Web Resources

Website Resources for Study

One website resource that I chose to study is the following:

Pre[K]Now: A Campaign of the Pew Center on the States
http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/initiatives_detail.aspx?initiativeID=31672
(Newsletter: http://www.preknow.org/signupform.cfm )

I chose this resource because I had heard many colleagues talk about PEW research and information they had gathered for grants and presentations from them.  Their mission is to “develop policy solutions that make government more effective and deliver results for states and public good.”  They inform the public of issues and solutions on a variety of topics.  This week my particular interest was a report on the findings of a ten year campaign to “advance high quality, voluntary pre-k for 3-4 year olds.”  As a result of this study, they are encouraging policy makers to move to a model of Pre-k to grade 12 public education.

One interesting piece of this report is an infographic containing the work that has been done by each individual state regarding pre-k advancements.  I certainly thought that Virginia was doing a good job until I viewed this graphic.  Check out your own state by going to this website  www.pewstates.org/research/data-visualizations/proof-into-policy-pre-k-milestones-infographic

Other topics I want to learn more about include home visiting, the Children’s Dental Campaign and Family and Health issues.  I have signed up for a newsletter, but have not received one either electronically or through the mail.

Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/
(Review also these online resources at: http://acei.org/knowledge/ )

I am also following this international site.  Their mission is to “promote and support optimal education and development of children worldwide and to influence professional development of educators and other interested parties in the needs of children” (Association for Childhood Education International, 2012).  I like how this website is set up.  It is very user friendly.  Global news allows you to read about education in countries around the world and issues that are important to them.  They are also affiliated with the United Nations.

They recently held a Summit in Washington, D.C. to discuss issues relevant to all countries around the world.  During that Summit, they discussed ideas related to their emphasis for the next ten years The Decade for Childhood.  During that time they hope to examine the following questions and more:

·       What is our view of the human being and how does that affect our view of childhood?

·       Have changes in child-rearing practices and societal expectations of children served children well or contributed to a decline in their overall well-being?

·       What supports children—and ultimately all of us—in creating strong relationships, a healthy environment, and opportunities for lifelong growth and learning; and how do we make these a normal part of every child's life? (Association for Childhood Education International, 2012)

There are several other campaigns that they are involved in promoting.  I will be exploring them more in the future.

References

Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/

Pre[K]Now: A Campaign of the Pew Center on the States
http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/initiatives_detail.aspx?initiativeID=31672