Throughout the course of the semester we have learned a lot about the importance of education and how other countries deal with early childhood education. It saddens me that the politicians in the United States talk about the importance of education, but yet they always seem to decrease the amount of money that is given to education. In this course we were lucky to be able to learn about early childhood education in other nations and how many nations view early childhood education as being extremely important. The three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for my professional and personal development. The three consequences I have learned is:
(1.) There are many people who believe in the importance of early childhood education and are willing to do anything to help young children receive the best education possible.
(2.) Many other nations are the same as us in the sense that funding is scarce and many schools work with world organizations to get funding in order to improve education. Many countries work with the charities and churches to get money. Education is important and these young children need to learn the basics for success.
(3.) Many other nations are ahead in education and in most professions which results in the United States being behind. I feel that we can learn a lot from other nations and build a strong education system that will help us produce well-educated people. According to an article Cindy Allen called "Statistics: Other Nations Passing Us By, Early Childhood Education the Key" "He also commended Enid’s Smart Start program through Community Development Support Association, and he pointed out Oklahoma has a strong ranking in early childhood education. He complimented the partnership between The Methodist Commons home and Enid Public Schools in working together to add 4-year-old programs at the facility. The program includes residents of the home helping with the program and providing interaction with the young students" (Allen, 2010).
I feel that one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of colleigial relations is that we all believe in the importance of early childhood education and that education is important to a young child. The more education a young child receives the better prepared they will be for the world. All nations seem to have problems with funding education and we all need to work together in order to increase the level of learning and set high standards.
Source: Allen, Cindy. (2010). "Statistics: Other Nations Passing Us By, Early Childhood Education the Key". Enid News. retrieved from: http://www.enidnews.com/
I agree that being able to remain international aware of issues and trends, we have to believe in early childhood field and its purposes. Things are always changing. It may be good or bad, but it is why we are here.
ReplyDeleteChrissy
I too have learned more about the different aspects of quality early childhood education from this course, and I am grate to be amongst people as you and my other colleagues.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say AMEN to your post?! I too am beyond tired of hearing about "the middle class" and how everyone is for "the children". I usually just shake my head because the more they talk the louder their actions that suggest otherwise become.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many passionate people, both nationally and internationally, that are dedicated to early childhood. While it's important not to ignore the politicans, I think we have to focus more attention on the passionate people. Politicians are driven by money and getting reelected so they'll say whatever they need to and sometimes we join in on their negativity game. Instead, we should draw our fire from the passionate people who are truly dedicated and invested in children and their future. Let's let their words, actions, and ideas fuel our advocacy!
Best of luck moving forward in our program. We're closing in on the mid way point! Keep up the hard work!!
I want to thank you for being a part of our class. It is a great learning experience to be able to read all the views about what is best for our children. I love the passion!
ReplyDeleteIndeed we have learned a lot in this course from viewing other countries on education as well knowing the true statement, that no matter what country, city, nation or state we all want the same thing and that is give each child an opportunity to receive a quality education, no matter where they live.
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