May 2010 eNews

The Amazing Race...for Education Dollars: An interview with Eric Smith, Florida’s Commissioner of Education

Q: The round 2 deadline for the Race to the Top competition is drawing near; has the vision changed as you try to raise Florida to the top of the pack?

A: "Florida’s application for Phase 1 of the competition was grounded in innovation and boldness and, given our fourth place finish, those are certainly things we want to keep intact as much as possible. We have made some modifications to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) based on the consensus of a Governor-appointed stakeholder workgroup and it is our hope those changes will garner additional support for our Phase 2 application. It is my hope that this added consensus, coupled with our preservation of the core ideas of our original application, will result in a win for the state in this next round."

Q: Can you address union and partner support – which some see as critical to a reapplication by Florida?

A: "Based on the scoring and comments from Round 1 of the competition, it was clear that a lack of union support, in addition to seven of our districts not participating, resulted in a loss of points. Going into this next round we have taken a very important first-step through the successful efforts of a Governor-appointed stakeholder workgroup. Key stakeholders, representing teachers, parents, superintendents, legislators, students with disabilities advocates and the business community got together during a marathon 12 hour meeting to change our MOU in a way that would be more conducive to gathering more local support while preserving the boldness of our strategies. We are very hopeful that this effort will result in a much broader base of support for Phase 2."

Q: How critical of a role do mentors play to nurture success in our schools?

A: "Mentors are absolutely critical to the livelihood of those students who do not have stable and committed individuals in their everyday lives. The role of a mentor can serve so many purposes for students – whether it is coach, friend, teacher, or parent. Without mentors, our schools would lose out on those connections that are so critical to our students continued well-being. When students are able to do well, it changes the whole campus environment helping the entire student body strive for and believe in their own academic success."

Q: As a lifelong educator, what do you see as the #1 “must have” to improve academic achievement among Florida’s diverse students?

A: "The diversity in our student-body makes our state so unique. It helps to enrich the environment our students grow up in. But there is one essential component that impacts every single student equally – a motivated, effective teacher who is able to challenge and engage their students on a variety of levels. Teachers can have an extraordinary effect on the outcomes of the children under their care and finding new ways to support them in this critical task must always be our top priority."

How to Help...Our Nation Recover from Colossal Oil Spill

People across the country are looking for ways to help following the massive oil spill in the gulf coast. So, we’ve set up an eco-Volunteer USA facebook page for those involved to post volunteer opportunities and discuss experiences related to oil spill clean-up efforts. Also, here are a few important numbers and websites to keep you informed:

• To volunteer with a cleanup organization: http://oilspillvolunteers.com/, 866-448-5816

• To report injured wildlife or damage related to the spill call 866-557-1401

• The Oiled Wildlife Care Network is also providing volunteer information. Wildlife experts warn that animal cleanup should only be handled by trained individuals.

Other long-term disaster recovery information is available at www.nationaldisasterrecoveryfund.org/

Apply Today for a Teen Trendsetters ™ Grant to Start a Mentoring Program at your School

(Must be located in the Southeastern U.S.)

Teen Trendsetters, our hugely popular volunteer program for high school students, is now accepting applications from schools interested in starting up this award-winning program. We train teens and then pair them one-on-one with elementary students who need extra help to improve their reading skills. Thousands of teens love their volunteer time and the leadership experience. They say it makes a great addition to their college resumes. And, we also offer the teacher/advisor at each high school a yearly $1,000 stipend to oversee the youth program.

Elijah enjoys time with his two mentees.

Just ask Elijah Nichols. He’s a busy college freshman but somehow still finds time to stay connected to a couple of favorite reading buddies. This past year, while attending a South Carolina high school, Elijah took his volunteer experience to the next level mentoring not one, but two, boys several times a week. The two young mentees were described by one of their teachers as at-risk boys whose future academic and purpose in life could have been compromised…but, with Elijah’s help over the course of the school year, each boy saw his reading level and interest in doing well in school improve dramatically.

Interested high schools may access the application online for the 2010-2011 academic year. Slots are limited, so it’s a great time to get started. Click here (pdf. 861 kb) for an application and more info. Current Teen Trendsetter programs are not required to submit an application.

Tips for Parents to Keep Kids Sharp this Summer!

Are you looking forward to a more relaxed schedule this summer? Do you have plans for vacation or a road trip? Summertime can be a wonderful time to expand your child’s understanding of math or strengthen their reading skills through fun family activities. Check out the following tips to help you make summer a learning experience for your kids.

1. When planning a road trip allow your child to assist you in determining the route you will take. Use mapping resources on the web to give you the most direct route and then focus on areas you would like to visit to determine your exact route.
2. Based on the route you have determined ask your child to figure out the number of hours you will travel, amount of gas that will be needed,
   
   amount of money for gas, etc.
3. For younger children, traveling can build background knowledge that will serve them well in the future. You can go on small trips to local state parks, historical sites or just simply places you and your child have never been. Background knowledge is critical for children to be prepared for new information.
4. Create a photo journal with your child. Under each picture have your child write a sentence or paragraph that will explain the picture. Encourage your child to use expressive words that will help the reader to know the smells and sounds of the picture.
5. Prior to the start of your journey… read books or stories about the location that you are going to. If you are headed to St. Augustine, read with your child books about the Castillo or the indigenous plants and animals to the area.