Is there an "app" for education?

On September 3, the New York Times published an article entitled, “In Classroom of Future, Stagnant Scores,” about the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. In spite of a significant investment in technology to enhance education and tremendous expectations that technology would improve achievement levels, there is no proof that this investment has resulted in better outcomes. I suppose we can't help, but want to do everything possible to help our students achieve academically. Computers, handheld "smart" devices and software applications are ubiquitous. Somehow in a world of "early adaptors" we have been lulled into think that there is an "app" (application) for everything including education! But alas there is no app for that. There is no substitute for a dedicated teacher, a strong and solid curriculum, and a supportive environment starting with the family.

This is not to say that there isn’t a good reason to provide our students with all the technological bells and whistles that we can. In our very individualized educational program at Hillsides Education Center, we are constantly soliciting support to enhance our instructional technological capacity. But these tools have little impact compared to the extraordinary efforts and commitment of all on our school staff who stay focused on the specific educational and behavioral challenges that our students and residents confront, regardless of whether the smart board is state of the art or not!

I am happy to report that the smart boards are functioning well, that we are "wired" and keen on utilizing all that technology can offer in the educational setting. However, do not be deceived; the greatest factor contributing to the success of our students is the talented and dedicated cadre of teachers and education staff that skillfully leverage all at our disposal to help our students achieve much.

Hillsides Education Center is one of our greatest assets. Without it, we would be significantly handicapped in our efforts to support our residents and day students make it through a very challenging time in their lives. All our efforts to subsidize the inadequate funding we receive from fiscally strapped school districts is worth it when we see a student overcome their phobia of school, develop a sense of academic achievement and, more importantly, grow in their self esteem.

Green Exercise Boosts Self-Esteem and Moods

An apple a day isn’t the only thing that might keep the doctor away. Try spending five minutes of exercise outside to boost your self-esteem and mental health. In a United Kingdom study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, evidence showed that green exercise, which is activity in the presence of nature, leads to positive short and long-term health outcomes. The study also indicated that exercise in the presence of water generated greater effects. More so, self-esteem improvements were greatest in children and emotionally challenged individuals.

We understand the importance that Mother Nature has on our children. From boosting self-esteem to lifting behavioral moods, our children and youth receive serendipitous benefits during their summer camp experience. Outdoor activities also help children burn off frustration or anxiety.  The outdoors soothes them and they return to the Hillsides campus more relaxed. 

Camping has always been a much anticipated summer outing. Our recreation department schedules several outdoor activities: swimming, archery, wall climbing, hiking, canoeing and fishing. Rotating hour-long activities provides them with the structure and the support they need.  Meal times are consistent with those on our campus, which helps the children maintain the comfort of their routines.

For many of our children Hillsides’ summer camp is the first time they will have enjoyed the great outdoors. With support from several organizations and volunteer groups, we have been able to take residents camping for nearly three decades.  Campers have stayed at various sites over the years, such as Laguna, Dinky Creek, Silverwood, Big Bear, Wrightwood and most recently, Teresita Pines.  

One thing is certain—as Mother Nature plays an important role in providing mental health benefits, our Hillsides friends also play a key role in continuing this longstanding tradition of exploring the outdoors and creating keepsake memories.

Stonewalling?

On August 7 on the editorial page of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors were accused of stonewalling because of their refusal to comply with an investigation by the Bureau of State Audits into the deaths of children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services within the past four years. There are more than enough good reasons for the Board of Supervisors to be cautious and reluctant to comply with this investigation, but at the end of the day what statement does this make to the families of children who have been placed in the care of DCFS? Even for the dysfunctional family where addiction and disability has threatened the safety of children, the removal of a child from the home is traumatic for all involved. How much more so if those who remove and place the child, posture themselves as beyond scrutiny?

Embedded in the editorial was a reminder of an often forgotten fact: in spite of the challenges and risks that many of DCFS involved families confront, studies indicate that the majority of children in these families do better when they remain within their family system. More often than not a relative can be found to support the child in the midst of turmoil in the home. In so many ways it is a far better to provide families with support and to remove children only as a last resort. I am reminded of this each time I run into one of our eight-year-old residents who inevitably asks me to get him home.

No one is advocating that it is acceptable to risk the safety of a child. For the parents of a child who has been removed from the home presumably because it was not safe, to then find them at risk in an underfunded, poorly monitored and mismanaged foster care system is intolerable. Certainly these families deserve some assurances; more importantly, these children must be assured. Somehow DCFS and the Board of Supervisors need to provide those assurances.

Audits are an everyday experience in the world of publicly funded services. As onerous as they may be, audits offer a level of accountability and provide some transparency. To refer to the Board of Supervisors as intransigent is unfair; they are attempting to balance a number of issues that hopefully will not only safeguard their interests, but more importantly serve the best interests of the children and families in the care of DCFS. The task is daunting and it is easy to point fingers, but the situation is urgent and the risks enormous so their prompt action is required.