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Stimulating Simulations: NAEYC Learns to Administer School Programs
October 20, 2008
By Holly Dolezalek
The National Association for the Education of Young Children is a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to improve the quality of educational and other services for children up to age 8. The organization has approximately 100,000 members (mostly program administrators, such as elementary school principals, directors of child care or Head Start centers, and prekindergarten program administrators). With an active membership and a network of state, local, and regional affiliates, the organization has a national reach.
NAEYC aims to provide professional development and other resources to its members and others who are interested in education for young children. Historically, that has included books, videos, professional journals, and educational programs. But now, the organization is pioneering new territory in the world of simulations.
Funded by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, NAEYC has been working with Simulations International to create an educational program aimed at helping its target audience with skills in administering school programs. The program (which is still in development and has not yet been named) will include a series of e-learning modules with two characters named Pat and Chris. Pat just started her job as a manager, and Chris is an avatar (who will be based on live video) who guides Pat through the situations and solutions needed.
"We designed the modules so participants would experience what it was like to start as a new manager," says Peter Pizzolongo, director of training and associate director of professional development for NAEYC. "The participant, who sees what Pat has to deal with, also will get advice from Chris on how to deal with the problems, which might be anything from a teacher who wanted Pat's job and didn't get it to a problem with a janitor."
Although the simulation will cover many situations, the overall theme is that of learning how to handle conflict better. Conflict is rife in the educational arena and can be particularly tough for school administrators, Pizzolongo says. "These administrators often are trained more to handle conflict among children rather than adults."
Each of the nine e-learning modules is approximately 45 minutes long, and participants will perform exercises, complete readings, and participate in group discussions as preparation or follow-up for the simulation experience. "This blended approach is best for our audience," Pizzolongo says, "because early childhood education is a high-touch profession, and members of our profession often like to learn in group situations."
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