The FAPE Site

Contracts & Organizing Links

Union Communication Services
Publishers of communications and education tools for activist union leaders. Site features a news service, book catalog, weekly cartoon, and song.
http://www.unionist.com/

Alliance for Lifelong Learning's Academic Directories -- Labor History
Leading academic Web sites concerned with historical U.S. social movements, labor in particular, are reviewed and catalogued by university experts. Use as perspective freshener or for lesson planning.
http://www.allianceforlifelonglearning.org/

NetAction's Virtual Activist Training Reader
This guide includes tip sheets, checklists, sample alerts, and resource lists. Available in html, MSWord, and PDF.
www.netaction.org/training/versions.html  

Wisdom Quotes: Labor Quotations
"He who says it cannot be done should get out of the way of the one who is doing it." -- Chinese Proverb
Site provides a compendium of quotes on labor subjects for use by those involved in labor-related struggles -- a useful resource when preparing literature, publications, speeches, and everything that has anything to do with organizing.
http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_labor.html

Curriculum Mapping Resources

Here are some resources to help educators implement a curriculum aligned with standards and assessments.

Greece, New York, Curriculum Mapping (Grades 6-12)
Explore this Web site to find out more about curriculum maps -- typically organized by month or marking period to help teachers chart a course for the entire year. Read about outcomes, rubrics, themes, and templates.
http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/instruction/ela/6-12/Curriculum%20Mapping/Index.htm  

Marysville,Washington, Curriculum Mapping (K-10)
Check out these sample curriculum maps for grades K-10. These maps were developed to determine a comprehensive, clear, cohesive, and consistent curriculum.
http://www.msvl.k12.wa.us/Curriculum/mapping/curriculummapping.htm

NCREL Curriculum Mapping Web Site
The interactive Web site was designed to assist districts in their efforts to map out new mathematics and science curricula. (Free registration is required.) Available to users for comparisons are rich international mathematics and science curriculum maps from top-achieving nations. The Web site is a joint effort between the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory and the U.S. Third International Science and Mathematics Study National Research Center at Michigan State University.
http://currmap.ncrel.org/default.htm

Notes & Reflections (NCREL, Spring 2003 issue)
From a free electronic newsletter on professional development, this issue on Curriculum Mapping supports teacher discussions about implementing a curriculum aligned with standards and assessments and provides a step-by-step guide to the curriculum mapping process. Case examples drawn from the experience of North Central Regional Educational Laboratory's (NCREL) staff illustrate the process.
http://www.ncrel.org/info/notes/spring03/index.html

Utah Education Network (K-2)
This article addresses why educators should use curriculum mapping, offers examples of curriculum mapping and unit planning, and provides sample curriculum mapping forms.
http://www.uen.org/k-2educator/currmapping.shtml

Diversity Resources

The Civil Rights Project
A synthesis of the research on key civil rights and equal opportunity policies that have been neglected or overlooked.  From Harvard University.
http://www.civilrightsproject.harvard.edu/research/diversity/diversity_gen.php

Culturally Responsive Teaching
Information and strategies for adapting teaching to meet the needs of all students. From Brown University.
http://www.lab.brown.edu/tdl/tl-strategies/crt-principles-prt.shtml

Diverse Schools: "Skewing Myths About Diverse Schools"
Education columnist Jay Mathews discusses how author and parent Eileen Gale Kugler debunks seven myths that scare smart parents away from diverse schools. From the Washington Post (August 2004).
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36327-2004Aug3.html

Diversity Calendar
Monthly listings of ethnic, national, and religious days. From the University of Kansas.
www3.kumc.edu/diversity/

Diversity Web
This is a resource hub for higher education, part of an initiative is designed to create new pathways for diversity collaboration and connection, via the World Wide Web and more traditional forms of print communication. It is part of a larger communications initiative entitled Diversity Works.
www.diversityweb.org/

Educating Teachers for Diversity
This article addresses the critical issue of preparing future teachers to promote "meaningful, engaged learning for all students, regardless of their race, gender, ethnic heritage, or cultural background." From North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL).
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/educatrs/presrvce/pe300.htm

Equity and Diversity Resources
Articles, self checklists, stories, and more on the issues of equity and diversity in the classroom. From the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse.
http://www.enc.org/topics/equity/?ls=sn

Glossary of Terms Related to Judaism
This resource provides the origin and definitions of hundreds of people, places, and things. Prepared initially by Robert A. Kraft, University of Pennsylvania.
philo.ucdavis.edu/zope/home/bruce//RST23/gloss.html

Multicultural Education and Ethnic Groups: Selected Internet Sources
A mix of Web resources on multicultural education and diversity, including background articles, Web sites for K-12 teachers, bibliographies, biographies, ethnic cooking, religion, and more. From the California State University-Stanislaus Library.
http://www.library.csustan.edu/lboyer/multicultural/main.htm

Reading Resources: Celebrate Reading 365 Days a Year - Multicultural Web Resources
These Web resources promote multiculturalism through literature. They provide a window on the world for your students.
http://www.nea.org/webresources/readmulticult0509.html

Tolerance.org's Resources for Teachers, Administrators, and Counselors
This Web site (a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center) encourages people from all walks of life to fight hate and promote tolerance. Two classroom resources are available free for the asking:
  » Teaching Tolerance magazine subscription (one copy per issue)
  » Responding to Hate at School booklet (available in bulk)
http://www.tolerance.org/teach/index.jsp

Updated September 2005.

Drug Prevention Resources

Below is a list of resources, including lesson plans and ideas, Web sites, and free materials, compiled by NEA.

Event

April Is Alcohol Awareness Month
April is designated Alcohol Awareness Month to recognize the serious problem of alcohol abuse. Free publications are available online. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
http://www.health.org/seasonal/aprilalcohol/ 

Free Stuff

Back to School Drug Prevention Program
NIDA Goes Back to School is a source of FREE information about the latest science-based drug abuse publications and teaching materials. Specific curricula and other teaching aids are available. Hard copies of the materials are free. Curriculum materials are reserved for teachers. From The National Institute on Drug Abuse.
http://backtoschool.drugabuse.gov/

Freevibe.com Drug Facts
This site had downloadable drug information resources including articles, books, brochures, banners, postcards, and posters.
http://www.freevibe.com/Drug_Facts/free-resources.asp

Lesson Plans and Ideas

Addiction
Lesson plans with standards, vocabulary, and discussion questions for grades 6-8. From DiscoverySchool.com.
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/addiction2/

Deadly Highs: Substance Abuse
Lesson plan and concise fact sheet for grades 6-8. Also includes academic standards, discussion questions, and extensions. From DiscoverySchool.com.
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/deadlyhighs/

Red Ribbon Week
Check out these educator-tested ideas for Red Ribbon Week, a "Just Say No to Drugs" program that is held the last week of October.
https://www.nea.org/tips/manage/prevent.html#drugs

Smoking: Pressures and Responsibilities
Materials are suitable for grades 9-12. Also includes academic standards, adaptations, and suggested readings. From DiscoverySchool.com.
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/smoking/

Video

The Teen Files and The Truth About… series
At the AIMS Multimedia home page, Search for The Teen Files and The Truth About… To order The Teen Files, call 1-800-367-2467.
http://www.aimsmultimedia.com

Web Sites

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Reports, events, research, fact sheets, and tobacco statistics by state are available on this anti-tobacco site.
http://tobaccofreekids.org

The Centers for Disease Control – Health Topic Tobacco
This area of the CDC site focuses on tobacco education and offers information about programs, initiatives, statistics, tips, and free materials.
http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec802346d8

Drug Facts
This section of the ONDCP Web site provides such information as fact sheets on the available research, resource highlights, the truth about marijuana, and street terms. From the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Web site.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/index.html

Drug Prevention Resource Center
This site provides community resources to increase awareness -- through prevention and education -- of the dangers of drugs. It lists outreach programs, articles, books, videos, and many links to substance abuse prevention education Web sites.
http://www.drugpreventionresource.org 

Freevibe
This site was created for teens. It has drug facts, real stories about friendships and drugs, action guides to help friends doing drugs, news, expert advice, a list of activities to do instead of drugs, and free resources.
http://www.freevibe.com/Stepup/Index.asp

Get It Straight: The Facts about Drugs 
A drug prevention book in which each chapter has information about a specific drug. Written in hip, readable language. From the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Web site.
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/straight/cover.htm

Narconon Drug Prevention Campaign
This Web site was created to focus public attention on the dangers of drugs and to prevent so many young people from plunging into the miserable world of drugs.
http://www.narconon.ca/narconon_drug_prevention.htm

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
Publications section of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site. 
www.health.org/govpubs/prevalert/v3i25.htm.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
This site provides medical science information about drug dependency. Its content includes interviews with experts; fact sheets, booklets, brochures, and videos (for purchase); and links to related organizations.
http://www.ncadd.org

The National Institute on Drug Abuse
This site provides information about the science of drug abuse and addiction—by category of drug. It offers free downloadable fact sheets, research reports, articles, and brochures (printed versions for sale). Materials in English and Spanish.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/

The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign Web Site
Aimed at parents and youth, this Web site includes news, ads (TV, radio, print, banner), fact sheets, and links to parent information in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, and English.
http://www.mediacampaign.org/

Prevention Online
This site provides drug and alcohol information about the research, news, publications and videos (free and for a small charge), resources, and special events. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site. 
http://www.health.org/

Tobacco Free
A site devoted to motivating youth to stay tobacco-free and empowering smokers to quit. Site includes tips, research, and videos for purchase. From The Foundation for a Smokefree America.
http://www.tobaccofree.org/  

Updated November 2006.

Early Childhood Education Resources

Materials for PreK-2 Educators

These Early Childhood Education Resources are broken into the following categories: Articles, Booklets & Books, General Resources, Web Sites, and Research.

Articles

From the Start: A Ready to Learn Resource for PreK-2 Educators
Best practices in the classroom, both general and by subject area; research and standards; and online resources. From PBS TeacherSource.
http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/prek2/issues/issuearchive.shtm 

Articles from Kidsource.com
Activities, suggestions and background information to help children learn during these formative years and to help them develop a life long love of learning.
http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/pages/ed.early.html

Booklets & Books

Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers
Early childhood pedagogy, standards, individual and cultural variations, assessments, and findings, conclusions, and recommendations. From the Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. National Academies Press, 2000. 443pp.
http://www.nap.edu/books/0309068363/html/

Full-Day Kindergarten:  Exploring an Option for Extended Learning
Important considerations for educators, policymakers, and parents assessing their kindergarten options. The final section of the booklet profiles several full-day kindergartens already in place in schools. From Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.
http://www.nwrel.org/request/dec2002/incontext.html

Transition into Kindergarten
The effectiveness of commonly used transition practices.From Early Childhood Research & Policy Briefs. Winter 2002. U.S. Department of Education. 4pp. (pdf 696KB)
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ncedl/PDFs/TranBrief.pdf  

General Resources

Early Childhood Education | NEA
Information on the issue, the research, and resources in early childhood education. From National Education Association.
http://www.nea.org/earlychildhood/index.html  

Early Childhood Center | Educationworld.com
Resources for teachers, parents, aides, and administrators and discussion areas to share ideas for working with young children.
http://www.educationworld.com/early_childhood/

Games Kids Play
Instructions and rules for traditional children's games such
as tag, jump rope, rhymes, and marbles.
http://www.gameskidsplay.net/

Web Sites

Child Trends Web Site
Research and science-based information to improve the decisions, programs, and policies that affect children and their families. 
http://www.childtrends.org/_catdisp_page.cfm?LID=124

Earlychildhood.com
Resources for teachers and parents of young children, age-appropriate activities and curriculum, and a newsletter.
http://www.earlychildhood.com/

Foundation for Child Development 
National, private philanthropy dedicated to the principle that all families should have the social and material resources to raise their children to be healthy, educated and productive members of their communities.
http://www.fcd-us.org/index.html

National Association for the Education of Young Children
Information on accreditation, conferences, early childhood issues, public policy, and publications on the education of young children.
http://www.naeyc.org

NIEER Web Site
News, publications, facts and figures, events, and policy briefs on early education. The National Institute for Early Education Research Web site is supported by a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts.
http://nieer.org/

Teacher QuickSource
Curriculum activities and learning materials for Head Start child outcomes. Materials include legislatively mandated domain elements and indicators for language, literacy, and mathematics. From Excelligence Learning Corporation.
http://www.teacherquicksource.com/  

Children's Literature Web Guide
Internet resources related to books for children and young adults.
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/index.html

Kidsource.com
Information about newborns, toddlers, preschoolers, K-12, education, health, recreation, parenting, discussion forums, organizations, and products as well as a list of rated articles.
http://www.kidsource.com/ 

Research

Para Nuestros Niños: Expanding & Improving Early Education for Hispanics (2007)
The authors say "The most promising opportunities for raising Hispanic achievement are in the early-childhood years." National Task Force on Early-Childhood Education for Hispanics. Entire publication (PDF, 4632 KB, 76pp).
http://www.ecehispanic.org/work/expand_MainReport.pdf 

Pre-Kindergarten Study (2005)
Includes Pre-K education in the States; who goes to Pre-K and how are they doing; who are the Pre-K teachers; what are Pre-K Classrooms like; how is the Pre-K day spent. From National Center for Early Development and Learning (http://www.fpg.unc.edu/ncedl/index.cfm) publications. Spring 2005, vol. 9, no. 1. (PDF, 1.5MB for entire publication)
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/ncedl/PDFs/ED9_1.pdf

Preschool Policy Matters (2002)
High quality preschool: Why we need it and what it looks like. By Linda M. Espinosa. From the National Institute for Early Education Research.
http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/1.pdf

Quality Counts 2002: Building Blocks for Success (2002)
Examines what states are doing to provide early-learning experiences for young children; to ensure that those experiences are of high quality; to prepare and pay early-childhood educators adequately; and to measure the results of early-childhood programs. From Education Week on the Web. www.teachermagazine.com/sreports/qc02/ templates/article.cfm?slug=17exec.h21

Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers (2000)
Educating children ages 2 to 5, focusing on programs provided outside the home, such as preschool, Head Start, and child care centers. From the Department of Education.
http://www.ed.gov/inits/americareads/educators_early_sum.html

School Involvement in Early Childhood (2000)
Insights about public school involvement in early childhood. Examples of how states and communities are designing programs to expand and improve preschool care and education. Raises questions about the role of public schools with preschool children and the effects of public pre-Kindergarten on children and on Head Start and private preschool care and education programs. From U.S. Department of Education, July 2000.
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/schoolinvolvement/index.html

Is Full-Day Kindergarten More Stressful on Children? (1997)
Summarized findings a 1997 study by James Elicker of Purdue: a full-day developmentally appropriate kindergarten reduces stress on children compared to half-day programs. Also produces greater parent satisfaction.
www.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/9711.Elicker.kindergarten.html