American Education Week

This week, Nov. 13 through Nov. 19, 2011, is American Education Week. But, what exactly does that mean?

In a recent proclamation, President Obama addressed American Education Week, acknowledging the central role education plays in our society and resolving to make investments in our education system to secure a bright future for students and our Nation. The President went on to say, “…[I] do hereby proclaim November 13 through November 19, 2011, as American Education Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by supporting their local schools through appropriate activities, events, and programs designed to help create opportunities for every school and student in America.

The National Education Association kicked off American Education Week with a celebration at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., where education leaders, staff and students discussed the importance of education and what needs to happen to ensure future success. Also, a twitter town hall meeting was called, where followers could use [hashtag] #AskArne to ask questions to Secretary Duncan, moderated by Education Journalist John Merrow.

Throughout the week, each day features a specialized event.Tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 17 is “Educator for a Day” day, allowing elected officials and community leaders to experience a day in the life of a school teacher. Nov. 17 is also the “Day of Action for the 99%,” where Occupy groups throughout the nation will address the nation’s issues, including the need for school modernization, the achievement gap and education-based jobs.

How will you celebrate American Education Week and/or the Day of Action? Share your plans by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

Read for the Record: A Huge Success

Helping to bridge the early childhood education gap, millions of adults read to children for yesterday's read for the record.

Yesterday, Oct. 6, was Read for the Record, a day in which millions of adults and children gather to show their support for early childhood education and literacy. This years book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, broke the record of over 2 million readers. While final numbers are still being calculated, make sure if you did read, you were counted.

The day started off with an introduction on the Today Show, where Jumpstart representatives explained the goal of the program, raising awareness about education achievement gap in preschool children from impoverished areas. Although Read for the Record is only one day, by raising awareness on this day, it is hoped that adults continue to read to children and see the benefits in doing so. View the clip from the Today Show to learn more:





The 2011 campaign was a huge success, with schools, students, teachers and pre-school aged children throughout the country, from Florida, to Kansas, to New York, to California getting involved.

If you missed yesterday’s Read for the Record, it’s never too late to start improving the literacy and ultmately, future success of children. Learn how you can help. If you did participate, make sure to share the news!