Help for first-time parents
Posted on 21. Jul, 2009 by Lindsey.
Thrive by Five Washington and King 5 News have partnered to begin airing week-long segments called “Learning for Life” on a variety of early learning topics.
This morning’s segment was called “Healthy Start: helping coach young first time parents,” and explored the impact of home visitation for first-time parents.
Healthy Start provides free parenting advice and help for parents under the age of twenty-two so that their child can have the best start in life. The clip shows a young mom, age twenty and her eight month old son, Jordan, benefiting from home visitation services through Healthy Start to ensure he meets developmental milestones.
Aside from working with the child, parenting coaches work with the parents and help them navigate the world of parenting. Help topics range from how many diapers they’re going to need to how much laundry they’re going to do. Services are available until the child turns three. It is a great program that reaches out to at-risk children and gives them a little extra help.
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Apply for a Position on the Washington State Board of Education!
Posted on 21. Jul, 2009 by John.
Do you have extensive experience with education? Do you want to affect change at a higher level? If you think you have what it takes, apply for the vacant position on the State Board of Education (SBE)! According to the SBE website, an appointed board member must have the following qualifications:
1. Demonstrated interest in public schools and are supportive of educational improvement.
2. A positive record of service.
3. Capable and willing to devote the time necessary to meet the responsibilities of the board.
The applications period closes on August 19. There is more general information on the SBE here, and the application and application information are located here and here, respectively.
We need a strong, dedicated Board to help fix education in Washington State. Apply now, and you can help make that happen!
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Dare to Dream
Posted on 21. Jul, 2009 by admin.
A bill proposed by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is currently being worked on in congressional committee that would allow 65,000 more people a year to attend institutions of higher learning.
Currently, undocumented immigrants attend K-12 schools just like any other child in the United States. The problem comes after graduation, when these students are barred from higher education. Even permanent residents, who are allowed to attend college, have a difficult time receiving financial aid. The DREAM Act (S. 729), would create an opportunity for young immigrants, who have spent most of their lives in the United States, to obtain higher education and eventual citizenship. Under this act, immigrants younger than 16, who have been in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to the enactment of this bill and are of “good moral character,” would be eligible for conditional permanent residency if, within 6 years of high school graduation or GED, they earn an associates degree, have spent two years towards earning a bachelor’s degree, or serve two years in the armed forces.
Opposition to the DREAM Act claim that this bill calls for amnesty for illegal immigrants, which in turn would encourage future illegal immigration. Groups like Americans for Legal Immigration PAC claim that this bill will cost the taxpayers billions while replacing American students with immigrants in the limited seats in college. Yet, they don’t explain where they get there monetary figures, considering that the bill contains not even $1 in appropriations in it (let alone billions!).
Although they never mention specifically, ALIPAC might be referring to the amounts that states subsidize per student at public institutions. For instance, the state of Washington pays about 4-6 thousand dollars a year per student attending a public college or university. Although for some this may be cause for alarm, consider that these students are already helping pay for these subsidies through the Washington State sales tax. Also, these residents will be on their way to becoming citizens, and by doing so, will have to pay federal taxes, helping carry their share of the tax burden.
Groups like ALIPAC want to paint a picture of undocumented immigrations as lazy and dangerous and, in general, burdensome to the American taxpayer. S. 729 aims to reward decent, hardworking immigrants with a chance at higher education and a better life. It is characteristic of why all of our forefathers came to this country. This bill is the embodiment of the American DREAM.
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Education News for July 21, 2009
Posted on 21. Jul, 2009 by Lindsey.
New assistant superintendent of OSPI brings personal experience: Message beyond mere words
Achievement gap continues despite efforts to rid it: Racial disparity shows in state test scores
Clark brings experience to the table: Kelso School Board appoint familiar face to fill seat
