Over the past few years, a group of economists, policitians, funders, and other have come together to form a group known as Partnership for America's Economic Success. "They are working to document economic research findings on early childhood investment and bring them to the attention of policymakers and the public" (Duggar & Rappaport, 2007). Interventions in the early childhood years are expected to have a more significant impact that interventions at a later age.
This article goes on to give specific ways that educators can work to form partnerships with business leaders, policians, and economists, such as forming peer-to-peer relationships and studying literature about making these investments in young children.
While I do think investing in early childhood is essential, and it has great implications on the future of our children, I think this topic can be very controversial. Education is not a business, and it should not be run like a business. I worked at a charter school for many years. The Head of School, who also worked at the Principal, had come from a business background. Policies and changes were often implemented without regards to the effects it would have on the children or the educators. We ended up with policies that were implemented and terminated quickly, exhausted teachers, and children stuck right in the middle. I just feel that there needs to be a complete collaboration between these individuals and educators to determine the best policy in regards to the children, not our economy.
Duggar, R. & Rappaport D. (2007). Partnering with the business community & economists
Resources
to advance a birth to five policy agenda. Retrieved from http://main.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/Partnering_with_the_Business_Community_final.pdf?docID=4361
Kristen, that was very profound statment pertaining to education not being a business. And how the principle from your former employment had a degree in business. I beleive in order for people to have a realistic understanding to what is best for the future of our children, it would be imperative to know the history of child development. Having a business degree well not do so.
ReplyDeleteI think the biggest thing that we need to remember is that all of this is new to the business world. I think as time goes on and more people are involved in the education of children, the better things will get. Unfortunately, the children right now are the testers and it is not fair to them.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love the picture that you put on this week's blog post. The chair on the money represents exactly what we are learning this week. I also agree with your statement that education is not a business. I think many administrators need to be reminded of this.
ReplyDelete