Lest We Forget the Littlest Learners… –– from EdNetInsight.com
Barbara A. Chester, Principal, David Douglas School District , Portland, Oregon, and President, National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Board of Directors — Friday, May 13, 2011
But outside of education, our littlest learners also need the focus and support of all members of our society. We cannot afford to allow some children the luxury of starting school “pockets brimming with life experiences” and other children attempting to access an extraordinarily uneven playing field. In every state, in every city, town, and community, it is the responsibility of every individual to seek ways to ensure that all children have equal access to learning opportunities, to the richness of play, and to the development of appropriate social skills. While foundations and organizations abound to reach out to some groups, the gap continues to widen for many others. The simple random act of kindness to reach out to just one child and one family and to share the time, talents, and knowledge that all adults possess would make an extraordinary difference in the lives of every early learner. And with such actions, the foundation of an educated society begins to strengthen, and the load is shared by all— educators, businesses, legislators, and community members of all ages.
The question is not where individual children might attend school, but if, when they enter the front door of their neighborhood school, they are off to the best start possible. When that strong foundation is in place, we can be confident that we have launched our littlest learners into the beginning of a successful future.
From DSC:
How true. All of society is involved in setting a proper foundation for our students. Families play an important role — as do others — and not just those involved with education as a career.