A Celebration of Black History Month

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Special Education 3rd in a 4 part series • Pages 25 - 27 2 SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATIONT:10.25 in UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005

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EDUCATION GUEST EDITORIAL AIDS in Africa. Education is key.” Mailing Address: Africa Revisited: A Teacherʼs Journey Frances Brown speaks this time as a member 17 Lexington Avenue, A1207 of the BLACKNYSAFT Caucus. As co-chair of New York, NY 10010 By PHYLLIS C. MURRAY Frances Brown and 50 fellow educators from the AIDS Campaign, the caucus was able to raise Email: [email protected] “History is not everything” John Henrik Clarke all over the Diaspora arrived in Nigeria to attend over $15,000 in a Herculean effort to eradicate www.EducationUpdate.com once wrote, “but it is the starting point. History is a conference on democracy with members of the AIDS in Africa. Through the sale of AIDS pins, Tel: 212-477-5600 Fax: 212-477-5893 a clock that people use to tell their time of day. It Nigerian Union of Teachers. This much needed this campaign against the spread of AIDS con- is a compass they use to find themselves on the educational exchange would provide a greater tinues to grow as contributions come in, daily. PUBLISHER AND EDITOR: map of human geography. It tells them where they insight into the role of democracy as it related And though this AFT initiative, lives are being Pola Rosen, Ed.D. are, but more importantly, what they must be.” to the Nigerians. Such an intense fact finding spared, daily. On August 2004 Frances Brown was on a mis- effort would serve as a means to create a social Frances Brown is proud to be a mem- ADVISORY COUNCIL: sion to Africa. Eight years had passed since her studies curriculum on Nigeria for implementa- ber of the United Federation of Teachers. The Charlotte K. Frank, Ph.D., Senior VP, last visit abroad. Now she was answering a call. tion in schools throughout the United States in BLACKNYSAFT, founded by the UFT Special McGraw-Hill; Augusta S. Kappner, A few months earlier, Frances was convalescing the future. In addition to the aforementioned, the Rep., LeRoy Barr Jr., is an AFT/UFT con- Ph.D., President, Bank St. College; Alfred from surgery. When she received the “call” from mode of education used in the prevention of AIDS nection. One day, history will show how the S. Posamentier, Ph.D., Dean, CCNY; the American Federation of Teachers in June in Nigeria would also be explored. Presently, the BLACKNYSAFT, in its time, became a beacon Adam Sugerman, Publisher; Laurie Tisch 2004 to serve on a special mission to Nigeria, she devastation the virus causes among the African of hope to needy brothers and sisters at home Sussman, Chair, Center for Arts Education knew at that moment, she was destined to make populace is incalculable. and abroad. And Frances Brown’s work will ASSOCIATE EDITORS: an important journey back to Africa. She would Once the draft of the social studies curriculum continue to personify the tireless commitment of Heather Rosen, Adam Sugerman, “pick up her bed and walk.” was crafted, there would be opportunities to pres- AFT members who make a difference in the lives Rob Wertheimer Brown’s previous visits were as student and ent the draft to Nigerian teachers for feedback. of many--year after year. tourist. However, this time, she would return as an Cross-cultural connections would be made. In Yes, “History is a clock that people use to tell ASSISTANT EDITORS: educator. She would return to Africa as a member addition to fact finding, numerous educational their time of day. It is a compass they use to find Gillian Granoff an American Federation of Teachers’ international resources would provide the vehicles for dissemi- themselves on the map of human geography. It GUEST COLUMNISTS: delegation on a fact finding mission. The summer nating all critical information about AIDS. Surely, tells them where they are, but more importantly, Alexandra Barzvi, Ph.D., Mayor Michael journey of 2004 would be a different kind of mis- education means survival in any society. As what they must be.” Frances Brown we salute R. Bloomberg, Fernando Brunschwig, sion for Frances. This mission would be...up close Frances Brown states, “The underlying strength you. Press on Sister! Ph.D., M.C. Cohen, Matilda Raffa Cuomo, and very personal. This mission would be a time of the Nigerians is in education. Many students Prior to Ms. Brown’s retirement, she served as Katherine Dahlsgaard, M.A., Regina M. for reflection, introspection as well as a recon- are economically disadvantaged. However, their a Teacher of Social Studies and UFT Chapter Eaton, David Flink, Jill Levy, Dr. Carol nection with fellow Africans. It would also be a strength lies in their wealth of knowledge. Union Leader at P.S.123 and MS 113 in the Bronx, NY Hankin, Phyllis C. Murray, Randi T. Sachs, time to assess the progress of the AFT teacher-to- to union we are making a difference by providing Phyllis Murray is a literary teacher and a UFT Assemblyman Steven Sanders, Kristen Z. teacher program to eradicate AIDS in Africa. the economic resources to inform the public about chapter leader at PS 75, Bronx. Starisky STAFF WRITERS: IN THIS ISSUE LETTERS Jacob Appel, J.D., Joan Baum, Ph.D., Editorial & Letters ...... 3 how I can best help my student who is non-verbal, Dorothy Davis, Mitchell Levine, Sybil RESPONSES TO Brown President Ruth Simmons cannot use his arms or legs and communicates with Maimin, Nazneen Malik, Sarah Ann Spotlight on Schools ...... 4-5, 8-12 To the Editor: “yes”/”no” responses only. TEACHERS OF THE MONTH . . . . . 6-7 Mockbee, Merri Rosenberg, Chris Rowan, Thanks so much for reviewing Seven Days Thank-you for your article on this family. I now Liza Young PROFILES IN EDUCATION ...... 9 of Possibilities in Education Update, one of the know my belief in my student’s potential is well INTERNS: Books ...... 13 most thorough education journals around. Joan founded and I hope to teach him how to achieve Michelle Desarbo CAMPS ...... 14-15 Baum’s graceful review of my book, Seven Days his fullest. of Possibilities, the inside story of a Bronx public Carmel Cramm BOOK REVIEWERS: Medical Update ...... 17 school and the poignant, inspirational characters Newfoundland, Canada Harris Healy III, Lillian Shapiro, BLACK HISTORY MONTH ...... 18-20 who made it tick, raised a question I’d like to Selene Vasquez MUSEUMS ...... 33 address head-on. Yes, for the most part I omitted RESPONSES TO MEDICAL EDITOR: quotation marks when reporting the thoughts and Brown President Ruth Simmons Colleges & Grad Schools ...... 21-24 To the Editor: Herman Rosen, M.D. words of characters, under the advice of a talented Special Education ...... 25-27 editor, who wanted to emphasize the book’s literary I read about you in Education Update. I was so MODERN LANGUAGE EDITOR: Theater & Movies ...... 28 qualities. But I’d like to assure Ms. Baum and your curious to find out more about you and was pleased Adam Sugerman readers that those thoughts and statements were to find this article. I would love to know about NEW JERSEY NEWS ...... 28 EDITOR-AT-LARGE: nonetheless verbatim as I recorded them during your life from childhood all the way to Brown. Children’s Corner ...... 29 the travels and research that produced the story Perhaps you will write an autobiography or have a Steve Bailey MetroBEAT ...... 30 of Johanna Grussner, the music teacher, Sheldon book written about you. What a mentor for all the MOVIE & THEATER REVIEWS: Benardo, the principal, and the terrific kids in the children out there growing up in this increasingly Music, Art & Dance ...... 31 Jan Aaron P.S. 86 chorus. complicated world. I sincerely wish you success in Technology & Education ...... 32 Anemona Hartocollis your new endeavor and all those to come. MUSIC EDITOR: Resource & Reference Guide ...... 34 Metropolitan News Barbara Canney Irving M. Spitz The New York Times Cohasset, MA POLITICAL COMMENTARY: Stuart Dunn RESPONSES TO RESPONSES TO Special Education Matilda Cuomo ART DIRECTOR: To the Editor: To the Editor: Neil Schuldiner I am a Special Education Teacher at Crescent I enjoyed this column, particularly the section GRAPHIC DESIGN: Collegiate in Blaketown Newfoundland, Canada. I about re-creation of the immigrant experience. At Jeremy Diamond am working with a 12-year-old boy who is living this critical period in our history when intercultural with Cerebral Palsy very similar to Alba Somoza. I understanding is so critical, Ms. Rufo has succeeded ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: have been told “we can’t test him”; “he can’t pass”; in creating attitudes of sensitivity in young people, Martin Lieberman, Manager. “his mother expects too much” and “he has reached many of whom problematically choose to turn away Joanna Leefer, Mitchell Levine, his limit academically.” I refuse to believe it. I from tragic events of the 20th century. Kudos! Nancy Kontos believe he is quite intelligent and if given the right Myra Simone ACCOUNTING MANAGER: tools he can amaze everyone. Flagstaff, AZ I would like to contact Mrs. Somoza to learn Nadia Veliz Education Update is published monthly by Education Update, Inc. All material is copy- righted and may not be printed without express consent of the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Education Update P.O. Box 1588 NY, NY 10159 Subscription: Annual $10. Copyright © 2005 Education Update EDUCATION UPDATE IS AN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER 4 SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005 “DEMOCRACY IN ACTION” �� AT BANK STREET’S �� SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN �� By NAZNEEN MALIK what they needed to know before they could do �� Recently, the Upper School of the Bank Street research of their own. Students really got into School for Children held an inaugural ceremony it, says Alison McKersie, one of the teachers �� marking the culmination of a mock presidential who led the Republican Party. She cites one election that began in September. Students in case where the 6th grade formed the lobby, the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades fully immersed National Organization for Women (NOW), and themselves in learning about the electoral pro- challenged the candidates’ positions on issues cess as they took on the roles and responsibilities like abortion. Students also drafted active and of all the players involved in a democratic elec- reactive press releases, says McKersie. tion, including politicians, lobbyists, pollsters, “It is part of our mission at Bank Street to edu- �� media, and the national debate commission. cate students in their roles and young citizens �� The results of the general election, held in of our democracy and I am proud to say that early November, confirmed Independent Party our mock election was a magnificent education- �� candidates, seventh graders Zorhan Mamdani al experience,” says Toby Weinberger, Upper and Evan Smith, as President and Vice President School Coordinator. Not only did students get �� of the United States, respectively. Even though to vote and nominate each other, but they �� the Republican candidates had won the popular also learned about voter registration, running vote, Mamdani and Smith won the electoral a primary and general election, public interest �� votes, thereby winning the election. groups, the role of the media in elections, and During the ceremony, Mamdani and Smith were block voting, among others. They learned how �� escorted to the podium by secret service agents to make speeches, connect with voters, and �� and were sworn in by Rudy Jordan, Dean of the defend their beliefs. �� School for Children and Dr. Augusta Kappner, “I’m not that afraid to talk to a large group of President of Bank Street College of Education. people,” says Mamdani. From the experience Mamdani then gave a timely, well-articulated he concludes that politics is not all that dirty �� inaugural address where he discussed the recent and that one person really can really make a �� tsunami disaster, upcoming elections in Iraq, difference. and the overwhelming defense budget. He then “I think it [mock election] really is an example �� “switched arm bands” and spoke as a student, of what we believe in about giving people an urging his peers to help the tsunami victims by understanding [of something] by actually doing buying goods from the bake sale. “Every effort it;” says Jordan, “and I think that it’s really hard �� made can make a difference,” says Mamdani. to understand issues of elections and issues of �� During the first two weeks of the electoral politics but actually having lived it they will real- campaign, teachers provided a solid founda- ly remember this for the rest of their lives.”# �� tion for students and taught them the basics of FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS 5 New For Teachers! Fun Ways to Teach Math By ALFRED S. POSAMENTIER, Ph.D. Suppose the first latitudinal circle, the one we Where in the World Are You? would walk along, would have a circumference This is a popular riddle that has some very of ½ mile. We could still satisfy the given instruc- interesting extensions, yet seldom considered. It tions, yet this time walking around the circle requires some “out of the box” thinking that can twice, and get back to our original starting point. have some favorable lasting effects on students. If the first latitudinal circle had a circumference Let’s consider the question: of ¼ mile, then we would merely have to walk Where on earth can you be so that you can around this circle four times to get back to the walk one mile south, then one starting point on this circle and mile east, and then one mile then go north one mile to the north and end up at the start- original starting point. ing point? At this point, we can take a Mostly through guess and giant leap to a generalization test a clever student will that will lead us to many more stumble on the right answer: points that satisfy the original the North Pole. To test this stipulations, actually an infi- answer, try starting from the nite number of points! This North Pole and travel south set of points can be located by one mile and then east one beginning with the latitudi- mile. This takes you along a nal circle, located nearest the latitudinal line which remains south pole, which has a -mile equidistant from the North circumference, so that the 1- Pole, one mile from it. Then mile walk east (which is com- travel one mile north to get you back to where prised of n circumnavigations) will take you back you began, the North Pole. to the point on this latitudinal circle at which you Most people familiar with this problem feel a began your walk. The rest is the same as before, sense of completion. Yet we can ask: Are there that is, walking one mile south and then later one other such starting points, where we can take the mile north. Is this possible with latitude circle same three “walks” and end up at the starting routes near the North Pole? Yes, of course! point? The answer, surprising enough for most This unit will provide your students with some people, is yes. very valuable “mental stretches,” not normally One set of starting points is found by locating found in the school curriculum. You will not only the latitudinal circle, which has a circumference entertain them, but you will be providing them with of one mile and is nearest the South Pole. From some excellent training in thinking logically.# this circle walk one mile north (along a great Editor’s Note: This is a new column by Dr. circle, naturally), and form another latitudinal Alfred S. Posamentier, Dean of the School of circle. Any point along this second latitudinal Education at City College of NY, author of circle will qualify. Let’s try it. over 35 books on math, member of the NYS Begin on this second latitudinal circle (the one Standards Committee on Math. This was taken farther north). Walk one mile south (takes you to from Math Wonders: To Inspire Teachers and the first latitudinal circle), then one mile east (takes Students, by Alfred S. Posamentier (Alexandria, you exactly once around the circle), and then one VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum mile north (takes you back to the starting point). Development, 2003) 6 TEACHERS OF THE MONTH ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005 Outstanding Teachers of the Month - February 2005 of the College Now program at Medgar Evans ety of attention through a myriad of curriculum Education Update welcomes our Advisory Board, Dr. Charlotte K. Frank, College. Ms. Gammon offered her time to help areas—language arts, math, science, and social Senior Vice-President of McGraw-Hill and former Regent of New York State; students prepare their essays needed for entrance studies. Students revel in a culminating celebra- Dr. Augusta Souza Kappner, President of Bank Street College of Education; Dr. UTSTANDING into the program. tion, involving measuring and cooking, music, art O Alfred Posamentier, Dean of School of Education of City College of NY; Dr. and literature. Pola Rosen, Publisher, Education Update; Adam Sugerman, Publisher, Palmiche TEACHERS Motivating Students: Ms. Rivera uses a wide Press; Laurie Tisch Sussman, Chairman, The Center for Arts Education and OF THE Marisol Rivera variety of incentives to encourage her students to MONTH Honorary Chair, Children’s Museum of Manhattan. The Board makes the final Principal: Mrs. Jeanette Sosa always do their best. They are rewarded for their decisions on the teachers to be honored each month. Superintendent’s Name: Mr. Reyes Irizarry diligent work with free time on the computer, In 2003, Education Update began the tradition of honoring teachers each Name of School: P.S. 151K reading a book that is simultaneously read to month for their outstanding work on the “frontiers” of education.We are now ★ School District/Region: District 32/ Region 4 them at the listening center, working on an art continuing the tradition which will culminate in a ceremony in June 2005 with Chancellor Joel Klein in attendance. Student Progress: Mrs. Marisol Rivera is project that will become part of a seasonal bul- Superintendents, principals and colleagues may nominate teachers by filling out a form online. The information has a veteran teacher with a beautiful smile, who letin board, along with incentives, treats, and been emailed to all principals in NYC public schools. If you have not received the email please contact ednews1@aol. consistently makes each term fresh and excit- presents that certainly motivate her students. com. Deadline for Submissions: February 22, 2005. ing for her students. Ms. Rivera has taught first Ms. Rivera’s students are eventually intrinsically Teachers are the backbone of our educational system. They richly deserve the recognition that Education Update grade for her entire career. Her students always motivated, but enjoy the many incentives that she gives them. Congratulations to this month’s Outstanding Teachers of the Month in recognition of the vital role they demonstrate a great deal of success and progress. provides to bring them to that level. play in our childrens’ lives. The standardized assessments in the ECLAS Parent/Community Involvement: Our school —Dr. Pola Rosen, Publisher and Voyager programs consistently demonstrate is fortunate to participate in the Learning Leaders the successful teaching strategies of Ms. Rivera. program, where parents are recruited, screened Using the components of the Readers’ Workshop, and trained before being matched with a teacher Pat Wallace themselves in the mathematical strategies sug- this teacher compiles for each child a writing who then receives their assistance. Ms. Rivera is Principal: Bridget Carrington gested in the classroom. There is a community folder that demonstrates to anyone who reads a pioneer in this program and has had the same Superintendent’s Name: Bernard Gassaway involvement by encouraging students to tutor it, the progress made during the school year. parent volunteer for several years. They are a Name of School: Bedford Stuyvesant the students of a neighboring elementary school. Children begin able to write only words, quickly perfect match! Ms. Rivera maintains an open Preparatory High School This promotes student achievement and opens move on to sentences, and eventually are able classroom. Parents are always invited to observe School District/Region: Dist 79/Region 8 doors of opportunities for many students. Some to write a cohesive paragraph. Quite a remark- any lesson, but primarily encouraged to sit in Student Progress: The students of Pat Wallace students began to consider studying elementary able achievement for little first graders! Students on a reading lesson. If a child is experiencing have shown progress in their or secondary education. are proud to announce to visitors that they have a learning problem, the parent is invited to visit work by passing the Math A advanced to another level of “just right” books. the classroom, sit with the child, observe the les- regents. The success rate in Ms. Rivera’s room is print rich with a wide vari- son and ultimately, help the child by reinforcing her class is approximately Beverley Gammon-Hill ety of charts and tables that are the outgrowth of the lesson that the parent has observed. Parents 50-70%. Ms. Wallace offers Principal: Bridget Carrington her many exciting lessons in the content areas are always welcome in Ms. Rivera’s class, but her time during lunch and Superintendent’s Name: Bernard Gassaway that make up first grade. especially invited to help out at times of parties PM School, an after school Name of School: Bedford Stuyvesant Innovative Teaching Strategies: Ms. Marisol or celebrations. Ms. Rivera’s welcoming smile program offered at Bedford Preparatory High School Rivera has made her room into a model class- always puts the parent at ease and makes him or Stuyvesant Preparatory High School District/Region: Dist. 79/Region 8 room. Our visitors are most impressed! She is her feel most welcome. School. She works with the Student Progress: Her students have shown renowned for the learning environment that she students one on one and devotes her time to progress in their work by has created. Her classroom is a beautiful mixture creating ways to teach all learners. Many of her presenting projects of intense of what is required along with what is pleasing Durojaye Akindutire students enter her class with poor math skills and academic study, with the to a child’s eye. All this, and the room never Principal: Bridget Carrington are able to pass the Math A Regents by utilizing encouragement and dedica- looks cluttered or overwhelming. A visitor to Superintendent’s Name: Bernard Gassaway the various skills presented by Ms. Wallace. The tion of Ms. Gammon. Many Ms. Rivera’s room can expect to see groups of Name of School: Bedford Stuyvesant portfolios show an increase of test scores and stu- of the students enter her students working in small clusters. These first Preparatory HS dent achievement. The students are able to work class with poor reading, writ- graders can be found doing research, using the School District/Region: District 79, Region 8 collaboratively to solve problems and present ing and studying skills. Ms. internet, reading, finding correlating pictures Student Progress: The students in the class strategies suggested by Ms. Wallace in order to Gammon’s methodology of and focusing on the latest non-fiction topic that of Mr. Akindutire, AKA Mr. provide an appropriate solution. The use of math teaching allows the students the class is working on at that moment. Some Duro, continuously show manipulatives encourages the students to partici- to explore the inner abilities and create a quality children are fortunate to have internet access at progress. The students are pate in classroom activities, thereby promoting of work that makes one proud. The students’ port- home, but this is not a necessity, as Ms. Rivera challenged by the projects high test scores. folios demonstrate the dedication and hard work makes sure that every student receives a turn to given within the class work. Innovative Teaching Strategies: The use of of a high school student and show the progress of “surf the net” in class. Ms. Rivera is proud to Mr. Duro has shown noted innovative teaching strategies is very impressive each student. There has been a 5-10% increase of say that the students choose their own topic, find achievement on the Living in Ms. Wallace’s math class. The integration of the ELA passing rate each year in Ms. Gammon’s appropriate books and publish the final product. Environment Regents Exam. technology has allowed her to increase student English class. Many students are encouraged to Ms. Rivera loves to choose a special topic for a Many students have suc- achievement and encourage collaborative learn- study during lunchtime, after school and Saturday month’s focus. This topic receives a wide vari- cessfully passed the regents ing. The use of the plastiograph, algebra tiles, School. Students appreciate Ms. Gammon’s dedi- balance beams and many other manipulatives cation and show a steady increase of academic promotes academic achievement. Students enjoy success. Ms. Wallace’s math class and are able to comfort- Innovative Teaching Strategies: Ms. Gammon ably enjoy math. They are provided with an expe- uses innovative strategies to teaching. She uses a �� rience of a non-threatening math environment. newsletter format to express the ideas and read- �� The mini-projects that are done in her math class ing skills of a specific literary device. She inte- are creative and provide success for all types of grates technology to enhance learning. Life-like �� learners. The students are always motivated and butcher-block paper dolls are used to teach char- feel that the dedication exhibited by Ms. Wallace acter analysis. These are just a few of the many �� allows them to study math without any fear. innovative teaching strategies that are introduced �� Motivating Students: The motivation that in her class. An increasing success rate of the �� Ms. Wallace provides for her students allows for ELA attributes to the many innovative teaching �� continuous academic achievement. The method- strategies. �� ologies and heuristics used as suggested solutions Motivating Students: The students are moti- �� allow the students to freely express themselves vated in her classroom through collaborative �� mathematically. The in-house contest of the math learning. Many of her projects utilize group �� department has allowed students to “showoff” activity, which has increase student interest and �� their math skills and easily express themselves creates an environment that the students find non- using mathematical terms. Currently, Bedford threatening. They are able to express themselves �� Stuyvesant Preparatory High School would like freely and provide creative writings that would �� to consider implementing an in-house math team spark the mind of any literature professor. Ms. �� that would later prepare students for outside Gammon’s students have entered writing and �� competition. Having the encouragement of Ms. poetry contest. Some of her students were win- �� Wallace, students will definitely present projects ners as well as acknowledged as great writers. �� and create a competitiveness that would suc- Parent/Community Involvement: There has �� cessfully prepare them for the outside world of always been a concern for parent involvement mathematical competition. whereby Ms. Gammon always welcomes par- �� Parent/Community Involvement: Ms. ents and teachers to visit her class. There has �� Wallace uses an open door policy for parents been community involvement by encouraging �� and teachers of other schools. She encourages the students to tutor students of a neighboring the parents to visit her classroom and involve elementary school. Many of the students are apart FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ TEACHERS OF THE MONTH 7 because of Mr. Duro’s dedication and diligent Accomplished students help others and this peer Johanna Heureaux attends a private high school. work. He teaches a Saturday science course tutoring brings the strugglers along. This talented She ranks third in her class and participates in all Coming which prepares the students for the NYC Regents teacher is also a very gifted dancer and choreog- of the extra curricula activities. While attending Examination. His teaching style and strategies rapher. Besides putting on plays and participating P.S.75X, Johanna, like many of Mr. McDowell’s Next Month: promote student achievement and interest. The in our Annual Dance Festival, she has brought her students, displayed remarkable ability in the game student portfolios exhibit the many projects considerable talent to a District 32 dance troupe, of chess. In addition to the training by “Chess in Interview with the designed by Mr. Duro and the difficulty level of traveling with the students to dance in Manhattan, the Schools,” McDowell added aspects of the the projects increase each time a project is imple- (the students even met and were photographed game to his curriculum. McDowell’s students are teacher and principal mented. The portfolios show a “true picture” of with personality Henny Youngman) and NYC still outdistancing many students as they work to who won a free trip to academic growth. high schools, later culminating in so impressing secure a brilliant future. Surely, these skills have Innovative Teaching Strategies: Mr. Duro the Turkish Consulate, that a troupe of District 32 transferred over to the Game of 24. The students’ Austria. uses many innovative teaching strategies. The dancers went on an all-expense trip to perform placement in the Game 24, a district wide math use of the Smartboard allows for interactive in Turkey. Ms. Rosa uses her talents to motivate competition was masterful. technology and promotes student interest and the students. She coaches them in running and Parent/Community Involvement: Mr. provides academic growth. Many of his classes accompanies them on Saturday to compete and McDowell is active in many of the Parent Teacher Please share your are project based and require collaborative learn- win at the Colgate Women’s games. initiatives. As a recently appointed member of outstanding lessons with ing. The students freely interact effectively and Motivating Students: Ms. Rosa runs a very the Team Leadership Committee, Mc Dowell’s are able to produce projects that require a great busy room. She is very comfortable in delegating active involvement with all school personnel and other teachers by deal of intense study. The rapport he has with authority and responsibilities. The most capable parents has increased. Mary McLeod Bethune, emailing them to the students allows him to teach effectively and students assist less able ones in the ever-increas- a renowned educator and advisor to President implement innovative teaching strategies without ing use of technology. This year, there are several Roosevelt once said, “Invest in a human soul, [email protected]. any difficulty. The students are able to freely accomplished typists who are a great asset to the it may be a diamond in the rough.” Malcolm Mention use the scientific language needed to explain the class. Other jobs students vie for are the filing McDowell meets this challenge each day in the “Outstanding Lessons” projects. paperwork in student portfolios, caretaker of the classroom. I wish him the best as he continues an Motivating Students: Mr. Duro’s classroom magnificent plant collection, curator of the fish advanced Education Degree at Teachers College, in the Subject heading. management skills are superb. He is able to suc- tank, class librarian, and others. Ms. Rosa’s stu- Columbia University.# cessfully implement new and innovative ideas dents love their teacher, take pride in their room without difficulty, thereby producing quality sci- and have a great sense of accomplishment in the entific work. Mr. Duro is the “key” person in work they do. the school when questions have to be answered Parent/Community Involvement: Ms. Rosa relating to the Smartboard. This technology is an is a perennial favorite with our parent com- excellent motivational tool for the students and munity. In 1989, she was the recipient of the Mr. Duro implements the interactive technologi- Angela Zirpiades Award presented by the Office cal strategy of the Smartboard daily. of Health, Physical Education and School Sports. Parent/Community Involvement: The open Then, in 1993, she was singled out as Puerto door policy that Mr. Duro has allows the par- Rican Educator of the Year. Parents are cordially ents to view the lessons and experience the invited and most welcome to accompany their Smartboard and other technology used in his children on the educational trips that she plans, classroom. The students of Bedford Stuyvesant participate in their child’s 5th grade trip as well as Preparatory are in the process of partnering with participate in the “senior activities” that parents a neighborhood elementary school, whereby the and 5th grade students eagerly anticipate each high school students will be tutoring younger year. Ms. Rosa is a community resident, and the students in science. parents appreciate her gifts of care, concern and time that she selflessly gives to her students. Olga Rosa Principal: Mrs. Jeanette Sosa Malcolm McDowell Superintendent’s Name: Reyes Irizarry Principal: Mrs. Eva Garcia Name of School: PS 151K Superintendent’s Name: Ms Laura Rodriquez School District/Region: District 32, Region 4 Name of School: PS 75X Student Progress: Ms. Olga Rosa has been School District/Region: District 8/Region 2 teaching at P.S. 151K since 1983, currently Student Progress: Mr. McDowell is a positive grades 1, 3 and 5. Ms. Rosa loves the challenge and dynamic force within our that a class with wide ranges of abilities brings school community. His abili- to her. She is a gifted teacher who finds her cho- ty to program his students for sen career challenging and exciting. Her current mastery in all facets of the class is now displaying encouraging scores in curricula is well known. The the preliminary standardized tests given to the measurable progress of his 5th grade. They arrived in September as strug- students is well documented, gling writers, and the latest Princeton Review worthy of much praise and assessment shows that they are all performing emulation. Mr. McDowell’s at remarkable levels. Their scores in math dem- tireless work extends beyond onstrate comparable growth. Ms. Rosa espe- the perimeters of the classroom. His dedication cially enjoys the teaching of math. She carefully to students’ growth and development is incalcu- records a portfolio of achievement for each of the lable. His weekly writing class projects include: students. Students are very comfortable in Ms. writing reports from inside a Japanese Internment Rosa’s class. She teaches her own class in our Camp, crafting and forwarding one thousand ori- after-school program. When necessary, she has gami cranes to Hiroshima, Japan as a symbol of the ability to translate into Spanish and speaks peace, and requiring students to form a coopera- most comfortably with the parents. tive airplane factory on paper. The students also Innovative Teaching Strategies: Ms. Rosa is designed and tested its assembly line. His most truly a unique teacher. She loves plants and her recent project will require the students to conduct room exemplifies that green thumb. Her students in depth research into the history of the Bronx. read about these unusual specimens, learn to Innovative Teaching Strategies: In addition care for the plants, develop responsibility and to the aforementioned projects, the letters crafted teamwork, all along with enjoying their lovely by McDowell’s students, to Members of the New environment. Another unusual unit of study in York State Assembly resulted in the students’ her class is incubating chicks, ducks and quails. acquisition of a significant number of free tickets Following the 4H model as taught by the NYS to Yankee Games and games at Madison Square Cooperative Extension, students learn to turn Garden. This personifies their “power of the the eggs, observe the hatching process, feed and pen.” Mr. McDowell’s young student authors and care for the hatchlings, and finally return them to writers have been published in numerous periodi- the vendor as required by law. During the time cals which include: The African Burial Ground that the chicks are in our building, Ms. Rosa Project, The New York Teachers’ Council of most graciously allows the lower grade students English, The Environmental Projection Agency to visit her room to observe this remarkable and The Anthology of Poetry Contest. His stu- occurrence. Her proud students tell about their dents are now gifted with a “voice.” work and answer the many questions that the Motivating Students: Johanna Heureaux, one little ones pose. Ms. Rosa is a whiz at technol- of McDowell’s former students, has just returned ogy. She incorporates this talent in daily lessons from a six-week study-tour of South Africa, and her bulletin boards exemplify that interest. which McDowell helped to arrange. Presently, 8 SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005

Bloomingdaleʼs Dedicates Window PATAKI RECOGNIZES ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LYCEE` FRANÇAIS On December 8, 2004, Governor to National Mentoring Month George Pataki presented the students of the LFNY a Certificate of Recognition “for your wonderful commitment to the Empire State as illustrated by the success of the Community Service Program through which your student body has achieved 4,000 hours of service during the 2003-04 academic l-r: Raphaelle Houis; Thomas Domenjoz; Nayla year. Such vision in implementing this Boulad; Calypso Montouchet; Yves Theze, head wonderful initiative is commendable, of School; Sophie-Claire Lirola; Governor George as young service providers and their Pataki; John Py; Christelle Aroule; Alix Boulud; Vivianne Kurzweil, Community Service Coordinator beneficiaries are mutually rewarded. An expression of gratitude is offered for the variety and quantity of assistance given to the needy by your students who likewise benefit from learning about the exceptional work carried out by humanitarian organizations in New York. Congratulations and may your school and its entire student body realize continued success as they make a difference in the lives of people and add to the pride of many communities.”

Matilda Raffa Cuomo, founder of Mentoring USA

By MICHELLE DESARBO teachers as well. I know that a lot of teachers can- Teachers, mentors, and eager third grad- not cope with the number of children they have in ers crowded the sidewalk on 59th Street and their classrooms. And that’s where mentors come Lexington Avenue recently for the unveiling of in. It’s about how the mentors have given young a new storefront window in honor of National people the opportunity to grow.” Mentoring Month at Bloomingdale’s Department After extending thanks to Adele Schroeder Store. The day’s events were the culmination of a (principal of PS 59) for her outstanding leadership, program organized by Matilda Raffa Cuomo with Cuomo expressed her appreciation for Gould. Mentoring USA. A total of 90 Bloomingdale’s “Michael Gould is incredible. Bloomingdale’s is employees paired up with children from PS 59 the only department store in the country to par- (the Beekman Hill School in Manhattan) as part ticipate in a program like this one. It’s fantastic. of National Mentoring Month, meeting every It’s exactly what we are looking for,” she said. week to tackle homework, chat, and get to know Mentoring USA also has help from its par- New York Studies Weekly is a curriculum each other. ent mentoring organization, The Mentoring supplement enjoyed by tens of thousands of “They love children, and they’re here to Partnership of New York (TMPNY). TMPNY students in New York since 1997. It is help them,” said Cuomo of the mentors with provides assistance and training for mentoring currently available for the 3rd, 4th and 5th Bloomingdale’s CEO Michael Gould, New York programs in New York City, often working with Liberty basketball star Teresa Weatherspoon, and corporations and schools in order to further the grades. Each grade level supports the New former Utah Jazz point guard John Stockton at mentoring movement in the city. “Our main York State Social Studies Resource Guide her side. focus is to close New York City’s mentoring recommendations for that grade. The crowd was abuzz with enthusiasm when gap,” said Zachary T. Boisi, Director of TMPNY. A single student subscription consists Gould removed the tapestry. With “Building “There are roughly 50,000 children being men- of 28 weekly issues filled with history, Bridges to Success with Mentoring” as its theme, tored now, but 225,000 more are still on waiting current events, and fun history-based the display depicted child-sized mannequins in lists.” Mentoring USA is one of the more than activities. For as little as $3.65 bright clothing positioned on multi-colored stairs 150 community-based, corporate, and faith-based bearing words like “love,” “compassion,” and mentoring programs working to under TMPNY per student for the year, New “friendship” against the backdrop of vibrant to close that gap. For more information on how York Studies Weekly fits easily into your classroom budget. student paintings of the children and their men- to become a �� mentor, visit�� www.mentoring.org/ tors together. With their friends’ assistance, the newyork.# � �� To receive your free sample or children crowded around the window to look for �� to place an order their artwork. please call: The crowd filed into Bloomingdale’s Showtime �� Café for breakfast. The students, fresh from an appearance on The Early Show, snacked �� Studies Weekly, Inc. at on cereal, doughnuts, bagels, and orange juice �� while listening to The Little Mermaid. “They �� 1-800-300-1651 really encourage parents to help out,” said Minnie �� Visit our website at Aviles, a parent who accompanied the children to �� www.studiesweekly.com the event, above the din. �� mple, �� The curriculum for the 4th grade now ee sa Indeed, Cuomo thanked parents and teachers �� r fr �� includes a free bonus issue exploring for their efforts and acknowledged their role in �� important historical documents. received you shaping children’s lives. “Children listen to you,” �� call today! �� Studies Weekly also available for MA, CT, NJ! she said. “They imitate you and they imitate their �� If you haven’t �� A Guided Journey to Achievement

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PROFILES IN EDUCATION: AN INTERVIEW WITH RAMON CORTINES: (PART II) By POLA ROSEN, Ed.D. it at other places too, I encouraged the places of the weekend, have a role. I don’t think that they I was delighted to meet Ray at his home in faith to get involved in the schools. I’ll give you should be involved in indoctrination. Pasadena, CA recently. Against the background an example. I had a continuation school that was of classical music and a book-lined library, we a middle school here in Pasadena and they raised EU: What do you think about the work discussed various issues and trends in education hell on the buses and they raised hell all the way of Debbie Meyer and Lorraine Monroe? over the years. Cortines was the Chancellor of to school. Well, I was out of space and where we They set up high-achieving public schools New York City schools from 1993 to 1995 fol- had the school was in a church basement. The in Harlem and, an expert in public education lowed by superintendencies in San Francisco, minute they went into that door, I mean they said to me recently, “that school is so successful San Jose, Los Angeles and more recently consul- weren’t going to mess with God. I believe that because it is run like a parochial school. tant to several school districts in California. places of faith, whether it’s after school or on continued to page 16 The interview continues.

Education Update (EU): If you look back the higher education community, we need to now and go to the sixties and through those come together. If we talk about mathematics, we decades up to today, what has changed? need mathematicians; we need secondary people �� Ray Cortines (RC): I think teacher training has working with elementary. If high school needs had a major shift. I don’t think I was trained well. to be more child-centered, we need elementary �� I think that part of the issues in K-12 education and primary people working with them. One of stemmed from not knowing how to improve. the things that we lost sight of in education is a focus. �� EU: Well, are we better off today than when �� we were 14 years ago and in what ways? EU: Are we missing a focus today? RC: Yes. I think that colleges and universities RC: Yes. No Child Left Behind is a focus but �� are seeing that they don’t have a hold on teacher it does not respect the professional and it is not training. There are alternative teaching programs, realistic. If you have a school that is not perform- both for teachers and administrators. I approve of ing, like the one I was examining with a super- those because I think it creates a competitive mar- intendent today, you need to have a program for ket and we don’t get lackadaisical. I don’t think your lowest achieving children after school. Just that we have recognized the senior teachers that rote tutorial is not going to do it. You have to have given it their best; we often tell them that have a hook. What is the music program? Is there they’re failures. And yet we don’t provide them a dance program? Is there a sports program? I the support, the help and a system. We don’t deal said, it’s got to be a combination. with their dignity. In LA (and it was no secret), the Board was firing the superintendent and I EU: Where are the funds for art and music said, I will not help you unless you dismiss him programs going to come from? with dignity. Treat him as a professional. He has RC: The federal government gives you the served 33 years in this district and maybe he is funds for that. So many districts now are forget- not right for the time or for what you want but ting about the lowest achieving school because he has made a contribution and I want that recog- you know they can move that middle group over nized and appreciated. the hump just a little and it will make their scores look so good. I don’t know if you remember in EU: And they did? New York at the time I gave $10,000 to a school RC. Yes, they did. I think that we are doing a if they would improve but you couldn’t get the better job in America of educating more children $10,000 unless the lowest quartile improved, whether it’s in rural America or whether it’s in the middle quartile improved and the upper. I urban America. Do I think that we can improve? remember that we had a high degree of single The answer is yes. We see too many students on parents, mainly African American mothers here the street. Those are two things. The thing that I in Pasadena. There were no men in those chil- think is a negative is that we are really into the dren’s lives and there were no older models so quick fix and I think we’ve been into the quick we did a reading program one day a week for fix for the last decade. an hour where fourth grade students would tutor third grade students because I wanted third grad- EU: What are some of the quick fixes that ers to see them as models. you’ve seen that are really not working? RC: You can just buy it off the shelf. Do you EU: Is the role of single mothers and grand- �� remember in New York when I said we need a mothers raising children still with us? curriculum framework? I meant the people, the RC: Yes, it’s expanding. One of the reasons, �� teachers, the principals, the business community, and I was criticized in New York and I’ve done �� 10 SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005

MYTH AND REALITY OF THE TEACHERS’ CONTRACT By RANDI WEINGARTEN department had to find more than 7,000 teachers tract that makes the Department comply.) Other retire have been doing so in droves. Nearly half to replace those who retired, or left frustrated by “work rules” include allowing teachers to have of new teachers leave within six years for jobs in low pay, overcrowded classes, lack of support by lunch, or have a break after teaching three classes the suburbs or other careers. the system, and other tough conditions. in a row. Solving the system’s real problems means pro- Nor do all new teachers end up in the tough- Dealing with reality viding competitive pay and better conditions for est districts. The department’s own figures show The critical truth about our schools is that teaching and learning in all our schools. But these that at the beginning of the last school year, three teachers here have the largest classes in the state, are goals we can never reach as long as the city of the highest performing districts in the city, teach some of the most challenging students, and the Chancellor continue to cling to the myths received 462 new teachers. Meanwhile only 375 work in overcrowded and sometimes unsafe rather than reality of our schools.# new teachers went to three of the most struggling buildings without proper equipment and sup- Randi Weingarten is the President, United districts. plies—and still make $10,000 to $15,000 less Federation of Teachers. Myth #3: The union insists on lockstep pay every year than their colleagues. Those able to with no recognition of special needs and circumstances. As the city and the teachers’ union have been Reality: This year we negotiated a project in trying to reach a new contract to replace the one the Bronx that gives additional compensation CLAREMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOL that expired more than 1-1/2 years ago, a number to “master teachers”—one the school system of myths about the current agreement are surfac- is now touting. The union assisted Chancellor Claremont Preparatory School is the first independent on-going school to open in Manhattan in the last 50

ing, distractions that make it difficult to resolve Rudy Crew to design and create the Chancellor’s years and the first nonsectarian K-8 school below Canal Street. We accommodate 1,000 children: 400 K-5 with 70 students per grade and 600 children 6-8 with 200 students per grade. In small classes that maximize individual the real problems of our schools. District, a special district for struggling schools attention, Claremont Prep strives to engender in its students intellectual curiosity, appreciation for the arts, Let me shatter a few of those myths: where teachers worked longer hours in exchange athletic skill and sportsmanship and an enduring love for learning. Myth #1: Because of “the union” it takes for- for higher salaries. Scores in the Chancellor’s We have recruited a faculty with myriad experience, wisdom, warmth, and developed a challenging, rich ever to dismiss incompetent teachers. District went up dramatically, but despite national and sophisticated curriculum. Our philosophy combines the best of tradition and innovation, providing our Reality: Reforms negotiated in the 2002 con- recognition as a fantastic school turnaround strat- students with a solid foundation in humanities, social and natural sciences, foreign languages, the arts and technology. tract cut the time it takes to adjudicate teacher egy, this successful experiment was one of the Our Lower School students begin their educational journey by working and playing together in classrooms discipline cases (once they are filed). Last year first casualties of the new administration. that are structured yet foster independence, creativity and individuality. We encourage our youngest students more than half the cases were concluded in less Based on the success of the Chancellor’s to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, seek answers and develop confidence that every goal can be than three months. District, the union suggested earlier this year achieved, as we impart the skills necessary for future academic achievement. Our Upper School students master academic skills while they develop their abilities as conceptual, critical The union has also proposed a program under that—simultaneously with providing competitive thinkers. The classroom facilitates rigorous, lively analysis of ideas and issues. We encourage our students to which struggling teachers would be given help to salaries for all New York City teachers—the sys- take intellectual risks and embrace learning as a lifelong and joyful endeavor, while we help them navigate improve, and if the assistance failed, the union tem establish an Enterprise Zone where everyone the complex terrain of early adolescence. Claremont Prep graduates are articulate, confident and academically would counsel them out of the profession. The willing to work at 200 selected hard-to-staff prepared for the challenges of high school, college and adulthood. Our students enjoy Downtown Manhattan’s many museums and parks and a redeveloped waterfront for Department of Education, which made support- schools would receive a 15 percent differential. recreational activities. Claremont Prep capitalizes on its unique location in the financial center of the world. The ive noises when I announced this proposal in The response from the Department on this sug- city becomes our classroom and a laboratory for learning. History and current affairs become tangible for our January, 2004, has not followed up. gestion? Silence. student as they experience the political and social structure of the city firsthand. By bringing children into the Myth #2: Seniority rules permit teachers with Myth #4: “Work rules” make it impossible for heart of government and commerce and by drawing upon its resources through courses, speakers and field trips, we encourage student to understand economics, politics and urbanism. experience to constantly move to new and easier schools to be managed. Claremont Prep is located at 41 Broad Street, just south of Wall Street and convenient to public transportation. assignments, while new teachers are concentrated Reality: Which work rules? The one that pre- Our home, the former Bank of America International Building, was built in 1929. Its grand hall, adorned with in the toughest schools. vents the Department from cramming more than restored historic murals, houses our new auditorium and performing arts center. We have developed a state- Reality: Less than 1 percent of the teaching 34 students into a high school class and 28 into of-the-art facility of over 100,000 square feet of classrooms, art studios, language, science and computer labs, a force transferred last year under seniority rules, fourth grade? (While these limits are still too library, cafeteria, outdoor play spaces and regulation gym and a swimming pool. For information and admissions, please call 212-232-0266! generally to move closer to their homes. But the high, it is only the fact that they are in the con-

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In addition to our award-winning web site, AboutOurKids.org, the Child Study Center offers: �� o A monthly Parent Letter (available online) o School-based intervention programs o Parenting Workshops o Professional development seminars for educators Coming Soon: ESL Math Coach™! www.AboutOurKids.org FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS 11 CAROLINE KENNEDY COMMUNITY EDUCATION SPEAKS AT MENTORING COUNCIL APPLICATION PROCESS Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein recently struct and renovate school buildings, all in an ROGRAM AT OEWS announced the beginning of the 2005 Community effort to help children learn better. The input P L and Citywide Education Council application of the Councils has been invaluable and I urge BY SARAH ANN MOCKBEE words, partnering organizations like law firms, process, including an outreach and public aware- every parent to consider serving to make their In celebration of National Mentoring Month, financial institutions, and alumni associations ness campaign by the Department of Education voice heard.” the New York City Department of Education’s pair with a specific high school. Interested (DOE) to encourage parents to nominate them- Applications to serve on the new Education (DOE’s) Mentoring Program hosted over 600 employees are then screened, trained and selves, serve on the Education Councils, and Councils are due by March 11, 2005, and will mentors and mentees at the Loews Cineplex matched with a student in the particular school contribute to the system-wide reform efforts be available on-line and in DOE offices across for an evening of awards, entertainment and his or her organization is affiliated with. Lori to improve the City’s public schools. State the City. Parents are encouraged to nominate networking. The event was highlighted by a Mastromauro, Director of the New York City education law stipulates that the current term themselves to serve on the Councils, with par- keynote address by Caroline Kennedy, Vice Mentoring Program is constantly impressed by for Education Council members ends on June ent members being selected by the officers of Chair of the Fund for Public Schools, whose the community’s interest in mentoring. “Over 30, 2005. The next term will begin on July 1, Parent Associations (PA) and Parent-Teacher mission is to inspire belief in our public schools, the years, we have trained thousands of volun- 2005, and continue through June 30, 2007. The Associations (PTA). The final selection of to increase private sector support of public teers in the art of mentoring and are so grateful DOE is encouraging current Education Council Council members will be made in May. The education and to encourage widespread par- to them for stepping up to work with our high members to reapply if they meet eligibility new members will then participate in orienta- ticipation in these schools. Kennedy was clearly school students”, says Mastromauro. requirements. tion sessions to prepare them to begin their term heartened by the wonderful turnout of both the The goal is to allow students to gain a trust- “Thanks largely to the efforts of our schools’ on July 1, 2005, and will be offered training youth and their adult counterparts who have ing adult relationship with someone who can Parent Coordinators, we are doing more than opportunities throughout their two-year term of shared the responsibility of field questions about col- ever to support parents and to engage parents service. maintaining a mentor-men- lege applications, career in our children’s education,” Chancellor Klein For information on the process, parents should tee relationship throughout interests and life in gen- said. “Parental involvement is critical and, as call 311 or the Councils Hotline at (800) 799- the school year. “When eral. After years of experi- we all know, students learn better when parents 3388, log onto http://www.nycenet.edu/councils, someone really believes in ence overseeing the DOE’s are involved.” leaders on various issues and or contact the Parent Coordinator at their child’s you, you can achieve your Mentoring Program, Lori have provided input to the Panel on Educational school.# dreams,” she stated to an Mastromauro knows that it Policy on both the budget and our plans to con- enthusiastic and confirm- is important to provide a ing crowd. focus for mentoring pairs. Just ask Danielle Freeman, “We ask mentors to expose a senior at Frederick students to their jobs, visit THE TIEL INSTITUTE: HELPING STUDENTS Douglass Academy and the their students at school and ECOME ULL ARTICIPANTS IN EARNING recipient of Mentee of the most importantly, work B F P L Year Award. She speaks with them on setting and By Christy Folsom, Ed.D. of her mentor with con- achieving goals.” Mentees How do children learn? Learning involves many things—environment, experiences, cultural tradition, needs, fidence and delight. “She spend one hour a week or interests, thinking, feeling, and doing—to name a few. Yet, every child, regardless of physical, cultural, intellectual, or emotional differences, needs to feel respected as a thinker and as a learner. and I have connected in two hours every other week How does the TIEL Institute support students in developing strategies for optimum learning? TIEL (Teaching so many ways. During our visiting their mentor at his for Intellectual and Emotional Learning) features a balanced approach to learning in which children learn about many conversations, she or her office, allowing the fundamental thinking and social emotional skills needed by everyone. Using the TIEL ® Design Wheel model, children strengthen thinking processes and develop social emotional skills needed for successful learning. has been a confidant, self- mentee to experience a “Meta-learning” or awareness of one’s learning processes is a powerful tool. When children understand their esteem booster and, most importantly, a friend. real-world working environment. The arrange- thinking and are aware of their social emotional actions, they become empowered as learners. They become full She has showed me that being there for others ment has been more than ideal for Raymond partners in the process of learning instead of passive receivers. Respecting themselves as learners and conscious of the processes of learning, children can tackle with new confidence the learning of basic reading, writing, math skills, and should be second nature.” The feeling is mutual. Chan, a senior at James Madison High School, organization skills. Her mentor, Phillipa Philpot is a web developer and his mentor Phil DeImus, an employee at Who can benefit from Teaching for Intellectual and Emotional Learning (TIEL)? The TIEL Institute provides for Home Box Office and the recipient of the the Federal Reserve Bank. Chan asserts that individual tutoring for children, parent workshops, and professional development for educators. TIEL helps children with learning differences—gifted, learning disabilities, ADHD—master self-organization skills, time-management, Mentor of the Year Award. She readily admits he wanted to get involved with the program basic academic skills, and behavior management needed to succeed in school and beyond. Using school assignments that she was nervous to meet her mentee but was to “help prepare for college” and thought this and projects, students learn skills of decision-making, planning, self-evaluation, and problem solving. soon put at ease after meeting Freeman. Now, program would be a good way to meet some- The TIEL Institute provides a resource for parents as they support their children’s learning experience in school. TIEL provides workshops that help parents become more effective advocates for their child’s learning needs. Parents learn after over a year of getting to know one another, one who could answer his questions. DeImus new ways of observing schools and how to develop in-depth criteria for selecting a school appropriate for their child. Philpot concedes that Freeman has just as much learned about the program through his employer The TIEL Institute supports educators in complex methods of teaching that include workshop strategies, project an influence on her life as she hopes to have and wanted to take the opportunity to give back work, and higher-order thinking. TIEL provides teachers with tools for teaching students self-organization skills; a over Freeman’s. “She calms me after a hectic to the community. language for “meta-learning” that supports the discussion of thinking, learning, and feeling with students; and ways to integrate social emotional learning into classroom instruction. work day. Sometimes I call her the mentor!” In her closing remarks, Kennedy reiterated her The TIEL Institute provides tools that help students develop respect for themselves as learners and thinkers; parents Freeman and Philpot have the DOE’s New support for dynamic public programs such as support their children’s education; and teachers implement teaching strategies that develop students basic academic York City Mentoring Program to thank for this one. She acknowledged the critical service skills while promoting intellectual and social emotional skills—essential skills in today’s education. Dr. Christy Folsom is the founder and director of the TIEL Institute. Her expertise includes children with learning differences, bringing them together. They were paired in that the New York City Mentoring Program has curriculum development that includes thinking and social emotional skills; and teacher education. You can learn more about TIEL November of Freeman’s junior year, after Philpot provided for both the mentees and the mentors, at www.tielinstute.com. Email: [email protected] Phone 212-865-0366. See ad page page 26. received training and support from the program. stating, “This program helps connect our city The program is in its 21st year and is the largest and our students in a better way.”# mentoring program operated by a school district Any organization interested in becoming in the United States. Unlike other mentoring involved with the DOE’s New York City Mentoring organizations in the city, the DOE’s program Program should contact [email protected] or requires individuals to volunteer through their visit the Fund for Public Schools website at job or other organizational affiliation. In other www.fundforpublicschools.org.

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�� 12 SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005 Awards Ceremony Honors Outstanding Civil Servants and Their Children EDUCATION UPDATE GIVES SCHOLARSHIP

At the year’s end, the best poems are published in a booklet and the Center holds a signing for the young poets. McNeal is also responsible for the addition of music, voice, and dance instruction to the preexisting poetry, visual arts, and technology programs. “The young people receiving scholarships today are an equally impressive group,” said Hirst as she introduced the E. Virgil Conway College Scholars. The 23 honorees came from such prestigious colleges as the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Duke, Brown, and Columbia. The KeySpan Corporation awarded Charles E. Innis College Scholar Chen Xie $6,000 for his academic excellence. The Harvard freshman has also received a National Merit Scholarship and a Harvard Faculty Scholarship. Richard Cook, President of The Hundred Year Association of New York; Dennis M. Walcott, Deputy Mayor for Police, For some awardees, excellence and academic City of New York; Award Recipient Christine Camacho; Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Education Update, Dr. Pola Rosen; achievement runs in the family. Charles Lei, a junior Deputy Assistant Chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau, Howard Hill; Avery Eli Okin, Esq. Chairman, at Harvard, received $3,000 from Bowne & Co. and Awards Committee of The Hundred Year Association of New York was honored in the 2002 and 2003 Hundred Year Association scholarship ceremonies. His brother, By MICHELLE DESARBO In his keynote address, Deputy Mayor for Also included was Mary Beth Frey, a speech Edgar Lei (a freshman at Cornell University), was The One Hundred Year Association of New Policy Dennis M. Walcott expressed his own teacher at P.S. 256Q. The school, located in Belle granted $1,500 from James Thompson & Co., Inc. York recently honored New York City civil message to young scholarship recipients. “Your Harbor, is for students who have acute language Their father is Joel Lei, a computer specialist at the service employees and their children for their success is a tribute to your parents. I’m pleased and cognitive disabilities as well as strong emo- Department of Probation. accomplishments in both their careers and aca- to see so many of your parents and grandparents tional needs. Frey received an award of $2,500 The Bank of New York honored Ali Arvanaghi demics with the Isaac Liberman Public Service here today… and I hope that some of you recipi- from the Amalgamated Bank of New York for her with $1,000. Only moments after his award was and E. Virgil Conway College Scholar Awards. ents will consider careers in civil service.” efforts to assist special needs children and their announced, the Cornell sophomore’s sister Roxana Proud parents, relatives, and scholarship recipi- Among the civil servants awarded was Theresa families; she regularly calls students’ parents to Arvanaghi was awarded $1,000 by The Greenpoint ents escaped the morning rain and filled the spa- Knox, a field director with the Department help them make arrangements with social service Financial Corp. Their mother, Morteza Arvanaghi, cious auditorium at Police Headquarters to hear for the Aging. Knox was granted $6,000 from agencies offering assistance to special needs is an associate project manager at the Department Commissioner of the Department of Citywide the Consolidated Edison Company for the children and has even offered financial support of Environmental Protection. Administrative Services Martha Hirst give the Intergenerational Work Study Program (IWSP). to families on her own in the past. Other students honored included Queens College ceremony’s opening remarks. From its inception, IWSP was intended to team John Gallin & Son, Inc. awarded Administrative freshman Christine Camacho, recipient of a $1,000 “This event is one of my favorite occasions,” up high school students at risk with senior Parks and Recreation Manager Kim McNeal scholarship jointly sponsored by Education Update Hirst said. “These remarkable individuals have citizen mentors who act as tutors and counselors. $1,000 for her work with the St. James Recreation and Hotel Wales and Danisa Clarrett, a Case Western demonstrated extraordinary levels of commit- Now the program includes all students, bringing Center in the Bronx. McNeal coordinates monthly Reserve University freshman who was awarded $1,000 ment to public service in their work.” roughly 10,000 adult mentors with 350 teens. poetry slams for the children who visit the Center. by the Brooklyn Bar Association Foundation.# JOIN NAESP and GET WHAT YOU NEED The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) understands the special needs of Urban Administrators…

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�� FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ BOOK REVIEWS 13

FIND YOUR VOICE: A METHODOLOGY FOR Logos Bookstore’s Recommendations ENHANCING LITERACY THROUGH RE-WRITING By H. Harris Healy, III, President, Logos Bookstore 1575 York Avenue (Between 83rd and AND RE-ACTING BY GAIL NOPPE-BRANDON 84th Sts.), New York, NY 10028 (212) 517-7292, Fax (212) 517-7197 Reviewed BY JOAN BAUM, PH.D. humor, intellectual focus, and indefatigable WWW.NYCLOGOS.CITYSEARCH.COM Though the title sounds academic, Noppe- patience may prove intimidating to those who It is that time of year a guidebook to the reader to avoid those situations Corduroy’s Brandon’s own voice is conversational. In a do not have the time or analytical wherewithal for some love, romance told in a highly amusing way as it suggests to the field where jargon and bloat often mask even to keep at it. In short, the author-teacher, who and history to get one’s Valentine’s Day reader that she might miss her prince if she is busy good advice, Noppe-Brandon shows no fat. Her prefers to be called a “coach,” would seem to be mind off winter. It is by Don Freeman, kissing frogs. The book is illustrated throughout prose is lean, her tone supremely confident, her a hard act to follow. She would probably demur, the month of February Illustrations by Lisa McCue with comical pictures of frogs, some featured rationale and recommendations sharp, practical pointing out that the theory and examples stand marked by the celebra- in slime galleries, a picture of a frog version of and to the point. It’s hard to believe that she was on their own and not on her personality. Well, tion of Valentine’s Day (Viking, $5.99) Monopoly called Frogopoly with such properties once a voiceless, shy student, extremely fearful yes and no. They do talk, don’t they, of “gift- in the middle of the as: Miser Avenue, Greedy Lane, Wart Highway, of speaking or writing in class—and therefore ed” teachers in the sense of born not made? month. At Logos there is Toad Road and Tightwad Trail, and riveting or shall hostile. “It wasn’t until I began to learn the crafts Throughout, Noppe-Brandon repeatedly notes a fine selection of Valentine cards to choose from. one say ribbeting information boxes. of acting and playwriting, as a young adult, that the twenty years she has spent perfecting her A wonderful gift for a young child is Corduroy’s Besides romance, February is also known as I found my voice,” she writes, but it’s clear that craft, honing guidelines and selecting texts and Valentine’s Day by Don Freeman. Corduroy, that African-American History Month. At Logos there she feels informed and compassionate instruc- repeatedly declares that what she presents here ever popular bear, is are books by and about Frederick Douglass and tion should have come much earlier. Belatedly, works “unfailingly.” She also assumes that her going to make valen- Consider Love: Its Ralph Ellison, books about Harriet Tubman, Richard she discovered how much students could learn readers may be in part “mute,” which may be tines for his friends. Moods and Many Ways Wright, Clarence Thomas, Martin Luther King and to listen by acting and learn to talk by engaging a bit off-putting. Still, it’s hard to fault her pas- They join in valentines. W.E.B. Du Bois as well as books written by James in the processes of playwriting—not the usual sion and perceptions. Free writing, for example, Everybody enjoys some by Sandra Boynton Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Alice way of addressing such skills. And though she which had some bad press in the permissive juice and cupcakes. Then Walker and Langston Hughes among others. committed herself to work with students “of all sixties, is here reclaimed in all its rigor. Drafts it is time to mail the val- (Simon & Schuster, $12.95) President’s Day also occurs in February and there ages and backgrounds, during and after school, and tryouts, which often went unread, are now entines. When Corduroy are books about many of the Presidents includ- in theatres and social service organizations, in integral parts of a final product destined for comes home, there is a ing George Washington, John Adams, Thomas workshops that ran for a full year or for only performance. Nothing is given away; everything nice surprise for him. This a terrific present for Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, three weeks, or once a week,” she challenged is earned. Valentine’s Day especially when accompanied by a Woodrow Wilson, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, herself most by taking on those youngsters Noppe-Brandon, who says she discovered her handsome Corduroy bear who looks like he popped Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush designated “at risk.” Her mission has remained methodology by accident, certainly left accident right out of the pages of the book. among others. constant: to show that teachers can overcome out of the picture when she went on to develop For children of all ages who enjoy humorous Come on over to Logos for your valentine cards communication fears in their students by instill- a Teacher Training initiative for teachers of all drawings, Consider Love: Its Moods and Many and books, and for books on African-American and ing trust in her and in the other members of the subjects, not just English, who wanted to help Ways by noted prolific greeting card designer Presidential history! group. Central to this methodology is what she their students become (more) articulate. She Sandra Boynton is a witty, whimsical addition Upcoming Events At Logos: calls an “integrated approach” that embraces has been a college dean, a foundation program to one’s library. Each picture illustrates a phrase. Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at 7 P.M., KYTV “re-acting” and “re-writing,” words that signal director, a playwright/director, and an award Some of the more memorable are: “Love perhaps Reading Group will discuss Everything Is Illuminated emphasis on process and reinforcement. winning teacher. She can now claim to be an foolish,” showing a hippopotamus diving into a by Jonathan Safran Foer. The goals are clear, the scenario accounts of educator in the very best sense of the word as double layered chocolate cake, “and love despair- Monday, February 14, 2005 at 7 P.M., the Sacred the slow but steady progress made by the dif- one who would invigorate well intentioned but ing.” personified by a mournful dog waiting by the Texts Group led by Richard Curtis of the Richard ferent youngsters impressive. Indeed, if there’s frustrated teachers to help students find their telephone. Also, “Love extravagant,” depicting one Curtis Literary Agency will address the topic of a drawback in this slim overview, it may be the voice and have fun doing so.# elephant holding an apple tree in its trunk to present “Romance In The Bible”. extent to which Noppe-Brandon uses her own (Heinemann, 157 pp., including appendices to another elephant contrasted with “Love….well, Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at 7 P.M., KYTV experience as rationale: if I could do it, so can and glossary, $18.95) cheap,” where one gorilla is handing off a banana Reading Group will discuss The Leopard by you. Her psychological insights, compassion, peel to its mate. Giuseppe di Lampedusa. Never Kiss a Frog: a Never Kiss a Frog: a Thursday, March 17, 2005, there will be a special girl’s guide to creatures girl’s guide to St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Logos. from the dating swamp creatures from the Every Monday at 3PM, there is Children’s Story AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY BOOKS by Marilyn Anderson is dating swamp Time with Dvorah. FOR HIS AND VERY ONTH a cautionary tale about Transit: Lexington Avenue Subway #4, #5, #6 to T E M the author’s and others’ by Marilyn Anderson 86th St., M86 Bus (86th St.), M79 Bus (79th St.), RECOMMENDED READINGS BY THE BANK STREET bad experiences with (Red Rock Press, $14) M31 Bus (York Ave.), M15 Bus (1st & 2nd Ave.) BOOKSTORE FOR CHILDREN men and romance and Circle Unbroken by Margot Theis Raven, illus- she does go to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. trated by E. B. Lewis. A grandmother tells her speak, help her brother and sister (members of the granddaughter the story of her family and the NAACP) make signs for a big march, and tag along Gullah tradition of sewing sweet-grass baskets. as they go door to door registering voters. The story From her old-timey grandfather in Africa who of the Greensboro sit-ins is even more inspiring wove grassy reeds into baskets so tight they could told from a child’s point of view. Lovely, dark-hued hold water, through slaves who hauled rice in their paintings complement the text. $16.99. Ages 5-9. baskets, their family passed down their craft. Lyrical The Great Migration by Jacob Lawrence. Jacob text and quiet, evocative paintings make this an Lawrence’s stunning Migration series, 60 paint- exceptional selection. $16.00. Ages 5-9. ings completed in one year when he was 22, is Days of Jubilee by Patricia C. and Fredrick L. reproduced in its entirety. The accompanying text McKissack. Though the Emancipation Proclamation simply but powerfully conveys the political, social, symbolically freed slaves, they were actually freed and economic factors that led to the Migration and at different times over the course of the next several the challenges that blacks faced in Northern cities. years. The McKissacks combine slave narratives, $8.99. Ages 6-12. diary entries, and letters with their explanatory text I, Dred Scott by Shelia P. Moses. In 1846, Dred to craft a vivid picture of the end of the Civil War Scott and his wife sued for their freedom, beginning and the Days of Jubilee. $18.95. Ages 10 and up. a series of legal battles that would last for eleven A Dream of Freedom by Diane McWhorter. With years and culminate in the Supreme Court decision informative, readable text and numerous archival stating that blacks were not (and never would be) photographs, Pulitzer Prize winner McWhorter citizens of the United States and therefore had no presents a comprehensive introduction to the Civil rights. However, the defeat brought increased public Rights Movement. Beginning with the 1954 deci- scrutiny to slavery and is credited with hastening its sion in Brown v. The Board of Education and demise. Through a fictional slave narrative, Scott’s continuing through 1968, McWhorter discusses experiences as a slave, a plaintiff, and eventually the lynching of Emmett Till, various school inte- a free man come vividly to life. $16.95. Ages 10 grations, sit-ins, Freedom Rides, the Birmingham and up. Church bombing, Freedom Summer, and other I Saw Your Face by Kwame Dawes, illustrated pivotal events of the Movement. In addition, she by Tom Feelings. Before his death, acclaimed art- introduces important organizations, including the ist Tom Feelings was working on a project that Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and would illustrate the history of the African Diaspora the Black Panthers. $19.95. Ages 10 and up. through simple sketches of faces. Feelings’ stunning Freedom on the Menu by Carole Boston portraits and Dawes’ brief, poetic text combine in a Weatherford, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue. powerful reminder of the real people who are part Eight-year-old Connie is too young to participate of history. Also included are sketches of types of in the sit-ins at Woolworth’s lunch counter, but architecture. $16.99. Ages 8-10. 14

A CAMP FOR EVERY CHILD . . .THE PERFECT FIT Camp can last from just a few days or stretch Near or Far? Near Means: Easier to evaluate and weaknesses; Brother or sister camps may share to all summer long. It’s well worth the trouble Where do you want your child to go to camp? visit; Friends and family likely familiar with activities to investigate camp programs before your camp- Locally or far away? While each camp experience camp; Minimal travel costs; Likely con- Co-ed Camp Means; Breaking gender stereo- er packs a backpack. These questions help you has something to offer your child, this is an oppor- tact with classmates or children from types—girls interact with women in positions of explore the options. tunity to assess what you value for your camper. same region; Correspondence to and from campers authority, and boys interact with men who act as is quicker. nurturers; Mirrors and prepares campers for every- Far Means: More choices; Different experi- day living—the world is co-ed; Allows families with ences, different geography, e.g., mountains or a boy and a girl to attend same camp; Offers diverse oceans—even different languages; Promotes inde- points of view; Breaks through rigid divisions set up pendence, particularly for early and late adolescent in school when campers participate on equal foot- campers; Diversity of campers; Chance for family ing; Traditional, Specialty, or Special Needs? to visit and vacation at close of camp. Understanding the strengths in camp focus may Short or Long Session: How long do you want help you make your choice. your child to remain at camp? Traditional Means: Wide variety of activities; Short Session (One-Three Weeks) Means: Chance for campers to try new activities; Exposure First-time or younger campers have a chance to to more campers and staff at varying activities learn new skills; Bonds develop with other camp- Specialty Means: One or two specialized activi- ers and staff; Great exposure to camp experience ties (often combined with traditional offerings); with less expense; Minimizing homesickness. Expectation for increased proficiency during camp Longer Session (Four-Twelve Weeks) Means: session; Deepens knowledge and skill in particular Strong sense of belonging to camp communi- area of interest or ability ty; Chance to learn new skills; Development Special Needs Mean: Activities geared to camp- of specialized skills; Multiple opportunities for ers’ abilities; Knowledgeable staff with expertise learning and enrichment; Lifelong friendships; to understand campers’ challenges; Supportive and Opportunities to contribute to camp culture. fun atmosphere to share with others.# Girls Only, Boys Only, or Co-ed?Now may To learn more about camp and child develop- be the opportunity to explore this choice with ment, please visit the American Camp Association’s your camper. family Web site: www.CampParents.org. Single-Sex Camp Means: Breaking gen- For information about ACA camps, contact: der stereotypes — girls interact with women American Camp Association, 5000 State Road 67 in positions of authority, and boys interact North Martinsville, Indiana 46151, Tel. 1-800- with men who act as nurturers; More oppor- 428-CAMP (2267), www.CampParents.org tunities to “be yourself” without impressing Reprinted from CAMP by permission of the or competing with the opposite sex; Camp phi- American Camp Association; copyright 2005 by losophy may be tuned into gender strengths and the American Camping Association, Inc.

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�� Education Update’s February 15 2005 Edition THE GREAT NEWS ABOUT Stop Dreaming & Start Doing! HOMESICKNESS California Extreme Sports Camp is all about river rafting, biking/scooter, paintball, glider big fun. From dawn till dusk, the beautiful sum- flights, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, By CHRISTOPHER A. THURBER, Ph.D. OK, then, what are the most effective ways mer days are packed with action, adventure, and off-road hummer rides, circus flying trapeze, hot That’s right—there’s great news about home- of coping with homesickness at camp? What lots of new friends. But the activities are what air ballooning, indoor rock climbing, and kayak- sickness! For starters, you should know that: advice can you write in a letter or e-mail to your really set this camp apart. We do some tradition- ing. Sessions are one week, but most campers •Homesickness (or “missing home”) is nor- son or daughter if you get a homesick letter? al camper activities, but mostly, our campers do stay for two or three. So “Stop Dreaming and mal. In study after study, researchers found that Anti-Homesickness Strategies for Kids what most kids just see on TV (and what parents Start Doing!” Call 1 (800) PRO-CAMP or see us 95 percent of boys and girls who were spending Stay busy. Doing a fun, physical activity nearly never had a chance to do when they were kids.) on the web at www.800procamp.com at least two weeks at overnight camp felt some always reduces homesickness intensity. Stay pos- If you really love one activity, you can pretty If you are calling from the NYC area/northeast degree of homesickness. Children at day camp itive. Remembering all the cool stuff you can do much do that thing all day. No matter what week area please feel free to contact us at our New may also feel pangs of homesickness, but less at camp keeps the focus on fun, not on home. you come, you can go jet skiing, parasailing, York City number 212-517-6909 frequently. Stay in touch. Writing letters, looking at a photo •Homesickness is typically mild. Nearly every- from home, or holding a memento from home one misses something about home when they’re can be very comforting. Stay social. Making away. Some campers most miss their parents; new friends is a perfect antidote to bothersome others most miss home cooking, a sibling, or the homesickness. Talking to the staff at camp is �� family pet. Whatever they miss, the vast major- also reassuring. Stay focused. Remember that ity of children have a great time at camp and are you’re not at camp forever, just a few weeks. �� not bothered by mild homesickness. Bringing a calendar to camp helps you be clear �� •Homesickness is something everyone can about the length of your stay. Stay confident. learn to cope with. In fact, research has uncov- Anti-homesickness strategies take some time to ered multiple strategies that work for kids. Most work. Kids who stick with their strategies for kids use more than one strategy to help them five or six days almost always feel better. deal with homesickness. Mom and Dad, your help preparing your child •Homesickness builds confidence. Overcoming for this amazing growth experience will pay a bout of homesickness and enjoying time away huge dividends. After a session of camp, you’ll from home nurtures children’s independence see an increase in your child’s confidence, and prepares them for the future. The fact that social skills, and leadership. And while your second-year campers are usually less homesick son or daughter is at camp, you can enjoy a than first-year campers is evidence of this pow- well-deserved break from full-time parenthood. erful growth. Remember: Homesickness is part of normal “STOP DREAMING AND START DOING!” •Homesickness has a silver lining. If there’s development. Our job should be to coach chil- something about home children miss, that means dren through the experience, not to avoid the JET SKIING PARASAILING RIVER RAFTING BIKING/SCOOTER there’s something about home they love—and topic altogether.# that’s a wonderful thing. Sometimes just know- To learn more about camp and child devel- KAYAKING GLIDER FLIGHTS HOT AIR BALLOONING HORSEBACK ing that what they feel is a reflection of love opment, please visit the American Camp makes campers feel much better. Association’s family website: www.CampParents. RIDING OFF-ROAD HUMMER RIDES CIRCUS FLYING TRAPEZE So if nearly everyone feels some homesick- org. For information about ACA camps, con- WHITEWATER RAFTING INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING PAINTBALL ness, what can be done to prevent a really strong tact: American Camp Association, 5000 State case of homesickness? Here’s a recipe for posi- Road 67 North, Martinsville, Indiana 46151. tive camp preparation: Make camp decisions Tel. 1-800-428-CAMP (2267). together; Arrange lots of practice time away Reprinted from CAMP by permission of the from home; Share your optimism, not your anxi- American Camp Association; copyright 2005 by ety; Never ever make a pick-up deal. the American Camping Association, Inc.

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I was talking to John Ellwell, who runs a Ramon Cortines company called Replications. He used to be continued from page 9 a superintendent. He looks at the best school Brooklyn Botanic Garden: programs and then replicates the entire cul- All the elements are there: the uniforms, the ture of a school. He sends one person with strictness, the codes. The only things missing leadership ability to stay in the school for one A Place of Beauty, Life and Learning are the cross and the nuns. Those kids can be year and learn everything that goes on in that By DOROTHY DAVIS wild outside but the minute they walk into this school. Then that individual, supported by “Make Our Garden Grow”, environment, they are respectful.” That sort of grants, goes off to found a new school, a public the rapturous finale to Leonard ties in with what you just said. school. What do you think about doing some- Bernstein’s Candide that I’d just RC: I disagree with the statement a little but I thing like that? Does it make sense? seen on PBS was echoing in my have to say that one of the major issues that stu- RC: I’m not sure that you can replicate the mind when Education Update dents will agree on is that we as adults are very culture of a school. I think you can learn things publisher Pola Rosen called and inconsistent. And that’s true today. there. I don’t think that you can do the cookie- said we’d been invited to break- cutter approach. I understand, the cookie has fast at the Brooklyn Botanic EU: So we have to be more stringent? some similarities, it has the same smell or taste Garden (BBG). Oh joy! RC: It’s tough love, its tough caring. As adults, but it is different. It may have a few different On a cold winter morning soon as students that are becoming adults, we respond ingredients, it may even be a different shape. You after that we were seated in the to the parameters we’re put in. I find myself are dealing with human beings. BBG’s beautiful Palm House running yellow lights and let me tell you that is sipping tea and munching muf- not lawful and it creates wrecks because gener- EU: You mentioned previously that teach- fins in the company of knowl- ally when I’m running it, it gets red before I ers should network with each other, learning edgeable staff members and dis- get through it. I think nobody’s looking so I can from each other within the school. How do you tinguished horticultural writers make it. All I’m saying is that we need to have accomplish that during the school day? and commentators, all of whom tough caring, we need to be consistent, we need RC: I think that it’s dedicated time. I think that knew how to make their gardens to be fair, we need to be respectful. I remember it’ll happen; legislatures are going to realize. I grow. The truth in Bernstein’s the first student handbook that we did here and I think that there have been some experiments of song was evident. There was Judith D. Zuk, President of BBG got outside help, attorneys and they’re still here dedicated time for a school, where teachers had a wonderful calm and content- in the community. I said that I want a behavior time to meet and understand that they were to ment about all of these friendly A wonderful world awaits all and adults at the handbook. I don’t want a disciplinary handbook compare and discuss student work. That is some people. BBG. Beautiful gardens include the rose garden, but I want it to respect the civil rights of all of of the best professional development that you can Judith D. Zuk, President of BBG, told us about the Japanese garden, the fragrance garden (for the the people. One of the things that we’ve put give. It’s not only just dedicated time for teachers their Children’s Garden, where children grow veg- sight impaired) and the Steinhardt Conservatory more emphasis on, and you talk about what has to meet together. I want them to see best practices etables, fruits, flowers and herbs all year round. It with indoor plants. Special collections include changed, is the emphasis on student responsibil- at other places. opened in 1914 and was the first in the world. “It Daffodil Hill, Bluebell Wood, Oriental Flowering ity. I think we have curriculum standards for was a radical idea to think of inviting children into Cherries, and the Louisa Clark Spencer Lilac students but we don’t have standards for teachers, EU: What are some of the things that you a garden. Back then museums and gardens were Collection. Education is a priority. They even and standards for administrators. are proudest of in your own career, some of the for research. They were reluctant to even let the have a school! The Brooklyn Academy of Science things that you felt have truly made a differ- public in! The first director hired a woman, Ellen and the Environment (BASE) is a New Century EU: What do you think about having a ence, and some of the biggest challenges that Eddy Shaw, and she had a vision for bringing in High School developed by the BBG and Prospect greater certified teacher body by the National you have had to deal with? the children from Brooklyn to teach them how to Park Alliance working with NYC Department of Board? RC: I think that I can look at each place. In grow something. ” Education and New Visions for Public Schools. RC: LA has more board certified teachers than Pasadena, it was implementing as smooth as pos- Soon after Ms. Zuk said this, as though cued School Programs include a school outreach pro- NYC and I feel that it’s very important. sible the desegregation order and then getting the by a conductor (Lenny?) we heard high pitched gram, guided tours and visits, hands-on workshops district released from the court order. In San Jose, voices outside the window. Parades of cheer- for the entire class, a Garden Apprentice Program EU: If we look at San Francisco, Pasadena, it was when we settled the bankruptcy, and settled ful school children and their intrepid teachers for students in grades 8 through 12, a summer LA, and New York, those are the districts that a 14 year old desegregation suit and within a marched briskly through the gardens. They wore camp for ages 9 to 12. And adults can choose from you know so very well, are they running more year had every school in that district adopted by brightly colored scarves, hats, coats, mittens and over 175 year round classes and trips.# efficiently today? a business. In San Francisco, it was the building boots, like winter flowers, and they didn’t mind the Go to www.bbg.org for upcoming events and courses, garden- RC: In LA, we got beyond a community of relationships and it was respectful of private cold. They were escaping the concrete jungle for a ing info, a virtual tour, an encyclopedia of NYC area plants, was not interested, and I’m talking about LA, and parochial school systems and how we could little while, enjoying the fresh healthy air created and other information. Call 718/636-5800x5400 for information in regard to the infrastructure by the two bond work together on many things. And it was helping by the beautiful plants of the BBG. about the Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment. issues that they passed. In Pasadena, I think building principals be responsible for the entire that the city fathers and the board of directors school community and that meant more than stu- understand that you can talk about a quality of dents and their parents but it meant the seniors as my life didn’t have titles. From the professional to carry it out. The word spread like wildfire, that life but if you don’t have a public school system well. In New York City, I had a wonderful time. standpoint, they were the parents, they were we were ethical. Every year after that, there was that is viewed as improving, that the quality of I think in New York, on an issue whether it was the teachers, they were the administrators, they $20,000 donated anonymously, so that if I went life for the community is not that good. In San curriculum development, whether it was regents were the students that I came into contact with. I to a school and they needed something, I could Jose, I think that the stability of personnel was math or science, it was the coming together of the learned so much from them. I didn’t always like give it to them. important. In San Francisco, which is the highest professionals. When I went to New York, I was what they said to me, but I learned from them. performing urban school district in the state, they told that people are not interested in education, in I’ve always tried to create an environment where EU: At Education Update, we try to write were doing a lot of things right but there was a my first year, I had 30 community meetings and people—regardless of their position—could tell about the arts every single month. disconnect from the leadership. In New York, I not less than 300 attended any one of those meet- you what they thought. There’s a great story RC: If you don’t, the child’s education is remember in the second week, the words spread ing because I went to their communities. I didn’t about Mr. Packard, a philanthropist. His wife, neglected. And it’s not a field trip three or four like wildfire: I was visiting a school, had gone in just talk to them, for the first 35 minutes I listened Mrs. Packard, came by my second week in San times a year. The field trips are an integral part the back door and kindergartners were walking to them. One of the things that leadership has not Jose and said, “I read about what you think about of that. It’s how you prepare to go on a field trip down the stairs. This kid was falling and I caught done well is. . .we have not listened well. Good the arts and music in the school. How are you and what happens after that counts. I walk around him and tied his shoe because he was tripping. leaders do leadership from behind, at the side, going to put the music back in the schools?” I looking at what the students are doing and writ- There needs to be a modicum of humility in and at the front. Whether I’ve been at the univer- said, “I don’t know, but we’re going to do it.” ing and I talk to students. leadership, whether it’s teachers or the building sity level, on a foundation, or in schools, it has The next day, she delivered a check for $100,000, principal. When someone says to me, well, it been exciting because I was a learner. I never did which was a lot of money back then. She died and EU: I want to share one last thought with isn’t my job, I don’t understand that language in anything the same way. I looked prescriptively I applied to the Packard Foundation through Mr. you. I started a program two years ago that my profession. I didn’t ask for more money after and diagnostically at every situation I was in. Packard and he said, “Well, who is this Cortines? honors outstanding teachers in New York City school, I probably should. I just did the job that You’ve come up here asking for a quarter of a each month; they have to be recommended by needed to be done. In New York, I’ve talked to EU: Who are some of the mentors in your million dollars! We don’t give out a quarter of their principals or assistant principals accord- Klein and I think that he’s made an effort to be life? a million dollars!” I laid out the plan and asked ing to certain criteria. What a response we got out there more. I said that you’ve got to press the RC: Dr. Salmon. He used to be a superinten- him if he had read it. He said, “Of course I’ve from the New York City community! Every flesh but I said that you need to be genuine about dent in Covina, Pasadena, Sacramento, and head read it!” So we talked about it, and at the end he month we feature five or six teachers. We pub- it because if you’re not, they’ll know. of AASA. He constantly added challenges to said, “Okay, young man, you use it wisely.” I got lish them with their photos and descriptions of There is a better team now and they are all on me that provided opportunities for growth and in the car, I got back to the Board of Education, why they’ve been named outstanding teach- the same page. I think that where it is working development. When I went awry, he didn’t just and I just couldn’t believe it. We’d never had er—there’s no money—it’s simply acknowl- well, there is a team. For all of the places I’ve overlook it, he brought it to my attention. I was a that kind of money in that district. So I wrote the edgement. And then in June, I had a breakfast mentioned, the one issue is that you have to find teacher and then an assistant principal. Board and I said, “I have been to the mountain,” for them at the Harvard Club, and the year a way for the union to be a team member. Unions because we were up at his ranch on the Los after that (this past year), we had it at the are not second-rate people. They represent the EU: How about the boards that you are Altos Hill. “I’ve been to the mountain, I’ve got Cornell Club. We ended up having a hundred same teachers that I work for as a chancellor, currently on? I know your wisdom is greatly the tablets, I didn’t drop them, and I have the and fifty people. Parents came from Hawaii to as a superintendent. I know that there are some respected and people call upon you for help check!” I’ve never had problems getting money see their son get an award. And there was no difficult labor issues and monetary issues but and advice. Which ones are you on? out of the community, and that was an example money involved! We couldn’t afford that. So, you cannot make the kind of improvement that I RC: Scholastic, Classroom Inc in New York, of San Jose. In San Francisco, I would not take I’m very proud of this endeavor. believe is necessary through avoidance. Natural History Museum. I used to have din- the money unless I could use it for what it was RC: See, everybody doesn’t want money. ner every now and then with the president of intended for, and twice, I returned money. This They want to be respected as a contributor to the EU: Communication is still not up to par Teacher’s College–Arthur Levine. I would say was mainly because, what they gave it to me for, community.# between the unions and the school systems. the people who had the most important impact on we couldn’t use it, or we didn’t have the capacity New York City • FEBRUARY 2005 FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS • 17 DR. ALFRED SOMMER RECOGNIZED Cooling Lessens Brain Damage FOR RESEARCH ON VITAMIN A in Sick Newborn Babies DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN Cooling the brains of babies deprived of oxy- Ballard, Professor of Pediatrics at the University gen at birth may reduce the risk of brain damage, of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the according to an international study published in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, comments, The Lancet in which the babies’ body temperature “This is a very promising study of general hypo- was lowered by three or-four degrees for 72 hours thermia with selective head cooling for infants after birth using a water-filled cap. with evidence of recent, moderately severe lack The research was undertaken in hospitals of oxygen to the brain. However, there is still in North America, New Zealand, and Europe. much to learn.” Babies were recruited if the infants received an It was discovered several years ago that when inadequate supply of oxygen before birth and the brain is deprived of oxygen at birth, some electrical activity from their brains showed a of the injury takes place hours, days, or weeks (l-r) Dr. Herbet Pardes, President & CEO of New York-Presbyterian Hospital; high risk of brain injury. The trial, which was after the initial event and is initiated by a series Abe Pollin, creator of the Pollin Prize; supported by Olympic Medical of Seattle, USA, of chemical events within the brain. The cool- Dr. Alfred Sommer, Dean of the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins indicates that, for some babies, cooling can sig- ing study results from investigations begun a nificantly reduce brain damage. decade ago when researchers from Europe and Edited BY HERMAN ROSEN, M.D. practical, and just as effective, in the treatment of “This is the first treatment that has been proven New Zealand found that cooling prevented the Honoring his breakthrough research in vitamin vision-threatening corneal ulceration compared to to lessen the risk of brain injury in infants that chemical cascade from causing permanent brain A deficiency among children in underdeveloped more expensive, less practical injections. have been deprived of oxygen before birth,” com- damage. Those initial studies served as the basis nations, Dr. Alfred Sommer has been named by Further research by Dr. Sommer suggested that ments Dr. Richard Polin, Professor of Pediatrics for the cooling study in babies. New York-Presbyterian Hospital as the recipi- vitamin A deficiency caused significant child- at Columbia University College of Physicians Two hundred and thirty-five babies with mod- ent of the third annual Pollin Prize for Pediatric hood suffering long before children showed and Surgeons and Morgan Stanley Children’s erate to severe oxygen deprivation were recruited Research. As a result of his work, vitamin A inter- even the mildest ocular manifestations of defi- Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. Dr. Donna to the study. If the infants most severely brain- vention–one of the most cost-effective means of ciency. Children with mild deficiency were at Ferriero, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics damaged before entry to the trial were excluded, reducing childhood mortality–has been used to increased risk of death from otherwise relatively at the University of California San Francisco, the combined rate of disability and death was save millions of lives in underdeveloped coun- mild infections–and that the greater the degree points out, “These data suggest that therapy for reduced from 66 percent in the conventional care tries worldwide since the 1980s. of deficiency, the greater the risk of death. ischemic injury in the newborn brain exists and group to 48 percent in the cooled group.# Dr. Sommer is Dean of the Bloomberg School Subsequent trials demonstrated that improve- may be realized in the near future.” Dr. Roberta of Public Health and professor of ophthalmology ment of vitamin A status could reduce childhood at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. mortality by over 25 percent, primarily by reduc- His “important discovery represents the true ing the severity of measles and diarrheal disease. spirit of the Pollin Prize, which recognizes medi- Other findings pointed to vitamin A’s many roles cal research that provides a lasting impact on in humans, including its role in mounting an the health of children,” says Dr. Herbert Pardes, effective immune response, thus explaining its president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian powerful influence on the severity of infectious Hospital. “It was his particular genius to find a diseases and related mortality. simple solution to spare countless children from At the time, Dr. Sommer’s findings were met misery and death.” with skepticism by many experts of child health Marsha Mack Frances, Senior Vice President 212-650-4829 UNICEF and the World Health Organization and survival, who refused to accept that an (WHO) estimate that in the absence of vitamin intervention as simple and as inexpensive as vita- A intervention programs, more than one million min A could drastically impact mortality caused children would die of infection or become blind by the complex interplay of multiple nutrition, every year. More than 60 countries now conduct infectious disease and child care practices and a variety of national vitamin A supplementation environments. It was only through repeated trials programs. UNICEF estimates that over 400 mil- by many investigators in multiple countries and lion capsules of vitamin A were administered to environments that global consensus was finally children in 2002, saving the lives of more than a reached and vitamin A control activities became quarter of a million children worldwide that year a global commitment. alone. The World Bank has ranked “vitamin A By recognizing outstanding achievement in supplementation” as perhaps the most cost-effec- pediatric biomedical and public health research, tive health intervention in all of medicine. and at the same time fostering the work of young Early in his career, Dr. Sommer, hypothesized investigators, the Pollin Prize seeks to encourage 180 East End Avenue - 15B 180 East End Avenue - 19GH that vitamin A deficiency was extremely common the best scientific minds to address the issues of

Views all around! East End Ave building! Apartment consists of a Cloud19! HUGE indoor-outdoor square footage with spectacular river, among children in the developing world and could children’s health and illness worldwide, accord- gracious gallery leading to the Living Room with a balcony facing park, mansion and city views. Loft-like Living Room, Dining Room, be the cause of significant visual impairment and ing to Irene and Abe Pollin, creators of the prize. the East River and Gracie mansion, oversized Formal Dining Room, 3 Family Room, 4 Master Bedrooms, Maid’s Room, Windowed Kitchen, Master Bedrooms, 3 baths, New windowed kitchen. Apartment is in 6 Bathrooms all surrounded by approximately 1500 sq.ft. penthouse- blindness. His studies in Indonesia in the mid The Pollin family, prominent philanthropists, excellent condition and has beautiful river views from all rooms and like landscaped terrace. Central humidiﬁ er for master bedroom and 1970s confirmed these suspicions and demonstrat- is perhaps best known as the owner of the balcony. Roof-top pool and garage in building. Maintenance include Living room/dining area. All of this in a top East End Avenue building all utilities and basic cable. $1,795,000 with rooftop pool and garage. 2% ﬂ ip tax paid by purchaser. Mainte- ed that inexpensive oral treatment was far more Washington Wizards basketball team.# nance includes all utilities and basic cable. $4,600,000 How to Respond to School Crisis Edited BY HERMAN ROSEN, M.D. an automobile accident? Our schools must embrace a structure and pro- School crisis response can no longer be del- cess for responding effectively to school-based egated solely to members of a school Crisis tragedies. Our nation’s schools are taking steps Response Team. Today, crisis management is the to provide this structure through the development responsibility of all educators. A Practical Guide of school Crisis Response Teams. Unfortunately, for Crisis Response in Our Schools provides a little attention is being given to addressing the structure and process for effectively managing process of helping members of the school family the wide spectrum of school-based crises. It is an 180 East End Avenue to deal with the emotional fall-out that they expe- invaluable resource in preparation for, and dur-

Excellent space in top East End Ave building with east and north exposure. Apart- rience during times of crisis. For example, once ing, actual crisis situations and continues to serve ment has great potential to be very comfortable as well as very elegant. It’s a students are directed to a lounge or quiet area in as a meaningful standard for our nation’s schools. great opportunity! $1,350,000 a school for intervention, who is truly prepared For further information, visit http://crisisinfo. to address the raw emotion of a group of children org/schoolcrisisresponse.# who just learned of the deaths of their friends in 18 WE CELEBRATE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH EDUCATION UPDATE | FEBRUARY 2005

GIANTS’ TIKI BARBER THE JAZZ OF WESS ANDERSON By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D Nicknames are telling. In the case of the SUPPORTS ARTS EDUCATION well known saxophonist Wess[el] Anderson, “Warmdaddy” was bestowed after a drummer in the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra commented on Wess’s willingness to extend his hand to give autographs, especially to young people. With a laughing modesty, Mr. Alto Sax notes that people like to have autographs and he’s only too happy to comply because he’s appreciative of their interest. It’s still an uphill battle to interest youngsters and young adults in this unique American music, but it’s a mission he and his friend and colleague Wynton Marsalis, whom he met when they were playing with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, pur- sue with joyous devotion. When PBS came out with the History of Jazz last year, Wess saw the series as a “national anthem.” It saddens though it does not surprise him that young people today shy away from what they’ve never been exposed to—“jazz is hard music”—just the opposite of his own life. Barber reads to children Repeatedly, he speaks glowingly of his father, important to study, to be educated about the his- his great mentor, who was always home by 3:00 tory of jazz, which is in many ways, the history of By NAZNEEN MALIK homework, so I got very good at learning things p.m. from his late-shift job as a subway conduc- The United States. Sure, jazz involves improvisa- Recently, the Museum of Modern Art, in con- quickly and getting it done so that I could go do tor on the Carnarsie Line. The family lived then tion, but improvisation turns on long experience junction with JPMorgan Chase and football run- the things I wanted to do.” Even while he was in in Crown Heights. And though his mother was and informed knowledge. He thinks that the ning backTiki Barber of the New York Giants, college, Barber’s mother still pushed her sons. always there to ensure that he did his homework, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra’s focus on educa- launched a new program, Exploring the Modern, She went back to college to obtain her Master’s his father by mid-afternoon would be setting up tion is incredibly important. “To teach well,” he aimed at incorporating the Arts into New York degree when Barber enrolled at the University jam sessions. His school friends, Wess recalls, says, is to “relate to young people” who have no City elementary and middle school education. of Virginia. “Literally every week, she would would not know what he was talking about when awareness, most of them, of performing or prac- Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, the program is call and tell us I’m still making straight A’s, what he’d tell them that when he’d come home, he tice. To that end, he begins most education ses- a year long initiative and is comprised of a series are you guys doing?” he laughs, “we competed would see a Blue Note label spinning on the sions playing “Happy Birthday”—a tune everyone of educational tours that allow students to gain against mom all the way through college.” turntable. For Wess the record was as much a part knows. He does it straight and then . . . just . . familiarity and appreciation of contemporary It was in college that Barber developed an inter- of the household as his father’s drums and the .bops! He tells them, think basketball: you want to works of art. est in education issues. He participated in a pro- personnel who showed up to rehearse—they were get the ball in the net, but you want to do it with A spokesperson for the Exploring the Modern gram that paired up elementary school students “like family.” He was a kid but he was already style. In other words, improvisation is not random. program, Tiki Barber is acutely aware of the need with college students, and had them meet every soaking up the environment. Most youngsters And teaching well is never condescension. to provide students with different avenues such once in a while to talk. “When I got to New York today don’t have that advantage, that prompt, Like most serious musicians, Wess Anderson as music, art, and athletics, to serve as alternative City,” says Barber “I found so many avenues for that appreciation—which may be the main reason plays many instruments. He started out on piano, modes of expression. A lot of the time, he says, giving back. I know that as an athlete, I have a big Wess Anderson cares so much about education. studied clarinet under Alvin Batiste at Southern students’ affinity for these particular areas gets power of influence. Sending the right message to Under Wynton Marsalis’s direction (Wess is University in Baton Rouge, LA , then moved lost because they lack the exposure. kids is important to me.” And he does. the lead alto sax), musicians from the Lincoln big time to the sax—“they say, you don’t pick Indeed, Barber found his own method of expres- Barber is involved with numerous charities and Center Jazz Orchestra go out to public schools the instrument, it picks you,” but who knows, he sion in athletics at the tender age of eight and community initiatives such as the Fresh Air Fund (K-12) all over the country. Jazz is a night move, says with a chuckle, children never select what it continues to remain an integral part of him. and the Children’s Miracle Network, of which he so it’s important to talk to youngsters and perform their parents play. His 14 year-old son loves the “Sports always gave me structure in my life,” is a board member. He is also very enthusiastic for them on their time, during the day. When he trombone. But why the Alto Sax? Well, he loves he says. Nevertheless, he maintained a balance about the Exploring the Modern program at was an adolescent he used to think that all jazz the tenor sax but the alto, it’s got a special “sing- between sports and his academic education, excel- MoMa. “This is such a great thing for JPMorgan musicians were at least 30 – 40 years old. His ing quality,” a beautiful soprano, a sound that ling in both. In fact, he graduated as valedictorian, Chase and MoMa to do,” he says, “because it own experience, because of his father’s example just blew him away. It’s not just love, it’s study. boasting a 4.0 grade point average from Cave opens up another avenue and gives students and encouragement, was unusual. But there is no Though he has a new CD coming out later this Spring High School. Barber credits his mother for exposure to it. I was exposed to a lot when I was reason why youngsters should not be exposed to year, fans and those who should be, can hear Wess his academic success and fondly recalls, “my mom younger,” he continues, “and it shaped me into a jazz early on, including its history, and there Anderson at The Village Vanguard on Tuesday, would not let us go to practice unless we did our the person I am today.” # is every reason to hope that they will know it’s March 1st. And his father will be there.#

times these messages are so subtle you don’t even those that you know who inspire you on a daily ORNA OVE EALER realize that you are in the midst of a battle. basis and the ones that you read about and see in L D , M.D., H the media who teach you what is possible. The first COLUMBIA U. COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS EU: What are some of the achievements you type is easy for me to describe. My parents grew By LIZA YOUNG For me and my siblings that pressure translated are most proud of? up in rural NC not with much material wealth but Dr. Lorna Dove, is a Clinical Hepatologist at into different things… lawyer, teacher, counselor. LD: I hope that my biggest achievement is yet with wisdom, determination and a sense of what the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation My father is a mechanic, very thoughtful, quite a to come; that’s what keeps me motivated. I have is right: “Always do the right thing even when it (CLDT) at Columbia University Medical Center diagnostician. I think that if he had access to dif- had a fair amount of career success. I completed is hard!” My father was the president of the local as well as an Assistant Professor of Medicine ferent resources, he would have been a doctor. college, medical school and I have a challenging NAACP chapter when it was dangerous to even at Columbia University College of Physicians job in academic medicine. However, I would like belong. They continue to mentor me. and Surgeons. She received her medical degree EU: What are some of the personal chal- to accomplish more in the community. I come As for the mentors from afar…well I am always from Columbia University and additionally holds lenges you’ve had to overcome? from a family that was active in the civil rights inspired by women who achieve regardless of a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the LD: I think that near the beginning of my movement. As I get older, I realize that personal the forum. Think about the obstacles that Shirley University of California, Berkley. She is renowned career my biggest obstacle was my own self- success is only one part of the equation. Finally, Chisholm faced and the ones that Serena and Venus for her research in innovative treatments for doubt. I come from a rural town in the South and if I can raise two confident, well-adjusted, happy Williams face each day…the agendas are different patients co-infected with Hepatitis C and HIV. early on (as young as 8 or 9) I learned that every- sons…I will give myself a hand! but the ability to face the challenge is the same. Here she explains her earliest roots, her motiva- thing is not distributed fairly, and people don’t tion for success, sources of strength, and how to always treat you in a fair manner. My parents told EU: What was a turning point in your life? EU: What advice would you give to today’s find meaning and happiness in life. me “That’s just life. Work to change it but don’t LD: To be honest I don’t remember a clear youth? let it stop you!” I heard the words but it takes a turning point in which the decision made LD: Determine what you want to accomplish Education Update (EU): How did you choose fair amount of strength to translate those words changed my entire life. Instead, there are con- and stay focused on that goal. Be confident in your career? into action. I have spent my entire life first continuous small decisions that I make all the your ability, but realize that everything takes hard Dr. Lorna Dove (LD): I don’t even remember vincing myself and then convincing others that time. With each decision, I think about how it work. So often we are consumed with immediate making the decision to become a doctor. It must I can do what others are doing, and furthermore will affect my family, my overall goals, and pleasures, but most long term success takes a lit- have been early in life, because I can remember that I can do it well. You would assume that once myself. In some ways, I have always made the tle sacrifice up front. Don’t become distracted by knowing that this is what I was going to do as you have some success you would relax and feel “safe” choices, not necessarily what I would all of the material messages/baggage that we are early as 5th grade. There were no doctors in my confidence, but that is not really true. The subtle always recommend, but this is a truthful answer. bombarded with everyday. Don’t get me wrong, I family growing up...though there are few now. messages that come from racism and sexism are like pretty things. I also like to do things and go I had no pressure to become a doctor, but there powerful deterrents to success that you must fight EU: Who were your mentors? places, but happiness and success are not defined was certainly pressure to “do something useful.” internally everyday. The problem is that some LD: I think that there are two types of mentors; by what type of purse you carry.# 19 WE CELEBRATE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH FEBRUARY 2005 | EDUCATION UPDATE

THE JAZZ OF WESS ANDERSON AN INTERVIEW WITH POET NELSON MANDELA: MAYA ANGELOU FIGHTER FOR RACIAL AND SOCIAL EQUITY Reported BY MICHELLE DESARBO encouraged the earliest participation in the anti- & LIZA YOUNG apartheid movement. Telephoning South Africa several times Mandela’s anti-apartheid activities eventually recently and speaking with Nelson Mandela’s led to his arrest, first to a five year sentence team was exciting. To think that this Nobel in 1956. In 1961 he was acquitted, but was Laureate (Peace Prize 1993) who was incarcer- again arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life ated for 27 years and was now traveling, had imprisonment. However, during his imprison- consented to appear in Education Update was ment, Mandela covertly engaged in the strug- a tribute to the African-Americans gle against apartheid, releas- in this nation who have fought ing a statement to the ANC, for peace and recognition through encouraging Africans to come poetry, law, politics, dance and the together in the fight against written word. apartheid. Sacrificing his freedom in the Following his February 1990 name of democratic and social prin- release from prison, he ran ciples, Nelson Mandela has had a for president of South Africa. tremendous historical impact. From He was officially elected in his early youth he was actively May 1994. During his term, he involved in fighting racial discrimi- introduced the Reconstruction nation in South Africa. As a student, and Development Plan, eco- he was involved in a protest of the white minor- nomically fostering the creation of jobs, housing ity government’s withholding of basic rights to and basic healthcare. Mandela led South Africa’s South Africa’s vast Black population shift away from apartheid, which finally ended Receiving his law degree, he opened a law in 1996. The newly formed constitution of South By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. Reynolds Professor at Wake Forest University in firm, together with his college friend Oliver Africa in 1996 guaranteed the rights of minori- That voice!—low, honey-warm, sultry, distinc- Winston-Salem, NC where she teaches a master Tambo, which provided free or low-cost legal ties and freedom of speech. tive—every word carefully selected and articu- class, World Poetry and Dramatic Performance. advice to many Black Africans who otherwise Nelson Mandela’s contributions to socially lated, every thought a weighing of intention and Teaching is extremely important to her and would have been grossly underserviced. equality continue today. The Nelson Mandela effect. Yes, this is the woman whose epigrams teaching literature an affair of the soul. “To edu- During his years as a student, Mandela began Foundation seeks to improve rural conditions for Hallmark cards can take important ideas and cate is to liberate,” and great teachers “remind his involvement with the African National of schools by soliciting direct accounts of what press them into concise and telling lines, such people of what they already know instinctively,” Congress (ANC), an organization promoting conditions are like in the particular rural area. as, If you must look back do so “forgivingly”; though they have wonderful allies in great lit- democratic policies in South Africa. He was The Mandela Foundation has helped build if you will look forward, do so “prayerfully”; erature. Bad teaching is learning by rote and, instrumental in establishing the ANC Youth over 140 schools. These Mandela Schools have but the wisest course would be “to be present even if unintentionally, conveying an attitude of League and became its president in 1951. been the focus of a development program. One in the present gratefully.” She loves the chal- condescension. She is sorry to say so, but she Following the implementation of apartheid of the objectives is to create centers of excel- lenge of composing the epigrams, an activity does—there are teachers today who humiliate, laws by the National Party (NP), which assumed lence in learning and teaching within com- she refers to with a slightly guttural laugh, as insult, or remain indifferent or insensitive to power in 1948, Mandela and other members of munities. The Foundation strives for a deeper “delicious”—except that for her, the pith of the their struggling young charges, many of whom the ANC protested apartheid laws through its understanding of how rural communities view prose—or poetry—must always be an expres- have no stable home. They punish instead of Defense Campaign. In response to NP threats of education and how they can improve their own sion of love, compassion, benediction. Her flu- reward, even demanding that poor behavior and disbanding the ANC, the “M” plan was formed. lives. The Foundation tries to bring a deeper ency and joy are even more surprising, as read- performance be met by extra reading assign- Named after Mandela, the plan resulted in the understanding between policy makers and the ers of I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings recall, ments. What a distortion of literature, what a organization of smaller ANC units which would communities who need their help.# that she was for five years, beginning when she block to inculcating self-esteem! “Youngsters was 8, mute, traumatized into silence by having may do wrong but they know in their heart what been raped and then feeling guilty when the is right.” How sad not to appeal to their basic criminal was murdered. Just as remarkable is humanity, she says repeatedly. She is “grateful” her heartfelt conviction that all God’s children that she and Bailey loved to read and to read DR. WALTER MASSEY: are human beings—despite plenty of proof to aloud to each other. She is also eternally “grate- the contrary for a child growing up in dirt-poor ful” to Momma who taught, never be cruel, RESIDENT OREHOUSE OLLEGE Stamps, Arkansas in the 30s and 40s, confront- always look to good and act on constructive P , M C ing racism, poverty, and low expectations. But impulses. You will talk, Momma told the mute By GILLIAN GRANOFF 1968 coincided with the move- she speaks only of being “grateful” for her life, eight-year old, braiding her hair, “when you and Diversity begins at home, according ment to integrate American for her paternal grandmother, Momma, her great the good Lord are ready.” The course Professor to Dr. Walter Massey, the President Americans into higher educa- and wise mentor, and for her beloved older Angelou teaches reflects that heritage. She tells of Morehouse College, an all-male, tion. An increase in the num- brother Bailey. her students (who come from all disciplines) historically black college, with presti- ber of African American stu- “The first” could well be a standard epithet that in two weeks they must learn 27 poems. gious graduates such as Martin Luther dents being admitted to Illinois for Dr. Maya Angelou (nee Marguerite Johnson) “They gasp, and then they learn . . .50!” And, King. For a former physicist, being at placed Dr. Massey in the whose breakthrough accomplishments as an when, for example, black students recite Burns the helm is not an exact science. Dr. unique position of serving as a African American woman in so many disci- or Dickens and white students perform her own Massey defines leadership as having role model and advisor to these plines have won her great praise and numer- work or read Walter Mosley, they get to know a vision and a goal and the strength new incoming students. This ous awards in this country and abroad. Nouns characters from the inside, they get to feel the and conviction to be able to share almost accidental career move tumble out in no particular order for she has universality of the human condition. them with others. This includes hav- motivated his desire to work typically pursued more than one calling at a The hour is late—”I know how old I am, I feel ing the commitment and fortitude do with students and planted seeds time: poet, playwright, film and stage actress, it in my bones, “ she chuckles—but Dr. Maya the things that are required even in for a career in academics. Dr. best-selling author, newspaper editor, historian, Angelou has miles to go before she sleeps. She’s difficult circumstances. Dr. Massey applies this Massey humbly attributes his success to being in presidential appointee to various commissions got plans for at least through 2008, when she philosophy with a commitment to individualism the right place at the right time. and councils, songwriter, dancer, director, sing- will be 80—more books, essays and poems, and and a respect for race. His incredible down to Dr. Massey went on to become a professor and er, educator (she has 55 doctorates), although then a sojourn in Joplin, MO where she intends earth and open nature have made him a natural later an administrator at Brown University, a Vice one identity—civil rights activist—might be to act on a childhood prophecy that one day she success at being a leader, witnessed by his more President at the University of Chicago, and a Provost said to preempt many of the others. Still none of would teach and preach. As for the immedi- than twenty honorary doctorates and awards for at the University of California school system. His these professions even in the aggregate define ate present, admirers, if they haven’t already, excellence in teaching. decision to accept the presidency of Morehouse, the essence of a woman who has become an icon should check out her latest publication, a unique Growing up in racially segregated Mississippi, his Alma Mater, was influenced by Massey’s for so many, especially for those who lost or collection of childhood memories with Momma Walter Massey did not begin his career with own desire to give back to the African American never had any reason to value themselves. They in the kitchen: Hallelujah! The Welcome Table: aspirations to become a college president. His community. At the helm of Morehouse for nine sense in her one who has “been there” and who A Lifetime of Memories with Recipes (Random proclivity for science led him to a career as years, Dr. Massey has sought to instill in his has emerged with an extraordinary sense of love House). These include, among other goodies, a physicist. Massey achieved success at the students an appreciation for their heritage. He for all human beings. Momma’s “smothered chicken, and though good University of Chicago as President of the pres- believes connecting them with their roots will As though eight decades of a challenging and friend Oprah Winfrey might say the dish is a bit, tigious Argon Laboratories. The turning point make them stronger and more confident to address rich living were not already enough, Dr. Angelou well, overcooked, that’s only the culinary part. in his career came when he assumed a faculty the challenges in a diverse world. “The students continues to try to make a difference, especially The loving motive is nothing if not admirably position at the University of Illinois, Urbana. The leave with a sense of confidence and pride in for new generations of youngsters, in her role as well done.# offer to join the faculty of University of Illinois in continued on page 20 20 WE CELEBRATE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH ■ FEBRUARY 2005

SPEAKING WITH JAMES EARL JONES In Motion: The African-American Migration Experience at the weren’t many black fellows at the University of Michigan—In response to a paper I wrote, a pro- Schomburg Center fessor called me in. I had spelled simplicity ‘sim- By DOROTHY DAVIS all better persons to know who we are.” plisity.’ ‘Why are you trying to be someone you’re A glittering array of celebrities appeared at the What special message for teachers did Howard not?’ he said. ‘You’re a dumb Son of a B—who New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Dodson, Director of The Schomburg Center, have doesn’t belong at a university!’—I had no idea Research in Black Culture, in Harlem, to celebrate about the website? how to respond to such deep seated racism.” the brilliant new online resource “In Motion: The “The African-American experience is a central “The study of DNA undermines racist theory,” African-American Migration Experience.” The part of America’s experience. Let’s hope that he said. “There is more variation within a group exhibit tells the in-depth this resource will assist than between groups. African-Americans’ ances- story of over five hundred teachers in incorporat- tors left Africa more recently. Racists believe years of African-Americans ing some of the missing those whose ancestors left Africa 40,000 years on the move. It tells about pages of American his- ago are superior to those whose ancestors left 400 the thirteen separate tory into their classroom years ago. But we are all African. We are African- African-American migra- experiences.” Hungarian, African-Swedish or African-Irish like tions, from the 1500s until What special message some of my ancestors.” Yet people are racist. today. Only two of them for teachers came from “Why doesn’t proof matter?” (The Transatlantic Slave Dean W. Schomburg, a His pragmatic response to racism is just to blow Trade and The Domestic distinguished radio com- it off. Slave Trade) were invol- mentator and grandson When asked about who his mentors were in life, untary. Others included of the Puerto Rican born James Earl Jones his response was surprisingly, “No one.” Haitian Immigration-- Black Scholar, biblio- James Earl Jones has starred in such films as 18th and 19th Centuries, phile and NYPL bene- By DOROTHY DAVIS Star Wars (Darth Vadar), The Lion King, Clear and Western Migration, The factor, Arturo Alfonso Recently we joined James Earl Jones at the Present Danger, The Great Migration, Caribbean Schomburg, for whom

Oxonian Society. Brilliantly speaking on “The Hunt for Red October, Cry, the Beloved Country Immigration, and African White Lee E. the Center was named? Color of Delusion,”he wove together events of his and The Great White Hope, for which he received Immigration. “Teaching is so impor- life, ruminations on the ironies of “racism,” and an Oscar nomination. (And should have received What did Harry tant and so under appre- the tough philosophy forged from their collision. the Oscar. Catch it this month on PBS and see for Belafonte, the famous ciated. I would like to Born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, Jones yourself.) You may also know him as the hopping actor, singer, producer urge teachers to visit early “realized that people of every color could be (not hip-hopping) spokesperson for Verizon. # and human rights advo- Harry Belafonte our new website, “In racist, could be victims of racism.” This was due Go to www.oxoniansociety.com for more infor- cate, have to say about Motion”. It’s set up for to his “part Cherokee-Choctaw grandmother who mation. Voices and Silences is James Earl Jones’ “In Motion?” them with lesson plans right on there. How much had a double edged contempt for White folk and is autobiography, recently updated with an epilogue “It gives us a chance to speak with some authen- easier could it be? With kids you never know the best example of racism that I know.” and available in paperback. ticity and authority about what our journey has what will possess them. If you expose them to He encountered racism in college. “There been. Young students, young minds that are eager this website some of them may be inspired by to know more about who and what we are as a it. Just let them know it’s here. Even if only one nation and certainly as Africans will be rewarded person in your class gets taken by it I’d be happy amply by what they will experience on this web- with that. That would be a wonderful thing!” New Yorkʼs Manumission (Free the Slaves!) site.” And what did 6th Grader Sam Howard, who What did Paul LeClerc, President of The New attended the preview with his mother, Mamie Society & Its African Free School 1785-1849 York Public Library, have to say about the web- Bittner, a Director at the Institute of Museum and site? Library Services, have to say about the website By DOROTHY DAVIS The New-York Historical Society has the “[It is] the single most extraordinary online ver- after he’d seen the preview? People who say that the Declaration of Manumission Society’s Records (1785-1849) sion of a library that I think is possible, the best “That was really good!” Independence’s “all men are created equal” and the School’s (1817-1832). These can be that is available in the world today.” The United States Congress appropriated $2.4 should have applied to more than property- viewed on microfilm at their library. Some What did Congressman Charles Rangel have million for the creation of this major digital owning white men might be surprised to know of the originals can be seen in the Alexander to say? archive.# that at the time Alexander Hamilton and many Hamilton exhibit through February 28. For “I have shared [this] with members of the The website (www.inmotionaame.org or other New York leaders felt that slaves should address and hours go to www.nyhistory.org. Congressional Black Caucus and I can’t begin through www.schomburgcenter.org) contains be given their freedom and the right to vote. The Museum of the City of New York has to tell you how excited they are about this great 16,500 pages of essays, books, articles and Unfortunately Thomas Jefferson and Southern Manumission Documents from the early 19th project. The African-American is just one of the manuscripts, 8,300 images, 60 maps and more leaders disagreed. In 1785 Hamilton, John Jay Century between slave owners and slaves as few people in this great country that if they were than 100 detailed lesson plans. A companion and 28 others created New York’s Manumission well as slave purchase documents. to give us a million dollars to go to our homeland book published by National Geographic and Society, which established the African Free The Schomburg Library’s new website “IN we have no clue as to where to go. We don’t know co-authored by Howard Dodson and Sylviane School in 1794. Manumission (from the Latin MOTION” www.schomburgcenter.org contains what we would do without the Schomburg in A. Diouf, and a Black History Month Kit are for “hand” and “let go”) means to free a slave. a photo of the second African Free School, shedding some light on who we are as a people. available for purchase at The Schomburg Shop The society worked for the abolition of slavery and information about two graduates: the art- Where did we come from? Where did we anchor at 212/491-2206. An Exhibition will be at the and the freeing of slaves, and through its school ist Patrick Ryan and the prominent abolitionist our culture and beliefs, including religious beliefs? Schomburg Center February 3 to April 30, 2005. educated young African-Americans. Henry Highland Garnett. # What were our hopes and aspirations? It makes us

most elite universities in the country. more diverse, and those like Morehouse whose sive to helping each other.” Since arriving at the university he has come goal is to maintain roots in the black commu- His deep-seated belief in the value of men- Pres. Massey closer to achieving this goal. He has improved nity and to be faithful to the traditions while torship has made him appreciate the intimacy continued from page 19 the quality of student and faculty recruitment, becoming competitive with most schools in the of working at a small undergraduate college. themselves which allows them to go out and enhanced the college’s fundraising capabilities, country. He hesitates to overstate the distinc- “I have much more interaction with students interact with people of all backgrounds because and improved the college’s reputation, by mak- tions between historically black colleges and than I did at the larger research institutions. He they have a sense of who they are.” For Dr. holds office hours at least twice a month. His Massey, diversity starts with learning to appre- own mentors include Sabinus Cristensen, his ciate the unique nature of individuals, which, Dr. Massey deﬁnes leadership as having a vision physics teacher whom he credits with helping Dr. Massey believes, will help his students to him to realize his own strength in the sciences respect racial and gender differences as well. and a goal and the strength and conviction to be and Howard Swear, the former President of “When you learn to understand and appreciate Brown, who mentored him in his first adminis- differences among individual people, you learn able to share them with others. tration. And he credits Hannah Gray with help- to deal with racial, gender and other diversity ing him to understand leadership. issues.” His advice to his students is simple: find the Dr. Massey underscores the diverse student ing Morehouse one of the leading undergradu- others: “The audience and traditions are differ- things that you like to do and that will give body at Morehouse. “Our students come from ate institutions in the nation and the number ent but overall, the major things I deal with are you a sense of satisfaction and pride. You, of all over the country, from different socio-eco- one African American college. about the same.” course, should want to earn a living in life, but nomic groups. We have a large international One of the challenges Morehouse faces as Dr Massey’s belief in the importance of that should not be your primary goal. contingent. From the outside this may look like a small, undergraduate and predominately tradition has inspired an atmosphere of coop- Dr. Massey is optimistic about the growth and a homogenous community but these students African American institution is in the area of eration and unity at Morehouse. “We try and progress in the African American community, are a very varied group.” financial resources. Morehouse’s small endow- help students appreciate what it means to be although he notes that many inner urban areas Though clearly committed to the growth of ment has limited its ability to expand. “Being an African American male in society, what the still lag behind. The challenge ahead, he says, the African American community, Dr. Massey’s a historically black college, there are certain responsibilities and obligations are. What we is to integrate those communities in the inner vision is not colored strictly by race. His traditions that you want to keep in mind when- find is that our students tend to bond together city, who have been unable to benefit from the firm belief in individualism has influenced ever you’re planning for the future.” Massey more closely. The guys depend on each other a changes and help them to take advantage of the his vision for Morehouse. His goal is to make discussed the challenge of historically black lot more, and it creates a learning environment opportunities that students at Morehouse have Morehouse competitive academically with the colleges, many under mandates to become in which the students are much more respon- clearly shared.# FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS 21

CHANCELLOR MATTHEW GOLDSTEIN BRINGS CHANGE TO CUNY

By SYBIL MAIMIN Innovation-Public Education Association, host to writing skills, higher cern” that CUNY has The City University of New York (CUNY) of the event, explained, “He always announces admission requirements, not recruited, retained, is on a roll! With its largest enrollment since something, and the amazing thing is, it always an Honors College, and educated minorities, 1975 and a revitalized reputation, its 20 col- happens. He is always prodding the system.” and new programs with especially blacks and leges and professional schools continue to In his talk, the chancellor outlined four public schools to help Hispanics, adequately attract some of the brightest New Yorkers, major areas of reform that will help the uni- prepare students for col- and cited a 60-70 per- particularly immigrants, first generation versity meet its mission as mandated by New lege. The four-year old cent drop-out rate in Americans, and the less affluent. Some of the York State law to “…maintain and expand its Honors College has been some areas. “Our soci- school’s success can be attributed to Matthew commitment to academic excellence and to a huge success, attract- ety is unforgiving of no Goldstein, dynamic chancellor since 1999 and the provision of equal access and opportunity ing exceptional students skills,” he warned. “It is the first one to be a graduate of CUNY (City for students, faculty and staff from all ethnic (2100 applicants for the obligation of a pub- College, 1963). Recently, an overflow crowd and racial groups and from both sexes.” First, 300 places last year) lic, urban university to of the city’s power elite in education and academic excellence is being achieved through and offering a unique, look at the problem and business came to hear Goldstein speak at the increased rigor and innovation in the cur- world-class education. see what can be done.” Harvard Club, perhaps because, as Seymour riculum (900 additional faculty have been hired Second, CUNY is invest- He has appointed a task Fliegel,6213 Education president of Adthe 5X3"Center for2/1/05 Educational 5:41 PMbringing Page the1 total to 6300), special attention ing in teacher education force to examine the at its Teachers Academy best research and come where it works with the up with proposals. city’s Department of A basic theme in PACE UNIVERSITY Are you looking for a program to help you become an effective and Education. CUNY pro- CUNY’s history, innovative early childhood teacher and leader? Look no farther. SCHOOL OF duces about one-third of explained Goldstein, EDUCATION Pace University is the ideal place for you. new teachers in the pub- has been to “provide an Graduate Programs We offer the following programs in Early Childhood Education: lic schools. Goldstein is determined to find out education so the children of the poor and of “if we are attracting the most able students and, immigrants have an opportunity to achieve The Pace University • MS ED in Early Childhood Education (birth through grade 2) if not, why,” and “why teachers start with the their dreams.” It was with special pride that School of Education • Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education—for advanced best of intentions and leave.” He is “convinced he introduced Eugene Shenderov of Brooklyn prepares graduates students who wish to add an Early Childhood Certificate without if we start fresh we can do better” and cites College and Lev Sviridov of City College, completing a second master’s degree of its programs to basic changes needed such as improved com- who have been named Rhodes Scholars and be reflective practi- • Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) pensation and better conditions. “Schools need will study at Oxford University next year. Both tioners who promote • Children’s Program Administrator Credential and School Administrator to understand you are competing in a market- are immigrants from the former Soviet Union justice, create caring and Supervisor Certificate (SAS) leading to an MS ED in Educational based economy.” Third, this will be the decade and are “the embodiment of the CUNY experi- of serious investment in science at CUNY. ence.” Shenderov said he was pleased to put to classrooms and Leadership and Supervision One of the nation’s top research institutions rest the idea that public institutions are not as school communities, AdditionalAdditional programsGraduate offeredprograms are: offered MS ED are: in Special MS Ed Education, in Special Education, Literacy, with over 100 research centers, institutes, and good as private ones. “We still can compete on and enable all Literacy,and Educat andional Educational Technology. Technology. consortia, the university must upgrade science the highest levels,” he noted. CUNY is in the students to be For more information please call (212) 346-1512 or (917) 779-4994 facilities to attract and hold top faculty and midst of a major fund-raising campaign. Its successful learners. or visit us on the Web at wwwwww.pace.edu/education.pace.edu. students. Goldstein worries that college stu- reforms and achievements have earned it new dents are moving away from science. Fourth, respect and, the chancellor hopes, will contrib- the chancellor “acknowledged with grave con- ute to the success of the campaign.# 22 COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005 Talking with Nina Jaffe at Bank Street College of Education By KRISTEN Z. STAVISKY were encouraged by the entire creative team. I recently sat down with Graduate School They shared a vision, a desire to create a strong faculty member Nina Jaffe to talk about her lat- role model that all young girls could relate to. est project, a collaboration with HarperCollins Nina notes the series’ decidedly un-Barbie-like Festival Readers and DC Comics on a series representation of Wonder Woman. This Wonder of books, including four readers for ages four Woman is graceful, muscular and strong and as through seven, and two chapter books for ages reflected in Caldwell’s illustrations proud of her No matter ten and up. The series features a long-cher- multi-ethnic heritage as an Amazon princess. ished American icon, Wonder Woman. Nina was The hope was to create a more global superhero able to offer her own interpretation of Wonder that young girls from many backgrounds could ’ Woman, emphasizing the character’s mytho- engage and identify with. where you re logical background. The resulting stories reflect Throughout the Wonder Woman series, chil- Bank Street values integrated with themes that dren are guided to make sense of the world. Nina thread through Nina’s previous works, such as uses familiar settings and current issues to con- from or how far you The Cow of No Color, including stories featur- textualize the stories. The Bank Street influence ing wise and strong women drawn from world is clear. Just as Bank Street uses Social Studies folklore. During our conversation, Nina shared as the center of the curriculum and encourages ’ her specific inspirations for Wonder Woman and children to make meaning of the world around want to go, there s the collaborative journey that brought her vision them, Wonder Woman’s adventures tackle cur- to life. I asked Nina to talk about her own memo- rent issues and problems. In The Journey Begins, ries and how these influenced her interpretation Nina’s Wonder Woman confronts Ares, god of still a place where of Wonder Woman. “Using childhood memo- War (particularly timely given current geo-politi- ries to understand the developmental-interaction cal realities.) In the climactic episode, Wonder approach is integral to coursework here at the Woman shows Ares the futility of fighting and the graduate school.” This training informed her ultimate destruction caused by war. She promotes you \can achieve the thinking as she sought to connect the Wonder a message of peace and uses her intellectual gifts Woman of popular culture to this new series of to avert tragedy. In The Rain Forest, Wonder books for children. Woman takes up environmental issues and fights American Dream. “When I was ten years old, I attended summer to save the Rain Forest and the people that live camp in upstate New York. For ‘free choice’ time, there. Both stories allow children to see that they I decided I wanted to learn archery and went up can take positive steps and have an impact on the the hill to begin practice (all the other campers difficult problems we face as a society. As Nina in this group were boys.) The counselor said: researched and wrote the Wonder Woman series, ‘Maybe this isn’t the right group for you. Why the connections to her professional life and ideas don’t you join the farm group? You can feed articulated at Bank Street continually surfaced It’s called Baruch. baby goats!’ Later that summer, the farm group throughout the creative process. Nina noted that took a trip to the county fair. I entered a calf- in the original Wonder Woman—both comics wrestling contest (which meant running across a and TV series—the writers portray her as trav- track, grabbing a calf, and dragging it into a small eling from the idyllic world of Paradise Island square outlined on the field) and won! Recalling to “man’s world.” Nina pondered the terminol- these experiences helped me imagine Diana’s ogy and advocated for a change—believing that feelings and motivation as she took on the chal- young readers needed a new, more inclusive met- lenges and rites of passage key to claiming her aphor that would still preserve the distinct worlds role as champion of peace and justice outside of the Wonder Woman mythos. And so, “man’s Paradise Island.” In 2002, HarperCollins and world” became “mortals’ world” in both the read- For almost 100 years, students have come to us from diverse DC Comics, aware of her work and background ers and chapter books. In addition, she had access origins, not just to excel, but to achieve their dreams. They in storytelling and folklore, approached Nina to to DC Comics’ references, past and present, and write a book series for young children. Wonder used her own sources on Greek mythology and have always been, and still are, the embodiment of ambi- Woman was about to experience another reinven- folklore, as well as the Bank Street Library. tion. Nina had the honor of transforming Wonder The Bank Street Bookstore carries the result tion, determination, and perseverance. With those high Woman into a literary creation, revised and trans- of Nina’s work, the Wonder Woman series, with ideals they’ve met the challenges of our demanding, first- lated for an audience of young readers. personalized inscriptions available on request. Nina describes her work on the series as one of Visit http://www.bankstreetbooks.com to learn class faculty and helped Baruch become the well-regarded the most collaborative professional experiences more about the new Wonder Woman.# college it is today. It’s never easy. But our students have she has had. Nina, with editors at HarperCollins An interview with Nina Jaffe will be included and DC Comics, and illustrator Ben Caldwell in a documentary which will be released in always had the drive and dedication to get where they worked together to bring a new kind of Wonder spring 2005 with Volume 3 of the Wonder Woman Woman to life. The professional interests that TV series on DVD (produced by New Wave want to go. They are the living proof of what we believe: have guided Nina’s career, particularly linguis- Entertainment with DC Comics/Time Warner). the American Dream still works. tics, social studies, storytelling, and folklore,

PREMIER PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM SEARCHING FOR FUTURE URBAN PUBLIC SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

By Cheryl Riggins-Newby “Just as it takes a great CEO to change a company, it takes a great principal to change a school,” explains Jonathan Schnur, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Leaders for New Schools. Schnur is acutely aware of the daunting challenge ahead for New York City’s public schools: in the next five years, approximately 60% of New York City public schools’ current administrators and supervisors will become age-eligible for retirement. The looming retirements come during a time of record departures, with approximately 175 principals leaving the city’s schools annually since 2001. In part because of statistics such as this one, New York City’s Department of Education, as well as other major urban school systems nationally, have partnered with New Leaders for New Schools: over the next ten years, NLNS will recruit and train 2,000 exceptional principals to drive academic achievement for 1 million children in urban public schools nationwide. 1-866-7-BARUCH www.baruch.cuny.edu Over the past four years, New Leaders for New Schools has developed 46 new principals and future principals in New York City, who are together impacting nearly 25,000 students in some of the city’s highest-need schools. The New York New Leaders are part of a network of 152 New Leaders nationwide, a number that ZICKLIN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS • WEISSMAN SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES will increase to 242 this summer, impacting nearly 125,000 children across the country. SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS • CONTINUING AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES New Leaders across the country feel strongly that having a network of like-minded peers bolsters their shared goal of transforming public education. “It’s incredible; you send a question out to the rest of your cohort and within 24 hours you have an inbox full of emails about how to solve a particular problem you’re facing,” says Gary Beidleman, a current New Leaders Resident. “The dialogue about how to improve your THE AMERICAN DREAM STILL WORKS. school is constant,” he continues. Once a candidate joins New Leaders for New Schools, he or she receives extensive academic training, including the six-week Summer Foundations Institute, a yearlong Residency with a high-performing principal of an urban public school and individualized leadership development training. Applications will be accepted until March 15. For more information, log on to the organization’s site at www.nlns.org.# FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS 23 Advice to Help Your Child Get Through the College Application Process By ALEXANDRA BARZVI, Ph.D. & average of one year. From the st art, applicants miliar ways. In many cases, this will be the first well in the past. For instance, I get As and Bs KATHERINE DAHLSGAARD, M.A. suddenly have extra work to complete, new tasks time your children are making big decisions that in English class, so I know I am not always a Q: Why are the SATs and the college appli- to master and additional responsibilities that they will affect the next four years of their lives. “bad” writer.” cation process so stressful? are accountable for, in addition to their ongo- A low to moderate level of anxiety is actu- A: Applying to college can be stressful for ing homework assignments and extra-curricular ally motivating and is associated with peak Q: What can parents do to make this pro- many reasons. First of all, the process itself is activities. Applicants face new, competitive chal- performance. However, too much anxiety can cess less stressful for adolescents? long, detailed, and time-consuming, lasting an lenges and are subject to being evaluated in unfa- be overwhelming and lead to poor performance. A: Becoming over-involved, critical, or avoid- Parents are, of course, eager to help ant of your teens during this period is unhelpful, their children through this stressful as children may infer from those actions that you process, but may find that they are don’t believe they are capable individuals who anxious themselves. In turn, parents can solve their own problems (e.g., “Mom’s stay- may respond to their children’s anxi- ing up to write my essay—she must think I can’t ety with their own and end up being do it!” or “Dad hasn’t asked about my applica- over-involved or under-involved in tions in over a week—he’s already given up on the process. Many families describe me.”) Rather, teens should be encouraged to take it as a roller coaster ride, with “highs” as much independence in this process as possible, and “lows.” So remember, that along and parents should view their role as that of a with the expected lows, your teens “safety net,” there to foster a teen’s sense of con- will also encounter great highs dur- fidence to proceed as well as cushion the fall in ing the process, times when they case the teen makes mistakes. Parents should also feel particularly invigorated, accom- address their own anxiety and model non-anxious, plished, or optimistic. Be sure to proactive coping behavior whenever possible. celebrate these! Q: Can the Child Study Center help me Q: How can parents help their develop a personalized approach for my children combat negative, pessi- child? mistic thinking during the applica- A: While your teen’s anxiety around this tion process? issue may not constitute a diagnosable anxiety A: Negative self-talk that sounds disorder and may not warrant traditional psycho- obviously extreme to parents may therapy, our therapists work with teenagers on seem perfectly reasonable to the anx- a short-term basis to help them problem-solve, ious adolescent. Parents can help reduce their immediate distress and achieve their their children to recognize when their long-term goals.# anxiety is being driven or intensified Alexandra Barzvi, Ph.D. is Clinical by distorted thinking, and encourage Coordinator of the Institute for Anxiety and more rational or neutral thoughts. Mood Disorders at the NYU Child Study Center For example, teens often use cata- and Katherine Dahlsgaard, M.A. is a Fellow at strophic statements such as “If I the Child Study Center. For more information, don’t get into my first choice college call 212-263-5850. nothing will work out in my life!” or negative self-labeling statements such as “I can’t write the personal essay—I’m just not a good writer!” �� or perfectionistic statements such �� as “Everything has to be perfect �� on my application/during my inter- �� view or I won’t get in!” Once parents have helped their teens to �� see that their thinking is overly- �� pessimistic or catastrophic, they �� can then work with them to develop �� more realistic, flexible, and opti- �� mistic responses such as: “I will �� be very disappointed if I don’t �� get into ______, but there are some great things about my sec- �� ond choice school, too, such as �� ______,” or “I’ve written �� 24 COLLEGES & GRADUATE SCHOOLS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005 College & University Presidents Combat Substance Abuse As alcohol, other drug abuse, and incidents dent alcohol and other drug use,” states William of violence continue to plague college and uni- DeJong, director of the Center for College Health versity campuses, a new group of leaders joins and Safety. “We commend the efforts of these the Presidents Leadership Group (PLG). The presidents and look forward to their continued Center for College Health and Safety (CCHS) has commitment to addressing student substance expanded its PLG with the addition of six new use.” members committed to making student substance New PLG members are chosen based on their abuse prevention a priority on campuses. previous leadership efforts and plans for future With support from The Robert Wood Johnson initiatives in alcohol and other drug prevention. Foundation, the PLG was formed to bring nation- “I am extremely troubled by the prevalence al attention to alcohol and other drug issues on of high-risk drinking within higher education,” college and university campuses. Representing states Daniel Mark Fogel, president of The a broad array of institutions of higher education, University of Vermont. “As I reflect on my com- officials at 50 campuses from 28 states now mitment to this issue, I believe that my resolve in participate in this effort. The newly named PLG addressing it has only deepened. The University members will build on the leadership efforts of of Vermont is ready to engage in this discussion previous members by serving as prevention advo- as a community; and I am prepared to lead this cates and leaders on their campuses and in their dialogue. I am aware of the complexity of the surrounding communities. problem we face; a problem that at times can “Presidents are in a unique position to create a seem daunting. But it is one that I am ready and positive impact on their campus and community willing to face head-on.”# environments, especially regarding issues of stu-

EARLY CHILDHOOD MATTERS AT PACE UNIVERSITY

Do you want to expand your teaching options to include teaching younger children? Do you want to become an administrator, knowledgeable in early childhood, who helps teachers to foster young children’s intellectual and social-emotional competence? If yes, Pace University is the ideal place for you. Its motto “Opportunitas” makes teaching and learning its highest priority. Our School of Education prepares its graduates to be reflective professionals who promote justice, create caring classrooms and school commu- Education Update nities, and enable all children to learn. Our Masters Program in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2) is grounded in, and builds on early childhood education’s distinct history and uniqueness. Our faculty February 2005 Issue is highly qualified in scholarship and practice. Our graduates will know, understand and use early child- P.O. #: 14748 hood’s knowledge base and cutting-edge research to create exciting, intellectually challenging curricula and environments that allow young children to be caring, competent, and literate learners. The Pace University campus in Manhattan (near the Brooklyn Bridge, within an easy commute for people 1 3 traveling from the other boroughs) is offering exciting new programs in Early Childhood Education that 2 ⁄4 x 1 ⁄4 prepare individuals to work in early childhood programs and in public school settings. We offer a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education for those individuals already holding initial certification in Grade 1-6; an Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education for advanced students who wish to add an Early Childhood Certificate without completing a second Masters degree; a Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) for leaders in Early Childhood Programs; and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership for individuals who, in addition to the CPAC, complete the requirements for the NYS School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS) certificate.# For more information contact Dr. Sonja de Groot Kim, Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs, at: [email protected], call 917-779-4994, or visit our website at http://www.pace.edu/education

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Libraries for the Blind Launch NEW TECHNOLOGY IN TREATING ATTENTION & BEHAVIORAL Digital Audio Book Service PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN & ADULTS State libraries for the blind in Colorado, of the collection has been brisk, and reports Delaware, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Oregon, of technical problems have been sparse. Lori It’s a patented technology that is similar to hear real-time feedback of how they’re pro- along with the National Library Service for the Bell, Director of the Mid-Illinois Talking Book that used by NASA astronauts and U.S. Air gressing in focusing, finishing tasks, increasing Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part Center, noted, “I am very excited about this Force pilots to stay attentive in the cockpit. A memory, and filtering out distractions. of the Library of Congress, have partnered to project. Our readers are eager to try digital new product called the Play Attention Learning Within a short time of using Play Attention, launch an innovative digital audiobook service audio books. Through Unabridged they can System is using similar space-age technology behavior can be modified to reduce or elim- for visually impaired users. Unabridged (http:// browse, select a book and download it directly that can now be used on home/school comput- inate disruptive calling out, fidgeting, and www.unabridged.info/) enables blind patrons to their computers.” ers to help minimize attention, concentration impulsivity, all while improving time-on-task, to check out and download digital spoken word Unabridged is powered by the new digital and focus challenges in children and adults. focus, comprehension and more. The system audio books directly to their computers. The audio book system from OverDrive (http:// Through the use of new computer technology, helps reduce the effects of distraction at home, digital audio books can then be played back on www.overdrive.com/). The content is delivered unique one-on-one support and a dynamic school and the workplace, bringing life into a PC, transferred to a portable MP3 playback as encrypted Windows Media Audio (WMA) training program, Play Attention’s innovative focus. Play Attention encourages practice of device, or burned onto CDs. files applying Digital Rights Management ser- learning system actually trains the brain to pay key cognitive and attention skills that, in a rela- Member Libraries include: Colorado Talking vice (DRM). Playback on a personal computer is attention and focus better. tively short amount of time, retrains the brain Book Library; Delaware Library for the Blind accomplished using the new OverDrive Media “NASA has proven that attention can be how to think more clearly, more attentively and and Physically Handicapped; Illinois Network Console (OMC) software. OMC builds on the improved through feedback training. Play with more focus. of Libraries Serving the Blind and Physically existing features of Windows Media Player to Attention is actually an enhancement to their The Play Attention Learning System is much Handicapped; National Library Service for offer key functionalities useful to digital audio technology which is successfully impacting more than computers and technology. In addi- the Blind and Physically Handicapped; New books users, such as MediaMarkers, which the lives of children and adults worldwide,” tion to the hardware & software, a user receives Hampshire State Library, Talking Books allow non-linear navigation, bookmarks, and says Peter Freer, Play Attention Founder and personalized one-on-one support, motivation Program; and Oregon State Library, Talking the ability to skip back 15 seconds in the digital CEO. The results have been powerful through- and guidance with Play Attention staff mem- Book & Braille Services. audio book. OMC also enables variable speed out the United States, Europe, China, Canada, bers, typically holding a master’s degree or The first year of the program will serve as the playback, an exciting new feature for a main- Singapore, Puerto Rico, South America, higher; a mentor program for children and pilot phase, with a limited number of users in stream digital audio book system designed for Taiwan, and Australia. adults to insure goals are set and being reached; each participating state. Early responses from the general consumer market. The OMC offers The Play Attention Learning System consists and free access to www.playattention.net, a librarians and patrons have been very posi- enhanced accessibility and general usability for of a unique computer software program, a sen- support site loaded with newsletters, informative. During the first month of the service use blind and visually impaired readers.# sor-lined helmet similar to one used for bicy- tion about the rewards program, latest software cling and an interface unit that connects the downloads, coaching resources, and interactive helmet sensors to the computer. These sensors advice from the Play Attention staff.# monitor the user’s attentive state and cognitive The entire Play Attention Learning System process while he/she interacts with the charac- sells for $1,795, which includes all equipment, ters on the computer screen. Users complete materials and training. Complete information a series of video game-like exercises that are is available online: www.playattention.com or controlled, not by joysticks or controllers, but by calling (800) 788-6786 for a FREE demon- by the brain alone. Through a process called stration CD. Edufeedback, Play Attention users can see and

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CRAIG FORTH: THE CENTER OF EDUCATION By M.C. COHEN with a 3.85 grade point average chose Syracuse ally. But, heading into this season, Forth, who opportunity that I did not see my little brother With Syracuse leading Notre Dame 66-61 late not so much to play for renowned coach Jim is from a suburb of Albany, has never averaged getting in some of the classrooms he was in. in a Big East game, Craig Forth, Syracuse’s Boeheim, but for its prestigious education more then six points or six rebounds for a single I go out there and see my mom fight for him 7–foot senior center went to the foul line. school, specifically to study special education. season. An extremely hard worker and a major every day. She’s fighting for him right now, try- Suddenly, the focus of the commentators on “He’s one of the most intelligent people I’ve defensive presence inside for the Orange, espe- ing to get him in a different school. I just want ESPN’s nationally televised game shifted from ever been around,” said Syracuse’s star guard cially during their to go out there and basketball: “Craig Forth has 145 credits, he can Gerry McNamara, “and as far as personality is 2002-03 NCAA help little kids like get every major in the school,” said one of the you don’t get any better. He’s going to be a suc- championship sea- him.” announcers jokingly. He may not have all the cess in whatever he tries to do.” son, Forth has been Since Craig has majors, but he is a double major in Inclusive Forth has visions for the future that go beyond a solid four-year been in high school Education and Geography. the basketball court. That’s not to say though starter for Syracuse. he has set out Forth, a third team Academic All-America he does not also dream of playing profession- “Craig doesn’t get two paths—play- a lot of recognition, ing basketball and except the negative helping others—he kind, but he was has succeeded at really big for our both in college. He zone [defense],” has won a national said Jim Boeheim championship as a after Syracuse player and as a stu- beat St. John’s at dent has come to Madison Square realize the value of Garden in January. making a positive Off the court impact in children’s Craig is a super- lives. star. He has already “My goal is to, done student teach- in my lifetime, cre- ing in a fourth grade ate my own school classroom and has in which students frequently donated with or without his time to work disabilities can in sports programs learn, grow, and for disabled and become better at physically chal- Craig Forth life,” said Craig. lenged youth. “I realize that this Choosing Inclusive Education was an easy is far-stretching and that I am only a senior in choice for Craig since his 12 year-old brother, college. However, what is life without goals? Jeremy, has autism. “Mine simply exist in the educational world.” “Jeremy is one of the biggest reasons why I And for the future of teaching that can only got into education and the special ed. field,” said be good.# �� Craig, “He and my mother, the way she handled Mike Cohen is the director of Throwback Sports things.” in New York City which offers individualized and �� “I got into education to give every kid the small-group programming for children.#

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EMPOWERING LEARNING DISABLED STUDENTS THROUGH THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP DISNEY GIVES SCHOOLS FIRST-CLASS TREATMENT BY DAVID FLINK Eye represents not only radical special education When you let your students discover the wonder and joy of Disney on Broadway, we’ll make the experience unfor- On a warm day in 1998 in Providence, Rhode reform, but a necessary and integral part of any gettable! This school year give your students a day to remember by taking advantage of Disney’s educational pro- Island, a group of LD/ADHD labeled college stu- national educational agenda. gram, which provides schools with special rates for groups of 15 or more for Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. dents from Brown University sat in a circle with a My name is David Flink and I am the David In addition, because we know you want to provide the necessary adult supervision, Disney gives educators one free ticket for every 15 purchased at both shows. Flexible policies allow teachers to pay in full 2–3 months before the perfor- group LD/ADHD labeled elementary school stu- mentioned in the story above, at the time, a fresh- mance. Disney invites schools to dedicate an entire day to the theater and to enhance the group’s experience by taking a dents from Fox Point Elementary. They were a part man in college attempting to do some community historical tour of the New Amsterdam Theater the morning prior to the performance. Built in 1903, the New Amsterdam of a program called Project Eye-To-Eye, a public service and take my experience of being labeled has long been the crown jewel of Broadway’s theaters. After a two-year restoration process that led to the theater’s re-opening in 1997, the theater now hosts Disney’s Tony Award winning musical, The Lion King. The New Amsterdam service project ran by and for students with aca- a different learner and put it to good use. What Theater is the perfect venue for events ranging from 15 to 1,800 people. The theater and its two historic rooms, the demic labels such as learning disabled (LD) and I found as a member of Project Eye-To-Eye was Ziegfeld Room and the New Amsterdam Room, can accommodate everything from a full production to an intimate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). much more than that. After a lifetime of being candlelight dinner. For more information please call Amy Andrews at 212-282-2907. We will help teachers arrive to the theater prepared. For every show, Disney has developed study guides that The program had one simple goal: match LD/ subjected to the language of deficits and abnor- help teachers develop projects, discussions and activities. And, for those students who always have a question after ADHD labeled adults with LD/ADHD labeled malities, I, along with the rest of the group, man- most Wednesday matinees, members of the cast, orchestra or crew are available to appear for special Q & A sessions elementary school students to act as role models, aged to transcend the limitations foisted upon us with students. Students can also enjoy discounts on Disney on Broadway souvenir merchandise, as each member of your group tutors, and mentors, as a means to empower their in our pasts and to create a community that could will receive a merchandise coupon for great savings at the theater. Teachers can also arrange special lunch savings at learning and give them hope for their future. empower youth who had similar life experiences McDonald’s Times Square location, which, seating over 2,000, specializes in school groups customized for any bud- On this day in 1998, the LD/ADHD mentors and learning styles. get. Finally, groups save on Gray Line New York bus charters, as special Disney promotional rates are available.# For more info or to book call 212-703-1040 or 1-800-439-9000, fax 212-703-1085 or email [email protected]. Or visit worked with their LD/ADHD mentees on art Seven years later I am now managing director www.disneyonbroadway.com. projects created to facilitate metacognitive devel- of Project Eye-To-Eye, a New York City based, opment, expression of emotion and creativity, and nation mentoring program. I work with executive most importantly self esteem building. On this day, director and author of Learning Outside the Lines, a mentee named Adam found hope. His mentor Jonathan Mooney, in developing and maintaining David did as well. a growing number of Project Eye-To-Eye sites One in five American children are diagnosed across the nation. Everyday we give “at-risk” with a reading disability (LD) or an attention disor- students the feeling of connection that is built by der (ADHD/ADD), yet only ten percent of public sharing common experiences and having compas- The Churchill School and Center school teachers are adequately trained to meet sion for differences.# 301 East 29th St., New York, NY these specialized needs. Although these children For information regarding Project Eye-To-Eye, Please join us for our February Lecture are, by definition, of average or above-average contact [email protected]. Project Eye- intelligence, only five percent will go on to any To-Eye: Empowering Learning Disabled Students Moody Teens: form of higher education, and only 1.8 percent will Through the Power of Mentorship. What Makes Them So Difﬁ cult to Live With attend a four-year college or university. While these are daunting statistics, there is Speaker: hope. Research shows that self-esteem, not IQ, Interested in Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D. is the most important factor in the success of International Director and Founder, NYU Child Study Center an LD/ADHD child. Project Eye-To-Eye is the Adoption? Tuesday, February 8th, 2005, 7:00pm first program in the country that seeks to directly Infants and tod- Adolescence is a difﬁ cult transition period for kids and parents. All teenagers are empower LD/ADHD students by building self- dlers are available faced with the challenges of puberty, academic demands, separation from parents, esteem through mentoring. As a program commit- singles and couples. establishing a social network and dramatic changes in their brains. Nearly ten percent ted to community empowerment, art as a medium Programs include children from China, of all adolescents have an episode of depression-a very real but treatable disorder- Korea, Russia, Cambodia, the Ukraine and which untreated causes social isolation, academic failure and increased suicide risk. of learning, and bringing the resources of higher others. For more information call Lisa Doyle education into our communities, Project Eye-To- at 212-570-3793 days. It’s never too late to build a family. For further information, please call the Churchill Center, 212-722-0610 x3100

t NYU CHILD STUDY CENTER HELP FOR SHY OR SOCIALLY ANXIOUS TEENAGERS New York Branch WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY? 32nd Annual Conference on Dyslexia and Related Social Anxiety is intense nervousness in social and performance situations. Signs of Social Anxiety in Teenagers Learning Disabilities • Excessive shyness Monday, March 14 & Tuesday, March 15, 2005 • Painfully shy, embarrassed, hesitant, passive and uncomfortable in the spotlight Marriott Marquis, New York City • Avoids or refuses to start conversations, perform in front of others, invite friends to get together, call others on the telephone for homework, or order food in restaurants � Attend the regionʼs premier event in the field of learning • Avoids eye contact and speaks very softly or mumbles disabilities! • Has minimal interaction and conversation with peers � Listen to hundreds of noted experts in the LD field, covering • Appears isolated and remains on the fringes of the group topics such as diagnosis, teaching approaches, math, spelling, • May sit alone in the library or cafeteria, or hang back from the group at team meetings • Overly concerned with negative evaluation, humiliation or embarrassment comprehension, ADHD, social issues, early intervention and • Dif culty with public speaking, reading aloud, or being called on in class more. � Visit our exhibit hall and learn about teaching resources, HOW DO I KNOW IF A SHY TEENAGER NEEDS HELP? Ask yourself the following questions: assistive technologies, schools with programs for students with (1) Is s/he spending too much time worrying about social situations or what others think of her/him? learning disabilities, and other related items. (2) Does the social anxiety stop him/her from doing the things s/he would like to do? � Share information with co-workers, colleagues, professionals (3) Does this problem interfere with socializing and making friends? and others. The NYU Child Study Center is currently offering a Visit our website for more information at State of the Art TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR TEENAGERS WHO EXPERIENCE www.nybida.org SOCIAL ANXIETY NYB-IDA is dedicated to meeting the needs of parents, professionals, For more information, contact: and most fundamentally, the many thousands of children Meena Dasari, Ph.D. at (212) 263-8618 or with dyslexia in the New York area. Alex Barzvi, Ph.D. at (212) 263-5850 www.AboutOurKids.org 28 NEW JERSEY NEWS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005

CODEY DISCUSSES INVESTING THEATER, MOVIES & TV $380 MILLION IN STEM Coach Carter Is a Winner; Hotel Rwandaʼs Unlikely Hero CELL RESEARCH By JAN AARON The film follows the team’s development, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey today met research will lead to tomorrow’s treatments and The role of the charismatic basketball coach spending time on the drills and routine exercises with stem cell research advocates to discuss cures for tens of thousands of people who are Ken Carter in the movie Coach Carter is a that go into taking them from slovenly players his proposal to invest $380 million to help suffering from diseases and injuries that today slam-dunk for the always-magnetic Samuel L. to a winning team. make New Jersey the international center for are thought to be chronic or fatal,” said Jacobs. Jackson. This true-life story takes places in the Just as the team pulls off a terrific tournament stem cell research excellence. “The promise of “Stem cell research is opening the door to cures 1990’s and concerns Richmond High’s legendary upset, the coach discovers most of his team is stem cell research gives us hope,” Codey said. for diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and coach who put education above recreation. Both failing their classes. His decision to padlock “Hope that one day we find cures for diseases Parkinson’s.” the real Carter and his son Damien (well played the gym and make the kids study in the school like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer. Hope Gans thanked Codey for his commitment to on screen by Robert Ri’chard) were involved in library draws ire from the parents, but made that those left paralyzed by spinal cord injuries stem cell research and expressed excitement the production. Directed Carter a hero when may some day lead normal lives again. And for the promise that stem cell research offers. by Thomas Carter (no the story broke in the hope that families who pray for a cure are “As New Jersey’s largest provider of compre- relation), the movie is papers. Carter and blessed with a miracle.” hensive medical rehabilitation services, we an inspirational inner his team let the crit- Codey unveiled his stem cell research pro- are excited about the potential that stem cell city school sports story ics speak, but go their posal during his State of the State address research will provide in terms of the care and as well as deeply real- own way to develop Wednesday. Under the proposal, $150 million treatment of individuals with spinal cord and ized urban drama. Kids into solid student ath- in unspent bond money will be used to build brain injuries, neuromuscular disorders, diabe- might find the over-two- letes, over time, not in and equip the New Jersey Institute for Stem tes and a host of other disabling conditions.” hour film a long sit, but a movie minute. In fact, Cell Research in New Brunswick. In addition, Gans said. “This is an important and exciting educators and parents several of the players Codey will ask voters to approve a $230 mil- time not only for our patients and for medical will stay the course and go on to play college lion bond referendum in November to fund providers in the state, but for those across the cheer its message. ball and graduate into stem cell research grants. country and around the world.” Carter, owner of a successful lives. (PG- Codey announced during a news conference For more than 55 years, Kessler Institute successful sports goods 13, 21⁄4 hours.) at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation today for Rehabilitation has pioneered the course of store, is at first reluc- Also not-to-be missed that he plans to front-load the bond issue to physical medicine and rehabilitation. Today, tant to coach this rowdy is Hotel Rwanda, star- distribute the money faster—over seven years Kessler, a Select Medical company, continues bunch at the school ring the excellent Don instead of 10. “We have to act aggressively,” to lead this field through its comprehensive, where he once starred Cheadle playing the Codey said. “Science moves fast, and other medically based rehabilitation programs in spi- on the court. They are real life hero Paul states like Wisconsin and Illinois are right nal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputation terrible on the court and belligerent off of it. Rusesabagina, the manager of a luxury hotel. behind us in this race for a cure.” and orthopedic, neuromuscular and musculosk- Sensing they might have hidden talents, he He does extraordinary deeds to save not only Codey was joined at the news confer- eletal disorders. accepts the challenge and immediately lays his own family but also a large number of Tutsi ence by Acting Health and Senior Services Codey is a long-time advocate of stem cell down the law. He must always be addressed as when the Hutu militants occupy his hotel and Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs, M.D., J.D., and research and was the primary sponsor of leg- “Sir,” and more importantly, he requires each the surrounding area. Cheadle uses his wit to Chief Medical Officer for Kessler Institute for islation signed into law in January 2004 that player to maintain a minimum grade average, save these people, and the look in his eyes con- Rehabilitation Bruce M. Gans, M.D. “Today’s legalized stem cell research in New Jersey. # attend all classes, sit in the front row, and wear veys the anguish of the multitudes. (PG-13 1 a jacket and tie on exam day. hour 50 minutes).# Multi-Faceted Gem of the Ocean By JAN AARON Pittsburgh’s Hill district, bursts Citizen Barlow Set in 1904, August Wilson’s “Gem of the (John Earl Jelks), distraught because a crime Ocean,” is an intense, spiritual piece of theater. he has committed was pinned on another man The ninth in Wilson’s cycle of 10 play—but first who drowned himself rather being wrongly con- chronologically—it depicts the legacy of slavery victed. In the play’s most mesmerizing scene, and the disenfranchisement of slaves freed but rich with mysticism and imagery, Ester guides bound by the social, political social constraints Citizen to redemption by taking him spiritually of the era. Wilson’s writing throughout is com- across the Atlantic to a fantastic City of Bones, pelling, whether describing grave situations or made from skeletons of Africans who died dur- inserting bits of humor. ing their passage to the New World. Jelks is Effectively directed by Kenny Leon, the cast riveting as he tries to forgive himself and also to is anchored by Phylicia Rashad in a multi-fac- understand the travails of his historic ancestors. eted performance as Aunt Ester, a 287 (yes, The play is enhanced by Constanza Romero’s 287!) year-old woman, who has the power to costumes, Donald Holder’s evocative lighting; heal souls. Esther was born the year the first Kathryn Bostic’s haunting slide guitar blues, and slave ships first brought Africans to our shores. Dan Moses Schreier’s sound design during the She is backed by impeccable performances by voyage scene. To sum up: Gem is Broadway’s the rest of the cast. dramatic jewel. (Walter Kerr Theater, 239 West Into Ester’s stately parlor—atmospherically 46th; Tel. 212-239-6200. $25-$85).# designed by David Gallo—a serene retreat in Umoja = Unity: A New PBS Series BY DOROTHY DAVIS wnet/slavery and www.slaveryinamerica.org. At a special preview and discussion of the The latter has been approved by the National new PBS series, “Slavery and the Making of Alliance of Black Schools and features several America,” Deborah Gray White, Professor of interactive sites. “Melrose Interactive Slavery History at Rutgers University spoke about her Environment,” for example, allows students to creation. “Slavery was not a sideshow, it was explore a Mississippi suburban estate from the the main event, at the center of the first 250 perspective of its slaves. “Roads to Freedom” years of American history and its legacy has lets them explore the most common escape lasted to the present day,” said White. “The routes slaves took. Both sites contain lesson labor of African-Americans built America. We plans. can say we did it!” “Slavery and the Making of America” is Narrated by Morgan Freeman, it looks at part of UMOJA! (Swahili for “unity”) slavery from the point of view of the slaves Channel Thirteen’s annual February celebra- and the slaveholders. It shows the great contri- tion of African-American heritage. Other new bution slaves made to the American economy programs that will air this month include and touches on the subject of reparations. The “Scandalize My Name: Stories from the series premieres Wednesdays, February 9 and Blacklist,” “The Long Walk to Freedom,” 16 from 9 to 11 pm, and repeats on Sunday, P.O.V.: Chisolm ‘72: Unbought & Unbossed” February 13 and 20 from 2 to 4 pm. and “Independent Lens: On a Roll: Disability Of special interest to educators are the two and the American Dream.”# websites in support of the series, www.pbs.org/ FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ CHILDREN’S CORNER 29

Smart Toys for Learning and Fun From the Superintendentʼs Seat By STEVANNE AUERBACH, Ph.D. By DR. CAROLE skills child needs to start school ready to read. G. HANKIN WITH a second look at the program in question. We Toys are enjoyed by everyone. There are many Push pictures on touch-sensitive cards with pho- RANDI T. SACHS suggest you first watch the show alone, or with different ways that toys can assist children with nics instruction program. LED lights motivate and your spouse, and then watch the program with learning and developmental skill building. You guide game play. Audio teaches child the proper Finding the your child, being prepared to answer questions will find many of these products perfect for both pronunciation of letters and sounds. Program con- Flexibility to Help or to make your own observations about the classroom and home. 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She is author of show that your child is not allowed to see, he *Open 8a.m. to 6 p.m. great way to introduce letters, sounds and words Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys (Educational or she may suffer more from the isolation they through rhymes and songs. This product covers Insights) and “Dr. Toy’s Guide” www.drtoy.com feel than from the objectionable material in *Flexible days & hours the show. If that’s the case, you may want to *Ages 2 to 5 years Read more Children’s Corner articles online at www.EducationUpdate.com consider being a bit more flexible and taking *Limited spaces available for 2004/05 Cuomo continued from page 30 Bloomberg 11th It was not an instruction limited to observance in the Church or Temple or Mosque. We know we can Anniversary frighten the rest of the world with our awesome military might: what we need to be sure of is that continued from page 30 the rest of the world will respect us—and we will respect ourselves—for our wisdom and fairness as well. base liberates us from these potentially dra- We are the richest, freest, most technologically proficient and most powerful nation in world history. matic swings. And by investing in other indus- There is no reason, other than our own unwillingness, that we cannot also be the best educated, most tries—which are not fixed to Manhattan—we’re highly skilled, healthiest, fairest nation in world history—and the most effective instrument for spread- spreading economic opportunity to the other four ing prosperity and peace to the rest of the planet. boroughs and creating a brighter future for all We can be closer to what we ought to be, if we can remember that we are all in this adventure New Yorkers.# together—all of us—in our great nation and in this world.# Former NYS First Lady Matilda Cuomo is Founder and Chairperson of Mentoring USA. Levy continued from page 30 Sanders continued from page 30 without parental involvement and/or their con- last year, this is a budget to not only worry about but to take very seriously, since the Legislature is sent. now precluded from adding dollars on its own. If the public outcry falls on the Governor’s deaf ears It will not serve our schools well if we do not and the Legislature cannot persuade Pataki to make serious revisions, this already cold winter may speak up for our own needs and professional seem mild compared to the freeze that will paralyze learning and academic progress caused by Mr. desires. And so we shall! We are not going to be Pataki’s wrongheaded choices.# the only ones held publicly accountable.# Assemblyman Sanders is chairman of the Education Committee. E-mail him at sanders@assembly. Jill Levy is the President of the Council of state.ny.us or phone 212.979.9696. His mailing address is 201 East 16th Street, New York, NY 10003. School Supervisors and Administrators.

sstAvon Cosmetics Delivered to your Door. Make extra $$ selling tss Call Norma at: 908-527-0638 FEBRUARY 2005 MetroBEAT EDUCATIONcontinued on page UPDATE 29 • 30 Diversifying Our Economy Pataki, in Executive Budget, and Bringing New York Stonewalls (Again!) on Back for Good School Funding By MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG that these areas will not be re-zoned for any By STEVEN SANDERS festation of Mr. Pataki’s deliberate and cynical For the first time in nearly two generations, other purpose. That should help alleviate the real In what may prove to be his next to last bud- effort to thwart a court decision affirmed by New York City is climbing out of a recession estate uncertainty that has plagued our industrial get, Governor Pataki has failed again to come the State’s highest court for as long as possible, without its longtime economic engine – Wall business owners—nearly two-thirds of whom to grips with the gargantuan needs of public presumably for the balance of his last two years Street – leading the way. Last year, we added rent their facilities. schools, both in New York City and around the in office, and in so doing, denying a million stu- more than 33,000 jobs in the private sector, even Perhaps the biggest factor behind New York’s state. Pretending that the Court of Appeals and dents a year in New York City alone the funding as hiring in the financial area continued to lag. resurging economy is a tourism and hospitality the court-appointed referees had not heard and that has been unconstitutionally denied them. Today, more New Yorkers have jobs than at any industry that is soaring. Last year, a record 39.6 ruled on the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE) And in a rather stunning misappropriation of time since before 9/11. million people visited our city, spending more lawsuit, the Governor recommended a state edu- priorities, the Governor proposes to reduce the So how has this happened? One word: than $15 billion in our hotels, restaurants, shops, cation allotment which by all accounts is about tax burden on the wealthiest ten percent of our Diversity. By diversifying our economy—by and world-famous cultural attractions. And for $1 billion short of the mark. Talk about burying citizens, corporations too, and to further contrib- encouraging development in all industries— the first time since 9/11, the number of interna- one’s head in the sand! ute to high-wealth school districts and to non- we’ve reduced our dependency on the fortunes tional visitors increased. After proposing a miserly 1.3 percent increase public schools. In fact, the Governor’s 5 percent and failures of Wall Street. That’s an essential Keeping New York a premier destination for (less than the cost of living) statewide for regu- increase for non-public schools is significantly part of our five-borough strategy for creating sightseers and business travelers requires a com- lar day-to-day education costs such as operat- higher than his percentage increase to struggling new jobs and opportunity in the 21st Century. mitment to tourism in all five boroughs—not ing aid, transportation, special education and, public school districts. Earlier last week, for instance, we launched a just Manhattan. A few days ago, I was in building aid, the Governor then proposed a Mr. Pataki also is continuing to compound his $26 million effort to revive our industrial sec- Downtown Brooklyn to celebrate the start of a special fund (that would be generated by ques- attack on public education and public schools tor, which was for decades New York’s largest huge expansion project at the Marriott Hotel. tionable gambling proceeds) to pay for CFE- by trying to dismantle the independent State employer. Today’s manufacturing, warehousing It’s one of the most successful Marriotts on the related extraordinary costs and which would Education Department and also by having the and industrial businesses may be smaller and East Coast largely because Downtown Brooklyn generate only $195 million for New York City gall to attempt to limit how much revenue a more specialized than their predecessors, but and the surrounding neighborhoods have taken schools. That is $1.2 billion less than the court- local school district (outside of the Big Five cit- they still play an important role in our city— enormous steps to enhance their commercial appointed panel of referees found was needed ies) can raise from its own constituents, based generating $1.7 billion in annual tax revenues, and cultural spaces. We want to emulate that in New York City for city schools to provide a on a district’s own school priorities adopted by a and providing a good way of life for more than kind of success in all five boroughs—ensuring a sound, basic education that meets constitutional majority vote in each school district. half a million New Yorkers. stronger tourism industry, and a stronger, more imperatives. Additionally, the Governor offered Taken together, these budget proposals would To protect these jobs and businesses, we plan diverse economy overall. zilch--nada!—for school capital and infrastruc- do irreparable harm to public education and to establish more than a dozen industrial zones For decades, our city’s fortunes have been inti- ture needs, another area cited by the Court of cause Governor Pataki’s successor great diffi- around the city that will create safe, clean, and mately tied to the performance of Wall Street, Appeals as requiring massive investment. culty in undoing the damage. attractive places to conduct business. Industrial which is so susceptible to steep highs and sud- The Governor’s education funding failure was Finally, given the Governor’s newfound pow- businesses that relocate to these zones will be den lows. Our commitment to diversify our eco- not an “oversight .” He didn’t somehow forget ers in the budget process handed to him by the eligible for tax incentives. We also guarantee nomic base liberates us from these potentially public schools, naturally. No, this is a mani- courts last year, this is a budget to not only Creating a Better Society Speaking Out for By MATILDA RAFFA Mario and I—and many of you—have been ben- CUOMO eficiaries of this miraculous nation’s gifts. But The legacy of Dr. Martin great as this nation is, by failing to create true School Improvement Luther King Jr., a great equality, we have denied ourselves all the ben- staff, and yes, the autonomy we need to run our By JILL LEVY, CSA African-American and role efits that a fully empowered African-American schools. PRESIDENT model for all our youth, and minority population could bring to the We must demand accountability from the inspires us to promote the nation. January found us waiting bureaucrats who have reduced services for special values of unity, equality, diversity and collabora- In the end that is the broader and even more for the judge’s ruling regarding how the state education students and overworked the Education tion in creating a better society. He gave his life fundamental message Martin Luther King, Jr. should implement the CFE lawsuit decision. Administrators who supervise evaluations, place- trying to make diversity a blessing instead of a was trying to deliver: a message that went far No one really believes that we will soon see ments and support services. Our Principals are curse. beyond African Americans and the incontestable the money in time to help any child enrolled in publicly excoriated in the press. What about a In this great nation, the most diverse on the importance of preserving the civil and human school now; many question whether we shall ever public repudiation of the geniuses who closed planet, we have enjoyed and struggled with this rights that are our people’s legacy. see the money at all. And while Gov. Pataki has the Committee of Special Education offices but unique characteristic since our beginning. But Dr. King was a profound believer in, and avoided the topic of inequity in state education didn’t bother to transfer the student records to the sometimes we have allowed diversity to create ardent advocate for, the two indispensable first funding, he has been outspoken about increas- appropriate locations in time for school openings? alienation and hostility as well. To educate our principles of his own Christianity and of all ing the accountability of school leaders. His Did they get a letter in their files? (And if so, children and to continue and renew the work modern religions since the Hebrews introduced Commission on Education Reform called for why didn’t I read about it in the New York Post?) of Dr. King Jr., Mentoring USA—a one-to-one us to monotheism. additional funding for teacher salaries and their What about the Tweedies who closed dis- mentoring program in New York City schools The Hebrews called the first of the principles, professional development, but said precious little trict offices without replacing the staff schools and community sites, offers all our volunteer “Tzedekah,” representing an exquisite intertwin- that can be interpreted as supportive of school depended upon for help. Not surprisingly, you mentors the B.R.A.V.E Julianna training (Bias ing of righteousness and giving—the holy obli- leaders. In fact, the commission actually called haven’t heard too much about how Tweed is Related Anti-Violence Education) to prepare gation to recognize that we are all children of for greater accountability and recommended ten- slowly staffing up regional offices. them to effectively enable their mentees to the same God, and are entitled to receive from ure reform for Principals. What about the public-minded servants who appreciate and understand that diversity provides one another respect and the eagerness to share Principals and Assistant Principals are already replaced the high school admissions process leav- us with the richness of hundreds of different benefits and burdens. accountable for everything that occurs in their ing thousands of students without a school come cultures. The second is the Hebrew God’s ancient schools. They implement instruction, conduct the fall? Our youth will realize how much it has cost instruction to the Jew who asked “What am I professional development, design curriculum, And who at Tweed said, “High Schools? Put the nation to indulge the primitive instinct for to do with my life?” The answer came back, distribute resources, and manage daily crises. ‘em in with elementary schools. They’re all the divisiveness that led us to enslave and then to “Tikkun Olam,” or “Repair the universe!” But our city leaders did not see fit to include same!” Now, Tweed has back-pedaled on this as reject—to one degree or another—a whole race The Christians inherited both ideas from higher salaries or professional development for well, without saying so of course, by appointing a of Americans. Our youth must remember what the Hebrews. When asked by a challenger to Principals, Assistant Principals or Education Director of High Schools. made America great. How the deprived and the describe what God demanded of man, the Jewish Administrators as they laid out proposals on how We must hold the Chancellor accountable oppressed from all over the globe came here with son of a carpenter who founded the Christian to spend CFE funds. for the new high school admissions policy, little more than the desire to realize themselves, religion answered: “Love one another as you It’s just more of the same: Tweed, the mayor serious overcrowded classrooms and the lack and in a little over two hundred years built us into love yourself for the love of me, and I am truth. and others want CSA members to take the fall for of appropriate and available special education the most powerful nation on earth, a nation that And the truth is God created the world but did their policy failures as well as to chip away at our programs, among other items. We must pub- has multiplied success generation after genera- not complete it, and we are to be collaborators due process rights. licize reports that school personnel are indis- tion. in creation. That is the whole law.” It is our turn to demand accountability from criminately making changes to Individual As first generation Americans, my husband management. We must demand the resources, the FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ MUSIC, ART & DANCE 31

formed the staple of the Romantic reper- WANTED OPERA ON THE ADRIATIC toire. Their survival By IRVING SPITZ was also not aided Pesaro, serene and beautiful as ever, staged nearly two centuries of neglect. The staging by by the poor quality TELEPHONE SALES PERSON three of Rossini’s lesser-known operas in the Damiano Michieletto was done on a shoestring of the librettos, with for Monthly Publication current season. The unquestioned highlight was budget but it was pure delight from start to finish. their complicated and Matilde di Shabran, an opera that Rossini com- The message came through beautifully. convoluted plots. Our Midtown – will train posed at such short notice that he resorted to Another notable production was Tancredi, gratitude and respect Excellent working conditions. Immediate hire. culling from earlier works and even persuaded Rossini’s first great success, written for Venice’s goes out to the Rossini the composer Giovanni Pacini to contribute to La Fenice when he was not quite 21 years old. The Festival who restoring Fax resume to 212.477.5893 the musical score. An interesting anecdote relates tenth of his thirty-nine operas, it was the first that these operatic gems to that at the premiere performance of Matilde, spread his name across Europe. Gaetano Rossi’s the repertoire.# Email to [email protected] the conductor and first violinist as well as the based his libretto on Voltaire’s five-act tragedy solo French horn player fell. Nicolo Paganini, in Tancrede. It relates how the nobleman Tancredi, Rome at the time, conducted the premiere and has been banished from Syracuse and condemned also played a major horn solo on the viola. as a traitor. He is secretly engaged to Amenaide, The opera relates how Matilde intends to make daughter of Argirio’s, head of one of Syracuse’s the tyrannical misogynist Corradino fall in love powerful families. To promote a united front with her. She is thwarted by a rival, the Contessa against the dreaded Saracen enemy, Argirio con- D’Arco. The young nobleman, Edoardo, is a sents to give Amenaide in marriage to Orbazzano, prisoner of Corradino. Matilde begs Corradino who belongs to another local family. Amenaide is to show mercy to Edoardo. When Edoardo is absolutely horrified. Meanwhile Tancredi returns set free from the castle, the enraged and jeal- under disguise and is devastated by this turn of ous Corradino believes that he was liberated by events. After much intrigue, Amenaide is impris- Matilde and orders his poet Isidoro, to throw oned for suspected treason. Tancredi success- Matilde into a rushing river. Edoardo reveals to fully defends the city against the Saracens but is Corradino that it was not Matilde who set him mortally wounded. Before expiring, he is finally free, but the jailer who had been bribed by the convinced of Amenaide’s innocence. Contessa D’Arco. Corradino falls at the feet of Pier Luigi Pizzi directed this new production. Matilda begging forgiveness. For the most part, the costumes were white Mario Martone directed this new production. and black with minimal color. Large Doric and Act 1 was dominated by two intertwining stair- Corinthian columns formed much of the staging. cases, reminiscent of a spiral of the famous These elements were reminiscent of the produc- Watson and Crick model of a DNA helix. There tions of the late Jean-Pierre Ponnelle. Sergio was a bridge over the stage to the auditorium Rossi’s lighting was very dramatic with figures by which many soloists made their entry. This alternately in shadow and light. Singing on the was a sensible innovation considering that the whole was of an exceptionally high quality. stage of the Rossini Theatre is rather small. Although a bit shaky at the outset, mezzo-soprano Towering above the rest of the cast was stellar Marianna Pizzolato as Tancredi quickly settled in tenor Juan Diego Florez in the challenging role and gave a remarkably solid performance. Patrizia of Corradino. It was his performance in this opera Ciofi took the challenging role of Amenaide. that catapulted Florez to fame in 1996 when he Both really rose magnificently to the occasion in took over at short notice when the scheduled their great Act 1 duet. Bass-baritone Marco Spotti singer pulled out. Florez won over the audience as Orbazzano was excellent and malice exuded with his solid top notes and vocal agility. He from his sonorous stentorial bass. Tenor Gregory drew on every resource of his unique artistry for Kunde as Argirio sung the other main role. The this unforgettable portrayal. He was given vocal Act 1 finale where Amenaide is rejected by her support by the rest of the very respectable cast. father and berated by Tancredi, displayed emo- Notable standouts included bass Marco Vinco as tions comprising malevolence, surprise, anger the physician, Aliprando and bass-baritone Bruno and sorrow and the soloists pulled out all their De Simone who took the role of Isidoro. Soprano vocal forces. This quartet is a worthy forerunner Chiara Chialli as the Contessa d’Arco was most of Verdi’s famous counterpart in Rigoletto. compelling. Particularly impressive was mezzo The Symphony Orchestra of Galicia was in the Hadar Halevy who sang the role of Edoardo pit for both operas and acquitted themselves with with a wonderful passionate tone. With her sweet great aplomb under conductors Riccardo Frizza voice, soprano Annick Massis brought much dig- in Matilde and Victor Pablo Perez in Tancredi. nity and emotion to her portrayal of Matilde. Both conductors drew incisive and dramatic The Rossini Festival management showed their accounts of the scores. The choir in both operas usual innovative and intelligent planning by also was the superb Coro Da Camera from Prague scheduling performances of Il Trionfo Delle Belle directed by Lubomir Matl. These accomplished (The Triumph of the Beautiful Ones), a short one- vocalists gave more than ample support. act opera composed by Stefano Pavesi which uti- For a number of years after their initial perfor- lized the same theme as Rossini’s Matilde. This mances, Matilde and Tancredi remained popular serves as a delightful introduction to Matilde. but then fell into oblivion and all but disap- Today musicologists are slowly beginning to take peared from the repertoire, becoming unwitting �� an interest in the composer Stefano Pavesi (1779- victims of new shifts in taste when audiences �� 1850) and his operas are being performed after preferred the heroic and tragic works which ��

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�� 32 TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATION ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005

PRODUCT REVIEW: PRODUCT REVIEW: MICRONET’S SANCUBE 8000 DISKOLOGY’S DISK JOCKEY By MITCHELL LEVINE position outlet strip, external mouse platform, By MITCHELL LEVINE most aspects of a remote environment, including Over the last couple of years, thousands of stu- and a cloth pouch to house the mouse. Managing the largest computer network in starting or stopping services or devices, adding dents and teachers have received portable units As a permanent suspension tool, it leaves secondary education is a vast undertaking, but new services or devices, managing the system as part of an initiative carried through by the some room to be desired—it’s not easily navi- New York’s Department of Education is doing parameters and resources, and adjusting secu- Department of Education and the Technology gated around, and is more efficiently stored than it. With the new year beginning, the goal of rity levels. An integrated Event Viewer lets the Task Force. Although many interesting appli- left in place—and for the long term, it really implementing the “one-to-one computing stan- Administrator monitor all events as though they cations for enterprise deployment have been works more comfortably as a desktop mount, dard” in our city’s public schools, or the ideal were being run on the host computer, and the found, and numerous efficiency procedures which it’s strong enough serve as. But that’s of one computer for every student, teacher, and software even supports remote installs without adopted, practical problems remain. not really it’s intent. It’s really more of an on- administrator in the system, is quickly becom- ever having to be physically present on that Unfortunately, one built-in specific problem the-spot temporary solution. Need to work in an ing a top priority – and formidable stressor - in station. persists: The districts in the public education airport, or in a few feet of space in a classroom technology procurement here. I didn’t have a large network of Windows system that most critically need access to the with no more desktops available? Break out the With 1,254 K-12 schools in the five bor- machines available to set up my trial on, but I technology also have the least space to deploy Sancube, and your problem is solved. oughs, tech managers in New York education was able to install the software on a small (four it. As anyone who has ever dropped a laptop can As an environment to use a laptop in, it’s a bit have a logistical challenge every bit as vast as units) one, and perform remote configurations attest, even minor spills can create total catastro- more cramped than a standard workstation, but their counterparts in the corporate sector, but with relatively large amount of ease, even as a phe when a digital device is involved; a shock with a little practice, you can become acclimated nowhere near the amount of resources avail- non-expert. For a school system which is soon as small as 5 foot/pounds can cause anything quickly. Actually, once the printer’s installed, it’s able to deal with it. In the corporate world, IT going to be configuring literally thousands of from a hard drive crash to complete destruction really a very efficient little workspace. Although directors can simply buy the all of the latest and new computers, it’s easy to see how this would of the CPU. our evaluation model was not equipped with greatest products the high-technology industry be a must-have app. Micronet’s SanCube looks like a sturdy, stylish one, the manufacturer even makes an option for markets with their annual budget each year, and Unfortunately, the product will be of no use to piece of luggage with a 17” by 19”. Unfolded, a printer tray available. For anyone whom would just throw out all the old stuff. Plus they usually the many students and teachers who work with it seems to almost magically morph into a like to be able to both carry and empower their have full staffs of techies to configure it all. Mac OS only, but considering the fact that most compact, precisely engineered station, which laptop computer in just about any setting imag- Needless to say, that’s not the way it works in of the mobile units currently being deployed when completed with a, provides pretty much inable, the Sancube will be a godsend. Online education, where administrators consider them- run some variant of Windows, it still should anything necessary to work with a laptop: a 33” ordering as well as more information are avail- selves fortunate if they actually have one full- have broadly applicable functionality for a large high work area with a cloth file holder, a two able at www.micronet.com# time manager handling their computers. With number of end-users in the districts. a major initiative like the one now facing the While Disk Jockey does have a learning Department of Ed. happening, it’s a very good curve—although most IT managers probably EXPLORING THE TREASURES OF thing indeed that an application like Diskology, have much more network savvy than I can boast Inc.’s Disk Jockey of – its ability to maximize time efficiency in a THE ORGAN IBRARY Disk Jockey is a systems control interface school system with little to spare makes it effort M L that can be run from any remote Windows well spent. For more information, as well as a By JOAN BAUM, Ph.D. NT/2000/XP and Windows Server 2003 comput- trial download, visit the manufacturer’s site at The stately Morgan Library may have closed er, enabling a Systems Administrator to control www.diskjockey.com.# its door temporarily due to expansion construction, but the door it opened a couple of years ago to New York City schools— Exploring Visit the treasures of other museums and libraries at with the Morgan—seems a permanent fixture, with inquiries coming in from administrators www.EducationUpdate.com and rave reviews from participating teachers. A two-part Traveling School Program in the Arts and Humanities under the aegis of Morgan’s Marie Trope-Podell Department of Education, the project this academic year has attracted 2,000 children, grades sued studies at Bank Street, where she received 3-6. Marie Trope-Podell, the Manager of the a Master’s, took additional courses, and gave Morgan’s Gallery Programs, calls Exploring with tours and teacher workshops at the Metropolitan the Morgan a “unique” educational experience, Museum of Art, concentrating on her specialty, part social studies, part art, all parts informative 18th century French painting. Art and education �� and fun. A 4th grade art teacher, writing an unso- have always been her love and museums her pas- licited evaluation, noted that her class was “spell- sion ever since she was a five years old and her �� bound” and that kids cut short their lunchtime in parents started taking her to The Louvre. “The �� order to get back to a session. Another teacher Morgan Library, you know, is also a museum.” �� called Exploring with the Morgan the “best pro- Exploring with the Morgan consists of two gram” in which she has ever participated, and still units—Eastern Lights and Journeys and Journals, �� another, declared that every one of her students each comprising two 90-minute sessions—an in- �� was engaged. school workshop and a field trip to the AMNH. �� The best feature, says Ms. Trope-Podell is that Eastern Lights emphasizes how The Middle Ages the program meets NYC and NYS curricular and Renaissance Europe were affected by trade standards, not only in social studies requirements and exploration with China, Central Asia, India, �� but English and Art as well. But all the teachers the Middle East, and Samarkand. This curriculum �� who have used it praise its attention to cognitive has proved particularly attractive to students who �� skills, vocabulary building and creative writing. come from cultures and civilizations in the Far �� Indeed the worksheet packets suggest the variety and Middle East. A highlight of the unit involves and diversity of the skills addressed, from careful students making pigments that were used hun- �� observation to accurate recording of informa- dreds of years ago (they’re especially delighted to �� tion, through informed judgments based on fact, learn about bug dung and spinach!), knowledge �� not opinion, to creative writing inspired by trips that they then use to illustrate their own journals the students take as part of the program to The based on what they have learned at the Asian Hall American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). in the AMNH. Journeys and Journals focuses �� Approximately 80 percent of participating schools on early European transatlantic exploration and � are public schools and 70 percent must be minority illustrated travelogues and takes off from study of �� schools that have a free lunch program. All eight a beautiful facsimile of the Morgan’s Drake man- educators involved in the project are from The uscript, a 16th century hand-illustrated account of �� Morgan, and all the materials—gorgeous medi- the life of Native Americans in the West Indies. eval and Renaissance facsimile travel books and The trip to The AMNH for this segment is to the illuminated manuscripts—come from Morgan’s Hall of Eastern Woodland Indians. Students take �� celebrated collections. Ms. Trope- Podell is her- notes on what they see, create pigments from �� self directly involved in preparatory teacher work- flora and fauna of the time for their journal illus- shops, the museum tours, and the follow up visits trations and answer guided questions designed to to classrooms. For her the program has special elicit what they have learned about investigative �� significance since she is its co-founder along with processes and anthropological methods used to �� a friend, Franny Kent, an anthropologist. explore and assess history. Art, so often unfortu- �� A gamin-like woman of great enthusiasm and nately reduced to a mere extracurricular activity, Gallic charm, who came to this country 13 years is in Exploring with the Morgan clearly part of ago, on—would you believe—July 14th, Ms. the major academic program and a wonderful � � �� Trope-Podell had studied art education at the way to bring the history of other cultures and �� Sorbonne and lectured in museums and in Loire civilizations to life.# �� Valley chateaux. Once in New York she pur- For further information, call (212) 590-0332. FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ MUSEUMS AS EDUCATORS 33

become local.” Playing “natural” against “artifi- Studio Museum: Exhibit Explores Hair Braiding to Wigs cial” is just an “economic game.” Demonstrating the mixing of cultures that he sees all around, transformations that result. A resident artist at PS In a recent interview at the museum with Gaba explains that the wig sculptures are about 1 in Long Island City last year, he noted the ubiq- associate curator, Christine Kim, Gaba said he the Manhattan skyline that he loves, but, “When uity of hair braiding salons in Harlem. On 125th never used hair in his work before, but, “You you see my work you see Africa inside always, Street, he witnessed the practice of an ancient have to go beyond tradition in art if you want because I was born there.” African tradition that had originated in China and to grow.” Explaining his use of artificial hair, he “Tresses” will be at The Studio Museum in was once again intersecting with Asia as China commented, “My work is not about recognizable Harlem until March 27. The museum is located and Korea supplied artificial hair for wigs and images or materials. It is about how materials are at 144 West 125th Street.# For more information, extensions sold to African-Americans. Furthering used,” and “about how imported ideas or objects visit www.studiomuseum.org the global exchange, many hairstyles in the States, named for African-American pop idols, were being brought back to Africa. Traditionally, coiffures were important symbols in Africa and �� could indicate a person’s status, age, and religion. Currently practiced around the world, braid- �� ing and elaborate hair extensions represent the �� uniting of ancient tradition, contemporary style, industry, and commerce and depend on interac- CLASSIFIED �� tion between the American, European, and Asian �� continents. �� To express his views about the blending of �� tradition and modernity and the possibilities that SECTION �� elaborate coiffures offer, Gaba has created a vir- �� tual skyscraper city of “wig sculptures” at SMH. Using braids of artificial hair of many hues woven �� and worked together in myriad ways to suggest �� windows, towers, shapes, and the basic spirit of �� edifices, he has created representations of specific well-known buildings in New York City and his native Benin. Viewers see such icons as the WANTED Guggenheim Museum, the Chrysler and Flatiron buildings, the Harlem branch of the YMCA, and the Theresa Hotel. Included from Benin is the TELEPHONE SALES Porte de non Retour in Ouidah. In a simple but striking installation, each of the eighteen building PERSON By SYBIL MAIMIN sculptures made of braids stands tall and stately for Monthly Publication Exciting creative forces are in evidence at on its own white pedestal. Seemingly very differ- The Studio Museum in Harlem (SMH) where ent worlds–hair and architecture—meet as Gaba Midtown – will train “Tresses,” by Meschac Gaba, demonstrates that assumes the role of “tresseur,” the traditional hair Excellent working conditions. imaginative use of materials opens up endless braider in his home country, to do his art. In his Immediate hire. possibilities for artistic expression. Born in the hands, the edifices, which represent money and West African country of Benin but seeing him- power, become soft and tactile. They remind us self as a citizen of the world, Gaba plays with that buildings, like hair, have a certain fragility Fax resume to 212.477.5893 the intersection of traditions and cultures and the and eventually come down. Email to [email protected]

Calendar of Events February 2005

Salon: Artists Around Town in plain language. Methods of coping for parents, Ap 4 - 8 Washington, DC Camp Fair Events Presented as part of Harlem is…Downtown family and child. Active techniques to prevent April 25 - 29 Chicago, Illinois Tuesday, March 8 or Wednesday, March 9, 6-8 pm home from becoming a battleground. How to May 9 - 13 Louisiana THE STUDIO MUSEUM IN HARLEM RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN WITH Out of the studio and on to the street. Join us advocate for your child. Exploration and sharing Los Ninos Bien Educados Program SPECIAL NEEDS, INC. PUBLISHES 144 West 125 St., NYC 10027 for an informal panel discussion featuring artists of strategies that help and of pit falls to avoid. Phone: 212-864-4500Fax: 212-864-4800 Mar 21 - 25 Philadelphia,Pennsylvania SECOND EDITION OF AFTER whose work has been shaped by neighborhoods 10 weekly sessions beginning Jan 13, 2005 May 2 - 6 Los Angeles, California SCHOOL AND MORE Web: www.StudioMuseum.org and the communities that inhabit them. Artists $40. per person per session Confident Parenting Program will be drawn from three innovative residency $60. per couple per session Resources for Children with Special Needs, The Maverick Room May 16 - 18 Little Rock, Arkansas Thomas Sayers Ellis programs which have a unique relationship to There is a 10% discount for prepayment of series. Inc. (RCSN) is an independent, not-for-profit their urban settings. information, referral, advocacy, training and Friday, February 11, 7pm Speakers: Dave McKenzie, former artist-in- support center in New York City for parents and With its defiance for any one tradition or voice, residence, The Studio Museum in Harlem Open Houses professionals looking for programs and services Thomas Sayers Ellis’ debut collection is a Yoko Inoue, former artist-in-residence, Henry Seminars powerful argument against monotony. The CLAREMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOL for children from birth to 21 with learning, Street Settlement/Abrons Art Center THE COLLEGE OF NEW ROCHELLE developmental, emotional or physical disabilities. Maverick Room introduces a brave, intelligent, Shelly Silver, former artist-in-residence, LMCC/ 41 Broad Street RCSN is one of a national network of more than and original new voice in American poetry. Workspace: The Woolworth Building On Tuesday, March 15 and Tuesday, May NY, NY 10004 100 Parent Training and Information Centers Books & Authors is FREE. Space/seating is Moderator: Erin Donnelly, LMCC curator of 10, each from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the College Phone: (212) 232-0266 designated by the U.S. Department of Education. available on a first-come, first-served basis. visual arts and residency director of New Rochelle will host two seminars at its Fax: (212) 232-0284 Authors will be available to sign books after the This program will take place at the Melville Web: www.claremontprep.org For more information see www.resourcesnyc.org. main campus in New Rochelle on “Child Abuse program. Books are available in the Museum Gallery of the South Street Seaport Museum at Resources for Children with Special Needs, Recognition and Reporting” conducted by Arlene Tour Dates and Times: Inc.115 East 16th Street, 5th Floor NY, NY 10003 store. 213 Water Street. The program is free. Please Louis, Ed.D., RN, CS. They will be held at RSVP to www.lmcc.net/rsvp or contact Programs CNR’s Student Campus Center in the Iselin Room. Feb 15th 9:30am March 2nd 9:30am Black Beauty Associate Celina Paiz at [email protected] or 212 These seminars are sponsored by the College Feb 17th 7:00pm March 8th 9:30am Thursday, February 17 or 24, 7pm 219 9401 x127. Directions: Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, J, of New Rochelle and approved by the New Feb 24th 9:30am March 9th 8:45am Conferences Join African Queen featured artist, IKÉ UDÉ, Z, or M to Fulton Street; A and C to Broadway- York State Education Department. They are Feb 28th 9:30am March 14th 7:00pm TERRI SIMONE FRANCIS, Yale University Nassau. Walk east on Fulton Street to Water St. designed for licensed professionals, teachers, 32ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON Assistant Prof. of Film Studies & African and school administrators who are required to UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA DYSELXIA AND RELATED LEARNING American Studies and JASON KING, Assistant SPRING WRITING INSTITUTE identify and report on child abuse. The seminars UWF Confrence Center DISABILITIES Professor of Recorded Music, Associate Chair, AT SARAH LAWRENCE will cover the physical and behavioral indicators Pensacola, Florida Recorded Music Tisch School of the Arts of child abuse, maltreatment, and the statutory Sarah Lawrence’s Center for Continuing Phone: 800-263-1074 On Monday, March 14 & Tuesday, March The social history of black woman has yet to be reporting requirements. Upon completion of a Email: [email protected] written, but it is at the core of this discussion. Education will host its annual Spring Writing seminar, attendees will receive certification from 15, 2005 at the Marriott Marquis in midtown, Institute from February 7- April 30, for adults Web: www.uwf.edu/whatsnext New York City. 1,200 educators, healthcare Join us as we delve into the phenomenal the state of New York. who want to deepen their approach to writing, The cost is $50 per person; pre-registration is Saturday, February 19, 2005, 9:00a.m. providers, administrators and parents of essence of black women. Department: Clive improve their skills, and become part of a Davis Dept of Recorded Music. required. The seminars are contingent upon Saturday, April 16, 2005, 9:00a.m. children with dyslexia choose from over 95 community of writers. All classes are smaller- enrollment. For further information and location, sessions on dyslexia. For more information, It’s worth the trip! Reservations are appreciated, fewer that 14 people, and are taught in the contact Ms. Barbara Nitzberg at (914)-654-5548. but not required. call 212-691-1930 ext.13 or visit us online at Books and Authors Kids! workshop style. The registration deadlines are March 8 and May www.nybida.com Saturday, February 19, 10am – 12pm 3, respectively, for the upcoming seminars. TOURO COLLEGE It’s a party!!!! GROUP FOR ADHD Grab your party hats, and bring your creative NEW YORK SCHOOL OF Orly Calderon, Psy D. NY Lic. Psychologist / CAREER AND APPLIED STUDIES energy to SMH as we celebrate Nina Crews! Lenore Ruben LMSW Entertainment Workshops 1870-86 Stillwell Avenue Join us for this fabulous book party marking the 250 West 57th Street #723 Brooklyn, NY 11223 release of her new book, The Neighborhood New York, NY 10107 PARENTING INSTRUCTOR Phone: 718-265-6534 x1015 TWO HOT SHOWS Mother Goose in January, 2005. Participate in Phone: 212-586-2135 TRAINING WORKSHOPS - Beauty & The Beast hands-on workshops that bring these stories to Fax: 718-265-0614 - The Lion King life, hear Crews read from her book, and have Now Forming --- call to reserve space Center for the Improvement of Child Caring Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am - CALL: 212-703-1040 or 800-439-9000 your book signed! Don’t worry about bringing a Parents Discussion Group For parents of ADHD www.ciccparenting.org 7:00 pm. Sundays 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. at FAX: 212-703-1085 copy of the book. The Museum store will have and/or Learning Disabled children 1 (800) 325-2422 (Pacific Standard Time) 27-33 West 23rd Street [email protected] them for sale. Topics: Myths and realities about ADHD and Effective Black Parenting Program New York, NY 10010. www.disneyonbroadway.com/groups This program is FREE. Please call 212 864-4500 Learning Disabilities. Deciphering what these Feb 28 - Mar 4 Gastonia, North Carolina 212-463-0400 x500 x264 to RSVP. Refreshments will be served. terms mean clinically, educationally, and legally Mar 14 - 18 Miami & San Francisco 34 RESOURCE & REFERENCE GUIDE ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FEBRUARY 2005

Resource& Reference Guide BOOKS 2005 poetry co-editor of the Los Angeles deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety-related SPECIAL EDUCATION Literary Review, is a poet, essayist, visual problems, consul-tations for learning artist, poetry moderator and consultant for disabilities and giftedness, and seminars on Bank Street Bookstore, The Los Angeles Times “Festival of Books”. parenting and child development. Call for The Smith School, Her collections include “The Flammable more information. (212) 879-6354 112th St. & Broadway; Bird and Masque”. Jay Ladin ’82, author of The Smith School, is a fully accredited (212) 678-1654 the collection “Alternatives to History”, is Advanced Degrees in Medicine, Science, an Emily Dickinson scholar and professor Regents registered independent day school Exceptional selection of books for children, for special needs students (grades 7 through teachers and parents. Knowledgeable staff. of English at Stern College for Women and the Health Professions at at Yeshiva University. The first book of New York Medical College Valhalla, New York; 12) located on the Upper East Side. Our Free monthly newsletter. Open Mon-Thurs staff is experienced in teaching students 10-8 PM, Fri & Sat 10–6 PM, Sun 12–5 PM. poems by Lee Peterson MFA ’00, “Rooms (914) 594-4000; www.nymc.edu and Fields: Dramatic Monologues from the with such problems as Attention Disorders, Dyslexia, Phobias and emotional issues. If Logos Books, War in Bosnia”, won the 2003 Tom and Stan Wick Poetry Prize judged by former your child needs an academic setting, extra 1575 York Ave., (@84th Street), attention, close monitoring and extremely Sarah Lawrence faculty member Jean SCHOOLS (212) 517-7292 Valentine. For more information please call small classes call The Smith School at 879- A charming neighborhood bookstore located (914) 395-2411 6354 because better grades begin here. in Yorkville featuring quality selections of classics, fiction, poetry, philosophy, religion, The Harlem School of the Arts, bibles and children’s books, and greeting LECTURE 645 St. Nicholas Ave., NYC; The Sterling School, cards, gifts and music. Books can be mailed. Taking Care of Business: Childhood Lead (212) 926-4100 ext. 304 (718) 625-3502 Outdoor terrace. Poisoning and the Politics of Environmental Brooklyn’s private elementary school Disease Learning continues after school at The for Dyslexic children offers a rigorous High Marks In Chemistry; Wednesday, February 16 Harlem School of the Arts, an after school curriculum, Orton - Gillingham methodology Titsworth Lecture Hall conservatory where the arts educate, and hands-on multi-sensory learning. One- 1-877-600-7466 12:45 – 2 p.m. stimulate and motivate your child. Music, to-one remediation is also provided. If your Over 65,000 books sold. HIGH MARKS: Free dance, theater, visual arts and much, much, bright Language Learning Disabled child REGENTS CHEMISTRY MADE EASY BY David Rosner, Professor of History and Public much more!! could benefit from our program please do not SHARON WELCHER (College Teacher, Health at Columbia University, will look at hesitate to contact Director: Ruth Aberman Chairperson and teacher of high school the corporate history behind hundreds of at 718-625-3502. review courses). This book is your private thousands of children damaged by exposure tutor-Easy review book for NEW regents to lead, a known neurotoxin. Today lead SCHOOL RECRUITMENT (second edition) with hundreds of questions poisoning is the focus of attention for the and solutions, Get HIGH MARKS $10.95. medical health, legal and policy communities. Available at Leading book stores or call Throughout the country, lawsuits addressing TUTORS (718)271-7466.www.HighMarksInSchool.com corporate responsibility are questioning www.SchoolProfessionals.com, what companies that manufactured and [email protected], Math Tutoring Transition Matters - sold the lead-based paint knew about its 212-916-0825 dangers. Based upon documents from from School to Independence: Finally, a one-stop service whose sole focus High School and Junior High. Two the lead industry itself, David Rosner has Sample Hours, No Charge. Arithmetic to A Guide and Directory of Services for Youth with Disabilities and written, with Gerald Markowitz, Deceit and is recruiting, interviewing and providing qualified substitutes for elementary, middle Advanced Calculus. Call (212) 228-1642 or Special Needs in the Metro New York Area Denial: The Deadly Politics of Industrial (917) 297-2389 500 pages, $35.00 + $8 postage and Pollution. For more information, please call and high schools. One quick call to us means handling ISBN 0-9678365-6-5. Available (914) 395-2411 not having to interview and hire on your own, at local and on-line booksellers or direct eliminating the worry and work of finding last from Resources for Children with Special minute replacements, “doubling-up,” or even Champion Learning Center Needs, Inc. 116 East 16th Street/5th floor, CONCERT canceling classes. Our proprietary roster 1211 Park ave, NYC 10128 New York, NY 10003 212-677-4650 (phone), Susan Eichhorn, soprano of pre screened candidates enables us to Toll Free: 1-888-531-LE ARN (5327) 212 254-4070 (fax) or visit us online at Wednesday, Februrary 23 quickly find a professional precisely matched Local: (212) 410-5555 www.resourcesnyc.org Reisinger Concert Hall to your school’s requirements, saving you www.championlearning.com 5:05 p.m. the time and expense of scrambling to meet $10 for regular admission, $8 for senior last-minute needs. And, with 24/7 coverage, you can request staff at any time - even at The Champion Learning Center provides CAREER COUNSELING citizens (55+) and students from other high quality, professional tutoring and test institutions with a current ID. For more night or on weekends. Schools can get started today preparation services for students ranging information, please call (914) 395-2411 from Kindergarden through 12th grade. For Educators, Parents, Students, bycalling 212-916-0825 or e-mailing [email protected] to register for We provide individualized tutoring in Admin, Others our services. Reading, Math, Writing, Study, Skills, SAT CONTINUING EDUCATION preparation, ISEE preparation and academic Thinking of CHANGING CAREERS or JOB subject tutoring. HUNTING? Seek clarity, support, more through all the steps. Contact experienced JASA: Jewish Association For board-certified Counselor. Rose Mary Services For The Aged, Colorafi, MA: 646-732-3198 132 West 31st Street, 15th Floor, NYC; (212) 273-5304 COLLEGES Sundays at JASA, Continuing Education for Adults 60 and Over at Council Senior Center. Call 212-273-5304 for catalog and Februray Events information about courses. At Sarah Lawrence College DANCE PROGRAMS EXHIBIT NEED A TUTOR? Faculty Art Show February 1 –April 18 Our certiﬁ ed and trained teachers New Dance Group Arts Center provide professional and individualized Reception: February 1, 5 – 7pm 254 West 47th St., NYC, NY 10036, Heimbold Visual Arts Center (212) 719-2733; www.ndg.org Math Tutoring tutoring based on your childʼs speciﬁ c Free High School & Junior High strengths and weaknesses. The College’s Visual Arts faculty will showcase their painting, photography, Musical Theater Program for kids/young 2 Sample Hours, No Charge Call today to see how the Champion Learning Center drawing, sculpture, film, and mew media. adults. Dance classes in all disciplines. can help your child do bebettertter iinn sschool.chool. The exhibit will be held in the Barbra Walters Teaching/rehearsal space available. Located Arithmetic Advanced Calculus Gallery. For hours or more information, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. please call (914) 395-2411 212.228.1642 PERFORMANCE PASSES TO HEALTH CLUBS & Blondell Cummings YOGA STUDIOS �� Saturday, February 12 917.297.2389 Call us toll free at: Performing Arts Center 7 p.m. Fitness Alliance 1-888-531-LEARN (5327) Free (212) 808-0765/www.health-fitness.org www.championlearning.com Sarah Lawrence College will present two performances based on the theme Get 400 free passes for the best fitness, of human rights by Blondell Cummings, yoga, dance, martial arts, sports, swimming, director/choreographer, performing artist, pilates, and more. Just sign up for the New �� educator/activist, and the artistic director of York Fitness PassBook, all for the one-time Cucle Arts Foundation, a multi-disciplined sign-up fee of just $65, to go anywhere, �� arts cooperative. Cummings has toured anytime, all throughout the year, to enjoy and discover the best for free. Just go to extensively throughout the United States, ��★ �� erm- aper Europe, Asia, Africa. Reservations are www.health-fitness.org for details, or call T P required; please call the dance office at (914) the American Health and Fitness Alliance at �� 395-2433 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. 212-808-0765. Hurry they're going fast. ��★ ssistance �� AALLSUBJECTS&LEVELS READING MED & HEALTH SERVICES ��★ www.Term-Papers.org SLC Alumnae/i Poetry Graduate &Undergraduate �� Research &Writing Services Wednesday, February 16 �� Esther Raushenbush Library NYU Child Study Center 6:30p.m. 550 First Avenue, NYC; *Masters Thesis & Ph.D’s are our specialty. Free (212) 263-6622. *Highest Quality -Lowest Prices! Curtis Bauer MFA ’99 has published poetry Call 877-45-WRITE(97483) in numerous journals. Including The North * The NYU Child Study Center, a comprehensive �� Save This Ad. American Review. His first book, “Fence treatment and research center for children’s �� * Line”, won the 2004 John Ciardi Prize in psychological health at NYU Medical Center, Poetry. Elena Karina Byrne ’82, the 2004- now offers specialized services for attention- FEBRUARY 2005 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATION 35

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�� EDUCATION UPDATE ■ FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS & STUDENTS ■ FEBRUARY 2005

DO ARE YOU MISS ARE stimulating and engaging YOU LOOKING dialogue among scholars, for a new job but YOU READY artists, performers & need new for a promotion professionals? skills? DO YOU but need to WANT TO advance return to school but your skills? ARE need language or test YOU LOOKING preparation? for opportunities for learning, growing & connecting?

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