NEA is a strong proponent of quality, early childhood education and recognizes its positive effects. Various researchers have documented the fact that early childhood education results in improved academic capabilities and better social and emotional development. Children who attend prekindergarten are less likely to drop out of school, repeat grades, or need special education services. Full-day kindergarten helps close achievement gaps.
“Quality early childhood education programs provide the building blocks on which students can build a solid academic foundation,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. “They can open the door to a lifetime of learning and academic achievement.”
The week-long, multi-city tour ran August 23-27. In addition to getting school staff energized about the upcoming school year, Van Roekel highlighted examples of public school innovation, partnerships, and teacher- and union-led school transformation efforts.
Van Roekel was joined at Highland Park Elementary by Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) President Rita Haecker, San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel President Shelley Potter and Executive Vice President Gracie Oviedo.
“The San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel was happy to welcome NEA President Dennis Van Roekel to San Antonio,” said Alliance President Shelley Potter. “His meeting with educators and parents in SAISD was very insightful.”
The beginning of the school year, always an important time for students and educators, is also a good time to engage parents and the community. And that’s important because research shows that parent, family, and community involvement correlates with higher academic performance and school improvement. When parents are engaged in their children’s education, students are more motivated, they get better grades, and they are less likely to drop out.
“Everyone gets excited during back-to-school time, but we have to come up with creative yet practical ways to sustain that energy all year long,” said NEA’s Van Roekel. “We want parents involved throughout the school year and at every grade level.”
Click here to view photos from Van Roekel’s visit in San Antonio.
Copyright 2010 San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel