Building Quality in Summer Learning Programs: Approaches and Recommendations

Examines settings for summer programs for low-income youth -- schools, parks and recreation departments, community- and faith-based organizations, and childcare programs -- and their limitations and opportunities in building better programming

Supporting the Algebra I Curriculum with an Introduction to Computational Thinking Course

The Louisiana Workforce Commission predicts a 33.6% increase in computer science and mathematical occupations by 2022 and the Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees a 16% increase in computer scientists from 2018-2028. Despite these opportunities for job and financial security, the number of Louisiana students enrolled in a nationally accredited computing course is less than 1%, compared to national leaders California and Texas which have 3% and 3.8% of students respectively. Furthermore, the international assessments of mathematical literacy, PISA and TIMMS, both report American students continue to fall further behind their international peers in mathematics achievement. This thesis rejects these statistics as definitive and attempts to contribute to an expansion of the mathematical libraries of a computational thinking course that a teacher could use to support a standards-based Algebra I course. The framework presented in this thesis supports the Louisiana State University (LSU) STEM Pathway course entitled Introduction to Computational Thinking (ICT). The course introduces students to a systematic problem-solving approach in which they learn to solve problems computationally, that is, through abstraction, decomposition, and pattern recognition. ICT utilizes the functional programming language Haskell in the educational programming environment “CodeWorld” in order to create pictures and animations. Jean Piaget, the great child cognitive development psychologist, proclaimed “The goal of intellectual education is not to know how to repeat or retain ready-made truths”; rather, one becomes educated by “learning to master the truth by oneself” (Piaget, 1973). Because of the graphical outputs that one can easily code in CodeWorld, students have the ability to explore an algebraic concept with a computer programmed model, alongside the textbook’s given table, equation and graph. This thesis provides additional projects for supporting the Algebra I curriculum through LSU’s ICT course and an overview of the history of computing with an emphasis on highlighting some of the attempts that were undertaken within the past 80 years to use computational thinking and programming to support problem solving across disciplines, including the humanities, math and sciences

Black Minds Matter: Supporting the Educational Success of Black Children in California

"Black Minds Matter: Supporting the Educational Success of Black Children in California," examines how the nearly 1 million Black youth in California are faring from preschool through college and reveals the distressing disparities that newly released state and national data show persist at all levels of their educational journey. The report also highlights the groundbreaking efforts underway to reverse these trends in California and close achievement and opportunity gaps for African American students.The report calls on policymakers, education leaders, and all Californians to prioritize the equity-based changes that California's Black students deserve and have been waiting far too long for. If we believe California is a land of opportunity, we must acknowledge that the current rate of progress we see is unacceptable

Carmel College: report from the Inspectorate (FEFC inspection report; 104/96 and 09/99)

Comprises two Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) inspection reports for the periods 1995-96 and 1998-99

STEAM vs. STEM: A Study and Program Proposal for Monticello

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and art programs have long been struggling for dominance in the education system. This fight overshadows the fact there are synergistic educative capabilities when these two schools of thought are combined, allowing scientific and artistic persons to work in tandem and be exposed to a wider variety of problem-solving options and opinions. This study aims to focus on museum education practices specifically and how implementing STEAM programs (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) versus STEM could raise the perceived value of arts in society, as well as create a more enriching educational experience by using more holistic and interdisciplinary measures within their curriculum. This study will focus on the historical site Monticello and its current educational programs and expand on how these programs may be adapted to become STEAM programs that appeal to both artistic standards and scientific/technological standards

Using Coding to Positively Impact Writing in the Elementary Classroom

Abstract not required

Being Black Is Not a Risk Factor: A Strengths-Based Look at the State of the Black Child

Including nine essays from experts and five "points of proof" organization case studies, this publication challenges the prevailing discourse about black children and intends to facilitate a conversation around strengths, assets, and resilience. It addresses the needs of policymakers, advocates, principals, teachers, parents, and others

Afterschool in Action: How Innovative Afterschool Programs Address Critical Issues Facing Middle School Youth

With support from MetLife Foundation, the Afterschool Alliance presents this compendium, containing a series of four issue briefs examining critical issues facing middle school youth, schools and communities, and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. The four issue briefs featured in this publication address: the importance of aligning afterschool with the school day, bullying awareness and prevention, service-learning opportunities and literacy education. Each brief combines relevant statistics, comments from experts and community leaders, and examples of outstanding afterschool programs. The compendium also includes profiles of successful programs and a discussion of the MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award.The 2011 MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award winners are:Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools - New Orleans, LAHigher Achievement - Washington, D.C.Urban Arts/Project Phoenix - Oakland, CA21st Century PASOS - Gettysburg, PAAmerica SCORES - Chicago, I

Beliefs of Georgia Educators Regarding After-School Programs

The purpose of this research study was to determine middle school educators\u27 beliefs regarding strategies that are useful for effective implementation of middle school after-school programs. The individuals most appropriate to provide the answers to the research question included middle school after-school program directors and teachers. A purposive sample of two middle schools in the Northeast Georgia (NEGA) Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) was identified on the RESA Website. A descriptive qualitative methodology was used, with open-ended questions in order to obtain detailed responses from the interview participants. Instrumentation for this study was structured interviews of selected participants. The interview questions consisted of eleven sub-questions that were organized into the following four categories: goals, structure/organization, relationship to AYP, and support. The instrument was reviewed by a team of educators that currently serve in after-school programs. The instrument was pilot tested with one volunteer educator that supervises and teaches in an after-school program. Findings from this researcher\u27s study showed that after-school programs are often labeled effective when they are well organized, develop a good reputation within the community, and become self-sustaining. After-school programs should also be designed to achieve desired outcomes. Strategies, techniques, approaches, and activities should be selected that are likely to produce results as well as engage and satisfy stakeholders. Finally, in the era of accountability, evaluation and research that indicates program success will be the ultimate factors that draw financial support and build program credibility