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COMMENTARY EDUCATION UPDATE Mailing Address: STANDARDIZED TESTS REDUX 276 5th Avenue, Suite 10005 New York, NY 10001 By STUART DUNN the use of so-called “high stakes” standardized Perhaps the most egregious result of empha- email: [email protected] Despite the enactment of a national education testing, is that it leads to teaching to the tests. sizing test scores is the temptation to cheat. bill calling for annual reading and math tests The question is who is responsible for this? With a great deal at stake, students, teachers www.educationupdate.com for grades 3 - 8, the battle over the use of stan- This practice could be stopped if everyone, and administrators may feel that cheating is Tel: 212-481-5519 dardized tests to evaluate student performance from the chancellor on down, made it clear that justified. Cheating on the part of the students is Fax: 212-481-3919 continues. It is as if the idea of testing was just teaching to the test is unacceptable, and then bad enough – cheating by teachers and/or invented. Critics argue that tests are not a good supervised those who report to them to insure administrators is intolerable. This practice can PUBLISHER AND EDITOR: mechanism to evaluate student performance. that this directive is carried out. The problem is be minimized by careful supervision and Pola Rosen, Ed.D. (Not that they propose any other realistic way that almost everyone sees a gain in improving review, followed by rapid and severe punish- to evaluate performance). Some claim the tests test scores, if not necessarily student perform- ment for those found guilty of this practice. ASSOCIATE EDITORS: are biased, others point to the fact that stan- ance. Politicians campaign on improved Again, it is up to the chancellor and the school Heather Rosen, Adam Sugerman, dardized testing leads to teaching to the tests. results, administrators advance their careers, administration to set the tone, define expecta- Rob Wertheimer The real issue, however, is not the inability of schools and teachers receive bonuses, and par- tions, initiate compliance review procedures ASSISTANT EDITOR: the tests to evaluate student performance, but ents content themselves that their children are and strengthen the organizations which moni- Marylena Mantas the potential use of the test results to evaluate doing better. Some however, who fear the use tor compliance. teacher, school and system performance. of standardized tests, say that teaching to the Good tests can measure student performance GUEST COLUMNISTS: If some tests are biased, this can, and should, test is inherent in the use of standardized tests, and provide feedback on the effectiveness of the Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Matilda be fixed. It is surely no reason to eliminate test- and thus, call for the elimination of the tests curriculum and the teaching. Where the tests are Raffa Cuomo, Marco Damiani, Louisa ing. It is up to those who feel that such bias rather than elimination of the practice of teach- inadequate, let’s improve them. Where teaching Efua Essandoh, Helen Frazier, Dr. exists, to identify the bias, and work with those ing to the test. In a few shameful cases, the needs improvement, let’s fix it. Where cheating Carole G. Hankin, Jill Levy, Randi T. who prepare the tests to eliminate it. school children are being used as pawns to exists, let’s root it out. But let’s not kill the mes- Sachs, Assemblyman Steven Sanders Probably, the most widespread criticism of attempt to press their viewpoint. senger because we don’t like the message.# STAFF WRITERS: Jacob Appel, Joan Baum, Ph.D., LETTERS Sarah Elzas, Tom Kertes, Katarzyna TO THE EDITOR: TO THE EDITOR: QUOTE OF THE MONTH Kozanecka, Sybil Maimin, Chris I could not believe such an authentic, well- I would like information regarding the NYC Rowan, Andrew Schiff, Deborah Young rounded, academic newspaper still existed. I (NY State?) program for paying the tuition for “The responsibilities a teacher has EDITORIAL INTERNS: thoroughly enjoyed the articles and I am routing students with health problems. A child I am to his/her students are so critical. Marie Holmes, Bruce Myint, Laura them now to various staff members. I noted the working with has a rare inherited form of That is where the transaction hap- Pretto, Jessica Shi inclusion of articles on people with disabilities. Primary Immune Deficiency and needs a more pens…the planned interaction that It is easy to see why your newspaper is an focused, smaller class-size learning environ- will lead to transformation of human BOOK REVIEWERS: award-winning publication. Too bad we don’t ment. His mom is a single working parent so potential.” Harris Healy, III, Merri Rosenberg, have anything close to it in San Diego. her resources are limited. Any direction you Lillian Shapiro, Selene Vasquez Keep up the good work at Education Update. can give will be much appreciated. –Judson Shaver, President of Marymount COMICS: Ned Lee, Director of Development Thanks for your assistance. Manhattan College Bruce Wotring The ARC, San Diego Alice Stewart New York MEDICAL EDITOR: TO THE EDITOR: Herman Rosen, M.D. My name is Sophia Buszwatiuk of Public TO THE EDITOR: IN THIS ISSUE MODERN LANGUAGE EDITOR: School 122 in Astoria, New York. I am doing a I am in Crete right now, and we have been Adam Sugerman social studies project about teen pregnancy. If enjoying rainy weather until this evening. But Editorials & Letters ...... 2 you can, please send me more information. Greece has been lovely, even under the cold MOVIE & THEATER REVIEWS: Commentary ...... 2 Jan Aaron Thank you. and rain. Our travels through Italy before here Spotlight on Schools ...... 3-9 Sophia Buszwatiuk were great. We went to Venice, Florence, Conferences, Workshops & Events . . . 9 MUSIC EDITOR: New York Rome and Naples, stopping in smaller towns Special Education...... 10-12 Irving M. Spitz along the way. The best part was a string of Careers ...... 13 TO THE EDITOR: five villages along the north west coast of PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Modern Languages ...... 13 Christopher McGuire My name is Alexander Karpov. I am 19 years Italy called the Cinqueterre—breathtaking Metro Beat ...... 16 old and live in Russia. I am interested in finding views and beautiful hiking. I would recom- MEDICAL UPDATE ...... 14-15 POLITICAL COMMENTARY: a position in the United States so that I may fur- mend it to anyone traveling in the Genoa area. Children’s Corner ...... 17 Stuart Dunn Florence had fabulous art, of course, and ther my education and technical training. My COVER STORY...... 18-19 SPORTS EDITOR: requirements are modest, though my work ethic Rome was nice. We found the best pizza, Colleges & Grad Schools ...... 20-23 ever, in Naples, but were rather happy to M.C. Cohen and eagerness to improve myself and my life are College Directory ...... 24 leave Italy’s pizza and pasta behind (it got a great. I am looking for work in my field, which Book Reviews ...... 25 WEB DESIGN: big monotonous). So, here we are in Crete, on is techincal appliance and computer service and Music, Art & Dance ...... 26-27 Neil Schuldiner, Rick Sulz our way to Turkey through Rhodes. Hopefully repair. Camps & Sports ...... 28-29 it will warm up, now that the rain is gone, and ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: Technology & Software ...... 30-31 we can enjoy some of the beaches along the Martin Lieberman, Manager. Rosalyn Alexander Karpov, Russia Tutors ...... 32 way. I hope everyone is doing well! Bacani, Steve Bailey (212) 721-9444, Museums as Educators ...... 32 Ed. If you have a way to help this young man, Sarah Elzas Mark Berge, Dawn Clayton, Mitchell Movie & Theater Reviews...... 33 send information to [email protected]. We Former Assistant Editor Levine, Diane Palmer, Chris Rowan, Classified ...... 34 get numerous mail from all over the world. Education Update Andrew Schiff Resource & Reference Guide. . . . . 34-35 We like to help when we can. GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Neil Schuldiner, Rick Sulz TO Education Update Education Update is published monthly by Education Update, Inc. All material is copyrighted and may not be printed FROM Winner without express consent of the publisher. Silver Hill Hospital of the POSTMASTER: Mental Health Best Send address changes to: Excellence in Education Education Update Media Award Journalism, 1999—2000 P.O. Box 20005 2000 Columbia University Business Teachers College, Phi Delta Kappa NY, NY 10001 Dr. Pola Rosen Award Subscription: Annual $30. Copyright © 2002 Education Update APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS SCHOOL 3 A Productive Summer Resources Count & Positively By MATILDA RAFFA CUOMO & LOUISA Mentoring USA’s volunteers are always Impact Student Achievement EFUA ESSANDOH amazed to discover how many low-cost (or By JILL LEVY free!) activities this city has to offer. We have cuts have already eliminated some vital enrich- Summertime, the three compiled a guide to summer activities for our Due to last year’s New ment and after school programs and proposed months in which stu- mentors and mentees that include little-known York State bare bones cuts threaten the rest. dents’ brains inexplicably New York summer traditions such as the fol- budget and consistent What is not understood by most New Yorkers turn to mush, is the bane lowing: Macy’s Fishing Contest (an annual reductions to the Board is that when principals fashion their yearly of every educator’s pro- contest open to children 15 and under in of Education budget by budgets, they do not have control over most of fessional life. The learn- Prospect Park, with free equipment and instruc- the previous Mayor, New their allocations. The majority of funds go to ing experience of the past school year seems to tion provided), the annual Morningside Park York City’s public mandated programs and staffing. So, when evaporate in a puff of ferris wheel rides, out- Double Dutch Tournament, Rock ‘n’ Roller schools this school year principals are asked to make reductions, even ings to the pool, and too much TV. But summer blade (free in-line skate rentals, a DJ, a 4ft have already seen a reduction of more than small ones, classroom instruction will most doesn’t have to be that way, and it is our job as disco ball; the event rotates around to different $400 million in services. Fortunately, many definitely be affected. If any programs survive mentors—and simply as caring and concerned parks throughout the city), and many more. districts were able to absorb those cuts by min- the proposed cuts, they will be core instruc- adults—to help our youth to make the most of We suggest that mentors focus on a few areas imally affecting classroom instruction. tional units only. the summer and to explore the world. The when they work with youth over the summer. Now, Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s Fiscal Year Student performance dramatically declined classroom learning is over; let the fun begin! The first is history and culture. New York 2003 budget asks for another $600 million in with the budget cuts of 1975. Most arts, physi- Mentoring USA will kick off the summer neighborhoods are so varied and rich, and in cuts to education. Yet, as we expect our stu- cal education and other cultural programs also with our Second Annual Mentor-Mentee the year following September 11, it seems dents to meet ever-higher standards and expec- disappeared. It was only during the last part of Picnic, held in Central Park in June. It is a well- important to help kids to re-connect with the tations, it is unconscionable that we ask them to the 1990s, that we began to turn the corner and kept secret that groups and organizations such city. We have heard over and over again from shoulder a $1 billion cut to their future. The resurrect the school system. The most recent as ours can reserve space in the city parks for a youth in our program, especially on the Lower Mayor was wrong when he presented his budg- reports on student achievement show that NYC mere $25 application fee! Many of the youth in East Side, that they don’t feel very safe in New et and said, “Everything should be on the is making considerable progress across a vari- our programs, especially kids from the outer York. We need to take them out and let them table.” Our children are not commodities. Their ety of areas as compared to the nation. The boroughs, have never experienced the magic of see that life goes on not as normal, certainly, future should not be on the table. most noteworthy is that we are beginning to Central Park. We bring mentors and mentees but in spite of adversity. Ground Zero may be Educators cannot do more with less, the close the academic achievement gap between together from our 60 program, offering sports, important for some young people to see for Chancellor’s own district proves this. A review white and minority students. arts and crafts activities for youngsters. themselves. Be sure to introduce children to of improved student academic performance in Student success is dependent upon the quali- Everyone enjoys a picnic lunch. It’s a great way local libraries; sign them up for cards and help those schools are the results of the significant ty of a school’s staff. Already principals have to wrap up the year and provide some closure them to choose books about their neighbor- infusion of resources and professional develop- agreed to a series of accountability measures for mentor pairs that won’t be meeting over the hoods or ethnic backgrounds. Ask at the library ment in those schools. Resources count and and procedures in our collective bargaining summer—as well as providing a forum for for a copy of their invaluable booklet, “New those resources impact positively on student agreement that ensures accountability. But in planning and discussion for those pairs that York Books for New York Kids.” Books are achievement. order for them to be successful, they must have will. Many mentors choose to work with other listed by borough-interest as well as reading Unfortunately, right now we are engaged in a highly qualified and certified educational mentors and youth from their site to design level. the wrong conversation about governance of team in place. More than ever, principals need group mentoring activities over the summer. Regular exercises and activity should be the school system. The correct conversation assistant principals who are specialists provid- This can be a fun complement to the exclusive- encouraged. We can suggest that kids get off should be about providing adequate resources ing instructional and administrative expertise. ly one-on-one mentoring that happens during to improve education. Yet, as we argue over the school year. continued on page 4 who should control the school system, prior continued on page 4

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Levy Cuomo THE MIRACLE IN FORT GREENE continued from page 3 continued from page 3 A recent study from the California Institute the train or bus a stop early and walk, or think By TOM KERTES come from an environment–whether it’s at home of Technology on those factors most influenc- about going outside to pitch a ball or even just The first thing you notice is the silence. This is or on the streets–where there is a lot of anger. In ing student SAT scores showed that the ratio of take a walk. one of the hallways of the Benjamin Banneker this school, we want them to experience just the teachers to students in 1,000 California schools This year Mentoring USA has partnered with Academy, one of New York’s public high opposite kind of environment.” had little significance. The study however, did the NY Jets and United Way to offer a fabulous schools. The second thing you notice is the atten- To accomplish this, Rock believes that role- discover that the ratio of assistant principals to opportunity to our pairs: free tickets to see the tion. It’s bright-eyed, avid, curious, evincing a models are very important. “Not just the teach- students did have a positive impact. NY Jets! This year our mentors and mentees genuine interest. These kids want to learn. ers, but the older students as well,” he said. “We Unfortunately, for New York City a vast will have the opportunity to get together a little Roaming Benjamin Banneker–located in a want students to see firsthand that studying hard number of assistant principal positions are cur- before the start of the school year, at the NY one-time Drakes cake factory near Fort Greene’s and possessing a demanding work ethic leads to rently vacant. The anticipated retirement of Jets Preseason Games on Aug. 24 and Aug. 30. notoriously tough projects–four simple words success.” over 700 principals and other supervisors and Football fans or not, what youth wouldn’t jump can’t help but run through your head. To engender that work ethic, the young administrators will deplete the system further at the chance to take at trip to the It can be done. Principal promotes creative teaching plans. “It’s of its leadership. It will be compounded as Meadowlands with a mentor? A few lucky This five-story schoolhouse with the small not just the substance, it’s also the delivery,” he assistant principals take over vacant principal- youth and mentors will even get the chance to classes and the carpeted library is without metal said. “Do everything you can to make the lessons ships, leaving their positions empty. New York participate in the coin-toss on the field…a detectors–just a single kindly receptionist lady at interesting. Obviously, if you get the kids inter- City is also encouraging the depletion of its great way to generate enthusiasm for the the door. The halls are so clean you could eat off ested they’ll work that much harder.” educational workforce by allowing the suburbs upcoming mentoring year! the floor. The results have been dramatic. During Rock’s to entice its experienced leadership and teach- While mentors and mentees enjoy their time It can be done. four years, Benjamin Banneker–a school of 600 ers to leave for higher pay. together this summer, Mentoring USA staff “Yes, it can,” said Daryl Rock, Benjamin students that has a 99.9 percent African- Our city’s public schools have already sacri- will be hard at work recruiting mentors for the Banneker’s Principal for the last four years. ”And American and Latino population–has jumped ficed in these difficult times. Our children are upcoming school year. Even the best mentor- it doesn’t take a miracle, either. But holding from a 60 to a 90 per cent passing grade on the not able to get by with just the bare minimum. ing relationships are subject to life’s whims— faithfully to a few strong principles helps.” State Regents exams in Physics, U.S. and Global They need the arts, music, and sports to help children change schools, mentors get trans- First, the admission: “Kids need good teach- History, and English–and from 40 to 75 percent them learn and grow. They need support serv- ferred, or married, and move out of the city. ing.” Sounds simple, doesn’t it? “But it’s not,” in Math. “I’m proud to say, this is better than ices and enrichment to ensure that they are Approximately half of our nearly 1,000 men- the dreadlocked young Principal said with a most high schools,” said Rock. “And it’s still meeting high standards and able to function in tors will not return, so during the summer we smile. “I’m sure you’re familiar with all the going to get better. We are not nearly done.” the global economy. enthusiastically recruit more mentors. Mentors excuses used for kids not learning in schools: it’s Obviously not: over 250 students participate in We cannot afford to lose a whole generation are especially needed to work with youth in the parents, it’s society, it’s rap music, it’s racism, intense tutoring programs or take classes on of students to these budget cuts. Educational Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and it’s the negative impact of the media. The fact of Saturday. The school also provides advanced opportunities lost are lost forever. We cannot Queens…if you have ever said to yourself, “I the matter is that those outside influences apply classes in English, biology, statistics, chemistry, sit idly by thinking that we can do more with really would like to be a positive role model to equally to all kids, the ones that learn and the and calculus for college credits. less. It is time for the public and its profession- a young person,” this is the time to try! To ones that do not learn. And this, of course, means Yet, these hardworking kids remain well-round- als to rise up and demand that our children become a mentor, call (212) 253-1194, ext. 454 that there is no reason why all kids can’t learn.” ed as well, participating widely in intramural receive the education to which they are or email [email protected]. “But that requires teachers who deeply believe sports – a real rarity for a high school anywhere – entitled.# For all the hard work you do all year long, all that they can make a difference.” clubs for dancing and drama, and all kinds of Jill Levy is the president of the Council of of us at Mentoring USA wish you a happy and In order to acquire such teachers Rock is will- workshops. The 11th grade chess-team has Supervisors and Administrators (CSA). healthy summer!# ing to be different. “I go into colleges to find stu- emerged victorious in a recent citywide tourna- Matilda Cuomo is the former first lady of NY dents interested in teaching,” he smiled. “I use ment and the Banneker Warriors also won the and founder and Chairperson of Mentoring USA. word of mouth, I go on line. The teachers’knowl- New York City Division B basketball champi- edge, while obviously important, is not the only onship last year. “What people must understand is thing – most of that can be acquired, anyway. I that sports and after-school activities do not take look for a rapport with the students. I look for way from education,” said Rock. “They add to it.” Is your child Dyslexic people who can communicate with the kids on a Of course, resources remain a problem. The or experiencing school failure? level that is real to them, people who can get computers are aging, but Rock–with the help of a them interested.” very involved Assemblyman Roger Green–has If so, we may be the solution. The second thing is to create a culture where been creative in acquiring corporate donations as We strive to help children not only have people treat each other a certain way. ”I’m talk- well. ing about a culture of peacefulness and mutual So it can be done. If you don’t believe it, go the skills needed to learn, but to want to learn. respect,” Rock said. ”It’s discipline and tough down to the old cake factory in Fort Greene to love, but it is love nevertheless. So many kids check out how.#

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demands most vocational-technical schools Vocational Schools Face New Challenges have also developed an integrative curriculum By MARYLENA MANTAS “The NYSDE and partly the NYCBOE, the ability to obtain the same quality of aca- that “contextually teaches academics through A team of students from Samuel Gompers while they pay lip service to the importance of demic programs as in traditional academic high trade… This is not the solution we should have Vocational and Technical High School in the multiple intelligences have put every kid in the schools.” been looking for. We do not have a way of South Bronx recently ventured down to track for a four year college and have forgotten Boasting an attendance rate of about 90 accommodating kids into this banner of higher Columbia University to take part in the annual that there are viable skills that give students the percent, Moskowitz added, “Students want to standards…Vocational schools give kids FIRST Robotics NY Competition, which brought ability to succeed and to earn a good living,” be here and their parents want them to be options. They get all they get if they went to together more than 1,000 students from around said Charles Bonnici, Principal of Fashion here…This is a school where students come Stuyvesant [specialized high school], but the the city, country and the United Kingdom to Industries HS in Manhattan. “No credit is given by choice. They apply to be here. They know goal of our vocational schools is to also give build the best robot. The team ranked 19th in to that. No one really cares that kids have these where they want to be. They value the oppor- the skills and knowledge to specialize in an this year’s competition, which was the third other talents.” tunities offered to them here. Going to school area of interest.” time the school participated. Concern has also been raised over a lack of every day is their job and they do it.” Fashion Industries, according to Bonnici, “I want my children to compete with every- resources provided to the schools to help meet According to Bonnici, the occupational works very hard to help students pass the one and everything,” said Samuel Gompers’ the new standards. sequences also have a direct impact on a stu- Regents on their first attempt to minimize the Principal Marianne Hawthorne. “We are mov- “I love the raising of the standards…I think dent’s overall performance. effect of the new standards on their occupation- ing our students to meet the challenges of new everyone should reach a certain standard and “When students come to Fashion they have a al sequences. standards and we are achieving.” above, but give me the resources to support focus, an idea of what they want to do in their “I don’t have much of an argument with the The robotics competition came at a time that,” said Hawthorne. future. When they first come there is a motiva- Regents requirement. The basic five Regents when several principals of the city’s 14 voca- Concerns intensified this academic year tion to do well because they are in interested in give kids the opportunity to explore different tional-technical high schools are voicing con- because the passing grade on the Regents was an occupation,” said Bonnici. “We offer more areas and they stress critical thinking, which is cerns related to the new academic standards raised to 65, compared to the 55 required over than one pathway and we recognize that all kids necessary for occupations,” said Bonnici, issued by the New York State Department of the past years. For some vocational-technical will not go on to a four year college.” adding that his concern lies with what happens Education in 1998, which require that all stu- schools this increase often leads to more stu- To maintain the focus on occupational after the students pass the Regents and then dents in public high schools pass five Regents dents requiring additional academic support, sequences, while providing their students with they say that what they really wanted was to exams to graduate. Vocational students also which takes the focus away from their voca- adequate academic support to pass the Regents, take more occupational education courses. have to pass a sequence of courses designed to tional classes. the schools have launched various initiatives. “Traditionally we were designed for students give them proficiencey in a trade. “The state’s message is to eliminate anything At Transit Tech all 9th grade students receive a who had different skills,” said Bonnici. “The “One of the issues for vocational schools is that does not prepare kids to pass Regents 15 period week of block math or science students who fall behind academically and who where to find the time—if a student needs exams,” said Frank Carucci, the United instruction. In addition, the school has institut- need vocational education even more get less of help to pass the exams—to provide them with Federation of Teachers (UFT) VP for vocation- ed math and writing workshops, while Fashion it.” the extra help. Finding the time during the al-technical high schools and a passionate Industries uses Title I funds to create after- “The fact of the matter is that the majority of school day is a challenge keenly felt in voca- defender of vocational education. school academic programs. Aviation HS has vocational education graduates do go on to tional schools,” said Mark Moskowitz, Approximately 1,500 students attend Transit become a de facto five year program to cram in college and most of them are able to work Principal of Transit Tech HS in Brooklyn, Tech. Upon graduating, some students enter the both academic and professional training that their way through school with the high paying explaining that the new academic require- work force in entry-level positions related to can lead to federal certification to work in the skills that we’ve been able to teach them. But, ments often do not allow students to fulfill their occupational sequences, while others aviation industry. we also have an obligation to equip the stu- their occupational sequence. enroll in two or four year colleges. “We have tried to motivate the learning for dents who do not go on to higher education Other principals expressed concerns that the “We have a dual appeal,” said Moskowitz. those kids in Fashion Design by saying that we with the ability to earn a good, middle-class new standards do not place the same emphasis “Students are able to come here and major in an will give you all the services we can to gradu- living in a trade. So, in either case we can’t on vocational education, as they do on aca- area...They are able to develop in-depth skills ate with a Regents diploma,” said Bonnici. lose the focus on occupational subject matter,” demics. and knowledge in a given area, while having According to Carucci, to meet the new said Carucci.#

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Women Prepare to Enter Workforce at the Grace Institute After having been closed for a year and a half because trustees felt that it had strayed from its By MARIE HOLMES Kristen won’t have to worry about whether program continues to serve the needs of low- mission, the Grace Institute opened its doors in “I have to go back into the workforce after or not her employer will provide her with ben- income women – and their future employers. February for what Mulvihill describes as “a 10 years of not working,” says Roberta, a efits after she completes the five month Of the 61 percent of American women in the five-month pilot program for the big opening recent divorcee from Riverdale, “I need to Administrative Assistant program in June. workforce in the year 2000, 24 percent hold in September,” at which point she hopes to update my skills a little.” Roberta now spends “We will not send anyone to a job unless they administrative support and clerical positions, have 300 students. her days in typing, English, math and comput- get benefits,” declares Mary Mulvihill, who according to U.S. Census data. More women Describing the students, Mulvihill s ays, er classes at the Grace Institute and hopes to recently took over direction of the Grace work in these fields than in any other occupa- secure full-time employment. She believes that Institute. tional group. continued on page 13 being a Grace graduate will “put a star next to” Many Grace graduates go on to work for With the multitude of scholarships and other her resume. some of New York’s largest companies. In resources available today, it’s surprising to While Roberta is a mature woman hoping to addition to promising job prospects, that the hear these women, particularly the younger CHEMISTRY REGENTS successfully reenter the job market, several of program is tuition-free is also a great draw for ones, talking about their futures without men- Over 19,000 Books Sold In 19 Months her classmates are fairly recent high school the students. tion of college. High Marks: Regents Chemistry Made Easy By Sharon Welcher graduates who will begin their first serious job “If you don’t have the technological skills, As proof of the close of the gender gap in (College Teacher, Chairperson, searches after finishing the program. your options are flipping burgers, or working higher education, often-flouted statistics show and Teacher of High School Review Courses) Kelly Angrisani, a 21-year-old from Staten retail, and a lot of those jobs have no benefits that 56 percent of college students are women. Very Easy Review Book ($8.50)-Get HIGH MARKS Island, says that upon completing the Grace and start at $5.50 an hour,” Mulvihill explains. In fact, women have held this majority since AVAILABLE AT LEADING BOOKSTORES program she would like to “work for a law “These women have realized, ‘I can’t find a 1979. ALSO AT: Brooklyn: Teachers Edition: firm, and then maybe later go to law school.” job.’” “Even though women have made great Harnick’s: 4902 18th Ave. 1403 Ave. J Kristen Truglio, a 19-year-old who trans- More than a hundred years after W.R. Grace strides, because we are a country of immi- or 1272 51st St. ferred from Hunter College to Grace, doesn’t decided to found a school that would teach the grants, we’ll always have women coming in at Lane’s ABC: have any specific career path in mind – she’ll wives of his workers secretarial skills so that the bottom,” says Mulvihill. 4703 13th Ave. 1402 15th Ave. take “any kind of good job with good benefits.” they could find gainful employment, the Grace Some current Grace students are recent Queens: immigrants, yet the majority are American- Towne Variety: Carol School Supply: born. Fifteen of the 56 students are white. All 72-34 Main St. 179-28 Union Tpke hold either a GED or a high-school diploma, Or Call 718-271-7466 Homeschool. many having earned the latter from one of New or 1-877-600-7466 (Toll Free) Home school. York City’s public schools. www.highmarksinschool.com Home study. Home Study International. Bennington Teacher Takes Shakespeare to the Streets Study at home. BENNINGTON, Vt.—The acclaimed theater arts professor who brought Shakespeare to Brooklyn is bringing his talent and enthusiasm to Bennington College this summer to teach at July at Bennington. Any time. Stephen Haff has received national acclaim for his production of Romeo y Julia, a retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Any where. Working with students from Bushwick High School in Brooklyn, Haff challenged academic and class boundaries by allowing students to translate Romeo y Julia into their own voice. Students have been performing throughout New York, and this year, two Accredited. K-college. cast members have overcome academic hardship to be accepted at Bennington College – a first in the history of Bushwick High School. 1 800 782 4769 Haff received his MFA from the Yale School of Drama, ran the workshop at New Dramatists, and has taught at Fordham University, The New School for Social Research, and the 52nd Street Project. This summer at Bennington, Haff will teach 12501 Old Columbia Pike Shakespeare Now and Playwriting. Silver Spring, MD 20904 July at Bennington offers talented 15-18 year-olds a month-long immersion in college life. Students live on campus, take two college courses from rich liberal arts curriculum, and enjoy evening and weekend cultural events, readings, off-campus trips, and www.hsi.edu more. To apply for July at Bennington 2002, call 802-440-4418 or email [email protected].

HOME STUDY INTERNATIONAL

complement APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS SCHOOL 7

Curriculum, Community, Collaboration: Teacher Network Sponsors Education Conference

By DEBORAH YOUNG brainstorm about working together, charting Teachers teaching teachers is the key to their preliminary responses: teamwork, trust, improving classroom practice, and educators vision, chaos, integrated and arguing. got tips on working together at a recent confer- “We need to have faith in each other,” she ence sponsored by Teacher’s Network. said. “If we don’t collaborate we won’t be able The blanket curriculum initiatives being to meet expectations.” pushed at the federal, state and local level can Although learning to trust each other can not accomplish nearly as much as true teacher- sometimes be a delicate process, ultimately driven reform, Deputy Mayor for Policy Dennis teachers benefit from a more supportive envi- Walcott told roughly 200 educators gathered in ronment and so do the students, she noted. the auditorium of a Brooklyn elementary school. Professional networking is especially helpful “Life is about collaboration,” he said. “And for new teachers in the field who sometimes how we go about improving while we go don’t know where to turn for guidance. through the legislative crisis.” “I depend on other teachers, because every- District 15 Superintendent Carmen Fariña thing we do comes from scratch,” said first- said she hopes recent educational innovations year teacher Kaycee Wimbish, who works at a will not succumb to the politically popular private school that emphasizes collaboration “Dick and Jane” ways of the past. and creativity over rote teaching. “I think we have to stop looking at fads,” she She said she came to the conference to learn said. “There are so many variables working from more experienced professionals, and with kids. What it takes is collaboration, and opposes the publisher-created formulaic read- teachers sharing their expertise.” ing programs that are widely toted as the anti- Throughout the daylong conference, partici- dote to inexperienced teachers. pants took advantage of each other’s expertise Pedro Alvarez, 18, a senior at Pearl Street in courses on everything from collaboration High School who helped out at the conference, with parents to mentorship programs and con- said his favorite teachers all encouraged him to ducting professional support sessions. think creatively. “You’ll see everything that is being done “In elementary school we had textbooks and today is done by teachers, for teachers,” said worksheets,” he said. “I was bored a little. You Ellen Dempsey, president and CEO of Teachers just did it by copying the examples.” Network, the New York based organization that Since then, he has had teachers like his cur- encourages teachers to view themselves as rent social studies teacher who use all sorts of resources. ways to get him to stretch his brain. Jane Murphy, a third- and fourth-grade “In social studies we related the incident teacher at Central Park East School, led a ses- with the history and looked at documents,” he sion about collaboration in the classroom. She said. “It’s getting better.”# asked the 20 or so teachers in the room to For more information, www.teachersnetwork.org ■ ■ 8 SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS EDUCATION UPDATE APRIL 2002

Robotics Competition Inspires HS Students By BRUCE MYINT ers. In order to keep design teams on their toes, On the second day of the FIRST Robotics robots must be able to complete complicated The world NY Competition, inventor Dean Kamen, rolls tasks that change each year. by a sea of high schoolers, riding his Segway In this year’s competition, students designed Human Transporter. The crowd, eager for an robots to race around a playing field and collect in our oyster. autograph, lurches forward to steal a peek at his soccer balls. Teams then needed to place the famous invention. Gliding around effortlessly, balls into goals and drag the goals back to scor- Kamen signs his name on tie-dye shirts while ing zones—all in under two minutes. students hand him gifts of inflatable hammers Building robots for FIRST is not just an “25% of our student body is international. and candy. The Rolling Stones thunders over assembly job; it is a very sophisticated engi- Our small school size allows every child the the loudspeakers. A jumbotron flashes high- neering challenge. Long before building, teams lights from the competition, as the crowd—a must seek help from mentoring teachers, scien- chance to befriend, experience and celebrate mix of cheerleaders, mascots, fans, and par- tists, and engineers. They must also secure cultural differences in an intimate setting.” ents—bursts in applause. sponsors–a key step in a competition that can The atmosphere is electrifying—far more cost up to $5,000 per event, not including the -Carol Gose DeVine reminiscent of a pep rally than a science com- cost of travel and accommodations. Head of School petition. In addition, teams must adjust to an environ- The FIRST Robotics Competition (For ment that is both competitive and collaborative. Inspiration and Recognition of Science and For example, Long Island’s Smithtown High (212) 879-2296 Technology), is yet another of Kamen’s wildly School team won the All Star Rookie Award for successful inventions. It has been energizing dividing their team according to financial, mar- www.caedmonschool.org students for the last 11 years by inspiring them keting, graphic arts, and mechanical tasks. 416 East 80th Street, NYC 10021 to pursue careers in the fields of science and Their use of creative writing, art, math, science, Nursery - 5th grade technology. and technology characterized the interdiscipli- Recently, more than 1,000 teens and specta- nary learning encouraged by the event. a Big school program in a Small school setting tors gathered in Columbia University’s Dodge For FIRST, robotics provides a foothold for Fitness Center to watch teams from 21 New transforming the way schools think about York City high schools, six surrounding states, studying science. and the UK compete in the three-day event. One of FIRST’s goals in New York, for Teams fought to secure a place in the champi- example, was to change the way schools treat- onship event hosted by Walt Disney World’s ed science and technology. “I have seen schools EPCOT at the end of April. really go through incredible change in terms of This was the second year the regional com- their culture: student perception of themselves, petition, sponsored by The Goldman Sachs teacher perceptions of what they can achieve. Foundation, was held in New York City. And that is something that our schools badly Each year, FIRST gives high school students need,” said Lucia Martinez, co-director of six weeks to design and build a 130 lb. prob- NYC FIRST. “We need something that tells lem-solving robot; a remote-controlled combi- them ‘You are great. You can do it just like the nation of motors, pistons, and gearboxes assembled from a kit provided by the organiz- continued on page 29

MARYMOUNT SUMMER PROGRAM

MARYMOUNT SUMMER PROGRAM June July June July

SUMMER SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY CAMP Girls and Boys ages 8-12 Discover the wonders of science and technology in Marymount’s state-of-the-art multi- media labs. Led by experienced teachers and counselors, campers learn about velocity and acceleration using motion detectors, study heredity with fruit flies, participate in a geological dig, and use computers for data analysis. Camp includes local field trips, computer activities, and exciting laboratory experiments.

SUMMER DRAMA CAMP Girls and Boys ages 7-17 Learn the skills of acting, improvisation, music, dance, and script writing while exploring all aspects of play production including set design, sound and lighting design, costumes, make-up and stage management. Camp culminates in a full-scale production. This year, we will also be offering workshops in technology, focusing on digital filmmaking, editing, and web design. Drama III, an advanced drama camp for students in high school, will focus on advanced acting technique in theatre and a special program in on-camera acting for film and television.

CAMPS INCLUDE SPORTS AND SWIMMING

Marymount School Sunday, May 19, 2002 ~ 1:00 pm-3:00 pm 1026 Fifth Avenue, NYC 10028 212.744.4486. www.marymount.k12.ny.us APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS SCHOOL 9

Students Lead WNET Teen Conference By MARIE HOLMES The students did not hesitate to confront com- Calendar of Events An African-American student and his friends plex and controversial topics, from affirmative were harassing an Asian-American student in the action to the use of Osama Bin Laden’s image. April 2002 cafeteria, making fun of the student’s limited “We raise these issues so you can talk about English proficiency. One African-American stu- them,” Professor Ogletree told the audience, “ but Open Houses Conference dent called the Asian-American student by a nasty you go back to school on Monday – one day is not Although it is not specifically requested by every school, readers are The Northeast Conference on Teaching of Foreign Languages; racial epithet, the Asian-American student respond- enough.” strongly advised to call schools to confirm dates and times and April 18–21, 2002, Hilton New York ed in kind, and physical violence ensued. The “Part of the goal is to get them really jazzed up so verify if appointments are needed. Call (717) 245-1977 or email: [email protected] For exciting and useful professional development opportunities, lan- school newspaper responded to the incident with a that they go back to the schools and really infect the Adelphi Academy, (718) 238-3308, Extension 213; guage teachers in the five boroughs should attend this nationally-rec- series of articles in which students celebrated their student body,” explained Macenje “Che Che” 8515 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn, NYC 11209 ognized conference held right on their doorstep. unique cultural heritages. The articles were accom- Mazoka, Director of Youth Outreach at Channel 13. Thu., Apr. 9 ~ 12 pm - 2 pm; Sun., May 19 ~ 1 pm - 3 pm panied by a collage, which, after the paper had gone With the help of mini-grants from Channel 13, Workshops Community School District 3: to print, was found to contain the same kinds of some schools have gone on to hold similar con- CEO&I, Teachers College, Columbia University Gifted & Talented Program, (212) 678-2897, Marilyn Carella Call 212-678-3987 for more information, or e-mail: hateful phrases that sparked the first conflict. ferences within their own districts. Lynne 300 West 96th St., NY 10025. [email protected] You are a student. You are a teacher. You are Feldman, a teacher at Northern Highlands region- Program is available at 8 different schools in Manhattan. the principal. What do you do? al HS in NJ, attended last year’s conference with Cognitive Therapy of Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Sundays At JASA - “I don’t know! I’m tired,” superintendent-of- a group of students who decided to apply for one Earth 2 Class: Spring: April 13, May 11 Continuing Education for Adults 60 and over, Instructors: Michael Passow & Christiana Assumpcao the-day Terrie Williams cried out in exasperation. of the mini-grants to sponsor a peer-mentoring Spring Semester, Feb. 24 - May 19, 2002 Ms. Williams was one of eight students and pro- program for 8th grade students coming into their Martin Luther King, Jr., HighSchool The ADD Resource Center fessional adults on the Ethics Forum Panel, moder- high-school. But then the world changed. 122 Amsterdam Avenue (65th Street) Practical help for living with attention and related disorders, seminars, ated by Professor Charles Ogletree of Harvard Law, “We found out that we had won the mini-grant Comedy-Computers-Current Events-Estate Planning-Exercise-Art- courses, workshops and services for children, parents, adults, Genealogy-Shakespeare-Opera-Acting-Lectures & more! Register employers and educators. Call for a schedule at 212-724-9699 x59 or who debated hypothetical situations that touched on September 11th,” says Feldman. for the Spring Semester - $35 (small additional charge for art, com- 914-763-5648. upon very real issues. The panel discussion was one The brother of one of her students, Johanna, puter and opera classes). Register by mail (form in catalog). Phone of several opportunities that high-school students was one of the heroes of Flight 193. Johanna and (212) 273-5304 for information and catalog. The Open Society Institute: (212)-548-0152 had to discuss issues of diversity and bias at the other students started thinking that they want- Information Workshop will be held on Wednesday, April 10th, 2002 - Smith School: (212) 879-6354 4:00-6:30. For further information call: 212-548-0152. Thirteen/WNET’s Teen Leadership Day. ed to use the grant money to do something more 7 East 96th Street (between 5th & Madison Ave.), NYC. “I feel that we need to break down stereotypes along the lines of “character education,” and Call for appointment. Special Event that many of us have about each other,” said Joliz after the President created the Freedom Corps, Bank Street Bookstore (Corner of 112th and Broadway) Cedeno, a senior at Beacon HS. “We need to the students decided to create their own Teen Professional Children’s School Wednesday, April 24, 4 pm 132 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023; www.pcs.nyc.org relate to each other and respect each other for Freedom Corps. Their chapter will be dedicated Join us for a reading and book signing with Meg Cabot, author of the Thursday April 25, 5:30 – 7:00 PM popular series The Princess Diaries. The latest installment, Princess who we are.” to Johanna’s brother.# For Information call (212) 582-3116 In Love, will be available for autographing. Ages 9 and up. THE THREE R’S OF EDUCATION: READING, READING, & READING, NOT STANDARDS, STANDARDS, & STANDARDS By Terry Paul after 5th grade. Does this mean a 5th grade reading level pre- We say it all the time—reading is fundamental. My own pares one for the modern world? Obviously not. High school study of over 10,000 students showed that 68% of math is questionable and college is out of the question. Third, what Open Society Institute achievement is due to reading ability. (You have to read the do state standards say about reading? Except for the early Applications for the 2002 math problem before you can solve it). Reading is even more grades and the mantra “every child reading by the 3rd grade,” New York City Community Fellowships important to becoming good at writing. I’ve never known a not much. As I review state standards, what comes to mind is good writer who was not a good reader. So that is why I say the phrase “a mile wide and an inch deep.” The Open Society Institute (OSI) is currently accepting applications from community the three R’s are reading, reading, and reading, as opposed So I ask you, is the main thing the main thing? The activists interested in establishing public interest projects that address critical social justice to reading, writing and arithmetic. answer: no, no, and no. That’s why standards are going to be There is no debate on this. Everyone agrees. Reading is just one more fad in education. Sorry, I wish it weren’t so. I issues throughout New York City. OSI established the New York City Community Fellowship fundamental. At least, that’s what we say. But what do we do? wish the main thing were the main thing. Program to support individuals from diverse backgrounds to use their creativity and passion First, how much time do we devote to reading in school? In the Terry Paul’s Patterns of Reading Practice (1996) examined to provide opportunities for disadvantaged communities. The program supports progressive early grades, a lot of time is spent teaching kids phonics and reading performance data on 659, 214 students. The co- decoding skills. In other words, teaching them how to read. founder and co-chairman of Renaissance Learning, Paul is public initiatives that provide advocacy, direct services, or organizing efforts for marginalized That’s good. But knowing how to read and knowing how to currently at work on Future Schools, a book on Information communities to participate in an open society. OSI will provide a fellowship stipend award, read well are two different things. The only way to read and be Theory and Information Technology as they apply to education. over 18-months, and other resources to support the development of each selected project. well read is through reading practice, by reading lots and lots Renaissance Learning, Inc., is a leading provider of com- Applications are due by Friday, April 19, 2002 by 5PM. of books. prehensive school improvement programs to K-12 schools How much time do students actually spend practicing their and school districts, including research-based software prod- reading by reading books? A study I did (Reading and Writing ucts, teacher training, and consulting. Founded in 1986 by For an application, please contact [email protected], or visit our webpage Quarterly 15 no. 3, 1999) showed that students in grades K- Judi and Terry Paul in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, the at www.soros.org/fellow/community.html for additional information regarding information 12 read an average of only seven minutes a day! It starts at Company now has more than 1,000 employees worldwide workshops. three minutes in kindergarten, peaks at 13 minutes in the 4th and has trained over 300,000 Pre-K-12 educators in the and 5th grades, then drops like a rock. Kids in high school Renaissance process. Today, Renaissance Learning ™ has The Open Society Institute, a private operating and grantmaking foundation, works to read about as much as kids in kindergarten. six US locations and subsidiaries in Australia, Canada, India Surprised? Well, my conclusions are not unique. Noted and the United Kingdom. To receive a copy of Patterns of strengthen democracy and civil society in the United States and more than 50 countries educational researchers John Goodlad and Richard Reading Practice or for more information on Renaissance around the world. Anderson came up with similar estimates. Second, let’s look Learning Products please contact us at (800) 338-4204 Ref. at the school curriculum. There is no subject called reading # 5862 or visit our web site at www.renlearn.com www.soros.org

GILDER LEHRMANInstitute of American History

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History offers 14 summer seminars for high school and middle school teachers. Weeklong seminars focus on a major topic in American history and are led by eminent historians at one of several institutions including Harvard, Brown, Stanford, Columbia, Cambridge, and Oxford.

• Seminars provide stipends, books, room and board. • In-service and new teacher credit is available. • Candidates should submit a well-written application (seminars are highly competitive).

Obtain applications on-line at: THE GILDER LEHRMAN INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN HISTORY gilderlehrman.org or call (646) 366 - 9556 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: April 15, 2002 Summer Seminars 10 SPECIAL EDUCATION ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2002

United Cerebral Palsey Provides Unique Special Ed Services family support services including overnight respite, housing assistance, service coordination, after Following are responses to an interview with resources that support people with cerebral palsy intellectual development of infants and tod- school programs (for ages 5-12) and a Saturday Susan Baitler, Assistant Executive Director, and related developmental disabilities in leading dlers, ages birth to three, with special needs. recreation program (for teens and young adults). UCP. independent and productive lives. Preschool Services offer a year-round, compre- Is in-home help provided? How old is UCP? What is its current mission? What services does UCP provide? To what hensive early childhood special education and ther- UCP/NYC provides in-home assistance on a United Cerebral Palsy of New York City age groups? apeutic program serving children ages three to five. limited basis. (UCP/NYC) was founded by parents of children UCP/NYC offers Early Intervention (EI) ser- Preschool Services at UCP/NYC are suitable for What about the costs? with cerebral palsy 56 years ago. Its mission is to vices, Preschool services and a school age pro- the child with multiple physical and developmental Services are funded by different State and City provide the highest quality services in health care, gram. EI services are year-round and designed disabilities, including challenging motor and health entities. Services are provided to eligible infants, education, employment, housing and technology to maximize social, emotional, physical and care needs. They are provided in settings where toddlers and children at no cost to the families. youngsters with and without disabilities have an What other information would you like to opportunity to learn and grow together. share with our readers? The School Age Program serves children and UCP/NYC also operates a SHARE lending young adults between the ages 5 and 21 who library for books, videos, software, switches and have severe physical disabilities and unique adapted toys. We also house two TechWorks educational, therapeutic and medical needs. demonstration centers, a 3-week long summer The School Age Program emphasizes acade- camp in Brooklyn covering the time between the mics, social and physical independence, quality end of the summer programs and the start of the of life skills, and transitioning to adult services. fall programs, two after school programs, and Is there a center in every borough? accessible playgrounds. For more information, UCP/NYC has centers in Manhattan, visit our web site at www.ucpnyc.org or call (212) Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx. 979-9700, ext. 720. How would a parent or teacher make a referral to UCP? Referrals are made through our Project CON- NECT office, the entryway of all services for children and adults. The phone number for Project CONNECT is (212) 979-9700, ext. 720. Does UCP test a child and determine placement? UCP/NYC is an approved screening and evaluation site for all infants and young children who may need specialized developmental service. A team of certified professionals is able to provide assessment. Does UCP provide ancillary services such as speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy? UCP/NYC offers clinical services including speech/language therapy, physical and occupational therapies, social work services, nursing services, and psychological services. UCP/NYC also offers THERE IS HELP FOR ADD/ADHD Skills Training for Parents, Children & Adults

Advanced Parenting Skills - Learn the tested techniques that work with your child’s special wiring. Minimize non-compliant behaviors, power struggles and family discord as you help your child increase his or her ability to self-regulate. 6-session evening seminars for parents & caregivers of 2-11 year olds with Attention Deficit Disorders or related behavioral issues. Limited group size.

Building Social Skills - Children learn to make and improve friendships using appropriate social and communication skills. Very small weekly classes for 7-12 year olds, grouped by age and ability. Special on-site classes can be sponsored by schools or organizations. Study & Organization Skills - Learn useful techniques to successfully manage schoolwork, graduate board study, papers and projects. Individual sessions for adults and older teens. ADDult Coaching - Enhance your personal and professional life. Your Coach helps you to compensate for problem areas through practical strategies, self-management techniques, motivation, accountability, structure and support. Clarify and accomplish personal and career goals. For high-functioning adults with attention deficit disorders or similar issues. Individual Coaching by appointment. Telephone Coaching & Groups available. Organization & Time Management Skills - Take control of your time and environment. Manage your day more efficiently, accomplish projects more effectively, organize your home or office and control paperwork and clutter through personalized and “do-able” systems and strategies. Individual sessions by appointment. Home and office visits available. Consultation & Case Management - Knowledge empowers! Individual help and education about such issues as Behavior Management, Education/Employment Rights and Advocacy, Medication and Treatment Options, Working with Doctors, Therapists, Educators, etc. Individual sessions by appointment.

The A.D.D. Resource Center, Inc. New York City: 212-721-0049 or 212-724-9699 Westchester/Connecticut: 914-763-5648 • Email: [email protected] Hal Meyer, Director • Programs since 1993 APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPECIAL EDUCATION 11

MARY SOMOZA: MOM, SPECIAL ED ADVOCATE AND COLLEGE GRAD

By TOM KERTES The problem was wheelchair Anastasia, the less handicapped As Sept.11 has taught us, heroes come in all accessibility – a ramp, a single- twin who is quite independent shapes, sizes, and forms. In the case of Mary unit door, a simple curtain in the once she gets into her wheelchair, Somoza, heroism comes in the form of a bathroom. District 2 claimed it has already been accepted to a blonde-haired woman with an Irish accent was impossible to accomplish couple of top Northeastern who’s fought the powers that be every step of this for anything less than $1.2 schools, but still hopes to go to the way to get equal treatment for her children. million. Yale. “Yale has wonderful accom- “I’m no hero,” Somoza says in her typically “This seemed ridiculous to modations,” said Somoza. “In self-effacing manner. “They are your kids. You me,” Somoza said. “And it addition, we are also applying for do what you have to do.” seemed even more ridiculous a Home Health Aid and the use of Somoza did what she had to do because her when they refused to show me a service dog. She should be just twins, Alba and Anastasia, suffer from cerebral the report this absurd estimate fine.” Alba, who is non-verbal, palsy and have been quadriplegics from birth. was allegedly based upon.” can’t use her hands, and needs a And because the public education system is Somoza went ahead and pre- computer to communicate, has able – but not always ready or willing – to serve pared her own architect’s report. been accepted into a special pro- the needs of children with special needs. The cost turned out to be a mea- gram at Queens College. “Now, of Back in 1993, Somoza’s original fight with ger $15,000! “I couldn’t have course, I’m getting grief about the New York City Board of Education was for done it without the Eastern transportation ‘to a different bor- the simple inclusion of her daughters – along Paralyzed Veterans’ Association ough’ from the powers that be,” with the acquisition of the necessary support and the New York Lawyers in said Somoza. “But I’m not going services – into the mainstream program at P.S. the Public Interest,” she said. to stand for it. Whatever it takes, I 234. That fight turned out to be successful, but “But I had to find those organi- will get it. My child will get the it was nothing compared to the bureaucratic zations first. So I networked. education she’s entitled to if it’s battle Somoza needed to wage in order to send And then I networked some the last thing I do.” the twins to District 2’s “School of the Future” more. I went and lobbied and Not surprisingly, Somoza’s rule junior high school in 1996. argued and asked for help until I of thumb is “nothing is impossi- “I was 100 percent committed to the girls got what I needed. Until there ble.” “My advice to parents in going there,” said Somoza. “It was the ideal were no more excuses.” Mary Somoza celebrates her college degree with her children. similar situations is, “Attack the place. First of all, the school was very technol- The school has been great. problem!” she said. “Educate ogy oriented, with a highly advanced computer “It’s been a total change from all yourself. Know your rights. Talk program, and this was a necessity for the twins’ the years of fighting,” said Somoza. “There was broken, kids let the girls down a hundred to people. Network. And don’t let the Board of functioning in the optimum manner. Alba, in still a lot to do. But now I could work with the times,” said Somoza. “Sure, I know how Education or any other bureaucracy tell you particular, is completely dependent on a com- school – rather than constantly challenge the teenagers can be. But the thing I don’t under- that something can not be done. Your child has puter for her communication needs. And, sec- system – to acquire the necessary things.” stand is that when Anastasia attended Yale just as much right to reach his or her maximum ondly, this was a junior high/high school, obvi- While the twins’ academic experience turned University over the past two summers – she potential as any other child does.” ating the need for another transition into high out to be fantastic – they’re both honor roll stu- participated in a Junior Statesman program – “Remember, the law says that every child is school. Transitions are extremely difficult for dents – their social experience was less so. she made dozens of friends so easily.” entitled to a ‘free and appropriate public educa- children with special needs.” “There have been many promises and dates The girls now face their college choices. tion. And that includes your child.”# Attention. It is all any kid with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder wants.

At the NYU Summer Program for Kids, they will get plenty of it. If you have a child, 7-11 years old, with this disorder this is the only day camp of its kind in New York. It is staffed by clinical psychologists and licensed teachers, assisted by psychology graduate students (one staff member to every one to two children). They will give your child sustained, nurturing attention, while teaching an understanding of rules, academic discipline and teamwork. So they will start the next school year better adjusted and socially more skilled. And all this in an atmosphere of fun, with swimming and sports every day. For parents, there is specialized training to aid you in helping your child. The program runs for eight weeks beginning June 27th at the Riverdale Country School.

Call 212-263-0760 to register. It may make your child’s summer. And yours. www.AboutOurKids.org 12 SPECIAL EDUCATION ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ APRIL 2002

Young Adult Institute (YAI) Speaks on when you take the time to get to know the Marco R. Damiani, M.A., is Director of patients and their families, you know you Clinical and Family Services at the YAI/ are truly making a difference in people’s National Institute for People with Disabilities Medical Services for People with Disabilities lives. That’s what makes working here so Network. Premier HealthCare is a member of rewarding.” the YAI/NIPD Network.# By MARCO DAMIANI Established in 1997, Premier HealthCare was “The doctor acted like he was doing me a big developed in response to the glaring gap of favor to see my child. My son has been seeing medical services available to this population. a pediatrician for over 30 years. Neither the The U.S. Public Health Service report, WINDWARD TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTE doctor nor I know of any other options.” titled “Closing the Gap: A National 34 South Broadway, Suite 712, White Plains, NY 10601 “The nurses kept staring at me and my son in Blueprint for Improving the Health of the waiting room. We had been waiting for Individuals with Mental Retardation,” sets nearly two hours and he was acting up.” goals and an action plan for improving the PRING ECTURE These are the real stories of parents seeking provision of medical services to people with S L medical care for their children with developmental retardation. The report is based on Dr. Harold Koplewicz: “Why Children Worry” mental and/or learning disabilities. Not a day presentations and discussions from the U.S. goes by that I don’t hear parents relay similar Surgeon General’s Conference on Health April 16, 2002, 7:30 PM scenarios. Disparities and Mental Retardation held in Windward School They go to a neighborhood clinic, wait for December. hours, only to see a doctor who doesn’t under- “Individuals with mental retardation are stand their child’s special needs. They take time more likely to receive inappropriate treatment, off from work to travel across New York City, or be denied health care altogether,” Tommy G. seeking a diagnosis, only to find few answers Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human SPRING AND SUMMER COURSES and more referrals to other specialists. Services, wrote in the report. One appointment can turn into a nightmare of The Yale University School of Medicine • Expository Writing Instruction neglect at worst, incomprehension at best. recently published “The Health Status and • Multisensory Reading Instruction, Parts I & II Premier HealthCare, a comprehensive medical Needs of Individuals with Mental Retardation” practice with doctors, dentists and specialists and reported: “. . . research on the access and • Language and Learning trained to treat individuals with developmental quality of physical, mental, ocular and dental • Improving Math Competence and/or learning disabilities, is as one mother health care demonstrates that individuals with told me “the answer to my prayers.” MR receive little medical care, compared with For further information call 914-949-1279. And now Premier HealthCare has been cited the general population. . .” in a landmark Surgeon General’s report on “People with disabilities have been under- Windward Teacher Training Institute is part of Windward School, improving the provision of health care to peo- served when it comes to health care for far a co-educational, independent school for learning disabled students located in White Plains, NY. ple with mental retardation as a model medical too long,” said Dr. Pamela Singh, a Premier practice. HealthCare internist in Bayside, N.Y. “But Extraordinary Resources for Special Children NEW: The Comprehensive Directory: Programs and Services for Children with Evaluations for ADD? Disabilities and Special Needs and Their Families in the Metro New York Area Extended Time for Develop Individual Strategies More than 1000 pages, more than 2600 organizations, providing resources for education, recreation, medical needs, childcare, parenting programs, family services and much more. Standardized Tests for Work, Learning, and Life: A single, all-inclusive reference for parents, caregivers and professionals. (SAT, LSAT, GMAT, Bar Exam, etc.) • Time management Paperback, 1096 pp, $55.00 plus $7.00 postage and handling, ISBN 0-9678365-1-4 • Organization For 17 years, the Source for Special Camps Information for LD students and adults • Prioritizing and decision-making CAMPS 2002: Camps and Summer Programs for Children and Youth LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST • Interpersonal skills with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Metro New York Area FACULTY NYU MED. Your goals are possible! Now, the 18th Edition is ready to provide parents and professionals with the most up-to-date, detailed BOARD OF DIRECTORS, IDA Call for a Complimentary information on day camps in the NYC area, and sleepaway programs throughout the northeast, including Dr. J.L. Thomas Phone Consultation tutorial and summer school programs. For children with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Paperback, 280 pp., $22.00 plus $5.00 postage and handling, ISBN 0-9678365-4-9 19 West 34th Street, NYC 212-614-7317 At your local bookseller, phone 212-677-4650 or write to: 212.268.8900 Bonnie Mincu Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. ADD Coach, adults 17+ • www.bonniemincu.com 116 East 16th Street/5th Fl - Dept. EUF, New York, NY 10003 Lenore Ruben, CSW, BS Special Ed

Family, Child & Individual therapy - Hypnotherapy - EMDR - Support groups ADD / ADHD Specializing In: • Attention Deficit Disorder Learning Disabilities Adults and children with symptoms ADD/ADHD * Official medical diagnosis not required Depression, Anxiety • Stress management & meditation groups Call for information on upcoming .... parent education seminars 212-734-2047 Gabriela Hohn, Ph.D. 171 East 74th Street, C2 Clinical Neuropsychologist 212.691.0291 153 Waverly Place [email protected] NYC 10014 http://G.E.Hohn.PhD.att.home.net APRIL 2002 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE Award 13 Winner CAREERS LANGUAGES Legal Aid Staff Attorney THE STATE OF FOREIGN By BRUCE MYINT ly helping a real person, and LANGUAGE LEARNING IN NEW YORK For many poor immigrants in New York City, enormous personal reward By MARIE HOLMES the American Dream is not about striking it rich when your assistance makes managed to pass the math exam. but simply getting a fair shake. After welfare- such a dramatic difference When Dawn Santiago-Marullo entered Yet skills acquired in learning a foreign lan- reform and 9/11 in particular, attaining fair to the lives of poor people, Jennifer Baum school in Puerto Rico, she studied both Spanish guage, says Militschner, can later be applied to treatment from the system has been a tough job who labor under such diffi- and English, and soon thereafter, French as another language, even reputedly more “diffi- for those immigrants who can ill afford an attor- cult—and often humiliating—conditions to begin well. When she was 10 years old, she moved to cult,” non-European languages such as Chinese ney. For many, the only solution is turning to the with,” she explains. the United States, where school was conducted and Arabic. Dr. Ingrid Pufahal, a linguist and city’s Legal Aid Society, the nation’s oldest and Baum’s concern for social justice drew her to in English only. Now an experienced Spanish author of a language learning study commis- largest provider of legal services to the poor. the fields of social welfare and law. After grad- teacher in Rochester, she says, “I’d like to see sioned by the U.S. Department of Education As a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society’s uating from Hunter College, she worked as a the day that our country values languages the has remarked that research has also shown that Civil Appeals and Law Reform Unit, Jennifer radio reporter, often covering legal news and way other countries do.” children who learn foreign languages gain Baum bears witness to the hardships poor trials. Although she had not thought about a law There are some schools, a small yet growing improved cognitive skills and a better under- immigrants face each day. career during college, watching and reporting number of them public, that offer foreign lan- standing of their own first language. Her clients, indigent as are all of the soci- on legal affairs inspired her to become a lawyer. guage instruction in the early grades. Such a In other parts of the world, says Santiago- ety’s, often lack immigration status, language Today, Baum spends most days supporting program was established in the Bronxville Marullo, it is assumed “that educated people skills, and legal sophistication. caseworkers by supplying research and lending schools, and the district’s efforts were recently speak more than one language.” “Our nation,” “Lack of immigration status is not always a her expertise in the area of public benefit-access lauded by the New York State Association of she adds, “became complacent about our place bar to benefits,” Baum explains, “but if you are for immigrants. In addition, she provides training Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT), of in the world and assumed that the rest of the poor and don’t speak English very well, you and advice to community based organizations which Santiago-Marullo is president-elect. world would learn English for us, and now we may never learn this important fact.” seeking help on behalf of their constituents. While impressed by Bronxville’s effort, of the see that’s not true.” The current focus on inter- “And lack of English proficiency doesn’t Describing one of the most pressing issues in NYSAFLT award Santiago-Marullo says, “it’d national relations has heightened awareness in mean the person doesn’t like America or they her work, Baum cites the legions of poor immi- be great if the state could do that and we didn’t the U.S. of the need for future diplomats and would have learned English.” she adds. “Many grants whose welfare benefits have been mistak- have to.” military specialists to learn foreign languages, of my clients have fled oppression, war, or nat- enly denied due to convoluted welfare guidelines “We’ve always said, the younger you are the and non-government employers are eager to ural disasters in countries such as El Salvador, that bewilder both case workers and lawyers alike. easier it is to learn a language,” says current hire bilingual employees as well. In New York Somalia, Russia, and China.” Among her many other projects, she is also work- NYSAFLT president Joan Militschner. “It’s state alone, 630,918 jobs are related to exports As government agencies fall short of meeting ing to help a client collect benefits from a 9/11 been shown that the brain before puberty is to other countries. the needs of poor people, there is a crucial need fund. Such gritty accounts of everyday legal action much more accepting of another language,” she NYSAFLT, explains Militscher, is committed for public interest lawyers. But with its notori- have come to replace earlier dreams about ‘chang- adds. to promoting the study of foreign languages ously low salaries and heavy caseloads, the ing the world’. Baum describes, “If I can change Such elementary-school programs, however, through public advocacy. She would like “to field of public interest is often overshadowed one client’s case at a time, I am satisfied; though tend to exist in more affluent areas, such as really show [students] the importance of learn- by the more profitable private sector. impact litigation and class action lawsuits are an Bronxville. ing another language and show them that it’s Undaunted, Baum, who graduated from opportunity to change laws and practices affecting “You hate to see kids lose access to that not just a school subject but a very practical Brooklyn Law School, is driven by the emo- large numbers of clients at once. These lawsuits because they’re not in the right place at the tool they can use to enhance their careers and tional rewards garnered from helping people. are particularly rewarding for the far-reaching right time,” laments Santiago-Marullo. It might also to enhance their lives.” “There is tremendous job satisfaction in actual- effects they can have on persons I’ve never met.”# seem frivolous for struggling schools in work- The association holds a May colloquium, a ing-class districts to worry about teaching ele- summer institute and various other profes- mentary schoolers French when just 65 percent sional development activities. Their website, of high-schoolers in the state were able to pass www.nysaflt.org, lists these resources as well New York Teachers the Regent’s Competency reading exam in the as information about undergraduate and grad- 1999-2000 academic year. Only 67 percent uate scholarships and travel grants for current passed the writing test, and a dismal 55 percent teachers.# Bring your Grace “to help me get a job that would last for more continued from page 6 than 6 months.” “They are low-income women, low-skilled . . . “It looks like when you’re a receptionist teaching degree and they are eager to change their lives.” While you’re really dispensable . . . you’re the first to she plans to add cooking and small-business go,” explains Fran, who had also recently lost her management courses in the fall, Mulvihill job. She said she wishes she had heard about the believes that there are a number of women who Grace program “years ago.” to can benefit from the standard secretarial curricu- Loreli, an attractive young woman with long lum. chestnut hair and barely a hint of a Wisconsin California Aside from teaching basic office skills, the pro- accent, came all the way from the Midwest to gram is designed to develop students’ “soft skills take advantage of the tuition-free Grace program. California is looking for talented teachers to lead our – how to dress, how to talk, how to act.” Her boyfriend’s sister found an advertisement for classrooms in grades K-12. Our school districts especially Students must dress as they would for a job and the program at her church and offered to bring tardiness is not tolerated. “We’re trying to sim- Loreli to New York to live with her so that she need teachers in the subject areas of special education, ulate an office,” explains Mulvihill. could sign up at Grace. math, science, bilingual/ESL and reading. At the same time, Mulvihill and the teachers “She knew I’d been struggling with finances try to create a nurturing atmosphere. “One of the and pretty much not going anywhere,” said things, for all women, is the loneliness factor,” Loreli. Now one of the most advanced students In California, you’ll have more choices for school locations, says Mulvihill. “If you don’t build up that inner- in her classes, Loreli had begun learning com- self, you can have all the skills in the world and puter skills before coming to New York but had teaching environments, climate, entertainment and places to you won’t get hired.” not enrolled in a community college due to her live than in any other state. And you’ll be welcomed with The students seem to see the program in a more economic situation. She had a part-time low-end practical light, focusing more on job security job back home and feels that she has been “hand- open arms and minds eager to learn. CalTeach is your than confidence-building. Melissa, who just lost ed a golden opportunity.”# one-stop information, recruitment and referral source for her job as a receptionist, says she came to Grace teaching jobs in California. For more information or to view our online job database, visit www.calteach.com. Product Review: inStand CR-1 Laptop Tripod By MITCHELL LEVINE profiles of several in the last few months alone. Over the last year, the technology market- Well, guess what? I have yet another to recom- place has been bombarded with just about mend. I use it myself, and I suggest that seri- 1-866-CalTeach every conceivable variation on the notion of a ous laptop users and education tech buyers give (1-866-225-8322) “mobile workstation.” The dedicated it strong consideration. Education Update reader will most likely recall continued on page 29 MEDICAL UPDATE

New York City • APRIL 2002 FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ¥ 14 DR. ARAM CHOBANIAN: DEAN, BOSTON U. SCHOOL OF MEDICINE By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. which won a Community Service comes up. The Dean acknowledges that Every March, when Match Day rolls around, Award a few years ago and has health care today takes an enormous toll on medical school graduates learn where they will become replicated across the doctors’ time. He wants more attention to be interning. At Boston University School of country – a student-run reading “patient presentation” – doctors listening to Medicine (BUSM), Match Day was, as always, program in conjunction with the how patients describe their conditions, an something to glow about: approximately 85 -90 pediatric clinic. There is also the extremely important part of diagnosis and percent of BU med students got their first City Lab program of on-campus care, but he does not know how this need can choice of hospital. Taking into account the facilities for training high school be met under present circumstances. Other medical richness of the Boston area, local area students and their teachers who concerns include the extraordinary surge of residents also have cause to be pleased, for the come from schools with few or knowledge medical students have to digest extended activities that take place under the none. Can’t make it to the med- these days, but he indicates that technology is direction of Dr. Aram V. Chobanian, the Dean ical school? Not to worry, the helping, by providing fast and full access of BUSM, show that this leading urban institu- labs will come to the neighbor- through the Internet. Indeed, because the tion is dedicated not only to research and clini- hoods. A lab van – the Dean calls Web has so much information, most basic sci- cal practice but to outreach. BUSM takes the it an “overstretched bus” – travels ence courses, such as anatomy, are now word “community” seriously. to where the students are and pre- taught online, allowing for downloading a The Dean, who attended Harvard Medical sents fascinating programs in vast library of slides and photographs, along School and is an award-winning heart special- genetic studies, otherwise known with hundreds of journals. Then there are chat ist with a specialty in hypertension, speaks as fingerprinting, blood work, rooms, which provide opportunity not only modestly of a lifetime of achievement, espe- detective work bound to stimu- for intellectual exchange but social discourse. cially of what he has done as Dean for 14 years. late young minds. Having already Approximately half of all courses at the Affable, soft-spoken, and generous with his served 30,000 high school stu- Medical School are large lectures, the nation- time, the Dean volunteers little about his own dents, the program, which has al average, but he looks also to strengthen the professional work which includes over 250 attracted major funding, has a small problem-solving seminars. peer-reviewed articles on basic and clinical one-and-a-half year waiting list. Dr. Aram Chobanian Like most medical schools across the country research in cardiovascular diseases, and on Warming to the litany of suc- BU has swung a bit away from concentration on policies and procedures he has instituted, ana- cesses, Dean Chobanian notes that the school an older brother went into medicine, but he primary care back to specialties (especially lyzed, and evaluated as chair of numerous, also participates in a 100-year old outreach notes that his brother’s role in military service Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, Radiology), high-powered national councils and major sci- program for the homeless, which brings BU was what particularly impressed him. His own of great interest to students today because of entific organizations. He prefers to talk about students and faculty to visit the elderly and con- early interests were in mathematics but once in market forces and issues of quality of life. curricula and service at the medical school. fined, at least once a month. Such community medical school, he focused on primary care. Perhaps some of the redressed balance is due He is particularly proud of the merger five service, the Dean says, “is part of the responsi- Back in Rhode Island, practicing, a chance fel- perhaps to the growing presence of women in years ago of the University’s Hospital with bility of an academic medical center, and as lowship moved him in the direction of basic medical school. At BU, women make up from Boston City Hospital, an association that pro- important to him as ensuring good research and and clinical research. Who would have imag- 40 percent to 42 percent of the entering class, duced the Boston Medical Center with a mis- clinical care. Though obviously pressed for ined Administration, he chuckles. But clearly, underrepresented minorities a little over 10 per- sion to address the needs of underserved popu- time, he says he tries to talk to as many mem- Dean Chobanian is no bureaucrat. He gets percent. Certain to be helpful in BU’s stepped up lations in the metropolitan area. BUSM plays a bers as he can in the 155-student class because sonally involved to ensure excellence in train- recruitment efforts will be the new center for prominent role in Boston Health Net, a group he finds such conversations “a rewarding part ing. To Education Update’s eternal questions Human Genetics, a curriculum with greater of neighborhood health facilities that draws on of the job.” He hopes that means being a men- about good teaching, he replies that he started a attention to professional behavior and ethics, medical school faculty, students and staff. tor. A man of humble background, his video-taping program for teachers and is a and the relatively new MD-MBA program, Almost as an afterthought the self-effacing Armenian parents having fled the genocide of strong believer in faculty development. which graduates students in five years. The Dean mentions an imaginative outreach project the last century, Dean Chobanian indicates that Inevitably, the subject of managed care highly regarded MD-PhD program continues. # ADD children show undiagnosed vision problems A free screening may find the cause called VIP that attacks the causes of focusing. It’s a wonderful opportu- of your child’s concentration prob- these problems and dramatically nity for parents to determine if lems and these symptoms: improves (3+ year information pro- poor vision is affecting their child’s • avoids reading, incomplete work cessing gains in 10 weeks in some learning. Call the Manhattan (caused by eyestrain to focus) cases) a child’s ability to learn. office, (212) 265-4609. • loses place while reading, skips “Approximately seventy percent of words, uses finger to follow children labeled as having a learning “The VIP was an answer to (caused by poor control of eye disability have a vision processing my prayers. Jourdan’s reading movements) problem,” states Dr. Henry Ettinger, comprehension has been signifi- • poor handwriting (sometimes the director of a local Vision cantly enhanced.” - result of poor eye-hand coordina- Improvement program. “Many of Percy Jones- tion) my patients have gone from failing llll • poor word recognition, reverses or special ed classes to A’s and B’s “What a difference VIP makes! letters, poor reading comprehension as a result of treating this area.” This 10 week program was a (caused by poor visualization) success!” FREE EVALUATION -Karen Lentini- RELIEF FROM HOMEWORK There is a free screening consisting l FRUSTRATION of 15 tests that measure concentra- “I’ve seen significant improve- A team of professionals in the fields tion, comprehension, visual memo- ment in all areas. He gets his of vision, psychology, and education ry, letter reversals, eye-hand coor- assignments done before I ask.” developed a remarkable program dination, processing speed, and Dr. Ettinger assists student with a -Amril Ogiste- processing speed procedure 212-265-4609 Manhattan • Brooklyn • Queens • Westchester www.nyvision.org APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ MEDICAL UPDATE 15

Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Awards, 2001 By EDWARD D. HARRIS, Jr., M.D. Walter J. Bo, Ph.D. moving to Bowman Gray in 1963, where he Douglas S. Paauw, M.D. David C. Dale, M.D., President of Alpha Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy, has taught for the past 43 years. He is one of Associate Professor of Medicine, Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, present- Wake Forest University School of Medicine the first faculty to meet matriculating students, University of Washington School of Medicine ed the Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher on the Bowman Gray campus. instilling discipline, preparation, responsive- Doug Paauw earned his doctor of medicine Awards to four prominent medical educators. Walter Bo is now 78 years old, and it appears ness, and respect for life. degree at the University of Michigan in 1985. Each winner receives $10,000 for continued that his love of teaching keeps him young! Although much of Dr. Bo’s career antedated After his residency at the University of activities as a teacher, his medical institution is After earning his Ph.D. at the University of the computer revolution, he has emerged as a Washington, he joined the faculty there in given $5,000 for teaching programs, and the Cincinnati in 1953, Dr. Bo joined the medical passionate proponent of the power of technol- 1990. Despite his relative youth, in 2000 Dr. school’s Alpha Omega Alpha chapter is award- faculty at the University of North Dakota, and ogy in medical education. His widely recog- Paauw was awarded an endowed chair given ed $1,000. reached the rank of associate professor before nized textbook, Basic Atlas of Cross Sectional by the Rathmann Family Foundation for Anatomy, used in many anatomy courses, has Patient-Centered Clinical Education. been set in an interactive web-based format. In 1991 Dr. Paauw took on the task of direct- Dr. Bo’s laboratory research generated NIH ing the core medicine clerkship and helped funding from 1963 through 1977. He has expand the program to include sites in Alaska, received the Basic Science Teaching Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. His syllabus Excellence Award at Wake Forest eleven times for the clerkship (Guide to Internal Medicine) and in 1991 was presented with the is used by many scholars. A case-based prob- Outstanding Service Award of the School of lem-solving approach that parallels the core Medicine. In each of three decades Dr. Bo was curriculum can be found on the internet at given the School of Medicine Excellence in eduserv.hscer.washington.edu/med665/. Dr. Teaching Award. Paauw founded the student-run “Osler Club” Dr. Bo’s continued vigor is attested by his for generating interest in internal medicine. leadership role in guiding the faculty through a Recently, Dr. Paauw developed a curriculum recent reform of the curriculum at Wake that addresses patient communication issues Forest. He has taught anatomy to more than and physician ethics for the clerkship. He has 3,800 medical students over these 43 years and been a leader in developing effective use of is described as the “quintessential teacher with standardized patients for assessing HIV risk a heart of gold.” and identification, and will be sharing his J. John Cohen, M.D., Ph.D. accomplishments as clerkship director by pub- Professor of Immunology, lishing a handbook for those in this important University of Colorado School of Medicine role in medical schools. “JJ,” as Dr. J. John Cohen is known around Dr. Paauw’s teaching efforts have been rec- the Denver campus, earned both his Ph.D. in ognized by his receipt of the Distinguished biochemistry/immunology and his M.D. dur- Teaching Award at the University of ing eight years at McGill during the 1960s, and Washington in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997. after a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Henry Dr. Paauw’s nomination for the Robert J. N. Claman at the University of Colorado and Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award stated, with Av Mitchinson at Mill Hill in London he “His door is always open.” joined the Colorado Medicine faculty and has Steven E. Weinberger, M.D. served there for 29 years. His research in pro- Professor of Medicine, grammed cell death and apoptosis has been Harvard Medical School widely acclaimed. As an example, the chapter A graduate of Princeton University and he wrote on apoptosis in the immune system in Harvard Medical School (where he was elected Frank Dixon’s 1991 Advances in Immunology to Alpha Omega Alpha in 1973), Dr. has been cited more than 2,000 times. Weinberger was a resident in medicine at the Dr. Cohen is the only teacher the University University of California at San Francisco, and of Colorado Excellence in Teaching Award then served as a clinical associate in the every year for the past 18 years. He has been Pulmonary Branch at the NIH in Bethesda. In the Teacher of the Year five times, has received 1980, he became an assistant professor of med- the President’s award for teaching twice, and icine at Harvard Medical School, and 15 years the Chancellor’s award from the graduating later achieved promotion to professor. Dr. class twice. His exams are keyed to Magerian Weinberger’s hospital base at Harvard has been learning objectives, constituting a contract at the Beth Israel Hospital and, after serving for with the students. The course web site four years as Chief of the Pulmonary and (http://mama.uchsc.edu) contains all of the Critical Care Division, he was named Vice objectives and complete notes, and is enhanced Chairman and Associate Physician-in-Chief in with practice tests, animations, and self-direct- the Department of Medicine in 1998. DO YOU ed learning modules. Going beyond his expect- Since 2000, he has been Executive Director ELECTROLYSIS ed duties, Dr. Cohen has over the past 12 years of the Shapiro Institute for Education and HAVE ASTHMA? Monique Geraud, CPE developed a Mini Med School, consisting of Research at Harvard Medical School. His pri- free lectures for the general public, that draws orities at the Shapiro Institute have been to Board Certified Electrologist Volunteers Needed a standing-room-only crowd. support trainees, aid in faculty issues facing Dr. Cohen says of his students and postdocs, medical education at a national level. For Asthma Study. “I care about their development as people as Dr. Weinberger’s passion for innovation in Experience: much as I care about their development as teaching is illustrated by two electives that he Harlem Hospital & Columbia Freedom from excess physicians and scientists. I try to create an envi- initiated for Harvard students, including an hairs on face and body ronment in which they are comfortable and can inter-institutional pulmonary clinical elective University work at the level they’re happy working at.” with a common didactic series, and an Are Studying Ways Trust: advanced biomedical science course named To Improve Reliable, medically related Everything You Wanted to Know from Core techniques of a specialist who has the Medicine but Were Afraid to Ask. The Treatments Of Asthma Aching back? Dean Joseph Martin points out that Dr. Understanding: Headaches? Computer strain? Weinberger “has received more teaching At No Costs To You Try the Alexander Technique. awards than any other faculty member in the of her clients' delicate needs history of Harvard Medical School.” These You Can Earn Favored by athletes, musicians, include the S. Robert Stone Teaching Award Up to $1100 For Participating singers and others. Helps eliminate (1986), the Preclinical Teaching Award (1990, 30 East 60th Street muscle pain and contributes to freer 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2001), and awards physical movement and well being. by the Class of 2002 for excellence in both For Information Please Call: Suite 504 Lecturing and Tutoring.# 212.935.3524 London-trained teacher. Reprinted from The Pharos, Autumn 2001, 212-939-8360 [email protected] 212-691-5087 pp. 26-30. Copyright 2001, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. 16¥ APRIL 2002 MetroBEAT EDUCATION UPDATE

An Education System that NYC Deserves New Life for Tweed, New Opportunities By ASSEMBLYMAN important education policy; and financial for New York’s Children STEVEN SANDERS resources to make our school system competi- The question of how to tive with surrounding suburban school dis- By MAYOR MICHAEL that a public school be established on the ground arrive at the most effective tricts, which currently fund public education at R. BLOOMBERG floor of the Courthouse. That way, administra- and optimal form of a rate about 50 percent higher than New York Education Update tors of the school system who work there will be school governance has City. welcomes a new monthly reminded each day of their mission to improve vexed educational and The continuation of a central board, in some column by Mayor Michael the education of New York City’s children. political leaders for over a century. Since the form, is essential. This is true not only because R. Bloomberg. We have to change the way we run our pub- consolidation of the five separate boroughs into every city and every school district in the The “Tweed Courthouse,” lic schools. The current central Board of one unified city and one unified school system United States has a central board, but also the building directly behind City Hall, takes its Education, with its enormous bureaucracy in 1898, there have been nine different con- because policy decisions for public education name from the infamous “Boss” Tweed, who was housed at 110 Livingston Street in Brooklyn, structs established to operate the public school should not be made in secret and must allow chairman of the City Board of Supervisors back in promotes diffused, confused and overlapping system. for public and parental input. Running a pub- the 1860s. “Boss” Tweed used the construction of layers of authority. It lets City officials duck Today we are engaged in a vigorous debate lic school system simply is not the same as the courthouse to line the pockets of his friends responsibility for the school system’s dismal as to what structure of education decision-mak- administering the Sanitation Department, or and supporters by vastly inflating the cost of the record of failure in educating our children. ing will help insure a quality education system City parks, for example. building materials that were used. It is a beautiful President Harry Truman had a sign on his for our schools and the 1.1 million students And how schools educate the children of this building, but it hasn’t been used as a courthouse desk that read: The Buck Stops Here. And I’ll they serve in the 21st Century. city is a vital concern to parents, and parents, since the 1920s. For most of its life, it has had to send exactly the same message by relocating I believe that any new structure must include therefore, must have a voice in that process. endure a sad reputation as an empty monument to the administration of the City’s school system the following principles: a central board of Any Mayor of this city must have an appro- corruption and waste. right next door to the Mayor’s Office. Putting education that deals with important policy but priate level of influence and accountability for Last week, I declared my intention to give the the City’s new Department of Education close not micro-management; a Chancellor with the public education policy and academic out- Tweed Courthouse a new purpose, one that truly to the Mayor, even closer than Police authority to make day-to-day education deci- comes, but in a democracy we allow for other befits its majestic appearance. I’ve asked State Headquarters at One Police Plaza, will demon- sions and implement policy; a Mayor that has voices to be heard and an avenue for dissent. officials to put responsibility for New York’s strate how important education really is to all appropriate influence over the selection both of The Mayor must have the ability to shape the public school system where it belongs: with the New Yorkers. members of the central board and of the Board of Education and to have a leading role Mayor. When that happens, and I’m confident The previous City Administration deserves Chancellor; meaningful parental involvement in the selection of a Chancellor. But no Mayor that it will, I intend to make the Tweed enormous credit for rescuing the Tweed in the local schools and local school districts should have—or needs—exclusive or dictator- Courthouse the headquarters of the new City Courthouse from the disgraceful state of disre- and public input into the development of Department of Education. I am also advocating continued on page 33 continued on page 33

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From the Superintendent’s Seat their friends and neighbors experiencing. student is not accepted at Brown. Almost all of However, there are some things that we can- our applicants are top students with excellent The Time for College Decisions not control, no matter how much we care. The grades, tests scores, and recommendations. But By DR. CAROLE G. best parents can do is to keep involved and there is always a reason that a student is accept- social opportunities, and many other factors. interested in their children’s schoolwork. ed. And that reason is different in every case.” HANKIN WITH Given the high measure of emotions that are Colleges do place a great deal of importance on Although it may be hard to believe, the good RANDI T. SACHS in the air in April, it’s not surprising that par- a student’s taking a challenging course, which news is that students just about always find “April is the cruelest ents of students much younger are affected as means one in which the student exceeds mini- their college experiences fully enjoyable and month.” Whoever thought well. Our district recently held for the first time mum requirements—not necessarily all honors very worthwhile. After a few months, most stu- that T.S. Eliot was refer- a workshop for parents of elementary school and AP classes, but as many as are appropriate dents report that they are very happy with their ring to college acceptance letters? In early students. The topic was “College Advisement,” for the individual student. Parents can also help choice, even if it was not their original first April, high school seniors and their parents and it was given by the administrative staff of by giving their children encouragement and selection, and they wouldn’t change even if await the mail each day with anticipation and the high school. support to pursue the subjects that interest they had the opportunity. hesitation. Will the envelope from the college “You have all taken the most important steps them, both inside and out of the classroom. For those of you who are experiencing April of their choice be fat, or will it be thin? to ensuring your child will be well prepared for At a college information session for Brown as the cruelest month, take heart. May is just For this generation, a college education is college,” they were told. “First, you are resi- University, the admissions officer stated the fol- around the corner.# almost a given. But the question of where a dents of a school district in which virtually lowing to a room packed with hopeful parents Dr. Hankin is the Superintendent of the student receives that education has great impor- every one of our graduates goes immediately on and students. “There is usually no reason that a Syosset School District in Long Island. tance to many seniors and their parents. In any to college after high school. Second, you are case, April is the time when students are faced here tonight, which means that you are involved with making a decision. For very high achiev- and interested in your child’s education.” ers, it may mean choosing between a number of It is the absolute truth. Students from Syosset top colleges and weighing the scholarship are admitted to the nation’s very finest colleges offers against the reputation of the school or the and universities, including the Ivy League specific programs it offers. But even for stu- schools. Yet, the parents in attendance wanted dents whose grades are not tops, the decision is further reassurance that when it came time for no less daunting, as they consider not only aca- their children to apply for college, they would demic reputation and courses, but location, size, not have to go through the worry that they saw

From the Bank Street Family Center Saying Good-bye to a Teacher Mid-Year By HELEN FRAZIER to get very cold before your teacher has to In November, a little girl gave the head teacher leave.” The children repeated this statement to in our preschool class a hug and said, “Your belly themselves like a mantra. We also showed is fat. Have you been eating too much food, or them the months on the calendar and crossed do you have a big baby in there. Did you ever out the days as they passed. This practice also think about that?” It was time to tell the children supported their calendar awareness and their that their teacher was in fact having a baby and math skills as they counted the remaining days. that she was going to leave at the end of January. A month before our teacher was due, a new Mid-year transitions are a common occurrence teacher was gradually phased into the class. in early childhood classrooms, and it is impor- Roles and responsibilities that our head teacher tant that they be carefully and sensitively man- had traditionally assumed were slowly transferred aged. Young children develop deep attachments to other teachers in the room. By the time that she to their teachers, and it is difficult for them to was ready to leave, the children were comfortable understand when someone has to go away. with the new classroom structure. We had a fes- For many of the children in our class, under- tive good-bye breakfast on our teacher’s last day. standing why our teacher was leaving meant that After our teacher left, the children called her they had to learn where babies come from. When whenever they wanted to chat. The children our teacher told the children, during circle time, also sent a tape recording to her on which they that she was pregnant, everybody had something told her that they missed her and loved her. She to say. The comments ranged from, “I came out sent them a tape recording back in turn, on of my mommy’s mouth!” to “I wish I was your which she said hello to each child individually. baby.” We explained that when the time comes, The other teachers in the class visited our she will push the baby out of her vagina. One teacher and took pictures of her with her new child said, “I hope you don’t scream!” baby. We made these pictures into a book After the children found out that our teacher which we read at circle time. The children had a baby in her belly, they became very inter- refer to this book throughout the day and par- ested in both babies and bellies. They stuck out ticularly enjoy looking at it on their cots before their bellies, wore pillows under their clothes, nap. The children frequently remind one anoth- pretended to give birth, and played baby and er that the new baby needs lots of taking care mommy games. This play helped to prepare of, and that their teacher needs to stay at home them for saying good-bye to their teacher. In in order to do that. We are looking forward to order to keep their excitement about the preg- meeting the baby when he visits the class with ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• nancy from translating into anxiety about their his mother. This will occur when he is two ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• teacher’s departure, we explained to them that months old, and all the children know exactly she still had two months left at the Family how to find that date on the calendar. Center. We said, “Hanukah is going to come, Helen Frazier is a preschool teacher at the and Christmas is going to come, and it is going Bank Street Family Center.

TURNING YOUR HOME INTO A CLASSROOM According to the a study conducted by the US Department of Education in August of 2001, thousands of schoolchildren in the US get up each morning and stay home for school. The report explains that 1.7 percent of American children ages five through 17—about 850,000—were homeschooled in 1999, the most recent year with available data. The department predicts that the numbers were grown and will grow 10 percent each year. As families discover homeschooling and grapple with its challenges, they need answers to basic questions in order to start themselves on the road to setting up a successful educational experience for their children. Author Linda Dobson gives them information they need in the newly updated edition of The Homeschooling Book of Answers (paperback, $16.95, ISBN 0-7615- 3570-5). In the book, readers will find answers to the 101 most frequently asked question about homeschooling. Added to the this revised edition is up-to-date information about: distance-learning tools such as the Internet; homeschool charter schools; college entrance for homeschooled students; special needs assessment and planning; and, much more. Homeschooling mother Linda Dobson has culled responses from homeschooling parents across the country—from Vermont to California, including families with children now in college—to give readers the most practical, most down-to-earth advice and information. Homeschooling expert and author of numerous books and articles on homeschoolin, Dobson homeschooled her three children. She lives in Saranac Lake, New York. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 18 EXPLORING SUMMER OPTIONS:

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY By SYBIL MAIMIN where Habitat affiliates from that continent will Brought to public attention by former presi- partner with volunteers from around the globe dent Jimmy Carter when he and other volun- to build 1,000 houses in eighteen countries. teers helped renovate a building in New York Former president Carter will participate at a site City in 1984, Habitat for Humanity in Durban, South Africa where 100 houses will International (HFHI) partners individuals of all be constructed by over 2,000 volunteers during backgrounds and ages with people in need of a five-day period. Student volunteers report that decent shelter. Together, they build or fix a knowing they will be impacting the lives of the house. Habitat is not a giveaway program. Its family they are working alongside of is an houses are sold to partner families at no profit, unexpected bonus. “Their home will not only be financed by affordable no-interest loans. The a beautiful building, but it will be extra special monthly mortgage payments are used to con- because of the emotions we all built into it.” struct other homes. Founded in 1976, HFHI Habitat for Humanity is currently extending has built more than 100,000 houses in over its message to all school-aged youth. Child 2,000 communities around the world. The labor laws prohibit those under age 16 from movement is growing and is especially proud working at construction sites but many other of its student programs, which currently ways to help are available. The youngest could involve chapters at 600 colleges and universi- sing at house dedications or make greeting cards ties and 100 high schools. to be sold at fund-raisers. Older children could Campus chapters are student-led and run. do gardening, make picture frames or window Young people work with local Habitat affiliates boxes from wooden scrapes from the site, learn to build houses, educate peers about housing about other countries and their housing needs, issues, and do fund-raising. Special opportuni- or stuff envelopes. High schoolers could start a ties for participation are available this summer. Habitat chapter, baby-sit for volunteers, tutor Collegiate Challenge will involve one week of partner family children, or write and publish Drilling beams for support of new house. work at over 194 sites around the United States. articles about their experiences with HFHI. Foreign travel and working in other cultures for Proud of the work of his organization and “Habitat for Humanity is serious about getting Students are not paid for working at HFHI 1 to 3 weeks are features of the Global Village encouraged by its growth and vitality, Steve young people all over the world and from all and must pay their own travel expenses. For program. The eighteenth annual Jimmy Carter Messinetti, director of Campus Chapters and walks of life involved in putting an end to sub- more information, log on to www.habitat.org. Work Project will take place in Africa this year Youth Programs in Georgia, proclaims, standard housing.”

small and instructors top notch. As Charles dence halls are an important component, encour- Johns Hopkins: Summer Program Beckman, who works in the program, explains, aging new friendships from within a learning “Some of the work may be esoteric, but you can’t community. Dana Wilson, a ninth grader from fool these kids. Teachers are chosen who know Brooklyn who attended CTY last summer and for Academically Talented Youth their subjects really well.” The learning is vigor- plans to return this year, explains that, “Classes ous: mandatory classes are from 9 AM to 12 are really fun. For example, we learned math By SYBIL MAIMIN social, athletic, and cultural activities, supervised noon, 1 to 3 PM, and 7 to 9 PM, five days a week. while participating in fun group activities. All of Pre-college students of exceptional academic by resident advisors (mainly college students), is The broad and exciting course offerings include: the friends I made there are going back.” ability have a chance to immerse themselves in a offered. In 200l, students came from 45 states in writing – a general foundation in college-level Hopkins summer program participants are challenging intellectual world at the Johns and 26 countries. Sixty-seven percent came writing including, the crafting of fiction or poet- very bright. Their test scores put them in the top Hopkins Center for Talented Youth summer pro- from public schools, 26 percent from private ry, and the critical essay; in the humanities – clas- 2 percent of their age groups. Minimum SAT grams. To be eligible, pupils must be in grade 7 schools, and 4 percent from parochial schools. sics and ancient languages, ethics, twentieth cen- scores are, for example, 620 points in the verbal or higher, but under age 17, and achieve a pre- Most students were between 15 and 17 years old. tury art, Gandhi’s India, and the Harlem portion for ages 15 years 6 months to 16 years 0 scribed minimum score on the SAT 1. Classes After selecting one course from a wide array in Renaissance; in science – neuroscience, fast-paced months for humanities and writing courses. are held on the lovely Johns Hopkins University writing, the humanities, science, or math and high school chemistry, and paleobiology (studying The minimums for math and science courses for campus in Baltimore, MD (a very popular computer science, pupils devote three weeks to fossils using modern biology); and in math and the same age group are 570 in math and 1190 choice) and 19 other sites in the United States. intensive study in the subject of their choice. The computer science – cryptology, probability and combined math and verbal scores. For residen- Students live in residence halls or commute. In courses cover a great deal of material and are game theory, and mathematical modeling. tial students, tuition, room, and board is $2,375. addition to academics, a very full program of taught at a fast pace and high level. Classes are The Hopkins program provides exceptional stu- Need-based financial help is available. dents with learning experiences usually not avail- More information is available online at able to youngsters their age. They meet peers www.jhu.edu/gifted/ctysummer or by writing to EXPERIENCES IN SPAIN with similar academic abilities and motivations. Center for Talented Youth, Johns Hopkins They can assess their own skills and potential and University, P.O.Box 64434, Baltimore, MD By ADAM SUGERMAN gym, subway workers, etc. I opened up person- develop educational goals and interests. The resi- 21264.# My student experiences in Spain cracked ally and professionally. The big difference, open many doors. Prior to 1985, I had been though, was manifested in the intellectual drifting from one meaningless job to another. growth of improving my spoken Spanish and Study in England Although I had been studying computer sci- learning to write. Within a year, for example, I ences and business administration at Baruch, was enjoying lectures in art history at the St. By BRUCE MYINT to adjust to working independently without the practical progress did not afford the personal Louis University and the Prado, reading England, with its dreary weather and even constant tests and deadlines that organized growth that I craved. diverse dailies, such as El Pais newspaper, par- drearier food, is not the first place that comes to work back home. Classes met infrequently– My year-and-a-half in Madrid was a turning ticipating in the creation of a bilingual journal, mind for a trans-Atlantic holiday. But for questions and comments about one’s readings point. Although I traveled on a student visa, I and getting together with friends for tapas. studying abroad, one could do much worse often reserved for the regular one-on-one meet- lived the life of many an immigrant. I rented a Living in Spain also afforded me the opportu- than spend a year on that pastoral island whose ings with a faculty supervisor. I found that room across the street from Retiro Park, and nity to travel to other countries in Europe. universities rival the best in the world. I spent English higher education provided good prac- then, to save money, in a blue-collar neighbor- Adventures included the Canary Islands, two years studying there: as a junior at the tice for graduate studies in the US, which hood on the outskirts of town. I earned subsis- France and Italy. University of Sussex in Brighton and then as a expects a similar autonomy. But although one tence-level wages teaching English and per- After I had been in Madrid for a year, Father graduate student at the University of studies on their own in the UK, there is always forming odd jobs (e.g. small construction jobs Sullivan at St. Louis University [in Madrid] Cambridge. Both experiences were similar: a rich social life among students as they talk, for newly-formed friends, picking grapes dur- offered me a temporary position as an orienta- small seminars, quirky but accessible profes- dine, and drink together. Having spent many ing the harvest season). I came to know my tion leader for incoming American students. sors, and a unique emphasis on self-directed nights at the pub after a long day at the library, neighbors and members of the university com- Showing my compatriots “the ropes,” I felt a study. English universities emphasized reflec- sitting in a toasty room talking among friends munity, the baker, the grocer, my professors, sense of accomplishment at having emerged tion and analysis. They frowned upon hand- was a great way to pass time during those rainy store clerks, the beat cop, the people at the local from my cocoon.# holding, it seemed, so Americans often needed Februarys that seemed to last forever.# 19 STUDY,VOLUNTEER &TRAVEL

Students Teaching Students: Summerbridge at the Town School By MARIE HOLMES cient to turn dedicated young people into effec- attend the summer sessions as well as weekly environment for the kids to express them- “I was really scared,” says Rachel Berk, tive teachers. tutoring and monthly Saturday School events selves and their opinions.” Berk’s own expe- recalling her first day of teaching. “I felt like I “What they lack in experience they make up throughout the school year. When they are in the rience shows that Summerbridge gives future was kind of out of my element.” for in enthusiasm,” says Sam Marks, the pro- 8th grade, Summerbridge staff aid students and teachers an opportunity to test the waters Like many new teachers, she had come into gram director. their families in the high-school application without feeling that they are doomed to either New York City from the suburbs, unsure of Berk also credits the sense of community that process. Most remain in the public school system. sink or swim. exactly what she had gotten herself into. the program fosters among its faculty. “For me While there are a number of programs that The first Summerbridge program, which was On this nerve-wracking first day of class, the it worked because the support was there,” she aid low-income students gain admission to pri- established at the University High School in teacher was 17 years old. says. “My favorite part of Summerbridge is vate schools, this is not one of Summerbridge’s San Francisco in 1978, has grown into a nation- Berk was a faculty member at Summerbridge when I feel like we’re working together and goals. “Where [the students] end up is not the al network, soon to be known as Breakthrough, at the Town School: A Breakthrough Program, I’m not just alone as a teacher.” story we tell,” says Marks. which currently serves students in 26 locations a year-long effort to help prepare middle- The success of the program also hinges on the In addition to the intriguing elective courses, in the US. The Town School began hosting its school students for high-school. The program’s creativity of its staff, who all design their own which Chicon says make the experience “much program in 1999, several years after New York focus is a full-time summer school session, elective courses. Examples include Comics as more fun,” students are also required to take City’s first Summerbridge program was estab- housed in the private Upper East Side elemen- Literature, the History of Hip-Hop, and To English, math and writing classes. lished in the Bronx.# tary school in New York City. Infinity and Beyond – an entire course devoted Berk says that she A second goal of the program, and its defin- to the intangible mathematical concept. watched her students’ ing characteristic, is to encourage young people One of the benefits of being a Summerbridge writing skills improve to enter the field of education – not with schol- student, says Marks, is “being involved in this dramatically over the arship money or loan deferment, but by throw- peer group that really cares about learning,” par- course of the summer, ing them into the classroom. ticularly since middle-school students have dif- and Chicon credits the Last year’s Summer staff included students, ficulty relating their schoolwork to their futures. personalized instruction most originally from New York City, who “The teachers,” says Jennifer Chicon, a she got at Summerbridge attend 18 different colleges and universities ninth-grader who has been a Summerbridge with improving her including NYU, the University of Chicago, student for the past two years, “are also stu- understanding of math. Harvard, and the John Jay College of Criminal dents – they can relate to the same things we’re What struck Berk most, Justice. Summerbridge teaching alums have going through.” however, was the change gone on to the Peace Corps, Teach for America Summerbridge recruits its students from 10 she saw in her students’ and other fast-track certification programs. different middle-schools in East Harlem, the confidence levels. As the One student switched her major from finance Upper West Side and the Lower East Side, summer progressed, she to education after teaching at Summerbridge. resulting in an ethnically diverse group. says, even the more shy Berk, who comes from a family of teachers, “We target students who can demonstrate that students began to “get up says that she came to Summerbridge to “prove this would be a great opportunity for them,” and read their writing, to to myself that I didn’t want to be a teacher – explains Marks. Because Summerbridge is raise their hands and and the exact opposite happened.” Now a first- tuition-free, they also seek out students who argue, to speak their own year at NYU, she plans to major in education. wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend other ideas in front of people.” Photo courtesy of Columbia University Motivated students, a 7:1 student-teacher summer programs. “The program,” adds ratio, and a team-teaching model seem suffi- Students make a two-year commitment to Berk, “provides a safe Summerbridge student engrossed in a lesson.

on to higher education. This often creates added THE IVORY TOWER MEETS THE INNER CITY: pressure, Jacqueline Sirgo, the Upward Bound counselor and a Double Discovery alumnus, explains. “On top of the pressure of not know- DOUBLE DISCOVERY AT COLUMBIA U ing how to work the system, first generation stu- By BRUCE MYINT hallmark of student activism, evolving into a shortage of counselors. Once in the program, dents, deal with the pressure of ‘can I handle Like many high school students Radhameris department at Columbia College complete with they find opportunities to take courses in cre- college?’ [that comes from] parent’s high expec- Gomez can’t wait until summertime. But while a full-time staff and a legion of volunteers. ative writing, astronomy, computer science, tations and sometimes fear.” her friends look forward to spending their vaca- The DDC currently administers two year- and music. At the same time, the center offers To that end, the DDC also brings parents into tion at the beach, Radhameris dreams about round academic programs that supplement what workshops in time management, financial aid, the fold by offering parent and guardian work- staying in school. students receive in their high schools. Classes and conflict resolution. shops through its counseling services. For first- As a member of Columbia University’s take place after school and on weekends. One of the DDC’s greatest features, however, generation students in particular, Twyner sees Double Discovery Center (DDC), Radhameris The Center’s Upward Bound Program, which is its location on a college campus. Students at the DDC playing an especially important role, plans to spend her summer in DDC’s residential serves approximately 165 9th and 10th graders the center benefit from simply being part of a since first-generation college bound students academic program – studying with other high every year, offers classes, advising, test-prep higher education community. “Bringing stu- will not be able to turn to their families for school students on the Ivy League campus. “You and counseling services to either low-income or dents to the Columbia campus for program- advice on going to college. wake up take breakfast, take classes, lunch, first-generation college bound students. The ming helps demystify the college experience, “Being a first generation college-bound stu- clubs, have time to do our homework, gym, and Talent Search Program offers similar services Twyner explains. “Students are on campus dent means the student is a pioneer, a trailblaz- then tutoring. You get to live on the Columbia to students in grades 7-12. To be considered for interacting with college students through our er,” he describes. “The student is embarking campus,” she rejoices. “You experience college. admission, students must live and/or attend programming and are apt to be less intimidated upon a path that has not been completed by You really feel like ‘Oh, I’m in college!’” school in the Borough of Manhattan and submit once they actually enroll in college. We are prior generations in the student’s family. As a The Double Discovery center, founded in an application. able to assist students with getting acclimated result, a student will often have to rely on oth- 1965, began as an experimental summer pro- The DDC has posted impressive results over to college life.” ers outside the family for information and assis- gram. It was established by Columbia College the last 36 years. In 2000, the high school grad- Radhameris Gomez echoed that sentiment, tance with getting into college.” students hoping to open the gate between the uation rate in New York City was 49.9 percent. “People in school think this is such hard stuff. One of those trailblazers is Juan Chen, who ivory tower and the inner city. High school students affiliated with the DDC ‘Oh, will I make it to college?’ But when you came to the country speaking “no English at Columbia students and officials would share graduated at a rate of 96 percent. get here, they actually help you and they walk all” and unfamiliar with the college application their experiences with low-income and first- Nationwide, 44 percent of high school stu- you through the whole process… So it’s not process. Like many of DDC’s students, Juan generation college-bound high school students dents enroll in college. Among the high school hard like at high school where you see every- learned about the center through her school from Harlem. At the same time, urban youths students at DDC, that number is 94 percent. body missing their lunch period to meet with counselor. would educate the Columbia community about How do they explain their success? their counselors. They really help you through After years of working with volunteer tutors life in the inner city. Executive Director Olger Twyner III cites the it. It’s less stressful.” and taking classes– many of which were One of the frontlines in President Johnson’s importance of providing more attention to stu- Although ‘less stressful’, the road from Saturdays –Juan beams when she talks about ‘War on Poverty’, the DDC began by bringing dents while demystifying the path to higher Harlem to higher education is by no means easy. how hard she worked to apply to more than a more than 100 students onto campus for a sum- education. Many of DDC’s students come from Many at the center are first-generation college dozen colleges, “I feel so lucky to come here. So mer program. Since then, it has remained a schools with a limited range of classes and a bound students– the first in their families to go lucky…this is the first step to my future life.”# 20 COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2002

Committee Selects Best Children’s Books By MARYLENA MANTAS writing in straight narrative. “I love this book.” “The language poetry speaks is not that of Williams was also given the Claudia Lewis philosophy…but, that of the child’s heart,” said Award, an honor she shared with Sharon Marilyn Nelson, author of Carver: a life in Creech, author of Love That Dog. The award, poems, who was honored with the Flora which is named after a late committee member Stieglitz Award for Nonfiction presented by the and former Bank Street professor, was first Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street given in 1997 and is presented annually to the College of Education. best poetry book of the year for young readers. The award, named after and in honor of the Love That Dog tells the story of a young boy’s first chairperson of the Book Committee is journey through the world of poetry and the given annually to a children’s book advancing process through which he discovers a love for and embracing humanitarian ideals. In Carver: the genre that teaches him much about himself. a life in poems, Nelson highlights Washington “I became a writer when I had read and heard Carver’s life, achievements and his dedication all and was able to put it all together…and when to the greater good. you read my stories, maybe you will hear all “This [book] has brought me into the unex- that I have read,” said Creech. pected experience of sharing my poems with Since 1943, the Children’s Book Committee young people,” said Nelson. “Carver was a at Bank Street College of Education has annual- great soul…and [his] value testifies to the best ly honored various children’s books in an effort values of human kind.” to assist educators and parents through the Nelson, the state Poet Laureate of process of selecting great children’s books. Connecticult, was one of three authors honored Augusta Kappner, President of Bank Street for their work and their contribution to the world College referred to the event as an “opportunity of children’s books recently. This year all of the to celebrate the work of all those who contribute top three books happen to be written as poetry. to make the great world of children’s books.” The Josette Frank Award, presented to a book She added, “great books do allow children to demonstrating exceptional literary merit and experience over and over again a great sense of providing children with an example of over- self discovery.” coming obstacles, while maintaining a positive The Committee, whose membership includes outlook, was given to Vera B. Williams, author children of ages seven-15 from around that of Amber was Brave, Essie was Smart. The nation, reviews more than 4,000 books every book tells the story of two sisters struggling to year. The criteria include literary quality, presen- grow up under difficult circumstances. The tation, potential emotional impact on readers, award, named after an early member of the age suitability, absence of stereotypes, credibili- committee, was first presented in 1943. ty of characterization and plot and authenticity “It’s especially wonderful for me to get this of time and places. In addition to the books award for a book that it was a big, scary jump for selected to receive awards, the Committee rec- me. I didn’t realize it then, but I know it was now,” ommends 600 other books appearing in The Best said Williams, addressing the challenge of not Children’s Books of the Year.#

What in the world are they thinking?

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

AVERY CARDINAL DULLES S. J. & RABBI LEON KLENICKI Pope John Paul II and the Jews

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TUESDAY, MAY 7 • PETER J. GOMES Truths That Last in Times of Need

TUESDAY, MAY 14 • PROFESSOR MARTIN E. MARTY Understanding Fundamentalism

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND BEGIN AT 7:30 P.M. MORE INFO: 212-378-0290.

The Center for Religious Inquiry is an interreligious CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS INQUIRY adult education program. Courses are presented as St. Bartholomew’s Church , Park Ave. at 51st St. an opportunity for religious seekers – of any background or affiliation – to learn in an open and welcoming environment. We promise no facile or simplistic answers. If you are interested in thinking about religious and spiritual issues, or if you just love learning, come join us. CRI is directed by Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman. For more information call (212) 378-0290 or visit www.stbarts.org. APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS 21 Inside the Dean’s Office: Jon Snyder, Bank Street College of Education

By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. cation, he is focusing on strengthening the pres- proponent of “learner-centered schools” but also A friend who used to be a school director some ence of Bank Street College graduates in the pub- an ardent advocate of standards, for both teachers years ago happened, recently, to get onto the sub- lic schools, he says. and students. Ninety-eight percent of Bank Street ject of faculty hiring and recalled how the Bank Though he attended college and graduate school graduates pass the New York State teacher certifi- Street College grad always stood out – “intelli- in Washington State, Snyder earned his doctorate cation exams on the first try. gent, caring, very creative, progressive, a cut at Teachers’ College, Columbia University, where Still, the Dean always wants to do more, do bet- above in terms of preparation and enthusiasm.” he concentrated on curriculum development and ter. What goes on in Bank Street classrooms are Pleasing words, had he heard them, for Jon educational leadership. As for his appointment to not “cutesy activities” but lessons with “real pur- Snyder, since last August the new Dean at The Bank Street, he says it is an “incredible treat.” The pose” that grow out of “programs with depth.” He Graduate School of the Bank Street College of school’s mission and values are a “perfect match” recognizes that the cry for standards has tended to Education. Was he crazy coming to New York with his own. As a Senior Researcher for the cause school districts to pressure teachers to teach from sunny Santa Barbara where he was Director National Commission for Teaching and America’s to the test. His own priorities are in the classroom, of the Teacher Education Programs at the Future, Snyder feels he is in a prime position to with the students. He wants Bank Street graduates University of California? A gregarious man, with explore and experiment. Bank Street is one of five to influence the environment where they are Dean Jon Snyder a ready sense of humor, Snyder lets out a whoop teacher preparation institutions designated as a placed and he wants that environment to be and explains that he was simply coming home. national resource center for educators by the increasingly the public schools. Only 40-50% of and to make sure that the information gets to the Revved up to ensure that Bank Street continues to National Board for Professional Teaching Bank Street graduates go directly into the public political leaders. Boards of education are con- enjoy its reputation as a leader in progressive edu- Standards. Snyder points out that he is a strong sector. It’s been shown that what works for cerned with governance, not with classrooms. upscale kids can work for poor kids and kids of “Most policy makers don’t have a clue, they need color, most of whom attend public schools, he to be educated.” But if Bank Street wants to have NADAI/ONLINE UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL.COM— says. True, some graduates who go on to private influence, flexibility for certification, improved SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS! institutions transfer to the public system after they retention, the freedom to try what works, “we have Professionals are raving over the National Association of through the catalogue of courses, modestly priced from $30.00- have been out there for a year, but he wants “more to become a more focal presence in the public Drug & Alcohol Interventionists, and its subsidiary Online 78.00 a month. Most courses can be taken online using your data on these two routes,” he says. He also wants schools.” The dean also wants closer conversation University International, because they have found out about home or office computer or distance training with lessons mailed to reduce the attrition rate among teachers and among teachers on major issues as determined by NADAI’s “Grandfathering Period.” This means no written/oral in and graded by instructors. Some of the courses are interactive engage in more selective recruiting (he is already research, and he wants these conversations going test will be given to qualified applicants who document specified online participation with skilled instructors. The courses (partial working with CUNY and Barnard and looks to on at the beginning and middle of the term, not just work/volunteer hours and educational training. Credentials from listing) are Writing To Be Published, Basic/advanced Html and at the end. “You don’t need more time for such dis- Certified Family Crisis or Family Specialist, Master Instructor, Web Design, Drug Counselor certification, Counseling Families expand the feeder base). Certified Addiction Counselor, Anger/grief/stress reduction Affected By Drugs, Stress Reduction, Course in Miracles Online, His mission? It takes him just about three sec- cussions, only restructured time,” he points out. Counselor or therapist or Pastoral Counselor, and many more. Basic Law, Special Education, Obtaining Wealth through onds to whip across the room for a copy of the Faculty meetings usually have ramblers and snooz- Credit is given for many related educational training or work/vol- Enterprenurism, or Real Estate, Basic Programming, Incorporate Bank Street Credo, which expresses the hope that ers, business as usual. Why not do in the schools unteer experiences and those who want to start from scratch to Without a Lawyer, Pastoral Counselor Course, Obtain your “ethical standards joined to scientific attitudes” will what Bank Street does – try small-group meetings, go into an additional career field or a totally new career field may Master’s/Doctorate degree or high school diploma courses, turn out teachers who “can improve the society say 5-6 teachers who talk with another cadre of 5- take NADAI’s affordable distance or online training courses. Special Education And Understanding ADD and many more. 6 teachers, and then create more small groups? Applicants may call NADAI at (215) 225-9600 Monday- We are also hiring teachers for both the online university as they have created.” His job is the “operatizing of Saturday 10am-6pm eastern time to be faxed or emailed an well as for the distance training courses. Call to be faxed or such sentiments for the classroom.” Translation: So what would Dean Snyder like to have application packet. emailed an application…or better still go directly to the website at solid research to document what works and how remembered as happening under his watch? He Online University International Inc. can be reached by going to Online-University-International.com for online catalogue and info. the model can be implemented. Toward this goal he laughs, “You mean on my tombstone?” Clearly, Online-University-International.com on the net and browsing NADAI 3331 Marston, Phila Pa. 19129-1318, tel: (215) 225-9600. wants to build a network for the “sharing” of ideas the energetic dean has miles to go...#

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Best Selling Authors: Continuing Ed at Marymount Manhattan College

By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. reception. When you beat out food, you’ve got Ambling onstage before a full house, block- to be good. Of course, he is. buster novelist Nelson DeMille, “the DeMille The author and co-author of over a dozen best- of our time,” as Marymount Manhattan Writing sellers, the recipient of honorary doctorates and Center Director Lewis B. Frumkes put it, rele- awards, a member of numerous literary, cultural, gating Cecil and Agnes (no relation) to another historical, veterans and civic organizations, and a era, announced that rather than read from his bon vivant raconteur, Nelson DeMille proved latest novel, Up Country, he would take ques- that he was also a funny and down-to-earth guy. tions from the audience. At least 20 hands shot He answered questions directly, playfully. Does up immediately. Of course, he had a few he want to write more screenplays? “No, they eat remarks first. He apologized for his slightly you alive in Hollywood.” With a book you have raspy voice, the result of just coming off a 45- the final cut. When does he write best? “Late city tour. Hectic pace, but worth it. Needs the afternoon, early evening” four times a week, and money, the wife, the mistress...pause, just kid- –surprise, surprise (the audience gasps)—he ding...pause, anyone see him the previous day doesn’t know how to type. He writes longhand on Fox 5? No hands. Nelson DeMille need not with a soft pencil, three drafts, then he hands over (L-R) Lewis Frumkes, Barbara Taylor Bradford & Nelson DeMille. worry. The double line crowd that formed after the manuscript to be typed. He edits a few times, Be Shot.” Did he ever have writer’s block? “No.” not? In response he noted that everyone in the Q & A for the book signing was noticeably the last a read-through in four sessions, his esti- The suggestion was that anyone who does is not intelligence is process oriented, but doesn’t longer than that gathered for the goodies at the mate of how most readers pace themselves with earning his keep or is undisciplined. always know what to do with the product. his books. By far the question of the evening had to do There is simply too much information out Does he know how his books will turn out, with DeMille’s novel A Lion’s Game, written a there. Regardless, it is a tribute to Nelson who the murderer is? Not always. He tends to few years ago, which was about a terrorist DeMille’s story telling gifts and skills that he plot only the beginning. Any favorite characters? attack and the World Trade Center, by way of can imagine a scenario that proves in time ter- “No, I’m sick of all of them,” though he some- rented Lear jets. Considering his research, his rifyingly real. times falls in love with one of his women. In extensive interviews with the Joint Terrorist His appearance in the Theresa Lang Theatre at response to a question about how he begins to Task Force central command, located at Marymount Manhattan College was part of the write, he says that the germination usually is a Ground Zero, how was it possible that he Best Selling Authors Series. For information on character or place, an ambiance that takes hold seemed to intuit what the CIA and FBI could upcoming speakers, call (212) 774-4811.# almost as though setting itself were a character. How did he get started in fiction? He kind of fell into writing, doing his first book in 1974, a police story, then went on to do other “pulpers,” many of them terrible. The “hobby” became a serious pursuit. Does he like to collaborate? Hell no, Mary Higgins Clark. “one of the worst processes in the world.” He has a sign in his study, in French, “Collaborators Will

STUDIES IN EDUCATION BACHELOR OF ARTS MASTER OF ARTS MASTER OF EDUCATION CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED GRADUATE STUDY

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GRADUATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Explore our programs Monday, April 22, 5:00 – 7:30 pm in early childhood, elementary, or middle Discover which program is right for you. Meet with our faculty. school education. Learn about our small classes and supportive advisement in school settings. Ask about our scholarships in general or For information on graduate programs, special education. call: 212-875-4698 e-mail: [email protected] 36 College Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 • 800.336.6794 visit our Web site: www.bankstreet.edu [email protected] • www.tui.edu/vermontcollege Office of Graduate Admissions, Bank Street College of Education 610 West 112th Street, New York, NY 10025-1898 APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS 23

New President’s Series President Judson Shaver: Marymount Manhattan College By MARYLENA MANTAS I could do everything that I wanted.” He makes swift, yet natural transitions He soon realized that investment real estate between phrases associated with distinctly dif- did not fulfill him and reconnected with his ferent disciplines. One moment he speaks of father, who passed away when Shaver was ‘opportunity cost’, then he shifts to ‘evangeli- young. The connective link came in the form of cal’ and a few minutes later the reporter finds an old book—the New Testament written in him preaching about the power of human Greek. Shaver became determined to read the potential. The economist, the educator and the small book with the navy blue hard cover and minister surface gradually and the unique ter- his parents’ names penciled within. Enrolling in minology leave the reporter wondering about a local college, he found a Greek course and this man, Judson Shaver, who was charged ear- proved to the professor that he would not give lier this year to lead Marymount Manhattan up until he read the text. College, a small liberal arts college with a stu- He soon was able to read not only Greek, but dent body of about 2,400. also Hebrew, Aramaic and a number of other “I wanted to see what it would be like to be languages associated with ancient manuscripts. responsible for an entire institution,” says The interest in religion and academia, over- Shaver, who came to Marymount from Iona powered the original economic inclination and College, where he served as Provost and led Shaver to the University of Notre Dame Academic Vice President. “What is really where he earned a Ph.D. in Christianity and attractive to me is a college that has signifi- Judaism in Antiquity. The process, he says, cantly, unrealized potential…Marymount is a taught him that the average person could place where heritage and tradition reflect a achieve anything if they set their mind to it. sense that humans have incredible potential.” He spent the early part of his professional life The seventh president of Marymount, he teaching and admits he never consciously Judson Shaver, President of Marymount Manhattan College brings to the college years of professional expe- aspired to become an administrator, or the pres- rience and a unique personal and academic ident of a university. dents are so critical. That is where the transaction everything, but whatever we do we should do it background. Born to parents who were mis- “My main, original debate was whether I happens…the planned interaction that will lead to well,” he said. sionaries, Shaver spent much of childhood would become a minister or an academic,” he the realization of human potential,” he said. He expressed concern over the growing num- relocating around the country and the world. says. He chose academia, which later paved the He hopes to foster those types of interactions ber of students today who view higher educa- He started college immediately after high way to becoming a dean and to several other between students and faculty at Marymount tion “as a commodity” and “do not join a learn- school, but dropped out after two disappointing administrative positions. Yet, he speaks of the and to achieve his mission: “to transform ing community for the sake of their personal years to work for a real estate investment firm. academic life with a nostalgic tone and admits human potential into human reality.” growth.” There he encountered his first mentor, who as that he misses teaching. He describes Marymount as a “small school “People underestimate the non-financial he says, “believed in me and convinced me that “The responsibilities a teacher has to his/her stu- in a big city” with a diverse and dedicated stu- ways that higher education can and will enrich dent body that “is very, very neat and lacks their lives,” he says. what is common elsewhere, an overwhelming Future plans include an improvement of the sense of entitlement.” appearance of the facility, a significant change He cites the extent of interaction between in the retention and graduation rates and the students and faculty as the characteristic distin- improvement of the ratio of full time to part Sarah Lawrence College guishing Marymount. “Our faculty and stu- time faculty. dents know each other by name,” he says. In addition Shaver wants “faculty and stu- “That is what we want to do and we do it well.” dents to hold themselves to higher academic Summer Writers Workshop According to Shaver, the college is currently standards” because, as he says, “students report for High School Students going through a self-evaluation process, not being adequately challenged.” through which they hope to gain a concrete “We are working hard toward a shared under- July 8-12, 2002 understanding of where Marymount stands as standing of what we will create here,” he said. an institution and where they hope to take it. “I “Despite our many successes, we are committed Write... don’t think that any one school should cover to improving the quality of everything we do.”# Explore... Discover

For over thirty years, teachers, artists and school leaders have come to Small workshops taught by poets, theater New Perspectives at Bank Street College to recharge their careers. artists, fiction and nonfiction writers It only takes a weekend to find out why. A supportive community that encourages Register for a weekend course at New Perspectives and see what adventure and inquiry makes Bank Street so special to educators everywhere. To receive our catalog or get information about upcoming courses and For those starting out as well as more workshops call 212 875-4649 or visit www.bankstreet.edu experienced writers

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New Perspectives -Division of Continuing Education Bank Street College 610 West 112th Street New York, NY 10025 24 COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2002 College & University Directory ① ②➂➃

Certificate of Advanced Touro College Graduate Studies Associate & Bachelor Degrees GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Brief residencies Licensure options • Business Management • Health Science Studies in School Psychology, Leadership, • Human Services • Education Discover the learner-centered, • Computer Science • Liberal Arts & Sciences Educational Administration, Guidance, • ESL Classes interactive approach to education. Community Psychology, Integrated Studies • Day & Evening Classes •Transfer students welcome OPEN Call 212/875-4698 Vermont University • Financial aid for qualified students New Perspectives THE UNION INSTITUTE HOUSE Manhattan: Midtown:212-463-0400 ext.500 Monday [email protected] Division of Continuing Education Montpelier, Vermont 05602 Uptown: 212 722-1575 ext. 101 April 22 www.bankstreet.edu Bank Street College 800/336-6794 [email protected] Brooklyn, Queens: 718 2-School ext 1003 5:00 – 7:30 pm www.tui.edu/vermontcollege 610 W. 112th St., NY, NY 10025 610 West 112th Street New York, New York 10025 ✄ .⑤ .➅ Mail or Fax this Coupon EOE/AA Please mail to: or Fax to: College Directory-Education Update College Directory-Education Update MAIN CAMPUS - QUEENS 69-30 Austin Street • Forest Hills, NY 11375 P.O. Box 20005 (212) 481-3919 718-261-5800 New York, NY 10001 EXTENSION CENTER - BENSONHURST To receive our catalog or get information 5815 20th Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11204 about upcoming courses and workshops 718-259-5300 Name: ______call 212 875-4649 or visit www.bankstreet.edu ⑧ Address: ______New Perspectives -Division of Continuing Education Bank Street College 610 West 112th Street City: ______New York, NY 10025 State:______Zip:______⑦ Phone: ______Fax:______

Master of Education Please circle catalogs you wish to receive: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 • Brief residencies • Licensure options I Am Interested In Applying As My Status • Individualized study ❑ ❑ ❑ • NEASC accredited Freshman Transfer H.S. Student ❑ Day ❑ Evening ❑ Teacher Vermont University ❑ Weekend ❑ Graduate Student ❑ College Student THE UNION INSTITUTE ❑ Working Adult Montpelier, Vermont 05602 800/336-6794 [email protected] www.tui.edu/vermontcollege PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER APRIL 2002

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Do you have a funny campus story Advertise on www.EDUCATIONUPDATE.com to share online? Earn $25 if we print it. 1,000,000 hits per month! Send your story to [email protected] APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ BOOK REVIEWS 25

For Children POETRY: AGES 5 THRU 10 Logos Bookstore’s Recommendations “In her garden, ‘Spring’ into The Frogs Wore Sarah Small/ grows By H. HARRIS HEALY, III Red Suspenders galoshes, short and PRESIDENT, LOGOS BOOKSTORE Jack Prelutsky. tall./Shirts of yellow, 1575 YORK AVENUE (BETWEEN 83RD AND 84TH STS.) Reading With Illustrated by Petra hats of red/ beautify NEW YORK, NY 10028 Mathers. her flower bed.” (212) 517-7292, FAX (212) 517-7197 Delicate and exquis- WWW.NYCLOGOS.CITYSEARCH.COM Books! Greenwillow, 63 pp., $16.95 ite watercolors By SELENE VASQUEZ accompany the comic “April is the cruelest month, ..” so begins the the smiley pig prancing through the cornfields. His PICTURE BOOKS: AGES 5 THRU 8 freshness of these 28 first line of T.S. Eliot’s The Wasteland. Aside illustration and poem titled ‘The Mall’ will make Mr. McGreely anx- memorable poems by none other than the from the weather conditions alluded to in the the reader chuckle about what Stevenson feels Muncha! Muncha! iously awaits his veg- most prolific of poets. opening lines of this poem, April can be cruel should be done with shopping malls. His poem Muncha! etable garden to sprout NON-FICTION: AGES 8 THRU 12 as well for being tax month. Yet it also can be titled ‘Larry’s’ is a visual and verbal humor fest of crisp yummy produce. From the Festive a joyous month of celebration. For the last sev- the effect of snow on car sales. His poems and Candace Fleming. Illustrated by G. Not surprisingly, three Foods for the An Easter Holiday eral years it has been National Poetry Month. illustrations are for the child in all of us. Brian Karas neighborhood rabbits Holidays Series, Cookbook and A This would be a good time to pick up a copy of The above books mentioned are all available for are anticipating sam- bright photographs Passover Holiday The Wasteland especially the $3.95 Signet purchase at Logos as well as many other fine books Atheneum, 32 pp., Cookbook pling the same veggies. and large print Classic Edition I reviewed in the March of poetry and books about poetry and poets. In $16.00 Thus begins Mr. instructions accom- Emily Raabe Education Update last month. honor of National Poetry Month between April 3 McGreely’s ever exten- panying each inviting Marilyn Nelson, recently honored by Bank and April 30th, 2002 poetry books, biographies of sive and elaborate barricades to thwart their rav- recipe. Holiday deli- Powerkids, 24 pp., Street College, has a fine collection of poems, poets and books about poetry will be 20% off the $19.50 each enous plotting. Artwork is humorously rendered cacies include sweet too, titled Carver a life in poems. The book regular price when the coupon below is presented in gouache, with acrylic and pencil. potato kugel, choco- relates in verse George Washington Carver’s life at the time of purchase. So come visit us and shop Impish creatures late macaroons, deviled eggs and a sleuth of and work. Interspersed throughout are black and for Graduation and Mother’s Day. We have very named Bugbear and Eek! Creak! equally familiar treats. Opposite each recipe white photographs of him at school and at work, nice greeting cards for those occasions as well as Bugaboo - portly little Snicker, Sneak! is an informative page about the history of the tools he used and the works he produced. any other occasion. Logos’ hours are Mondays mischief makers - bungle Lent, welcoming Elijah, Easter eggs, the Nelson’s poetic narrative brings alive its subject through Fridays, 10 A.M. to 9 P.M., Saturdays, 10 Rhonda Greene. in their efforts to terrorize seder plate and more. Educational as well as matter in a way that a straight prose narrative of A.M. to 7 P.M. and Sundays, 12 Noon to 7 P.M. Illustrated by Jos. a pair of pajama clad sib- A. Smith. recreational.# Carver’s life and a textbook description of his Transit: #4, #5, #6 Lexington Avenue lings. Shouting horrible Selene S. Vasquez is a media specialist at work would not. Unknown presents a work of Subway to 86th St., M86 Bus (86th St.), M15 (Atheneum, 32 pp., ‘boos’ of their own, the Orange Brook Elementary School in passion in poetry, song and art of newcomer Bus (First & Second Aves.), M79 Bus (79th $16.00). youngsters might just be Hollywood, Florida. She is formerly a chil- Laurie A. Huyghe. From the funny ‘Good and St.), M31 Bus (York Ave.) the true bullies of the dren’s librarian for the New York Public Plenty’ to her ode to ‘Union Church at Pocantico UPCOMING EVENTS AT LOGOS night. Rollicking verses full of spooky noises. Library. Hills’, to ‘Security Blanket’, to ‘Thank You Wednesday, April 3, 2002, 7 P.M., KYTV God’ and the many other selections present, Reading Group will discuss A Beautiful Mind Huyghe is passionate, whimsical and expressive. by Sylvia Nasar I look forward to her next poetry collection. Wednesday, May 1, 2002, 7 P.M., KYTV Noted illustrator and children’s book author, Reading Group will discuss The Hobbit by James Stevenson has a fun collection of poems J.R.R. Tolkien LOGOS BOOKSTORE and illustrations titled Corn-Fed. The cover of the Children’s Story Time every Monday at 3:30 book captures the whimsy well of the poems with P.M.# SALES COUPON 20% off poetry books, biographies of poets, New Book For Educators on Reform and books about poetry. By MERRI ROSENBERG a parent or PTA leader should do is duck quickly April 3-April 30, 2002 What should have been a gripping read about into one or two chapters whose topics are closest some of the most compelling educational issues to their own interests. In Honor of National Poetry Month 2002 facing educators, politicians and parents today The heart of Hacsi’s argument here is essential- instead turns out to be a fairly tedious slog that ly this: “The simple fact is that in some instances, is the literary equivalent of taking one’s medi- broader societal conflicts shape schooling.” He cine because one should. continues, “If we really want to improve our The promise of the provocative title Children schools, one of the things we need to do is recog- as Pawns never quite delivers in nize that we will never have this undeniably thorough, well Children as Pawns: absolute knowledge...School offi- researched and carefully argued The Politics of cials, teachers and parent groups Educational book. The author has obviously Reform should push for more knowledge- done his homework, and, graded able education reform–and for the on effort alone, would undoubtedly Timothy A. Hacsi. long-term planning we will need to deserve an A-plus for effort. guide us on any number of issues. Harvard University What’s missing is any sense of the Press: Cambridge, We have run blind for too long as it passion that informs, say, a compa- 2002 (262 pp). is.” With each of the issues he rable work by a Robert Cole. addresses, Hacsi offers a complete Hacsi leaves no research study unturned that has history of the topic, provides examples of previ- anything at all to bear on the five sensitive school ous–and frequently competing and contradictory reform issues that he addresses here: Head Start, studies that have sought to determine whether or bilingual education, class size, social promotion not a program works, and attempts to come up and school financing. Any one of these topics with some sort of conclusion about what kinds of could have (and should have) made for pulse- policy steps should be taken. quickening reading. Instead, perhaps because of Hacsi rightly points out that, during the past the author’s thoroughness and research orienta- two decades, educational reform issues have sur- tion, the lay reader is lost in a thicket of analysis faced as a critical agenda for those seeking polit- about various and sundry studies concerning each ical office on the local, state and national level. one of these topics. His argument is that before politicians and others Although the book is billed as ‘written for a embrace a particular reform, which can have sig- broad audience,’ according to its public relations nificant and serious consequences for students materials, Hacsi is really writing for the educa- and schools, all the parties involved should be as tional cognoscenti–be they professors of educa- well informed as possible about what the relevant tion at the nation’s finest graduate schools, or research would suggest. educational policy wonks at think tanks and on After making my way through this, I felt Congressional staffs. This is hardly the stuff of frustrated. I wish that the author had written a bedside reading for your classroom teacher, or challenging 1200-word Op Ed piece that would building principal–and I suspect that most school have communicated his ideas in a clearer fash- superintendents simply wouldn’t have time to ion, and rendered his message more accessible wade through all this material. And probably all to a general audience.# 26 MUSIC, ART & DANCE ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2002 A Musical To Warm Your Heart: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change By SYBIL MAIMIN be man and woman.” The play’s theme of games roles, sing their way through a first date Attica Prison, a never married bridesmaid To cure the mid-winter blues, get yourself down and vulnerabilities between the sexes is brilliantly between time-starved busy young profession- advising that the “rainbow of grotesque gowns to the Westside Theater and see I Love You, You’re established as the first man asks the first woman als, a visit with parents of a new baby who so in my closet have outlasted the marriages,” and Perfect, Now Change, a fast-paced musical ode to if she is busy, and she replies she will have to mimic their child’s level of speech and activi- a long-married man musing about his the timeless rituals of mating. Very funny and check her date book, before being reminded there ties that a single buddy tells them to “call me bathrobed wife across the breakfast table with, often wise, the 17 sketches are introduced by the are no other men in the world. when he graduates from college,” and a pick-up “Shouldn’t I Be Less in Love With You?” cast in white hooded robes incanting at the Romping through the generations, the two at a funeral home where an elderly widow and Spirited accompaniment by piano and violin moment of creation, “And the Lord said, Let there men and two women cast, playing multiple widower meet and realize romance can come ranges across musical styles including jazz, be- again. Many stops are made along the way, and bop, and country. Cast members are uniformly although the situations are familiar (a strength excellent, bringing credibility to each new role of the play as the audience recognizes and as they effortlessly adopt changing personas. Win one of Five FREE laughs at itself), writer and lyricist Joe DiPietro The play is about the need for connections and brings a decidedly fresh, on-target perspective the foibles, insecurities, desperate measures, to the material. We see a vulnerable divorcee and hopeful results that the quest can entail. It Art Scholarships making her first dating video, a singles group is entertaining, yet insightful, witty, yet touch- being counseled by an inmate at a meeting at ing, and it is about us.# Enter our famous PS 99 STUDENTS PERFORM OPERA “Draw Me” TO COMMEMORATE YOM HASHOAH To commemorate Yom Hashoah fifth recover the money, and everyone lives hap- Contest graders from PS 99 in Queens, trained by pily ever after. The composer, a Czech Inside Broadway. will perform the opera named Hans Krasa, did at Auschwitz, along Brundibar at the John Cranford Adams with legions of other gifted musicians who $11,500 IN PRIZES Playhouse at Hofstra University on April 9, were Jewish. AWARDED EACH MONTH 2002 at 7:00 pm. Krasa’s 45-minute opera, which had 55 per- The opera was originally presented in the formances at Terezin, lives on. Eventually, Nazi Terezin concentration camp, called and by the tens of thousands, the temporary Five scholarship winners will receive “Fundamentals of Art”– Theresienstadt by the Germans, about 40 residents of Terezin were shipped to taught by America’s leading home-study art school. Our objec- miles north from Prague. The story is a para- Auschwicz where they were gassed. Of tive is to find prospective students who appreciate art and like ble of a needy family whose children raise 144,000 Jews interned at Terezin, 33,000 per- some money, only to have it snatched away ished in the camp, while 88,000 at Auschwitz. to draw. Every qualified entrant receives a free professional by an evil organ grinder named Brundibar. Of 15,000 resident children at Theresienstadt, estimate of his or her drawing skills. Our students and profes- With help from some animals, the children only 100 survived.# sional artists are not eligible.Three $25 cash prizes for the best drawing from entrants age 12 and 13 will also be awarded. The Art of Bel Canto in Song & CALL 1-800-921-2323 ext.204 FOR YOUR OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM TODAY in Word, Free at Lincoln Center Lincoln Center’s Great Performers will Tully Hall. This event will be open only to ART INSTRUCTION SCHOOLS present soprano Renee Fleming and novelist ticket holders. Creating Better Artists Since 1914 Ann Patchett in a one-on-one discussion The discussion will explore the special rela- entitled “The Art of Bel Canto in Song and tionship between musical inspiration and liter- 3309 Broadway ST NE, Minneapolis MN 55413 in Word” moderated by journalist Charles ary imagination, as well as the challenges of ©2002 Art Instruction Schools Michener. This free event will take place on capturing in word the ineffable essense of Monday, April 29 at 6:15 pm in the Stanley musical expression. The artists will discuss H. Kaplan Penthouse in the Rose Building at their reactions to each other’s work. Lincoln Center (165 W. 65th St., 10th floor). For more information and to purchase tickets Tickets will be distributed at 5 pm at Alice call (212) 875-5474.#

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KENT TRITLE: MUSICIAN WITH HEAVENLY JOB PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. not be more pleased at being at St. Ignatius tinues the founding tradition by presenting any- For Kent Tritle a “pipe dream” is hardly a Loyola, identified in the popular mind with thing from unknown but accessible early music “fantastic notion.” Nothing could be more real Jackie O’s funeral, but known by musicians as to what he calls with an impish smile, “surreal and substantive to this 41-year-old, boyish- one of the world’s premier acoustical spaces. and way out on a limb, stylistically.” And looking musician, director, maestro, choral The Mander could not have a better home, as would you believe – there’s also a children’s master, and educator than the magnificent music critics have pointed out. At its debut, in choir! Not to mention Kent Tritle, 5,000-pipe, 30-ton, 45-foot high Mander April 1993, a reported 1,800 people crammed Administrator con brio. mechanical action dream pipe he’s been play- into the Jesuit church, with hundreds left wait- Tritle supervises a staff of about 40 people, ing for the last nine years at the Church of St. ing outside. The reviews were spectacular. assists the organist, attends to weekend work- Ignatius Loyola on Park and 84th where he Though Tritle adores the gleaming “Grand shops that are part of an outreach program, con- holds the title, Director of Music Ministries. Orgue,” which he researched and helped sults with affiliate grammar and area high Other titles both in and out of the church design, his work at St. Ignatius Loyola extends schools on their music education programs, and clearly show the breadth and depth of Tritle’s well beyond performance. The rich baritone speaks to parents. He believes, he says in “all expertise, and love of music. In addition to extends slightly toward tenor, the tempo picks aspects of the idea of building community.” being the founder and Music Director of the up, as Tritle enthusiastically describes his Right after 9/11 he worked with the Red Cross acclaimed Sacred Music in a Sacred Space con- choral work. Where most mortals would feel and “learned a good deal more about people in cert series at St. Ignatius Loyola, Tritle is the great satisfaction at having started and sus- crisis,” taking heart at the “values of humanity” organist of the New York Philharmonic, the tained a choir of note, Kent Tritle superintends he saw displayed. St. Ignatius Loyola, with Principal Organist of the American Symphony three choral groups, each reflecting a different close to 2,000 parishioners, generated, he Orchestra, a faculty member at The Juilliard level of accomplishment and response to com- recalls, at least 25 memorial services related to School, and a world-class artist whose recent munity. In his first year at the Church, he that fatal day. appearances include concerts in Leipzig, made significant changes in the volunteer So how did an Iowa farm boy who grew Zurich and Lincoln Center. Artistic collabora- Parish Community Choir, sensing that its 60-70 up watching his grandfather judge horses tions with the famous–besides the relationship amateurs wanted not only basic music exercis- at county fairs; who eased into a rock band for he enjoys with the world-renowned es but challenge as well. He credits his success a while; who bounced around four colleges, Mander–include work with Renee Flemming, with the group to his strong interest in singing. become such a musical powerhouse in New Jesse Norman, Sherrill Milnes, Marilyn Horne, Many keyboard players become conductors but Organist Kent Tritle Pulls Out All the Stops York? A church figured early on, he says, when, Tony Randall, not to mention all the composers “don’t know much about voice.” (He says he’d as a child he heard people grouped around whose work he champions–from Bach to like to do more conducting in the future.) He Dessoff founded the choirs, pledging them to a piano singing hymns. A family friend noted Bartok, from Gluck to Glass. The track also found on his arrival at St. Ignatius Loyola perform “music which would not otherwise be his interest in music–and theatre, and voice, record–as in CD track–is impressive; best-sell- that the professional choir was in a pretty “dis- heard in the ordinary course of musical events,” and dance and acting – and suggested he enroll ing recordings on, among others, Telarc, VAI, mal state.” He re-auditioned the members, a along with the world’s great choral master- at a college noted for its music programs, Gothic, and Epiphany, whose issue of task that took a good deal of time (“my stan- pieces. Originally one chorus of mixed -voice a which he did, in South Dakota. At Juilliard, “Romantic Organ” in 1996 was named “best dards are very high”), checking for perfor- cappella singers and another that was all where he finally wound up as a undergraduate recording of the year” by Audiophile Audition. mance, intonation, ability to blend with other women, the groups, centered in the City, con- and then graduate student, his studies in organ There’s also the remarkable album, “Sweeney voices (“soloists ran for the hills”!). And today? sist of a chamber choir of about 22 singers, a and conducting took on professional focus in Todd” with Andrew Litton, which was nomi- they can “spin on a dime, ”he beams, “do any- symphonic choir of 195 members for major the full sense of the meaning of the word “pro- nated for a Grammy. thing, and do it with excellence.” symphonic works, and an informal division fession” – faith for the cause to be served. All kinds of music have been in Tritle’s life, The Dessoff Choirs are in a way his signature known as the Dessoff Irregulars, which goes to As the motto says, that sits above the organ including rock and roll. Clearly, however, the group, an amateur group that dates to the mid hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Tritle, at console, A.M.D.G. ad majorem Dei gloriam. roll’s he’s on now is the rock of ages. He could 1920’s when a German emigrée, Margare the the helm of the Dessoff Choirs since 1996, con- Kent Tritle serves.# 28 CAMPS & SPORTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2002 — Sponsored by Chelsea Piers — FROM THE CITY TO THE SLOPES: COLUMBIA’S SKI/SNOWBOARD TEAM DEDICATES ITS TIME TO THE OUTDOORS By ALEKSAH VISCO how to ski or snowboard. The financial con- It is 6:30AM on Sunday morning. With my straints eliminate a large number of people at the skis strapped over my shoulder and my pack university. Putting the price into perspective, and ski boots hanging off my back, I hike Mary Chotebortsky explains, “If you consider the across 116th and Broadway through number of days you get to spend on the mountain Columbia’s campus to Amsterdam Ave. where I for the price of joining the team compared to what meet the other members of the team and board it would cost for daily lift tickets and transporta- a charter bus. I think it is often overlooked, but tion from Manhattan, it’s actually a good deal.” it takes more than just motivation for any col- Committing to the team can also place reli- lege student to be up at this hour for whatever gious constraints on members. For Sabbath- reason. In this instance, I would say it is dedi- observing members of team, Friday practices cation that drives the core team members of the and Saturday races are not an option. The Columbia University Ski/Snowboard team to advantage of the team being a club sport allows rise so early. “If I’m skiing, I can get up,” states for these members to participate, even though Senior Rick Siger who has been a member all they cannot be present at every event. four years of his college experience. After a long day of skiing, the majority of us are As a result of living in Manhattan at sea level, The Ski Team Poses: 1, 2, 3 Smile! pretty tired. On the dimly lit bus back to New the nearest ski area is in Vernon, NJ at York from Mountain Creek it is not uncommon to Mountain Creek and the trek can be anywhere team has consistently competed in Regionals, last school in Massachusetts, he helps other teammates see people completing their homework on topics between 1-2 hours depending on traffic. On a year was the first year the women’s ski team with technique. As Nai states, “There is nothing from a cryptography problem set in Number week with two races, we not only practice made it also (to do so the team has to be one of more gratifying to me than helping teach people Theory to readings from Immanual Kant for Wednesday evenings and Fridays, but we also the top four teams in the league). Both teams are from my school to do what I love and being on this Contemporary Civilizations. Other teammates have to be up in the morning hours on Saturday looking forward to participating in Regionals team gives me that opportunity.” socialize and ignore any work waiting for them in and Sunday to participate in the races. But for again this season in Toggenburg, NY. With the dedication of being a member of the their dorm. As native Vermonter and sophomore us, it is the opportunity to do what we love: be Coming home after midnight on Wednesday ski/snowboard team comes a cost, both financial- Chris Keitel justifies, “I love to ski and it has outside in the snow (even if it is man made), night might make one question why we commit ly and personally. To be on the team you need to always been a part of my life. It doesn’t matter and compete with nearby schools (Princeton, (about 35 hours a week) so much of our limited have your own equipment, pay the $300 of trans- how much work I have after practice, to me all Rutgers, Lehigh, Fairfield, and Lafayette). Our time to participate in this sport. For former mem- portation, ticket, and USSA race fees, and know that matters is that I was able to go skiing.”# reasons for being driven and devoting so much bers of the crew team like sophomore John Friar, time to this club sport vary. Senior Christina the snowboard team is much less of a time com- Andre, a Giant Schenk from Hawaii declares, “If you have to mitment (the crew team practiced twice daily). suffer through the coldest months of the year, However, do not be mistaken about the hours each you may as well enjoy being outside.” member contributes to the team. Sophomore Nai Walk-On at St. John’s The Columbia Ski/Snowboard team has only Nan Ko had to sacrifice his participation in the existed in the past 15 years. As we are growing Sounds of China and the Asian American Alliance By TOM KERTES rapidly, more people are joining and the perfor- clubs to be able to dedicate his time to the team. As If you look up the definition of a “college bas- mance of the team is increasing. While the men’s an experienced racer through all four years of high ketball walk-on” in Webster’s, you’ll see the expression “practice fodder.” Walk-ons are hoop- enthused regular college students who, without a basketball scholarship, try out for the team for the mere honor of practicing with–and getting beaten Need a place to play? up by–the “real players.” They go on road trips, and sit on the bench during games. “These are the guys who only play when your team is either 30 points up, or 30 points down,” said St. John’s coach Mike Jarvis. “And sometimes not even then.” Yet, in a recent game against Seton Hall, something really strange happened. Watching St. John’s take the floor, you saw a guy even Andre Stanley Scores the most ardent Red Storm fans have never seen before–and he was in the starting lineup. a million years–and getting up at 5:30 every morn- Not only that, this mysterious Masked Man ing for the two-hour ride to Queens for practice. stayed in the game for a full 37 minutes, play- “It doesn’t matter,” said Stanley. ”My mom ing in even the tightest moments of an impor- brought me up all by herself. Without her, I’d be tant Big East contest–and did this for one of the nothing. Now she needed me. She almost died. top college basketball teams in the country. Me being around helps her staying on top of her He didn’t do badly, either, scoring nine points insulin. It puts her in good spirits. This was the and grabbing eight big rebounds. Intense least I could do for her.” research revealed that “The Great Unknown” Needless to say, Stanley is the first to practice was 6-4 junior guard Andre Stanley–a walk-on, every day–and the last to leave. “I always the first of that obscure breed to start for St. thought I could play at this level,” he said. “But John’s in 24 years. I knew of the reality of my chances. I was a “I guess those 5:30 a.m. wake-up calls have walk-on. But I just kept on working hard and finally paid off for him,” said Jarvis with a warm waiting for my shot.” smile, evincing a great affection for the kid. Once he got it, Stanley took full advantage. Understand that, these days, about as many He stayed in the Red Storm starting lineup for college students get up at 5:30 than start as walk- the rest of the season, contributing quietly, con- ons for top college teams. That Stanley does sistently, but immensely. “He’s just what we both speaks loudly to the character of this very needed,” Jarvis said. “The kid’s a walking role- unusual player. Stanley played at New Utrecht model of what hard work and total commitment 9 Summer Camps to Choose From! High School in Brooklyn, then John Jay, and can accomplish. I just hope my regular scholar- golf ice hockey went to Globe Institute junior college. He did get ship players paid attention.” scholarship offers from some “lesser” Division I Stanley also pays attention in class, carrying gymnastics multi-sport basketball programs, such as East Carolina, St. a B average in Sports Management. “I hope to ice skating roller hockey Francis, and Quinnipiac. be an NBA General Manager one day,” he says. But his mom, Stephanie, who was suffering from Don’t bet against him. urban adventure pre-school severe diabetes, lost a leg at this point. And, Andre Jarvis wouldn’t. “Those are the guys who do skateboarding/inline decided to stay home with her in Brooklyn. This the best in life, the scrappers,” he said. “I will meant no basketball scholarship and no free ride. It never forget what Andre has done for this team. 23rd St. & the Hudson • 212.336.6846 • www.chelseapiers.com also meant walking on at St. John’s, a top program The ones who ask for the least and do the most that would have never considered recruiting him in are the ones you remember the most.”# APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ CAMPS & SPORTS 29

have gone one step too far. IF THEY CAN PITCH, REVAMPED After adding the great second baseman Roberto Alomar, ace leadoff speedster Roger METS SHOULD BEAHIT Cedeno, and power hitting out- By TOM KERTES fielder Jeromy Burnitz, he went Tom Hanks’ aging rummy of a manager said in the won- into overkill mode in trading for first baseman Mo Vaughn. derful A League of Their Own, “There’s no crying in base- The cost — top pitcher Kevin Appier–appears way too high. ball”. And that’s a good thing, too–or Mets fans everywhere Pitching, after all, is the name of the game in baseball. And would be shedding tons of tears over the team’s shoddy the onetime great Vaughn–the 1995 AL MVP– hasn’t played spring training performance. in a full year due to a torn bicep tendon. Let’s face it, 9 wins and 17 losses was not what anyone Phillips’ myriad of moves left the Mets with a lineup that envisioned after General Manager Steve Phillips so thor- should be tough to hold down–they should score runs in oughly revamped last year’s underachievers. bunches–but perhaps not as tough to beat. The pitching staff Luckily, spring training is more than just lush green grass, seems Ally McBeal-thin, both in the rotation and in the wonderful Florida weather, and fans getting a chance to get bullpen. thisclose to the players on the small Port St. Lucie field. It’s Phillips acknowledges the problem. “Sure, to some extent, also a time to work out kinks, get all the new gears in the we robbed Peter to pay Paul,” he said. ”We took some machine humming as one. risks–but that’s what you do and then you hope for the best.” “Results? In the spring you don’t worry about results,” star The biggest risk, in more ways than one, is the 300-pound catcher Mike Piazza said. “You don’t get a trophy for the Vaughn. In addition to the risk factor of the injury, there’s his Grapefruit League or at the end of April, so results in the pre- weight, his lack of mobility at first base, and the fact that season don’t count for anything. Anyway, it takes a team he’s spent his entire career in the American League so far. with this many new pieces a while to jell.” Do you leave your pitching staff vulnerable for an out-of- The question is, did owner Fred Wilpon and all the cham- shape 34-year old with injury and weight problems who pionship-starved Met fans get the right pieces for their $102 could become not much more than an overly expensive million? On paper, the team looks promising and exciting, all bench ornament? right. But there are also too many questionmarks to feel “If we need to make one or two more moves to make this relaxed or safe. a championship team, we will do just that,” said Phillips. Phillips, who had the most active offseason of any GM in It may very well come to that. Outscoring the opposition is baseball, has addressed the offensive problems – the Mets one thing–but having to outscore your own pitching staff Photo by Marc S. Levine/NY Mets scored the least runs in the major leagues last year – but may night after night is never a good idea. It may prove to be a too-heavy burden even for this star studded Mets lineup. # Mo Vaughn, First Baseman the more than 650 teams nationwide represent- Visit Robotics Competition ing nearly every state. www.educationupdate.com continued from page 8 “If you talk to these kids you’ll know that We get 1,000,000 hits per month! they’re not building robots. They’re building schools do it on these teams.’” self esteem; they’re building relationships with A number of participants expressed that can- real professionals. They’re seeing that the FAMILY VACATIONS: do attitude by praising the value of experienc- world of science and technology and engineer- ing science hands-on. Jackie Tan, of the Art ing is fun,” explained Kamen. “It’s for Schedule some unscheduled and Design High School, remarked, “Instead of women. It’s for minorities. It’s for anybody time together. Woodland sitting there reading newspaper articles and willing to put passion and effort into it. Now books on science we’re actually experiencing every one of these kids believes that thinking cabins with fireplaces. it. We’re actually doing it and putting our and designing and inventing and building is hands on it. It’s completely amazing.” fun.” Waterfront. Canoes. Tennis. “It was great to get an idea in our heads and And making education fun can amount to big Meal plans. actually build it and watch it work. We’re real- Robotics team proudly displays their exhibit. changes. ly proud to watch what we created work. It was Watching his team make repairs to their ‘bot’ Call for Free Brochure. a great feeling,” said Rookie Greg Lovine, of dents behind their Canadian and European after a particularly rough battle against another Loch Lyme Lodge West Xavierian in Brooklyn, standing next to counterparts when it came to proficiency in high school team, Patrick Dzioba of Watertown the team’s robot “The Clipper”. both academic areas. High School described his experience with 70 Orford Road, Lyme, NH 03768 Changing student attitudes toward science But while the competition has helped to reju- FIRST: “Personally, it changed me immensely. and technology is an important task in light of venate science education, some of FIRST’s Before this, I thought my life’s ambition was to 1-800-423-2141 a recent study that ranked U.S. high school stu- greatest benefits have been experienced by the grow up and become a tattoo artist. Now I’m participants themselves— teens that make up thinking about computer science actually.”# SUMMER BEGINS AT OUR OPEN HOUSES: might have occasion to use it for highly New Country Day Camp New Town Daycamp Product Review extended periods of time, or require additional Call Fred Siegal at Call Dorothy Klein at continued from page 13 212-780-2300 ext. 357 212-780-0800 ext. 241 supplementary materials or peripherals, an industrial-strength version, the CR-5, is avail- April 14 • May 5 Aptil 17 Originally developed for use by court stenog- able, as well as one intended for standing use, raphers, the CR-1 is a folding tripod, much like the CR-3. 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Unfolded, the tripod stand can accommo- currently being purchased for in-class use must mer ages 2.9-6 years ext. 241 date users whose seated height ranges from be able to be effectively deployed, if they are to Japanese Nikoniko about 19” to 41”- appropriate for all but the make any difference in our students’ educa- ages 3-10 years ext. 243 youngest students. Although slightly more 2002 tions. It’s a sad irony that the districts in New expensive than some of its competitors at York that most need the hardware also have the THE EDGIES COMMUNITY CENTER approximately $100, prior to any applicable least space to use it in. The inStand CR-1 can 197 East Broadway 212-780-2300 ext. 304 volume discounts made available to institu- help compensate. Teachers, administrators, In-Town & Torah Tots Day Camp tional buyers by the manufacturers, the conve- superintendents, principals, parents, BOCES ages 2-5 years nience of this item cannot be overstated. It can coordinators, Board of Education and THE HENRY KAUFMAN CAMPGROUNDS be carried around practically unnoticeably, and Technology Task Force members, and Mr. In Staten Island 212-780-2300 ext. 357 unfolded for use as a portable computer sup- Chancellor, please log onto New Country Day Camp port center in less than a minute. My laptop is ages 5-11.5 years at the high end of the scale at about ten pounds, www.instand.com or contact 1-877-467- Pioneer Program for New Town/In-Town/Torah Tots and the CR-1 holds it and my power supply 8263, and explore the possibilities this product ages 5-6 years with nary a shake nor wobble. For those who has to offer.# 30 @ TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2002

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(800) 505-5327 Meridrew Enterprises P.O. Box 113, Danville, CA 94526 KlearScreen.com E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 925-838-8773 APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE @ 31 BOE Builds Online Educational Community existing teaching practices and to support all BY MARYLENA MANTAS istrators, to advanced Internet services any- Established in July of 1999, the Taskforce, teachers, particularly new teachers in greater As a result of a recommendation made in where, any time,” said William C. Thompson, chaired by Dr. Irving S. Hamer Jr., has been need of these resources. Classroom Content September of 2001 by the Teaching and Jr., President of the Board of Education, in a working to integrate technology into instruc- was awarded the contract to build the site, cur- Learning in Cyberspace Taskforce, established statement released recently. “It would funda- tion and to find the means to provide equal rently under development, which will give by the New York City Board of Education mentally transform the teaching and learning access to the vast pool of information made teachers access to professional development at (BOE), the public school system’s students, experience. Students will enhance their learn- available these days through the internet to the all times, while receiving continuing education parents, and teachers will soon belong and have ing abilities, teachers’ capacity to facilitate school system’s 1.1 million children and credit. The site is expected to be launched in access to an Online Educational Community. learning styles will improve and there will be 80,000 teachers. September of 2002. “This unprecedented initiative will connect stronger ties among all members of the Board’s “This is not a divide of equipment,” said “This is a new way of thinking about how to all of our students, teachers, parents and admin- community.” Hamer, while speaking to Education Update teach and train supervisors and administrators on the question of the digital divide, “but a online,” said Hamer. divide of content…The question is how we The BOE has selected two vendors, give this information to everyone in the city.” Accenture and KPMG, as finalists. The vendor Hamer and other members of the Board and selected will build the portal Online Taskforce hope that the educational portal will Educational Community, which will be avail- not only help alleviate the divide problem, but able seven days a week and 24 hours a day. The will also “engage parents in their children’s Taskforce hopes that the website will provide education through the use of technology, give all BOE members with an email address and teachers the tools to move their classrooms into access to the internet. the 21st century, introduce students to active “The oxygen for the initiative is the pedagog- learning and the vast instructional resources of ical framework for teaching and learning that is the internet and involve the larger community full of revolutionary potential,” said Hamer in in the educational success of every child.” a recent presentation.# According to Hamer, the Online Educational Community will have two components: an educational zone and a commercial zone. The latter zone will allow for the forging of partnerships with online companies, advertising and e-com- SAVE merce, which will turn generate the funding necessary to support the project. The commer- up to 70% on most cial zone will be available to the adult users, Canon and Epson compatible while everyone will have access to the educa- ink cartridges tional zone. “The only way this will work is to create a different funding model,” said Hamer. “The www.RLG.com commercial side of the portal for adults, if properly managed, will help us pay for this.” The educational zone will provide students and teachers with educational resources to enhance teaching and learning, such as links to websites of pedagogical nature and content. It will give parents access to the same tools and up-to-date information related to the school system. Also, the Online Community is expected to open the lines of communication between the city’s communities and the educational system. In addition, the website will help foster professional development and alleviate some of the existing constraints related to the process, such as cost and inability of teachers to participate in professional development seminars and workshops due to lack to time. The professional development project hopes to enhance 32 MUSEUMS AS EDUCATORS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2002

MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE

“How has Anne Frank’s Diary been por- Heller, a Holocaust survivor and author of trayed in popular culture?” “How did other Strange and Unexpected Love: A Teenage adolescents express themselves during the Girl’s Holocaust Memoirs; Dr. Lawrence Holocaust? and “When and how should we Langer, Professor Emeritus of English, introduce the topic of the Holocaust to stu- Simmons College, and author of Admitting the dents? were the questions posed in the “Anne Holocaust; Alexandra Zapruder, author of Frank Reconsidered” symposium at the Salvaged Pages: Young Writers’ Diaries of the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Holocaust; and Dr. Jeffrey Shandler, Assistant Memorial to the Holocaust recently. Professor of Jewish Studies at Rutgers Over 100 educators attended the event which University and the author of While America examined the uses and misuses of Anne Watches: Televising the Holocaust. A group Frank’s Diary in Holocaust education and pop- discussion on the theory and practice of ular culture. Holocaust education concluded the sympo- Featured speakers included Fanya Gottesfeld sium. The Everett Children’s Adventure

Direct connection by PATH to Hudson-Bergen WINTER AT LIBERTY Garden Celebrates Spring! Light Rail—Liberty State Park Station SLCIENCE CSENTER Teachers: Chancellor Levy lifted the This spring visit the Everett Children’s we offer at the Everett Children’s Adventure ban on out-of-borough field trips. Adventure Garden and discover why plants Garden, we are also have special weekends in Many of you’ve been to see us, and love spring almost as much as we do! The April for families that include: we’re glad to have your students here Everett Children’s Adventure Garden is a 12- and look forward to welcoming more acre indoor/outdoor interactive museum where Bulbs are Buried Treasures Weekend school groups this winter and the com- kids can have hands-on fun and learn about Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, ing spring. plants, science, and the natural world. 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Explore spring in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where New Exhibits: Spring at the Garden bulbs and blossoms abound. Children will enjoy: A Question of Truth Ages 2 – 12, Weekend and Monday holidays Dissecting daffodils and making a bulb art (January 26 - May 5, 2002) 10a.m. – 6:00 p.m. print, Planting a paperwhite to take home, What’s your point of view? Everybody All throughout the season, children dissect Making a craft tulip, Investigating bulbs we has one, including scientists. Most plant parts like bulbs and flowers, experiment eat, Flower face painting, people consider their points of view to to find out if plants make sugar, investigate be the “truth,” but even ideas we think are incorrect can be valid and useful if bugs that help plants grow, use microscopes to Art is an Adventure Weekend we are open to new ways of interpreta- see plants up close, press flowers and plants to Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, tion. Some beliefs can lead to discrim- take home, and much more. Children also dis- 1:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. ination, distorted views of history, and cover what’s in a flower by taking apart and This spring brings art to The New York inaccurate beliefs about science. Do putting together a giant flower — and children Botanical Garden with Sculpture from the Minutes away from New York City, you hold some of these points of view have an opportunity to look at things through a Museum of Modern Art. During this weekend, adjacent to the Statue of Liberty without even being aware of it? Find bee’s eye view! families find artistic inspiration in the Everett and Ellis Island National Monuments out in A Question of Truth. Children’s Adventure Garden and children will Ages 2 – 5, Tuesday-Friday: 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.; enjoy: Crafting leaf collages, Creating flower Discover three themed floors: Experiment Gallery Weekends and Monday holidays: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. finger paintings, Modeling clay flowers, Invention, Health and Environment (January 24 - May 5, 2002) Budding Botanist Early Learner Activities Making chalk art, Flower face painting. What’s electricity? Where does light include nature discovery, crafts, mini nature For more information please call (718) 817- come from? Why does the weather walks, storytime, and music making. Pasting, 8700 or visit www.nybg.org Experience 250 hands-on exhibits change? How does sound travel? painting, planting, and playing engage the sens- Explore these questions and more es in indoor and outdoor galleries. Find a baby The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden has Get close to the action in the largest while testing hypotheses about sound, plant in a seed and take away your Garden been made possible by the leadership generos- IMAX® Dome Theater in the United States warp time, create rainbows, and con- memento to share with the folks at home. ity of Edith and Henry Everett.# trol Earth’s climate by altering its orbit In conjunction with our on-going programs and rotation speed in a computer model. Individual areas provide Lunch facilities available enough flexibility for everyone, young Call 201.200.1000 and old, to conduct experiments, dis- for school group rates covering how the world works. In The IMAX¨ Dome Theater: The Human Body (Through September 2002) Extraordinary technology reveals the incredible story of human life. In minute detail, The Human Body looks at biological processes that go on without our control and without our notice. Work with a Follow a family as they go about their Professional Team Colgate Center daily routines. See inside delicate alveoli of the lungs and watch single No Previous NY Waterway nerve cells bob and weave to music, Experience Necessary allowing us to hear. Observe babies swim by instinct a few weeks after Sessions from 2-8 weeks birth, and learn about changes that take May to July, 2002 place as we mature. The Human Body offers a scientific look at human anatomy including biological aspects of pro- creation and maturation and may not be appropriate for children under 10.

LIBERTY Also showing: Journey Into Amazing Caves Dr. Jon Lohse, Project Director SCIENCE (Through March 2002) TCU Box 298760, 2800 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76129 CENTER Ocean Oasis 817-257-5943 www.mayaresearchprogram.org Liberty State Park • Jersey City, New Jersey (Through June 2002) www.lsc.org APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ MOVIE & THEATER REVIEWS 33

Marvelous Monsoon Weddings amid a shower of marigold petals. By JAN AARON contractor and confirmed bachelor, who falls in This contrasting cli- audy, boisterous and great fun, love with the family’s innocent young maid, max is a fun send-up Monsoon Wedding is director Mira Alice. of an overwrought GGNair’s (Salaam Bombay and Western audiences, accustomed to prudish Bollywood musical to Mississippi Masala) audience appealing tribute Indian films, will be surprised at the thorough- add frills to this fami- to both her own heritage and Bollywood’s out- ly modern morality here: The bride-to-be has a ly story. rageous musicals. final affair with a callow talk show host; a sexy Cinematographer Sabrina Dhawan’s sassy script, deftly melds cousin tries to seduce a handsome relative vis- Declan Quinn’s dex- five love stories during preparations for an iting from Australia; and Lalit worries that his terous lighting and extravagant Punjabi wedding in New Delhi. teen son, who likes TV cooking shows and highly mobile hand She introduces the Verma family, headed by dance, is gay. held camera keep the Lalit, (Naseeruddin Shah), the cash-challenged Two others are paired by the past: The fami- movie buoyant, while father-of-the bride, his vivacious, wife Pimmi ly’s benefactor Tej and a cousin Ria, who, at the musical score, a (Lillet Dubey), who have agreed to go all out 28, is teased about being an old maid. At the hot mix of Indian for the wedding of their only daughter, the pre-wedding festivities, Ria is forced to admit styles, spices it up. beautiful Aditi (Vasundhara Das) to a young the family’s idol, raped her as a child. This Arjun Bhasin’s cos- Indian professional from Houston (Parvin causes Lalit terrible inner turmoil. tumes are another Dabas). Also there are a host of relatives and At film’s climax, the groom arrives on horse- treat. (114 minutes, in-laws speaking Hindi, Punjabi and English. back in the torrential monsoon and the lavishly Hindi, Punjabi, and In charge of the elegant wedding celebration dressed bride wades through the mud, while English, released by is P.K. Dube (Vijay Raaz), a crafty catering Dube declares his love on romantic bridge USA Films, R, Call 777-FILM).# The cast of Monsoon Weddings. THEATER DOCUMENTARY THE KOMEDIANT By JAN AARON “Zedele Meines,” (Yiddish “Sonny Boy”) for rom the shetls of Eastern Europe to the toast Columbia Records and his talent for whistling like of the Yiddish theater is the journey a bird. Lillian, twenty years younger, joined his FFPesach’ke Bernstein makes in Arnon troupe and they fell in love and traveled the globe. Goldfinger’s remarkable documentary The Married in Uruguay, they narrowly escaped the Komediant. Beautifully made and meticulously Nazis marching on Poland. researched, this highly evocative movie will The birth of twins–a son Mike Burstyn and a appeal to all theater and film buffs. daughter Susan–changed their lives. From here, The film introduces Pesach’ke’s flight from his the movie looks at the family’s life from each per- orthodox parents as a kid through clever use of son’s viewpoint, which is quite funny. None of the vintage silent clips from Yiddish films and narra- Bernsteins remember the same incident like the tion by his wife the still-vibrant Lillian Lux. He other. The kids become part of the act, with Susan eagerly joined the circus and worked with itinerant showing considerable talent as a ventriloquist. European troupes before impresario Boris Eventually, the itinerant actor’s life is too much Tomashefsky recruited him in 1923 for New for Susan, who leaves to marry a much older man. York’s Nora Bayes Theater, where he transformed The ceremony is held at midnight, so the family the U.S. Yiddish stage. won’t miss a performance. Mike became famous Though younger than Pesach’ke, veteran in Israel for a movie musical, “The Two Kuni Yiddish theater actors Fivush Finkel and Shifra Lemls,” but also realizes that he must leave the Lerer still can recall the old days when Second dying Yiddish stage behind and get on with his Avenue was lined with theaters and actors in the career. This film won the best documentary drama Hebrew Actors Union, a snobbish group, rejected in Israel in 1999. It will win your heart! Stella Adler. (85 minutes, Released by New Yorker Films, Pescha’ke became famous with his recording of English and Yiddish, Call 777-FILM).#

Bloomberg crisis, there are far more important ways to continued from page 16 spend 18 million of your tax dollars—and top- pair that it was in. Their intention was to make ping the list is the education of our children. the building a new home for the Museum of the Last week, a reporter asked former Schools City of New York, which is located on 5th Ave. Chancellor Frank Macchiarola what he thought at 103rd Street. However, paying for the muse- of my idea. Dr. Macchiarola said that moving um’s move downtown would have cost the City the headquarters of the public school system to a some $18 million. I support the Museum, and building as impressive as the Tweed Courthouse I will certainly help it raise money for finding a “sends the public the message ‘this is what we new home. But given the City’s current fiscal value.’” I couldn’t agree with him more.#

Sanders We have hundred-year-old overcrowded school buildings that are not equipped with technology of continued from page 16 the 21st Century. To remedy these problems and ial powers over education policy to the exclusion meet the State’s higher learning standards will of the public or parents. require a greater investment on the part of the City. A Chancellor must also have clear and unequiv- Otherwise all our well-intentioned and thoughtful ocal powers to run the day-to-day operations of the governance reforms will falter. sprawling system. Neither the central board nor the During the next few weeks I will be devoting Mayor’s office should be involved in micro-man- every effort to provide the necessary reforms to agement. That should be the job of qualified insure that NYC reclaims its place as the city with administrators with no political ax to grind. the finest public school system in the nation. This If we are wise enough to devise a new paradigm can most certainly be accomplished if we have a for public education governance but we continue sincere desire to arrive at a consensus and if we to under-fund the system, improved academic commit to the investment of ample levels of results will elude us and our children will lose out. resources by both the State and the City. This is a If public education is our No. 1 priority, as it framework for accountability that will show up should be, we must insure that we do not continue where it matters: in every classroom.# to lag behind other districts in the money invested. Assemblyman Sanders is Chairman of the NYS Currently NYC pays its teachers 30 percent less Assembly’s Education Committee. You can con- than nearby suburban districts. We have class tact him either at (212) 979-9696 or at sizes 30 percent larger in the elementary schools. [email protected]. 34 RESOURCE & REFERENCE GUIDE ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2002 Resource &Reference Guide To most people R & R means rest & relaxation. To Lark String Quartet in Concert Computers New York Sports, Gold’s Gym, World Gym, all the Y’s, and Education Update, R & R means Resources & Sunday, April 14; Reisinger Concert Hall; 4 p.m. much more. Call the American Health and Fitness Alliance at References around the city. The listings that follow $10/ $8 students and senior citizens Doublecase Corporation 212-808-0765 (24 Hrs.) to order or for info. Hurry, they’re going will help you gain greater knowledge of the city’s Diane Pascal, violin, Jennifer Orchard, violin, Danielle Farin, 1-800-475-0707 fast! enormous and enriching array of offerings. viola and Astrid Schween, cello will play Haydn's Quartet in D www.doublecase.com Major, Op. 64, No. 5 “Lark”, Peter Schinckele's Quartet No. 2, Internet services BOOKS Manufacturers of the Doublecase line of products, the most In Memoriam and Dvorak's Quintet for piano and strings in A iParadigms (510) 287-9720, www.turnitin.com Bank Street Bookstore, 112th St. & Bway; protective carrying cases for laptop computers, PDAs’ and major, Op. 8. The Lark String Quartet is internationally Purveyors of Turnitin.com, a web based online service (212) 678-1654 other types of mobile technology that money can buy. acclaimed for its interpretations of both contemporary and clas- designed to help prevent digital plagiarism in student papers Exceptional selection of books for children, teachers and par- sical music, and has played in the Lincoln Center's "Great Renaissance Learning Systems and assignments. ents. Knowledgeable staff. Free monthly newsletter. Open Performers" series. The concert will feature Sarah Lawrence P.O. Box 8036, Wisconsin Rapids, Mon-Thurs 10-8 PM, Fri & Sat 10–6 PM, Sun 12–5 PM. College faculty member and pianist Carsten Schmidt. For more Languages WI 54495 -8036, www.advlearn.com information, please call (914) 395-2411. Logos Books, 1575 York Avenue , (@ 84th Street), (212) 517-7292 Toll-Free (800) 338-4204/ Fax: (715) 424-0455 The Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages; (717) 245-1977 A charming neighborhood bookstore located in Yorkville featur- CONCERT Accelerated Reader® reading management software is a th ing quality selections of classics, fiction, poetry, philosophy, reli- THE 49 NORTHEAST CONFERENCE PROVIDES NEW Graduating Students from the M.F.A. gion, bibles and children’s books, as well as greeting cards, breakthrough software program that helps teachers manage lit- YORK LANGUAGE TEACHERS WITH UNIQUE PROFES- Program in Dance to Perform gifts and music. Books can be mailed. Outdoor terrace. erature-based reading, reduce paperwork, and motivate stu- SIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES! For exciting and Thursday, April 11 through Saturday, April 13 dents to read more and better books. Call (877) 988-8042 for a useful professional development opportunities, language HIGH MARKS IN CHEMISTRY 1-877-600-7466 Thursday, April 18th through Saturday, April 20 free catalog. Renaissance Learning Systems, Inc./ P.O. Box teachers in the five boroughs should attend a nationally-recog- Get high marks on chemistry tests and regents exams. Use this Bessie Schoenberg Theater, Performing Arts Center 8036/ Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-8036 Toll-Free (800) 338- nized conference held right on their doorstep-at the Hilton New easy review book, High Marks: Regents Chemistry Made Easy 8 p.m. 4204/ Fax: (715) 424-0455/ Web: www. advlearn.com York— next April 18-21, 2002. The Northeast Conference on by Sharon Welcher. $8.50. Sold over 19,000 books in 19 Free, Reservations Required the Teaching of Foreign Languages is open to all language months. Hurry, get it now and get high marks in chemistry. Dances by second year Masters of Fine Arts candidates. For Accelerated Reader® software helps teachers motivate stu- educators at all levels. It is the largest regional meeting in the Discounts to schools. Call (718) 271-7466, 1-877-600-7466. reservations or information please call (914) 395-2433. dents to dramatically increase literature-based reading prac- U.S.:2,500 of your colleagues from around the country and the tice. As a result, students become better readers and their stan- world come for sessions, workshops, networking, learning, and Camps. CONCERT dardized test scores improve. The program generates more enjoyment! The exhibit hall rivals the national organization’s. April Showers of Song - Eddye Pierce Young Sings than 30 information-packed reports to help teachers assure Sol Goldman YM-YWHA of the Educational Alliance, You will find a wide variety of offerings on our schedule, rang- Sunday, April 21; Reisinger Concert Hall; 4 p.m. success for every student, from pre-literate and emergent to 344 E. 14th Street, New York, N.Y. 10003, ing from hands-on, “Monday morning” techniques to presenta- $10/ $8 students and senior citizens college prep. (212) 780-0800 tions of research findings. Our corporate sponsors provide you Sarah Lawrence College faculty member Eddye Pierce Young, with a “cybervillage” where you can check your e-mail, coffee The New Town Day Camp, for children ages 2.9-6.0 years, is Continuing education soprano, will be accompanied by Warren George Wilson, and lemonade services so you can take a break, and wonder- located at the Sol Goldman Y of The Educational Alliance, 344 piano. The concert will include music by Beethoven, Carlos JASA , Jewish Association; For Services For The Aged , ful programming (concerts, receptions, etc.), among others. E. 14th Street. The camp provides outdoor activities including Gomes, Roger Quilter, David Diamond and Samuel Barber. 132 West 31st Street, 15th Floor, NYC ; (212) 273-5304 And yet, the Northeast Conference is known for its personal, rooftop playground and sprinkler time, and indoor fun with Eddye Pierce Young has performed in concerts in Europe and Sundays at JASA, Continuing Education for Adults 60 and Over friendly, “human-scale” atmosphere and for its “smooth” orga- music, arts & crafts and drama. Field trips to The NY Aquarium, the United States and is the recipient of grants and awards at Martin Luther King High School. Call 212-273-5304 for cata- nization! New York teachers also have a special “perk” :you CP Zoo, and other interesting places play an integral part in the from the Metropolitan Opera and the San Francisco Merola log and information about courses. may bring up to five of your high school students free to the camp program. Call 212-780-0800 Ext. 241. The New Country Opera Program. For more information, please call (914) 395- Conference! If you know students who should think about a Day Camp, for children ages 5-11.5 years, is located at the DANCE PROGRAMS 2411. teaching career, show them the professional side of the job! Henry Kaufman Campgrounds in Staten Island. The camp- New Dance Group Arts Center, This year, the focus is on leadership. Leaders, in our profes- grounds feature two swimming pools, boating ponds, athletic FILM 254 West 47th St., NY NY 10036, (212) 719-2733; www.ndg.org sion, are classroom teachers, mentors, association presidents, fields, and hiking and nature trails. Call 212-780-2300, Ext.. "Children of the Underground" Musical Theater Program for kids/young adults. Dance classes committed parents, and methods instructors. Each must find 357. The Edgies and Torah Tots Day Camps are located at the - An Award-winning First Film by Documentary in all disciplines. Teaching/rehearsal space available.Located the strength to go back to the classroom or the office and con- Educational Alliance, 197 E. Broadway. Both camps are for Filmmaker Edet Belzberg between Broadway and 8th Avenue. front reality daily. Each must also find the courage to create a children ages 2-5 years and provide outdoor/indoor play, art Wednesday, April 24; Titsworth Lecture Hall; 6:30 p.m. new reality from his or her vision. For more information, call activities, dramatic play, music, water play, trips, picnics, and Free Uptown Dance Academy / Harlem Karate Institute, Inc. 2234 717-245-1977 or email [email protected] more. Torah Tots features strong emphasis on Jewish practice. "Children of the Underground," nominated for a 2002 Academy Third Ave., 2nd floor (122d St) NYC 10035, Phone (212) 987-5030 Call 212-780-2300, Ext. 360. Award, is Edet Belzberg's first full-length work. Documenting All new Uptown Dance Academy offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip SINGLISH 877-375-7464(SING); www.singlish.com CareErs the lives of abandoned children living in the subway tunnels of Hop, Drumming, Piano, Gymnastics, Modern, Voice and Adult Build Languages The Fun Way! Accelerating language and Bucharest, Romania, this film won a special jury prize at the Classes. Spice up your Spring with Salsa Lessons on Tues and Mila Begun, MA, WORKWISE Career Strategies, learning through traditional kid’s songs. Visit our website or call: 2001 Sundance Film Festival. Following the screening Edet Thurs at 6:30 pm. 212) 874-1885 877-375-SING. Belzberg will speak about making the film, and will be available Editing services Mid-career change and renewal for professionals. Stay on to answer questions. For more information, please call (914) Medicine & health services track or set new goals. You can change careers or make the 395-2411. Editing Services, (212) 423-0965, (646) 479-5433 Psychotherapy, A Jungian Approach, (646) 221-9135 most of the one you have when you learn to identify and show- Theses, Dissertations, Manuscripts, Articles and Reports. I’ll • Dreams • Gender • Culture • Relationships case your best skills. Affordable Rates. PERFORMANCE make your work look its best and sound its best. Reasonable Paul Stein • Licensed • 30 years experience COLLEGES Wit rates call (212) 423-0965 or (646) 479-5433 Friday, April 26; Reisinger Concert Hall; 7 p.m. Ralph W. Larkin, Ph.D.; (212) 889-3428, (800) 352-9139 Henry Ettinger, O.D., F.A.A.O., (212) 265-4609 Sarah Lawrence College $10 Thesis problem? Help in all phases, academic research, con- Is Your Child Easily Distracted? EXHIBIT As part of the continuing lecture series, "Understanding the sulting services. Visit us at www.academicresearchsvc.com. Concentration is adversely affected by poor visual processing Handmade Rustic Chairs - Works by Pamela Starobin End of Life," co-sponsored by the Sarah Lawrence College skills. Recent studies show these skills can be dramatically Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 30 Masters Program in Health Advocacy and the Janssen Educational software improved (three year + gains in 10 weeks, in some cases) with Esther Raushenbush Library Memorial Hospice, this final event will consist of a reading of Infinity Softworks, (503) 690-3134, www.infinitysw.com one-on-one therapy. Dr. Henry Ettinger and staff provide a free Free Margaret Edson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play by the Sarah Manufacturers of Power One Graph, a graphing application for screening for children who struggle with reading. For more A former librarian at Sarah Lawrence College, Pamela Starobin Lawrence College Theatre Department, followed by a panel your Palm compatible PDA designed to duplicate all the func- information please call (212) 265-4609, www. nyvision.org is now a rustic furniture maker. Commonly termed "twig furni- discussion. For more information, please call (914) 395-2371. tions of an advanced scientific calculator and more. ture" for its ornamental twig backrests, rustic furniture com- NYU Child Study Center, 550 First Avenue, NYC; (212) 263-6622. bines Shaker simplicity with found tree limbs. Each piece is LECTURE Sleek Software, (512) 327-5167, www.sleek.com The NYU Child Study Center, a comprehensive treatment and unique and is created using mortise and tenon joinery. For Why Choose Art? - A Panel with Dance Alumnae/i from Sarah Manufacturers of educational titles including Incredible Tutor, a research center for children’s psychological health at NYU more information please call (914) 395-2470. Lawrence College standards-based tutoral software package designed to develop Medical Center, now offers specialized services for attention- Monday, April 29 reading, writing, and mathematics skills. deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety-related problems, consul- CONCERT Bessie Schoenberg Theater, Performing Arts Center tations for learning disabilities and giftedness, and seminars on Laurentian String Quartet in Concert 3:45 p.m. Webroot Software, 1-800-772-9383, www.webroot.com parenting and child development. Call for more information. Wednesday, April 10; Reisinger Concert Hall; 8 p.m. Free Producers of Childsafe 5.0 and Winguardian, software internet $10/ $8 students and senior citizens A panel discussion with alumnae of the SLC dance department: filtration and monitoring utilities for both school and home. Columbia University - Harlem Hospital Lung Center Cathy Appel, Renee Redding-Jones, Eliza Miller, and Rashaun Do you have Asthma? Volunteers needed for Asthma study. Sugrai Sohn, violin, Larry Watson, violin, Joel Rudin, viola and Educational Toys and aids Daniel Miller, cello will play music by Ravel, Shostakovich and Mitchell. Cathy Appel is the Clinical Coordinator for the Harlem Hospital & Columbia University are studying ways to Samuel Barber. For more information please call (914) 395- Creative and Movement Arts Psychotherapy Program at the Vanguard Crafts, 1081 East 48th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11234. improve the treatment of Asthma at no cost to you. You can 2411 International Center for the Disabled. A recipient of a Bessie, Compare and Save on Arts & Crafts Supplies & Group Project Packs, earn up to $1100 for participating. Call (212) 939-8360. Renee Redding-Jones recently joined the Sarah Lawrence (718) 377-5188 OPEN HOUSE College dance department. Dances by Eliza Miller have been Our low, low prices, big selection and speedy delivery help you Weight Loss Study; 1-800-782-2737; www.rucares.org Women's History Program Open House with presented at a number of venues including Danspace to create a fabulous Arts & Crafts program without blowing your Lose Weight Under Medical Supervision Guest Speaker Mab Segrest DraftWorks at St.Mark's Church, the 92nd Street Y and the budget. Start SAVING NOW! Call for a free catalog: (718) 377- Health Overweight Women, Age 20 to 40 Thursday, April 11, 2002 Teatro Ravenna in Ravenna, Italy. Rashaun Mitchell was 5188. Join An Inpatient Study on Weight Loss. awarded a 1999 Viola Farber-Slayton Memorial Grant from the Work and School allowed Pillow Room, Esther Raushenbush Library EVENTS 5 p.m. Open House Foundation for Contemporary Performance Art. For more infor- Rockefeller University Hospital 6 p.m. Mab Segrest to speak mation, please call (914) 395-2433. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Advanced Degrees in Medicine, Science, and the Health Free Imagine the sights! Imagine the sounds! Imagine what marvels Professions at New York Medical College Program Director Priscilla Murolo will be available to answer CONCERT might appear! A whirl of delights and each one astounds! It's Valhalla, New York; (914) 594-4000; www.nymc.edu questions about the Women's History Graduate Program. Mab The Sarah Lawrence College Orchestra Plays Classical Jazz hard to imagine... and yes folks, it's here! The 2002 Ringling Segrest has written extensively on racism, homophobia and Tuesday, April 30; Reisinger Concert Hall; 8 p.m. Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to New York!!! Free capitalism. Her Memoirs of a Race Traitor was named an guest passes to health clubs schools Outstanding Book on Human Rights in America. In her lecture, The Sarah Lawrence College Orchestra will play a program of TEEN HELP she will read from her third book of essays, Born to Belonging, works showing the influence of jazz on the classical concert tra- American Health & Fitness Alliance, (212) 808-0765 Effective Affiliated Programs: 800-220-4908 (Rutgers University Press). For more information, please call dition, including works by Stravinsky, Darius Milhaud and Kurt Be their guest—get the Fitness Access Passbook—swim, • Results backed by a Warranty (914) 395-2405. Weil, and concluding with a collaboration between the Sarah exercise, have fun. For $65.00 you’ll get over 200 guest pass- • Hundreds of Testimonials Lawrence College Orchestra and the Jazz Colloquium. For es to over 75 of the best fitness clubs in New York and the tri- • Strong Family Values • Starting at $1,990 per month CONCERT more information, please call (914) 395-2411. state area. Includes NY Health and Racquet, Bally’s, Crunch, APRIL 2002 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ RESOURCE & REFERENCE GUIDE 35 Resource &Reference Guide The Harlem School of the Arts, 645 St. Nicholas Ave., NYC; The Sterling School, (718) 625--3502 tests. I provide private tutoring, in your home, tailored to the Literacy Partners, (212) 725-9200 (212) 926-4100 ext. 304 Brooklyn’s private elementary school for Dyslexic children offers individual needs of your child. Call me for your SAT I & II, PSAT, For over 27 years, LITERACY PARTNERS has helped adults Learning continues after school at The Harlem School of the Arts, a rigorous curriculum, Orton - Gillingham methodology and ISEE/SSAT & SSHSAT needs. Academic tutoring also avail- develop the reading,writing, and math skills they need to man- an afterschool conservatory where the arts educate, stimulate and hands-on multi-sensory learning. One-to-one remedation is also able. age and succeed in day-to-day living.We need volunteers to motivate your child. Music, dance, theater, visual arts and much, provided. If your bright Language Learning Disabled child could tutor groups of students at our Manhattan learning centers. We much more!! benefit from our program please do not hesitate to contact SAT Tutorials, (212) 966-2860 offer training, ongoing support, and an exciting opportunity for Director: Ruth Aberman at 718-625-3502. All subjects, all levels, specializing in Math, Science & English, personal and intellectual enrichment. Please call Anika Schools & You, (718)-230-8971; www.schools+you.com H.S. Entrance Exam, SAT I & II, GRE-GMAT, Award-winning. Simmons at (212) 802-1120 if you are interested. Consultations and workshops offer advisory services for parents Windward School, considering PreK-8th grade public or independent schools in (914) 949-8310 Private SAT Tutoring, John Christianson, web pages Brooklyn and Manhattan. Individually family and group sessions Windward is a co-educational, independent day school for learn- (646) 567-1194, (212) 592-4468, www.AboutOurKids.org E- mail: [email protected] can be scheduled Sept. - May. Meetings can take place at work, at ing disabled students, grades 1–12, located in White Plains, NY. Provides scientifically-based child mental health and parenting home, by phone, day or evening. The school selects students of average to superior intelligence Raised scores for hundreds of students. Reasonable rates. information through a continually-expanding store of practical who can benefit from the unique educational approach it pro- Flexible scheduling in the convenience of your home. and accessible articles based on the latest research in child psy- The International Center in New York; (212) 255-9555 vides. Students stay at Windward approximately 2–5 years and Academic tutoring also available in math, english, reading, writ- Assists international students and immigrants improving their chiatry, psychology, and development. It’s a reliable resource for then return to mainstream settings. The upper school is ing and other subjects. English and learning American customs/culture. Volunteer conver- both common challenges, such as toilet training, and more seri- designed to prepare students for a successful college experi- sation partners needed. Minimum commitment; maximum satisfac- ous problems, such as depression. ence. Solve & Prevent Reading & Writing Difficulties tion. Jacquelyn Bonomo, Ed. D., 212-774-0724 women’s services sports and recreation Licensed Reading & Learning Specialist 18 yrs. private prac- Women’s Rights at Work, St. Thomas Choir School, 202 West 58th St., NYC 10019 Asphalt Green Sports and Fitness for a Lifetime tice. Diagnosis, tutoring grades 1 thru adult. From phonics for (888) 979-7765 (212) 247-3311; www.choirschool.org www.asphaltgreen.org ; (212) 369-8890 reading & spelling to study skills, reading efficiency for adults, If your third grade son is musical and you would value a caring, WRW, sponsored by Citizen Action NY, runs a toll-free helpline Asphalt Green is dedicated to assisting individuals of all ages writing & SAT. Upper East Side Location. and free monthly forums for women experiencing workplace Christian environment for him, why not discover for yourself this 1/2 and backgrounds to achieve a lifetime of fitness. The 5 acre sexual harassment. Contact us at (888) 979-7765; visit us: unique American experience with an English accent? campus includes a swimming complex, fitness center, Sylvan Learning, 1-800-EDUCATE Full tuition is only 20% of the true cost and further Financial Aid is www.citizenactionny.org. AstroTurf field, basketball courts and theater offering a variety Sylvan Learning Centers are the nations leading provider of guaranteed to all those who need it. With outstanding academics of programs for adults and kids. supplemental education. Individualized instruction in reading, WRITING CLASSES / WORKSHOPS and choral training by world-renowned Gerre Hancock, this is an mathematics, writing, and study skills and test prep is offered Gotham Writers’ Workshop Teen Program, unbeatable bargain. So do call the Headmaster, Gordon Roland- Teacher PLACEMENT in centers conveniently located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Ages 11-14, 15-18. (212)-WRITERS (974-8377), Adams, on (212) 247-3311 to see for yourself. Manhattan Placements, 501 East 79th Street, (212) 288-3507 Queens, and Staten Island. Instruction is offered year-round. www.WritingClasses.com A personal and highly effective placement company for teach- Hours are flexible. Contact us today at 1-800-EDUCATE or at Gotham Writers’ Workshop, offers afterschool and online writ- SPECIAL EDUCATION ers, administrators and department heads serving New York, www.educate.com. ing programs for teenagers. 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