LinkEd Blog
Why Learn Japanese?
Posted by hillslearning
April 27, 2010, 3:03 pm
This is certainly a question that is asked of both myself, and of Hills Learning. Japanese in the 80’s was what Chinese is today, a language that is learned for business, political, and most importantly future expectations. If a language is perceived to become more prominent, people will try to learn it. Chinese is seen as a language that might even take over English in prominence, so people are desperate to learn it. Potential students for Japanese these days, so people tell me, are manga and anime fans.
To Blame or Not to Blame the Teachers Union
Posted by Beardy
March 17, 2010, 6:36 pm
On Tuesday, March 16th, the LinkEd team was able to participate in the Intelligence Squared Debate: Don’t Blame Teachers Unions for Our Failing Schools. We were not sure what to expect from the evening, but were pleasantly surprised by a true debate: two teams of three pitted against each other fighting to win the crowds vote for or against the motion ‘don’t blame teachers unions for our failing schools’.
Learning Chinese - Where to Start & the Basics
Posted by hillslearning
March 16, 2010, 1:39 pm
Congratulations on choosing to learn the most prominent Asian language for the new decade in 2010. Learning Chinese has become the new linguistic pursuit in schools throughout NYC. Individually when networking I've also come to find out that businessmen, government employees, parents concerned about their children's future, or just individuals interested in Asian language or culture have all at least discussed the possibility of learning Chinese. The possibilities with the language seem limitless, but where to start learning Chinese?
Event Recap: Celebration of Teaching & Learning
Posted by Rachel
March 10, 2010, 4:31 pm
On Saturday, March 6th, the LinkEd team headed over to the Hilton New York Hotel to attend the 5th annual Celebration of Teaching & Learning, the nation's premiere professional development conference for educators. Over 8,500 educators from across the country attended this year - wow!
Are Charter Schools a Fad?
Posted by annamarkowitz
December 08, 2009, 11:42 am
There is an interesting article in Gotham Schools that talks about the sustainability of charter schools. They are concerned that if the hedge fund managers stop thinking that charter schools are the "hip, trendy way to donate money" that their success could waver. They also suggest that they are taking money and resources away from innovative public schools... though I make the argument that this money would not have gone to schools in general and that the popularity of charter schools is just adding money to the education system.
A College Degree Won't Stop Racism
Posted by annamarkowitz
December 02, 2009, 8:37 am
Every parent wants their child to get a college degree in hopes that they will get a good job that pays well and makes them happy. Unfortunately, it seems that racism is getting in the way of this dream. The unemployment rate for black male college graduates 25 and older in 2009 has been nearly twice that of white male college graduates — 8.4 percent compared with 4.4 percent. Many job seekers have even edited their resumes to seem "less black". Read the full story here.
Teachers get Performance Bonuses even at Low Performing Schools
Posted by annamarkowitz
November 20, 2009, 2:16 pm
New York City DOE gave out performance bonuses to schools that achieved their goals, even if that school received a D on their report card. Read about how they made these decisions and how much the teachers are raking in.
New York Faces Huge Budget Cuts
Posted by annamarkowitz
November 16, 2009, 6:33 am
New York is facing budget deficits that could put them in the same boat as California who is giving IOU's to their state employees. To try to reduce the deficit and stay afloat, they are going to be cutting education funds. They promise that there will be no teacher layoffs, but they want to reduce the spending per child since we pay 63% more per child than most states. Read the full story here.
Sesame Street Family Day at the Brooklyn Library
Posted by annamarkowitz
November 05, 2009, 11:19 am
Learn about the past 40 years of Sesame Street and meet Elmo himself at the Central Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza. The exhibit runs untill February 21st but this family friendly day is only on November 14 from 11 AM to 4 PM. Check out more information here.
Unions Support Charter Schools?
Posted by annamarkowitz
October 09, 2009, 9:34 am
Unions in New York City have switched their anti charter school stance. Check out this Post article to see if it is a real switch or just a cosmetic change.
Free Educational Computer Games
Posted by annamarkowitz
October 07, 2009, 5:17 am
Check out Curriculum Bits for interactive computer games for you students. These are great games to do at home or in the classroom.
Charter Schools are Closing the Achievement Gap
Posted by annamarkowitz
September 24, 2009, 11:36 am
A recent article in NY Daily News reported that charter schools in New York are 90% of the way towards closing the achievement gap between the predominantly low income students in the charter schools and their wealthier counter parts in Scarsdale. An eight year study followed students who were not chosen to attend charter schools verses their peers who were chosen to attend charter schools.
Apply for School Meals Online!
Posted by annamarkowitz
September 09, 2009, 5:16 am
New York families can visit www.nyc.gov/accessnyc to apply online for School Meals for their children. The online application can be submitted even before the school year begins!
Applying online saves time
By applying for School Meals online, families only need to submit one application for all their children, even if their children attend different schools, or if they attend different types of schools (public, private or charter).
Applying online is fast and easy
Queens rises to the challenge
Posted by annamarkowitz
September 08, 2009, 7:28 am
This year Queens is raising the bar and only 40 schools are "in need of improvement", this is down from 63 schools last year. That is a 37% improvement compared with a citywide improvement of 27%. So way to go Queens! Keep up the hard work and clue in the rest of the boroughs to what you are doing right. Check out this NY daily news article to read more about this.
Free Museum Day - 9/26!
Posted by Beardy
September 03, 2009, 4:27 am
Mark your calendars for Free Museum Day on September 26th. Take a look at the list of participating museums, print the coupon, get a group together, and take the kids to the museum of their choice.
After School Programs Near You.
Posted by Beardy
August 25, 2009, 7:26 pm
There are many after school programs available to the public across the five boroughs and the great part is: many of the them are free! Take a look - and take advantage - of these opportunities we found across the boroughs by simply Browsing Categories for 'After School' programs. Make sure you are making the most of your child's education.
Community League of the Heights - MANHATTAN
An inside view of NYC's Rubber Rooms
Posted by Rachel
August 24, 2009, 10:46 am
A New Yorker article examines New York City's "Rubber Rooms," places where teachers accused of incompetence or misconduct sit idle, often for months, while continuing to receive full salaries.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/08/31/090831fa_fact_brill?currentPage=all
DOE Back to School Kick-Off on Saturday
Posted by AdminLinkEd
August 21, 2009, 11:48 am
The Department of Education’s Office of Family Engagement and Advocacy is holding their second annual back-to-school kick-off event in Central Park this Saturday. The event will be held at the Bandshell (72nd & 5th Ave) from 10am - 3pm. There should be performances, DOE information stations, speeches, snacks, and of course a table to get more information about LinkEducation and the many free or low-cost resources available to you in NYC. Come pay us a visit and enjoy the park on a great weekend day!
Assessment - The Triple Axel Failure
Posted by SusanHorowitz
August 19, 2009, 3:25 pm
Part of the Assessment Series by NYC Public School Teacher, Susan Horowitz
Looking for free reading games for K-5?
Posted by annamarkowitz
August 18, 2009, 6:36 pm
Whether you are a teacher or a parent, it is important to spend as much time reading and practicing phonetics as possible. If you are like many parents and teachers, you are always looking for a fun easy way to incorporate reading into your daily lives. The Florida Center for Reading Research has tons of free games for K-5 readers. They have games and tools on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency.
