Kelly Cioffi- Vocational-Technical Schools

I chose to pick Vocational Schools because a lot of my friends went to this type of schooling and really enjoyed it, so i wanted to explore it and learn more about it. I also wanted to see if it benefits everyone or only certain people. So hopefully after doing some research on it, I will be able to answer these questions.

Its stated that a vocational school help students prepare to get a job by training them for specific trades and technical employment. Most vocational schools and trade schools do not teach liberal arts subjects (philosophy, humanities, etc.) Instead, vocational and trade schools prepare students for a career in a specific vocation or trade, such as fashion design, cooking, electronics, automotive technology, and aircraft maintenance.Most vocational schools and trade schools admit students who have successfully earned their high school diploma or GED. The credentials a student is awarded upon graduation include an associate degree, bachelor degree, a diploma, and specialized certificates. These degrees, diplomas and certificates are earned after completing courses in the classroom or lab and field work. The purpose of attending a vocational school or trade school is to obtain practical training and skills which you can utilize in the real world.

It is still extremely important to fully research any vocational school or trade school you are considering enrolling in. Many can be deceiving. I feel that if you know what you want to do with your life (whether it be a chef, hair dresser, or electrician) than this type of schooling would benefit you greatly! Also if you're not planning on going off to college, this would help you more for your future than a regular school would. As I've stated before it gives you on the job training and specific skills that you would need for your future career. There are different types of vocational schooling (high school and college). Both offering skills specifically for a particular trade. However, usually a high school vocational school, you are mandated to take basic school subjects (such math, science, English). You would do basic subjects one week and then the next week do your trade training. However, in college you only focus on your trade, nothing else. You do not need to take any of the basic subjects that most other colleges would require you to do.

http://visualrian.com/storage/PreviewWM/4107/36/410736.jpg

Education book: McNergney & McNergney (pg. 197)

http://media.studylink.com/finder?name=profile&pid=pid-mm-01-00957b&search-directory=default

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocational_school

Environmental Justice

What exactly is environmental justice you ask? Environmental justice can be defined as "The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” Environmental justice seeks equal protection from environmental and public health hazards for all people regardless of race, income, culture and social class. The article states that its not only an educator's have a responsibility not just to the children in our schools and classrooms, but also to the world as a whole. After reading the article, I feel that schools should in fact teach environmental justice. However, I do not think it should be stressed as much as the other subjects (math, history, English, etc.) Not only is it an educator's job to teach children about the environment, but also the parents job. Children have to learn that if something isn't done then the environment can be in great danger and might not be there forever.It doesn't hurt teaching a child about this topic. It is a prerequisite to children developing a connection to the natural world, and later, a commitment to defend that world. I think a great field trip would be a walk in the woods. This way the children can explore, learn, and play with the environment. I'm sure many would have a new look about it as a whole after the field trip.

Global warming is a huge concern in our society today, maybe if people are taught about this something can be done. For example, teaching environmental justice will teach children not to dump waste, eat healthy, go green, and cut down on pollution. Not only would you educate the child on this, but also the parents. Most children will go home and talk to their mom or dad about what they learned in school that day. Many parents in turn will listen and try to help them better understand it. I feel that if we start teaching it to children in school now, as time goes on more and more kids will learn about and the environment may see a change over time. Who knows, maybe it could be a start to a slow recovery of global warming.

Growing up in the Wakefield Public School Systems, I can remember going on walks through the woods and enjoying the scenery. However, at that time global warming was not that big of an issue. We were taught a little about the environment, but only when we went on these hikes/field trips. I felt that after these hikes many people had a new interest in the environment. I know that it made me appreciate it more. After the hikes, I cut way down on throwing wrappers on the ground. I know this may seem small, but imagine if every student did this. Do you know how much pollution would be cut down?




http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/23_04/edit234.shtml
http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/MultimediaPrograms/Environmental_Justice/ej_intro/index.asp
http://www.wondercliparts.com/holidays/environment_day/environment_day_graphics_02.gif

Teaching For Social Justice

I do want to teach for social justice because i believe that it is the best approach to use. In the article Creating Classrooms for Equity and Social Justice, it says "Unfortunately,too many schools are training grounds for boredom, alienation, and pessimism. Too many schools fail to confront the racial, class, and gender inequities woven into our social fabric." I totally agree with this statement. I feel that many students tend to drift off when learning strictly by the text. Also many of the students do not understand the material or can not relate it. When teaching by strict guidelines, many teachers become non enthusiastic and may not agree with what they are teaching. This just makes for a more worse of a time in the classroom. It also states that schools focus way too much on tests and good grades, rather than what the student has learned. School is not just about learning academic disciplines, but also learning about the realities of the world. This encourages them to think and form their own ideas and opinions about matters that are taking place. If teachers begin to use social justice, students will be learning about issues outside of the strict text material which is great in preparing them for the outside world. They will be able to ask questions and relate it to their own lives, which is very important. It also equips students to "talk back to the world." It will expand their horizons.

I enjoyed reading the article by Herbert Kohl. I think that he did a great job offering social justice teaching strategies for new teachers. My favorite one that Kohl stated was "First, don't teach against your conscience. Don't align yourself with texts, people, or rules that hurt children; resist them as creatively and effectively as you can, whether through humor or by developing alternative curricula." I totally agree with this statement. Your conscious is who you are, and you're not apt to change it. If you feel something is wrong, then you shouldn't be forced to say or teach it. Using this approach will bring out the good, not the bad to your students.

The only question I had for social justice was What does power have to do with fairness and justice? After research, I learned that When power comes into play, people begin to get power hungry, which causes the justice and fairness that people try to provide to become distorted and causes problems for others. However, this only seems to happen when the power controls you. People of power usually have the final say in things, and others listen/follow them. They usually don't speak out or share ideas if they do not have power.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice

http://washingtonsquarecatholic.org/pictures/freedomfromwarlogo.jpg

Educational Philosopher

The philosopher I choose to research was Howard Gardner. Howard Gardner was born in 1938. His parents were both Jewish and had fled from persecution in Nazi Germany before Howard was born. He had an older brother named Eric that he never met because he was killed in an accident before Howard was born. Growing up Howard was not able to play sports. By the age of 13 he had become an exceptional pianist and even considered a Carrer in music. He attended Harvard in 1961 for social relations. He then received a PhD in 1971.

In 1981, Howard Gardner was awarded a MacArthur Prize Fellowship. He continued to work at Harvard and Boston University School of Medicine.

He was best known for his theory of multiple intelligence. This idea is based on the belief that there is different types of of "intelligences" in human beings. He suggests that each individual manifests varying levels of intelligence. There are said to be eight intelligences... linguistic, logic-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, naturalist, interpersonal and intrapersonal.

I chose to do Howard Gardner because I believe/agree with his philosophy. I think that each individual has their own specific intelligence. It is not scientfic related. With each intelligence there is a level. And different people are on different levels. One child may be stronger in a different kind of intelligence in the other. I believe this to be true because we are all for the most part on different levels. This does not make one person smarter or better than the other.

Websites Used:

1.)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences

2.)http://www.howardgardner.com/bio/bio.html

3.) http://www.howardgardner.com/images/Howard%20Gardner%20Compressed.jpg

Autism

I chose to do Autism because I've noticed that it is becoming more and more frequent in the world. If i am going to be a teacher or social worker, I would like to learn about this disease and what I can do in order to provide a solid education for the child.

Its stated that 1.5 million people suffer from the disease. Autism is a developmental disorder that some people are born with. It affects the brain and makes communicating and interacting with other people difficult. People who have autism often have delayed language development, prefer to spend time alone, show less interest in making friends, Sounds seem louder, lights brighter, or smells stronger. Although many people with autism also have mental retardation, some are of average or high intelligence. It is extremely important for a teacher and or caregiver to keep a consistent schedule for children with Autism.

As many as 1 in 150 people have autism, and it's more common in guys than in girls. The exact cause for Autism is unknown, however reaserchers believe that it has something to do with the brain chemicals.It is believed to be a combination of both multiple genetic combinations and exposure to as of yet unknown environmental factors. Autism is usually diagnosed when the child is young (usually between ages 1 - 4)

There isn't a medical test that can be done in order to determine if a child has the condition. The only way it can be detected if a caregiver sees the signs and or symptoms of the disease. For example, if a child appears to be afraid of noise, light, people, or if they do not develop the correct fine and gross motor skills by the appropriate age, then something may be wrong. Autism is not treated with surgery or medicine. Some people do however take medicine to help with the side effects, such as aggressive behavior. Programs that are based around the child's individual needs are usually the most effective form of treatment. It helps a child to communicate, interact with others, and basic living skills. Some other treatment program that can help people with Autism are speech therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, changes in diet, medication, occupational therapy, and hearing or vision therapy.

Overall, Autism is become more and more frequent in schools. Teachers and parents must be taught the proper ways to work with these children. Its also very important that these children are given the best education as possible while dealing with their individual problems.

1.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism
2.) www.google.com/health
3.) www.autismspeaks.org/
4.)http://www.topnews.in/health/files/autism-kid.jpg

Children are Spending too much times in Day Cares

Parents may want to think twice before sending their children to day care full-time. Research shows that spending numerous hours a day in day care settings can actually be detrimental to children. Capizzano and research assistant Main (2002) discovered that an astounding forty-two percent of children five years and younger spent at least thirty-five hours a week in child care facilities. Nowadays children are spending up to sixty hours a week in child care facilities. Some may think this is a wonderful opportunity for children to enhance their skills and socialize more among their peers. Although these children may be more sociable, they are not necessarily receiving more education. There are many harmful effects to extended day care.

One bad effect is children are not bonding with their parents. Lindsey (Sept. 2008), a full-time preschool teacher at a day care center in Massachusetts, declared “a lot of children here are getting dropped off at six thirty in the morning and are not leaving the facility until six o’clock pm. That is way too long of a day for them! It’s not like we do curriculum at the end of the day either. The entire curriculum is done in the morning, so they are just basically sleeping or resting for two hours and at free play the rest of the evening!” Lindsey felt that too many hours spent at school is not good for the child. She thought that young children should be spending time bonding with their families.

There are many physical problems associated with long hours spent at day-care. Dr. Gunnar (1998), a professor of Child Development at the University of Minnesota, observed that many young children were under a lot of stress:

Cortisol levels of children in childcare centers were the same as or lower than cortisol levels in children at home in the morning, but by mid-afternoon levels had risen to a significantly higher level for children in childcare than for the children who stayed home; children in half-day preschool programs did not show this increase in cortisol (cited in Clarke-Stewart and Allhusen, 2005).

Cortisol is caused by stress. The more stress you have, the more cortisol your body secretes. Too much cortisol increases your blood pressure and glucose levels and weakens your immune system. This is not conducive to the health of young children. These high stress levels can accumulate into bad behavior.

“Children in settings with more children come down with more illnesses.” Sroufe and Belsky (2005) stated that children are around many other children in child care facilities, and therefore are being exposed to more pathogens. (cited in Clarke-Stewart and Allhusen) Infants, who spend long hours a day in child

care settings, are not bonding with their parents. This bond that begins early in a child’s life can affect his or her emotional, cognitive, social, and psychological development

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http://www.examiner.com/x-5760-Chicago-Preschool-Examiner~y2009m5d15-Are-kids-spending-too-much-time-at-preschool.

wealthyreader.com/.../are-we-spending-too-much-on-our-children/ -.

childdaycare365.com

School Violence

What are the cause(s) of school violence?



I found this topic interesting and wanted to do further research on it to answer any questions that I had. I think it is important for people to be aware of the causes of school violence and preventions that they can take in order to put an end to it.



It is stated that there are many underlying causes of school violence. Some of the most influential causes of school violence are bullying, peer pressure, gang involvement, home life situations, and media. Even though school shootings have decreased by 1 % in the past ten years, it is still a major issue in our society. Violent behavior tends to start at a young and escalates as time goes on. The most common types of violence in schools are fist fight and bullying. This is said to be the stepping stone to a bigger more significant form of violence.



I can not believe that when I read preventing school violence in the Education book, it stated that each day ten children die from gunfire. This was appalling to me! School should be a fun safe place where children go to learn and feel secure at all times.



There are many preventions that teachers and faculty members can take in order to prevent school shootings. It is important to teach students to respect others, no matter how different they appear to be on the outside; because we all have the same needs and aspirations on the inside. Schools need to educate students about preventing violence so it won't be an issue down the road. Violent intervention programs allow students to practice anger management, teach them how to use conflict resolutions, and non violent ways to handle difficult situations. Students need to be taught at an early age what behavior is acceptable and what will not be tolerated.



Overall, School violence for the most part can be resolved if kids are educated about it at a young age. As a teacher, I would push for school violence prevention programs. I know how important and influential it can be on a child.








http://blogs.phillyburbs.com/news/bcct/wcontent/blogs.dir/2/files/2008/August/Thursday/stop_school_violence10.jpg

http://images.salon.com/news/feature/2001/03/15/bullying/story.jpg

http://712educators.about.com/od/schoolviolence/School_Violence.htm

http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/school_violence.html

Dress Code

Why should kids be forced to wear uniforms in public schools?

I chose to discus this controversial issue on dress codes across the country. I chose this topic because its really an interesting topic. This question has also been raised numerous times in my own town meetings in Wakefield, MA. I don't agree with dress codes, however it would be interesting to see opposing ideas. I want to find out why people make such big deals over uniformed dress codes.

I have found through various sights that having a dress code implies that there is discipline. It is also said that it brings dignity to the school and it's population. Dress codes mean that behavior and conduct will be regulated. "It is an effective method of training children to conform to social rules and regulations so that they would become decorous citizens."Also, teachers want to keep students focused on their academics, rather than their attire. Depending upon what you wear, it can affect others around you. For example, if a student wears baggy genes and bandannas, they may be associated with gangs. In turn, many other student may fear them. People also tend to wear provocative clothing which may distract others from their school work. T-shirts with cigarettes, violence, and alcohol are not allowed. They are promoting things that should never be promoted. Many students also are subject to harassment based on the clothes they wear. By developing a uniform dress code, these students will no longer be the subject to mean slurs or harassment. Also, no one will be able to tell if someone is poor or has no money. Statistics show that there is an improvement in class attendance because students always have something to wear. Overall, it just make for a more productive learning environment and experience.

After researching this question, I can now see why so many people do want dress codes in our public schools. However, i still stand for not having dress codes. I mean come one, aren't children at that age old enough to decide what they want to wear for themselves? By enlisting a dress code you are taking away from a child's uniqueness and self expression. I believe that having a dress code will make the school a boring place. Everyone dressing the same just isn't interesting. Students should be able to express themselves and not hold back. However, i do agree that there should be some restrictions to certain dress attire. For example, the length of girl's skirts and shorts, or no t-shirts with alcohol, drugs, sex, or violence on them, no bandannas should be allowed to be worn, or guys boxes being able to hang out. Besides those, I think that it is fair enough to let them wear what they want to.

I do not believe that I can make a difference on this topic by myself. In order to make a difference i would need to find other people who have the same ideas and beliefs on this topic as i do. After doing so, I could start a partition and see where that takes me. I could also do a lot more research on this topic and weigh the pros and cons of having a dress code. Then in turn could go to the board of education and show them my petition and findings. Hopefully, this will help them make the right desicion.

Websites used:

1.) http://schooluniformsno.tripod.com/lebanon/

2.)http://gensburger.com/misterwriter/pages/ChildrenInSchoolUniforms.jpghttp://gensburger.com/misterwriter/pages/ChildrenInSchoolUniforms.jpg

3.) http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Pros_and_Cons_of_School_Uniforms

4.) http://www.idebate.org/debatabase/topic_details.php?topicID=59

5.) uniforms.htmlhttp://www.buzzle.com/articles/should-students-have-to-wear-school-uniforms.html

Introduction of me:

Hey the names Kelly and I'm a sophomore at SSC. I commute to school every day from Wakefield (which is about a 45 min ride). I am 19 years old and I am currently enrolled in Social Work and Psychology. I love hanging out with friends and partying. I also love to go shopping and spend money. My time usually consists on the softball field. I play softball for a town league. When I'm not playing on the field, I am coaching. I coach a little girls softball league. I also enjoy playing sports for fun (soccer,basketball,football). I LOVE the Red Sox and Patriots! I just love watching them play. I'm really easy to get along with, and have many friends. My interests consist of the summer, beach, tanning, sports, family, shopping, ice-cream, movies, hanging out with friends, going into town, helping kids out, and trying my best to always keep people laughing and smiling! I hope to one day be a successful social worker. =)