The Difference between 'Good' and 'Excellent' Teachers

Researchers at the London's Institute of Education set out to find what makes an 'excellent' elementary teacher. Research leader, Prof. Iram Siraj-Blatchford, says that it is bundle of behaviors working together that can make a difference to children's development. It is pointed out that all children benefit from these classrooms but disadvantaged children the most. A longitudinal study tracking 3,000 students from ages 3 to 16 provided the data that found the following:

1. EXCELLENT ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS - making sure that students understand the learning objectives and associated concepts in a well organized and smooth classroom routines;
2. POSITIVE CLASSROOM CLIMATE - where adults and children in the class respect each other and behavior management is sensitive;
3. PERSONALIZED TEACHING - catering to individual needs and provide resources to to match those needs. Teachers are more likely to link learning in the classroom with the world outside and homework that links directly to lesson content;
4. DIALOGIC TEACHING AND LEARNING - harnessing the power of talk to extend and stimulate student thinking for advance learning and understanding;
5. PLENARIES - applying a plenary to recap a lesson or to provide feedback. An example is to create a group solution from individual answers.

Commentary: When the article from the Guardian Professional (10/31/2011) caught the eye, I was anticipating a revolutionary answer. But in the words of the author, 'it is not rocket science'. It is simply the combination of good practices lumped together in a successful application. Perhaps these five steps should form the basis of any lesson plan rather than mundane mission statements and outcomes to match potential test scores.It underscores the value of having participation in the classroom instead of one-directional communication. It is indeed a case of 'students being seen and heard'.
Michael Cordier

Obesity is Still an Issue

Michigan Getting Aggressive
The fight against obesity has become stale due to overuse of the term. Luckily a lot of decision makers have not given up on this issue. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (R) unveiled a series of proposals to tackle health issues in his state and chief amongst them is childhood obesity. He is trying to partner with state agencies schools, farmers and doctors to develop programs to encourage healthy eating and physical activity amongst the youth of Michigan. Included in his proposal is the tracking of BMI (Body Mass Index) of students over time.
Analysis: Advocates for physical education wants to move away from the term 'fight against obesity' to the term 'increase of physical activity'. They point out that obesity is the symptom while inactivity and poor nutrition are the causes. The 'fight' is therefore aimed at the wrong solution.They might have a point!
The measurement of Body Mass Index has always been a bone of contention. It is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. Problem is that it scewer outcomes of performance athletes. However, it is pretty accurate for the general population when height and weight is measured accurately and a very good form of non-invasive data collection for all ages. Given that 20% - 30% over normal weight is considered obese and increase the risk of many preventative diseases, it is very good to measure it regularly.

Technology is Becoming part of the Education Framework Globally
Two new low-cost alternatives to Apple iPad tablet computer were released last week with the intention of providing new access to technology for students who could otherwise not afford it. KOED.org (10/11) reports that the Aakash tablet will allow unprecedented access to e-texts and other resources for students in India. The solar-powered I-Slate is set to be priced around $50 and offers a version of the handheld blackboards used by many students around the world. In Africa. more people with have access to mobile phones than electricity. Growing mobile technologies are allowing distance learning in African schools and universities and assisting in teaching primary schools in Tanzania , Kenia, and South Africa.
Analysis: When mentioning the prediction that more than 50% of students in the USA will not be tutored in a traditional school building by 2020, the reaction ranges from shock to confirmed dementia. It is interesting to see how developing countries are embracing all forms of technology to provide education while we fight about standards and test scores. These 'new learners' will have a competitive edge by default due to technology applications and irrespective of test results!
Michael Cordier

Good to be Back

Dear Readers - It is a pleasure to be back after a hiatus of four months over the summer. Interesting changes have taken place in our fields of interest and the hope is to report and comment on these on a weekly basis. As always an attempt is made to specifically cover domestic and international news about health, wellness, physical education and fitness and the development of the whole child in general.

Community College Readiness in Two Years?
Edweek.org (10/3/11) reported that 21 high schools in four states are piloting an academic program that are aimed at readying all students for community college by the end of the second year in high school. Academic programs are divided into 'lower division' and 'upper division' and the goal is for every student to either enter a community college, university or a vocational program after graduation.

Comment: This approach has been tried and tested with much success in the United Kingdom and other countries. 'Lower Division' students can choose from the ACT's QualityCore program or Cambridge's General Level program. 'Upper Division' can choose from Cambridge International A and AS level programs, International Baccalaureate program or the College Board's Advanced Placement International Diploma program. This approach allows better tracking of students and help guidance councilors tremendously. It also provides students with definite career goals or at least make them think about a future after school.

Students Bypass Health Choices
Who would have thought? The New York Times (10/2/11) reports that students at Commack High School on Long Island, NY is not gravitating in droves to healthier choices in vending machines. Says one student, "I can get apples for free at home!" Sales in the first three weeks of September is less than a third of what is normally sold through vending machines.
Comment: It is going to take time to get students on a healthy path. Body weight took 20 years to get out of hand so don't expect that legislation will change habits overnight.
Michael Cordier

National Fitness and Sports Month

Spring is always associated with the notion of getting out and enjoy the outdoors. It is no wonder that the National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is celebrated during this time. The dichotomy is in the fact that while the Olympics and Super Bowl  draw record numbers of television viewers, the masses seem to limit their physical activity to exactly that - watching others do it!

The Herald (Scotland - 5/17/11) reports that the numbers of students in Scotland walking to school is steadily declining despite Scottish Government attempt to promote physical activity. The latest survey found that only 45.8% of school children walked to school while two decades ago it was 62%. This is in contrast to walking being stated as the most frequent for of active travel among youth.  The upside is that slightly more students cycle to school (2.8%) compared to 2.3% in 2008. Needless to say the the number one reason given by parents is the fear for the safety of children. This is not unlike the United Sates and a similar barrier for the national Safe Routes to School program.

The British Heart Foundation recently published a survey showing that 73% of students are interested in learning first aid at school that included cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It continues that more than three-quarters of parents support such teaching. According to the BBC (5/15/11), there is a push to make first-aid part of the national curriculum.

If spring is the start of your push to be more physically active, sign up for the President's Council challenge at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/ and record your progress at no cost. It's fun!
Michael Cordier

Teachers - Dedicated to Serve

While turmoil circles the daily lives of teachers in the form of budgets, curriculum changes, accountability and various learning models, they continue to show up in class every day to do what they do best - teach children. This dedication to the improvement of other people's children, sometimes at great personal sacrifice, is something not quite well understood by those who lack the passion to teach. Every teacher will admit to a single moment in a classroom or conversation with a student where their life's work is made all worth it. The very reason why they at times suffer abuse from parents, administrators, politicians, and at times, unions. Most parents will admit it is tough enough raising their own brood, never mind 30 others such as theirs.

But how deep does this dedication run? The China Post (Apr 26) reports that teachers in China is concerned about a new law that will limit their work day to eight hours a day, five days a week, beginning in August. Teacher say the new rule is unacceptable because teaching often requires working additional hours. If they are forced to stop working it will leave students unattended. Wow!

This article highlights several issues:
1) Teachers in China consistently work more than eight hours a day, often more than five days a week. They do not have a three-month vacation as is the case in the USA;
2) Students are spending eight hours or more a day, with these teachers - year round;
3) Incredible discipline on the side of the students to maintain an academic workload;
4) Academic performance at school guarantees entrance to the top universities across the world;
5) Global competition is of paramount importance for these students and teachers.

This is underscored by an article in the Daily Mail (London, Apr 28) that reports the number of foreign-born students enrolling in Britain's private schools has increased by 44.4% since last year. About one-third of the students are from China and Hong Kong. As USA states cut back on education budgets and have holds on employment opportunities, one wonders how this will impact the ability of our students to compete globally. With furlough days in several states these past two years due to budget cuts, the gap seems to widen between progress in emerging countries and the status quo on the home front.

As we show appreciation for our teachers let's not forget what other nations are doing to prepare their students for the future.
Michael Cordier

Body Mass Index and Student Recording

Over the past 10 years the PEP Grant (Carol M. White grant) was the major funding vehicle for physical education in America. While obesity continues to increase among youth and adults, school districts continue to refuse increased spending in the one area that can positively impact the nation as a whole and academic performance on individual level. The obvious excuse now is the bad economy but even in the 'good old days' this single funding source provided the majority of impetus in innovation, technology and application of structured physical education.

The funding for PEP 2011/2012 is still being debated but guidelines were provided should the legislation approve funding. Major changes from past practices are evident, the first being " Program Specific Assurances for Competitive Preference # 1 - Collection of Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement". This is a shot across the bow to ensure data gathering and empirical evidence that can show any intervention to have a positive impact on the major reason for funding: fighting obesity and improving fitness.

The issue of measuring body fat  in some form or another has been controversial in our politically correct society since scientists developed protocols for it. At best, it is an elective practice in some schools or school districts around the country. But other countries, who are serious about the health of their nation, simply legislate interventions such as body fat percentage measurements or Body Mass Index (ratio of height to weight) data collection. Malaysia is the most recent country that will display BMI on report cards of all students in addition to curricular subjects.

As part of Malaysia's fight against obesity, school cafeterias will be banned from selling sugary soft drinks or fattening junk foods. Food vendors selling sugary fried snacks will be discouraged (read removed) from setting up outside playgrounds after school. According to the country's health minister, almost one-third of Malaysians are overweight while a further third are obese (1.7 million below the age of 18 are obese). This is not as bad as the situation in America but the Malaysian government acted sternly and aggressively, using BMI to educate parents about ideal weight, overweight or being obese.

On serious issues such as these, where many parents are in denial, they should be applauded for doing the right thing. I predict that Malasia will drop in the Asian obesity rankings (6th currently) in one generation.
Michael Cordier

Menu Labeling and other Headaches

Those who like the government to dictate and intervene on micro level applauded the draft rules released by the Food and Drug Administration last week that will require the disclosure of calorie and nutritional information on menus or menu boards in chain restaurants and retail food establishments - including calorie posting for food sold through vending machines. Those seeing these rules authorized by the Affordable Care Act as another intrusion of governmnet on personal choice and daily behavior in strongly against it. A case can be made on both sides but it is safe to bet that either menu choices are going to shrink in our favorite restaurants or menus will start to look like encyclopedias.

This is in addition to another food fight looming with the first re-write of school-menu rules in 15 years.
The skirmish is over the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts, prompted by the recent passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, to rewrite the rules about meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. At stake is what will and won’t be offered in the breakfasts and lunches schools serve millions of children every weekday. (Education Week 4/5/11). Stakeholders include farmers, food companies, cafeteria managers and off course, lobbyists with the occasional celebrity chef weighing in. This update is long overdue and much needed as such a large percentage of our student population receive their primary meals from the school cafeteria.

With budgets being cut in all public schools and events such as the veto by a state governor recently on a passed bill to mandate physical education in one state, it is encouraging to learn about a new Physical Activity Initiative by the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole and George Mitchell. The group aims to develop policy solutions across political party lines. The goal is to make policy recommendations on food, health, fitness and nutrition issues. Let's hope they ask for input from folks with boots on the ground!
Michael Cordier

Educational Impact in Japan

Imagine a scenario where thousands of text books are soiled, equipment damaged, chairs and tables caked with mud and you have just stepped into many classrooms in Japan - on the second and third floors! And that is the visible evidence of an earthquake and tsunami. But what about the mind of a kindergartner who saw it, felt it, and heard it? With no understanding of what is happening or any comprehension on how to deal with loss of all kinds.

It s fair to say that children will need counseling for a long time to come. In the mean time teachers are just trying to keep kids busy - cleaning up muddy walls and removing debris. Schools resumed this week in the epicenter area of northeastern Japan. Many classes are held in makeshift spaces, providing some kind of safe haven for children to reunite with friends.

Experts expect the worst-effected people to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and believe that younger students will find it harder to articulate their distress. As a result, psychiatrists are being sought to volunteer at hospitals, clinics, and evacuation centers still teeming with occupants. We can expect that the physiological impact of this disaster will last as long or longer than the current nuclear fall-out.

In the mean time, the UK's Guardian's Teacher Network is now incorporating world events into lessons to help parents and children understand major global phenomena. For example it recently showed  a tectonic map of Japan's sea floor complete with fault lines and animations of the tectonic plates moving that resulted in the earthquake and tsunami. This goes a long way to explain real reasons for disasters and started a very useful resource - for free.
Michael Cordier
Source: ASCD wordwide Edition 3/22/2011

International Education

On a recent trade mission to South Africa it became apparent that there is a strong relationship between practices in America and those on the international education front. In our area of physical education for example, South Africa just approved a law mandating physical education twice a week in all grade levels. This after an absence of 12 years from promoting physical activity amongst students. Interesting to note is the fact that obesity amongst children under 18 has increased by 3% over the past three years - this in a country where a huge emphasis is placed on sports participation.

Like the US, the government of South Africa looks at physical education from various vantage points. The economic impact of increased costs associated with preventative diseases related to obesity, the issue of readiness in a global economy, and the proper application of individual skills to compete internationally. Sadly, no one is mentioning the mental benefits derived from frequent physical activity. As reported in several studies here in the US, physically active students perform better academically than inactive students.

Some schools in the US go as far as a 30-minutes physical education class before any math or core subject test. Results from such assessments confirm the notion that activity contributes positively to academic performance. This case is still being made to the Department of Basic Education in South Africa in conjuction with incredible curricula and equipment to support a vibrant physical education program.

After a year-and-a-half of reporting on trends, legislation, and practices in health and physical education in America, this blog will increase the reporting and discussion on international education trends for a balanced delivery in a world that is getting smaller every day.
Michael Cordier

Field Trips & Obesity

Two headlines caught the eye recently: one opined on the demise of field trips because of budget shortages and the second related to pending legislation in Nevada that will require child care providers to take annual training about childhood obesity.

While the argument could be made that given a choice to cut a teacher or cut field trips, the choice is easy we should perhaps consider the original thought behind field trips. It was implemented to get students out of the classroom to experience real-life scenarios. To visit a museum, a drama, a science center, a zoo, a musical, a 911 call center, a firehouse, a ecological project and all the interesting things that many students will never see, hear, taste, or smell in their entire life times. An old Chinese proverb says, "A thousand miles traveled is better than 10,000 words read". Field trips should not be an either/or choice. It is too important for overall student development.

Encouraging is a bill from Senator Valerie Weiner, D-Las Vegas, that  requires training each year for child care providers in nutrition and fitness. The argument is made that these providers play a larger role in the child's health and development as 36% of children entering kindergarten in Nevada are overweight. I cannot agree more with this legislation and hope that the Nevada Senate passes it.
Michael Cordier

New CDC Report on Obesity

I did not see any coverage in the national media of a new report by the CDC on obesity in youth and adults. The CDC does not release anything unless all findings are well researched and documented. They do not release reports on the same topics often, ensuring research to take it's course. It is therefore pertinent to quote this report verbatim. Details can be found at the following link and highlights are my attributes to focus on the severity: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6002a2.htm?s_cid=mm6002a2_x

"In the United States, childhood obesity affects approximately 12.5 million children and teens (17% of that population). Changes in obesity prevalence from the 1960s show a rapid increase in the 1980s and 1990s, when obesity prevalence among children and teens tripled, from nearly 5% to approximately 15%. During the past 10 years, the rapid increase in obesity has slowed and might have leveled. However, among the heaviest boys, a significant increase in obesity has been observed, with the heaviest getting even heavier. Moreover, substantial racial/ethnic disparities exist, with Hispanic boys and non-Hispanic black girls disproportionately affected by obesity. Also, older children and teens are more likely to be obese compared with preschoolers.


In the short term, obesity in children can lead to psychosocial problems and to cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and abnormal glucose tolerance or diabetes. In one study, 70% of obese children had at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, and 30% had two or more. Although the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in teens is very low, a recent report estimated that 15% of new diabetes cases among children and adolescents are type 2 diabetes. In the 1980s, type 2 diabetes in teens was virtually unheard of.


The prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults (34%) is twice that observed in children and translates into nearly 73 million adult men and women. On average, U.S. adults weigh 24 pounds more than they did in 1960, and they are at increased risk for health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Although obesity prevalence has remained mostly flat in the past 10 years, the costs associated with obesity have increased substantially during the same period. One study estimated that approximately 9% of all medical costs in 2008 were obesity-related and amounted to $147 billion, compared with $78.5 billion 10 years before".


The report continues to discuss interventions that have taken place and make suggestions for other pro-active steps. It also shares some visuals to bring the message home:



You are encouraged to read the full report to understand the push from all angles to get kids healthier and fitter. It is of strategic and national interest.
Michael Cordier

What Happens at the End of Stimulus Money?

Michele McNeil posted (Politics K-12 - EdWeek 1/20/11) an interesting blog about funding in states and how much money is left from various stimulus funds. The table below includes Race to the Top funds in states such as Delaware and Tennessee while energy-rich states shows a strong reserve due to a constant income from those sources (Wyoming, Texas, and Alaska). But some states are running out of money fast and it will dratically impact education (Iowa, Arizona, and California). As reported last week, the California governor has already taken steps to redesign the Education Department. Iowa plans to cut all state funding for pre-school for four-year olds. The prediction is that more of these measures will follow around the country.

Leadership Roles in Education

It is true that any organization is only as good as it's leaders for planning, directing, and motivating workers to achieve goals and objectives. In a district or state education setting, many leadership positions are politically motivated appointees. There are the obvious problems with this practice such as payback or favors to certain groups or individuals, but the biggest issue is the expansion of a bureaucracy with more bosses than workers.

Recently the newly elected California Governor Jerry Brown (D) aannounced that he is eliminating the secretary of education post, saving $1.9 million a year. The savings is an indication of the amount of money attached to such an office. Think of staff, perks, office etc. and it adds up quickly but the next natural thought should be how many of these positions exist in state departments across the country.

In the case of California, the position of secretary of education was created in 1990 when conflict existed between a governor and an elected superintendent of public instruction from different parties. Talk about inflated egos! This was a constant power play between an elected official and an appointed official and the latter never gained much clout. In fact, during the seven-year tenure of the previous Governor Schwarzenegger, five secretaries of education revolved through the office. Sounds like a few 'buddies' built strong resumes this way!

Talking of leadership, school boards members are also under scrutiny where more than 90% are elected through school board elections and fewer than 10% are appointed. The issue here is the quality of people serving on schools boards to guide policy and oversee elementary and secondary education. School board members range from PhD's to folks who have not completed high school. EdWeek (1/12/11) asks if there should be a qualification process to serve on a school board? Seats are taken with virtually no preparation for the tasks that await them. Should there be ongoing training for school board members or can schools be managed without the current 13,809 school boards?

The idea of local governance is part of democracy as perceived by the public at large. It is fair to assume that school boards will be around forever but some form of preparation or training makes sense because the process of quality education is complex and vital.
Michael Cordier

New Year, New Congress

It seems so 'last year' when the buzz was all about standards-based teaching and teacher pay for performance. The RTT (Race to the Top) funding frenzy petered out like the flame of a burned-out candle. Some winning states even returned the money stating that the cost to make the changes required in the grant would cost more than the funds received. Unions got the message that mediocre was not good enough and silently made changes before legislation was forced on them. Fire brand advocates of the Secretary of Education seems to have disappeared into the bowls of bureaucracy where they emerged from two years ago.

The New Year's education headlines seems to be returning to the core of education: what is best for the student. Hallelujah! Washington State reports a proposal to create a single Education Department in lieu of multi-departmental units managing their education process. New York is appointing business professionals as school principals, and California is experimenting with year-round alternative schools with individualized instruction. Kentucky offers bonuses for student success in AP math and science.

The focus on the core subjects so dominant in the NCLB legislation is also receiving a new look. The debate has started about high school curricula being changed to better suit college entry and success, rather than measuring standards-based content. Environmental Education is being considered as a subject and ethnic-studies course are being debated.

The other 'big thing' in 2011 is the emergence of technology use in and outside of the classroom in the education process. Electronic readers, social media, cell phone apps and electronic blackboards are the rage on websites. Also enjoying a high profile is the streamlining and fine-tuning of virtual education. How to ensure social interaction, strong assessments, and applicable content - all online.

Looks like the New Year is all about saving money or do without money. When money s not in the equation the focus is on students and that is a good thing.
Michael Cordier