Events and Announcements
2006 Events

A Collaboration with Brooklyn, NY @ PS/IS66
A Collaboration of Learning Communities began as an opportunity for third-year Education Studies majors to observe classrooms in an urban setting with a high-risk population. In addition to meeting the stated goals in the 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 requirements for teacher preparation programs to provide experiences with culturally diverse populations.

As a part of their experience, students attended a Staff Development workshop and a Parents Association meeting, both after school. They had meals with parents and faculty providing additional opportunities for interaction and observation and to identify elements of school climate and culture that support an effective educational institution.

Upon their return to campus students expressed their desire to “bring the PS/IS66 kids to college” so that they might experience, first-hand, the life of a Skidmore College student. 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.

For our Education Studies majors, who had full responsibility for coordinating this event, and the many other students and faculty with whom the youngsters interacted both in and outside of classes, the opportunity for promoting intercultural awareness and the sense of a broader community was evident.

A Skidmore Scholarship Award, from funds donated by Education Studies faculty and students was presented at graduation to a PS/IS66 student who demonstrated an exemplary academic record, service to school and community, and a commitment to pursue a college career.

Currently, two of our Education Studies graduate students, Lauren Henegan (‘06) and Sarah Hoffman (’07) are teaching first grade in PS/IS66, Brooklyn, NY, certainly reinforcing the concept of our Collaboration of Learning Communities.

**More Info on Skidmore's ED Club**