The CAEP’s 7 Elements of Effective Parent-Teacher Partnerships

The CAEP’s 7 Elements of Effective Parent-Teacher Partnerships provide a framework for building effective communication, collaboration, and trust between families and educators. Firstly, regular and effective communication between families and educators is key to building trust and understanding. This can include regular updates on student progress, open communication channels, and opportunities for face-to-face meetings. Secondly, a warm and welcoming environment can help families feel comfortable and valued, and can foster a sense of belonging. This can be achieved through a welcoming attitude, clear signage, and inclusive language. Thirdly, sharing information about student progress, school policies, and other relevant information can help families understand the educational process and feel more involved in their child’s education (Frechette, 2019). Fourthly, gathering information from families can help educators understand the unique needs and perspectives of each student and family. This can be achieved through regular surveys, focus groups, and parent-teacher conferences.

In addition to the above four frameworks, there are other three that can promote partnerships to engage families. Collaborating with families to create an action plan can help set clear goals and expectations for student progress. This can include specific strategies and resources to support student success. Additionally, setting high expectations for students and families can help to promote engagement and a sense of ownership in the educational process. By setting and communicating high expectations, educators can create an environment where students and families feel motivated and empowered to achieve their goals. Moreover, being empathetic means understanding and being sensitive to the unique challenges and circumstances of each family (Frechette, 2019). Managing flow refers to how well educators are able to navigate and handle the different interactions and schedules of their families, this means being responsive and flexible with families in order to accommodate their needs and schedules.

Engaging families in students’ learning is a critical aspect of education as it can have a positive impact on student achievement, school engagement and overall well-being. Research has shown that when families are involved in their child’s education, students tend to have higher academic achievement, better attendance, and are more likely to graduate. Family engagement also leads to increased student engagement in school, as students are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and ownership in their learning. Furthermore, engaging families in their child’s learning can also improve communication between families and educators, leading to a better understanding of student needs and more effective teaching and learning (Frechette, 2019). Families play a critical role in supporting their child’s learning and development, and when they are engaged in their child’s education, they are more likely to provide a supportive home environment, which can help to improve student outcomes. Additionally, when families are engaged in their child’s education, students tend to exhibit better behavior and have fewer disciplinary issues. Lastly, engaging families from diverse backgrounds can also help educators gain a better understanding of the cultural backgrounds of their students, which can lead to more inclusive and effective teaching practices.

Inviting families to participate in their child’s learning is crucial to support student’s academic and social-emotional development. Educators can use several strategies to involve families such as regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, family events, volunteer opportunities, home visits, parent-teacher organizations, online communication and resources, student-led conferences, and translation and language support. Regular and effective communication with families is key to building trust and understanding (Frechette, 2019). Parent-teacher conferences provide an opportunity for families and educators to discuss student progress, set goals, and create an action plan. Family events like parent-teacher nights, open houses, and family literacy nights help to build community and engagement. Volunteer opportunities in the classroom or school can help to build a sense of ownership and engagement.

Reference

Frechette, L. R. (2019). Examining Teacher Candidates’ Dispositions and Dispositions on Future Action: A Pathway to Improved Parent-Teacher Partnerships. University of Hartford.

Parent Purchase Bottled Water

For the longest time I can remember, you have always worked hard to fend for our family. I remember the time you spent on the golf course in 100oF and the sun shining on your face. When I was young, I always wondered what kept your body active and strong in the hot burning sun. This question stuck in my mind for many years until I finally realized that it was water that kept you energetic.

On your left hand, you always carry Nestle bottled water and whenever it runs out you would go back into the golf cart and grab some more. Without water, I am positively sure that you will get dehydrated by the time you finish work. With all the sweat and tears, I can feel that you must be really tired with all the work that you do. Mom always says you spend too many hours working on that golf course; drawing and hoping that this course will turn out to be challenging and liked by other golfers.

I remember you telling me that passion is all that one needs to succeed in any undertaking but I was too young to understand what you meant then. It was not until I got to college that I understood what you meant. Last summer, spending time with you at the golf course was amazing. I learned so much from you and from your co-workers but one thing I disliked is that being a golf course designer requires that you stay in the sun for too long.

I almost fainted last summer while walking at the golf course with you but luckily your water was there to save me. There is also something that I noticed from you. You drink a lot of water! Every ten to twenty minutes you would stop at the kiosk and purchase bottled water. Sometimes, you stored too much in your golf cart, and in a day you finished around seven bottled water. By the time you finished a course, you probably consumed 2,555 bottled waters per year!

Think about it! There are 365 days per year and every day, at the golf course, you consumed approximately about 7 bottles of water. That means you take 2,555 bottles of water in a year. This total number of bottled water consumed excludes the water that you take away from the golf course.

Thus you not only 2,555 bottles of water but you spent about 38,325 baht which is about $1,282. You always said that money does not fall down from the sky? Also, we always have to be cautious with what we are spending our money on because money is hard to find and your “to-do list” for this year said you want to try to save more money. Dad, I think I can help you save $1,282 this year and the following year.

Seattle University has offered me many opportunities to learn new things and make a difference. Currently, I am taking Environmental Ethics 481 with Professor Boyle and last week in class we watched a film called, Flow. After watching this film, I am more concerned with the lack of clean water than global warming. One of the statistics that struck me is that of the 6 billion people on earth, 1.1 billion do not have access to safe, clean drinking water (Flow 1).

Now, when I purchased bottled water at a convenience store I always think of those people who do not have access to clean drinking water. Bear in mind that, studies have shown that tap water is cleaner than bottled water. With this revelation, therefore, you have no business buying bottled water.

According to “Environment; Green Bottles Offer an Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Traditional Plastic Bottles” plastic water bottles contain Bisphenol A, a BPA that causes a variety of health problems (13). It takes around 1,000 years for plastic water bottles to decay, and a few bottles are recycled. Most of the bottles are burned or buried in landfills. However, both methods of disposal result in the release of toxins such as dioxins into the environment.

Because dioxins may harm our health, I suggest that you stop buying plastic water bottles. I know it is hard for you to immediately stop purchasing bottled water but bottled water has been found to be no purer than ordinary tap water (Chemistry at Duke 1). Tap water can is usually obtained from sources like groundwater, streams, or even lakes. Tap water cannot be compared to bottled water since its distributors are more concerned about its purity and they do all they can to purify it.

If they found out that tap water is contaminated, public water suppliers are “required to notify citizens of the contaminant, its level in the water supply, its health effects, and measures that can be taken to prevent illness.” (Chemistry at Duke 1). Tap water is also good because it is usually purified before distribution to ensure that consumers get clean water (Bottled Water Reduction 1). Dad, I think it is so much safer, in the long run, if you start drinking tap water instead of bottled water because of the fact that it is adequately regulated. Thus my suggestion that you start taking tap water is out of my love and care for you.

Bottled water not only impacts the local community but it also affects the global community mainly due to the way in which every step in its manufacturing is carried out. Its manufacture is outright exploitation of natural resources (Parag 625). Furthermore, it has been proven that water bottles do have an enormous impact to our environment and they also affect our health in a negative way (Green Bottles).

According to Flow, the Coca-Cola Company has received a lot of criticism due to the negative health effects resulting from consumption of its products (8). The Coco Cola Company owns a variety of bottled water like Dasani and Nestle. They are constantly buying land around the world to open new plants and exploit water resources (Flow). Dad, if only each of us takes a positive step towards conserving the environment by avoiding environmentally unfriendly products that are not compulsory, then the world would be a better place.

The impact that bottled water has on the environment should get us all worried. Recycling of plastic water bottles is normally avoided by the relevant stakeholders for a variety of reasons (Bennett 1). Thus these bottles are left to pollute our environment. Furthermore, research at the Pacific Institute shows that, its takes three times the amount of water contained inside the bottle to manufacture the plastic bottles. Dad, did you also know that the process in producing plastic bottles includes many ounces of oil?

From that process, this will later on results in air pollution. Think about this dad, if air pollution increase, your golf course grass would not be as green in the near future. If you care about your golf course like you always tell me, I think it is time you might consider changing to reusable bottles.

In order to save $1,282 yearly, I recommend you start considering Green Bottles. Green Bottles created by Yip Bop are environmental friendly bottles made out of stainless steel. They are suitable for every occasion. They can be used at work, during activities like travelling, hiking or even shopping (Green Bottles 13). Because you are drinking more water as part of a healthy lifestyle in order to stay energetic in the sun, Green Bottles is the one for you.

Green Bottles has long life duration because they are constructed of high quality food-grade stainless steel approved by the FDA. In addition, Green Bottles come in variety of designs for all hot and cold beverages. Surprisingly, Green Bottles are suitable for hot and cold weather because they are capable of keeping cold drinks cold and keeping hot drinks hot (Green Bottles 14). They are reusable, dishwasher safe and recyclable. Perhaps, Green Bottles have a sleek and stylish look and thus they are comfortable to carry around (Green Bottles 15).

The most important reason I recommend Green Bottles is because some Green Bottles have filters to purify water while you drink so it is good and safe for you. Dad, if you are interested in using Green Bottles, I will order for you online now. They are not expensive and prices vary from $2.00 to $30.00. If your colleagues are interested too, we can also order for them. Green Bottles can be purchased singly or in multi-packs. Remember, they are available in many colors like red, blue, green, silver, black, orange, and white. As for you, I think a large 40-ouce size container would suits you more since you drink lots of water. I thus strongly recommend the use of green bottles for environmental conservation and financial relief.

It is important that you get clean drinking water because your health and financial welfare are of great concern to me. There are ways you can stay healthy and at the same time conserve the environment while saving. This can be achieved by changing to reusable bottles and drinking from tap water. It has been shown that sometimes bottled water may not be as clean as they are advertised. A study from Duke University has proved that bottled caps are kept in a moist environment which may lead to growth of bacteria (7).

There have also been a number of incidences in which bottled water was found with contamination by consumers. You must have noticed in the course of your life that the climatic conditions are substantially changing. Our sky is getting more polluted and the seasons are no longer predictable. It therefore calls for every one of us to make efforts towards environmental conservation. The use of tap water will help you achieve this objective and you would have lived a life that cares for the generations to come.

Works Cited

Bennet, Terri., (2010). Bottled Water Everywhere, and All That Plastic Stinks. Tribune News Service, 22(7), 499-636. Web.

“Cruising Chemistry – How Is Water Purified?” Chemistry at Duke. Web.

“Environment; Green Bottles Offer an Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Traditional Plastic Water Bottles.” Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. 2010: Research Library, ProQuest. Web.

Flow. By Salina Irena. Oscilloscope Laboratories, 2008.

Parag, Y., & Roberts, J. (2009). A Battle Against the Bottles: Building, Claiming, and Regaining Tap-Water Trustworthiness. Society & Natural Resources, 22(7), 625-636. Web.

Parent or Guardian Who Is Against Group Work Issue

The modern world is full of innovations and new ideas. The sphere of education is not an exception. There are a lot of new methodologies which aimed to make students interested in the subject, that provides more productive work in the class and requires deeper knowledge in it. Group work is very productive as working in groups students remember the material better as communication is the best way to learn and consolidate achievements.

There are several cooperative learning structures used in the class, which may be successfully provided at any stage of students’ learning. Structured Problem Solving is one of the group work methodologies. The main idea of the method is that the students are divided into groups of four. The statement is given by the teacher, which should be either supported or argued, but the arguments should be strong and persuasive. The discussion is held in groups, the students are free to express their ideas about the topic and to give persuasive arguments. One of the students (1, 2, 3, or 4) is chosen as the group spokesman, whose task is to handle the ideas of the whole group about the statement. Each person can be asked, so everybody is involved in the discussion process. In order not to repeat the ideas, not all groups are given an opportunity to say their words (Millis, 2009).

The described methodology is very productive, in the way that students are given an opportunity to express their ideas about the issue, to listen to their classmates, and to argue if the ideas in the group are diametrically opposite. The truth is born in dispute, and such discussions activate students’ minds. Students think actively and do not just waste their time during classes. Group work helps students to become close what is also very important in the educational process.

Group work should be provided in class with the purpose to let students express their ideas and give persuasive arguments in order to convince other classmates. The change of activities is very important in the class and the group work, as the discussion section, is the best substitution for reading or writing.

People who are against group work usually represent such arguments, labor-intensive preparation to the lesson, the problems with students’ organization (behavior), the absence of constant contact of a teacher with students, when they are working in groups. Listening to such arguments, a lot of opposite ideas come to mind. What about teaching students to be independent? The constant fear to leave students alone is teachers’ fault, as they cannot teach them to think independently, without a teacher. Work in a group teaches students to be free from supervision and be able to make decisions of their own.

Group work is one of the types of class activity which helps students to activate their minds and to discuss the questions with their classmates. Work in a group has a lot of advantages, but teachers should not abuse this type of learning as students get tired from the monotonous work, and the desire to study leaves them quickly.

References

Millis, B. J. (2009). Cooperative Learning Structures. The University of Texas at Austin. Online.

Verizon Wireless: Joint Venture and Parent Company

In 1999, Verizon, an American carrier that was then known as Bell Atlantic, and its European counterpart Vodafone created a joint venture called Verizon Wireless. It offered wireless voice and data services, which were becoming increasingly valuable nationwide at the time. As a result, the project attained considerable success, growing to serve 103 million customers in 2013. Both partners were satisfied with its performance, but Verizon decided that it would benefit from owning the service entirely. It proceeded to buy Vodafone’s 45% of shares for $130 billion, expecting the increased income from the acquisition to compensate the price eventually. At the same time, Verizon pulled out of its Vodafone Italy investment, severing the relationship between the two firms on agreeable terms. This report will analyze the acquisition from a variety of perspectives and determine the move’s value.

Verizon Wireless was arguably the United States’ biggest wireless carrier, leading in revenues and Wall Street popularity but trailing behind Cingularity Wireless in customer numbers. Moreover, while phone sales were declining due to market saturation, people began using various devices that featured wireless connectivity. As such, the market for the division in question was growing steadily and rapidly despite moving away from its initial foundations. Verizon expected sales to grow further, increasing profitability, and wanted to be in full control of the enterprise and receive all of its benefits in the future. The consolidation of its resources would give it the ability to respond to threats from competitors quickly and efficiently.

The acquisition should improve Verizon’s sustainability, as it will increase profits without affecting the people or the planet. Part of the reason for the purchase was that Verizon Wireless was the company’s most profitable division. Sales for landline phones, the company’s prior main product, were declining with the increasing adoption of cell phones. As such, the move would bring the revenue generated to the company, which could then use the income to fund improvement initiatives and innovation for its other aspects. Concerning scope, the company aims to cover the entire market and focus on beating its competitors in terms of cost. As such, its broad scope and price orientation define its strategy as cost leadership.

The acquisition satisfies the criteria put forward by Collis and Montgomery, marking the resource as desirable. According to Roos and Pike (2019), the five tests include inimitability, durability, appropriability, substitutability, and competitive superiority. It is challenging to imitate the service due to the advanced and extensive infrastructure necessary. It also depreciates slowly due to the slow adoption of new technologies, which provides time for the owner to adapt. The resource’s possessor captures the value that it generates, as the income goes to it. It is challenging for the resource to be substituted, as first, a large part of the customer base would have to purchase phones that support the new technology. Lastly, in terms of competition, Verizon Wireless is among the most prominent wireless carriers in the market.

Full control of Verizon Wireless will enable its parent company to generate value by leveraging the competitive advantage created in the process. At the time, the wireless communications industry was in its growth state for the reasons described above. According to Rothaermel (2017), the key objective for companies in these periods is to secure a significant strategic advantage over their competition. As mentioned in the case study, Verizon would have extra bandwidth as a result of the acquisition. The resource would be able to accommodate strong customer base growth and even enable sales to other companies. As such, the company would be better equipped than the other members to benefit from the growth period, creating value.

Ultimately, both Verizon and Vodafone benefited from the deal along with the latter’s shareholders. The former saw further growth in its wireless division that partially offset the continuing decline of its landline services. The latter received a significant influx of cash, which is passed along to its stockholders as dividends. Verizon’s shareholders did not benefit in the short term due to the company’s decline in profits despite its revenue growth. However, it is likely that after the company reorients itself and adapts to new market realities, it will be able to generate more substantial profits than before. Lastly, the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom benefited from the tax proceeds generated by the deal.

Overall, the acquisition was an excellent move on Verizon’s part and appropriate response to its situation. Verizon Wireless was an enterprise with high prospects, likely to continue generating increasing revenues and profits. As such, it was able to supplement its parent company while it was moving to respond to changing market needs. In the end, Verizon was able to adopt a more sustainable orientation, securing its position and capitalizing on the growing wireless communication market. Meanwhile, Vodafone could focus on its operations in its main markets and use the cash influx to make improvements and satisfy shareholders. The interests of both companies aligned, and the process went smoothly as a result. The deal successfully created value and justified its large expenditure through the resulting growth.

References

Roos, G., & Pike, S. (2019). Intellectual capital as a management tool: Essentials for leaders and managers. New York, NY: Routledge.

Rothaermel, F. T. (2017). Strategic management (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.