Author: slpRachel

An important article about the challenges of helping young people (now more than ever) evaluate the reliability of “news” they find online.  One of the many goals of SLP is to help young people develop their research skills and, for students that have access to technology, the internet is an invaluable source of information.  But we always…

“We should all be equal, we all have equal worth,  but we don’t all experience equality yet.”  Earlier this week, the NYT published this thoughtful op-ed about the importance of talking openly and honestly with all children about historic and present-day racism and inequality.  Falling back on the easier “we’re all equal” is not enough.  The author encourages parents,…

During these challenging times, when homelessness in New York City has reached the highest level since the Great Depression, we are so inspired by two 3rd grade classes in Brownsville, NY. Although many in their community, including classmates, live in temporary shelters, the issue they are the most concerned about, and chose to help solve,…

How exciting is this: According to a 2/14/17 New York Times article, civics is the new teen obsession for middle and high school students across the United States. Teachers and principals report that, with Trump in the White House, students are “showing a level of civic engagement they have not seen in years.” Talk of Trump’s…

A critical part of the research phase of SLP’s Residency Program is interaction with experts in the field.  Last week, staff from Care for the Homeless (CFH) met with two groups of 3rd graders at an elementary school in Brownsville, Brooklyn.  Both classes have chosen to help solve the growing crisis of homelessness in NYC,…

Check out this article about a group of more than 50 NYC high school students who have come together post-election to speak out on critical policy issues. The three founders (all high school students) are determined to “give students, who might otherwise feel they don’t have a voice in politics since they’re too young too vote, the…

“Change only happens when ordinary people get involved and get engaged.  And they come together and demand it.”    President Barack Obama, Farewell Speech, January 10. 2017

So this is an amazing story.  And seriously inspiring. A few years ago, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Jesse Ruben recorded a song called “We Can.” Originally intended to inspire people to run the marathon (he had just completed his first NYC race), the song has since taken on a life of its own. It’s larger message: we can work…

Earlier this week, National Education Secretary John B. King, Jr. made an incredibly compelling case for service learning. Some highlights from his speech to the National Press Club: “Schools have a special responsibility to prepare students for their role in democracy…This is one of the original goals of American public education, something that has become…

Last week, Hillary Clinton announced her plan for a 5 million member national service reserve project.  Americans across the country would continue in their full-time jobs but would be on call to respond to national disasters, health emergencies, and other crises. “America works best, ” she said, “when citizens volunteer in their own communities.”  She added, “Working…