Skidmore in Brooklyn
A Collaboration with Brooklyn, NY @ PS/IS66

A Collaboration of Learning Communities began in 2005 as an opportunity for third-year Education Studies majors to observe classrooms in an urban setting. In addition to meeting a stated goal in Skidmore's Strategic Plan to educate and increase awareness about diversity, this field trip to PS/IS66 in Brooklyn New York for a 2-day visit, satisfies the State Education requirement for teacher preparation programs to provide experiences with culturally diverse populations. These experiences include classroom observations, participating in Faculty Development Workshops, and sharing meals with parents and faculty providing additional opportunities for interaction and observation. During their visit Skidmore students are encouraged to identify elements of school climate and culture that support an effective educational institution.

In 2006, through the newly established Education Studies Club, leaders had primary responsibility for organizing and hosting a cohort of 30 7th and 8th graders from PS/IS66, who met rigorous criteria, to "go to college" for two days. We hoped that by going to classes, meeting with resident scholars and athletes, interacting with representatives from Advising, HEOP, and various intercultural clubs the 7th and 8th graders would focus on what they need to know and be able to do in the future, and be motivated to stay in school. Joel Rubenfeld, principal of the Brooklyn school, reported that the students returned to school determined to continue their education. In fact, students in lower grades were coming to his office to ask about the requirements necessary to go to Skidmore.

Our Education Studies majors and the many other students and faculty with whom the youngsters interacted both in and outside of classes, acknowledged the opportunity for promoting intercultural awareness and a sense of a broader community.

In 2007/2008 funds donated by Steven and Rhona Brand supported the Collaboration and an award presented to an outstanding PS/IS66 graduate.

Currently, two of our Education Studies graduates, Lauren Henegan ('06) and Sarah Hoffman ('07) are teaching first grade in PS/IS66, Brooklyn, NY, and Emily Dodd ('08) will be joining the faculty in September. This certainly reinforces and extends the concept of our Collaboration of Learning Communities.