Education Special Section
“The way students learn, share
ideas, get access to content, create, and
collaborate is fundamentally different,”
says Anthony Salcito, vice president
of worldwide education at Microsoft.
“Their mindsets are different, and the
workplaces we are preparing them for are
different, so we have to recognize there
has been a lot of change. What we’ve now
got to do at a system level, the institution
level, is not only embrace that change
but use it in a purposeful way to drive a
different dynamic in classrooms.”
Experts believe that the human
psychology of learning has seen little
change over time, but external factors,
including the digital revolution, have
unstoppably shaped the way in which
we learn and teach. Technology has
brought about exciting and innovative
ways for personalized learning and
novel approaches for teachers to address
gaps in learning processes. Yet one
constant remains in education, and that
is the critical role of teachers. Human
interactions are undoubtedly crucial
both inside and outside of the classroom.
The inspiration and support provided
by teachers is what can make a student
successful, even if that student is provided
all other tools and opportunities needed
to succeed.
Preschool Education
If you’re interested in
potentially taking on the cost
of a second mortgage, look no further
than sending your child to preschool.
When seeking out the program that is
right for your child, many considerations
are taken into account including safety,
cost, location, teacher credentials,
accreditations, and how each of these will
meet your child’s individual needs. Once
thought of only as daycare, preschools are
shaping their early education programs
to mold even the youngest of students for
future success.
Across the U.S., the demand for
quality early learning programs is
on the rise, with STEAM concepts
(science, technology, engineering, arts
and mathematics) making their first
appearance to students at the age of 3.
Early Learning facilities are proving their
worth through implementing quality
metrics, investing in technologies,
and by offering an array of options for
curriculum- versus non-curriculum-based
learning to best suit the learning style of
young students.
Preschools and educational daycares,
a newly coined term, are implementing
Quality Rating Improvement Systems
(QRIS) as a standard for success in early
education. The National Center on Early
Childhood Quality Assurance, funded
by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, developed QRIS as a
systemic approach to assess, improve,
and communicate the level of quality
in early and school-aged care and
education programs. In Pennsylvania, the
Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/
Professional Development, Assistance,
Resources, and Support) program focuses
on the importance of employing quality
staff, professional development, early
learning programs, partnerships with
family and the community, and leadership
and management of facilities. Within
these structured guidelines, the state aims
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