How to Integrate Elements of HAST in Education

The principles of HAST (Humanities, Arts, Science, Technology) can be integrated into education through the development of the following key elements: Argumentative Introduction, Presentation of Evidence, Critique & Counterargument, Defense of Argument.

When students learn and develop these key elements of HAST, their educational growth and success should increase.  Students can then apply each of these elements to other areas of study, and in turn, encourage them to pursue further learning through higher education.

ARGUMENTATIVE INTRODUCTION
Introduce your argument with confidence, strength, and clarity.  Whether it is a scientific research paper, a classroom debate or discussion, or an expression of artistic freedom, without an argumentative introduction the chance to succeed will be reduced significantly if not eliminated.  Just as it is important for the track and field sprinter to get off the blocks cleanly and begin the race with a good first step, so should it be to the student who is presenting a theory, hypothesis, or statement.

PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE
Your argument should be based on solid evidence from reliable sources.  As you introduce your argument, be prepared to present the evidence you have in support of it.  The best way to build your argument is through evidence, the best way to build evidence is through research.  Observe, inquire, and read, find out what is known, what studies are out there, and who has presented prior evidence that will be of help to you.

CRITIQUE & COUNTERARGUMENT
Having introduced your argument and presented evidence to support it, it is time to share it with the audience and embrace critique and counterarguments that could be made. Personal or professional disagreement, lack of confidence, strength, or clarity, questioning of the evidence presented, these and other reasoning can lead the audience to critique your argument and present their own counterargument when presented with your argument.  This is an important part of the process as it allows for adjustments to be made and new reasoning to be taken into consideration.

DEFENSE OF ARGUMENT
Your argument is your creation, defend it.  Find more evidence, collect more data, review the critique and counterarguments for validity and determine if they are to be regarded or discarded.  Try alternative approaches to introduce the argument or present the evidence.  Make adjustments to your argument by formatting or changing the approach.  Research that which can be used as critique and counterargument, and prepare your defense of argument.




Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Defining STEAM Education

Scientific Principles
Leads to the Development
Of new Technology.

Technological Innovations
Improve Efficiency
In Engineering.

Engineering Design
Allows for the
Creation of Art.

Artistic Expression
Can Communicate
Abstract Ideas.

Mathematical Analysis
Of Data Models
Improve Science.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Roadmap for Success with English Learners

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Succeeding with English Learners begins with an initial assessment of their English language skill and their primary language of use.  With an accurate initial assessment of the student, placement into the educational process can become an efficient introduction to a new educational approach.


ACADEMIC REVIEW

With the establishment of a starting point in the education process of an English Learner through the Initial Assessment, the focus turns towards the academic review of the student. What does the EL know, and can the EL demonstrate this knowledge?  What has the EL learned and studied in a primary language?  How can the EL's academic achievement become match to a different measuring set of academic standards?


CONTINUED SUPPORT

Each English Learner will require a certain amount of continued support until they reach the level of proficiency required to exit the English Learner program.  How much continued support will a student need?  Each according to their skills and abilities.  All ELs should be supported continuously for as long as their stay in the EL program is, and beyond.  It may be as brief as a week, or as long a grade, or few years, but all ELs deserve and should receive continued support as they develop and transition into an English language educational environment.


PROGRESS & GROWTH

English Learners should not, cannot, stay stagnant in language development.  ELs must show and demonstrate both progress and growth.  Els should be able to do this in both language and knowledge.  An EL's progress and growth can be measured through Continued Academic Assessment, Common Academic Standards, Formative Assessment, etc.

MAINSTREAM EXIT

Just as they were assessed to enter an EL program, they must be assessed to exit and become mainstream.  It is a graduation from being an English Learner to a Mainsteam Student.  They have grown along side their classmates and now share progress in language and knowledge.  The English Learner has successfully transitioned into a new educational process through language acquisition.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

March 2016

A California Poppy Blooming
During Spring (March)

We are concluding the Winter season by marching on towards Spring.

We take time to reflect on our educational achievements as we embark on to the last big 
break of the year.

We can grow roots, develop stronger trunks, and reach out with our leaves and branches towards the clouds of information that are forming in the skies.

When I first heard the word "March!" I didn't stop to think.  I reacted and then executed.  My classmates and I had been preparing for the school's sports intramural season, and each classroom would parade, by marching one lap around the field, until all classrooms in the school would have a turn.  At the end of the parade, once all classrooms had congregated, we would be dismissed to proceed towards our assigned athletic events.

This is what the month of March has come to represent to me in every single school year.  One last chance to get organized and demonstrate what we as students are capable of doing.  To take our individual educational potential and turn it into kinetic energy.  It would serve as one last reminder that there was still some time to steal a march on education for the remaining of the school year.

As Students, Educators, Parents, and Administrators march towards the end of the school year, March should serve to us as those starting blocks that propel us towards end of year success.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.