MEC LCN Breakfast Series 2001 - 2002

NOVEMBER 2001

On Friday, November 9th, the Learning Community Network Breakfast series began its third year. Dr. Michael Wiltshire, Principal of Middle College High School, served graciously as our host. In September, Dr. Wiltshire replaced the former principal, Mr. Charles Majors. Last spring, Mr. Majors became Superintendent of Brooklyn High Schools. The featured speaker was Dr. Thomas Edwards, Dean of MEC School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Education Department. Dr. Edwards discussed the World Trade Center tragedy and recommendations for coping during the aftermath. He emphasized the need to focus on our children; as future "citizens of the world" our children require guidance in their attempt to construct meaning from recent global events. Following Dr. Edwards, Dr. Nancy Lester, MEC Education Department, and the CUNY Writing Fellows, presented a brief overview of Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC), which included a hands on activity. The presented WAC strategy has several applications, including helping students to construct meaning and expressing their feelings and ideas.


DECEMBER 2001

On December 12th, The Network breakfast meeting was hosted by the Brooklyn Children's Museum. The featured speaker was MEC former Dean of MEC School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Education Department, Dr. Mwalimu Shujaa. Dr. Shujaa has conducted extensive research on curriculum reform efforts, in particular, efforts to develop and implement curriculum reflecting African and African American culture. He discussed his research and presented strategies for developing and implementing effective curriculum reforms.

Paul Pearson, Vice President of Programs at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, provided information about the museum's current programs and future plans for expansion. Following the breakfast, interested Network members were given a tour of the museum.


MAY 2002

The Network's final activity for the 2001-02 academic year was a breakfast meeting held at Brooklyn Botanic Garden on Friday, May 17, 2002. Ms. Sharon Myrie, Vice President of Education, hosted the meeting. Ms. Myrie and staff presented an overview of the Garden's summer programs. Due to unexpected, urgent meeting in Washington, D. C., Dr. Edison O. Jackson, President of Medgar Evers College, the scheduled speaker, was unable to attend the meeting. Two members of the Medgar Evers College family graciously replaced Dr. Jackson. Dr. Doris Withers, Vice President, Office of institutional Assessment and Accountability presented valuable information about testing, which sparked a discussion about standardized testing and minority groups. Ms. Carolyn Beck, Director, GEAR UP presented an overview of the program and highlights of recent activities. R. K. Smith, Associate Director, American Civil Rights Education Services (ACRES) presented an overview and update of their program activities. A graduate from Paul Robeson High School discussed the benefits of participating in ACRES. Immediately following the breakfast meeting, a tour of the Japanese Garden was conducted.