Weather Blog

June 30, 2008

Are There Home Schooling Programs Available For College Students?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 9:39 pm

Contrary to most people’s opinions, home schooling is not just limited to primary school students. In fact, there are many home schooling courses available for college students as well both offline and online.

Home schooling has been gaining more popularity in recent years because parents wanted more control over their child’s education. Parents wanted to oversee what their children is learning and teach them the right way.

There are also afraid of peer influences from other students. They may pick up bad habits such as smoking, alcoholism, gambling and violence etc.

For higher level college education, there are several types of home schooling programs available. It depends on the type of education you prefer your child to undertake. Most home schooling college programs are quite flexible in that the program curriculum can be changed to suit the student rather than the other way around in traditional colleges.

One type is religion college home schooling. They have home schooling curriculum that have religious studies as part of their education.

Another type focus on the science while another focus on the arts. It can also be a combination of the above since college home schooling is quite flexible. You can cater your home schooling curriculum based on the interest of your child.

One thing all these college home schooling programs have in common is that they can be taught at the pace your child is comfortable with. Since each child learns differently and at different pace, the college home schooling program can be altered to suit each child’s learning progress.

There are also college home schooling programs offered in your local area. Some are theme based while others are focused on a particular subject. It will help if you can find yourself aligned with a home schooling group in your local community, if not you can do it online via the numerous homeschooling forums online.

June 29, 2008

Are Pittsburgh Schools In Trouble?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , — admin @ 1:20 pm

Two years ago, in 2005, new Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt inherited a troubled school district. In fact, Pittsburgh Schools were placed on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s district improvement list in 2005, based on results that did not meet requirements on the Pennsylvania System of Schools Assessment (PSSA).

When Superintendent Roosevelt took over the Pittsburgh Schools, he needed a plan to improve the school system in order to move Pittsburgh Schools off of the improvement list. At that time, he described and implemented an ambitious plan with objectives not only for moving every student toward proficiency, but also for increasing the number of students who are achieving at the highest levels.

“When setting our objectives, we wanted to be realistic yet inspirational. We recognize that we must change the hearts and minds of everyone &ndash kids, parents, teachers, central office staff and the entire Pittsburgh Schools community &ndash so we share in a common belief that every child can achieve excellence,” said Superintendent Roosevelt.

To that end, Pittsburgh Schools wrote a new mission statement, which states that “Pittsburgh Schools will be one of America’s premier school districts, student-focused, well-managed, and innovative. We will hold ourselves accountable for preparing all children to achieve academic excellence and strength of character, so that they have the opportunity to succeed in all aspects of life.”

Board Chair of the Pittsburgh Schools Education Committee Thomas Sumpter also noted that, “Raising the achievement level of all students is paramount, and that is what the District must be held accountable for.”

Not only are Pittsburgh Schools working towards these goals and beliefs, but they are also offering a generous incentive plan for high school seniors. Hoping to encourage more students to graduate and continue onto college, Pittsburgh Schools and the City of Pittsburgh are issuing what is called “The Pittsburgh Promise.” The promise pledges that starting in 2008; all graduates who meet certain standards will have the means of getting post-secondary education. The district and the city hope to raise $5 - $7 million a year to make college or other post-secondary education affordable. To access the money, students will have to attend a city public school, do their work, stay out of trouble, and graduate.

So how are Pittsburgh Schools doing so far? At the request of Superintendent Mark Roosevelt, an organization known as RAND completed an analysis of the implementation of major district initiatives so far, and has suggested opportunities to strengthen future implementation. RAND analyzed how each initiative supports Excellence for All, the district’s improvement plan for increasing the academic performance of all students. Findings showed improvements throughout Pittsburgh Schools so far, but more work is needed.

“We are firm in our commitment to being a learning organization that seeks to self-correct and constantly improve,” said Pittsburgh Schools Superintendent Roosevelt. “We know improvements are needed and have already begun to make significant changes with our partners to address many of the recommendations …presented by RAND.”

June 28, 2008

Are More Charter Schools In The Chicago Schools Future?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — admin @ 9:43 am

Ever since George W. Bush took the oath of president of the United States, he and his administration have instituted many federally mandated changes for public schools across the nation. Now, according to Margaret Spellings, education secretary for the Bush Administration, there may be more that directly affect the Chicago Schools and the state of Illinois. Currently, the states of Illinois, Michigan and New York have the lowest caps on the number of public charter schools allowed. Illinois has the lowest cap of 60, then New York with a cap of 100, and Michigan with 150.

At one of the charter Chicago schools in late January, Spellings stated that the president wants all school districts across the country to change their restrictions on the number of public charter schools allowed, giving school districts, like the Chicago schools, the ability to convert as many failing traditional schools to charters as they wish.

Chicago schools’ officials see this as a positive move. Over the years, they have aggressively pursued the conversion of failing schools to charters. The Chicago schools currently have 29 of their allowed 30 charter schools in place and running. With a current 185 low performing schools, the Chicago schools’ officials see conversion to public charter schools as a possible solution to improve the schools’ performance. Otherwise, their only option is to make major staff changes, since they can only convert one more traditional school to charter under current state guidelines.

Chicago schools’ officials believe that more drastic interventions are required to make these failing schools successful. Charters within the Chicago schools have more freedom over their curriculum, budgeting and scheduling than traditional schools do. They also have more accountability to the Chicago schools.

Opponents to the Bush Administration proposal for changing the state’s public charter school cap believe the president is going too far. Legislators involved in drafting Illinois’ cap are some of those opposed to the proposal. The state’s teachers’ union also is against the proposal.

Representative Monique Davis, who is a Democrat representing Chicago (and the Chicago schools) and vice chairwoman of the House Education Committee, stated in response to the proposal that the legislators of Illinois believe, as many others across the nation, that charter schools still are in the experimental stage. Expansion of the number of public charter schools should be held back until they prove themselves as a viable and successful alternative for the future. They just are not there yet.

Regardless of what the Illinois legislators believe, the proposal will soon be in Congress. If the bill passes, it takes the matter out of state hands, since the federal government can impose whatever mandates they desire when contributing federal funding to schools. This means the Chicago schools’ officials may soon be able to enact some serious interventions for their 185 low performing schools.

June 27, 2008

Are Memphis Schools Getting What They Pay For?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , — admin @ 8:40 am

The 2001 No Child Left Behind Act provided many programs for students through out the country. In the Memphis Schools it made free pre-kindergarten and extra tutoring by teachers during school hours available to help achieve higher test scores and. Also, Memphis Schools’ low-income students received free extra-curricular tutoring.

However, an extensive study but the University of Memphis found that these students are not getting ahead, and the Memphis Schools are not getting what they are paying for.

The Center for Research in Educational Policy recently set up a review of Memphis Schools, and of the entire state, to measure the affects of these types of services. They explored such programs as free extra academic help (which in the Memphis Schools includes before and after school tutoring and Title 1 programs).

Supplemental educational services are provided to Title I schools that fail to achieve benchmark performance scores three years in a row. At that point the Memphis Schools are required to provide the services. In Memphis Schools the providers of these services can be companies, local community groups, programs, local colleges and universities, national organizations or church based groups.

In the Memphis Schools there are fourteen companies, groups, or schools, which provided tutoring services to 988 students in math and 512 students in reading and language arts. Some of these charged as much as $1400 per student. While business is booming for the private tutoring industry, the study did not see any improvement in the student’s scores on benchmark testing. Within the Memphis Schools the group found that those eligible that did receive assistance did not score any better than those who were eligible but did not receive the assistance.

The group tested the Memphis Schools students using the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program and Gateway testing scores to determine how the different groups faired. In the areas of math and reading Memphis Schools showed no improvement for those tutored. In fact two of the providers of the tutoring services produced below standard outcomes during the 2005-2006 school year; and the remainder of the Memphis Schools students who received tutoring had insufficient information to determine the outcome.

One problem is keeping track of which students actually used the free services. It is unclear how Memphis Schools plan to eliminate this problem. Clearly, the private tutoring agencies need to show accountability or lose their contract. It was also suggested that teachers receive funding to oversee tutoring by non-profit groups and organizations. Memphis Schools teachers might be a better job at ensuring accountability. Memphis Schools face the huge issue of whether to keep spending their money on methods that don’t seem to be working, fix the methods, or start fresh.

June 26, 2008

Area Businesses And Organizations Host 1,552 Philadelphia Schools

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — admin @ 8:11 pm

I have worked at one business or another, since I turned 16. I worked for both private and nonprofit businesses, for big corporations and small professional firms. I still remember the excitement, as well as the culture shock, of my very first job. Because of my own experience, I made both of my children get part-time jobs as soon as they turned 16. It was not for the money, though they enjoyed that aspect of working. It was for the experience of being a part of the workplace.

While our children are in school, they lead a totally different life than when they graduate and enter the workforce. Whether they enter after they graduate from one of the Philadelphia schools or after college graduation, the culture shock is there. Children, who have worked in non-neighborhood, part-time jobs during their adolescence, have an edge over those who have not. They have been exposed to the expectations that will be placed on them by an employer. They have experienced the “office politics” that even exist at a neighborhood McDonalds

June 25, 2008

An Overview Of The Master Plan For Baltimore Schools

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , — admin @ 6:39 pm

On July 1, 2007, Andres Alonso officially became chief executive officer of Baltimore Schools. He will oversee approximately 180 schools and 82,000 students, with the help and guidance of the Baltimore Schools master plan. The master plan is guided by the Baltimore Schools vision, which is clear, desirable, and inspiring:

“Accelerating the academic achievement of all students, in partnership with the entire community, to ensure that students have the attitudes, skills, and proficiencies needed to succeed in college and in the 21st century global workforce.”

The district believes that achieving this vision is entirely possible by fulfilling the Baltimore Schools mission:

“To accelerate student progress through effective implementation of the Baltimore Schools master plan, focusing on quality instruction, managing systems efficiently, and sustaining a culture of excellence.”

The Baltimore Schools master plan priorities have been established in accordance with State guidelines and provide the core of the school system’s plans for improving the academic achievement of all students. Goals of this master plan as listed below:

Goal 1: By 2013-2014, all Baltimore Schools students will reach high standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts, and mathematics.

Goal 2: All Baltimore Schools students that have limited English proficiency will become proficient in English and reach high academic standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics.

Goal 3: By 2005-2006, all core academic subject classes (CAS) will be taught by highly qualified teachers.

Goal 4: All students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug-free, and conducive to learning.

Goal 5: All students will graduate from high school

Goal 6: Effective management of systems will support student achievement. Such systems cover accountability, communications with parents, the community, and business partners. Baltimore Schools recognize that making a difference for its students is more than simply writing a check. Many businesses provide assistance to schools in a variety of ways including the donation of materials, merchandise and volunteer hours. There is growing evidence that school/business partnerships improve the capacity of individual families, schools and communities. Businesses are thus more willing to support teaching and learning. When students connect school work with the world of work, they are motivated to learn. There are several ways that businesses can help out Baltimore Schools: mentoring, tutoring, becoming a guest reader, giving monetary contributions, and donating school supplies. However, donations can range from pencils to computers; books to playground equipment; flowers to furniture. Volunteering in Baltimore Schools, offering internships to Baltimore Schools students, or joining the staff as an adjunct faculty member are also ways for businesses to maintain a healthy partnerships with Baltimore Schools.

It is also a goal of the district that finances and operations of facilities, transportation, and nutrition services within Baltimore Schools will be effective and efficient. Throughout all of Baltimore Schools, students, parents, teachers, and administrators have many opportunities to experience the positive changes that implementing this master plan can offer.

June 24, 2008

An Overview Of Solar Energy And Other Renewable Energy Sources

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 9:07 am

When we talk about renewable energy we are referring to power that delivers energy from resources that will not be depleted because of our use of them. Renewable energy is an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuel energy for reasons other than the factor of non-depletion.

One basic benefit of renewable energy, and the reason environmentalists all over the globe are advocate its use, is that it does give off greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants as do the by-products of burning fossil fuel for energy. Renewable energy such as solar power, water power and wind power, while the widespread discussion of which is new, are anything but new.

In both newly developing and highly developed countries wind, sun and water have long been used as power sources, though not to the extent of providing the primary energy source for large metropolitan communities.

The mass production of such renewable energy is become commonplace in recent years as more and more people come to realize how climate is changing due to the pollution of fossil fuel gases, due to the exhaustion of the availability of these fossil fuels and the political and social concerns of energy sources such as nuclear power.

Many countries and non-profit environmentally-conscious organizations are encouraging the use of renewable energy sources by passing legislation on tax incentives for their use and subsidies to offset the added expense of converting from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

The flow of renewable energy involves phenomena that occur naturally in our world. Tides, sunlight, wind and heat derived by geothermal occurrences all provide renewable energy. Each of these energy sources is unique both in where we can use them and how.

Most technology that converts renewable energy into power sources we can use are powered at least in part by the Sun if not directly at least indirectly. The earths atmospheric system stays in such equilibrium that the heat that it gives off radiates into space to an amount equal to the radiation that comes to earth from the sun.

The result of this energy level within the atmosphere is roughly translated to the climate of the earth. The water of the earth, also referred to its hydrosphere, absorbs a lot of the radiation that comes to us from the sun.

Most of the radiation gets absorbed at the lower latitudes of the earth that exist around the equator. This energy gets dissipated all around the globe, however, in the form of ocean and wind currents.

The motion of the ocean waves might have a role in transference of mechanical energy between the ocean and the earths atmosphere by way of wind stress. Solar energy also provides the means by which precipitations is distributed and then tapped by hydroelectric energy projects as well as plant growth that then creates biofuels.

June 23, 2008

An Overview Of Energy Efficiently

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:08 am

While we often think of energy efficiency as the way to save our environment, we also often consider it a costly endeavor. Did you realize, however, that your homes energy bill might be reduced by up to 30 percent through energy-efficiency that includes the purchase or energy efficient appliances and other products? In other words, you can save yourself money while you do your part to save the planet.

Every time you buy a new air conditioning unit, a new washer or dryer, a new refrigerator, microwave, or piece of office equipment, you are affecting the environment, either positively or negatively depending on your choices. Smart choices of products designed for energy efficiency help the air we all breathe and reduce your energy bill each month.

Here is some basic information about how energy efficiency works and why its helpful. A great deal of the energy you consume in your home is produced by local power plants that must burn fossil fuel to create the energy. These fossil fuels might be natural gas, coal or oil.

These fossil fuels also create pollution. This pollution harms not only the environment but ultimately the people, as it causes smog, acid rain and respiratory diseases. Fossil fuel pollution is also a strong factor in changing the climate of the globe.

While we hear a lot about the harmful gas emissions that emanate from vehicles, what we dont hear much about is the fact that your home probably produces twice as much of these emissions as the average automobile.

Opting for energy efficiency through your choice of products that are energy efficient is one of the best ways you can reduce your consumption of energy and thus your distribution of harmful emissions of greenhouse gas. Any household that buys equipment designed for energy efficiency puts a big dent in harmful emissions of carbon dioxide.

In fact, over the lifetime of one of these energy efficient appliances or other products you will have reduced pollution the equivalent of what would be saved by one fewer vehicle for seven years. The use of energy efficient household products reduces nitrogen oxides too, which contribute extensively to acid rain and smog.

The average U.S. household spends about 1500 each year on energy. Energy-efficiency can reduce this bill by 400-450 annually. If youre concerned about energy efficiency and wish to not only save the environment but save yourself some money it will help to know which appliances account for what portion of your energy use and bill.

The biggest, which probably comes as no surprise, is your heat and air conditioning. This is a whopping 45 percent of your energy bill. Your water heater uses up 11 percent of your energy, and your washer and dryer 10 percent. The lighting for your home is seven percent of your energy costs, while your refrigerator is six percent of your bill.

Your dishwasher, computer, monitor, TV, VCR, DVD player and similar equipment each use up about two percent of your total energy consumption. Stoves, microwaves and other smaller appliances generally account for the rest, though at less than two percent of the total each.

June 22, 2008

An Online Degree Program - Is It Right For You?

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 1:19 pm

If you are already working full-time, an online degree program may be the perfect way to continue your education. You can earn an online degree in many popular fields, from criminal justice to business management. An online program allows you to perform class work on your own schedule, offering a way for those who work swing shifts to participate. Here’s what you should know if you are considering getting an online degree.

Accreditation

Many online campuses are affiliated with major colleges and universities. Others exist only in the online realm. It is not important which organizational structure your online campus uses as long as the program is fully accredited. Most, but not all, online universities are accredited. Accreditation is particularly important if you plan to apply for financial aid or go on to graduate school. Check into the status of any program you are considering.

Scheduling

Most online university programs are designed for working professionals. As such, they provide great flexibility in scheduling. A typical online class will be conducted in a message board format, in which the instructor posts the lecture at the beginning of each week. Students interact with each other and with the professor via conversational threads. Assignments are typically due at the end of the week.

Some online classes require students to log into a secure server to take tests and quizzes, while others base course grades strictly on student-generated written assignments. If you must take tests, a window of time (perhaps 24 hours) is generally provided for test periods.

Some online programs, particularly those that are affiliated with major colleges or universities, require more restrictive scheduling. You may be required to participate in videoconferences or other group activities at specific times. Alternately, your grade may partially be dependent on daily participation in class discussions. Other programs require a certain percentage of time to be spent on campus. This generally involves a weekend on campus at the beginning of the program and up to a week at the end.

If scheduling is a concern, carefully read the materials that are provided by any online degree program that you are considering. Be sure that you understand class participation requirements, on campus requirements and scheduling considerations.

Financial Aid

If your degree program is accredited, then you will be eligible for federal aid. Additionally, many programs provide in-house scholarships, grants and fellowships for eligible students. If financing your education is a concern, contact the school’s financial aid office for more information.

Workload

For many working professionals, the biggest concern about returning to school is the increased workload. Most online degree programs are designed around the needs of people who work full time. Consequently, you will generally find that the expected workload is less than that of an in-person degree program. In some online programs, taking two classes is considered a full time load. This grants half-time status to those students who are taking only one class, allowing all students to qualify for federal financial aid.

An online degree program is an excellent alternative for those who feel that they do not have time to go back to school. As long as the program is fully accredited, the degree that you receive will be just as valid as one earned at an in-person university. Look carefully into any program that you are considering. In order to understand class expectations and scheduling issues, set aside some time before your class starts to familiarize yourself with the school’s software, policies, and procedures. Online universities have a bit of a learning curve, but once you master the system you will be able to earn a degree without giving up your day job.

June 21, 2008

An Online College Degree Program To Advance Your Career

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — admin @ 2:25 pm

If you don’t have a large amount of time to dedicate to studies it may be deterring you from earning an online college degree. Enrolling for an online college degree program is the ideal situation for someone in your situation.

It’s no secret in todays competitive job market that you can lose out on a potential position if you don’t have a college education. Online college degree programs have made all of this possible for anyone, and provided the time flexibility to complete it successfully.

Some benefits of an online college degree program:

There’s a wide array of choices to what you can take for an online degree. From Bachelor’s and associates degrees to post graduate degrees it’s not just basket weaving 101 that’s available any more.

Of course the biggest benefit of an online college degree program has to be the convenience. This is two fold of course there’s the time benefit. You don’t have set class time, nor do you have to take as long as you would in a classroom environment to complete a course if you choose to work faster. Now the other benefit is that you don’t have to compete with traffic, or travel time to get to class either. You can attend class when ever or where ever you want.

You can actually complete your online degree program in a little as ten months. Hard pressed to do that in a regular offline college. With the short time frame to completion it provides you with greater opportunities to pursue higher education, or find that ideal career.

If the cost of your online degree program is a hindrance you’ll be glad to know that most schools offer a flexible budget Often with payment options. Financial aid is available through most schools as well.

Now we’ve painted a pretty nice picture of online college degree programs here, and we don’t want you to think that it’s all a walk in the park. Enrolling and completing any online degree program requires perseverance and determination. It can be tough to stay on task, and these programs are designed for people that desire to complete their education whether mature or younger. It helps a great deal to have a supportive spouse, as well as being ahead in your career to gain a little extra time if need be.

You’re never to educated, and when you think it you’ve become your own worst enemy. You’ll never come in contact with someone who will tell you you’re to over educated. How ever you can be undereducated. Those of us that never completed our college degrees are now feeling the stress of limiting our advancement in our careers and the jobs we can consider. Jobs today are requiring not just experienced individuals but educated ones as well.

If you’re an individual who didn’t complete their secondary education don’t be ashamed, there is still time to do so and you’re not alone. How ever don’t wait any longer to take action. There is an online college degree program to suit your lifestyle, learning requirements, and budget. Make your dreams a reality get out there and make it happen.

Older Posts »