The average student in today's society, is much more technology savvy and faces many more challenges than what was seen before. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development has created the Whole Child. The Whole Child focuses on maintaining healthy students, creating safe environments, ensuring student engagement, providing support for students, and maintaining a challenging curriculum.
The website provides those who access it with updated news on student health and interests. For example, one article highlights podcasting as a way to engage students. In the article, teachers were allowed to create digital lectures for students to access on their Zunes. This is just one way the website stays up to date with information concerning technology and students. In addition, the news articles are delivered in blog format, which allows readers to comment on the articles and create a dialogue.
While the website does provide relevant information, the website can be hard to navigate in some areas. For example, it is hard to find out the origin of the website besides the purpose. In addition, despite listing the partners with which they work, there is little mention of scientifically based research strategies. Another negative aspect of the site is the lack of contact information. The contact page only provides a way for readers to fill out a contact sheet. However, no address, or phone numbers are listed.
Despite this, the website is very valuable for the 21st century. With the many challenges that our students face, it is time that a website address the needs of the whole child. I would highly recommend this website for teachers, but especially for administrators who are looking to create a holistic curriculum program that addresses interpersonal skills, health, safetey and student engagement.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
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