I've been in ECE classrooms since 2005 and I understand what you mean by increasing behavior challenges. A child's brain updates faster than a smartphone. And unfortunately there are too many complicated behavior systems out there that make you buy books and workbooks and videos and ask you to spend hundreds of dollars on an early childhood educator's salary. I don't understand that model. That's not Win-Win in my eyes.
Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2023 11:13 PM
From: Mars April Caulton
Subject: BROKEN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
I encourage all of us to think carefully and logically about what actually has changed, about where those changes occurred, and whether we can accurately lump all of these issues into a single box. I've seen behaviors in the 1980's that were similar to what I see now. Can I compare them in terms of quantity? No, because they were in different communities. When we look at the strengths AND challenges of each and EVERY community, we see situations where the economy in a community is broken; where social services are broken; where violence is impacting a large community; where the pandemic school closures caused huge setbacks for some families while other families found new arrangements and thrived.
My point is that it is easy to lump this highly divided and complicated country into one "educational system." But that solves nothing, because raising children and educating children are the most complex, the most worthy, and the most variable things.
In American education, some children are stored in prison-like brick schools all day; others are flourishing in Nature-based schools, arts-integrated schools, Emergent Curriculum schools; and others are in a system of rotating homes with caregivers each specializing in certain subjects to teach a cohort. How can we acknowledge all of this and still insist that it is one educational system? And that the entire thing is broken?
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Mars April Caulton
Chicago IL
Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2023 12:19 PM
From: Catherine Doherty
Subject: BROKEN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Ms. Caulton, I appreciate your answer and your concern. I am looking for a broader way to help my little friends. When I say "out of control," I mean increasing behavioral issues that teachers across the US have spoken to me about. There seems to be a commonality, at least in pre-k, but in other grades too. Behaviors such as throwing chairs, cursing at both adults and peers, kicking, biting, etc. We've always had some, of course. However, it seems to have increased and escalated. I do all the strategies I know of. My class is not necessarily better or worse than others. Many pre-k teachers have discussed this and we are constantly working on changes in ourselves and our immediate location.
I desire to help mend the situation as I perceive it, on a larger scale. I just don't know how. I am currently enrolled in my local chapter of Early Childhood organization, and starting to get involved.
I apologize if I offended you or anyone. That was not my intention.
Cathy Doherty
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Catherine Doherty
pre-k teacher
Hampton City Schools
Portsmouth VA
Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2023 12:47 AM
From: Mars April Caulton
Subject: BROKEN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
I'm curious about this question of panic, and why now. What are the specifics being labeled "out of control"? Hopefully we all have kept abreast of the concerns in the ECE field such as:
decreased social skills post-pandemic, changes in school funding due to voucher systems sending funds to private schools, teacher burn-out, low pay for teachers in ECE, and of course the increased level of security guards and weapons in elementary schools.
With both students and teaching staff handling more complex challenges and lives more frazzled than ever before, I think we have to look at all levels. What kind of changes do you envision? New policies? New disciplinary approaches? Better teacher training? More mental health supports and consults?
Let's get specific if we are ringing a warning bell. American education is incredibly diverse in economics, types of communities, ethnic and racial groups: different communities have very different needs. Today I read that our former U.S. president stated that the federal government should decide how students will be "disciplined." Yes, in public schools. So I urge caution and intelligence when sounding an alarm. Make sure you are looking broadly and using your teaching practice to put forth real changes. Best wishes to all of us.
Mars Caulton ��
Original Message:
Sent: 2/21/2023 8:28:00 AM
From: Danielle Boudreau Gorman
Subject: RE: BROKEN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Hi Catherine,
I can hear your frustration and impetus to make a difference. I understand how you feel. Our public education system is indeed a broken system, and our early childhood care and education system is even more dysfunctional because of lack of public funding.
When you say, "Children are out of control. Even preschoolers are presenting major behavioral challenges." I wonder if there is a way to redirect our observations to the adults who have neglected and ignored everything we know about what children need, rather than sounding like the children are the problem. Children are expressing their neglect (from lack of community investment in children, programs, and teachers), lack of consistency, and high quality of care. They aren't out of control - they are the victims and are hurting. Their actions are showing how much we have let them down.
Bravo! That you are joining your local chapter. There is much to do.
In Maine, our chapter has a program called Leadership in Early Childhood Advocacy and Policy (LeAP) - maybe you can find something similar where you are.
Sincerely, danielle gorman
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Danielle Gorman
Early Childhood Coordinator
Breakwater School
Portland ME
Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2023 04:52 AM
From: Catherine Doherty
Subject: BROKEN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
I believe we all agree, our US educational system is broken. Children are out of control. Even preschoolers are presenting major behavioral challenges. Teachers are leaving in droves. Stress is at a breaking point! Something needs to change!
I believe NAEYC was created just for this purpose; to change and improve our educational system for the benefit of both students and staff members. It really is all about the kids.
My question today, is what can I do to make our educational system better, besides following the rules and teaching my beloved little friends to the best of my ability? I joined this group for a reason. I would REALLY like to see changes. It is time for me to take a bigger role.
I will call my local chapter of VAEYC. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Catherine Doherty
pre-k teacher
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