This discussion took place in November 2009 on the NBC program Meet The Press. I believe it is worthy of our attention. You may or may not agree with some or all of the content, but it is the most constructive discussion of the American education system that I have heard for some time. America’s [...]

PSYC 749: I’ve posted this video for you to consider as we further develop our sense of what is and is not working in America’s schools.

My last post offered one perspective on the effects of charter schools in changing the lives of children in Harlem. Viewers of the video featured in the last post might, on the basis of the outcomes observed in the Harlem schools, believe Charter Schools are the solution to our education crisis. Today, I direct your [...]

The other night I caught an interview of Madeleine Sackler, a young documentary film maker. Her film, The Lottery, chronicles four families in Harlem and their pursuit of a great education for their young children. Whether you agree with Ms. Sackler or not, it is important that we take time to listen to her and [...]

The School of R.O.C.K. (Reading and Organization for Cool Kids), a three week summer reading camp for children with reading challenges, has been awarded a grant in the amount of $17,950 from The Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier. The grant will fund the reading camp at LSU Shreveport during June 2010 and will ensure that the [...]

I recently returned from Louisiana’s 2nd Annual PBS Conference in Baton Rouge. The professionals at the Louisiana Positive Behavior Support Project deserve accolades for presenting a top-notch state level conference. Three national speakers shared important ideas and skills with about 400 attendees. Dr. Denny Reid delivered the keynote and breakout sessions focusing on working with [...]

Universities and colleges in Northwest Louisiana and the City of Shreveport sponsored a regional event to promote enrollment in advanced programs of study and to showcase regional employment opportunities. The cost of admission was a resume and professional attire. Over 700 students participated. Dr. Kevin Jones and Dr. Meredith Nelson represented the two graduate programs [...]

President Obama laid out his position for reforming the American education system in an address the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on March 10th. I encourage everyone in education to listen to his criticisms and proposed solutions. Policy makers need feedback from an informed electorate to make good choices. We should all review the [...]

School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports & Positive Parenting Strategies: Promoting Successful Behavior at School and Home is a collaborative project between LSUS professor Mike Welch, Families Helping Families of Northwest Louisiana, and the DeSoto and Caddo Parish school districts. This training has three goals: 1) To use data to call attention to the outcomes/risks too many [...]

LSUS students visit Shreveport Bossier Community Renewal (SBCR) Friendship Houses to screen after-school program participants for reading risks and to support/monitor community-based reading interventionist. Along with opportunities to work with children and families students learned about building collaborative projects. The Rhymes & Reading Project is collaborative effort of SBCR, LSUS, LSUHSC, and SWEPCO.