Sharing Web Resources

As I followed outside links from my organization, http://www.nieer.org/, I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal, October 14, 2011.  It was an article about the money that New York states' Department of Education will be required to return 30 million to the state that could have serviced 8,000 additional children.  The Department of Education says districts have a difficult time spending the money because of the state's strict guidelines such as only half-day programs, while most families require full day care.

A second lead was an interesting article in the York Dispatch from York, PA.  It is an article addressed to buisness people in the the comunity from members of the Chamber of Commerce.  The governor of Pennsylvania is currently introducing education reform legislation and Chamber of Commerce members support him, especially in the area of Early Child Education.  "The Chamber needs motivated, intelligent workers and therefore the whole community must care for and educate children before they enter kindergarten" (Donley, 2011).  As school budgets are being squeezed business owners and other professionals need to step up and be proactive in supporting early childhood education. 
Tom Donley, York Dispatch, October 13, 2011.  http://www.nieer.org/

Searching through NIEER's website I found a lot of information on assessments.  Over 35 policy briefs and other research articles help educators make wise decisions about chosing and implementing assessments.  There is also current information regarding access, economics and finance, english language learners, outcomes, quality and curriculum.

A recent article in my enewsletter from http://www.preknow.org/ discussed a situation in North Carolina and funding cut-backs in early childhood education.  In North Carolina a child advocacy group is considering a possible lawsuit against state lawmakers who recently cut funding for pre-k programming.  The lawsuit is an effort to get 2400 at-risk 4 year olds back in the classroom.  Budget cuts have prevented the programs from being able to enroll these children.  This lawsuit is in its initial stages and is currently unofficial.  However, many different officials, including a professor at the Charlotte School of law, say its necessary if state lawmakers don't re-establish funding on it's own.
Dedrick Russell, Peknow newsletter, October 12, 2011, http://www.preknow.org/

The more I explore this organization the more impressed I become.  It is a wealth of information and when I need research for my papers I will frequently find valuable resources.  It is thouourgh and covers many different topic areas.  It is very well-organized and I find it a great addition to my tool box.  I think anyone in Early Childhood should explore this organization and use it to enhance their teaching and professional development.