US Educational System

I watched Sir Ken Robinson’s RSA Animate on Changing Education Paradigms on Ted and was in total amazement of the way he illustrated his speech and the knowledge shared.  As Sir Robinson began to touch on the reason why our educational system needs to be reformed, he pointed out that currently we are trying to meet the future needs with the past ideals of industrial interests. The audience was inclined to listen and trust what he said because he started off with common facts, and his presentation was well organized. He touched on three primary issues of concern not only within the school districts but also within parents. Why students lack interest in current school subjects, the declining stake in the arts education, and ADHD.  His speech inspired me to dig deeper and explore the possibilities of integrating “divergent thinking” to foster creativity within the students of The Artz 4-H Club.

The National After School Alliance

It has been acknowledged all over America of the urgent need for improving and increasing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills among students. Although reports like “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” from the National Academies, show the benefit of a STEM related education and how it will increase a graduating students chances within the workforce, it wasn’t until the National After School Alliance (NAA) declared 2011 as the “Year of Science.” Last year the Afterschool Alliance and the National Summer Learning Association went full force in increasing the awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning during the out-of-school hours. Their goal was to inspire student into become innovators pursuing STEM related careers. 

The
 Urban Afterschool Program Committee is one of the association’s services that I could defiantly utilize. Since this committee is dedicated to the identifying the special needs and concerns within urban afterschool programs, personnel, participants, families, and communities, they would benefit my program the most.  When it comes to marketing the NAA encourages their members to take a few minutes to contact Congress or access tools to take action for afterschool every day and build a relationship with our elected officials. They also offer a Program Toolbox that has all of the tools to reach policy makers with a special focus on how to raise afterschool issues with policy makers. The Afterschool Alliance Policy and Action Center is an awesome resource for the latest policies that currently affect the industry, and are strong advocates on the public policies affecting the After School field.  When it comes to reaching their audience in a large volume the NAA utilizes their Theory, Practice, and Research quarterly publication. This publication has the focus of bringing everyone together who has a heart for helping young people. This journal is a forum for of discussion that reaches across the worlds of academia, service, philanthropy, research findings and policy.

The National After School Alliance has eight committees to assist their members. The Convention Presentations Review Committee provides peer reviews for all of the NAA proposals for the conventions. 

The Help Line Volunteers
 assist NAA’s members with resources to solve any issues they are facing, and overcome dilemmas by offering resources. The Diversity Committee identifies special needs and concerns of members within all racial and ethnic groups and meets with the NAA Board of Directors regarding challenges, needed resources, advocacy needs, networking opportunities, or additional workshop trainings. The Platform Committee reviews the Official NAA Platform and makes suggestions on changes to this platform. Program Site-Directors Committee identifies what the needs of the professionals who work directly in leadership and reports the needs of the members and offer recommendations to the NAA Board of Directors.  The Publications Committee reviews resources and offer suggestions of new material for professional development as well as the NAA website. The Rural Afterschool Program Committee identifies the needs of programs within the rural areas. This committee is as detailed as assisting the personnel, participants, families, and communities. 
The
Urban Afterschool Program Committee is responsible for identifying special needs and concerns impacting urban afterschool programs.

The National After School Alliance is a strong networking association and I am so impressed with their organization that I plan on joining them this week.