Jacksonville Goes to College Week
October 9 – 15, 2011
Creating a multicultural mindset of attending
college does not start in middle or high school, but
manifest itself at the primary and elementary levels.
Statistics show that two thirds of current and future
jobs will require a college degree, at the minimum
a Bachelors.
The U.S. Department of Labor finds that 62 percent
of all U.S. jobs now require two-year or four-year
degrees. Careers are being created resulting from
the integration of technology, growing each year
as the speed and intelligence of microprocessors
grows. How can a person compete with just a high
school diploma when there is a major talent shift
from low-skill jobs to more complex knowledge jobs
across the country? Even governmental sentiments
are geared to improved education,
“America needs to provide a complete and competitive
education for every child from cradle through career”
Higginbottom, H. Director of Domestic Policy.
Throughout America’s history each succeeding
generation is better educated and better prepared
for future careers than the previous generation
(www.acteonline.org/). When looking at the
educational paradigm shift, high schools working
in preparing students for high tech, knowledge
management careers. Because of the changes in
falling manual labor jobs, dwindling careers
where labor was once performed in the fields and
factories affect the skill level and knowledge
level of workers. There is a great discussion
on the direction of college attendance and the
change in curriculums that are College Prep, the
elimination of vocational education in high
schools and the closing of Skill Centers.
The direction in educational circles is guided
by business, industry, medicine, science and
incorporation of Knowledge Management skills
whether technical, medical, educational,
research and even Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics (STEM ) are guiding learning in
public and higher educational circles.
KM (knowledge management) comes from acquiring,
managing and sharing information. Students are
learning how to acquire, interpret, and apply
knowledge to higher order thinking skills. This
is common place in higher education where research
based learning is performed. While teaching
Educational Technology (Edu Tec 250) at Edward Waters
College I integrate project and knowledge management
in my curriculum to empower students and guide them
to learn how to manage information, work collaboratively
and share resources. If students do not learn these
skills as they progress from elementary, middle and
high school they will be challenged in higher education
with the amount of information that is necessary to be
processed and applied in productivity.
Educational research shows that much of students work
is invisible (mental processing) and sometimes
a challenge to measure with traditional assessment tools
because processing goes on inside students heads and on
multiple levels of comprehension, awareness and processing.
If you have students that do not have a foundation of
previous (older) knowledge it is harder to process and
apply new knowledge. "Knowledge workers are going to be
the primary force in careers and how businesses are
successful” (Allan Alter 2005, cioinsight.com/).
Public school educators are learning from higher educators (college/university) the importance of (KM) in growing
careers that teaching students to manage data, interpret
information, and analyze statistics. Business leaders are
learning that their informational infrastructure will be
managed by people who have been prepared in high schools
and higher educational institutions.
Allan Alter has stated, "They (knowledge managers) are
the key source of growth in most organizations.”
In relevancy to this DCPS has shown its commitment to
guiding students to higher education stating, “Duval County
Public Schools serves approximately 125,000 students. The
school district is committed to providing high quality
educational opportunities that will inspire all students
to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to
succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world
(DCPS web site).
This is something that cannot be developed rapidly in
higher education, it has to be nurtured as students progress
from primary school to high school. Look at the development
of Apple, Microsoft, Google, and even Facebook. All started
by young entrepreneurs that embraced knowledge management
and development. There are options for students who do not
have the aspiration or aptitude for college and their needs
should be met as well to be successful and contributory to
society.
Schools districts should not turn a deaf ear, nor
ignore students who do not want to attend college, their
educational preparation is just as vital to society.
Elementary schools such as Andrew Robinson Elementary with
the theme “College Preparation” as a guide; classrooms
display college/university banners, teacher talk about
their educational experiences in college, guest speakers
are invited to talk to students (Jacksonville Giants,
Jacksonville Jaguars) and mentors/role models
(Dr. Johnny Gaffney, City Council) are sought to
inspire the desire to work to graduation from high
school and onward to college.
This week of October 9th to October 15th designed
to engage families, communities, school staff, and
students in activities that promote college admission
and success. Educators, politicians, law enforcement,
parents, clergy, and community stakeholders must work
together to empower students with the academic as well
as strong social disciplines to attend higher and
vocational education becoming successful graduates.
It takes a village to raise leaders nurturing success
in all our children.
Jacksonville National College Fair
Sat, October 15
Prime Osborn Convention Center, 9 am. to 1 pm.,
Admissions is FREE, parking is $5.
Students in grades 8-12 are encouraged to attend
with their families and bring pens to fill out
admission forms.
October 10, 2011
October 6, 2011
Bullying Prevention Month
Bullying A Violation of Human Rights
October is Bullying Prevention Month; the increase of bullying in schools, communities, neighborhoods, and even churches has continued to show how bullying is affecting lives. The growing awareness across the country even in political circles creates a mindset that Bullying is a violation of Human Rights to those being threatened, harassed and violated with words and actions, threats and intimidations. The United Nations Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states ”Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.” These works concerning Human Rights originated from the atrocities of both World Wars. It cannot be stated that bullying is not a serious action when young people have committed suicide or murder as the results of unwanted actions of others.
The denial of universal rights of safety and freedom from persecution for any reason is a violation of a person’s rights. Bullying has received noticeable attention through the unfortunate deaths of bright, talented, and intelligent young people. Young people so full of life, the spark of living glowing with the potential to bring love, happiness and hope into this world, but that spark was extinguished by the actions of others through continuous, unrelenting, intentional, and demoralizing acts of bullying and even growing cyberbullying.
Teaching over 20years in public and higher education I have conducted presentations on bullying to young people, to develop in them an understanding the seriousness of the demoralizing actions that have caused fear, anguish, mental and emotional damage that physical damage can never compare to. There seems to be a disconnection in the reality of what bullying actually does and how it has long term effects on the victim and perpetrator. Children starting from 3 years of age have the potential to bully, learned from either modeled behaviors or executing them on their own displaying power over another individual. Usually children at this early age perform these actions to get what they want from other children and learn this behavior which continues unless intervention strategies are imposed to change these behaviors.
The White House holding a conference on bullying, in 2010, Mrs. Obama's speech directly related to her focus that everyone involved with children has a responsibility to be involved and accountable when working with children To teach appropriate behaviors and involved in schools, communities and churches; prevention and education is the key to change the mindset of bullying. Mrs. Obama made a sincere plea for parents to model appropriate and accountable behaviors; parents (adults) are children’s primary mentors, role models and teachers. There is a dire need for parents to be more engaged with their children to talk to children and consider as parents their own behaviors. Parent sets the example on how their children act, if a parent accepts a bullying or violent behavior, the child will continue to display and accelerate these behaviors.
I can relate to what President Obama said about kids being bullied at school, I have witnessed bullying in the elementary environment even though studies show that bullying is more prevalent in Middle School environments, but there is a transition from Elementary to Middle School. Data shows the seriousness is evident in studies by the Department of Education (1999); American children eight to 15 years of age rate bullying as a greater problem than racism or pressure to have sex or use alcohol and other drugs.
During a presentation (I Will Survive Bullying) myself and Cheryl Williams, LPN conducted at the Boys and Girls Club Keystone Leadership Conference (Orlando, Florida, March 2011) youth from across the country shared their fears, apprehensions and their distress on attending school because of the threat of bullying. These youth reflections demonstrate and give a testimony that students cut school, do not eat lunch, do not ride the school bus, carry weapons or are fearful of walking home because of bullying. Even President Obama has stated that; "We cannot turn a blind eye to bullying any longer. Children are taking their lives or taking the lives of others." The National Threat Assessment Center found that the attackers in more than two thirds of school shootings, stabbings and violence felt "persecuted, bullied, threatened, attacked, or injured by others," and that revenge was an underlying motive (American Medical Association 2004).Cheryl Williams (LPN), states that the underlying stress and anxiety from bullying lasts a life time. It can lead to personality disorders, emotional instability, drug/substance abuse, unhealthy dietary changes and to the extreme suicidal thoughts and actions.
The definition of bullying centers around; a person repeatedly, and over time, exposed to negative comments or actions by another person or group. These negative actions can cause injury (physical violence) or emotional discomfort to another person (name calling, spreading rumors) and mental distress (low self-esteem, demoralization, suicidal thoughts); Virtualmedicalcentre.com 2009.
Human Rights are "the rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled." The universal concepts that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity, rights, happiness. Humans are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood) Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
The United States of America is a model for the world, the statement that, "We hold these truths that all men are created equal, endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" (United States Declaration of Independence). Parents must model appropriate behavior, set high expectations of moral and ethical character. Bullying is a violation of Human Rights and must be stopped with education, compassion, empathy and love.
William Jackson, M.Ed.
Jacksonw@duvalschools.org
http://about.me.williamdjackson
Cheryl Williams (LPN) is available as a medical professional to talk at conferences for youth, teens, tweens, girls and young women on bullying and personal health matters. Ms. Williams has been a medical professional for over 20 years.
October is Bullying Prevention Month; the increase of bullying in schools, communities, neighborhoods, and even churches has continued to show how bullying is affecting lives. The growing awareness across the country even in political circles creates a mindset that Bullying is a violation of Human Rights to those being threatened, harassed and violated with words and actions, threats and intimidations. The United Nations Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states ”Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.” These works concerning Human Rights originated from the atrocities of both World Wars. It cannot be stated that bullying is not a serious action when young people have committed suicide or murder as the results of unwanted actions of others.
The denial of universal rights of safety and freedom from persecution for any reason is a violation of a person’s rights. Bullying has received noticeable attention through the unfortunate deaths of bright, talented, and intelligent young people. Young people so full of life, the spark of living glowing with the potential to bring love, happiness and hope into this world, but that spark was extinguished by the actions of others through continuous, unrelenting, intentional, and demoralizing acts of bullying and even growing cyberbullying.
Teaching over 20years in public and higher education I have conducted presentations on bullying to young people, to develop in them an understanding the seriousness of the demoralizing actions that have caused fear, anguish, mental and emotional damage that physical damage can never compare to. There seems to be a disconnection in the reality of what bullying actually does and how it has long term effects on the victim and perpetrator. Children starting from 3 years of age have the potential to bully, learned from either modeled behaviors or executing them on their own displaying power over another individual. Usually children at this early age perform these actions to get what they want from other children and learn this behavior which continues unless intervention strategies are imposed to change these behaviors.
The White House holding a conference on bullying, in 2010, Mrs. Obama's speech directly related to her focus that everyone involved with children has a responsibility to be involved and accountable when working with children To teach appropriate behaviors and involved in schools, communities and churches; prevention and education is the key to change the mindset of bullying. Mrs. Obama made a sincere plea for parents to model appropriate and accountable behaviors; parents (adults) are children’s primary mentors, role models and teachers. There is a dire need for parents to be more engaged with their children to talk to children and consider as parents their own behaviors. Parent sets the example on how their children act, if a parent accepts a bullying or violent behavior, the child will continue to display and accelerate these behaviors.
I can relate to what President Obama said about kids being bullied at school, I have witnessed bullying in the elementary environment even though studies show that bullying is more prevalent in Middle School environments, but there is a transition from Elementary to Middle School. Data shows the seriousness is evident in studies by the Department of Education (1999); American children eight to 15 years of age rate bullying as a greater problem than racism or pressure to have sex or use alcohol and other drugs.
During a presentation (I Will Survive Bullying) myself and Cheryl Williams, LPN conducted at the Boys and Girls Club Keystone Leadership Conference (Orlando, Florida, March 2011) youth from across the country shared their fears, apprehensions and their distress on attending school because of the threat of bullying. These youth reflections demonstrate and give a testimony that students cut school, do not eat lunch, do not ride the school bus, carry weapons or are fearful of walking home because of bullying. Even President Obama has stated that; "We cannot turn a blind eye to bullying any longer. Children are taking their lives or taking the lives of others." The National Threat Assessment Center found that the attackers in more than two thirds of school shootings, stabbings and violence felt "persecuted, bullied, threatened, attacked, or injured by others," and that revenge was an underlying motive (American Medical Association 2004).Cheryl Williams (LPN), states that the underlying stress and anxiety from bullying lasts a life time. It can lead to personality disorders, emotional instability, drug/substance abuse, unhealthy dietary changes and to the extreme suicidal thoughts and actions.
The definition of bullying centers around; a person repeatedly, and over time, exposed to negative comments or actions by another person or group. These negative actions can cause injury (physical violence) or emotional discomfort to another person (name calling, spreading rumors) and mental distress (low self-esteem, demoralization, suicidal thoughts); Virtualmedicalcentre.com 2009.
Human Rights are "the rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled." The universal concepts that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity, rights, happiness. Humans are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood) Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
The United States of America is a model for the world, the statement that, "We hold these truths that all men are created equal, endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" (United States Declaration of Independence). Parents must model appropriate behavior, set high expectations of moral and ethical character. Bullying is a violation of Human Rights and must be stopped with education, compassion, empathy and love.
William Jackson, M.Ed.
Jacksonw@duvalschools.org
http://about.me.williamdjackson
Cheryl Williams (LPN) is available as a medical professional to talk at conferences for youth, teens, tweens, girls and young women on bullying and personal health matters. Ms. Williams has been a medical professional for over 20 years.
September 30, 2011
Loosing Angels (Nurses) at Hospitals
Choosing to be a nurse is a career of the heart. Nurses
are responsible for treating, educating, and helping
patients. One of the reasons that nurses love their
careers because of the level of interaction with patients.
Even though there is continued training, evaluations and
long hours, many times nurses serve 12 hour shifts and
work with up to seven (7) to nine (9) patients at a time.
This is an awesome responsibility and to ensure that
nurses are professional, responsible and accountable
they are evaluated and monitored.
Nurses are the first line of patient care when a person
goes to the hospital, quotes like,”Constant attention
by a good nurse may be just as important as a major
operation by a surgeon” D. Hammarskjold shows
how immeasurably important a good nurse is.
The demeaning side of a nurse’s life is that they have
very limited options when harshly evaluated and
judged. Nurses can be judged by professional criteria
or personal criteria. The sad part of any evaluation
for a nurse is when a personal evaluation goes bad
and a qualified, dedicated and experienced nurse
is judged so harshly and unfairly they are let go
or fired for no probable cause.
The issue of health care has created such a stir that
people from all age groups struggle with healthcare;
my recent hospital stay has caused me to reevaluate
my healthcare options as a male that is over 45 years
of age. Healthcare has become so controversial it has
become over the years a political issue. D. Cardillo
stated about nurses and their impact on patients that,
“Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”
The heart of the medical profession comes from the
nurses (Angels), nurses are also the arms that comfort
patients, the heart that contains the love and
compassion needed to help patients, the mental
toughness to decipher medical conditions and
administer sufficient medication to ease pain and discomfort.
When a hospital does not value their nurses their
effectiveness to have first class healthcare and caring for
patients diminishes. Nurses start to fear for their jobs,
patient care is affected and moral drops to the point where
stress, anxiety and worry permeate the medical atmosphere.
These are some of the issues affecting hospitals where the
Angels (nurses) are being hurt from unwarranted disciple,
unfettered judgments and maybe even bias (in my opinion)
undertones in evaluations and unfair treatment.
Nursing is not like teaching where there is strong Union
support, because of the lack of unionization nurses may
seem to be treated like indentured servants (slaves), that
supposedly was abolished over a century ago. In recent news
reports nurses have been given more responsibility that even
doctors are not held accountable for. Data shows that
patients trust nurses more than doctors, from my recent
hospital experience I have had three doctors “advise” me
on my condition (diabetes) staying only at a maximum
of ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes (yes I timed them).
While my nurses stayed longer making sure I was
comfortable, understood my medications, and even
asked about my family’s needs.
This is true professionalism, the thought that these
dedicated nurses both men and women who only make
a fraction of what doctors make and work longer hours
perform professionally and possess the hearts of Angels.
My mind shifts again to how much I or my insurance was
paying a doctor who smiled, shook my hand and
was eager to leave my room, I would truly prefer that money
go to a nurse who I knew would reliably and efficiently
be there at the allotted time with a smile, cheerful heart
and good bedside manner. It seems sometimes that
hospitals do not understand how vital a nurse is.
This is why as posted in “Nursing Times”
(nursingtimes.net/, April, 2009, S. Payne) that poll of
1,700 people found 95% of people trust nurses ‘a great deal’
or ‘quite a lot’, whereas only 87% of respondents placed
the same level of trust in doctors.
The only profession that is placed above nurses are firefighters.
Not teachers, law enforcement, politicians, lawyers or other
valuable professions. Nursing proudly is the largest
occupation in the health care industry, over 2.6 million
nurses in the United States and growing with the increase
in elderly living longer. To sum up the dedication of nurses
and sacrifices they make, D. Cardillo states, “Nursing is
not for everyone. It takes a very strong, intelligent, and
compassionate person to take on the ills of the world
with passion and purpose and work to maintain the
health and well-being of the planet. No wonder we're
exhausted at the end of the day!”
This blog is dedicated to nurses around the world,
especially to those at St. Lukes Hospital, Jacksonville,
Florida that are losing valuable and seasoned nurses
(Angels). To all the nurses let go, fired, and terminated.
The patient in the end is the one adversely affected and
looses out because seasoned and experienced nurses
are being fired, let go, terminated and unsupported.
are responsible for treating, educating, and helping
patients. One of the reasons that nurses love their
careers because of the level of interaction with patients.
Even though there is continued training, evaluations and
long hours, many times nurses serve 12 hour shifts and
work with up to seven (7) to nine (9) patients at a time.
This is an awesome responsibility and to ensure that
nurses are professional, responsible and accountable
they are evaluated and monitored.
Nurses are the first line of patient care when a person
goes to the hospital, quotes like,”Constant attention
by a good nurse may be just as important as a major
operation by a surgeon” D. Hammarskjold shows
how immeasurably important a good nurse is.
The demeaning side of a nurse’s life is that they have
very limited options when harshly evaluated and
judged. Nurses can be judged by professional criteria
or personal criteria. The sad part of any evaluation
for a nurse is when a personal evaluation goes bad
and a qualified, dedicated and experienced nurse
is judged so harshly and unfairly they are let go
or fired for no probable cause.
The issue of health care has created such a stir that
people from all age groups struggle with healthcare;
my recent hospital stay has caused me to reevaluate
my healthcare options as a male that is over 45 years
of age. Healthcare has become so controversial it has
become over the years a political issue. D. Cardillo
stated about nurses and their impact on patients that,
“Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”
The heart of the medical profession comes from the
nurses (Angels), nurses are also the arms that comfort
patients, the heart that contains the love and
compassion needed to help patients, the mental
toughness to decipher medical conditions and
administer sufficient medication to ease pain and discomfort.
When a hospital does not value their nurses their
effectiveness to have first class healthcare and caring for
patients diminishes. Nurses start to fear for their jobs,
patient care is affected and moral drops to the point where
stress, anxiety and worry permeate the medical atmosphere.
These are some of the issues affecting hospitals where the
Angels (nurses) are being hurt from unwarranted disciple,
unfettered judgments and maybe even bias (in my opinion)
undertones in evaluations and unfair treatment.
Nursing is not like teaching where there is strong Union
support, because of the lack of unionization nurses may
seem to be treated like indentured servants (slaves), that
supposedly was abolished over a century ago. In recent news
reports nurses have been given more responsibility that even
doctors are not held accountable for. Data shows that
patients trust nurses more than doctors, from my recent
hospital experience I have had three doctors “advise” me
on my condition (diabetes) staying only at a maximum
of ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes (yes I timed them).
While my nurses stayed longer making sure I was
comfortable, understood my medications, and even
asked about my family’s needs.
This is true professionalism, the thought that these
dedicated nurses both men and women who only make
a fraction of what doctors make and work longer hours
perform professionally and possess the hearts of Angels.
My mind shifts again to how much I or my insurance was
paying a doctor who smiled, shook my hand and
was eager to leave my room, I would truly prefer that money
go to a nurse who I knew would reliably and efficiently
be there at the allotted time with a smile, cheerful heart
and good bedside manner. It seems sometimes that
hospitals do not understand how vital a nurse is.
This is why as posted in “Nursing Times”
(nursingtimes.net/, April, 2009, S. Payne) that poll of
1,700 people found 95% of people trust nurses ‘a great deal’
or ‘quite a lot’, whereas only 87% of respondents placed
the same level of trust in doctors.
The only profession that is placed above nurses are firefighters.
Not teachers, law enforcement, politicians, lawyers or other
valuable professions. Nursing proudly is the largest
occupation in the health care industry, over 2.6 million
nurses in the United States and growing with the increase
in elderly living longer. To sum up the dedication of nurses
and sacrifices they make, D. Cardillo states, “Nursing is
not for everyone. It takes a very strong, intelligent, and
compassionate person to take on the ills of the world
with passion and purpose and work to maintain the
health and well-being of the planet. No wonder we're
exhausted at the end of the day!”
This blog is dedicated to nurses around the world,
especially to those at St. Lukes Hospital, Jacksonville,
Florida that are losing valuable and seasoned nurses
(Angels). To all the nurses let go, fired, and terminated.
The patient in the end is the one adversely affected and
looses out because seasoned and experienced nurses
are being fired, let go, terminated and unsupported.
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