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AwardWinnerVolume XI, No. 8 • New York City • APRIL 2006For Parents, Educators & StudentsHonoring Poets& WritersErica Jong Nane Annan Carol Higgins ClarkPRSRT STD.u.s. postage paidPermit No.500VOORHEES, NJLeila Hadley Luce Malachy McCourt

Education update ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ APRIL 2006National Poetry Monthby Pola Rosen, Ed.D.April is National Poetry Month and a timeto read, recite, write and appreciate poetry aswell as literature. Since literature and poetryare intertwined, we decided to interview severalstate poet laureates (see the centerfold) fromOregon, Maryland, Wyoming, South Carolinaand Kansas as well as five “local” New YorkCity well-known authors that we were privilegedto interview personally. Their words and worksEd Update Ad.CUNY.mech 3/28/06 5:36 PM Page 1Philipa NjauCity College 2006Goldwater Scholar 2005Fiona SmithYork College 2005Jonas E. Salk Scholar 2005Penn State Medical College 2009Lev SviridovCity College 2005Rhodes Scholar 2005EDITORIALare far from local for they resonate in differentlanguages throughout the world.The ultimate passion of writing, a lonely craftthat satisfies so fully when completed, wasrevealed with wit, honesty, humor and intelligenceby Erica Jong, Leila Hadley Luce, MalachyMcCourt, Nane Annan and Carol Higgins Clark.Several, independently of each other, quoted amagnificent poem by Yeats expressing that itshould be essential reading for young peopleSybille Ngo NyeckLaGuardia Community College 2005Audre Lorde Scholarship 2005Swarthmore College 2007Claudio SimpkinsCUNY Honors CollegeCity College 2006Truman Fellow 2005Harvard Law School 2009David BauerHunter College High School 2005CUNY Honors CollegeCity College 2009Intel Science Prize First Place Winner 2005Eugene ShenderovBrooklyn College 2005Rhodes Scholar 2005The City University of New YorkWWW.CUNY.EDU • 1-800-CUNY-YES • CUNY TV CHANNEL 75today. The poem they shared with me and I inturn am passing on to you follows:He Wishes for the Cloths of HeavenW.B. YeatsHad I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,Enwrought with golden and silver light,The blue and the dim and the dark clothsOf night and light and the half light,I would spread the cloths under your feet:But I, being poor, have only my dreams;I have spread my dreams under your feet;Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.Alice Michelle AugustineLehman College 2006Soros Fellow 2006Oladapo O. YekuMedgar Evers College 2005Jonas E. Salk Scholar 2005Stony Brook School of Medicine 2009Education UpdateMailing Address:17 Lexington Avenue, A1207New York, NY 10010Email: ednews1@aol.comwww.EducationUpdate.comTel: 212-477-5600Fax: 212-477-5893PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN CHIEF:Pola Rosen, Ed.D.ADVISORY COUNCIL:Mary Brabeck, Dean, NYU School ofEducation; Sheila Evans-Tranumn, Assoc.Comm. of Education, NYS; Charlotte K.Frank, Ph.D., Senior VP, McGraw-Hill; JoanFreilich, Ph.D., Vice Chair, Con Edison;Augusta S. Kappner, Ph.D., President, BankSt. College; Bonnie Kaiser, Ph.D., Director,Precollege Program, Rockefeller University;Harold Koplewicz, M.D., Director, NYUChild Study Center; Cecilia McCarton,Ph.D., Dir., The McCarton Center; AlfredS. Posamentier, Ph.D., Dean, CCNY;Adam Sugerman, Publisher, PalmichePress; Laurie Tisch, Chair, Center for ArtsEducationASSOCIATE EDITORS:Heather Rosen, Adam Sugerman,Rob WertheimerASSISTANT EDITOR:Liza YoungGUEST COLUMNISTS:Maureen Colburn, Chris Farmer, LewisBurke Frumkes, Glenn S. Hirsch, M.D.,Steve Manotti, Kathleen Ponze, AlfredPosamentier, Ph.D., Eric M. RosenbergSTAFF WRITERS:Jacob Appel, J.D., Stevanne Auerbach,Ph.D., Joan Baum, Ph.D., Gillian Granoff,Richard Kagan, Joanne Kontopirakis, SybilMaimin, Martha McCarthy, Ph.D., MerriRosenberg, Emily Sherwood, Ph.D.BOOK REVIEWERS:Harris Healy III, Lillian Shapiro,Selene VasquezMEDICAL EDITOR:Herman Rosen, M.D.MODERN LANGUAGE EDITOR:Adam SugermanEDITOR-AT-LARGE:Steve BaileyMOVIE & THEATER REVIEWS:Jan AaronMUSIC EDITOR:Irving M. SpitzPOLITICAL COMMENTARY:Stuart DunnART DIRECTOR:Neil SchuldinerADVERTISING DEPARTMENT:Martin Lieberman, Manager.Steve Bailey, Nancy Kontos,David EdelmanACCOUNTING MANAGER:Michael PortnoyEDITORIAL INTERN:Timothy Brunner, Hofstra UniversityEducation Update is published monthlyby Education Update, Inc. All material iscopyrighted and may not be printed withoutexpress consent of the publisher.POSTMASTER:Send address changes to:Education UpdateP.O. Box 1588NY, NY 10159Subscription: Annual $30.Copyright © 2006 Education Update

APRIL 2006 ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ Education updateRead, Read, Read!by lewis Burke FrumkesWhen I ask other authors what advice theywould give to new writers starting out theyalmost invariably reply: “Read, read, read!” Andthey say it for good reason. Reading can transportus to realms unavailable to us in the real world.We can visit and revisit exciting people andadventures that we will never actually encounterin our daily lives. It allows us to access the wondersof the quantum universe even as it searchesthe cosmos for clues to our ultimate beginnings.Does the final underlying essence of all things orwhat Locke calls the material substratum reallyconsist of tiny shimmering strings and elevendimensions as Brian Green, Ed Witten and othertheoretical physicists would have us believe, oris it something else, something currently andmaybe permanently unfathomable? Whatever theRE: Mr. Dodson’s EditorialTo the Editor:On behalf of the SME Education Foundation—www.sme.org/foundation—I wanted you to beaware of the work we are doing through ourManufacturing Education Plan (MEP) that hasfunded more than $19 million to more than 30colleges and universities across the country forthe express purpose of developing programs withthe collaboration of business, industry and academia,to address competency gaps in graduatingmanufacturing engineers and technologists.We will be bringing STEPS (Science,Technology & Engineering Preview Summer)camp to Brockport, NY this summer. This programis a collaboration with Project Lead Theanswer to these perplexing philosophical questionsno territory is off limits when reading evenand especially the remote regions of the humanheart. With the advent of National Poetry Monthit behooves us to think again about reading, aboutits emotional flights and its illuminations.Who, for example, has not cried in the fifthact of Cyrano de Bergerac as Roxanne learns ofCyrano’s love for her and Cyrano learns when itis too late that Roxanne was always in love withthe author of the words she wears around herneck. . . in other words, Cyrano?Who has not trembled with pleasure on readingthe following lines from Elliot’s Burnt Norton ashe explores time present and time past,“Footfalls echo in the memoryDown the passage which we did not takeThrough the door we never openedInto the rose garden.”Not only is Elliot’s poetry poignant and beautifullywrought, it is positively haunting in terms ofGUEST EDITORIALLETTERS TO THE EDITORWay and is designed to prepare and motivateyoung people (K-12) to further their education.Barbara J. Gaston,SME Education FoundationPlymouth, MIRE: Ted Kooser, Poet LaureateTo the Editor:I didn’t know where else to say this. I gave mycopy of Shadows & Delights to a man namedBobby diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Heworked 47 years selling tractor parts behind thecounter here at the local John Deere tractor supply.He read it 10 times. We had him for supperand he brought it back. But I knew he wanted toread it at least 10 times again so I gave it back towhat might have been.Like a magic carpet reading can take us as faras our imagination and inclinations allow, andthen sometimes in directions we never dreamedof. When I was a boy I read the John Carter sciencefiction books by Edgar Rice Burroughs,creator of Tarzan. ‘A Princess of Mars’ was notonly one of the most original books I have everread it was one of the most romantic. John Carteran American who is mysteriously transported toMars finds that on Mars he has special powersbecause the gravity is less. He can jump highin the air, and is much stronger than on earth.He falls in love with Deja Thoris, a princessof Helium (A major city on Mars) and pursuesher when she is abducted by a Martian villain. Iwon’t tell you everything that transpires betweenthem but you can bet that he saves Deja Thorisand wins her heart in a manner that will makeyou proud to be an earthling. On John Carter’sBarsoom (Mars) I learned that there is a fourthhim. I wanted to let Ted know.Darrell CruseGeorgetown, KYRE: Drew Barrymore Draws Crowd at Barnardfor Her Film on VotingTo the Editor:This article is great. I love the information!!!Thanks for the info it really helped on my project!!!AmberEvans, GAEducation Updateis an independent Newspaperprimary color. Think about that for a minute. I’vethought about it all my life. What a simple butdaring concept.Reading is full of experiences like these; thecollective wisdom of the ages is yours for the taking.Even the internet hasn’t dulled the pleasuresof reading. There is virtually nothing you cannotexperience in a book, and practically nothing youcannot find out. Reading is one of the greatestgifts mankind has ever given itself. . . it is a magicdoor through which you may access ideas andplaces hitherto beyond your ken and reach. Onthe other hand if you have read this far I suspectthat I am preaching to the converted. Offer mywords instead to some poor soul who needs them.Tell him or her to “read, read, read!” Trust me,they will never regret it.#Lewis Burke Frumkes is the Director ofThe Writing Center at Marymount ManhattanCollege.In This IssueEditorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Spotlight on Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Colleges & Grad Schools . . . . . . . . 8-11, 15COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14Special Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17Technology & Education . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Theater Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Music, Art & Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19CAMPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Dean’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22MetroBEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

spotlight on schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2006Diane Ravitch Receives Bialkin/Citigroup Public Service AwardBy Emily Sherwood, Ph.D.Preeminent education historian and N.Y.U.professor Diane Ravitch added yet anotheraward to her distinguished collection of accoladeslast month, the covetedKenneth J. Bialkin/CitigroupPublic Service Award for hercontribution to education, presentedto her by none other thanher close friend and colleague,Kenneth Bialkin, Chairman ofthe American Jewish HistoricalSociety (AJHS). At the awardceremony, co-sponsored byCitigroup and AJHS and overflowingwith “the crème de lacrème of New York City education,”Bialkin praised Ravitchas “a woman of ideas, judgmentand intellect [who has] come tothe highest level of recognitionin her field.” Bialkin, a leading civic, businessand community figure who is currently a partnerin the prestigious law firm of Skadden, Arps,Slate, Meagher & Flom, underscored the importanceof deep thinkers like Ravitch in the fieldof education, noting that “our success as a nationcannot be separated from our ability to educateour children.”In accepting her award, Ravitch—who servedas Assistant Secretary of Education underPresident George H.W. Bush and is currently asenior fellow at both the Brookings and HooverInstitutions—thanked her inspirational highschool English teacher, Jean Ratcliffe, who oncegave her a verse of poetry from English poetLord Byron that read: ‘I stood/Among them, butnot of them; in a shroud/Of thoughts which werenot their thoughts.’ “I think she recognized that Ihad gifts,” explained Ravitch simply. Followingcollege at Wellesley, Ravitch went on to authorand edit over twenty books and to write morethan 400 articles and reviews for scholarly andpopular publications in addition to her teachingand administrative responsibilities.Ravitch and colleaguesRandi Weingarten, Presidentof the NYC United Federationof Teachers, and HaroldLevy, former NYC SchoolChancellor and currentlyExecutive Vice President ofKaplan, Inc, a leading educationaltesting and careerservices business, proceededto engage in a lively debateon “The State of EducationToday.” Weingarten called forlower class sizes and universalpre-kindergarten “sowe can help kids while theirminds are most supple….Weshould be having discussions about how to makethis happen for kids,” she exhorted the crowd.Levy urged a careful study of the educationalsystems in other countries, many of which havesurpassed our nation in educating their youth forthe rigors of the twenty first century. Levy alsodeplored the political tradeoff between the needsof the young and the old that’s taking place inthe state and federal legislatures. “In the tensionbetween education and health care, education isnot winning…We need to adapt that,” cautionedLevy.In her remarks, Ravitch chose to focus on problemswith state and national tests. “Wheneveryou have a single bar, it will be a low bar,”she said of the one-size-fits-all New York StateRegents exams, urging a return to “a system oflevels” to avoid what she views as a “dumbingdown” of these tests so that more students canpass. “Students need to aspire to somethingworth reaching…Don’t destroy the honor ofpassing the Regents exams,” she admonished.Similarly, Ravitch criticized federal No ChildLeft Behind (NCLB) testing requirements forcreating “too much emphasis on test preparation…Andthe curriculum has been narrowed toreading and math only.” Decrying the new corporatemodel of accountability, where test scores aredriving a pedagogical classroom instruction thatis turning into test preparation at the expense ofa deep, rich curriculum including social studies,science, literature, music and art, Ravitch proddeddecision-makers to “maintain civility of discussionsand a commitment to keep talking…Weneed the broadest possible discussion, we need tolearn from the past,” she concluded.Ravitch further blasted what she called a lackof accountability in New York City’s educationalsystem. With abolishment of the city’s centralBoard of Education by the State Legislature fouryears ago, “current boards have no decision-makingauthority…There is no place for parents to goto question policies,” Ravitch explained, deploringthe “politicization” of what she called a topdownmanagement structure controlled by MayorBloomberg and advocating public hearings in2009 when the current law sunsets.As the session drew to a close, Harold Levysummed up what many adoring fans in the audiencehad already figured out: “Diane Ravitch isthe Jean Ratcliffe for us all.” And to the roaringapplause of New York City’s educational moversand shakers, Ravitch left the dais to resume whatshe does best, advancing the dialogue of howbest to educate children in a climate of civilityand respect.#– .Al-WahaArabic Language VillageIn recognition of the urgency to giveNew York students better preparationin math, science and technology,Polytechnic University would like toremind you that we offer a50% GRADUATETUITION SCHOLARSHIPfor all teachers andother education professionals.Teacher Seminar(3 graduate credits)Ed 565: LanguageImmersionMethodologiesJuly 5-15, 2006Bemidji, MNNew York schools need to keep their teachers andstaff on the cutting edge of their fields, particularly inMath and Science. In this spirit, Polytechnic Universityis pleased to remind you of our Scholarship forEducation Professionals.This scholarship entitles anyone teaching or workingin a middle school, junior high school, high school orcollege a 50% tuition scholarship on graduateeducation at Polytechnic University. This is atremendous opportunity for teachers who arefulfilling their master’s degree requirements or anyother employee who is seeking an advanced degree.Learn more by joining us at a Graduate WeekInformation Session.For more information:Call: 1-800-POLYTECHOnline: www.poly.edu/graduate/edscholarshipEmail: gradinfo@poly.eduJOIN US FOR GRADUATE WEEKINFORMATION SESSIONSBROOKLYN CAMPUS6 METROTECH CENTER, BROOKLYN, NY 11201ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERINGThursday, April 20, 2006 — 6-8pmTECHNICAL WRITINGMonday, April 24, 2006 — 6-8pmCIVIL ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION MGMTTuesday, April 25, 2006 — 6-8pmCOMPUTER SCIENCE & MATHEMATICSTuesday, April 25, 2006 — 6-8pmBIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING & BIOINFORMATICSWednesday, April 26, 2006 — 6-8pmINTEGRATED DIGITAL MEDIAThursday, April 27, 2006 — 6-8pmMECHANICAL, INDUSTRIAL ANDMANUFACTURING ENGINEERINGThursday, April 27, 2006 — 6-8pmLONG ISLAND GRADUATE CENTER105 MAXESS ROAD, MELVILLE, NY 11747Tuesday, April 25, 2006 — 5-7:30pmWESTCHESTER GRADUATE CENTER40 SAW MILL RIVER ROAD, HAWTHORNE, NY 10532Tuesday, April 25, 2006 — 5-7:30pmMANHATTAN GRADUATE CENTER55 BROAD ST. NEW YORK, NY 10004Tuesday, April 18, 2006 — 6-7:30pmConcordia Language Villages announces a two-week Arabic Languageand cultural immersion program for youth in Vergas, MN!Dates Ages CostJuly 10- 22, 2006 8-14 $1325July 24- Aug. 5, 2006 13-18 $1325Last year, nearly 200 kids from New York learned more about the languagesand cultures of the world at our Villages in Minnesota and Georgia. We offerChinese, Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean,Norwegian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish, too!Generous scholarships and excellent charter transportation are available.We are also hiring camp counselors and program leaders. Contact us forregistration forms, employment applications and more information.Ask for a FREE Program Guide and DVD!CONCORDIALANGUAGEVILLAGESA program of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota USA1-800-222-4750www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.orgclv@cord.edu

APRIL 2006 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ spotlight on schoolsProfiles in Education: Nane AnnanBy Emily Sherwood, Ph.D.Nane Annan, wife of United Nations SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan, recalls sitting down on thedamp Pakistani earth with a little girl after lastyear’s horrific earthquake. “We had no languagein common…and yet there was a spark of sharingbetween us. These were precious moments,”recalls Mrs. Annan, who for over nine years hasforged thousands of such bonds while accompanyingher husband as a global human rightsadvocate.Raised in Sweden, the daughter of an internationaljudge, Mrs. Annan studied law and servedas an associate judge in her country. But overtea in the elegant living room of her diplomaticresidence in Manhattan, she prefers to steer theconversation away from herself and focus onthe more pressing issues afflicting our poorestcountries—education, equality between menand women, AIDS, and sanitation, to name buta handful. She has just returned from a trip toSouth Africa, having come full circle (it was herfirst official trip when her husband began his tourof duty as Secretary General in 1997.) The challengesfacing young girls in Africa are legendary:“parents keep them out of school because it isunsafe, or they need them at home to care foryounger siblings, or they cannot financially sendall their children, so they send only their boys,”she enumerates. Mrs. Annan is equally passionateabout the need for safe water and hygiene, addingthat it is important for girls to have separatelatrine facilities from boys in poor countries.“That may be one more reason for girls to dropout of school in their teen years,” she adds.To reinforce the U.N.’s message to our mostvulnerable global citizens, Mrs. Annan has writtenand illustrated a children’s book called Tip& Top: The Adventures of Two Water Drops, afairy tale that underscores the key role that waterMrs. Annan holding origami birds made bychildren in Africaplays throughout the world. And she’s also writtena more generic children’s book entitled TheUnited Nations, Come Along with Me, explainingthe purpose of the UN in easily understandableterms.Mrs. Annan is as active in her own back yardas she is in the remote corners of the world, oftensharing slide shows from her travels abroad withstudents in New York City classrooms. Americanchildren are invariably astounded at the livingconditions of their counterparts in third worldcountries, reacting in shock to photographs of“girls who walk with heavy buckets of wateron their heads…or children drinking brownwater from a dirty river….It is very specialfor me to go out to schools…and understandthe important role teachers have inthe classroom in creating a positive learningatmosphere for the children,” she concludes.(Slide shows with Mrs. Annan’s voiceovercan also be accessed on-line by going to theUN website, www.un.org and clicking onthe CyberSchoolBus icon.) Mrs. Annan isparticularly gratified to see the success ofthe Global Classrooms curriculum, wherebymiddle and high school students explore currentworld issues through simulations andcurricular materials.Yet for all the hours Mrs. Annan has devotedto enriching the lives of children andfamilies around the world, she is rewardedin equal measure by the outpouring of gratitudeand thanks she receives in the form ofhandmade gifts, cards, poems, and artworkfrom those she visits. She lovingly unwraps asmall sampling of mementoes: a mobile withhundreds of handmade white origami birdsfrom Africa; a child’s drawing of the Annansfrom China; a handmade book from Sweden;a globe from Johannesburg; an original poemfrom a classroom in the Bronx bearing the lyrics,‘The Secretary General as the UN’s boss/Is tryingto make sure that not a soul is lost.’Summing up why she does what she does,Mrs. Annan states ever so simply, “So often Iwill ask a little girl what she wants to be whenshe grows up, and in all countries, it is the sameanswer: “I want to be a doctor.” She says it withglittering eyes. I hope those eyes will not losetheir glitter.”#CONCORDIA LANGUAGE VILLAGESOFFERS ARABIC IN JULY 2006For nearly 50 years, Concordia Language Villageshas been boldly and optimistically pursuing a visionof peace and understanding by educating youngpeople in the languages and cultures of our world.New for 2006, Al-Wāha (“The Oasis”) providesyoung people ages 8-18 with a unique opportunityto learn the language and experience the diversityof the Arab culture at the Arabic Language Villagenear Vergas, Minn., USA. Scholarships and transportationare available for the two-week immersionsessions. Arabic is the 14th language offered by theorganization.“Arabic is one of the top five languages spoken inthe world today, yet few American schools teach it atthe pre-collegiate level,” explains Christine Schulze,Concordia Language Villages’ Executive Director.“We believe the time is right to help young peoplelearn Arabic and better appreciate this rich culturaland linguistic tradition. The understanding they gainwill help them enrich international dialog in yearsto come.”During two-week immersion sessions, Al-Wāhaparticipants, known as “villagers,” will be surroundedby a supportive staff of native and non-nativespeakers. Villagers need no previous knowledge ofArabic to participate. Instruction will be given insmall language-learning groups according to proficiencylevels.Modern Standard Arabic, the language of formalsettings and writing, will serve as the foundation forcurriculum planning. Since the Arabic language isrich and varied, the Language Village will also offerexposure to colloquial Arabic in various dialects (i.e.,Egyptian, Levantine, Gulf and North African).Villagers will also take part in a variety of educationaland cultural activities to familiarize them withthe music, dance, sports, crafts, games and foods typicalto Arab-speaking cultures.Concordia Language Villages is a non-profit organizationsponsored by Concordia College, Moorhead,Minn., a private, four-year, liberal arts institutionwith an award-winning commitment to internationaleducation. Concordia Language Villages is accreditedby the North Central Association Commissionon Accreditation and School Improvement and theAmerican Camp Association.For more information on registration, employmentor support for Concordia Language Villages, visitwww.ConcordiaLanguageVillage.org or call 1-800-222-4750 to request additional materials.The advantages of having an outsideinstructor are twofold. First our Max PrepInstructors are carefully matched with yourchild to make sure their abilities and strengthsare well suited for what your child’s customeducational needs are. Second, an outsideinstructor can act as a mentor, coach andinspirational example in a way that parentsare usually too close to do. By having aweekly structured learning time, children areable to accept that during this time it isnecessary to focus on the tasks that are given.www.MaxPrep.comFIRST 2 SESSIONS FREE212-734-5913Raise Test Scores• In Home Tutoring K-12 – All 5 Boros• Math Tutoring• Reading Comprehension• Writing Organization• Study Skills• Spelling• Test Taking StrategiesDifferent Roads to Learning• Self-Esteem & Motivational BuildingDifferent Roads to Learning strives to meet the needs of the autism community by providing a comprehensivearray of products proven to be effective in behavioral intervention programs. The entire product linesupports the Applied Behavior Analysis teaching method, which utilizes scientific behavioral principles toenhance academic and social skills, while reducing problematic behaviors. Everyday skills like communicatinga need, such as being hungry or tired, or conceptualizing can be extremely difficult tasks for childrenwith autism spectrum disorders to comprehend and learn.Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a structured program that relies on breaking skills or behaviorsdown into small, concrete steps. Each component is introduced with a particular instruction or visual cue.This series of learning opportunities is referred to as a Discrete Trial, which is usually adult directed andimplemented in a one-on-one situation. With one-on-one teaching, every task can be individualized to meetthe unique needs of each student thereby maximizing their potential.In order to structure an intervention program and curriculum, a child must be assessed to discover whatcritical skills they have and in which areas they are deficient. An incredibly useful tool for doing this isThe Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills, by Mark Sundberg, PhD and James Partington, PhD.Using this extensive assessment, parents, teachers and therapists can establish a baseline and structure aneffective Individualized Education Plan that is appropriate to each child’s needs.Once a baseline is established, a customized ABA program is set up and a curriculum is critical to implementinglessons. Different Roads to Learning offers all of the visual supports that are crucial to implementingan ABA Program. 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spotlight on schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2006Channel 13 Celebrates Teaching & Learning: A Great Teacher, Rafe EsquithBy Liza YoungRafe Esquith literally lives to teach. Working atleast 12 hour days and foregoing Saturdays andvacations, Esquith devotes all his passion andenergy towards improving the minds of his studentsat Hobart Boulevard Elementary School inLos Angeles as well as their lives in general.At the recent WNET/WLIW inaugural“Celebration of Teaching and Learning” Esquithand his students traveled 3,000 miles to be atpier 94 in NYC. Esquith provided inspirationalwords for educators as well as evidence of thewonderful work he’s doing through performancesby students.In spite of all the accolades Esquith has received,including being knighted by the British Empireand receiving the Disney Teacher of the Yearaward, the real reward for him is seeing studentssucceed and be happy. Although he could easilyteach in a different school, or serve in the capacityof a school administrator, Esquith chooses tostay at the overcrowded Hobart Elementary where92 percent of students speak English as a secondlanguage and are from families below the povertyline. His goal as a teacher is for “students to learnskills that will help them not just now, but five,ten years down the road.” One of many innovativesystems Esquith has developed is teachingstudents life skills through a real estate model. Allstudents have to pay rent for their seats with frontrow seats being top dollar. Students earn moneyby exhibiting diligence, and “being a good kid.” Ifa student is really entrepreneurial, he can becomethe landlord of a few seats and have others payhim the rent. Esquith expects and receives excellencefrom his students in terms of character andacademic performance. Through his powerfulteaching approach students have become whatEsquith calls “Hobart Shakespeareans,” performingnot only Shakespeare’s works, but professionallevel musical performances to accompanythem.Recounting to the audience his early experienceand the development of the “HobartShakespeareans,” Esquith described how he wasinitially irked by students being pulled out ofhis class for orchestra, thinking they were losingvaluable class time. He soon made the discoverythat students who came from orchestra weremuch more alert and attentive; that it wasn’tjust music that they were learning, but theywere developing discipline and stamina to workhard. The idea came to him to combine his loveof Shakespeare and music. The proposal wasrejected by the school administration, with theironic response of: “We don’t want you to teachShakespeare; we’d rather have you teach somethingmore academic.” And so Thornton Wilder’sOur Town was performed instead. The superintendentexclaimed “it was the best performanceof Shakespeare she’d ever seen.”Overcoming these initial debacles, the “HobartShakespeareans” has become a symbol for teacherand student excellence. Recently a documentaryfilm capturing the accomplishments 9 of Esquith and his students entitled The HobartShakespeareans, was co-produced by Mel StuartProductions, Inc., P.O.V./American DocumentaryInc., and Thirteen/WNET.At Channel Thirteen’s Celebration, Esquith’sstudents engaged in a performance highlightedwith creativity, humor and intelligence,Shakespearean scenes and information surroundinghis life and works. Students powerfullyre-enacted Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, with amaturity which belied their middle school age.Talented student musicians strummed on the guitarand beat the drums as a musical accompanimentto the scenes, having developed these skillswith Esquith over the course of the school year.Esquith throughout the performance watchedfrom the sidelines, mouthing the words, or laughingat the humorous scenes.The moral discipline Esquith aims to instill inhis students was clearly evident by their respectfor one another and their devotion to their task.“Don’t clap too much for these students,” Esquithwarned, however, at the end of their performance,“I want them to remain humble.” He encouragesteachers to be role models for their students andstated: “these students work hard because I do.”With his personality, support and endurance, it’snot hard to envision students becoming stars, notnecessarily in the theatre, but in life.#CLAREMONT PREPARATORY SCHOOLIndependent K-8 School:language arts private teacherEnglishGrammarVocabularyUsageResidentialTutoring$35 /hr.JanetPlease Call. ..The Salvation TherapeuticFoster Boarding Home Programis looking for individuals tobecome a part of our team andHelp a Child in NeedWe are looking for homes inBrooklyn and Manhattan.You will receive a generous stipendto cover your expenses.

APRIL 2006 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ spotlight on schoolsChannel 13: Schools of the FutureBy Joanne KontopirakisA red carpet united hundreds of booths andlive exhibits with enthusiasm at the cavernousPier 94 in Manhattan recently as visitors andexhibitors experienced the symposium presentedby Thirteen WLIW, A Celebration of Teachingand Learning, brilliantly conceived by PresidentBill Baker and Director of Education, RonaldThorpe.Among the notable speakers were FrankMcCourt, Richard Dreyfuss, Randi Weingarten,Jill Levy and Tom Brokaw.The relaxed and friendly atmosphere fosteredinterconnectedness and networking for attendees,who were offered giveaways and also the opportunityto sample the several panel discussions andlectures which ran throughout Saturday.“Microsoft Schools of The Future,” a lecture ledby Microsoft project manager Mary Cullinane,publicly introduced the results of a project undertakenby the partnership of the School District ofPhiladelphia and the software giant Microsoft.Dubbed “The School of the Future,” the prototype800-student, five-level public high school,occupying seven acres was created. It stayedwithin a traditional budget while embodying thequalities of aesthetics, innovation, technologicaladvance, and environmental friendliness. Servingas a model which can be replicated throughoutthe world, the school is scheduled to open inWest Philadelphia in September 2006.Microsoft had contributed its organizationalphilosophy with advice on how to make themost of the $46M budget, ranging from constructionmaterials to the hiring of staff. Theproject inspired enough innovative ideas to fill atextbook.(www.microsoft.com\education\sof)In outlining a vision of The School of theFuture, where learning is relevant and adaptive,Mary Cullinane challenged the imagination ofRichard DreyfussBill Bakeraudience members by asking, How do we wantthe kids to be?She spoke of “contextualized learning,” theidea that a school is connected to a larger environment.“The concept of how you define learningenvironments is critical to your success,” shestated.“The concept of an involving, connected,learning community includes parents, nonprofitagencies, media. To get there, what is our environmentlike? I’m going to build things to minimizemy threats, to maximize greater horizons,Children snuggled into a device thatteaches about the body, part of theLiberty Science Center Exhibitfor example: zoos,” said Mary.Mary then asked audience members, “What doyou believe is stopping you, in your organizations,to create 21st Century environments?”The Marvelwood SchoolA Guided Journey to Achievement1-800-440-9107 or 860 927-0047www.marvelwood.orgEmail: admissions@marvelwood.orgLYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE NEW YORK505 EAST 75th STREET, NEW YORK, NY10021. Multicultural and bilingual Private school70 years experience inFrench-American Education. Graduates attend the most prestigiousNorth American colleges and universities as well asFrench institutions of higher learning,. New York High School Diploma andPreparation for the BaccalaureatAudience members—educators and representativesof companies, responded. “Lack of vision,”a man remarked.Ella Dempsey, president of ateacher’s union, said, “Generally, the rigidity ofmanagement and the perspectives we’ve limitedourselves to, are our greatest challenges.”#• Grades 9 – 12• College prep curriculum• 4:1 student teacher ratio• Community service• Full interscholastic sports program,clubs• Excellent faculty: friendly, supportive• Summer school program forgrades 7-11, focusing on reading,writing, ESL, and math skills• Beautiful mountaintopcampus: hiking, canoeing, biking,fishing. More than 50 nationalities representedfrom nursery to 12th gradeInformation and Admissions : tel. 1 212 439 3834admissions@lfny.orgwww.lfny.org

APRIL 2006 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADuate Schools 11Marymount Manhattan Writing Center Honors Liz Smith At Posh Gala(l-r) Jud Shaver & Lewis Frumkes(l-r) Leila Hadley Luce, John Searles & Liz SmithCake by Creative Cakesby pola rosen, ed.d.There may be no more exclusive event in all ofNew York City than the Marymount ManhattanCollege Writing Center 11th anniversary galathat Lewis Burke Frumkes threw at “Doubles”recently for the crème de la crème of Manhattan’sliterary and social elite. The event honored LizSmith and Frumkes presented the nationallysyndicated columnist with an award for distinguishedachievement in letters, calling her“America’s highest paid and most beloved printjournalist,” after which author and cabaret singerChristopher Mason played a musical tribute toSmith on the piano that he had composed justfor the occasion. Two college presidents were inattendance, Judson Shaver the current presidentof Marymount Manhattan College, and ReginaPeruggi the former president of Marymount andnow president of Kingsborough CommunityCollege.Among the writers and cultural icons attendingthe dinner were Gay and Nan Talese, KittyCarlisle Hart, Helen Gurley Brown and DavidBrown, Francine Du Plessix Gray, Bruce JayFriedman, Roy Blount Jr., Avery Corman,Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark,Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, Judith Kelman,Lewis Lapham, Susan Isaacs, Lawrence Block,Tama Janowitz, Malachy McCourt, Sir HaroldEvans, Elizabeth Nunez, Ben Cheever, EllyTatum, Pola Rosen, Hilma Wolitzer and MegWolitzer, Harlan Coben, as well as others toonumerous to mention. Joining the logophiles andwordsmiths were a cadre of philanthropists andsupporters of The Writing Center such as WilburRoss and Hilary Geary, Ethel LeFrak with(l-r) Malachy McCourt & Regina PeruggiBill Baker, Mimi Levitt, Muriel Siebert, Davidand Lisa Schiff, Gerta Vanderbilt WhitneyConner and Mac Conner, Leila HadleyLuce, Jocelyn Kress, Jeannette Watson andAlex Sanger, John and Joan Jacobson, TinaFlaherty, Richard and Franny Zorn, RosalindWhitehead, Jones Yorke and Betsy Bartlett,Terry Lang, Edwin and Karlee Bradberry, Edand Mary Downe, Richard and Iris Abrons,Mary & Carol Higgins Clarkand on it went. . . all for a truly deserving cause.(See in depth interviews of authors Leila HadleyLuce, Malachy McCourt and Carol Higgins Clarkon page 14).Making a difference together throughstudent directed learningBachelor of Arts inEducationMaster of Arts inEducation-Study at home-Short intensive residenciesin VermontJoin an engaged learning community with a richhistory in adult and progressive education.Community Education, Licensure, School Guidance,Partnership Education, Elementary Education,Early Childhood, Art, Social Studies, Middle Grades, Math,Science, Individually Designed Education StudyThe next semester begins July 10, 2006Begin with an eight-day intensive residency in Vermont3/4 time study now available-no required winter residencyG O D DA R D C O L L E G E123 Pitkin Road, Plainfield, Vermont 05667NEASC ACCREDITED1-800-906-8312www.goddard.edu admissions@goddard.edu

12EDUCATION UPDATE | APRIL 2006Poet Laureates aroundLawson Fusao InadaPoet Laureate, OregonOn Writing: Of course I had to write in school,but I didn’t start writing poems and stories until Itook a Creative Writing class in college. I wouldencourage students to start now—writing in journalswhen ideas happen, and using their imaginationsin creative ways. There’s no “wrong” or“right” in creativity.Inspirations: Inspiration comes from everywherein life—dreams, memories, current experiences.It’s all worth writing about, and expressingthe “inner self” in writing can then be sharedwith others. For further inspiration, I like towrite poems for friends and relatives, for certainoccasions, like gifts. In that way, creativity ispractical.Challenges: We all have challenges, but as awriter, I like to challenge myself to learn more,and to develop in different ways. I enjoy going tothe public library, and I also try to keep expandingculturally, by listening to different music,seeing different films and different art, and eatingdifferent foods beyond what I’m used to. I tellmyself: “Why not check it out?”Turning points: As a writer, it was great to getpublished, or to receive praise from others, but atthe same time, I realized that the recognition wasbased on opinions; so a “turning point” was whenI knew I had to believe in myself, and to keep creatingin my own individual way. Also, although Imay be called a “writer,” I know that people arepeople, and I try my best to be a good person.Mentors: My parents, grandparents, and friendswere always there for me, and in my teens thegreat American jazz artists became my creativerole-models; in college, my mentor in poetry wasthe great American poet, Philip Levine.Favorite books/poems: In college, eventhough I was an English major, I began studyingwriters from all over the world, whose workswere translated into English. I learned a lotfrom Franz Kafka, Rainer Maria Rilke, FedericoGarcia Lorca, Pablo Neruda, Middle Eastern andAfrican writers, the great male and female poetsof the ancient Chinese and Japanese traditions,and so on. As a student of Buddhism, I’ve foundthe poetry of Chogyam Trungpa and Thich NhatHanh to be very meaningful. All the great religioustexts are very “poetic.” And some of myfavorite American poems are also song lyrics.Advice to young writers: Since I earn myliving as a teacher, and since poetry is not “commercial,”I have not needed a literary agent totake care of business matters. Once a writer hasa manuscript to show an agent, then things canhappen. My advice to young writers: “Just doit!” Whatever it is, do it. All people have goodideas, but writers are the ones who put it down onpaper. Also, go to a bookstore and “check out themarket” to see what fits with your interests. It’sall good—writing for children, young adults, andthese days there are many fields, from history tohumor, to graphic novels to science fiction, fantasy,and in the corner, there’s my field, poetry.#Michael Glaser,Poet Laureate, MarylandOn Writing: I remember writing stories in 7thgrade, I didn’t start writing poems seriously untilI was in graduate school.Inspirations: I was inspired by connectingpowerfully to Eliot’s “The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock” suddenly understanding thatpoetry was about what it means to be human. Iwas inspired by Wordsworth writing about wantingto write poems that used the common languageof the ordinary man. I have been inspiredto my best poems, I think, by being father to mychildren.Challenges: As a writer: being patient, trustingthe process of a poem becoming what it wants tobecome. Letting go of ego as I write.Turning Points: I don’t see writing as a career.It is not something I ever aspired to, but rather issomething I do—it is a major part of how I seekto make sense of my life and the world I live in;to give voice to those aspects of my experiencethat matter most to me.Mentors: Judith Hall; Lucille Clifton; WilliamMeredith; William Stafford; Galway Kinnell,Hafiz, Mary Oliver (the first two as literal mentors—thosewho have discussed my poetry withme in detail—the other five mentors in the sensethat I have been moved and inspired by theirwork and studied it carefully to understand howit works)Favorite books/poems: Too many! But I’ddefinitely have to add (to the poets above),T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets and many of StanleyKunitz’s poems.Advice to young writers: Would a literaryagent help to launch their career? How do you goabout finding one?Write about what matters most to you—writeabout what you are given to write about. Writeabout it until you discover something you didn’tknow you knew. It is writing that is important—notbeing a poet, but rather making poems.Xerox your favorite and best poems and givethem to your friends, and neighbors and peoplepassing you on the street! Create your own poetrygroup—get together and share your work—readfavorite poems to each other. Celebrate life. Stayawake!! Keep on keeping on!A Tribute to Poet Laureates andNovelists Around the Nationby Pola Rosen, Ed.D.During April, National Poetry Month in the United States, each state selects a poet laureate.Education Update interviewed five poet laureates from different regions of our country as wellas personal interviews with writers of renown. We hope you will discover a host of emotions andinspiration to write your own couplets, sonnets or iambic pentameter, as the spirit moves you.We posed the following questions to the poet laureates:At what age did you start writing? Can you share some of the inspirations for your writing?What are some of the challenges you’ve faced? Describe turning points in your career as a writer.Who were/are some of your mentors? List some of your favorite books/poems. What is youradvice to young writers today? [Would a literary agent help to launch their career? How do yougo about finding one?]Majory Wentworth, PoetLaureate, South CarolinaOn Writing: I began writingaround 12 years of age, when myfather was diagnosed with leukemia.Inspirations: First and foremost—landscape.The SC landscapehas been a kind of musefor me. It is intense, sensual andrather exotic to someone raised inNew England.I am also inspired by humansurvival in inherently challengingsituations. I write a lot about people I have metthrough my human rights work. Writers needto question accepted norms, and make readersthink in new ways. Poetry, in particular, teachesus how to live and navigate our emotional lives.It teaches us how to love, how to grieve, howto maintain our compassion. Good poems comefrom a kind of intense empathy with the subjectof the poem. It could be a river or a country orsomeone we saw on the bus—what matters is theinherent goodness that comes from an empatheticapproach. I am always looking for that.Challenges: Making a living. It is very difficultto spend most of your time working at jobs thathave nothing to do with your writing. I tell collegestudents that the secret to writing is marryingsomeone rich. I’m only half-kidding. Very fewpoets make a living with their writing, and mostbecome academics. I have worked as book, film,and television publicist for 20 years. It is lucrativeand flexible, but very consuming. I try andwrite early in the morning before my children getup to go to school.Turning Points: Meeting my husband PeterWentworth during my senior year of college wasthe most important event in my life as a writer.Peter was writing screenplays, and we felt animmediate camaraderie. We moved to New YorkCity immediately after getting married, and itwas enormously important to have the supportand understanding that we shared. He continuesto edit just about everything I write.Going to graduate school was clearly a turningpoint, because it allowed me to focus on writing.I was so fortunate to study with some of greatestwriters in the world.Moving to South Carolina. One month afterwe moved we were hit by Hurricane Hugo. Ourhome and most of our belongings were damagedand/or destroyed. We had nowhere to live. It wasdevastating, life changing.Witnessing the destruction of the landscapegave me an intense emotional connection tothis place, and when I began to write about itthe poems were published. My poems came tothe attention of an internationally known batikartist who lived here named Mary Edna Fraser.She wanted to collaborate with me, and this wasa wonderful way to enter into the creative communityin Charleston. Since her work is basedon geological abstracts, and aerial photographsit also taught me a great deal aboutthe things I was observing on theSC coast where I lived on a barrierisland. Our collaborative exhibitionwas displayed at the National ScienceFoundation and at Duke University.This experience gave me confidenceand knowledge that continues to beinvaluable.Novelist Dorothea Benton Frankhas been putting one of my poemsin the front of her novels ever sincewe met. Dottie is a New York Times best sellingauthor, and print-runs of her books are as highas 800,000!Being named poet laureate of South Carolinacertainly changed everything for me. I suddenlyhad a book contract, etc. There’s a kind of respectthat comes with the role, which is fantastic.Mentors: My teachers from New YorkUniversity’s Graduate Program in CreativeWriting. I studied with Galway Kinnell, CarolynForche, Louis Simpson, Phil Levine, DennisJohnson and Joseph Brodsky. Toi Derricotte wasa student in the program also. Imagine! Theywere all fantastic teachers intent on making surewe each maintained our own original voice.My day job involved working with refugeesand in the human rights field, and I was beginningto write about these experiences. CarolynForche took me under her wing. She took mywork very seriously. We became friends, and Iworked on a book project with her husband HarryMattison. Her support, instruction and affectioncontinues to influence me.Favorite books/poems: Otherwise by JaneKenyon, The Country Between Us by CarolynForche, The City In Which I Loved You byLi-Young Lee, The Duino Elegies by RainierMaria Rilke, Frefusing Heaven by Jack Gilbert,Dreamwork by Mary Oliver, Extravagaria byPablo Neruda, In The Shadows Light by YvesBonnefoy, The Names Of The Lost by PhilipLevine, Macnolia by A. Van Jordan, Could Haveby Wistawa SzymborskaAdvice to young writers: Read well andapproach writing like an athlete. I heard JoyceCarol Oates say that successful writers are themost disciplined writers. They are not necessarilythe most talented.Poets don’t have agents, because there is sorarely an advance on a poetry book and no moneyto be made by an agent. If one is writing prose,however, an agent is crucial. I have an agent formy fiction and non-fiction projects. Finding anagent is very difficult. I always tell young writersto look at the front of books that are similarto their own, and see if the writer thanked theiragent. If the agent took that writer’s book, theyjust might be interested in your manuscript!Agents also rely on their own clients to find newclients. It helps to have friends in the writingworld that can help you in that way.#

the Nation April 2006APRIL 2006 | EDUCATION UPDATE13David RomtvedtPoet Laureate, WyomingOn Writing: I was always interestedin reading and read beforestarting school but I didn’t have anyparticular interest in writing. I lovedart and studied music—I still workas a musician. I loved painting andtook classes in drawing and paintingand wondered if maybe I couldbe a painter. In college I began totry to write with some seriousnessof purpose and I have now slowlybacked into discovering how powerfulliterature is and how deep is mycommitment to writing.Inspirations: My writing arisesfrom trying to understand the collisionsbetween our personal lives—domestic activities, family, friends—and larger social and spiritual issues.Politics often enters my work. Andnature—I live at the base of theBighorn Mountains in northernWyoming in a small town. I spenda lot of time running, bicycling, skiing.It is when I’m in the woods or ata lake or prairie that I feel most aliveand most happy. It’s impossible tofeel connected to nature and not endup examining the way our politicalsystem is serving to accelerate thehuman destructive impact on theplants and animals, the air and waterthat give us birth and nurture us.Challenges: The biggest challengeI’ve faced is rejection. To work as anartist means to live in the world ofcriticism. I hope that I make art froma belief that I serve more as a vehiclefor something much bigger than myindividual being. I want to make artthat has some social value, that canlead another human being to a deeperunderstanding of life, and that canalso provide some happiness to that person. Atthe same time, I recognize that I also make art outof a need to be approved of, to be liked.Turning Points: When my father died was thefirst time I could say aloud that I was a writer.My father felt that writing was useless if it didn’tmake money. I’ve been mostly a poet and evenin the best of times I’ve made little or no moneyfrom the selling of poems. I’ve thought deeplyabout the relationship between art and money andabout the risks that come from either making arta handmaiden of money or denying art’s connectionto money entirely.Mentors: The first poet who inspired me wasKenneth O. Hanson who taught at Reed Collegewhere I was an undergraduate. Hanson wrotemostly short, etched portraits of ancient China, ofGreece, of travel. Later at Reed, Kathleen Frasertook me under her wing and was the first personto suggest that I give my life to writing. I studiedat the Iowa Writers’ workshop and there the poetSandra McPherson helped me more than I couldsay. In an environment in which I felt dismissed(though I now think that was not the fault of anyoneat Iowa), Sandra helped me to move forward.She treated me as both a student and as a fellowwriter.Favorite books/poems: The first poem I foundon my own and loved was Wallace Stevens’“Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” I lovethe work of Adrian C. Louis, Phil Levine, WilliamStafford, Pablo Neruda, and many others.Advice to youth: Would a literary agent help tolaunch their career?My advice is to allow writing to be a pathtoward full realization, to awakening. A poetprobably needs no agent and a writer who writesonly poetry would be hard pressed to find anagent. The current literary business scene isgoverned by global corporations with little or noinstitutional commitment to art. A fiction writer,songwriter, playwright can be helped immenselyby having an agent to advance that writer’s workin the marketplace.How do you go about finding one?It’s now rather rare for writers to get agents bywriting to them with query letters. Writers willsometimes tell their agents about a fellow writerwhose work is worthy of being represented. Awriter may publish a great deal but if it’s in the“wrong” magazines, agents and editors will neverknow about that writer. So if one’s goal is gettingrepresentation, one must find out what the agentsand editors want to represent and write that.Jonathan HoldenPoet Laureate, KansasOn Writing: I was always writing,making up stories.Inspirations: I was looking foradventure.Challenges: It’s never ending, thechallenge to glimpse something freshlyand communicate that freshness.Turning Points: Winning my firstaward, The Devins Award in 1972, andrealizing that I might make a career asa writer.Mentors: The poet Reg Saner,in Colorado; the poet WilliamWordsworth and his “spots of time,”in The Prelude.Favorite books/poems: Travelingthrough the Dark by William Stafford,the book and the poem.Advice to youth: Read as widelyas possible and when you find a poemyou love, memorize it. There are bookswhich suggest literary agents. Lookthrough one. Think of a book you loveand find out who that writer’s agentis. Contact that agent. 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14 Education update ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ APRIL 2006Carol Higgins Clark:Master of MysteriesBy Joan Baum, Ph.D.The publication of Hitchedcouldn’t be better timed: Aprilis when June brides start makingtheir final moves about their weddingdresses, as they do in CarolHiggins Clark’s latest ReganReilly mystery. “Everyone said itwas time she got married,” saysthe lively, upbeat author about herprivate investigator protagonist.Regan, now 31, is soon to be thewife of Jack “no relation” Reilly,a NYC detective, but not beforeboth of them solve a seeminglyunrelated pair of crimes –the theftof Regan’s wedding dress, alongwith four other gowns, from a downtown shop,and a number of bank robberies–Jack’s turf–allcommitted by a mustached, medium-built figurein a raincoat. Hitched is the 8th in the ReganReilly series.Her main purpose, Carol Higgins Clark explains,is “to write books that entertain.” She quotes areporter who once remarked that her mother, thewell-known mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark,goes for the jugular while she, Carol, aims forthe funny bone. Indeed, Hitched has an array of“quirky” characters and pursues a plot line somewherebetween zany and serious. She notes thatthe subject matter may owe something to recentmedia coverage of stolen wedding gowns andmaybe to a saying she once heard that “hell hathno fury like a woman without a wedding dress.”Anyway, not everyone in Hitched gets married,but the dynamic duo do due diligence to a satisfyingconclusion.Carol Higgins Clark was always attracted towriting but finally took the plunge when a friendwho saw her in a play in Los Angeles suggestedthat her acting career (she had been doing commercialssince six) might provide a chance forher not only to star in scenes but to create themas well. The suggestion fell on fertile soil: shehad always worked closely with her mother,typing all her manuscripts. Mother and daughterstill discuss and critique each other’s work. Shealso loves getting “feedback” from the publicLeila Hadley Luce:Intrepid TravelerBy Joan Baum, Ph.D.It says a lot about Leila Burton Hadley Lucethat in one minute she can mention Milton, Eliot,Gibbon, S.J. Perelman, the study of Latin andGreek, Yeats and the Dalai Lama—and that’sjust for starters. At 81, this dynamic life force,still evidencing patrician good looks—traveler,writer, explorer, editor, philanthropist, journalist,foundation head—no longer in top health andrecently widowed (her fourth husband HenryLuce III died late last year), is still goingstrong and not missing a semantic beat. Herdown-to-earth manner, a mix of self-effacingwit and humor, and a spontaneous, unpretentiousevocation of people, places and thingsshe admires, can leave one speechless. Some ofher loves are well known (Shakespeare, Joyce);some relatively unfamiliar (the travel writer andmemoirist Patrick Leigh Fermor, the poet RachelHadas, the international baccalaureate programat St. Timothy’s Boarding School in Maryland);some forgotten (the American composer DeemsTaylor, whose 1919 orchestral suite “Through theLooking Glass” comes to mind now that Rizzolihas just published A Garden By the Sea, anillustrated “practical guide and journal by LeilaHaldey,” which describes the cultivation of fiveacres surrounding her Fishers Island, NY cliff-tophome, “Brillig.”The handsome gardening volume is hardly thefirst Hadley book to be praised for fine writing.and is supportive of writingprograms that requireassignments, a greatprompt to be disciplined,and that encourage constructivecriticism. Ofcourse, when she talksto school kids about herbooks, as she recently didwith 7th and 8th gradersat St. Ignatius Loyola,she is often asked firstabout the money shemakes from her variousnovels, “but they’re alsointerested in research,”she adds, and she hopesthat after reading her work they will be moved todo more reading on their own. She points out thatbecause her books are free of four-letter wordsand violence, younger readers might also findthem appropriate as well as “fun.”Although her writing life was strongly influencedby her mother, she also cites the influenceof such classics as Harper Lee’s To Kill AMockingbird and John Steinbeck’s Travels WithCharley, the latter an on-the-road book, whichgot her to thinking about doing a series, keepingRegan on the road. An American Studies majorat Mt. Holyoke, Carol Higgins Clark cites mentorsthere as well as an acting teacher in BeverlyHills. She smiles as she recounts interviewswhere she is urged to disclose family “tensions.”There are none: none to disclose, none,period. Mother and daughter are close. Carol hasrecorded several of Mary’s books and was thelead in a film based on her mother’s A Cry in theNight, which was shown at Cannes and Montrealand on U.S. television. Incredibly prolific, CarolHiggins Clark turns out a book a year, not tomention the best-selling Christmas mysteriesshe does with her mother. They tour together.Mary Higgins Clark’s newest mystery, Two LittleGirls in Blue, is also an April publication: Lookfor both of them when they appear on Thursday,April 6th at 7:30 P.M., Paperbacks Plus (jointappearance with Mary Higgins Clark), at MountSaint Vincent’s College, Riverdale, NY.#Erica Jong: Fearless at 64By Emily Sherwood, Ph.D.In the final pages of Erica Jong’s new book,a dishy, wickedly irreverent, poignant memoirentitled Seducing the Demon: Writing for MyLife, Jong tells us, “I cannot bear very much reality.I often wonder how people who don’t writeendure their lives….Sometimes my funniest storieshave come out of the blackest despair.” Andso the reader alternately chuckles and weepsthrough Jong’s disjointed but piercingly honestrecollections of her career highs and lows (frombecoming a best-selling author of the widelyacclaimed Fear of Flying in 1973 to instigatinga failed lawsuit against Columbia Pictures on thegrounds of fraud, leading to deep depression),her husbands (four of them), sexual escapades(a one night stand with Martha Stewart’s thenhusbandin Germany, among others), parentingproblems (she accompanied her daughter, Molly,a teen cocaine addict, to rehab, pondering, “Howcan your children get so far away from wherethey started?”), her own struggle with alcoholabuse (“I have given up alcohol for years at atime and then drifted back to it”), and her elationat being a grandmother to a delightfully curioustoddler named Max.At 64, Erica Jong seems to be at the top ofher game, as we sip tea in the dining room ofher Manhattan apartment (she divides her timebetween here and Connecticut), Max’s high chairThe award-winning Give Me the World, abouther gutsy travels from Singapore to Naples as adivorcée with a young son, on a schooner withfour guys and a dog, has been hailed as a classic(“Hadley unleashes images so rich you can’thelp thinking that if everyone wrote like this, wewouldn’t need TV”), as has A Journey With ElsaCloud, a memoir of a physical and emotionaljourney that Leila Hadley took with her thenestranged Buddhist daughter. Other books, alsolauded, hint at wide interests: traveling with childrenin Europe, visiting remote regions all overthe world, manners for young people, weightloss and fitness programs, organic gardening. Aconstant and graceful writer, she is never withoutpaper and pen (no computer, please).A patron of the arts and professional organizations—TheLeila Hadley Luce Professorshipin modern Tibetan Studies was recently establishedat Columbia—she co-founded Wings Trustwith Luce and later, Wings WorldQuest, bothdedicated to promote research and celebratethe accomplishments of women explorers. Sheserves on the board of PEN, the Society ofWomen Geographers, the Explorers Club, TibetHouse, Fishers Island Conservancy, the NewYork Academy of Medicine, to name just a few.Some people are, as they say, all over the place,but Leila Hadley has been all over the place. Sheis also genuinely interested in what others haveto say, often turning a question back to ask thequestioner’s opinion.A graduate of St. Tim’s, with its prestigious,lovingly ensconced at the oversized round table,bold, original artwork peering down at us from allcorners. Reminiscing about a three decade longcareer that has spawned nineteen books of poetry,fiction, and memoir, Jong talks about her earlydays at Barnard College, where she began as abudding painter (her grandfather was a painter)and took Zoology I in hopes of becoming a doctor.“But I couldn’t dissect the fetal pig…andthe formaldehyde made me faint…So I went intears to [freshman writing professor] Bob Pack,Malachy McCourt: From SchoolDropout to Bestselling AuthorBy Emily Sherwood, Ph.D.In Malachy McCourt’s UpperWest Side living room is a framedphotograph of a Schlitz beer advertisementfrom bygone days, witha younger, red-bearded McCourtsmiling into the camera, a look ofsheer gusto and a hint of mischieflighting his face. Although the redhair has evolved to a snowy white,the joie de vivre is still abundantas McCourt talks about hisvarious careers as a pub owner,TV personality, stage and screenactor, and only recently (at age66) a writer, following his brother,Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt,with his own bestselling memoir in 1998, A MonkSwimming.It has been a long and circuitous journey fromcontinued on page 23the streets of Limerick,Ireland, where theBrooklyn-born McCourtspent his childhood yearsfrom age three to 21 ina poor household riddledwith ill health (hisfather was an alcoholic,and three of his six siblingsdied). School forMcCourt was “a miserableexperience,” withlots of “hitting, screaming,and shouting….Weapproached school withfear…It was a holdingpen for future convicts.” Thankfully, McCourtbecame a voracious reader, first stealing books,continued on page 23rigorous curriculum, Leila Hadley, whose smilingpresence graces the Winter 2005 AlumnaeBulletin, confesses—with a gleam of pride—thatthe school, which she attended from grades 9-12,provided her last formal education. Although shewon a scholarship to Radcliffe, she got marriedinstead and had a child the following year (I hada proposal, who knew if I would ever get oneagain, she says with a twinkle). She became an“autodidact,” though for sure, at St. Tim’s she“got it all.” She says that studies show single-sex-H.S. education as academically and psychologicallysuperior. She recalls the headmistress at St.Tim’s, Ella Robinson Watkins, and her teachers inEnglish, History, Latin as particularly wonderful.A stutterer early on, she attributes her extensivevocabulary and life-long love of language toher need to find synonyms for words she foundhard to pronounce, “pretty” for “pulchritude, forexample, but the school also encouraged readingand sharpened her aversion to sloppy expression,much of it inspired by email, she believes.“Develop?” You do that with film, not an idea orcareer. Her models are many and various, but thecommon denominator is clear, elegant, accessiblediscourse—the underrated prose of SomersetMaugham, for example, or the poetry of BillyCollins. Woe are they who allow the Hadley styleto slip by without influence.#

APRIL 2006 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADuate SchoolsPopularity of Advanced Placement(AP) Courses Grows15According to the College Board, 200,000 morestudents took at least one Advanced Placement(AP) exam in 2005 than did so in 2000. Popularityof AP courses continues to grow since many collegesaccept high AP test results to satisfy college-levelcourse requirement thus potentiallysaving thousands of dollars in college tuition.#Another Tool To Help GetYour Kids Into collegeIt is not that there is a shortage of colleges; there are over 3,000 in the United States alone. The problemis that every day the world shifts ever so slowly to make getting your child’s first choice schoolharder. High School Juniors apply to more schools today then ever before. Twenty years ago, mostkids would apply to three or four colleges and some would apply to as many as seven. Today, seven isthe low number, and some apply to twice that many. The reason is simple the college you decide to goto will impact your life from that moment on. For this reason, kids today want many choices; applyingto many schools will hopefully give them a few good schools to choose from when they decide whereto go. Colleges are now getting many more applications then ever before, to pick which students tomake offers is done by evaluating academic records, test scores and extracurricular activities. Themistake many students and parents make is to wait until high school to start thinking about college.It is true that middle school report cards are basically meaningless in the college application process,but in order for kids to be ready for the challenges of high school and college they need to start learninghow to learn early. Learning itself is a skill. Some kids can read a book and tell you what it wasabout, while others can tell you what it means. If children learn to file information mentally in sucha way that it can be retrieved, school becomes easier and more enjoyable. If they do this before highschool then what they learn in high school they will remember when they take the SAT’s. One way toprepare students for high school and college is to use an in-home tutoring service like maxprep.com.The reason why tutoring makes sense for children who are both ahead or behind their grade level isthat one-on-one instruction is accountable. The student has to give their best answer even when theyare not sure if they are right. When they are, their confidence is increased because they now believethey are capable of right answers. They will then work harder and pay closer attention so that theywill be right more often and, over time the ability to learn is achieved.#For further information please contact Jim Brian at Maxprep.com, 212-734-5913The Children’s Book Committee at Bank StreetCollege of Education issues its annual THEBEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF THE YEARRecently, The Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education released its annualThe Best Children’s Books of the Year (featuring titles published in 2005) at its annual AwardCeremony for the three best books of 2005 in children’s Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry.The Best Children’s Books of the Year has been published annually for more than eighty years. Thevolume contains upwards of 600 annotated titles, and is designed to guide parents, teachers, andlibrarians in choosing just the right books for children. It is divided into over thirty age and subjectcategories for children aged infant to fourteen. All the listed books have been reviewed by the nonprofitChildren’s Book Committee at Bank Street College. Members of the Committee include educators,librarians, authors, illustrators, and parents. Many of the books are also read and evaluated by acadre of young reviewers, who range in age from two to fourteen.Winning books this year were: Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles (The 2005 Josette FrankAward); Gorilla Doctors Saving Endangered Apes by Pamela S. Turner (The 2005 Flora Stieglitz StrausAward); A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms by Paul B. Janeczko (The 2005 ClaudiaLewis Award).Special Price: Although The Best Children’s Books of the Year usually retails for $8.00 plus $2.50for shipping and handling, this year the Committee is offering the book at a special price of $5.00,plus $2.50 for shipping and handling. Make your check payable to the Children’s Book Committeeand mail it to Children’s Book Committee, Bank Street College of Education, 610 West 112 th Street,New York, NY 10025-1898. For more information, you may reach the Committee at (212) 875-4540or by email at bookcom@bankstreet.edu. To view a sample of the list, or order online, go to www.bankstreet.edu/bookcom/.The Committee is also offering an annotated Teen List of 25 titles, available free on its website atwww.BankStreet.edu/bookcom/teen/.Connecting Science and Literacy:Are We Ready For The Challenge?by Gary Standafer, Delta EducationReading for information is a key literacy skill. Research and classroom experiences have shownthat systematic instruction in reading informational text is very important for success in school andin life.But gaining meaning becomes more challenging when students are required to read text that containsa high level of information, such as the text in a typical science program. To address this challenge,Delta Education has developed a set of stand-alone readers that connect science and literacyfor the early reader. This 10-book series, winner of the Teachers’ Choice Award for Children’s Books,introduces basic science concepts and helps early readers develop the skills and strategies they needfor reading and writing about science.Presenting Delta Science First ReadersDelta Science First Readers give students their first look at important nonfiction text elements such astables of contents, glossaries and headings. The standards based science content provides opportunitiesfor literacy skills and strategies development accompanied by the spectacular four-color photos.Page-by-page teaching support for science and literacyWhile the vast majority of elementary teachers consider themselves to be very well qualified toteach reading and language arts, only 28 percent consider themselves well qualified to teach life sciences,and 14 percent consider themselves well qualified to teach physical sciences, therefore Deltahas developed a comprehensive Program Teacher’s Guide, which includes strategies for meetingindividual needs and assessment tools.For more information about Delta Science First Readers, call 800-442-5444 or visit www.deltaeducation.com.Delta Education has also developed a science and literacy reading program for grades K-8,titled Delta Science Readers.

16 Special Education ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2006THE FOURTH ANNUALAdam Jeffrey KatzMemorial Lecture SeriesThursday, May 18, 20065:00-6:30 pmThe Dalton School108 East 89th StreetNew York New YorkDealing with DyslexiaThe Power of High Expectationsa conversation for students, parents andeducators withGaston CapertonPresident of the College BoardTwo-term Governor of West VirginiaFellow, John F. Kennedy Institute of Politics at Harvard UniversityFounder, Columbia University Institute on Education andGovernmentDiagnosed with Dyslexia in fourth grade.Friday, May 19, 200611:00 am-12:15 pmNew York University School of Medicine550 First Avenue Auditorium Alumni AWhatever Happened to “Readiness”?Developmental Dys-Synchronies of Language, Motor and Executive SkillsPresented byMartha Bridge Denckla, M.D.Kennedy Krieger InstituteJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineThe Adam Katz Memorial Lecture Series is a free annual program which provides two perspectives on learning differences:successful individuals who have overcome their learning disabilities share their stories and experts in the field present currentresearch on prevention, identification and treatment of learning differences.To register for either lecture please call (212) 263-2744 or e-mail RSVP@AboutOurKids.orgPresented by New York University Child Study CenterADHD Medication & the FDABy Glenn S. Hirsch, M.D.Recently the FDA Drug Safety & RiskManagement Advisory Committee met to evaluatewhether Attention-Deficit/HyperactivityDisorder (ADHD) stimulant medication couldincrease the risk of heart related problems. As aresult of that meeting, the 16-member panel madetwo recommendations: that a medication guide bemade available to families and patients and that a“black box” warning be added to the labeling ofADHD stimulant medications.Many commonly prescribed medications carry“black box” labels, and these warnings are meantto be viewed as a cautionary note for the consumer—ayellow light, not a red one. Whatinformation did the committee have in order tomake these recommendations? The committeereviewed data from 5 years and found that thereCAMPLEE MARA Life ChangingExperience!2006 Dates:June 28 - August 15thExcellent employmentopportunities available forseniors and graduate studentsin Special Education.were 12 deaths of children and adolescents and18 non-fatal cardiac related problems in childrenand adolescents taking amphetamine. Forchildren and adolescents taking methylphenidatemedications there were 7 sudden deaths and8 who had non-fatal cardiac abnormalities. Interms of percentages there were 0.36 deaths perone million amphetamine prescriptions and 0.21deaths per one million methylphenidate prescriptionswritten.How can we understand the data and whatquestions still need to be answered by the FDA?These medications have been in use for a longtime. Methylphenidate has been used since themid-1950s and amphetamine before that andthese problems have not been noted before.There has been a dramatic increase in thenumber of prescriptions of stimulants to treatADHD in the last decade. This has resulted incontroversy over whether these medications havebeen over-prescribed. Most studies looking at thisissue have not found a general pattern of overprescribing.But, has the increase brought to lighta rare problem?It has been long known that the stimulants cancause slight increases in blood pressure and pulse.Are there susceptible individuals in whom theseincreases over the long term can result in worseningof an underlying abnormality? The data areslightly suggestive that the rate of unexplaineddeaths is higher in patients taking amphetaminesthan in those prescribed methylphenidate. Isthis a true difference? What we do know is thatunfortunately and unfairly children die every dayof a sudden unexplained death.As a next step the FDA needs to compare thesedeath rates with the rate of sudden death of childrenand adolescents in general. This is calledthe “base rate.” What should patients, familymembers and practitioners do at this time? If youor your child is currently taking amphetamine ormethylphenidate do not stop or change withouttalking to the doctor who is prescribing it.As part of the assessment of a child who isabout to start medication and as part of any follow-up,information should be obtained regardingany family history of unexplained death andfainting, heart murmur or any history of cardiacrelated problems in the patient. The practitionershould take great care in getting baseline and follow-upblood pressures and pulse.It is important to emphasize that we are talkingabout a very rare event and this needs tobe weighed against the very real problems ofchildren and adolescents with ADHD. Theseinclude not only social and academic problemsbut greater risks of substance abuse and severeaccidents.#Glenn S. Hirsch, M.D., is Assistant Professorof Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicineand Medical Director of the NYU Child StudyCenter.Camp Lee MarCamp Lee Mar is a 7-week summer programlocated in the heart of the beautiful PoconoMountains in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania. LeeMar is a private residential special needs campfor children and young adults (5-21) with mild tomoderate learning and developmental challenges.It is considered by parents and educators as one ofthe finest camps for children with special needs. Astructured environment, individual attention andguidance are emphasized at all times. Campersenjoy all the fun and activities of a traditionalsummer camp, such as basketball, swimming,volleyball, soccer, arts & crafts, drawing & paintingand music & dance, to name a few. Campersare encouraged to continue to learn and growwith special programs and teaching methodsthat emphasize academics, speech and languagetherapy, vocational preparation, and daily livingskills. Each week there is a special activity to lookforward to like our Western Night, HawaiianNight, Founder’s Day Celebration, Senior Fling(Prom), end of season banquet and much more.We also have therapeutic horseback riding andovernight trips. The facilities at Lee Mar areoutstanding, including an outdoor heated pooland air-conditioned buildings (including bunks).Please feel free to contact us for a camper packetdescribing our unique program.

APRIL 2006 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ Special Education17Rutgers President Awards University’sTourette Syndrome ProgramRutgers University’s President Richard L.McCormack and Vice President for AcademicAffairs Phillip Furmanski recently announcedthe highly prestigious 2005-2006 AcademicExcellence award of $125,000 to the University’sGraduate School of Applied and ProfessionalPsychology (GSAPP). This recognition comesas a result of the groundbreaking five-year relationshipbetween GSAPP’s Tourette SyndromeProgram and the Tourette Syndrome Associationof New Jersey (TSANJ) and the university’sdesire to support this ongoing work.The unique partnership is the first and onlyuniversity level program of its kind in the nation,providing much needed services for New Jerseyfamilies dealing with Tourette Syndrome andoffering world-class training to professionals.Rutgers Academic Excellence Award recognizesthe significance of the Clinic’s outstanding work,its vital impact on the Tourette Syndrome community,and the need for the continuation ofthe program. In the past, the program had beenfunded by TSANJ.“This award is essential to our mutual missionof expanding awareness and offering hope andoptions,” says Faith Rice, director of TSANJ.“The Rutgers Tourette Syndrome Program helpsfamilies obtain the assistance they need whiletraining doctoral students and professionals tobetter diagnose and treat people with TouretteSyndrome.”Dr. Lew Gantwerk, primary recipient of theAcademic Excellence Award and ExecutiveDirector of the Center for Applied Psychologythat houses the program, expressed his gratitudefor the recognition of this work by the University.“This award allows us to increase the servicesavailable, train more doctoral level psychologistsin the diagnosis and treatment of TS and add asignificant research component to the project,”said Gantwerk.Families and individuals throughout NewJersey who deal with Tourette Syndrome andany of its related challenges are invited to usethe Rutgers program’s services. The evaluationis free, and a sliding fee scale assures no one willbe turned away for help with Tourette Syndromeand its related conditions including obsessivecompulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, depressionand phobias.As many as 1 in 200 people exhibit symptomsof Tourette Syndrome-equating to 40,000 peoplein New Jersey alone. Tourette Syndrome is aninherited neurological disorder often characterizedby uncontrollable movements and vocalizationscalled tics.Tourette Syndrome often presents itself withother disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity,obsessive-compulsive disorder, learningdisabilities, and mood and sleep disorders.According to Dr. Cathy Budman, SeniorConsultant to TSANJ and a nationally recognizedTourette Syndrome expert, “Unfortunately, theaverage time from onset of symptoms to diagnosisis seven years. For a child, these years areoften filled with academic and social strugglesalong with countless medical tests, ineffectualmedication and frustrated parents.”Earlier this year TSANJ, with the help of grantmoney from the New Jersey Department ofHealth and Senior Services, created a nationalmodel program offering medical diagnosis, treatment,research and other services called the NJCenter for Tourette Syndrome (NJTCS). TheRutgers Tourette Syndrome Program will becomepart of that expanded effort. The NJCTS providesthe New Jersey Tourette Syndrome communitywith:• coordination of care and service for personswith Tourette Syndrome,• development and delivery of training programsfor medical and mental health• referrals to practitioners throughout the state,• a centralized point for comprehensive researchin Tourette Syndrome,• professionals to qualify them to diagnose andtreat Tourette Syndrome, and• a central repository for best practices regardingdiagnosis and treatment of Tourette Syndrome.Adds Rice, “Our partnership with Rutgersis a true model for helping Tourette Syndromepatients and ideally should be replicated nationwide.”#For more information about TSANJ, visit theirweb site at www.tsanj.org or call Faith Rice,Director at (908) 575-7350. For more informationcall Rutgers Tourette Syndrome Program at732-445-6111 x27 or x930.Herbert G. Birch ServicesFounded in 1975 by Phyllis Susser and named in honor of her mentor, Dr. Herbert G. Birch, Herbert G.Birch Services has grown from one small school into a large network of programs serving a wide rangeof New Yorkers who face significant challenges. Our mission is threefold: to develop and administer stateof the art programs based on best practices; to train staff to implement these programs effectively; and, tohelp families become outstanding advocates for their children.Birch is renowned for its expertise in the education of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Wetrain nearly 500 staff each year in using effective methods to work with these children. Trainees come fromthe NYC Department of Education, other districts in the metropolitan area, sister agencies and our ownschools.Autism is a biological and neurological disorder affecting speech and language, social interaction andsensory development. Its symptoms range from mild to severe and vary across a number of areas. Autismis found four times more often in males than in females and is the fastest growing disability in the UnitedStates. There are more than 1.5 million people with Autism Spectrum Disorder in this country.Each year, Birch facilitates an annual conference: “Addressing the Challenges of Autism”. This year,our conference theme is “Embracing Life Transitions” and will feature a parent panel with William Stolfi,Maxine Boyce, and Pat Delury, Chantal Sicile-Kira (radio talk show host, author and parent of an adolescentwith Autism), Ann Palmer (Division TEACCH, author and parent of college student with autism), NinaLublin (Resources for Children with Special Needs) and Maxine Boyce (parent of two children with Autism),Karen Hazel and Donna Fitzsimmons (Principals from Herbert G. Birch Schools). Presentations will focus ontransition issues from birth to adulthood.The conference will be held at the Lighthouse International Conference Center in Manhattan. For moreinformation and registration, contact 212-741-6522 x226 or hgbtanyas@aol.com.A Special Choicefor Special PeopleProgressive education, home community for the intellectually disabled child andadult. Opportunity for educational progress at any age—multiple educational,vocational, recreational and social activities. A year-round program with an activeand full lifestyle among friends on an 850-acre bluegrass campus.4200 Lawrenceburg Road • Frankfort, KY 40601John P. Stewart, M.D. • Phone 502-227-4821www.stewarthome.comThe Mary McDowell Teaching and LearningCenterPRESENTSPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS20 Bergen Street, Brooklyn,NY 11201Phone: (718) 625-3939Fax: (718) 625-1456Email: info@mmcl.netWeb:http://marymcdowell.org• Curriculum Planning in the Real World $501 Evening Session Wed. Apr. 266:00 - 8:30pm• Basic Orton Gillingham $4502 Full Day Sessions Wed. Apr. 26 and Wed. May 39:30am - 3:30pmand 2 Evening Sessions Mon. May 8 and Tues. May 96:00 - 8:30pm• A More In-Depth Look at Learning Disabilities andModifications for Success $125 Fri. Apr. 281 Full Day Session 9:30am - 3:30pm• Promoting Positive Social Skills in the Classroom $501 Evening Session Wed. May 36:00 - 8:30pm• Providing Organizational Systems for Notetaking, StudySkills and Homework $125 Fri. May 51 Full Day Session 9:30am - 3:30pm

18 Technology & Education ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2006Smarter E-mail Skills Help AvoidReputation & Legal RiskBy Eric M. RosenbergEducators often lead by example, but when itcomes to the use of electronic communicationssuch as e-mail, they may be setting out unwittinglyin the wrong direction. All too often peoplemake the mistake of believing there can be noramifications from virtual conversations becausee-mail is informal and temporary. But as many anorganization and its employees caught up in badpublicity or legal troubles can tell you, there isno such thing.Case in point is an example that occurred inMaine several years ago. In this very public andvery embarrassing instance, a school superintendentmentioned in an e-mail to a colleagueregarding a meeting that he would like to “punchthe lights out of” a specific union representative.When the e-mail was ultimately made public, thesuperintendent was extremely embarrassed forhaving committed such a thought to a discoverableelectronic writing.Many educators work in a public environmentwhere, depending upon the state or local lawinvolved, their writings may be regarded as publicrecords, available for review by third parties.Public record acts, audits by funding sources, orregulatory investigations can become the justificationfor a review of e-mail written by you andstored on government or university-controlledservers or other equipment. To be sure, the stakesare high. Not only could a person suffer majorhumiliation, but the writer of thoughtless e-mailcan also be opening up a legal can of worms. Forexample, you e-mail something derogatory abouta colleague to another colleague at an e-mailaddress at a state-supported university. That writinghas become an electronic record in the serversof that university, subject to its retention rules andstate and federal audit requirements. Unlike anold-fashioned letter, the future of that e-mail isbeyond the control of the sender and recipient.Any number of circumstances could result in thate-mail being obtained and reviewed by an unintendedrecipient.So what can educators do to prevent problems?Lesson one: Understand the principal sins ofelectronic communications. Lesson two: fix theproblems your organization might have.The following are some major mistakes thatemployees tend to make when it comes to e-mail communications. For starters, some peopleassume that pressing “delete” effectively erasesthe e-mail trail, which it most certainly doesnot. Employees also tend to use employer e-mailsystems for personal use—which is not onlypotentially improper, but also pre-conditions thecomposers of business e-mail on those systems touse the sloppy, informal approach of their personalwritings. Users of e-mail also fail to considerhow the correspondence would look in the publicmedia, which the superintendent in Maine clearlylearned the hard way.What’s more, when sending e-mails, peopleare often tempted to create untruthful content byexaggerating, joking, losing one’s temper, boasting,guaranteeing results, carrying on a debate orspreading rumors. All of these can cause majorheadaches for an organization, on both a reputationlevel and a legal one. Failing to heed copyrightlaws; failing to double-check addresses; andignoring incoming e-mail that requires correctiveaction are other major traps.Understanding these problems and trying to fixthem will go a long way toward protecting yourorganization. For example, it’s essential an organizationproviding e-mail access have a written e-educational editormjl@gmail.com Learning GamesThe Fun Way To Learn!From phonics to fractions –geography to spelling we haveeducational games forevery school subjectWe carry over 1,600 Educational Gamesat Educational Learning GamesEducationalDiscountsAvailableFREESHIPPINGOVER $75Previously Featured on CNN Money727-786-4785www.ELGamEs.comcommunications policy, signed by each employeeupon hiring and updated annually. Such organizationshould also consider establishing a contentsurveillance process, for which there are anincreasing number of useful systems available,and a consistent disciplinary process for violationsof e-policies. Moreover, to avoid misaddressingand other mindless mistakes, employeesshould be required to demonstrate basic familiaritywith the particular features of the e-mail systemon their machines. Finally, the organizationmay want to consider hiring an expert to conductlitigation risk minimization training, preferablyTHEATER REVIEWNo Doubt About This HitBy Jan AaronPlaywright John Patrick Shanley’s long-runningprovocative play Doubt is, at heart, anengrossing suspense thriller about sexual abusein a Bronx parochial school in 1964. But also theplay digs below the surface bringing up weightyissues like truth, faith, convictions, and consequencesthat stay in mind for discussion after thecurtain comes down, as the playwright intended.Recommended for teens and up, this penetratingPulitzer Prize and 2005 Tony Award winningdrama enters its second smash year on Broadwaywith a new cast.Eloquent English actress Dame Eileen Atkinsnow stars as Sister Aloysius. Rewarding theaudience with her steely gaze and sharp observations,she embarks on a single-handed mission tobring down a popular young priest Father Flynn(Ron Eldard) she suspects or, indeed, believes,has made advances to a 12-year-old male student.It’s Father Flynn’s sermon on doubt that triggersSister Aloysius’ suspicions. Mr. Eldard, also newto the cast, brings a solid working class sensibilityto his part, but almost makes you believe hecould be guilty. Tech Specialist, TX School DistrictAssistant Principal, FL High School.“Liars should be frightened to lie to you. Theyshould be uncomfortable in your presence,” saysSister Aloysius, enlisting the aid of a neophyteyoung nun, Sister James, (Jena Malone). It is completelybelievable that a stern principal like this,with her penetrating look, could extract the truthout of anyone in a single brief interview. In eachof her three interrogations Sister Aloysius does notsucceed with Father Flynn. These encounters arehigh points of the play and here her doggednesssometimes results in touches of humor.Somewhat overshadowed by Atkins’ estimableease, Ms. Malone, a screen actress, as the nuncaught in the middle, is hesitant at first, butimproves when she finds the courage for hershowdown with Sister Aloysius. As the solemember of the original cast, Adriane Lenox isexcellent as the mother of the boy whose wellbeing is in question.Under the expert direction of Doug Hughes,everything comes seamlessly together—no doubtabout it. (Walter Kerr Theater, $25-$90; 212-239-7200. Student rush tickets available one hourbefore curtain.)#in group sessions and sometimes supplementedby online follow-up.Remember, educators are leaders by example.E-communications are a good place to imagineyour students looking over your shoulder as youaddress the keyboard. Otherwise, they could bereading about it later.#Eric M. Rosenberg is the president and founderof LitigationProofing, LLC. Rosenberg providestraining and consulting to financial servicesfirms, law firms, and other enterprise. For moreinformation, visit http://www.litigationproofing.com.Are You Meeting NCLB Requirements?Collect data easily and affordably fromAssessments, Tests, Surveys and other forms.Enables Data Driven Decision Making! Remark

APRIL 2006 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ Music, art & Dance19Ariadne Auf Naxos at the Vienna Staatsoper: The Triumph of Edita GruberovaBy Irving SpitzThe performance of Richard Strauss’s opera,Ariadne auf Naxos, must stand out as one of thehighlights of the current season at the ViennaStaatsoper. Hugo von Hoffmannsthal’s librettoconsists of a prologue set in the palatial home ofa rich Viennese. To entertain his guests, he hascommissioned a composer to present his newopera based on the Greek mythological story ofthe Cretan princess, Ariadne, who was abandonedby her husband on the island of Naxos. The richViennese has also engaged a troupe of comediansfor a Commedia dell’arte (Comedy of Art) asentertainment. Since the firework display for theguests must begin promptly at nine o’clock, therich man’s major domo gives instructions thatboth the commedia dell’arte and the opera mustbe given simultaneously. Bedlam ensues and thesoprano and tenor of the opera are scandalized.Nevertheless the composer agrees to cut theopera after discussions with Zerbinetta, leaderof the Commedia dell’arte who puts order in thechaos. In the actual opera, the disbanded Ariadneis inconsolable despite all efforts of the commediadell’arte. All ends well when the god Bacchusmakes an appearance and Ariadne joins him in anascent to the heavens. The contrast of the faithfulAriadne with the frivolous streetwise Zerbinettamakes for a fascinating psychological interplay.The production, directed and produced byFilippo Sanjust, premiered almost 30 years ago.It is somewhat dated but nevertheless remainspractical and still serviceable. What really stoodout was the splendid opera orchestra. Scored fora rather small ensemble, conductor FriedrichHaider brought out all its subtle nuances. Theorchestra was magnificent in both the baroquelikecomic atmosphere with the commediadell’arte, which was juxtaposed with the dramaof a classical Wagnerian opera. The latter culminatedin Ariadne’s solo passages and her duetwith Bacchus.Canadian soprano, Adrianne Pieczonka wasimpressive both as the tempestuous prima donnain the prologue and subsequently as Ariadne.Her powerful soprano was clearly heard even inthe fortissimo passages. German tenor WolfgangSchmidt succeeded in the punishing but shortrole of Bacchus. Also very accomplished as thecomposer was German mezzo-soprano CorneliaSalje. She was vocally sound and dramaticallyimpressive both when conveying disappointmentand anger at having to alter the opera and thenwith her feelings of love for Zerbinetta.The composer was not the only one smittenby Zerbinetta. Indeed the whole audience succumbedto the magic of Slovakian coloraturasoprano, Edita Gruberova. Zerbinetta has becomeone of her signature roles and later in the currentseason, she gave her 200th performance of thatrole. There are other great Zerbinettas currentlyaround including the French Natalie Dessay andGerman Diana Damrau. Now aged 59, EditaGruberova can certainly hold her own. Her voicestill retains beauty, perfection as well as vocalagility and clarity. This is combined with anengaging stage personality. All this was especiallyevident in her showstopper plea to Ariadnewhere Gruberova brought out all her vocal fireworks.I first heard her in the Staatsoper in 1979as the Queen of the Nights in The Magic Flute.That performance remains indelibly ingrained inmy mind. Ten years later she enthralled the audiencein a performance at the Metropolitan Operaas Violetta in La Traviata conducted by CarlosKleiber. It is most unfortunate that her appearancesin the US are too infrequent. US operabuffs are deprived of hearing one of the greatestof all coloraturas.#Music Study Makes Kids SmarterThere’s a lot of research about how learning to play music helps children with math and languageskills, finger dexterity and getting along in a group, but now new benefits have been found. Studyof infants’ reaction to music shows that early on they react to melody, rhythm and relationships ofsounds. This transfers to the learning of language. Playing music for them and singing to them isof great benefit. Later on, actually learning to play could start as early as three years old, althoughmost start between 5 and 10Sam Ash Music makes choosing an instrument a no-brainer. There’s the broad selection, the greatprices and helpful advice. The Sam Ash credit card gives you interest-free time before you pay. Andthey have a guaranteed buy-back plan and generous trade ups. Visit Sam Ash to see all the excitinginstruments and learn more.But making music is not just for kids. 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Education Update’sAPRIL2006 Edition20 20Hands-On Science Camp Runs theGamut of Fun CoursesWhat do “Dissect a Comic,” “SkateboardScience,” and “Mystery Solved!” have in common?They’re all unique and featured classes atthis summer’s Hands-On Science Camp, held atthe California Science Center from June 26 throughAugust 25, 2006. With over 25 classes to choosefrom, campers can investigate the powers of theirfavorite super heroes, explore the creepy-crawlyworld of bugs, or solve mysteries using forensicclues, during week-long programs for pre-K to 12thgrade that are sure to spark the imagination.“Our classes are unique because we can integrateexciting activities with current exhibitionsat the Science Center,” says Ron Rohovit, DeputyDirector for Education at the Science Center’sAmgen Center for Science Learning, which isresponsible for creating and organizing the camp.This year’s curriculum includes programs thatare inspired by the new special exhibit, Marvel®Super Heroes Science Exhibition. Students canlearn about the super powers of their own bodies in“Small and Mighty,” use science and imaginationto create their own incredible character in “SuperPower Factory,” adapt materials such as semiconductorsor polymers to defeat a super villain in“Hero’s Lab,” and test the science in a comic bookstory then rewrite it as their own with the correctscience in “Dissect a Comic.” All of the classesinclude a visit to the exhibit.At Hands-On Science Camp there is a class forevery age and stage. Little Learner programs areparent-child classes for the pre-K age group thatfocus on a scientific theme with exciting hands-onactivities and crafts. Class titles include “Bug’sLife”, “Robots!,” and “Science Matters.”There is a full slate of half-day and full-daysessions for students in 1st through 8th grades.Highlights include “Mystery Solved!” where studentswill learn forensic science; “Living in Space,”which addresses the problems in trying to create alivable world far from our planet; “Bones, Body& Biology” reveals human anatomy and biologythrough animal dissections; and “Skate Science,”which invites learners to put their “goofy foot”forward as they dissect ollies and vert skating, anddesign their own skateboard.The Young Curator Institute is a full-day, 2-weekintensive program for high school students. Underthe guidance of Science Center professionals,participants will envision and build their own scienceexhibit. The institute is perfect for studentsinterested in careers in museums or science education,and provides an introduction to the variety ofskills necessary for presenting science concepts togeneral audiences.Hands on Science Camp will take place in theWallis Annenberg Building for Science Learningand Innovation. The facility offers state-of-the-artthemed classrooms and the 32,000 square-footBig Lab, with its large-scale experiment platforms.Many courses take advantage of the BigLab’s unique features with hands-on investigationsinvolving airflow, buoyancy, gravity, ecology andmore.Create a schedule to suit the family’s summerhours. Courses vary in price with half and fullday session rates, and some include material costsor special activity fees. Science Center membersreceive a discount rate. Also available are anextended day program for 1st-8th graders, anda lunch program for all-day campers. Phone theHands-On Science Camp Hotline at (213) 744-7440 for a free brochure, or visit www.californiasciencecenter.org/campfor a complete list of courseofferings and registration form.#Incarnation CampFounded in 1886, Incarnation Camp offers both overnight and day camping to boys and girls ages 7-15.Incarnation Camp is located in Ivoryton, Connecticut on 700 wooded acres, which surround a mile-long privatelake. Camp alum and New York Times columnist David Brooks calls Incarnation “The most successful institutionI’ve ever been involved with.”In the spirit of the traditional camp experience, Incarnation Camp offers a well-rounded program includingboating and swimming instruction; ropes course; archery; hiking; drama; land sports; arts and crafts; horsebackriding; farm and more. Off-site camping and canoe trips are also offered during the summer. Sessions for childrenages 7-13 include 2, 4, 6 and 8 week options.Pioneer Village offers two 4-week programs for boys and girls ages 14 and 15. Leadership and personalresponsibility are at the core of this program. Teens take part in Adventure Treks, which include hiking theAppalachian Trail, biking throughout New England and canoeing the Connecticut River. Campers learn to cookon open fires and work in teams as they plan and prepare for these trips.Many parents claim that the strongest element of Incarnation Camp’s program is its team of counselors andstaff. Members of the staff are carefully chosen on basis of maturity, responsibility, and experience. Trainingis provided to further develop leadership skills, personal sensitivity and a special understanding of children’sneeds. The ratio of campers to staff is less that 5 to 1.Parent Quotes from Summer 2005: “This was like finding an emerald in a haystack! I am elated at his experiences.”“Thank you for providing my son with such a wonderful experience. He matured, had fun, gainedconfidence, learned new things and made new friends.” “She really wants to see the rest of the world as a resultof meeting all the counselors from different places.” “I love the wacky camp songs she still sings.” “My daughterloves it there, and it seems her peers and the staff do as well. There is a strong spirit of shared joy and caring thatpermeates Incarnation Camp and that is the best thing!” ACA Accredited . Scholarships and group discountsare available. Please call Nancy Nygard Pilon (Director) at 860-767-0848 to inquire. www.incarnationcenter.orgTHE LEARNING WHEELTeachers’ Store - Parents Always WelcomeBEST SELECTION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AT THE LOWEST PRICESNow Later Evening Hours For Your ConvenienceFeaturing these outstanding products this month:* Evan-Moor “Take It To Your Seat” Learning Centers for Literacy, LA, Math, Writing, Science andGeography for grades Pre-K - 6* The latest Mailbox Books from The Education Center* Big selection of literature for readersof all ages, infant through high school,from Usborne Books and SaddlebackBooksPresent this ad at the register toreceive 10% off on all purchases of $25or more!!THE LEARNING WHEEL ISLOCATED AT 1514 AVENUE Z (East16th Street), BROOKLYN, NY(1 block from Sheepshead Bay Rd. Qsubway stop) Phone: 718-934-5540STORE HOURS:MONDAY-FRIDAY-11:30 AM TO6:30 PMSATURDAY - 11:00 AM TO 5:00 PMSUNDAY - CLOSEDwww.TheLearningWheel.com26th

APRIL 2006 ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ Education update21Unsolved ProblemsBy AlfredPosamentier, Ph.D.This may come as ashock to some of your students,but who says thatall mathematical problemsget solved? Unsolved problems have a veryimportant role in mathematics. Attempts to solvethem oftentimes lead to very important findingsof other sorts. Yet an unsolved problem—onenot yet solved by the world’s most brilliantminds—tends to pique our interest by quietlyasking us if we can solve it, especially when theproblem itself is exceedingly easy to understand.We shall look at some unsolved problems to get abetter understanding of the history of mathematics.Twice in recent years, mathematics has madenewspaper headlines, each time with the solutionto a long-time unsolved problem.The Four Color Problem dates back to 1852,when Francis Guthrie, while trying to color themap of counties of England, noticed that fourcolors sufficed. He asked his brother Frederick ifit was true that any map can be colored using fourcolors in such a way that adjacent regions (i.e.those sharing a common boundary segment, notjust a point) receive different colors. FrederickGuthrie then communicated the conjecture to thefamous mathematician, Augustus DeMorgan. In1977, the “four color map” problem was solvedby two mathematicians, K. Appel and W. Haken,who, using a computer, considered all possiblemaps and established that it was never necessaryto use more than four colors to color a map sothat no two territories sharing a common borderwould be represented by the same color.More recently, on June 23, 1993, AndrewWiles, a Princeton University mathematics professor,announced that he solved the 350-year old“Fermat’s Last Theorem.” It took him anotheryear to fix some errors in the proof, but it putsto rest a nagging problem that occupied scoresof mathematicians for centuries. The problem,which Pierre de Fermat wrote (ca. 1630) in themargin of a mathematics book (Diophantus’Arithmetica) he was reading, was not discoveredby his son until after his death. In addition tothe statement of the theorem, Fermat stated thathis proof was too long to fit the margin, so heeffectively left to others the job of proving hisstatement.Fermat’s Theorem:x n + y n = z n has no non-zero integer solutionsfor n > 2The Dean’s ColumnDring this time, speculation began about otherunsolved problems, of which there are still many.Two of them are very easy to understand butapparently exceedingly difficult to prove. Neitherhas yet been proved.Christian Goldbach (1690-1764), a Prussianmathematician, in a 1742 letter to the famousSwiss mathematician, Leonhard Euler, posed thefollowing problem, which to this day has yet tobe solved.Goldbach’s Conjecture:Every even number greater than 2 can beexpressed as the sum of two prime numbers.Can you find some more examples of this?Goldbach’s Second Conjecture:Every odd number greater than 5 is the sum ofthree primes.Let us consider the first few odd numbers:Your students may wish to see if there is a patternhere and generate other examples.You may find other such examples in MathWonders: To Inspire Teachers and Students,by Alfred S. Posamentier (ASCD, 2003) see:www.ascd.org. or Math Charmers: TantalizingTidbits for the Mind, by Alfred S. Posamentier(Prometheus Books, 2003) see: www.prometheusbooks.com.If you wish to learn more about π, see:π: A Biography of the World’s Most MysteriousNumber, by Alfred S. Posamentier (PrometheusBooks, 2004) see: www.prometheusbooks.com.Dr. Alfred S. Posamentier is Dean of the Schoolof Education at City College of NY, author ofover 35 books on math, and member of the NYSStandards Committee on Math.The Value of An AllWomen’s Educationby Kathleen ponze, MaureenColburn and Chris Farmer[Education Update asked the Young Women’sLeadership School, a public school in NYCfounded by Anne Tisch, to describe the value ofall girls’ schools. The responses follow.]Do you believe academic achievement ishigher for girls in an all-girls academic setting?Is there a benefit to single sex educationin non-academic areas?There is no doubt that for most of our girls,achievement both inside and outside of the classroomis higher because they attend an all-girlsschool. It is difficult to separate academic andnon-academic achievement because for adolescentgirls, the two are interrelated.Academically: Years of research have shownthat single-sex schools promote an environmentwhere gender differences are valued not ignored.At TYWLS the fact that we are an all girls schoolenables us to use the woman’s perspective as acritical lens for teaching all subject areas particularlymath and science. Studies have demonstratedthat girls typically lag behind boys in math andscience as they enter the middle school years andthis continues into high school.At TYWLS we teach Math and Science in away that makes these subjects relevant to ourstudents and we help our students experiencesuccess. Our teachers do not allow our studentsto say, “I’m just not good at Math.” In our schoolevery young woman is a mathematician andevery girl is a scientist. At TYWLS, our studentswork together in groups to get results whetherthey are collectively solving a calculus problemor working on a lab. This personal interaction anddiscussion enables our students to support eachother and work together as a team. We also providea number of hands on experiences and fieldtrips for our students to make class work relevantand practical.In English courses, traditional works likeShakespeare, Poe, and Ibsen are taught alongside Zora Neal Hurston, Octavia Butler, andLorraine Hansbury. Classical texts as well asmore modern classics are taught with an eyetowards understanding the experience and perspectiveof women of color. Encouraging ourstudents to identify with the characters creates anenvironment where class discussions are studentcentered, rich and energetic.The social studies curriculum at TYWLS alsoincorporates the unique learning styles of our studentsand encourages dialogue about the role ofwomen in establishing all societies. At TYWLS,project based learning allows students to work ingroups where they research social justice issuesand women’s roles in history. It is not uncommonto see a 7th grade history class puttingChristopher Columbus on trial for war crimes, ora senior government class creating voter awarenessbrochures to inform citizens of candidates.Clear differences can be seen in Health andPhysical Education classes. Women’s healthissues are discussed candidly in every gradelevel without hesitation to ask specific and personalquestions. AIDS, Lupus, STDs, Diabetes,Hypertension, and teen pregnancy are not abstractconcepts saved for a chapter in a health textbook.These issues are real in the lives of our studentsand their families. In this single sex environment,these issues can be addressed in concrete waysthat have an impact on the students’ personallives.Non-Academically: A critical component ofthe culture of TYWLS both academically andnon-academically is our Advisory program. Thisis a tool that enables the school community toaddress the individual needs of our students.Each teacher in the school is an advisor and istrained to work with adolescent girls. During theadvisory time students discuss issues personaland academic and the environment of a singlesexschool enables our students to feel safe andencourages an open environment.There is no front row in our school. All studentssit at tables with four or five chairs circled aroundthem; there is no front or back of the class.Students work cooperatively in small groups onproject-based and discussion-based assignments.When students work in small groups, all voicesare heard, and students cannot be wallflowers.When you go to an all girls’ school the Presidentof the student council is a girl. The head of theMath Club is a girl and the top science studentis a girl. Leadership is a critical component ofour model and students are responsible for leadingtheir own lives as well as becoming leadersin the community. All of our students have theopportunity to lead both inside and outside of theclassroom. In this all-girl environment, a cultureof success has been established where the expectationis that all students will participate, workhard, and be responsible. We have found that students’confidence soars as students begin to seesuccess in the classroom and in their social life.Is your faculty predominantly women?The faculty at TYWLS includes 23 women andcontinued to page 23RESOURCE & REFERENCE GUIDEBOOKSBank Street Bookstore112th St. & Broadway ; (212) 678-1654Exceptional selection of books for children, teachers and parents.Knowledgeable staff. Free monthly newsletter. Open Mon-Thurs10-8 PM, Fri & Sat 10–6 PM, Sun 12–5 PM.Logos Books1575 York Ave. (@84th Street); (212) 517-7292A charming neighborhood bookstore located in Yorkville featuringquality selections of classics, fiction, poetry, philosophy, religion,bibles and children’s books, and greeting cards, gifts and music.Books can be mailed. 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22 BOOK REVIEWS ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ APRIL 2006Logos Bookstore’s RecommendationsWith the month of April upon us and Eastercoming up in the middle of the month, a book toconsider for the Lent and Easter seasons is TheRevolutionary Communicator: Seven PrinciplesJesus Lived To Impact, Connect And Lead.The Revolutionary Communicator: SevenPrinciples Jesus Lived To Impact, Connect AndLeadby Jedd Medefind and Erik Lokkesmoe(Relevant Books, $15.99)The two authors, Jedd Medefind, chief ofstaff and former communication directorin the California State Legislature, and ErikLokkesmoe, director of communications for aFederal Government cultural agency and a formercabinet-level speechwriter and press secretaryto several members of Congress presentJesus in the context of the modern day media ageof publicity and spin. Each chapter starts with anassumption about the modern media age as wellas a truth about every age. The contrast betweenthese sayings is an indicator that what will be presentedwill be a whole different way of looking atthe communication process and of taking action.Chapter Two on seeking connection with the followingquotes is a good start for the direction thebook will take, “IN A MEDIA AGE, we assumethat….Effective communication must come froma position of power.IN EVERY AGE, the truth is …..The bestcommunication requires drawing near, whateverthe cost.” Other helpful features are the personalasides of the authors where they discuss personalissues of communication. All throughout thebook the authors present examples how Jesuscommunicated to people. This book is a goodBy H. Harris Healy, III, President, Logos Bookstore1575 York Avenue (Between 83rd and 84th Sts.), NY, NY 10028(212) 517-7292, Fax (212) 517-7197WWW.NYCLOGOS.CITYSEARCH.COMway to understand Jesus amidst this age of media,spin, and technology, because the book is writtento be understood by people who are used to soundbites and concise summaries of information.Going Places, Where Does It Come From,Mommy and Me, The colorful zoo(Rich Frog, $8 each)What Goes In My Sippy Cup?, Where Does itCome From, Mommy And Me, Foods That GoTogether(Rich Frog, $4.50 each)Surfer Dude Tub Toys(Rich Frog, $5.30 each)For young children for gift giving at this timeof year are some wonderful items from RichFrog. First there are four foldout soft books withfabric and velcro lockets to keep the books closedwhen not in use. Going Places features cuteanimals flying planes, traveling on trains, ridingbikes to name a few means of transit. WhereDoes It Come From shows different photos andwhere they come from, milk and its origin, wooland where it came from to name some of theitems shown, Mommy and Me present full-grownanimals and young animals explaining what typeof mommy is the animal and giving the word forwhat her offspring would be called. The colorfulzoo presents pictures and names of differentanimals. There are smaller size foldout booksincluding smaller versions of Mommy and Meand Where Does It Come From. The two originaltitles are Foods That Go Together and What GoesIn My Sippy Cup. A great treat for the very youngare the Surfer Dude Tub Toys, hippos, frogs andducks on surfboards floating in one’s bathtub.Logos is also the place to come for Passover giftsBooks Are Treasures Waiting To BeDiscovered. Read And Explore!By selene vasquezPICTURE BOOK: AGES 5 THRU 8Alligator Alphabetby Stella Blackstone; Illustrated by Stehanie Bauer(CIP, 32 pp., $16.99)“Aa is for alligator./ Bb is for bear./ Cc is forcamel./ Chase us if you dare!” Parent and babypairs from alligators to zebras playfully introducethe alphabet. Joyous simple rhymes and vividillustrations in brilliant acrylics.I Dreamt I Was A Dinosaurby Stella Blackstone; Illustrated by Clare Beaton(CIP, unpaged, $15.99)Fantastical dinosaurs created out of fabrics,felt, sequins and ribbons. The inventivenessof the visuals, alongside the sweet and simpletext will keep the preschool-primary audienceenthralled. The final “Meet the Dinosaurs” pagesoffer pronunciation guides and brief facts on thestory’s reptiles.NONFICTION: AGES 7 THRU 10Ask Albert Einsteinby Lynne Barasch(Farrer, 32 pp., $16.00)A marvelous story based on an article in theNew York Times in 1952 whereby Einstein actuallyreviewed equations with children who askedfor assistance. Nostalgic cartoon illustrationsinterlaced with thoughtful quotes.Insectigations!: 40 Hands-On Activities toExplore the Insect Worldby Cindy Blobaum; Illustrated by Gail Rattray(CIP, 32 pp., $12.95)A unique and inventive introduction to entomology.Activities for budding young scientistsinclude raising meal worms, testing the visualacuity of bees and setting up a watering hole forbutterflies. Charts, diagrams, photography and aglossary included.#Selene Vasquez is a media specialist at OrangeBrook Elementary School in Hollywood, FL. Sheis formerly a children’s librarian for the NYPL.New Book on the Dominican Republic is Rare Resource For Educators“…You will discover what it means to be a Dominican immigrant, bringing to the United States of Americaa rich and complicated history, a set of assumptions, expectations, dreams and fears. You will discover whatit means to…carry another world inside you until it feels so heavy you have to go back on one of those cheapflights or call home because otherwise your heart will split from tristeza y desesperación.”---Forward, by JuliaAlvarezTeaching for Change published its latest book, Caribbean Connections: The Dominican Republic to shed light onthe rich history, politics, and culture of one of the fastest growing Latino groups in the country. This text fills avoid, as there are scarce resources for the educational setting that affirm the identity of Dominicans and inspirestudents to build a more equitable, multicultural society. This new resource is ideal for Language Arts, SocialStudies, ESOL, and Spanish classes.How does the growing presence of Dominicans in the U.S. and in New York City communities and classroomsaffect school curricula? As educators, how can we best teach the history of the Dominican Republic and helpstudents understand its long and close relationship with the United States? How can we accurately presentthe perspective of Dominican Americans, the challenges they face and contributions they have made to theiradopted country?Caribbean Connections: The Dominican Republic, completed in partnership with the Council on Latin Americanand Iberian Studies at Yale University, answers these questions through oral histories, poetry, fiction, 26 lessonplans, sections on New York, and beautifully illustrated timelines and maps. Noted authors include JuliaAlvarez, Josefina Báez, Edwidge Danticat, Junot Díaz, Rhina P. Espaillat, Pedro Mir, and Sherezada (Chique)Vicioso. Caribbean Connections: The Dominican Republic is ideal for grades 8 and up, a Spanish language companionis available. For more information visit www.teachingforchange.org.Education Update’s AdvisoryCouncil Book SuggestionsJoan Freilich, Ph.D.The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, MarkTwain,The Grapes of Wrath, John SteinbeckInvisible Man, Ralph EllisonBonnie Kaiser, Ph.D.To the Lighthouse, Virginia WoolfThe Plot Against America, Phillip RothThe Wind in the Willows, Kenneth GrahameCecilia McCarton, Ph.D.Behavioral Intervention for Young Childrenwith Autism (A manual for parents and professionals),Edited by Catherine MauriceRight from the Start (BehavioralIntervention for Young Children withas well as gifts in general, music and unusualgreeting cards.Upcoming Events At Logos Bookstore:Wed., April 5, 2006, KYTV ReadingGroup will discuss Bleak House by CharlesDickens.Monday, April 17, 2006, The Sacred TextsGroup led by Richard Curtis will discuss thebook of Esther.Wednesday, May 3, 2006, KYTV ReadingGroup will discuss The History Of The SiegeOf Lisbon by Jose Saramago.Transit: 4, 5, 6 Subway to 86th St. andLexington Avenue, M86 Bus (86th St.), M79Bus (79th St.), M31 Bus (York Ave.), M15Bus (1st and 2nd Aves.)Autism), Sandra Harris and Mary Jane WeissReaching Out, Joining In (Teaching SocialSkills to Young Children with Autism), byMary Jane Weiss and Sandra HarrisAlfred Posamentier, Ph.D.Pi: A Biography of the World’s MostMysterious Number (Prometheus Books,2004), A. PosamentierMath Charmers: Tantalizing Tidbits forthe Mind (Prometheus Books, 2003), A.PosamentierPola Rosen, Ed.D.To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper LeeLa Casa de Bernarda Alba, Garcia LorcaA Farewell to Arms, Ernest HemingwayGet Usborne Books’IllustratEDDIctIOnaryOf math!Beautifully Illustrated.Great for everyonestudying math.Order from my online bookstorefor fastest service.www.ubah.com/a2145or call Gawain Clarke(718) 595-2813

Malachy McCourtcontinued from page 14then borrowing them legally from the locallibrary. “Reading was my salvation; it gave mea window on the world”—as was “my abilityto put on a good face and charm my way out ofeverything,” he laughs. But he couldn’t bluff hisway through the academic rigors of the primaryschool curriculum, and he became a dropout atthe age of 13. (In 2002, McCourt received anhonorary primary school certificate, a first-everfrom the Irish Department of Education andScience and “the only academic honor I’ve evergotten,” which he has proudly framed and displayedin his hallway.)McCourt’s remarkable survival skills steeredhim back to New York at age 21, where hefounded America’s first singles bar, Malachy’s,and drifted through a series of menial jobs asa dishwasher and longshoreman, until what hedescribes as “one motion that changed my life.”Returning from a Broadway show one night,McCourt was about to grab a hamburger when hefound himself veering back to the theater, wherehe told the manager that he wanted to becomean actor and performed an audition on the spot.He received his first stage role in The Tinker’sWedding, with subsequent parts in Playboy of theWestern World and Da, among others. McCourtalso acted in such films as Reversal of Fortuneand Bonfire of the Vanities and has extensiveradio and television credits, including his mostrecent stint as Father Meehan in the HBO prisonseries Oz.So what prompted a charming guy with thegift of gab and a successful acting career tobecome an author at the age of 66? “A very largeadvance,” responds McCourt honestly, notingthat his brother, Frank, had done so well withAngela’s Ashes that there was now a marketfor the memoir of Frank’s quirky Irish brother,Malachy. Indeed, after A Monk Swimming spentsix weeks on the New York Times bestseller list,McCourt followed it up with a second memoir,Singing My Him Song, and kept going with severaledited collections including Voices of Ireland,an anthology of classic short works by such Irishauthors as Jonathan Swift and James Joyce whohelped educate McCourt after he dropped out ofschool.As a writer, Malachy is hardly conventional. “Idon’t know anything about grammar or mechanics,”admits McCourt. “I can’t tell you what adangling participle is, but I play the language byear.” And he has plenty of practical advice forthe budding author. “Nothing focuses the mindas well as the prospect of being hanged in a fortnight,”he advises jokingly, referring to authors’tendencies to procrastinate. “If it’s a memoir,write that which shames you the most, and neverjudge your own material; you will always findit guilty.” He adds as an afterthought, “Nevershow anything to your relatives,” referring to astage play that he and brother Frank coauthored,A Couple of Blaguards, which was intended tobe “a lighthearted look at Ireland” but caused hismother to stand up in the middle of the performanceand cry out, “It wasn’t like that! It’s all apack of lies!”Although McCourt’s life reads like some of theTV soap operas in which he’s acted—he’s battledpoverty, alcoholism, prostate cancer, and heartdisease—he’s now a firm believer in living forthe moment. “Fear is firmly rooted in the future.Shame is firmly rooted in the past. So why muckabout with them?” he asks rhetorically, sharpeninghis pencil for the next memoir on his busyagenda, ‘I Never Drink When I’m Sober.’ Oh,and he may be entering politics, he adds, as theGreen Party’s candidate for Governor of NewYork. Stay tuned!#Calling All Youth! Dare to Be Involved!Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and ELLEgirlMagazine Lead NYC’S Youth Volunteer ExpoSecond Annual Event to be Held at Gotham HallApril 28-29WHO: Manhattan Chamber of Commerce andELLEgirl MagazineWHAT: Free Youth Volunteer ExpoWHERE: Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway, NYC10018 (west of Sixth Ave. between 36th and 37thSts.)WHEN: Friday, April 28 10-7pm ANDSaturday, April 29 10am to 3pmWHY: To open up volunteer opportunities forthe youth of New York’s five boroughsHOW TO GET INVOLVED: Visit www.nycvolunteerexpo.orgIf ever there was a time for the next generationto take a stand and lend a helping hand, that timeis now. The Manhattan Chamber of Commerceand ELLEgirl Magazine are joining forces to aidin the call to youthful arms at the “DARE TOBE INVOLVED” NYC Youth Volunteer Expo onFriday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29. The twodayevent is being held at the spectacular GothamHall and will provide youth a unique opportunityto explore volunteer needs in their communities.Nancy Ploeger, President of the MCC, states,“The Expo this year is reaching out to all potentialyouth volunteers, inviting students fromprivate and public high schools, colleges, youthgroups and clubs to the event. We realize thatstudents are enthusiastic about doing volunteerrelated,and hope to inspire them into service.#Disney Gives Schools First-Class TreatmentWhen you let your students discover the wonder and joy of Disney on Broadway, we’ll make theexperience unforgettable! This school year give your students a day to remember by taking advantageof Disney’s educational program, which provides schools with special rates for groups of 15 ormore for Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Tarzan.In addition, because we know you want to provide the necessary adult supervision, Disney giveseducators one free ticket for every 15 purchased at both shows. Flexible policies allow teachers topay in full 2–3 months before the performance. Disney invites schools to dedicate an entire day tothe theater and to enhance the group’s experience by taking a historical tour of the New AmsterdamTheater the morning prior to the performance. Built in 1903, the New Amsterdam has long been thecrown jewel of Broadway’s theaters. After a two-year restoration process that led to the theater’sre-opening in 1997, the theater now hosts Disney’s Tony Award winning musical, The Lion King. TheNew Amsterdam Theater is the perfect venue for events ranging from 15 to 1,800 people. The theaterand its two historic rooms, the Ziegfeld Room and the New Amsterdam Room, can accommodateeverything from a full production to an intimate candlelight dinner. For more information please callAmy Andrews at 212-282-2907.We will help teachers arrive to the theater prepared. For every show, Disney has developed studyguides that help teachers develop projects, discussions and activities. And, for those students whoalways have a question after most Wednesday matinees, members of the cast, orchestra or crew areavailable to appear for special Q & A sessions with students.Students can also enjoy discounts on Disney on Broadway souvenir merchandise, as each memberof your group will receive a merchandise coupon for great savings at the theater. Teachers can alsoarrange special lunch savings at McDonald’s Times Square location, which, seating over 2,000, specializesin school groups customized for any budget. Finally, groups save on Gray Line New York buscharters, as special Disney promotional rates are available.#For more info or to book call 212-703-1040 or 1-800-439-9000, fax 212-703-1085 or email BVTGgrouptix@disney.com. Or visit www.disneyonbroadway.com.APRIL 2006 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ METROBEATErica Jongcontinued from page 14who said to me, ‘Don’t worry, you’re going tobe a poet.’” Jong credits the single sex, intimateenvironment at Barnard with nurturing her muse:“I had a lot of professors who recognized mygift in writing and encouraged me to continue.”Jong later founded the writing center at Barnard,endowing three fellows who provide a supportsystem for their colleagues by helping them learnhow to edit their writing.Like the feminist heroine of her groundbreakingFear of Flying, the feisty Isadora Wing, whofor a generation of twenty-something womencoined the catch phrase “zipless f___” to embodysex without emotional involvement, Erica Jongis getting older and more traditional in her lifegoals. She’s been married to her current husband,lawyer Ken Burrows, for 17 years, her daughterMolly is now a mother and published author inher own right, and many of her favorite momentsare now spent crawling on the floor with Max.(“I crawl behind him on the rug in perfect bliss.He stops to inspect a toy and I stop to inspect ittoo. He makes up nonsense words and I make upnonsense words. Hours go by in a sort of trance,”she writes in Seducing the Demon.)So it’s only fitting that Jong is working on aLeadership Schoolcontinued from page 215 men. We feel it is important to have a diversestaff that will provide strong role models bothmale and female.Approximately what percent of your studentsgo on to single sex colleges? Coed colleges?65 students graduated in the Class of 2005.Although only five students enrolled in a women’scollege, 32 (almost half) of the class appliedto a women’s college. The graduates of ourschool clearly appreciate the benefits of a singlesex education.Are there any other aspects of all-girls educationthat you wish to discuss?Our students are often the most articulate aboutthe benefits of a single-sex school. We would liketo share with you some sentiments of the youngnovel that revisits Isadore as “a woman in her fiftiesmoving into her sixties…I want to talk abouta woman’s life when she encounters the losses oflate middle age, when friends start to get sick anddie, parents are departing in various ways, usuallyvery difficult ways, your kids are not babiesanymore but their problems are bigger, and yourmarriage may be a good marriage but you’re facingthe problems that come with failing health…Ireally want to put my heroine into a situationwhere all around her people leave her, and herlife is diminished because she doesn’t have herown life …She’s taking care of everyone exceptherself!” Will that novel take up where “Fear ofFifty”, Jong’s self-proclaimed midlife memoir,left us in 1994? “I think I’m through with fear,”Jong laughs. “Two years ago, I lived through myfather’s death. Once you’ve done that, there’snothing to fear except that it will happen to you,and you hope it’ll happen fast, not slowly…I’mnot so afraid of the future. I’ve accepted thefuture,” Jong adds on a quieting note.One can only guess that Jong’s newfound calmlies in the hope that is embodied by her grandson,Max. Indeed, it is no coincidence that sheends Seducing the Demon with Max hard at play,entranced in a fantasy with his trains and toy animals.“The love of words is clearly in his genes,”writes Jong. “The story is not over yet.”#ladies in our schools. “I feel safe here.” “Thereare no distractions and I can focus on my learning.”“In elementary school I was shy and did notparticipate in class, now I am not afraid.” “Thereis no reason to cut class.” “The girls are not fightingover the boys and we can build a deeper bondwith each other.” “I really love math.” “At thisschool the teachers tell you, you can do it andthey push you and help you to understand thework.” There are many aspects of a single-sexeducation that are not quantifiable and are notmeasured by test scores but the positive experienceof students and fantastic college acceptanceand attendance rates of our school are proof of ajob well done. #Kathleen Ponze is Principal of the YoungWomen’s Leadership School, Maureen Colburnis Executive Director of the Young Women’sLeadership Foundation, Chris Farmer is aCollegeBoard Counselor.The Studio Museum IN HarlemBy Sandra Jackson-DumontThe early 1990s witnessed the release of the classic hip-hop record aptly entitled Edutainment, byKRS-One and Boogie Down Productions (BDP). Arguably the last great album by one of hip hop’searliest socially conscious rappers, Edutainment was nothing short of what the title inferred— educationand entertainment combined as a strategy to meet the public where they were intellectually,politically and socially. To some, I might be dating myself by referencing the term edutainment.To others, it may sound like another sorry effort to coin a word. But to those of us in the field ofeducation, museums and/or community organizing, this reference resonates because it has beenthe source of much dialogue at museum and education conferences around the world. Over thelast decade, many museums have taken steps to become increasingly more audience-centeredspaces, giving rise to interactive public programs ranging from attention-grabbing family activitieslike Family Fun @ the Studio, complete with appearances by familiar cartoon characters, to socialparties like SMH’s own Uptown Fridays! Music, cocktails, culture, which was designed as a pointof entry for young professionals and new museum goers. Seminars, including contemporary Issuesin Context, at The Studio Museum often meld popular culture and traditional art history in aneffort to contemporize subjects while simultaneously nurturing a new cultural consumer. Whencomparing the complexion of today’s museum with the role historically carved out for this kindof institution, some questions beg for answers. Have museums been reduced to programmaticentertainment? What would museums look like in the absence of “edutainment”? While the fieldsof community and k-12 education seem to have embraced this approach to learning, museumsthat experiment with new ways to make content relevant and meaningful have often been heavilycriticized and even accused of dumbing down. And as a result, the state of museums in the 21stcentury is wrought with contradiction. The territorialized exclusionary practices on which museumshave traditionally been built is in direct conflict with modern technology and, in most cases,the contemporary patron. Slowly and progressively, this sturdy historic framework is withering inthe glare of a flourishing model that is at once unexpectedly interesting and surprisingly relevant.Many museums are embracing a new model that focuses on redefining the museum as a hybridspace where history and the contemporary can set up camp alongside theory and practice. Byfunctioning as a “site for the dynamic exchange of ideas,”1 various constituencies are able to intersectwith and within the museum to make the space more than a holding facility for objects. Allthings considered, if “edutainment” translates into an engaging, vital and exciting environment,then employing this pedagogy is well worth the criticism!#Sandra Jackson-Dumont is the Director of Education & Public Programs, The Studio Museum inHarlem.23

Education update ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ APRIL 2006