Thread: SC: Clemson's new top education official has fresh approach

Clemson's new top education official has fresh approach
Padilla's focuses are Hispanic students, science, collaboration among disciplines

Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 2:00 am


By Anna Simon
CLEMSON BUREAU
asimon@greenvillenews.com


CLEMSON -- Michael J. Padilla, the new director of Clemson University's Eugene T. Moore School of Education and associate dean of educational collaborations, is all about teaching teachers to teach.

Padilla, who joined Clemson June 1 from the University of Georgia, brings a focus on teaching math and science and the needs of a growing Hispanic population.

He brings expertise in building partnerships for educational initiatives, and a desire to broaden the horizons of teaching students with nontraditional interdisciplinary collaborations.

These are issues Padilla believes can improve education in all South Carolina classrooms.

At Georgia, Padilla was director for educator partnerships at the College of Education. He has been recognized with distinguished grants and honors, is a past president of the National Science Teachers Association and contributed to the 1996 U.S. National Science Education Standards.

Before all that, he taught middle school science.

Which is why Padilla was excited to learn that Clemson's Moore School wanted to focus on math and science teachers. It's one of the points that attracted him here, he said.

Nationally, there's been a call for more scientists and engineers to keep the nation's edge in a global economy. South Carolina leaders have expressed similar concern.

A second challenge for South Carolina -- educating a growing Hispanic population -- also is near to Padilla's heart. His grandfather emigrated from Mexico.

"Those roots have always been important to me, and it's just an opportunity to give back to an immigrant population that can be very important," Padilla said.

"Because of the language barrier, you've got some real difficulties. Teachers who haven't dealt with Spanish speakers before don't know the best ways to teach those kids," Padilla said.

A report released recently by the Southern Regional Education Board said the percentage of Hispanic graduates from South Carolina public high schools will grow from 2 percent to 20 percent by 2018.

Regardless of current politics, "the immigrants are here," he said. "The issue is how can we best educate them to be economically self-sufficient in our society and productive."

Preparing tomorrow's teachers for a growing number of Hispanic students is only one area where Padilla wants to broaden their college experience.

Because Clemson's school of education is located in the same college as the school of nursing and other health, recreation and community services, Padilla wants to create opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Clemson University President Jim Barker embraces the idea, which removes "institutional barriers" Padilla has always faced before.

Many disciplines relate to educating children, he said. For example, a child who comes to school sick isn't going to learn. Solutions involve teachers, nurses and health workers.

"Our college brings to bear a lot of social and community services necessary for learning to occur," he said.

Padilla's enthusiasm for collaboration goes beyond campus resources, as well.

As director of educator partnerships at Georgia, he gathered people from the education community and society to work together to secure federal grants and foundation funding "to accomplish important education goals such as to improve science and math education for kids in the school system," he said.

"The work is too complicated today for any one group of individuals to resolve," Padilla said. "We have to work together."


http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbc...WS01/706270373

"Because of the language barrier, you've got some real difficulties. Teachers who haven't dealt with Spanish speakers before don't know the best ways to teach those kids," Padilla said.

OMG, TEACH THEM IN ENGLISH FOR GOD'S SAKE!!! How would you expect them to succeed in the market place if they cannot function in English? AND, if they are ILLEGAL ALIENS and not "immigrants" (the PC term he uses) I don't give a damn what their language problem is. DEPORT THEM NOW!

Only in America.. a few years from now, when you dial a business number, you will hear: "OLA! Please press 1 for English".

This is all I've got to say about that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEJfS1v-fU0

I am so sick and tired of people rolling out the red carpet for a bunch of people who could care less about America. There is something very wrong with the minds of many American people. Because most people have not been directly affected by the illegals or live near them, they think there is no problem. Wait until everyone starts to see how much the illegals use and abuse anything and anyone to get what they want. All hell is going to break loose.

I have noticed something in the last few years and I know it is not by chance...but notice how the Globalist folks are making sure that people being put in power are Hispanic sir names...and this is in every position around the country...not to say some did not rightfully deserve the position but...when it is overwhelmingly out there...and in your face...especially law enforcement, education and government...I really noticed this tread in the last two years...and the stand down of Law enforcement was when I really noticed the trend..it is like a game of checkers....and just wait till they get the Military full on non citizens...the globies will be in a perfect position to jump....

Those are the jobs Americans wont do. (Well the White,black,asian, etc)

Anybody want to join me in a bet that this Padilla guy becomes Lindsay Grahamnesty's campaign manager?