professional career by low-income children in the School Breakfast fibrillation, which can lead to strokes and other of Cardiovascular Medicine and professor of car- dedicated to the cause of feeding hungry children. Program and improved access to and significant problems, and ventricular tachycardia, which can diovascular medicine in cardiothoracic surgery at His work began as a legal services attorney in benefit increases in the Food Stamp Program. cause sudden death. Weill Cornell Medical College. Connecticut in the early 1970s and progressed to As the Executive Director of the Congressional A new study finds that monitoring the capac- “We found that exercise testing is a simple and state, national and now international programs. He Hunger Center, a nonprofit anti-hunger train- ity of these patients to exercise on a tread- relatively inexpensive way to predict outcomes. has worked with nutrition and public assistance ing organization that exemplifies a bipartisan mill—an evaluation called exercise tolerance Patients with mitral regurgitation who perform program participants, faith-based groups, local and approach to ending hunger, Mr. Cooney over- testing (ETT)—may be useful in predicting the well on the treadmill will likely remain healthy state officials, and anti-hunger groups. His work sees the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows condition’s progression and whether the patient and not have to undergo further testing for a through public and private sectors has set policy Program, which provides yearlong leadership will need surgery. Led by NewYork-Presbyterian number of years. This gives these patients peace and promoted child nutrition programs worldwide. development for emerging leaders in the fight Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, the of mind,” says principal investigator Dr. Phyllis He has been an ardent supporter of child nutrition against hunger in the United States. He also research is published in the American Journal G. Supino, associate research professor of pub- programs and has stood with the School Nutrition oversees the Mickey Leland International Hunger of Cardiology. lic health in medicine and associate research Fellows Program, which sends talented US citi- “Mitral regurgitation can be very benign, going professor of public health at Weill Cornell zens to the world’s poorest countries to continue unnoticed for many years, or can be severe, Medical College. disease and the severity of aortic stenosis. the fight against hunger. impeding the heart’s proper function and lead- Developed in its most simple form in the 1920s, In mitral regurgitation, the mitral valve does Mr. Cooney will be the sixth recipient of the ing to complications, even death. There are few exercise tolerance testing (ETT) is used common- not close completely, as it should, when the award, created to honor the woman for whom accurate ways to predict the seriousness of a ly to assess the progression of coronary artery heart contracts, allowing blood to flow backward it was named—Gene White, an extraordinary instead of forward, limiting blood flow to the woman who dedicates her life to children and body. Symptoms include shortness of breath, the benefits that good nutrition can provide them. fatigue, cough, heart palpitations, swollen feet or Other recipients of this award include Senators ankles, and excessive urination. A characteristic Bob Dole and George McGovern, Dr. Josephine heart murmur can be heard with a stethoscope. Martin and Catherine Bertini. In the current study, researchers followed 38 This year marks the 5th anniversary of this gala patients with chronic severe nonischemic MR event, which was designed to honor champions of (that is, MR not due to a prior heart attack) for childhood hunger and raise awareness and funds an average of seven years. All underwent ETT at for the Global Child Nutrition Foundation’s efforts study entry. Patients who could continue exercis- to combat global child hunger through sustainable ing for 15 minutes or longer (of a maximum total school feeding programs. # of 18 minutes) had a fivefold lower annual risk The Global Child Nutrition Foundation (www. of developing heart failure or other evidence of gcnf.org) is a nonprofit corporation whose mis- severe heart dysfunction necessitating surgery, sion and vision are to help the nations of the compared to patients who were unable to exercise world nurture young bodies and advance young for that length of time. minds through the time-tested practice of school- In patients with chronic severe nonischemic based nutrition. The School Nutrition Association MR, progression to surgical indications generally (www.schoolnutrition.org) is a national, non-profit is rapid. There are two surgical options for the professional organization representing more than treatment of MR: mitral valve replacement and 55,000 members who provide high-quality, low- mitral valve repair.# cost meals to students across the country.

Winter Walking Tips From Mount Sinai Medical Experts Winter is here and with the first snow and ice feet are crossed. If the ground is steep, bend your having already hit the ground, it would seem a knees (this is where those annoying ski lessons good time to review some basic tips on how to can pay off). walk on slippery surfaces to help pedestrians 3) Protect your dominant arm. That would be avoid injuries. the right if you are a righty, the left one if you are While no technique is 100% effective for a lefty. Since a fall occurs very quickly, you have walking in cold, wintry conditions, the following no time to plan for that. One recommendation are a few suggestions for slogging through the is to hold your coat with your dominant hand, ice, snow and slush for the holiday season and which instinctively leaves the other one to break beyond from Dr. Ronald Grelsamer, a hip and your fall. If you are carrying something, do so knee specialist at Mount Sinai’s Department of with the dominant hand. Again, instinctively you Orthopedics in New York City: will then use the weaker hand to brace yourself, 1) Move your feet ever so slightly apart as you should you fall. walk. This will give you better balance. If the “You can never be too careful, particularly street is really slippery, bend your knees a little since we haven’t had this type of weather in quite bit. You may feel that you look funny, but it’s awhile,” commented Mount Sinai’s Dr. Ronald worth it! Grelsamer. “People should also pay special atten- 2) When going down an incline, consider turn- tion when exiting trains, buses and cars because ing sideways. Do NOT cross one foot over the you never know what the surface will be like until other, as you will have no balance while your your feet hit the ground, especially at night.”# January 2008 ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ Education update 23

Education Update LETTERS TO FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT’S SEAT Mailing Address: 695 Park Avenue, Ste. E1509 THE EDITOR New York, NY 10065 California The Benefits of Learning Email: [email protected] Philanthropist Eli Broad Awards California By Dr. Carole G. Hankin Language study in Syosset also includes cul- www.EducationUpdate.com School District $500,000 with Randi T. Sachs ture and traditions of the people who speak the Tel: 212-650-3552 Fax: 212-772-4769 To the Editor: We heard it said recently, that language natively, and promotes understanding PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF: I found this article exciting and refreshing. if a person speaks only one lan- and tolerance for people who are different than Pola Rosen, Ed.D. Knowing that someone of Mr. Broad’s stature guage, you can bet that language is English ourselves. Certified language teachers teach our cares enough about the less fortunate to give back and the person is American. Although learning world languages weekly to all elementary stu- ADVISORY COUNCIL: just made me smile. That old adage, “I reached second and third languages is a part of every dents, and the lessons continue in many other Mary Brabeck, Dean, NYU School of out to grab your hand and touched your heart” student’s curriculum in many other parts of the academic and special subject areas. Multi-lingual Education; Sheila Evans-Tranumn, Assoc. seemed to apply. We’re all teachers and educa- world, the U.S. has yet to make it a priority, signs posted throughout the building make learn- Comm. of Education, NYS; Charlotte K. tors of some sort. I am enriched by sharing my despite the many studies that show how valuable ing and speaking a second language fun and Frank, Ph.D., Senior VP, McGraw-Hill; Joan knowledge of the behind-the-scenes experience learning a different language can be. natural for everyone. Freilich, Ph.D., Trustee, Barnard College & in the entertainment industry. Language study is most easily accomplished By middle school, which begins in sixth grade, College of New Rochelle; Andrew Gardner, Darice Rollins if it is started when a child is young. In Syosset, students are more than ready to take on the seri- Technology Teacher & Advisor, The Studio City, CA world language study begins in kindergarten. Our ous study of a language with the goal of reaching School at Columbia U.; Cynthia Greenleaf, program introduces a new language each year a degree of fluency. The unfamiliar aspect is Ph.D., Director, Partnerships, Chicago Illinois for our students. After Russian in kindergarten, somewhat removed from the language study, and Public Schools; Augusta S. Kappner, Ken Baum, Principal Extraordinaire we teach Chinese in first grade, Spanish, Italian, students have little hesitation about speaking a Ph.D., President, Bank St. College; To the Editor: and French in second through fourth grades, and new language. Bonnie Kaiser, Ph.D., Director, Precollege This article is outstanding. Is it possible to get a Latin in fifth grade. The goal is not to achieve By the time Syosset students reach high school, Program, Rockefeller University; Harold list of schools in Illinois, and/or other states, that fluency in the languages, but to give students an many have a much stronger ability to speak and Koplewicz, M.D., Founder & Director, describe which programs are being used in which introduction to each language and in the process understand a second language. Many of our stu- NYU Child Study Center; Ernest Logan, schools with what level of success? to stimulate brain development by having our dents are able to succeed in language AP tests in Pres., CSA; Cecilia McCarton, M.D., Dir., Maureen Kilty students listen to and speak different sounds and Spanish, French, or Italian. Others choose to take The McCarton Center; Eric Nadelstern, Naperville, IL phrases—it’s somewhat like exercises for the on a third language, and may select from Russian, CEO, Empowerment Schools, NYC; brain. Scientists at Harvard and MIT had actually Japanese, Latin, and American Sign Language. Alfred S. Posamentier, Ph.D., Dean, School georgia taken brain measurements of children before and Studies have shown the benefits of early lan- of Education, CCNY; Adam Sugerman, So You Want To Be A Film Major after studying a second language and have seen guage instruction in many other areas of our Publisher, Palmiche Press; Laurie Tisch, To the Editor: clear evidence that such lessons can have a posi- students’ academic work. It is time for world lan- Chair, Center for Arts Education The article really helped me get an insight on tive impact on brain development and the ability guage to become a part of the school curriculum ASSOCIATE EDITORS: being a film major. I really needed this, because for a child to process information. for all elementary school children. # it’s a true and very honest description and opinion Heather Rosen, Adam Sugerman, of the courses. I’m a senior in high school right Rob Wertheimer now, but I can’t wait to go to college to study 2007: A Year of Progress in Education, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: film. I’m so excited and even though it may be a Justine Rivera lot of work, I know that I can do this. Gabrielle Conyers Quality of Life and Public Safety GUEST COLUMNISTS: GA By Mayor Bloomberg among students of different ethnicities. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Betsy Gotbaum, I think it’s fair to say that 2007 will The past year has been a tremendous one for Margot Ham, Dr. Carole G. Hankin, Mary Florida be one for the record books. New New York City, so let’s give three cheers for our Kukovich, Alfred Posamentier, Ph.D., Harvard’s Howard Gardner Receives Standing Yorkers are living longer than at any teachers and principals, our sanitation workers, Randi Sachs, William Thompson Ovation at Bank Street Event point since World War II, our popula- our police officers, and all of the City employees STAFF WRITERS: To the Editor: tion is rising, and tourists are coming to visit us in who have worked so hard to make 2007 one of Jacob Appel, J.D., Judith Aquino, Stevanne Dr. Gardner has contributed so much to the record numbers. Over the past 12 months, we’ve our best years ever. I’d like to wish them—and all Auerbach, Ph.D., Joan Baum, Ph.D., teaching of diverse students with his theories. launched more than 30 innovative poverty-fight- of you—a happy and healthy New Year.# Alberto Cepeda, Gillian Granoff, Richard I wish he could see the relief spread over ing programs to give struggling New Yorkers a Kagan, Sybil Maimin, Martha McCarthy, the faces of my community college students hand up, and we’ve begun work on most of the Ph.D., Merri Rosenberg, Emily Sherwood, when I explain Multiple Intelligences. For 127 proposals outlined in PlaNYC—our ambi- Ph.D., Lisa Winkler the first time, I think some students under- tious agenda to guide New York’s future growth In This Issue stand that they are not dumb and that they while confronting major challenges like climate Editorial ...... 2 EDITOR-AT-LARGE & have their own strengths. It must be a relief change and traffic congestion. EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR Dean’s Column...... 2 to them after years of being put down by our But much of New York’s success over the past SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR: traditional views. year is owed to the fact that we continue to make Spotlight on Schools...... 3-15 Steve Bailey Dr. Shelby Morrison great strides in three key areas of city life: educa- Inquiries: 646-872-4018 Music, Art & Dance...... 6-8 Orlando, FL tion, quality of life, and public safety. Profiles ...... 9 BOOK REVIEWERS: Public schools are the training grounds for the Harris Healy III, Merri Rosenberg, New York leaders of tomorrow. That’s why our administra- Special Education...... 10-11 Selene Vasquez About Dr. Muriel Petioni tion has made improving them a top priority. In COVER STORY...... 12-14 MEDICAL EDITOR: To the Editor: 2007, we took big steps on a number of fronts. Dr. Muriel Petioni believes that everyone We reformed the school funding process to Op Ed ...... 15 Herman Rosen, M.D. should have access to medical care. She not address historic inequities. We reached agree- Careers ...... 15 MODERN LANGUAGE EDITOR: only demonstrated that here in the U.S., but now ments to award bonuses to educators who work Adam Sugerman to a less fortunate Chiefdom—Gbonkolenken in our highest-need schools and improve student Sports ...... 16 MOVIE & THEATER REVIEWS: Chiefdom, in the war-torn country of Sierra achievement. And we gave parents powerful new Colleges & Grad Schools. . .1 6 - 2 0 Jan Aaron Leone. Thanks for continuing to pointing us all at insight into their child’s classroom by issuing Women for Women of Sierra Leone USA in the progress reports that grade each school from A to Books ...... 21 MUSIC EDITOR: right direction. F. All of this will build on the gains we’ve already MEDICAL UPDATE ...... 22 Irving M. Spitz Women for Women of Sierra Leone made in higher graduation rates, improved test Masthead, Letters...... 23 ART DIRECTOR: New York, NY scores, and the narrowing of the achievement gap Neil Schuldiner ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: Martin Lieberman, Manager; Richard Kagan Education Update is published monthly by Education Update, Inc. All material is copy- righted and may not be printed without express consent of the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Education Update, P.O. Box 2358, Lenox Hill Station NY, NY 10021 Subscription: Annual $30. Copyright © 2008 Education Update Education Update is an independent newspaper 12184 Ed Update Ad v3:Layout 1 5/30/07 4:47 PM Page 1 Education update ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ January 2008 12184 Ed Update Ad v3:Layout 1 5/30/07 4:47 PM Page 1

AMERICA’SAMERICA’S LEADINGLEADING COLLEGECOLLEGE FORFOR STUDENTSSTUDENTS With Learning Disabilities and AD/HD With Learning DisabilitiesWALL STREET JOURNAL and AD/HD “Nobody knows the business of teaching studentsWALL STREET with JOURNALlearning “Nobody knows the business of teaching students with learning disabilities better than Landmark College.” SYDNEY’S PATH: disabilities better than Landmark College.” LANDMARKSYDNEY’S COLLEGE PATH: TO LANDMARK COLLEGE TO SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY For bright and talented students with learning Fordisabilities bright and and AD/HD, talented Landmark students College with learningprovides disabilitiesa proven pathand AD/HD, for academic Landmark achievement College provides and asuccess. proven Our path students for academic “learn achievement how to learn” and in success.a new way Our based students on “learn their particular how to learn” needs, in aempowered new way by based effective on their learning particular strategies needs, and empoweredthe latest in byassistive effective technology. learning strategies and the latest in assistive technology. • Associate Degrees in Business & General Studies •• Associate Bridge Semesters Degrees in for Business College & Students General Studies •• Bridge Summer Semesters Programs for for College High School Students & • SummerCollege Students Programs for High School & College Students Learn More at Our Saturday Open Houses Learn2007: Oct.More 20 at• Nov. Our 17 Saturday • Dec. 1 Open Houses 2007:2008: Oct.Feb. 2016 ••Nov.Mar. 1729 ••Dec.Apr. 191 2008:For informationFeb. 16 and • Mar.to register, 29 • contactApr. 19 us at ForPHONE information802-387-6718 and to register,E-MAIL [email protected] us at PHONE 802-387-6718 E-MAIL [email protected]

Sydney Ruff, ’06 SydneyWaterville, Ruff, ME ’06 www.landmark.edu Waterville, ME www.landmark.edu Our approach works: Nearly eight out of every 10 Landmark graduates go on to pursue their bachelor’s degree at top colleges Ournationwide, approach including: works: AmericanNearly University eight out • of Auburn every University10 Landmark • Boston graduates College go on • Brownto pursue University their bachelor’s • College degree of Sante at Fetop •colleges Cornell nationwide,University • Emory including: University American • Grinnell University College • Auburn • Hamilton University College • • Boston Hampshire College College • Brown • Hobart University & William • College Smith College of Sante • Hood Fe • Coll Cornellege University• Lesley University • Emory University • Morehouse • Grinnell College College • Occidental • Hamilton College College • Sarah • Hampshire Lawrence College College • • Hobart Savannah & William College Smith of Art College & Design • Hood • Universit Collegey •of Lesley Arizona University • University • Morehouse of Denver College • University • Occidental of Pittsburgh College • Sarah Lawrence College • Savannah College of Art & Design • University of Arizona • University of Denver • University of Pittsburgh