Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Weekly High School Sports Report - Expanded

Michael Hoffer, Sports Editor for the Forecaster, will report on high school sports, focusing on the "minor sports." We won't just be reporting scores and game results, but we'll focus on the kids who train hard and participate in those sports that receive less adult and media involvement. That said, Michael will keep us informed of all post season playoffs and tournament results, as well as behind-the-scenes and human interest happenings.

The Main(e) Event

While Maine’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers and high schools have collaborated for years, increasingly they are uniting around the specific goal of ensuring every one of their students are adequately prepared for careers and post-secondary education.  In this era where there is tremendous focus and resources devoted to raising the aspirations of all high school students and ensuring they are ready for college, CTEs across the state are capitalizing on their unique ability to provide relevant, captivating, and real world learning experiences.  Working closely with high schools, area businesses, and national organizations, Maine’s CTEs have revised their programs and curricula in response to the increased level of sophisticated knowledge and skills required in virtually all fields.

My guests will be Professor David Ruff, Southern Maine Partnership at USM & Great Maine Schools Project; Dave Mason, Director, Oxford Hills Technical School (S. Paris, ME); Ted Moccia, Principal, Oxford Hills Comprehensive School, (S. Paris, ME); and two teachers and two students from Oxford Hills.

During this show, we will talk with educators and students from both Oxford Hills Technical and Comprehensive High Schools in South Paris, Maine to learn more about how their programs have changed to provide the very best education, training, and preparation for college and work for all students.  We will learn how educators from each school - which are situated on the same campus - have increased the level of rigor and personalized learning for all students in their district.  Strategies include 9^th  and 10^th grade teaming, revamping the senior year, and cross-over scheduling between the two schools. The result is a fascinating story of how one district has managed to create multiple pathways to graduation that all results in students being college and work ready.

Podcast Update

I'm experimenting with Podcasting the weekly show. Since I'm self-taught, the learning curve is steep at this point. Nevertheless, there are three "sample clips" of the show that can be listened to and downloaded at:

 http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/Podcasts.htm

I would appreciate any and all feedback, especially with regards to which player your browser used, i.e. Windows Media Player, Quick Time, etc. Were you able to download and save the file? How long did it take to download/play? What was the quality of the sound?

Once I figure out the best way to do this, anyone, anywhere will be able to listen to the show whenever it is convenient.

The Coaches Corner

Remember: 1) These are just kids. Don't treat them like adults.  2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. Not you! It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will have nothing to do with the game you are coaching.

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org