AwardAward Volume XXIV, No. 3 • New York City • JAN/FEB 2019 www.EducationUpdate.com Winner CUTTING EDGE NEWS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE

SHAEL POLAKOW- SURANSKY PRESIDENT, BANK STREET COLLEGE 2 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

GUEST EDITORIAL Education Update

MAILING ADDRESS: 695 Park Avenue, Ste. E1509, NY, NY 10065 Investing in the First 1,000 Days of Life Email: [email protected] Children ages six to 17 the child’s exploration, signifying that Web: www.EducationUpdate.com Tel: 212-650-3552 Fax: 212-410-0591 who have had two or more what she does is important and modeling PUBLISHERS: ACEs are twice as likely to language that is connected to the child’s Pola Rosen, Ed.D., Adam Sugerman, M.A. be disengaged from school. interests. ADVISORY COUNCIL: Most of the achievement To achieve this level of care, we need April Bedford, Ph.D., Dean of Education, gap between rich and poor to develop a strong public infrastructure Brooklyn College; Dominic Brewer, Ph.D., children is already evident for child care. At Bank Street, we’re Dean of Education, New York University Steinhardt; Mark Cannizzaro, Pres., CSA; before children start kin- working with cities across the country— Christine Cea, Ph.D., NYS Board of Regents; dergarten and it stubbornly including New York, Newark, and New Mary Driscoll, Ph.D., Dean, CCNY; Shelia persists as children enter Haven—to help strengthen the systems Evans-Tranumn, Chair, Board of Trustees, and complete secondary of care and education for the youngest Casey Family Programs Foundation; Scott Evenbeck, Ph.D., President, Guttman school. students. We are also increasing our Community College, CUNY; Charlotte K. But adverse childhood reach into local communities—includ- Frank, Ph.D., Sr. Advisor, McGraw-Hill; experiences are not desti- ing through a project in East New York, Joan Freilich, Ph.D., Trustee, College of ny. Supportive, responsive Brooklyn working with early childhood New Rochelle; Andrew Gardner, Director, BrainPOP Educators; Kenneth Gold, relationships with parents caregivers to build the skills necessary Ph.D., Dean of Education, College of Staten or caregivers working in to provide quality care for our nation’s Island; Cynthia Greenleaf, Ed.M., J.D., the child-care setting can youngest and most vulnerable children. Former Dir. of Partnerships, Chicago Public mitigate the effects of these As a nation, we spend close to $600 Schools; Donne Kampel, Ph.D., Dean, Touro College; Augusta S. Kappner, Ph.D., experiences. In short, a billion a year on K–12 education while President Emerita, Bank St. College; Harold child’s first 1,000 days are only allocating $20 billion to child care Koplewicz, M.D., Pres., Child Mind Institute; a moment to be seized, a and educational supports before children Shenzhan Liao, Director of Education, China moment to actually level start school. Per capita, we are spending Institute; Cecelia McCarton, M.D., Dir., The McCarton Center; Craig Michaels, Ph.D., the playing field, a moment roughly 10 times less on education for Dean of Education, Queens College; Michael to stop the achievement our youngest children at precisely the Mulgrew, Pres., UFT; Eric Nadelstern, gap before it starts. Missing moment when the potential impact is Prof. of Educational Leadership, Teachers this small but vital win- greatest. You will find the opposite pat- College; Alfred S. Posamentier, Ph.D., LIU; Rose Rudnitski, Dean, School of Education, dow of opportunity leads tern in every other wealthy nation in the Mercy College; John Russell, Ed.D., Head, to the need for expensive— world. Not surprisingly, their educational Windward School; Michael Sampson, Ph.D., and all too often failing— outcomes are soaring while our students Dean of Education, St. John’s University; efforts in our schools to fall further behind. Debra Shanley, Ph.D., Prof. , Brooklyn College; Ronald P. Stewart, Head, York Prep; play catch-up. This is a test of our commitment to Adam Sugerman, Publisher, Palmiche Press Analyses of multiple equity and whether we have the will MANAGING EDITOR: early care and education to cultivate human potential during the Adam Sugerman By PRESIDENT SHAEL programs show that every dollar spent on earliest years of life. There are 15 million ASSOCIATE EDITORS: POLAKOW-SURANSKY high-quality, birth-to-five programs serv- children in this country under the age of Heather Rosen Faulkner, Rob Wertheimer Ninety percent of our brain architecture ing disadvantaged children yields a 13% three. They need us to do better. # SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR: Lydia Liebman is built during the first 1,000 days of life, annual return. High-quality early child- Shael Polakow-Suransky is the presi- STAFF WRITERS: with more than one million new neural hood care leads to higher rates of high dent of Bank Street College of Education. Jan Aaron, Joan Baum, Ph.D., Miranda connections formed every second. These school graduation and reduced rates of Goodwin-Raab, Gillian Granoff, Merryl Kafka, connections establish the foundation for heart and metabolic disease, adolescent Ed.D., Sybil Maimin, Samantha Nazareth, M.D., Kisa Schell future learning—including our cognitive pregnancy, and incarceration. Connect with Education Update GUEST COLUMNIST: and social-emotional development. At Bank Street, a central part of our Dr. Rebecca Mannis; Dr. Kate Molloy; We know from recent scientific mission is to expand access and improve on these social media outlets: Margaux Montagner; Assembly Member research that if a baby grows up exposed Rebecca A. Seawright; Dana Stahl; John the quality of early care and education. Tanacredi, Ph.D. to what is known as “toxic stress” due Research links low-quality child care BOOK REVIEWS: to violence, homelessness, lack of food, to toxic stress and developmental dam- Joan Baum, Ph.D. neglect, or other trauma, these experi- age. When an infant spends a year with LAW EDITOR: ences trigger the baby’s natural fight someone who fails to form a relationship Scan QR Code Arthur Katz, J.D. or flight responses in her brain, which with her, it has an impact on behavior, LAW REPORTER & ETHICIST: Jacob Appel, M.D., J.D. releases cortisol into her body. With learning, and potential for years to come. with your MATHEMATICS EDITOR: extended exposure to these kinds of The antiquated and inaccurate notion Smartphone Alfred Posamentier, Ph.D. stressful or unpredictable early experi- that “anyone can take care of babies” MEDICAL EDITOR: ences, cortisol starts to rewire a child’s is part of the problem and has led to Herman Rosen, M.D., F.A.C.P. brain architecture, impacting the devel- inadequate public funding, low wages, MOVIE & THEATER REVIEWS: IN THIS ISSUE Jan Aaron opment of language, memory, and self- and low-quality child care. There is a big SPORTS EDITOR: control. It can also inhibit an infant’s difference between meeting the child’s Guest Editorials...... 2, 24 Mike Cohen ability to learn and form trusting relation- feeding and diapering needs and provid- Colleges & Grad Schools... 3, 8, 22, 23, 27 ART DIRECTOR: ships. Adverse childhood experiences— ing care that will nourish the child’s mind Neil Schuldiner Rebecca Seawright...... 6 or ACEs—occur for children across the and body. VIDEOGRAPHER: Carlos del Rosario socio-economic spectrum, but because High-quality child care starts with Book...... 9 of institutionalized forms of inequality, strong, nurturing relationships that are Education Update is an independent news- Sports...... 14 paper, which is published bimonthly by children growing up poor are often more stable and offer children a secure base Obituary...... 14 Education Update, Inc.. All material is copy- vulnerable. from which to engage in new experiences righted and may not be printed without express Researchers have found that children within a thoughtfully planned routine. Ethics...... 18 consent of the publisher. under five who have had two or more In a high-quality child-care setting, a Law...... 18 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ACEs are over four times more likely to child is free to explore and—impor- Math...... 18 Education Update; 695 Park Avenue, Ste. have trouble calming themselves down, tantly—come back to her caregiver when E1509, New York, NY 10065-5024. Medical Update...... 19 can be easily distracted, and have a she needs to “refuel” to continue her Subscription: Annual $30. hard time making and keeping friends. learning. The caregiver comments on Music...... 20 Copyright © 2019 Education Update JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 3

EducationUpdate_11.5.INSERTION.indd 1 12/13/18 10:55 AM 4 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

Best Practices Based Universal Preschool in Cuba on Brain Science By REBECCA MANNIS, Ph.D. What makes for best practice in edu- cation? The answer to this question can differ depending on whom you ask and whether that person’s lens is more ‘wide-angle’ or specialized. Best prac- tice vision can change when consider- ing classroom needs or an individual student. The Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) best practices direc- tory for 2018 offers methods and materi- als that are ‘promising, validated and exemplary.’ Fluency, the ability to effi- fluency shaping later learning, popular ciently access information and skills, press decries the lack of consistent read- impacts learning at various ages and ing instruction in public and private stages and serves as a case study in con- schools. sidering K–12 best practices. We can all get on board to address this, Recent brain research provides insights with an eye toward the culture of each By KATE MOODY, Ed.D. about learning as a life-long process. school and the needs of our diverse stu- The government recognized that young Learning happens against the backdrop dents. The EOA notes that best practices Calls for universal preschool are every- children need a safe place to stay dur- of two brain processes. Children’s brains can be modified to particular programs, where, but our country has not delivered. ing the day. Children may stay all day, grow in the number and size of synapses, the children in them, and the content Oddly enough, a model for the United while learning about personal hygiene, or brain cell connections. At the same being taught. Dyann Kaufman, learn- States can be found just 90 miles to the and sometimes numbers and letters. They time, a pruning process nibbles away ing specialist at The Avenues School south, in our neighbor, Cuba. That island eat, sleep, sing and—mostly—play. at those brain cells to create stronger, notes that Avenues teaches fluency in the nation has been acclaimed by UNESCO Preescolar, or preschool, begins at age more efficient pathways. University of lower grades by systematically introduc- as one of a few countries to provide uni- five when all children are required to Washington researchers reported struc- ing skills in different formats, with indi- versal preschool for all, and cites Cuban attend for one year before entering pri- tural changes in the white matter of vidual or group work that brings in vari- education the best in Latin America. mary school. Like daycare, it is free. I vis- school-aged children after eight weeks of ous senses. In grades 3-5, Avenues rein- As a lifelong educator from a rich ited the preschool of my Cuban friend’s intensive reading instruction. forces fluency with selected independent nation, I wanted to see first-hand what five year-old son in Havana arriving at These neuroscience findings align with practice and small group ‘buddy reading’ teaching systems look like in a poor nine o’clock, and was greeted by fourteen our understanding of skills development activities. Other schools pride themselves country that has demonstrated world- children and their teacher lined up on the in grade school. Fluency was one of the on high levels of customization per indi- class commitment to education. In 2008 front steps, waving and smiling. Cuban skills which showed particular gains and vidual learning style and goals rather I received a travel license from the US youth are taught how to greet a visitor increased brain development. Professor than adhering to one methodology or Department of Treasury, and have trav- with civility and respect, especially a Jeanne Chall discussed these skills in her one tech tool. To Dr. Manju Banerjee of eled to Cuba regularly ever since. A ques- foreign one. classic Stages of Reading Development, Landmark College, we start by engag- tion: If Cuba, a poor country, can provide The school day begins with Saludos, or which just marked its thirty-fifth anni- ing students to be self-determined and early childhood education for all, why greetings, then twenty minutes of gym, versary of publication. She wrote that have agency over whichever strategy will can’t we—rather, why haven’t we? then Lengua Materna, or Language, systematic, phonics-based instruction work best for them. Skill development is In Cuba, the child’s education begins Phonics, Math, Recess, Natural Science, fosters accurate and fluent reading, the personalized and students feel supported before birth, when health and educa- Play with Manipulative Objects, Clean- building blocks for reading comprehen- in their learning approach.” tional potential are nurtured by careful Up Time, Lunch, Naptime (90 minutes), sion and thinking critically about text. Dr. We parents and professionals can attention to the mother’s physical and Physical Education, Art, Independent Chall shaped 1970s and1980s best prac- help our children develop the fluency emotional well-being, and provided to Activities, and Computer Lab. To prepare tices, demonstrating that that ‘learning to skills they need to learn and grow. This everyone at no cost. When a woman for naptime, all the children’s tables were read’ in the early grades enables students happens with committed, well-trained becomes pregnant she is expected to visit pushed to the end of the rectangular room to effectively and confidently ‘read to teachers who implement systematic tech- her family doctor to begin a program of and fourteen catres, or folding cots for learn’ new subject matter in middle and niques. These teachers can be supported pre-natal health care, including at least sleeping were set up. upper school. This helps youngsters pro- to monitor children’s growth in varied, twelve visits. Care includes consultations The preschool experience in Cuba cess and access information for use in consistent ways and to adapt instruc- on pregnancy and the woman’s psycho- melds national healthcare and the edu- new contexts. Karyn Slutsky, Assistant tion to those findings. Children’s fluency logical and physiological readiness to be cational programs described above. Director of Queens Paidea School notes, grows with consistent independent and a mom. The family doctor will reinforce According to the World Bank, Cuba ‘Fluency of component skills is the basis guided practice and when students are the idea of the normalness of preventive spends 13% of its national budget on edu- of a firm foundation of any competency, encouraged to develop insights about healthcare measures—rather than think- cation, a greater percentage than any other whereas a shaky foundation leads to using skills across their coursework. Best ing of healthcare only as a response to country. Clearly the U.S. has the financial instability, insecurity, and anxiety.’ practices in fluency provide our children illness or crisis. resources to provide free and universal Fluency is relevant to best practices the techniques and tools to learn effi- Other programs support family mem- pre-school education for all. The question discussion about ‘personalized learn- ciently and effectively as they progress bers as caregivers and empower them as is: Do we have the political will? # ing,’ the trend toward computer-based through formal education to ultimately the child’s first teachers. A program called © Kate Moody, Ed.D., 2018 delivery of instruction. While technology explore their passions beyond the class- Educa a Tu Hijo, or Educate Your Child, Dr. Kate Moody is a lifelong educa- can play a role in practicing facts, the room. It enables them to then be well- provides coaching about childcare for tor and author. Her book, The People’s way that we incorporate digital informa- informed and curious members of soci- parents and others close to the child. The Professors of Cuba: How the Nation tion differs from how we process print ety. Let’s use what we know about brain parents each receive paid family leave Achieved Education for All, was recently content. UCLA Professor Dr. Maryann science and best practices in learning the from their jobs. released by Lexington Books. Wolf’s Reader Come Home reports that basics to help our children become digital Beginning at age six weeks, a Cuban To order with a 50% discount, see college students who read digital content citizens and citizens of the world who child may attend the Círculo Infantil, the publisher’s website: rowman.com/ were less able to draw conclusions and shape our society for good. # or Infant Circle, in the neighborhood ISBN/9781498557702/The-People’s- connections from digital content than Dr. Rebecca Mannis is a graduate or parent’s workplace. The círculo is Professors-of-Cuba-How-the-Nation- peers who read the same texts in print of Harvard and can be reached at her an informal daycare center founded to Achieved-Education-for-All, and enter form. Although the research ‘is in’ about private practice, [email protected] free women to work outside the home. the discount code: MOODY50. JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 5 6 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

Sgt. York, a Military Assemblywoman Rebecca Hero, for Whom York Seawright Speaks on Opioids Avenue in NYC is Named As your neighbor in our our society. How can we community and as a mother prevent this from happen- of two college students, I ing? Those facing addiction view the national crisis we to opioids did not always are facing regarding opi- become acquainted with oid addiction as distressing the drug on dark street cor- and in need of action; as ners, but rather because they

Courtesy of Gerald York your legislature representa- obtained and abused pre- tive, I have been working scription painkillers. That’s with leadership in Albany why a major piece of the to help ensure that action state legislation adopted was is both comprehensive and to limit the number of days a Gerald York Sergeant Alvin York effective. During the 2016 doctor could prescribe such legislative session, I sup- prescription drugs bringing By ADAM SUGERMAN to try and silence the machine guns ported sweeping legislation to combat it down from 30 days to just 7. It also & POLA ROSEN that had stopped the forward advance the opioid and heroin crisis in New York requires pharmacists provide understand- Sergeant Alvin York’s grandson, Gerald of the American troops. They came State. While it is impossible to legislate able warnings about the risks associated York from Tennessee, recently appeared across a German headquarters and imme- good health and happiness, it is possible with pain medication as part of the script. in NYC arranged by Assemblywoman diately captured about 70 Germans. The to legislate resources and budget funding We included a mandate that physicians Rebecca Seawright. We were privileged machine guns on the hill turned their that can help each individual achieve bet- and other professionals who prescribe to interview him. guns around and fired on the Americans. ter health and an enriched quality of life. pain medication participate in education When did your grandfather serve Six were immediately killed and three Our response, as elected government on addiction and pain management. By in World War I? Where did he serve, were wounded and the rest were pinned representatives, to the opioid epidemic putting these safeguards into place we and what rank did he obtain? He was down by the machine gun fire. He was in in our State was considered in the same reduce the number of our people in New drafted in 1917 and arrived in France a position to fire on the German machine manner any thoughtful and caring family York who initially enter into the cycle in 1918 with the 82nd All American guns and being an excellent marksman, would react to a complicated health or of opioid use through prescription pain Division. He was a Corporal and was in was able to pick off several machine safety crisis in their own home; acknowl- medication. an Infantry Company. gun emplacements as they looked to see edge there is a problem, confront the The next issue of concern was opi- What did he do to earn the medal of from where he was firing. At one point issue, and provide supportive resourc- oid overdose and how often it could honor from the US? He was involved he was rushed by a group of Germans es to assist the individual rehabilitate, lead to death. According to the New in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive to break and he used his pistol to shoot from the recover, and reach potential. York State Department of Health, in the German lines and he and 17 others back to the front of the group until the Sadly, the use of opioids has become 2016 there were 8,444 reported opioid were sent to go behind the enemy lines continued on page 31 ingrained in the lives of too many in continued on page 31

Four Key Elements of Excellence By EVA MOSKOWITZ, FOUNDER & CEO of SUCCESS SUCCESS ACADEMY EDUCATION INSTITUTE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOLS Launched in 2017, the Success Academy Education Institute is a Success Academy is a New York City digital platform that gives teachers and school leaders instant access charter school network that, with 47 to the building blocks of Success Academy’s approach to schooling — K–12 schools, is the seventh largest on demand, and at no cost. This includes our complete K–8 reading school system in New York State. Before curriculum, virtual tours, and blueprints of our elementary, middle, I opened my first school in Harlem in and high school models, and a growing catalog of professional 2006, I had never run a school before. development e-courses for educators. To figure out what I wanted for my stu- dents, and to develop a school design that THE ROBERTSON CENTER incorporated both my own beliefs about Located in New York’s Hudson Yards neighborhood, the Robertson education as well as effective practices, Center serves as the headquarters for the Success Academy Education I visited dozens of schools across the Institute. Bringing together a dynamic digital platform, state-of-the-art country — public charter, district, and training facility, and Success Academy’s first K–8 lab school, the Center private. Today, as the highest performing provides free and open access to the building blocks of our approach school system in the state (98% of our this country severely underestimates the to schooling. With a robust calendar of professional development scholars meet state standards in math, intellectual capabilities of children and offerings and public programming, the Center offers a one-of-a-kind and 93% do so in ELA), I continue to that great schools should pitch high so setting to accelerate the pursuit of outstanding public schools. visits schools each year to learn from my that students experience the benefits of peers and inform ongoing refinements intellectual struggle. For this to hap- and adjustments to our model. pen, strong content and curriculum are I firmly believe that while there are critical. We have put enormous effort having schools that span K–12 helps porate this learning into teacher training. many different ways to achieve excel- into filling our curriculum with sophisti- immensely. When we discover that our 2. An intensive focus on the adults. lence in schooling — great schools can cated, content-rich texts, fascinating and high schoolers or middle school students We have a saying at Success Academy be single sex, or traditional, or progres- complex math problems, illuminating have gaps in necessary knowledge and that while education is for children, it is sive, or arts focused — having an explicit science experiments, and questions that skills, we make adjustments to our cur- about the adults. We spend an enormous school design that is informed by a provoke deep, analytical thought. As we riculum to ensure they are addressed. amount of time and resources on develop- clear standard of excellence is essential. have developed these materials, we have Because all our schools share the same ing our educators, based on the assump- At Success Academy, our school design worked backwards from what we want curriculum, we can learn from teachers tion that when our kids aren’t learning, consists of several core elements: our kids to know and be able to do when and schools that are delivering the mate- it is adult practice that must change. Our 1. Academic rigor: We believe that they enter college, and in this regard, rials with the greatest impact, and incor- continued on page 31 JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 7

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Gala at the College Saturday Science by of Staten Island with Molloy College By MARGAUX MONTAGNER President William Fritz Saturday, December 8th marked the last “Saturday Science for Students” of the season. Organized by Molloy College’s Center For Environmental Research and Coastal Oceans Monitoring (CERCOM) and the Explorer's Club, the series of confer- ences features scientists from differ- ent fields presenting their career paths and their research to high-school students. With temperatures barely reaching the 30s that Saturday morn- ing, parka-clad teenagers streamed in the holiday-decorated conference room, with wreaths adorning the antique stained-glass windows, to hear about environmental engineer- (L-R) Dr. Christine Cea, NYS Board of Regents, ing with Dr. Mark Ringenary. An enthusiastic and energetic Pres. William Fritz, The College of Staten Island & Dr. Vita C. speaker, Dr. Ringenary started his Rabinowitz, Interim Chancellor, The City University of New York conference by confessing to his audi- ence that he had little plans for the future when he was their age: “In Margaux Montagner get acquainted high school, I actually wasn’t even with the polar bear who resides at planning on going to college. (...) the Explorer's Club I just didn’t know what I wanted to do”. He instead chose to focus on dred different bird species come through mechanics and woodwork. After graduat- the bay, such as the Piping Plover, mak- ing, however, he still chose to further his ing it popular with the Audubon Society education, as he enjoyed learning, and as well. Dr. Ringenary presented part earned a degree in biology while work- of his work in the bay on the effects of ing in landscaping to finance his studies. pollution and water quality on wildlife. Once he earned his degree in 1997, Dr. “Everything we do has an impact on our Ringenary had difficulties finding work, estuaries and our ecosystem”, he noted. as he lacked relevant experience — he If the water coming out of treatment advised the crowd to do internships and plants contains too much nitrogen and volunteer as much as possible, as to not nutrients, for instance, too much algae repeat his mistakes. As he was a bit at a would grow and then decay, causing a (L-R) Caroline Diamond Harrison (Advance Publisher); President William loss, he decided to apply for work in the drop in oxygen levels. His research also Fritz; Alice Diamond, Brian Laline, Editor, Staten Island Advance; and medical field for laboratory work, even- focused on the effects of lead concentra- tually becoming a medical technologist. tion in water, which was eventually used Jane Kurtin (Reporter who broke Willowbrook story) His work led him to various fields, for Flint, Michigan residents in their fight such as hematology, immunobiology, and for clean water. By ADAM SUGERMAN nation. ” microbiology while earning a masters in An event of note also occurred this Few readers recall the heart-breaking Amid the beauty of fragrant holiday medical technology. He planned to go to year in Jamaica Bay: a Kemp’s Ridley news story about the terrible conditions wreaths and fresh winter garland, the medical school afterwards, but none of sea turtle, the most endangered sea turtle at Willowbrook, a center for students and Richmond County Country Club provided his applications panned out: “That was a species in the world, laid eggs on the people with difficulty functioning in soci- the perfect setting for more than 250 rev- bust for me”, he laughed. “I just wasn’t Rockaway Peninsula. Such behavior had ety in Staten Island which first appeared elers who flocked to the former Italianate doctor material, I guess”. Dr. Ringenary never been observed before, as these tur- in the Staten Island Advance. The school mansion Saturday evening to celebrate the then had to choose between different tles typically nest in the Gulf of Mexico was open from 1947–1987. Conditions College of Staten Island’s ninth annual fields for the next step in his career: — a testament to the Parks department’s prompted Senator Robert Kennedy to call Celestial Ball. medical and veterinary, computer science effort in keeping the bay a haven for it a “snake pit.” The Celestial Ball is the college’s only or environmental science. He picked the wildlife. One hundred ten eggs were Fast-forward to 2018: In addressing annual event that raises much needed latter, as he believed it would give him eventually saved and incubated before the crowd, City University of New York funds to benefit all aspects of the college more opportunities for field work, right- high tides and Nor’easters could endan- interim chancellor, Vita C. Rabinowitz, — from support for students and faculty fully so, and started working for the ger them. Ninety-six hatchlings survived, explained: through program enhancements to infra- Parks services in ‘97, which he recom- and were eventually released on West “I am delighted to be here tonight and structure improvements. mends, as it had been very supportive beach, an unforgettable moment for the today I mark six months as chancellor. Honorees included Oswaldo Peña. of his continued education and research. agency — the kind of moment that could My parents grew up here and my grand- Since arriving on Staten Island four years Now based at the Gateway National definitely attract young students to a father was one of the partners in Three J’s ago, Peña has guided and supported a Recreation Area, or Gateway NRA, with career in the environmental science. # Restaurant and I follow the culture here variety of initiatives across the borough units in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, Staten The next session of conferences will on Staten Island. And the Staten Island and his contributions to Foundation events Island and Jamaica Bay, his research start next Spring at the Explorer's Club, Advance could be an honoree each day — among other organizations — have centers on limnology, the study of inland among other events tailored for a young- and not just this evening.” helped the Foundation achieve important aquatic ecosystems, among other fields. er audience. Since last September, stu- She added, “The College of Staten milestones. Since then, he’s volunteered Jamaica Bay is of particular interest for dents attending the Saturday Science Island is growing by leaps and bounds as an event and logistics planner for the his work, with wildlife refuges, landfills, talks got to learn about conservation under William Fritz’s leadership and it is College of Staten Island and the CSI and sewage treatment plants within short biology, genetics, and developmental ranked one of the top 50 colleges in the continued on page 31 distances of each other. Over three hun- biology. JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 9

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Dyslexia and the Ambassadors Effective Use of Program at Molloy College Decodable Books By DANA STAHL, M.ED. during a specific unit of time. It is Looking for Program offers: Dyslexia is a language based generally calculated by the number • Scholarships learning disability that is also of words read per minute, but is STEM Majors • Paid internships referred to as a reading disabil- influenced by a number of factors, ity. Children who are dyslexic such as a reader’s purpose, level of interested in • Academic support have difficulty identifying speech expertise, and relative difficulty of • Professional mentoring sounds and learning how they the text. Reading fluency in gen- • Field-based experiences relate to letters and words. Dr. eral is compromised by reduced teaching! Sally Shaywitz the Co-Founder accuracy, automaticity, and intona- and Co-Director of the Yale Center tion. Prepare for teaching in a high needs school for Dyslexia and Creativity defines Reading comprehension refers to grades 7-12: Biology, Earth Science and Mathematics dyslexia, “as an unexpected dif- a process that occurs when students ficulty in reading for an individual can read, understand, and inter- who has the intelligence to be a pret written information. A student Contact Dr. Audrey Cohan much better reader. It is most com- with reading comprehension issues

516.323.3123 or [email protected] monly due to difficulty in phono- struggles to make meaning out of This program is funded by a grant logical processing.” These children the material that they read. These from the National Science Foundation have difficulty envisioning how to children can appear to read well spell words, often inverting letters but do not appear to grasp the and numbers. Dyslexic children meaning of what they read. Biology or Earth and display difficulty with decoding, “Once at school, children need to reading rate, and comprehension. learn basic phonemic awareness, or Environmental Sciences As educators, it is important to awareness of the individual sounds majors with financial understand learning issues associ- (phonemes) in words, because pho- need can become ated with dyslexia, and effective nemes are the things represented tools schools can incorporate when by letters and letter patterns in ASPIRE scholars: working with children who display our spelling system. Children who difficulty in decoding, reading rate, can’t pull words apart into their A: Academic support and reading comprehension. component sounds (segment) will to Careers in Decoding is the practice of using not be able to spell well. Children S: Scholarships for 4-years various reading skills to trans- who can’t combine sounds into P: Professional mentoring late written words on a page into words (blend) will not be able to Science at I: Internship opportunities sounds that are read aloud. When read well.” readers decode, they sound out Decodable books offer dyslexic R: Research early immersion words by pronouncing their parts students books with words they E: Enrichment activities and then joining these parts togeth- can sound out once they have Molloy College er to form cohesive words. Slow mastered letter-sound relation- but accurate word identification ships. They have a strong phonics can indicate a weakness in process- emphasis encouraging students Prepare for employment and/or graduate studies in a science-related field ing words. This still comes under to blend letter-sounds together the umbrella of “dyslexia.” Some enabling them to read unfamil- For additional information children struggle with both accu- iar words. Phonemic instruction Contact Dr. Maureen Sanz | 516.323.3405 racy and speed of reading. This is foster independent reading skills. or [email protected] known as double-deficit dyslexia. Decodable books allow beginning This program is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation Reading rate is the speed at readers to feel successful building which a person reads a written text continued on page 30

ridg it dvisory oard ust e a oard of elievers BBy MICHAEL GILLESPIE,- A Ed.D. B M B B B sion is to create the electronic tools to The students also believe that they In the past several years, there has build and sustain positive and safe school will be treated with fairness, compas- been a multitude of school shoot- cultures to maximize students’ holistic sion, and equity in all school matters. ings across the country, each leaving success. I serve as the corporation’s These strongly-held beliefs amount to behind the horror of meaningless car- Chief Academic Officer with a focus on expectations of the students and their nage of fellow Americans of all ages, creating educational objectives, materi- parents on which they want their edu- but mostly schoolchildren, K–12. als, and pathways that reflect Bridg-it’s cational enterprise to be built. The stu- The optics reflected in these killings undergirding philosophy of promoting dents then have become partners with have been shocking in and of them- restorative practice through enhanced their school officials in ensuring that selves; however, one particular statistic social-emotional curricula/learning. their learning environment remains shouts out to us in stark reality — over I understood immediately when I vis- virtually free of disruption, menace, 70% of the shooters, according to data ited one of Bridg-it’s pilot NYC mid- prejudice, and artifice. Indeed, the entire from the United States Secret Service, dle schools. The students there have a school community has become true had been isolated, disconnected, and/ great trust that the principal, adminis- believers in the prevailing positivity of or bullied in the same school, where trators, teachers, and staff have created their school community, stoked daily they had returned to kill for revenge. a safe learning environment in which by such values as cooperation, com- Two years ago, l joined the staff of they can experience continuous aca- passion, collaboration, and kindness. Michael Gillespie, Ed.D. Bridg-it, LLC, a corporation whose mis- demic, social, and emotional growth. continued on page 30 10 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

A True Family: Sci Fi Author Family of Woodstock, Inc. Sensation Cixin Liu By KISA SCHELL Following the iconic 1969 music fes- peaks t tival, the town of Woodstock, New York S A was inundated with young people look- ing for Bob Dylan and the “Woodstock s hina nstitute Nation.” Unfortunately for the youth, the NYC’ C I only relation between the two were their names; the actual festival was held over an hour and half away in Bethel. As more and more runaway youth sought refuge in Woodstock, the only resource to respond was the police. Many Woodstockers, feeling that a police response should not represent the town, called a community meeting to address the issue. At this meeting, Woodstock resident Kisa Schell Gael Varsi came forward to offer her telephone number to any person who New York City runs completely separate, Photo: © All rights reserved by ChinaInstituteNYC Photo: © needed assistance so that she could do politically and economically. Because of her best to get them help. Some residents this, it is imperative that the individuals offered to bring the youth into their own within the Ulster County community homes for shelter. This kind and welcom- come together to support one another. ing communal effort launched what is Additionally, the influx of wealthy New now the longest running hotline in the York City transplants into the community United States as well as a large non- have further changed the climate profit organization that helps with “any As a long-time case manager and cur- problem under the sun.” Varsi’s selfless rent Family of Woodstock employee, spirit is at the core of everything Family what has struck me the most is the of Woodstock, Inc. does. enthusiasm and kindness with which Currently, Family of Woodstock, Inc. every program works with the commu- runs 27 programs throughout Ulster nity to improve the lives of our friends County and surrounding communities. and neighbors. Help is provided without With a range of specialties from adult judgment and many clients appreciate case management to childcare to shelters the acceptance they feel from case staff. Author Cixin Liu for runaway and homeless youth and Despite the limitations placed on case domestic violence victims, the programs managers through state and federal fund- By SYBIL MAIMIN my works are modeled after Space within Family of Woodstock, Inc. pro- ing restrictions, they still go above and “Sci Fi” is “hot” in China, and in New Odyssey.” Liu noted that American vide countless indispensable services to beyond to help clients in need, even if York, an enthusiastic, overflow crowd and Chinese science fiction have much the diverse communities of the Hudson it means dipping into their own pocket. of mostly students and young profes- in common, with similar styles and Valley. Although this area is only two This desire to help others is what unites sionals came to the China Institute to themes. Differences are mostly reflec- hours north by car from NYC, the socio- the employees of Family of Woodstock hear Chinese science fiction author tions of cultural taboos. He attributed economic climate here is one far removed and makes it such an effective resource and national literary sensation Cixin the 1990’s renaissance of science fic- from Wall Street. In fact, it is hard to to the community. If you are interested in Liu speak about his work (in Chinese, tion among the new generation in his recognize that the two regions belong learning more or contributing, visit their translated into English). In a lively, country to booming development and to the same state, a sentiment echoed by website at https://www.familyofwood- well-paced conversation with New hope for the future. “We all feel drastic service providers who acknowledge that stockinc.org or find them on Facebook. # Yorker magazine writer Jiayang Fan, change. It is very different from the Liu explained he writes “hard” sci- world of our childhood, very fertile morality or ethics, Liu said, “Survival is Engaging and forthright, Liu denied ence fiction, a category that empha- ground for science fiction. Also, the the most important thing for a civiliza- using his work is for messaging or poli- sizes scientific accuracy and imagina- new generation subconsciously feels tion. If you disappear, no other species tics, as is frequently done in China. “I tion based on real theories. He trained part of all humanity, not just of China. will care about how moral you were. write science fiction as an end and not as an electrical engineer and brings They pay more attention to problems If there are other civilizations in the a means to an end,” he said. “The many his scientific knowledge and outlook of life than the previous generation, all universe, survival is also primary for reflections of reality in my books are to his writing. His first contact with characteristics of science fiction.” them.” Referencing contemporary real- used as platforms where my imagina- science fiction came when, as a child, In explaining the references to his- ity and climate change, Fan asked if, as tion takes off. I want to explore worlds he read Jules Verne’s Journey to the tory, political theory, art history, soci- the last generation with power to influ- beyond our own. Science fiction is a Center of the Earth. The style was ology, and such, in his novels, Liu said, ence climate, we should try to preserve specific genre of literature that allows realistic and, being unfamiliar with “Ultimately, I’m interested in science the earth for our children’s futures or be imagination to explore spaces and time the genre, he accepted the book as and include the other subjects only more concerned with our own lives and we could enter. It describes the relation- complete truth. When told that much of when they intersect with science. I survival. Liu rejected both options, say- ship between the small “us” and the the work was the author’s imagination, didn’t start to write because of love ing sustainability actions can only buy larger universe. My ultimate goal is just he was “astonished at the real world a of literature. It was love of science.” time, but not solve environmental prob- to tell a good story.” writer can construct.” Among the first George Orwell impacted him with 1984 lems which, he maintained, are caused Cixin Liu has won many literary generation of science fiction fans in by describing reality and the future in a by both man and nature. Tapping into awards including the 2015 Hugo Award China, he discovered the more he read different way from traditional authors. his sci fi outlook and imagination, he for Best Novel for The Three-Body in the genre, the more he developed The book shocked many people, lead- advised that, for long-term survival, we Problem. The mission of the China an imaginary world. He shared that, ing to discussions, panels, and, perhaps, move our polluting industries to outer Institute, founded in 1926, is to help “Arthur Clark’s 2001: a Space Odyssey surmised Liu, a different actual 1984. space, thereby solving environmental Americans gain a better understanding got me going. It brought out my yearn- Questioned by Fan about the focus problems and also developing space as of China through “human to human ing to write science fiction books. All on “survival” in his books rather than a useful niche for future activities. connections.” # JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 11 12 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

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Windward Teacher Training Institute

Windward Teacher Training Institute (WTTI) provides year- round professional • SAVE THE DATE • development based on April 9, 2019, 7:30 pm scientifically validated WTTI Manhattan research in child ROBERT J. SCHWARTZ MEMORIAL LECTURE development, learning Register now for Winter Classes: FREE TO ATTEND theory, and pedagogy. Reserve your seat at READING SKILLS thewindwardschool.org/ Courses, workshops, Multisensory Reading Instruction: PAF Part One lecture and lectures address Five Wednesdays: January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2019 • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm a broad range of WTTI Manhattan Instructor: Phyllis Bertin, MS developmental and Dyslexia: What Is It, Really? curricular topics Thursday, January 17, 2019 • 4:00 – 6:00 pm appropriate for both WTTI Manhattan Presenter: Emerson Dickman, Esq. mainstream and WRITING SKILLS remedial settings. Expository Writing Instruction: Part One The Institute serves Three Thursdays: February 14, 28, March 7, 2019 • 9:00 am – 2:30 pm as a resource for WTTI Manhattan Instructor: Betsy M. Duffy, MS Ed educators and LANGUAGE & SOCIAL SKILLS professionals in NEW Academic Language: It’s Not Plain English! allied disciplines, Monday, January 14, 2019 • 4:00 – 6:30 pm WTTI Westchester Instructor: Lydia H. Soifer, PhD such as speech and language therapists Mindfulness and ADHD: Practical Tools for Daily Life Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 4:00 – 6:00 pm and psychologists, as WTTI Westchester Presenter: Mark Bertin, MD well as for families. MATH SKILLS The goal of WTTI Strategies for Improving Students’ Math Skills is to disseminate Two Wednesdays: January 16, 23, 2019 • 4:00 – 6:30 pm reliable and practical WTTI Westchester Instructor: Eileen Perlman, MS information for those For more information, visit: thewindwardschool.org/wtti seeking to enhance their knowledge and facebook.com/WindwardTeacherTrainingInstitute twitter.com/WindwardTTI expertise. Be informed. Be inspired. Transform lives. 14 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

SPORTS Eric Friedlander: Travels the World to Play Soccer

By MIKE COHEN “The first year was a real test for Eric Friedlander, a professional me,” said Friedlander.” Friedlander soccer player whose last season was eventually caught on and played well on Nyköping Bissarna in Sweden’s enough last season that he hopes to Division One league, was in his full join a first division team in Latvia off-season training mode. It did not or Lithuania for the 2019 season. matter that it was Christmas morn- “There is no such thing as a quick fix,” ing, Friedlander was at his favor- said Friedlander, entering his fifth season ite field at the local park in his win- as a pro. “You have to work hard and ter home in Boynton Beach, Florida. be dedicated to succeed at anything you He was a craftsman at work. With care- want in life.” ful precision, his routine consisted of In addition to his playing career, performing figure 8s with the ball around Friedlander has a presence in social cones, juggling a mini ball for minutes media with a significant following. Not at a time, and countless other drills surprisingly, he doles out tips on how to all intermixed with fitness movements. succeed in the technical part of the game “Just train,” said Friedlander, 24, who along with fitness and nutrition advice. grew up in Merrick on Long Island. “It’s all He even has his own business called about hard work and attention to detail.” RicFit where he trains clients in person Friedlander played one season of solid and designs online programs for others. college ball at the University of Buffalo “I’m all about teaching people the func- before taking a chance on a profes- tional things to be the best soccer play- sional career. He had a family mem- er and best athlete possible,” he said. ber with contacts in Germany, which Something that Friedlander strives for prompted him to explore options himself as well. # there before eventually signing on In addition to being the Sports Editor with a team in Nürnberg, Germany. of Education Update, Mike Cohen is He struggled in his first year to learn the Founder/Director of Throwback to play the professional game and in Sports (a sports and educational pro- adjusting to life off the pitch, especially gram for children of all abilities). not knowing a word of the German He can be reached at Throwbacksports@ language. verizon.net.

CORNELL DAILY SUN EDITORIAL Harold O. Levy ’74 J.D.’79 (1952–2018): The Best a Sunnie Could Be Harold O. Levy ’74 J.D. ’79, former structural disadvantages in their cases. In the Board unless it opened its meetings Cornell student trustee, chancellor of a 1971 column, Levy derided the system to students. Though a member of Quill New York City Public Schools, progres- as an “outrageous sham,” and in 1973, and Dagger, Cornell’s regressive senior sive firebrand, and a member of The after a landmark Hearing Board deci- honor society, he publicly castigated Sun’s editorial board, died November 27 sion, he celebrated the end of “the days that organization’s reluctance to admit after a bout with Lou Gehrig’s disease. when all-white judicial boards found women, telling The Sun in 1974, “You As we look back on Levy’s life, we black defendants guilty in absentia,” don’t put up to a vote somebody else’s should take inspiration from the causes among other inequities. rights.” he championed while at Cornell and As a member of the University Senate Later in his career, as Chancellor of afterward: women’s rights, transparency, and later as a trustee, Levy was a strong New York Public Schools, Levy pressed the rights of underrepresented communi- proponent of improved student hous- Mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg to ties, and the belief that everyone, regard- ing. When 69 students found themselves expand the city’s school system, raise less of background, deserves a high-class without housing at the beginning of teachers’ wages, and create new opportu- education. A champion for progress and the 1972 school year, Levy pushed for nities for specialized education for “thou- a voice for the voiceless, Harold Levy them to be housed in the Statler Hotel sands of minority students who might not was the best a Sunnie, and a Cornellian, until permanent accommodations could otherwise had access,” according to the could be. be found. And when Cornell came under New York Times. At Cornell, Levy served in a multitude fire from the federal government for We need more people like Harold Levy of leadership roles, first in the University discriminatory housing assignments, it — people who use their power and lever- Senate, and then as one of four under- was Levy who pushed an amendment and it is a good idea today.) age to make the world a better place not graduates on the Board of Trustees. (If that would end de facto segregation in Levy was unafraid to stand up to pow- for themselves, but for others. May his only undergraduates were as well-rep- Cornell housing. Much like his succes- erful interests on campus. As a trustee, memory be a blessing. # resented on the board today.) From the sor Annie O’Toole J.D. ’16 did 40 years in a display of conviction no longer seen This editorial was published in the beginning, Levy advocated against what later, Levy proposed the creation of a often on the Hill, he took a public stance December 3, 2018 issue of The Cornell he viewed as a deeply flawed Cornell free legal service for Cornell students, against the rest of the Board on the issue Daily Sun, Cornell’s independent student judicial system, one in which students the “Office of the University Advocate.” of investing in apartheid South Africa, newspaper. Read more at cornellsun. were treated like criminals and faced (This was a good idea 40 years ago, and as a law student threatened to sue com. JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 15

Recruitment of English Language Teachers for Primary and Secondary Schools in Hong Kong

THE EDUCATION BUREAU (EDB) OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO APPLY FOR THE POSITIONS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN PUBLIC-SECTOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG

ROLE The positions are required to teach English as a second language iii. End of contract gratuity for satisfactory performance and to Hong Kong students and assist in teacher and curriculum conduct development in public-sector primary schools (for students aged iv. Cash retention incentive for satisfactory completion of between 6 and 12), secondary schools (for students aged between continuous service from third year onwards 12 and 18) and schools for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). v. Passage, baggage, medical allowances and a special allowance of HK$20,989 (US$2,690*) per month are provided for appointees whose normal place of residence QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT is established to be outside Hong Kong and if he/she or Applicants should be able to use English fluently and spontaneously, his/her spouse is not receiving any similar benefits to give grammatically accurate responses in communication and to write or speak creatively. They should fulfill the following • The salary and the terms and conditions of service to be offered qualification requirements under respective Schemes. For more are subject to the candidate’s qualifications and post-qualification information and download of application forms, please visit the teaching experience and the prevailing conditions at the time the following webpages: offer of appointment is made. * USD 1 = HK$ 7.8 (subject to fluctuations) (A) Primary school positions: http://www.edb.gov.hk/pnet INTERVIEWS (B) Secondary school positions: Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview and http://www.edb.gov.hk/snet written test in person. Interviews will be held from February 11 to 15, 2019 in New York.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT • The appointment will be on a two-year contract basis normally HOW TO APPLY Interested applicants who choose U.S.A. as the interview venue from August 16 2019 to August 15 2021, subject to renewal after please apply through Teach Away, EDB’s recruitment agent in expiry North America, on or before January 31, 2019. An advisor will • Remuneration package: contact you with full application information. i. Salary from HK$28,725-HK$58,345 (US$3,680 - Teach Away’s webpage is: US$7,480*) per month (Primary) https://www.teachaway.com/teaching-public-schools-hong-kong ii. Salary from HK$30,165-HK$70,090 (US$3,870 - Email enquiry: [email protected] US$8,990*) per month (Secondary) or [email protected] 16 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF 2018

Phyllis Kossoff Dr. Vincent Boudreau Dr. Cecelia McCarton Rebecca Seawright Chancellor Richard A. Carranza Philanthropist and Educator President, The City College of New York Founder, The McCarton Center Assembly Member NYC Department of Education

Shenzhan Liao Stephen Spahn Andrew Tisch Ann Tisch President William Fritz Head of Education, China Institute Chancellor, Dwight School Founder, Student Leadership Network Founder, Student Leadership Network College of Staten Island

Dr. Mary Driscoll President George Haggerty Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz President Tim Hall Laurie Tisch Dean, College of Education, CCNY Beacon College President, Child Mind Institute Mercy College Philanthropist

Edith Everett Lin-Manuel Miranda Ronald Stewart, Barrister Jayme Stewart Lane Rosen, NYSMEA President Philanthropist, Educator Playwright Head, York Prep College Guidance, York Prep & Science Teacher at John Dewey HS Dr. Vita C. Rabinowitz, Interim Chancel- lor, The City University of New York

JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 17

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF 2018

EDUCATION UPDATE would like to extend our thanks to the fol- lowing people who ap- peared in our pages in 2018, for the indelible marks they have left on education in New York City and across the country. They have touched and improved the lives of thousands of students and have been shining examples of excellence in Andrew Gardner Dr. Vita C. Rabinowitz Dr. Eric Kandel Joyce Cowin BrainPOP Interim Chancellor, CUNY education. Nobel Laureate, Columbia Professor Philanthropist & Trustee, Teachers College

Lydia Liebman Dave Liebman Dr. Charlotte Frank Former President Drew Faust Eileen Marinakis, Former Chair, Senior Assistant Editor, Education Update NEA Jazz Master McGraw-Hill Education Harvard University Board of Trustees, Beacon College

President Mark Cannizzaro Hayley Hershenson Jared Zeltner Cheryl Wills Diana Bilezikian CSA Junior Journalist Junior Journalist Anchor, Spectrum News NY1 Asst. Professor, Montclair State

Linda Macaulay Loree Sutton James B. Heimowitz President Peter Eden Seth Meyers Ornithologist & Philanthropist Ret. Brigadier General President, China Institute Landmark College Host, Late Night 18 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

LAW & EDUCATION THE ETHICS COLUMN Telling the Truth The Danger Of By ARTHUR KATZ, JD Deputizing Doctors Recently, it was reported that the lead- ers of T.M. Landry College Preparatory By JACOB M. APPEL, MD JD School in Louisiana had systematical- The news story, as initially reported ly doctored transcripts and fabricated by Syracuse-based journalist Douglass reports to enable their ill-prepared high Dowty, seems like a tale of horror from school students gain admission to well- a foreign police state: On Oct. 16, 2017, regarded selective colleges, knowing when Torrence Jackson was pulled over that colleges do not have the resources by cops for failing to signal before a to check the credibility of such reports turn, he allegedly stashed illicit drugs in and rely upon the honesty of the appli- his rectum to conceal them. The officers cants’ high schools and counselors. then transported Jackson to St. Joseph’s I was not surprised by the report, as Hospital, where they obtained a search I have been aware, for some time, that warrant to physically remove the sup- paid college advisors have been gam- posed drugs from Jackson’s body using ing the college admissions process at any means necessary. Physicians initially an increasing rate by writing college refused to perform a sigmoidoscopy (the essays and completing college applica- insertion of a rod into the colon)—as the tions (or advising anxious parent how patient proved unwilling to consent to the to do so) for their students, and this Arthur Katz, JD procedure and an X-ray had also shown revelation was merely an additional an absence of contraband. Yet after step in the progression. Why is this occurring? intervention from the hospital’s law- Jacob M. Appel, MD JD Moreover, and at the same time, there I believe that the root of the decrease yers, the medical staff sedated Jackson appears to be an increase in cheating on in ethical values arises from an against his will with general anesthesia a nearly identical 1952 case known to examinations and plagiarizing school increased level of lying, which is not and performed the procedure without his many a first-year law student, Rochin v. assignments. only being tolerated but is being con- consent. No drugs were found. California, the United States Supreme Daily, we hear about reports of, and doned and becoming an established From a legal standpoint, even if drugs Court ruled that drug evidence obtained witness, increased examples of dishon- pattern. It has become increasingly dif- had been found, the evidence would like- from pumping a prisoner’s stomach esty and actions demonstrating a lack ficult to listen to or watch a newscast ly have proven inadmissible. Syracuse could not be used in court because of accountability at the highest levels. or read a newspaper without being City Court Judge Rory McMahon, who invasive bodily searches of that nature This degradation of basic ethical values told that a high government (or former signed the warrant, might want to brush “shocked the conscience” and defied is disturbing, to say the least. continued on page 30 up a bit on his criminal procedure. In continued on page 30

THE MATH COLUMN Caution: Misleading Limits P

By ALFRED POSAMENTIER, Ph.D. It would then appear that PQ has length The concept of a limit is not to be a + b. Yet we know from the Pythagorean taken lightly. It is a very sophisticat- Theorem that PQ = a + b √a2 + b2 and ed concept that can be easily misin- not a + b. So what’s wrong? Nothing is a terpreted. Sometimes the issues sur- wrong! While the set consisting of the rounding the concept are quite subtle. stairs does indeed get closer and closer Misunderstanding of limits can lead to to the straight line segment PQ, it does some curious situations (or humorous not therefore, follow that the sum of the A a b c d e B ones, depending on your viewpoint). This bold (horizontal and vertical) lengths O Q can be nicely exhibited with the follow- approaches the length of PQ, contrary to b ing two illustrations. Don’t be too upset our intuition. There is no contradiction by the conclusion that you will be led here, only a failure on the part of our Figure 1 Figure 2 to reach. Remember, this is merely for intuition. entertainment. Consider them separately Another way to “explain” this dilemma the set of positive even numbers, {2, 4, yet, we cannot draw the infinite number and then notice their connection. is to argue the following. As the “stairs” 6, 8, …}, because all the positive odd of steps. Therein lies the problem. It is simple to see that the sum of the get smaller, they increase in number. numbers are missing from the second A similar situation arises with the fol- lengths of the bold segments (“stairs”) is In the most extreme situation, we have set. Yet, since they are infinite sets, they lowing example. In figure 2, the smaller equal to a + b, since the sum of the verti- stairs of 0-length in each dimension, are equal in size! We reason as follows: semicircles extend from one end of the cal bold lines equals the length OP = a, used an infinite number of times, which For every number in the set of natural large semicircle’s diameter to the other. and the sum of the horizontal bold lines then leads to considering 0 · ∞, which numbers, there is a “partner” member of It is easy to show that the sum of the equals OQ = b (see figure 1). is meaningless! In truth, no matter how the set of positive even numbers; hence arc-lengths of the smaller semicircles is The sum of the bold segments small the stairs get, the sum of two adja- they are equal in size. Counterintuitive? equal to the arc-length of the larger semi- (“stairs”), found by adding all the hori- cent perpendiculars that form one of the Yes, but that is what happens when we circle. That is, the sum of the smaller zontal and all the vertical segments, is small right triangles will never be equal consider the concept of infinity. semicircles = (π a/2) + (π b/2) + (π c/2) a + b. If the number of stairs increases to their hypotenuse. They will just be It appears that infinity is playing games + (π d/2) + (π e/2) = (π /2) · (a+b+c+d+e) the sum is still a + b. The dilemma arises small right triangles. This may be a bit with us. The problem is that when we = (π /2) · AB, which is the arc length when we continue to increase the stairs difficult to see, but that is one of the dan- deal with infinity, we can no longer talk of the larger semicircle. This may not to a “limit” so that the stairs get smaller gers of working with infinity. about the equality of sets the way we “appear” to be true, but it is! As a mat- and smaller, which then makes the set of Just as an aside, when considering the do when we have finite sets. The same ter of fact, as we increase the number of stairs appears to be straight line, in this set of natural numbers, {1, 2, 3, 4, …}, is true with the staircase in our original smaller semicircles (where, of course, case the hypotenuse PQ of triangle POQ. we would think that it is a larger set than problem. We can draw the finite steps, continued on page 30 JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 19

Paul Krugman, NY Times Columnist & Nobel Laureate Delivers Annual Kossoff Lecture at Roosevelt House The Phyllis L. Kossoff Lecture is an annual forum that brings leading figures in public life to Roosevelt House for conversation and reflection on pressing issues of domestic and national con- cern. The 2018 Kossoff Lecture featured Nobel Laureate and New York Times col- umnist Paul Krugman, Distinguished Professor, City University of New York Graduate Center. Krugman was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2008, and is an op-ed columnist for The New York Times, and a Distinguished Professor at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center. At the Graduate Center he is a member of the faculty at the Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality, and a Luxembourg Income Study Center Senior Scholar. He pre- viously taught at MIT, Stanford, and Princeton. He is the author or co-author of many academic papers and numer- ous books aimed at both professional and general audiences. In recognition of his work on international trade and eco- nomic geography, Krugman received the John Bates Clark award of the American Economic Association in 1991 and the Prince of Asturias award for social sci- ences in 2004.# (L-R) Paul Krugman & Phyllis L. Kossoff

MEDICAL UPDATE have heard about yearly produc- tivity planners for goal setting. ello If you want to dive deeper into By SAMANTHAH NAZARETH, MD 2019to all of my patients when healthy lifestyle goals, there are We all know what the New Year means they are eating. When we also health-focused planners to … New Year’s resolutions. After we’ve are eating, the last thing you purchase. These help track your enjoyed the good cheer and celebrations want is to be in a frantic state progress of your weekly healthy from November through December, we responding to emails and goals (i.e. no desserts) and also are left in January wondering how to start going through a to-do list. stretch your comfort zone by fresh and become healthy. It’s easy to When we are stressed, this making suggestions to go to the say, “I’m going to lose weight” or “I’m keeps us in a fight-or-flight local farmer’s market or even signing up for a gym membership”. As state. This state does not pro- ferment your own foods. the story goes, most of these resolutions mote optimal digestion. And, 5. Commit to reading the don’t stick. In fact, 80% of New Year’s if we are eating, we want our ingredients on packaged foods. resolutions fail by February! The prob- body to do its job to break I’m not talking about the nutri- lem with most resolutions is that they are down the food properly and tion facts. I want you to look at not sustainable. My challenge for you is extract the nutrients. where the ingredients are listed, to commit to one of these nonconven- 3. Venture off to a new which are typically listed below tional long-lasting resolutions instead. supermarket in a new neigh- the nutrition facts. This is the 1. Commit to being aware. This means borhood. I’ve recently start- first step to becoming aware of being aware of when you are hungry and ing shopping at different the unusual things added to pro- when you feel full. How many times do grocery stores in different cessed foods. Also, know that if we eat because ‘it is time’ or we simply neighborhoods. It has been the package is organic or glu- maintain a daily eating schedule that is an eye-opening experience ten-free, this doesn’t mean there the same everyday? Eat at 6 am, then viewing produce and prod- is no added sugar. I know this at 12 pm and lastly at 8 pm. Sounds ucts I’ve never seen before. might mean spending a bit more familiar? We lead busy lives so having a It’s like traveling to a foreign time in the supermarket, but at routine makes that part of our life easier destination without getting least you can be more informed to manage. However, by tuning into our on a plane. I now try to incor- as a consumer before you check bodies a bit more and listening to the porate a new food item from out at the cash register. # message of “I’m full”, we can now make these stores every week into Any questions about gut health, a conscious decision of putting the fork my weekly recipes. wellness or nutrition? Send them down. 4. Create or buy a healthy on Instagram or Twitter to @ 2. Put the phone away. I suggest this food planner. Most people Dr. Samantha Nazareth drsamnazareth. 20 MUSIC, ART & DANCE ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ JAN/FEB 2019

Performing Arts Museum Salutes obbins nd ity enter By JAN AARONR A C C “My city lies between two rivers — on a small island. My city is tall and jagged — with gold + slated towers. My city is cut + re-cut + slashed by hard car-filled streets. My city chokes on its breath, and spar- kles with its false lights — and sleeps restlessly at night. My city is a lone man walking at night down an empty street watching his shadow grow longer as he passes the last lamp post, seeking no comfort in the blank dark windows, and hearing his footsteps echo against the building + fade away.” Thus Jerome Robbins, noted dance- choreographer describes New York in “Voice of My City”, an extraor- dinary exhibit at the Performing Arts library, honoring this extraordi- nary human being. His story is best enjoyed by leisurely strolling and savor- ing the posters and videos (my favorite: Robbins instructing the young Mikhial Baryshnikov leaping in red tights). Briefly: Born Jerome Wilson Rabinowitz in New York on October 11, 1918 into a family of Jewish immigrants and a world recovering from the devastation of World War 1, the Rabinowitz fam- ily arrived with cash but worked their way to stability. His parents Harry and Lena worked in a Manhattan deli, mov- ing with their two small children across the Hudson to manage a corset factory. Encouraged by his mother, young Jerry followed in his older sister’s footsteps, investigating a range of artistic activi- ties, from music to drawing to dance. By the end of high school, he sensed [that] more choices lay across the Hudson River. Indeed, by the time Jerry died at home on July 29, 1998, he and his enduring accomplishments had been rec- ognized with a National Medal of the Jerome Robbins (Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Carl Van Vechten Collection, [reproduction number, e.g., LC-USZ62-54231]) Arts in 1988. New York City Ballet staged a Robbins’ festival in 1990. collaborator in the conductor-composer journal writing. The exhibit is thorough- memorabilia. He ferried to New York to attend col- Leonard Bernstein, Robbins was also ly engaging for its minutia. But I’m And there’s more! lege for a year (he studied chemistry searching for his place in the music willing to bet that most compelling to Another exhibit salutes City Center at NYU), but finding a job was a dim world by defining American style. Their visitors will be one of his masterworks, with “The Peoples Theater”, a major possibility during the Great Depression, collaboration? Fancy Free debuted April “West Side Story.” Choreographer and dance showcase for 75 years. Savor and he immersed himself in the Arts. He 18, 1944 and prompted over 20 curtain director Robbins, composer Leonard a trove of memorabilia and especially enrolled at Gluck Sandor’s Dance Center, calls. (Fancy Free’s movie version — my Bernstein, and playwright Arthur fine photographs of Melissa Hayden where Sandor and his wife, Felicia Sorel, introduction to Robbins —starred Gene Laurents first conceived a contemporary and other beautiful ballerinas and introduced him to modern dance, charac- Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Vera Ellen.) version of Romeo and Juliet as a conflict handsome male dancers like Herman ter acting, and dramatics. Here he also Now famous, he was hired as Associate between Jews and Catholics at a New Conejo. Dancer Twyla Tharp created changed his name to Jerome Robbins, Artistic Director of the New York City York street festival on the Lower East her own distinct style. Another City performed on Broadway, choreographed Ballet, choreographing such obras mae- Side as their parents might have experi- Center innovation “Encores” is dedi- and directed at a Poconos summer camp, stras as “Age of Anxiety,” (1950) and enced it. But when they looked at their cated to the revival of beloved long- and danced with Ballet Theater (now “Afternoon of a Faun” (1953) and hit New York of the 1950s, their conflict ago musicals. Vitrines outside the main the American Ballet Theater) as well musicals such as “The King and I” between New York gangs became “West exhibits are a trove of odd and touch- as in roles choreographed by Agnes (1951) and “Peter Pan” (1954). Strolling Side Story.” See excerpt in the exhibit. ing memorabilia, and the Al Hirschfeld de Mille, Michel Fokine and Anthony the exhibit is the most satisfying way to Consider my observations your appetizer exhibit upstairs salutes the Center. Tudor — and looked for opportunities to experience it. Galleries are filled with to a Robbins banquet at the museum. Robbins and City Center exhibits have choreograph. Robbins was fascinated by marvelous visuals projecting his dancers Stroll to experience film clips of dancers listening stations where visitors can hear a common sight of the early 1940s sail- performing. interpreting Robbins choreography, and Robbins Voice of My City until March ors on leave in the city, a common site in We learn and see evidence of Robbins instructing dancers. See post- 30 and The Peoples Theater until March the midst of war. Finding just the right his sketching, photography skills, and ers from his Broadway shows, and other 2. # JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 21

GUEST EDITORIAL Digging Deeply into the Increase in Reporting Incidences of Attempted Suicide By HAROLD S. KOPLEWICZ, MD still below highs in the mid-90s. The number of adolescents hospital- With that in mind, the following ized because of suicidal ideation and sui- risk factors are important for all cide attempts has increased dramatically parents and educators to be on the in the last ten years. By some reports, it lookout for. They can increase the has almost doubled as a percentage of likelihood that a young person will children’s hospital admissions. Is this have suicidal thoughts or make an trend an indicator of a larger mental attempt, and include: health crisis in our young people? • A recent or serious loss To the contrary — I believe these • A mental health disorder, par- numbers, which can appear alarming, are ticularly a mood disorder like actually indicators of increased aware- depression ness and openness about these critical • Prior suicide attempts mental health issues. In the long run, the • Access to lethal means, like more children who seek care because firearms and pills of suicidal thoughts and attempts, the • A family history of suicide fewer deaths by suicide we will have. • Alcohol and other substance Eventually, if we continue speaking use disorders openly about the risks of suicide and • Struggling with sexual orienta- how we can help, this public health issue tion in an environment that is will become less deadly. not respectful or accepting Some commentators tie the increase • Bullying in reported suicidal ideation and suicide • Stigma associated with asking attempts to increases in the diagnosis of for help # anxiety disorders and depression among Harold S. Koplewicz is the children and adolescents. As we recently founding president and Medical showed in the Child Mind Institute’s Director of the Child Mind Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz 2018 Children’s Mental Health Report Institute. on anxiety disorders (childmind. org/2018report), increases in anxiety and depression are more likely to indicate better identification of these disorders by health professionals and a decrease in the stigma of childhood mental health disorders. These are positive trends. The important thing to remember is these are increases in reports of suicide, of anxiety, of depression. This means young people are more likely to say they have a problem with their feelings; it means parents are more likely to take them seriously and get medical care; and it means health care professionals are more likely to reject the stigma of suicide and accurately identify suicidal thoughts or “accidents” as what they are. There are many myths about suicid- al talk, and actual suicide attempts, in young people. One is that they are just “a cry for help.” Kids who talk or write about killing themselves are dismissed as overly dramatic—obviously they don’t mean it! But a threat of suicide should never be dismissed, even from a kid who cries “Wolf!” so many times it’s tempting to stop taking her seriously. It’s important to respond to threats and other New York State United Teachers is warning signs in a serious and thoughtful the union that represents more than manner. And that is what I see increas- ingly happening in our families, our 600,000 professionals dedicated to schools, and our healthcare system. excellence in education, health care Taking a measured and thoughtful and human services. approach to suicide does not mean mini- mizing the risk. The number of teens and young adults who die by suicide also Affiliated with AFT / NEA / AFL-CIO appears to be on the rise, though it is www.nysut.org 22 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

The Joan Tisch Legacy Project at oosevelt ouse unter ollege By POLA ROSEN,R Ed.D. H , H C The Joan H. Tisch Legacy Project was established in 2011 to honor the legend- ary humanitarian activist Joan H. Tisch who died in 2017 at age 90. The project awards $10,000 annually to both an individual and an organization in recog- nition of contributions to urban health. The winners this year were Claudia Aristy, the program Director of Children of Bellevue’s Reach Out and Read program originally founded by Dr. Perri Klass. The Service Program for Older People (SPOP) was also an awardee. Located on the Upper West Side, it serves more than 2000 adults each year. Centered at Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute, Roosevelt House was the home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt before they moved to the White House. It has been part of Hunter College since 1943 and reopened in 2010 as a public policy institute. Laurie M. Tisch, the daughter of Joan (L-R) Harold Holzer, Laurie Tisch, Claudia Aristy, President Jennifer Raab, Hunter College Tisch, was instrumental in establish- ing and supporting the Joan H. Tisch vice-chair of the Board of Trustees of owner and a member of the Board of Museum and the Founding Board Chair Legacy Project. She is the president of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Directors of the NY Giants. She is also a of CMOM. She has an honorary doctor- the Laurie Tisch Illumination Fund, trustee of the Aspen Institute, and a co- trustee and past Co-Chair of the Whitney ate from Yeshiva University. #

Hunter Student Thamara Jean Named a 2018 Rhodes Scholar, a First for Hunter Hunter College student Thamara Jean “We are tremendously proud of to develop a community-based civic ‘18 has been named a Rhodes Scholar, Thamara’s individual achievement, but action plan that addresses issues such the first Hunter student to receive this also of this important moment for Hunter as affordable housing and gentrification. prestigious award. Jean, who was born College,” said President Raab. “Hunter’s By engaging in this and other forms of in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrants and recently-created Office of Prestigious community service, Thamara came to graduated from Edward R. Murrow High Scholarships and Fellowships, funded believe that positive social change could School, is one of only 32 Americans by privately raised money, is modeled be amplified if, rather than “leading selected. A Rhodes Scholarship is the after advising services at elite private from the top,” activists like her helped oldest and best known award for inter- universities that guide students through empower groups of people to make a national study and considered the most the top graduate-scholarship application difference in their communities. famous academic award available to processes. Hunter has an exceptional According to Thamara Jean, the American college graduates. student body and with the new services Rhodes Scholarship means a great deal “Thamara Jean is an amazing story,” this office offers, we are helping connect to her whole family and her fellow said Hunter College president Jennifer our talented, hardworking young people students. “Both my parents are immi- J. Raab. “She is an extraordinary young with the opportunities they deserve. grants from Haiti and seeing their kids scholar and activist who will make Last year, Hunter had its first Marshall accomplish so much just reaffirms why her mark as a public intellectual. She Scholarship winner; this year, its first they came to this country in the first attended a New York City public high Rhodes. We are truly proud to be level- place. Also, being the first from Hunter school before becoming a Macaulay ing the playing field with institutional to win a Rhodes is meaningful because Scholar at Hunter, and she represents support for these budding academic I can play an important part in estab- Hunter’s commitment to making the stars.” lishing a path for students who, before American Dream come true.” Rhodes Scholarships provide all Brooklyn’s Thamara Jean, now, may never even have considered During her junior year, Thamara wrote expenses for two or three years of Daughter of Haitian Immigrants, pursuing an opportunity like this. At the a senior thesis on the Black Lives Matter study at the University of Oxford in Is One of 32 Americans Chosen same time, because so many students movement. It was recently published in England. Thamara Jean entered Oxford For the Prestigious Award at my school come from such differ- article form in the Columbia University in October 2018 and studies political ent backgrounds, we can bring unique Journal of Politics and Society. Last sum- theory. Throughout college, Thamara has been perspectives and experiences to Oxford, mer, Thamara worked as a researcher In addition to being a Macaulay active in community service, working continuing the good work Oxford has for Professor Brandon Terry at Harvard Scholar at Hunter, Thamara is also for organizations like the activist civics been doing recently to bring in students University, who is writing a book on the a Thomas Hunter Honors Scholar, a curriculum program Generation Citizen. like me, who will be at the forefront of intellectual history of the Black Power Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, As a “Democracy Coach,” she led a class taking on the unprecedented challenges movement. and an Eva Kaston Grove Fellow. of 12th graders in Bushwick, Brooklyn, of our future.” # JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 23

Hunter College President Jennifer Raab Speaks Eloquently at the 75th Anniversary of Roosevelt House

(L-R) Robert Caro, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Harold Holzer, Geoffrey Ward, Jonathan Alter (L-R) Doris Kearns Goodwin, Judy Collins, Pres. Jennifer Raab

Welcome to this very special celebra- would later become the heart of one of the Hunter’s first African-American sorority celebration and I must add a special thank tion: the 75th anniversary of Roosevelt nation’s first colleges for women? convened here. you as well to my longtime partner in House as Hunter’s glittering crown jewel. Sara would live here until her death in Downstairs rooms were used for danc- crime in this and many other endeavors, Here, history was made, generations 1941. The following year, the grieving es; upstairs rooms for study groups, dis- and the former Hunter College Provost educated, and diversity celebrated. president decided to put the building up cussions, and meetings. who now serves the entire city university And here, in that very same spirit, for sale—for all of $60,000—surely the The house echoed with laughter, music, system as Interim Chancellor—welcome today’s Hunter College students again real estate bargain of the 20th century. ideas, and plans. home to Vita Rabinowitz! gather to learn, and engage, inspired Hunter formally acquired the twin When I arrived as Hunter’s President What we now teach is what the now as then, by the two extraordinary townhouses the following year. 17 years ago, the fate and future of this Roosevelts once articulated and advo- Americans who once lived here: Franklin In its new incarnation, it would be building was by no means certain. cated: freedom of speech and religion; and Eleanor Roosevelt. named for Franklin’s mother and serve as It could have gone either way. The freedom from want and fear—and the If these walls could speak—and some- a gathering place for Hunter students as entire city university system was strug- opportunity to learn, to grow, and to make times we almost imagine that they do— well as a headquarters for its house plans gling to regain its standing; Hunter the American dream come true. they would echo with the commitments and social clubs. recommitted itself to academic excel- I mentioned a number of outstand- that Franklin and Eleanor personified: to Above all it was an interfaith house lence as a first priority. ing hunter alumnae this evening—and I secure and preserve dignity, equality, and where Jew and Gentile, and women of all There were many who thought want to close with one more: her name opportunity for all people, regardless of races, sat at the same table—not only a Roosevelt House a discardable relic, not is Thamara Jean, Hunter class of 2018. race, religion, or circumstance. Roosevelt family tradition, but a commit- a high priority. Like so many earlier Hunter students, Franklin and Eleanor spent a quarter ment to access and equality that we trace But we truly believed that this building Thamara was the first in her family to go of a century here. FDR summoned the back to our founder Thomas Hunter. The represented Hunter at its best and most to college. Born to immigrant parents courage and resilience to recover from the Roosevelts enthusiastically endorsed the ambitious, and was not only worth pre- from Haiti — her father is a janitor at a crushing disability of polio; here, he rose new plan. serving, but re-conceiving. Brooklyn synagogue — Tamara is but again so he could lift America from its And so, following some touch-ups for So in 2002, with the financial and emo- the latest in a long line of graduates with knees in the wake of the great depression. the home’s new life as a campus center, tional support of so many of you here similar life stories — but also unique — Eleanor found her calling, at first in the college planned a gala opening—for tonight, we commissioned the architect because this year Thamara Jean became service to the neediest New Yorkers. November 1943 … exactly 75 years ago. James Polshek to re-imagine this build- the first in Hunter’s history to win a pres- That modest effort launched a career Not everything went as planned. ing, and successfully secured $24 million tigious Rhodes scholarship. that culminated decades later in the UN’s Something happened between Sara’s to restore it. Today, Thamara is pursuing her educa- passage of her crowning achievement: death and opening day: a World War II Eight years ago, on November 15, 2010, tion at Oxford University — galvanized the Universal Declaration of Human ceremony, FDR could not join us. He had UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon by her time at Roosevelt house. Rights — and her own emergence as first an awfully good excuse: He was steaming cut the ribbon for the new Roosevelt As you can see, this sacred and vibrant lady of the world. across the Atlantic aboard the battleship House which reopened as a public policy place continues to inspire students, 75 During that time, FDR asked Frances USS Iowa, en route to Tehran for an allied institute—with curricula and programs years after the dedication whose anniver- Perkins to become the first woman ever summit with Churchill and Stalin. chartered and led by the extraordinary sary we celebrate tonight. to serve in a presidential cabinet. Hillel operated here under the leader- Jonathan Fanton. We are so delighted Hunter’s motto is mihi cura futuri, “the How perfect for that stubborn glass ship of a woman whose son would later to welcome this founding father of the care of the future is mine…” we live that ceiling to be shattered in a building that lead the New York Times: Toby Lelyveld. modern Roosevelt House back for this motto everyday. # 24 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

GUEST EDITORIAL

indergarten eachers to the escue KBy DR. JOHN RUSSELL T R Reading problems and the multitude of negative consequences that result from them can be reduced by early interven- tion. Longitudinal behavioral research and neuroimaging studies confirm that the early identification of dyslexia is possible before a downward spiral of poor reading, academic failure, and debilitating anxiety and depression sets in. When students are identified early and receive research-based instruction, the results are consistently positive. To be eligible for early interven- tion, children must be identified as soon as possible. Knowledgeable kindergarten teachers are uniquely positioned to identify the telltale signs that are accurate predictors of future reading problems and dyslexia. As early as preschool, family history of dyslexia is a valuable predictor of litera- cy outcomes. Children of at-risk families experience language delays as infants and toddlers, and these delays manifest them- selves as phonological lags in preschool. At school age, family risk of dyslexia is asso- ciated with significantly poor phonological awareness and literacy skills. Between 40 to 60% of children with a parent or sibling with reading difficulties will have reading problems themselves. More recent studies provide additional evidence of the role genetics plays in reading difficulties. Kindergarten teachers can read- ily observe difficulties with phonological awareness and the alphabetic principle. Similarly, students exhibiting expressive and receptive language issues frequently standout among their peers. Kindergarten teachers who are aware of the correlation between these difficul- ties and future reading problems can alert parents and school administrators. Simply sharing these types of observations can facilitate early identification of dyslexia and prevent the downward spiral of poor reading, academic failure, and debilitating anxiety and depression. Parents in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have too often experienced an insidious resistance on the part of school officials to the early identification of dys- lexia. As a result, students must endure years of failure before being found eli- gible for special education services. Failure to provide early identification of students with dyslexia is to deny them their rights under IDEA. It is not just unethical; it is illegal; and it must stop. Whether the goal of a kindergarten pro- gram is to promote self-esteem or to devel- op academic skills, kindergarten teachers have the knowledge and opportunity to rescue students from a future of academic and self-esteem struggles simply by shar- ing their observations with parents and administrators. In fact, they have a profes- sional obligation to do so. # John J. Russell Ed.D. is the Emeritus Dr. John Russell Head of the Windward School. JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 25

Let’s Make Our New Year’s Resolutions Count…For The Kids By JOHN A. KERNEY labs”. and our faculty and staff — are As we make resolutions for the coming 4. More traditional shaped! year, a good place to start is with some of schools are recognizing that 1. Embrace the unknown the most compelling advances in educa- some of the most interest- — live with the gray — a tion observed in recent years: ing students — including year of doing benefits many The five highlights that shape my reso- some who are most likely and makes us smarter while a lutions for the coming year are the fol- to change our world — have year of planning costs a lot of lowing: a wide range of learning money, doesn’t advance any- 1. Private schools and colleges looking styles and profiles. And one, and doesn’t make us much to improve access and reducing costs by they are the kids that for so brighter. embracing new models — that bring the long have been shunned by 2. Don’t back down. The tuition costs for an exceptional education some of the most selective more important it is, the harder down for prospective families. If you schools. Albert Einstein, it will be, the messier it will be, haven’t seen what is going on at Hawken Richard Branson, Octavia the more skeptical others will School in Ohio or Lakeside School in Spencer, Simone Biles or be, and the more interesting it Seattle, I encourage you to check it out! Erin Brockovich wouldn’t will be. 2. Boards being open to and even have been accepted to most 3. Every day is an opportuni- encouraging bold endeavors — support- “elite schools” in their ty for learning. I need to be my ing their teams in taking fresh new looks day, or if they had been own harshest critic … and also at how we can best serve our students accepted, probably would my own strongest advocate. in a period of dramatic opportunity and not have thrived at those Happy New Year. May 2019 change — kudos to Donna Orem, Tim schools. be a year of personal growth Fish and the rest of the team at NAIS 5. There is increasing and adventure, a healthy for pushing us to and supporting us in awareness that the college amount of fear and anxiety, and embracing discomfort. and university landscape continued progress toward pro- 3. More schools are getting more stu- is in a period of dramatic John A. Kerney viding students with the most dents out of the classroom for enriched change, at a pace that is compelling possible education. # learning opportunities. These out-of-the- only likely to accelerate, and as chal- years on one campus and a whole lot of John A. Kerney is the Executive classroom activities are not the field trips lenging as this may be, it will also create debt will increasingly be a model from Director and CEO of the Winchendon of last century, but are intentional, more dramatic opportunities for students, edu- the past. School, with campuses in Brooklyn and engaging, and more impactful “learning cators and learning organizations. Four And so my resolutions for the kids — in Winchendon, MA.

Where could you go if your child needs help?

Resources for parents of students with learning differences English Spanish Haitian Creole Mandarin Urdu Hindi Bengali Russian Arabic PalmichePress.com [email protected] 26 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

John Dewey HS Teacher Filippo Dispenza Dispenses Robotics Throughout Brooklyn

By LANE ROSEN engineer a functional robot to complete measuring, SketchUp, welding, and Chairman, Mark Treyger, gave Fil a City If you walk down the hallway of the all the required tasks. In year three, many other real-world technology skills. Council Citation for Robotics Education. first floor at John Dewey High School students take engineering courses and As part of the One Engineering Pipeline, For Sea Perch Underwater Robotics, Fil (JDHS) on any given day, night, or are challenged to complete demanding Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams collaborates with many of the schools weekend, the scent of freshly cut wood projects, such as designing a shoe with an allocated $300,000 to JDHS to purchase mentioned above and his teams have with a hint of burning oil will lead you interchangeable heel that can be taken off 3D CAD Laptops, a CNC Tormach reached the NY State Regional Finals to the Fab Lab. This is where the aroma to turn into a flat shoe. Senior year stu- Machine, and a remotely operated vehi- four years in a row. of auto-mechanics grease greets you. dents take AP Physics, and most apply to cle, or ROV, that serves as an underwater The Megalodons and Fil are very In this room, you will find a diverse engineering programs at colleges in New robot, for Dewey’s Megalodons. well known in the local Coney Island student body planning, budgeting, order- York. Fil and JDHS have been hosting As a Robotics Leader, Fil has a community, Brooklyn, and in NYC. ing, designing, engineering, and testing two-day FTC Robotics Qualifiers for the First Lego League (FLL) team at the Organizations like the New York a robot built for competition. This com- last five years. Over the last three years, NY Public Library and several teams State Marine Education Association munity or family of students under the he has inspired teacher Bruce Gamsey to at JDHS. He leads Four FTC teams, a (NYSMEA) has given Team 333 over leadership and expertise of their teacher host a FLL Qualifier at Marine Park JHS. First Robotics Challenge (FRC), and two ten awards for participation in coastal Filippo Dispenza, as well as mentor engi- Fil took over the robotics team Sea Perch underwater robotics teams. cleanups and for setting up robotics neers Mike Vilarelle and Nelly Reyes, 10 years ago, brought in Mike, Nelly The FTC teams have won numerous displays at the events. The team is regu- are challenged to improve their robot by and Team 333, and converted a storage awards and banners over the years. The larly asked to bring their robot to the going through engineering steps again room into a well-equipped Fab Lab. FRC Team 333 last year was fourth Brooklyn Public Library, NYC Parks, the and again. Principal Connie Hamilton The Lab has a drill press, a variety in the world at the International First Brooklyn Borough Presidents Office, or supports the program and has helped get of three-dimensional printers, computer Robotics Finals in Detroit, Michigan. even throw a pitch at Brooklyn Cyclones state-of-the-art technology. numeric control (which carves, cuts, and Team 333 has won the Tech Valley Stadium. At a fundraiser gala last year, Fil and JDHS created a four- mills wood and aluminum), and com- event and was a runner up in the NYC where President Obama was the fea- year robotics sequence for its STEM puters with AutoCAD and a Tormach Finals. The team is very proud of its tured speaker, the team represented First academy. Year one is Introductory CNC which precision carves and cuts the engineering award because JDHS is Robotics; over $250,000 was raised to Robotics, which covers programming blocks of aluminum. The shop has a wide a non-tech school. Fil has collaborated help teams afford the costs of competing. Lego Mindstorms. The following year, variety of power and hand tools, nuts, in robotics with many schools such as With help from the Space Angels, Fil and students take Advanced Robotics where bolts, wood, metal, shelving, tables, and William H. Grady HS, Stuyvesant HS, his students have raised over $30,000 students create a robot for competition robots. The team spends countless hours and Rachel Carson HS. He coached and this season in order to compete citywide, in the First Robotics competition. JDHS in the shop planning and building their helped start teams at Edward R. Murrow, statewide, and nationally. # has four First Tech Challenge (FTC) robot. Students learn wiring, soldering, William H. Maxwell, IS 228, IS 278, IS Lane Rosen is NYSMEA President & teams. These robots have to do a variety troubleshooting, electricity, pneumatics, 281, James Madison HS, New Utrecht Science Teacher at John Dewey High of tasks, and it is very challenging to programming, engineering, AutoCAD, HS, and more. NYC Council Education School. JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 27

Mercy College Announces Expansion Plan for Manhattan Campus Mercy College announced it is pur- in Manhattan for generations of future suing plans to expand its Manhattan students.” Campus to more than 95,000 square feet To support this expansion, the College over the next two years. The concept has developed a new marketing campaign was developed with SL Green Realty that will rebrand the Manhattan Campus Corporation to include more academic as MercyManhattan. Advertisements space, common multi-use zones, a new with the tagline, “The Ultimate Location dormitory and enhanced course offer- to Reach Your Destination” will be fea- ings. “We are delighted that SL Green’s tured across multiple platforms includ- acquiring of the property afforded us the ing billboards, subways and buses, opportunity to explore with them ways to newsstands, phone kiosks, internet radio better serve our students and stay in the as well as on social media. In addition, a same premier location in Herald Square new microsite (mm.mercy.edu) has been in the heart of New York City,” said created to provide updated information Mercy College President Tim Hall. “The aimed at increasing awareness and driv- enhanced MercyManhattan opening in ing enrollment. fall 2019 will have a prominent entrance Dr. Brian Johnson, Vice President of on 34th Street and customized space the MercyManhattan Campus, stated, for academic programs, a welcoming “This is an exciting new era for this student commons space with an internet campus and the surrounding community. café meets living room feel, and by 2020 MercyManhattan at Herald Square will a 130-bed dormitory of suites will be truly be the ultimate location for students added.” to reach their destinations.” President Tim Hall, Mercy College “This is a very exciting time for Mercy MercyManhattan at Herald Square is College and its students, faculty and within a few blocks of no fewer than 15 opportunities to the College for students addition to MercyManhattan, the College staff,” said Bruce Haber, Chairman of the subway lines and a short walk to Penn seeking a New York City residential col- also offers students the convenience to Mercy College Board of Trustees. “The Station/LIRR and Grand Central/Metro- lege experience. take courses online and at campuses Board and I are confident that this expan- North lines. The addition of the option to Mercy first began offering classes at located in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx and sion will strengthen Mercy’s foundation live at the campus opens new recruitment the Herald Square location in 2002. In Yorktown Heights. # 28 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

Molloy College̓s Saturday Science Organized By Dr. John Tanacredi What Came First? Career Exploration The Dinosaur or the Egg? with Biologist By MARGAUX MONTAGNER On a recent Saturday, teenagers oelle utter gathered at the Explorer’s Club in the N C By MARGAUX MONTAGNER Upper East Side for the 3rd talk in selected biology as a major in Molloy the “Saturday Science for Students” On a recent Saturday, a group of high- College, as she had always enjoyed the series. Sponsored by Molloy’s Center schoolers braved one of the first chilly subject. Dr. Cutter advised her audience for Environmental Research and its mornings of the fall to head to the to do the same if they had similar doubts: Department of Biology, Chemistry and Explorers Club in the Upper East Side. Start by picking something that you like. Earth Studies, these sessions offer a They were not there to peruse the club’s She also highlighted the importance of chance for high-schoolers to hear scien- fascinating collection or pose with the getting a “complete” education, as study- tists from different fields present their taxidermied polar bear that watches over ing theology, sociology, and literature career paths, interests and research. This the staircase, however — they all came to gave her a better perspective. particular event, titled “My Career in listen to Dr. Noelle Cutter tell them about After leaving Molloy, Dr. Cutter joined Developmental Biology; What Came her career as an Associate Professor of the Brookhaven National Laboratory for First: The Dinosaur or the Egg?”, fea- Biology, Chemistry and Environmental two years, following the advice of one tured Dr. Anthony J. Tolvo, professor of Studies at Molloy College. The event was of her mentors. There, she found her- Biology at Molloy College. part of “Saturday Science for Students”, self enthralled by science research and In a practical, no-nonsense way, Dr. a series of talks by scientists in vari- discovery, and the idea of “looking at Tolvo presented his research to the ous fields sponsored by Molloy’s Center something no one has ever seen before”. audience, starting appropriately with the for Environmental Research and Coastal Not only did she make numerous con- beginning of all things: the cell … stem Oceans Monitoring (CERCOM) and its nections that would prove invaluable, cells, to be precise, and their specific Department of Biology, Chemistry and Dr. Cutter also “learned more there than behaviors. On a wall of the stately Clark Dr. John Tanacredi, Professor, Earth Studies. During these talks, stu- [she] could have in any masters pro- Room, Dr. Tolvo displayed a photo of Molloy College dents learn about each speaker’s back- gram”. But reminding us that life doesn’t a chicken embryo, pointing out its par- ground and career evolution. Dr. Cutter, go as planned, Dr. Cutter revealed that ticular structure, and drawing attention controlled by genes switching on and off an energetic and engaging orator, deliv- after moving to Houston to start medi- to the fact that as vertebrates, birds have at very precise times — signal transduc- ered that as well as solid life advice to cal school, she and her husband had to a similar structure to human beings, tion in action. her teenaged audience, surrounded by the move back to New York as her nephew an interesting point to consider a week Going back to the chicken embryo, many retired flags of the Explorer’s club, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, prior to Thanksgiving. He then moved Dr. Tolvo pointed out that early in some of which have reached the bottom an extremely aggressive form of cancer. on from that comparison to point out their development, all vertebrates tend of the Mariana Trench, the top of Mount This tragedy, and her subsequent time evidence showing birds evolved from to look quite similar. Later differentia- Everest, and the surface of the Moon. at the genetics program at Stony Brook, dinosaurs, such as the three digits on tion between species depends on gene- Dr. Cutter started by talking about her would shape her later specialization in their forelimbs, the hollowness of their controlled patterns, which determinate high school experience in Long Island, cancer research. Her return to Molloy bones, and, evocatively, feather impres- everything “even the coiling of the large and how her ideas for her future were came afterwards, and Dr. Cutter then fell sions on fossils. intestine”. But while these genes mold very different then. “If you had asked in love with teaching, as she had with Having thus set up his presentation, each mammal in their own specific ways, sixteen years-old me what I wanted to do laboratory research years before. Dr. Tolvo briefly mentioned his profes- oddities can occur naturally to dem- with my life, I’d have just told you that I While some would call her success a sional background. onstrate some hidden, ancestral genes wanted to become a professional runner”, matter of luck, Dr. Cutter insisted on the After beginning his career as a bio- expressing themselves. Dr. Tolvo men- Dr. Cutter said. “You start off thinking amount of hard work it took, while also chemical endocrinologist, he eventually tioned the presence of pelvic append- one thing, but life has its way of switch- recognizing how essential her support switched to developmental biology — ages on a dolphin, or polydactyl horses ing that up”. Indeed, when time came to system was, and how teamwork was a logical evolution, as both paths are — horses born with additional hooves, a pick a college major, she wasn’t quite always essential for her. “Being part of based on signal transduction. Signal prehistoric trait for the species. sure what to choose. A high achiever and the track team, of a team of researchers transduction, or cell signaling, is the At that moment, Dr. Tolvo revealed his a perfectionist, she settled on the idea of at the lab, of a family — it’s a big part of transmission of molecular signals to the most recent area of research, retro-engi- eventually going to medical school, and who I am”, she said. # inside of a cell. For example, a hormone neering. He then asked: Considering our combined with a receptor can initiate a present-day knowledge, is there a way to series of biochemical steps, triggering a play around with the genes that control This brought the presentation back could provide a way of observing molec- response from a cell. Different types of patterning, and, for instance, give a bird to its title, and to dinosaurs. While res- ular mechanisms in order to determine chemical messengers can activate differ- a longer tail? Or to make primitive teeth urrecting dinosaurs from their ancient how to use or modify them, and apply ent types of transduction, and enhance or appear on a chicken? Can we take the DNA is impossible, as DNA get too that expertise to clinical challenges, pos- repress another. genes of a bird and tweak them […] so fragmented over time, they could be ret- sibly arresting progressive diseases. To illustrate this idea, Dr. Tolvo used that they start to express older traits? ro-engineered from birds instead using Ending his presentation, Dr. Tolvo the example of limbs in early develop- The follow-up question, Dr. Tolvo joked, technology. The goal of this process asked the audience to contemplate a ment, when they are little more than should be: Why would anyone want to would not be to replicate the famous striking fact: Considering what modern “flaps of skin”. For humans, they have to get such genes to be expressed, or why Steven Spielberg movie and build a birds evolved from, they are, in essence, differentiate according to a set pattern, would anyone want to get chased down theme park, however, “because we “the only dinosaurs left”. Something to to produce more or less identical sets the street by a chicken with teeth and know what happens when you do that”, ponder during one’s next encounter with of arms or legs. This process is tightly claws? Dr. Tolvo facetiously added. Instead, it a pigeon. # JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 29 Ballet Hispanico azzles at the pollo ByD LYDIA LIEBMAN A Recently, the acclaimed Ballet Hispanico returned to the Apollo Theater to present the smoldering CARMEN. maquia. CARMEN.maquia is a Picasso- inspired interpretation on Bizet’s clas- sic opera that fuses sensual flamenco dance styles with Spanish paso doble and contemporary dance. Originally created for the Luna Negra Dance Theater of Chicago, CARMEN.maquia premiered in New York at the Apollo in 2014 and is the first full-length narrative dance work in Ballet Hispánico’s nearly 50-year history. It is choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, who was the Artistic Director of Luna Negra Dance Theater from 2009 through 2013. The story of Carmen is well known; the tragic opera, written by the French com- poser Georges Bizet, tells the tale of Don José, a naïve sailor who kills the seduc- tress Carmen in a jealous rage. Ballet Hispánico presents Carmen through a Modernist lens that finds the dancers per- forming against a stark white background made up of paper-like accordion props in striking black and white costumes that exude confident sensuality. Shelby Colona shines as the titular character. From her first appearance in a black ensemble amongst a sea of white, she commands your attention. She dances emotional performance. Latino cultures through dance for nearly by Eduardo Vilaro, an acclaimed cho- assertively yet gracefully and showcas- Once again, Ballet Hispánico proves 50 years. Whether dancing on stage, in reographer and former member of the es her incredible physicality with each why it is one of the most unique and school, or in the street, Ballet Hispánico Company, whose vision of social equity, movement. She is a perfect Carmen. important dance companies in the United creates a space where few institutions are cultural identity and quality arts educa- Jared Bogart is an equal counterpart in States. CARMEN.maquia is a transcen- breaking ground. tion for all drives its programs. the role of matador Escamillo with a pal- dent experience that is not to be missed. The organization’s founder, National Ballet Hispánico, a role model in and pable machismo and affecting bravado; Ballet Hispánico is the premier Latino Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez, for the Latino community, is inspiring the interplay between the two dancers is dance organization in the United States. sought to give voice to the Hispanic creativity and social awareness in our notable. Chris Bloom rounds out the lead It has been bringing individuals and com- experience and break through stereo- neighborhoods and across the country by trio as Don José with a heartbreaking, munities together to celebrate and explore types. Today, Ballet Hispánico is led providing access to arts education. # 30 EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

Telling the Truth Decodable Books Deputizing Doctors that falsehood, not the truth, were being continued from page 18 published by that newspaper. When I continued from page 9 continued from page 18 government) official or a respected inquired as to how she had made her their confidence to explore complex text the Constitution. Pretty strong stuff. In well-regarded principal executive has determination, she explained that it needed for content-based learning. theory, there might be some extreme been lying. was impossible for a person to have As educators working with dyslexic circumstance where such an aggressive, Even President Trump admits to been elected President of the United students, it is essential to understand how involuntary intervention would be justi- lying. Earlier this year, when comment- States unless he was highly trusted by to incorporate specific teaching strate- fied, but not in a petty drug posses- ing on his false statement to a newspa- the people who elected him and was gies and effective teaching tools that sion case, where—not wishing to be too per reporter, President Trump said “It’s trustworthy. It was apparent to me that foster the development of reading skills graphic—the course of nature would irrelevant! It’s [merely] a statement to her mind was made up, and I quickly of students with language-based learning have inevitably resolved the issue in due the New York Times … That’s not a changed the subject. and reading disabilities. Reading decod- time. statement to a high tribunal of judges.” The New York Times is trying to do its able books is an excellent way to foster The doctors’ conduct in this case is Similarly, President Trump’s personal part in fighting against a perceived rep- decoding, reading rate, and comprehen- also highly concerning. One of the fun- lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, admitted that utation by some people of publishing sion. Once it is understood that learn- damental precepts of medical ethics is the President intentionally lies on occa- ‘fake news’ and has instituted an on- ing disabilities represent the discrepancy that physicians do not engage in medical sion, such as when payments were going campaign “The Truth is Hard,” between students’ academic potential and interventions on competent and capa- made under his direction to two women in which the newspaper is running full their corresponding performance, a con- ble patients without their consent. Just to gain their silence during his presi- page announcements about telling the versation can ensue where educators, because officers have a warrant does not dential campaign in 2016. But, as Mr. truth. Unfortunately, the campaign is parents, and students can recognize the necessarily mean that doctors are obliged Giuliani explained, it was OK because viewed only by people who read that necessity of breaking down the barriers to engage in a complex medical proce- “the President’s not under oath.” newspaper and those people, by and that guard these children from finding dure to facilitate that warrant; they could This mindset of lying being OK is large, read that paper because they trust success to reaching their full potential. # simply have stepped aside. (This case not only disturbing but, in my opinion, its contents. is far more troubling than that of Alex is influencing our children as their We now are in an era different from Wubbels, the nurse arrested in Utah in ethical values are being established. I any other in our lifetimes. The people The Math Column 2017 for refusing to allow police to draw believe that this also is changing the who are our leaders are no longer uni- continued from page 18 blood from an unconscious patient— ethical values of our students by say- formly setting an example of the ethical because here the doctors performed the ing that lying is OK and that the truth values we should be instilling in our they get smaller) their sum “appears” to intervention themselves while the patient doesn’t always matter, especially if it is children and, recently, there seems to be approaching the length of the segment was vocally objecting.) General anes- not important … and if it is important, be a marked increase in the degradation AB, that is, thesia is relatively safe, but not with- it doesn’t matter if you want to take of these ethical values. Unfortunately, (π / 2) ·AB = AB. Taking this a step out hazards—including a death rate of a calculated risk and believe that it is I am not certain how to temporarily further, if we let AB = 1, then we have π approximately 1 in 200,000; sigmoidos- worthwhile to try to get away with your overcome this phenomenon while our = 2, which we surely know is a mistake! copy risks perforation of the colon. falsehoods. current top leadership is in place. Again, the set consisting of the semicir- This case falls into a broader, trouble- In addition to being an attorney, I As a result, our educators need to not cles does indeed appear to approach the some pattern of law enforcement “depu- have been an alumni college interview- only set the right standard of ethical length of the straight-line segment AB. It tizing” physicians to assist in their work. er for a number of years and, during conduct, but now have an additional does not follow, however, that the sum of Several states now permit police officers a recent discussion last month with a burden and need to be vigilant and the semicircles approaches the length of to compel medical personnel to draw highly-intelligent college applicant, she make additional efforts to not condone the limit, in this case AB. blood in suspected DWI cases. Others— volunteered her belief that the New York lying and cheating among their students This “apparent limit sum” is absurd, most notably Connecticut—have used Times was a purveyor of fake news, and and maintain high ethical standards. # since the shortest distance between points doctors to “break” prison hunger strikes A and B is the length of segment AB, not by force-feeding competent inmates the semicircle arc AB (which equals the with nasogastric tubes (something most Bridg-it Advisory Board of bullying and at-risk behavior by sum of the smaller semicircles). This is Americans assume only happens at 75%; moreover, daily absenteeism an important concept and may be best Guantánamo.) Psychiatrists have even continued from page 9 has been reduced to 5% according explained with the help of these motivat- been called upon to declare death row To catalyze the development of such to statistics provided by the New ing illustrations, so that future misinter- inmates fit for execution. This muddling positive learning environments, Bridg-it York City Board of Education. pretations can be avoided. # of medical and law enforcement roles has created the following electronic tools Furthermore, the entire school Alfred S. Posamentier, Ph.D., does not make us safer, but likely leads for principals, administrators, teachers, community believes in the power is the Executive Director for segments of the population who already students, staff, and parents to use, includ- of their middle school to produce Internationalization and Sponsored have reasons to distrust medical profes- ing: overwhelmingly positive results as Programs, Professor Emeritus, sionals to fear doctors even more. Far • Student confidential reporting of bul- the students feel safe at school and Mathematics Education and Former better to render unto Hippocrates what lying to school authorities their overall standardized test scores Dean, CCNY-City University of New belongs to Hippocrates, and cede the rest • A resource library of over 2000 edu- have continued to rise each year. York. to Caesar.... # cational materials, including social- In composing an Advisory Board emotional and restorative activities for the pilot middle school to • Real time analytics describing the “big keep their school community on picture” of student at-risk and bullying track, and in line to catalyze even behavior in the building/on campus as greater academic, social, and emo- www. EducationUpdate.com well as the individual student perpe- tional gains, one teacher summed trators who disrupt the school climate up Bridg-it’s impact succinctly: perpetually “We need a Board of Advisors com- Scan QR Code • A menu of already created positive posed of very special people; that is, shout-outs and best wishes that stu- they MUST BELIEVE AS WE DO with your Smartphone dents, teachers, parents, and staff can that not only our middle school but use to congratulate and fortify the any school can progress faster and other members of the school com- more expediently through their con- Follow our tweets on the latest news, munity for excellent work rendered sistent use of the electronic platform, profiles and interviews in education: These electronic tools have already climate, and culture tools we have confirmed Bridg-it’s pilot middle found in Bridg-it. school a viable, focused, and effec- “Yes, our Advisory Board must believe tive environment for learning. Over in the unlimited positivity of Bridg-it’s five years of using Bridg-it’s tools possibilities; indeed, they MUST be a @EducationUpdate has reduced the number of incidents BOARD OF BELIEVERS! JAN/FEB 2019 ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE 31

Four Key Elements Sgt. York College of State Island Rebecca Seawright continued from page 6 continued from page 6 continued from page 8 continued from page 6 teachers receive 450 hours of training last guy was shot. The German officer Foundation. overdoses. Naloxone is a drug that can each year (equivalent to 13 weeks). They he had captured offered to have his men He also helped with logistics and artistic save lives. Naloxone actually reverses also receive daily feedback and coaching surrender if he would not kill any more of arrangements for several Staten Island overdose caused by prescription pain from instructional leaders, and partici- them. They surrendered and he ended up nonprofits, including the Staten Island medications, other opioids, and heroin. pate in intensive pre-lesson preparation with 132 Germans. Museum, Snug Harbor, and the Greenbelt It works by reviving a person from an under the guidance of instructional lead- What was his job before the war and Conservancy — often teaming up with opioid overdose. That is why in New ers. Teacher training is deeply embedded after the war? He was a farmer and Gustavo Galván Events. York State, we’ve required insurance in our content and curriculum rather than worked at odd jobs. Just before the war, In the near future, Peña is looking for- coverage for naloxone and eliminated abstract pedagogy: We believe that in he was employed as a road worker build- ward to traveling to different destinations the need for insurance pre-authorization order to facilitate deep understanding and ing a road into his area. After the war, he with his husband, Gary W. Reichard. for consumers. Furthermore, several mastery of the content among scholars, became a speaker and went around the “Anytime there is a way I can contribute agencies in New York State have worked teachers themselves must understand the country raising money to build a school to the community, where I can provide to train police and other first responders content inside and out. which he built and ran and funded, a four- support, it’s very satisfying to apply my on how to administer naloxone, which 3. Parent engagement. In my trav- year high school for over ten years before knowledge,” Peña said. “I feel honored many first responders now carry with els across the country, I never saw an giving the school, 400 acres, buses, etc. and blessed to be recognized.” them. As an officer of the Buffalo City excellent school without strong parent to the State of Tennessee. He continued Provost and Senior Vice President for Police Department says, “I administered investment and the primacy of active to farm and raised crops and had cattle, Academic Affairs Gary W. Reichard is one dose of naloxone to an unresponsive parental engagement is an essential com- hogs, and sheep. also an honoree at this year’s Celestial subject. The victim became alert within ponent of our school design. We have a Did you know him well? Did he share Ball. He has been credited with transform- two minutes.” few, clear expectations for our families his war stories with you? I was 17 ing the College of Staten Island’s aca- The next phase, of course, is reha- and we staff our schools in a way that when he passed away, so I got to spend demic culture by driving the recruitment bilitation and recovery. As part of the allows us to consistently communicate time with him. He never talked about his of outstanding faculty, particularly deans. legislation, we increased the number of and follow up on these expectations. We war experiences, but was always inter- During a distinguished career, Reichard “treatment beds” and allowed more time ask our families to get their children to ested in what everyone else was doing. served in a succession of leadership posi- for those seeking treatment to be evalu- school every day, on time, and in uni- He had a stroke in 1954 and was bedrid- tions in the California State University ated increasing the hours from 48 to 72, form, to ensure independent reading and den for ten years before passing away system, including associate vice president providing an additional day for those homework is completed, and to respond in 1964. He was a fantastic grandfather for academic affairs, and then provost at affected by an overdose to stabilize and promptly to teachers, school leaders, and with a good sense of humor; he was Cal State Long Beach, and finally as exec- to seek appropriate longer-term treat- staff members when they are contacted. always willing to talk to his grandkids utive vice chancellor and chief academic ment. We also required that hospitals, Our school staff works tirelessly with and gave me a dollar when we would officer for the 23-campus CSU system. whose emergency rooms people suffer- parents to help them meet these expec- leave from visiting. I was able to spend Reichard is an accomplished politi- ing from addiction are often brought, tations and provides support if parents time with him the last three years of his cal historian and the author of numer- provide resource information about treat- are facing challenges that make it dif- life and did hear him talk about some of ous books and journal articles, including ment centers upon patient discharge. We ficult to follow through. Members of our his experiences during this time. “Politics as Usual: The Age of Truman all know that even after treatment some operations teams do everything from What was your career focused on? and Eisenhower” (1988; revised ed., patients do relapse thus, the legislation arranging automated wake up calls, to I spent 31 years in the US Army, and 2004), and, most recently, “Deadlock and provides “wraparound services” to pro- collecting food and clothing donations now am active with the Sergeant York Disillusionment: American Politics since mote long-term recovery. These services for parents going through tough times, Patriotic Foundation. This is an out- 1968” (2016). include education and job resources, to helping homeless families navigate growth of a foundation my grandfather Caroline Diamond Harrison is presi- legal, childcare and peer support groups. the city bureaucracy to receive housing started in the 1920s to raise money to dent of Advance Local and publisher of There are still too many New Yorkers closer to the school! fund building and operating a school for the Staten Island Advance and its affili- addicted to opioids. We must be watch- 4. Strong school management. I have the local children. ated Website, SILive.com. Succeeding ful of our children, neighbors, friends, never seen a high-performing organiza- What means the most to you at this her father who led the newspaper for five and colleagues — look for signs and tion without a theory of management, stage of your life? His life and what decades, Harrison has enhanced electronic be responsive to them. We must not and at Success Academy, we believe he left his family in the way of values, communications at the organization. feel ashamed or embarrassed if we need in tight and effective management, of honesty, courage, and the ability to do the Prior to becoming publisher in 2004, support in confronting opioid addiction. both instruction and school operations. right thing even when it was tough. I am Harrison was general manager of the pub- The hopeful news is if we do recognize All of our principals know the met- currently the Chairman of the Sergeant lication from 1999 to 2004, overseeing someone is suffering from addiction, the rics and benchmarks they must meet York Patriotic Foundation and in the pro- the planning, purchase, and installation of State of New York has “your back” and and receive support from the central cess of continuing his legacy and vision a state-of-the-art electronic printing press, there are resources for you, as a care- office — data analytics, curriculum, and of helping the community, young people and a new press hall for the newspaper. giver as well as for the person afflicted teacher training teams, as well as school and veterans through the Sgt. York Center Her experience with the Staten Island to get and stay well. Even when holistic managers — to help them achieve these for Peace and Valor. Later in life he was Advance began years prior with a col- legislation offers possibilities for preven- outcomes. For us, the most important asked what he wanted to be remembered lege-level internship in the newspaper’s tion, rehabilitation, and recovery, it still source of data is student work, and we for and he said his contribution to educa- Lifestyle Department, writing feature sto- takes a village to share the information study student work along with our prin- tion, bringing education to the children of ries and covering fashion events. and spread the news. Let us hope that cipals and teachers to identify trends and rural Tennessee in his county and in help- She serves as board member of a num- in 2018, the progress we have made in inform adjustments across classrooms ing the community. We are in the process ber of non-profit and industry organiza- reaching out, providing outreach and and schools that build on successes and of restoring the original building he built tions, including the Richmond County support to those confronting this public address weaknesses. We apply similarly in the mid 1920s to house this Center. # Savings Foundation, Alliance for Audited health crisis continues and as a result, the high levels of accountability and support Media and The Metropolitan Museum of crisis is downgraded to a problem and to school operations. Virtually every task comes at our schools. We prioritize play Art. She and her husband Tim have two eventually becomes just a memory of that is not related to teaching and learn- for example, with choice time and blocks, children, a son Tim and daughter Alice. # what we, as a society, overcame. # ing is handled by operations teams at recess, board games, field trips, and our schools. These teams have concrete numerous celebrations and dress up days. ent choice. In developing Success educators by sharing our curriculum and Follow our tweets on the latest news, goals and benchmarks and receive sup- We invest enormously in developing our Academy’s particular model, which has training through our recently launched profiles and interviews in education: port from our network office. Both teams scholars’ passions and talents with chess, proven effective for thousands of New Success Academy Education Institute work in tandem to build strong relation- debate, sports, arts, and robotics. And we York City children, I benefited immense- and Robertson Center. Only by drawing ships with children and families. work to build character by modeling and ly from my visits to successful schools. on the lessons and achievements of suc- While these components are founda- celebrating clearly articulated values. Sharing what works and learning from cessful schools across the country and tional to our vision of excellence, there Ultimately, no one approach to school- our fellow educators is our best hope for the globe can we quickly deliver the out- are many other vital pieces that we ing will work for every child, which solving the education crisis this country standing education that all our children believe contribute to great student out- is why I believe passionately in par- faces, and we hope to similarly support need and deserve. # EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ JAN/FEB 2019

When it comes to the RATED BEST best“ colleges for students with learning disabilities, none holds VALUE FOR STUDENTS a candle to Beacon College. WHO LEARN DIFFERENTLY. – BestValueSchools.com”

WHY BEACON? For more than a quarter century, Beacon College has been the recognized leader in offering affordable, career-focused baccalaureate degree programs for students with learning disabilities, ADHD and other learning differences. Our impressive results speak for themselves:

BEACON COLLEGE NATIONAL AVERAGE 70% 4-YEAR GRADUATION RATE 37.8% 4-YEAR GRADUATION RATE Beacon’s 10-year average National 10-year average for ALL for students completing their students, with and without an LD bachelor degree in 4 years VS. (Source: NECS) THE BEACON DIFFERENCE The College is committed to student success, offering academic and personal support services that help each student achieve his/her goals. Just a few of our impactful programs include:

• The Summer for Success, our 3-week summer immersion for rising high school juniors and seniors focused on preparing them for the transition to college • Our Breakthrough Semester for visiting college students, a program uniquely structured to help current college students “get back on track” and secure or regain solid academic footing • Our NEW Bachelor of Science in Anthrozoology, exploring the extraordinary relationships and interactions that people have with animals, for students interested in careers in animal welfare, animal behavior and/or conservation

105 EAST MAIN STREET PHONE: 855-220-5376 LEESBURG, FL 34748 EMAIL: [email protected] BeaconCollege.edu