Education | Title Education

Options for Students after High School

As little as 5 to 10 years ago, it was still possible to get a job, some of which paid rather well, without a college degree. However, this scenario is rapidly disappearing. Today, the expectation is that a job applicant has a college degree. That means it is more important than ever to obtain an online degree.

For some high school students, though, the very thought of spending four to five more years in a classroom setting is simply more than they can deal with, whether that feeling is caused by the fact that they are tired of the “school” environment or because of financial concerns. For these students, the modern advances in technology that make it possible to get an online degree may be the answer.

Online universities are usually somewhat cheaper than traditional universities, but that does not mean that students must pay all charges up front. Online universities can offer financial aid for students pursuing online degrees, just like other higher education opportunities. This is just one reason why online degrees are becoming popular with many students. Another reason is the benefits of a “non-traditional” classroom setting.

Many students enjoy the convenience and flexibility that the Internet affords where earning online degrees is concerned. The idea of literally being able to attend class in one’s underwear or setting the time when one wants to attend class can be very inviting to someone for whom traditional start and end times for classes was bothersome.

Others like the fact that they are able to work a job as well as work towards online degrees. In fact, many students take advantage of break and lunch periods at their job to study for or work on assignments because they are readily available to them. This allows them to utilize their time in a manner that works best for them.

Filed Under: Students Tagged With: Academic degree, Colleges and Universities, Distance education, Distance Learning, Education, Higher education, online degrees, Student

Bringing Pride Back To Our Schools

Just who is responsible for caring for school property? It’s sort of depends on who you talk to. Some believe school property is entirely cared for by the janitorial staff, others believe the administration should take responsibility and still others believe students and teachers play a large role in the care school property. The truth is it is everyone’s responsibility to care for the facilities, property and other assets located in a school.

Developing a program that encourages everyone from the head of the school board to the smallest kindergarten student to care for all pieces of school property might be the best idea. Doing so has several benefits including fostering a sense of responsibility in students and faculty alike. It also can help create a learning environment that students, teachers, administrators and parents are all proud of.

This concept starts first with clearly identifying areas of concern throughout the school. This may mean an area that is subjected to repeated attacks of graffiti or a student area that is consistently used as a favorite hangout for litterbugs. Starting small as a good idea as it allows those participating in a program to develop a sense of pride in their work. One the area has been identified it’s time to begin the work.

It is important to encourage as many students, faculty, parents and administrators as possible to work to clean up the property. The more people involved in the project the more likely it is to succeed. Larger projects which may require funding, for example installing a new playgrounds set, may require additional planning and can be an excellent way to introduce students to project management, budgeting and even fundraising.

Caring for student property should be the focus of the community not simply a select few on whose shoulders this enormous responsibility rests.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Education, Student

What Are We Really Teaching Them

Whether we like to admit it or not a big problem facing our students and schools today is discipline. Breaking rules or even just bending them must be adequately addressed. This is an enormous issue because many parents and students feel that it is not the responsibility of a teacher or school to discipline the child. Obviously there’s a problem here and it isn’t just that students are disobeying the rules. In fact one of the biggest problems is developing a program aimed at providing reasonable consequences to students who disobey school rules.

Back in the day corporal punishment was popular and common. Students who disobeyed rules were likely to be paddled, have their hands ruler slapped or other such physical punishment. This form of corporal punishment has been done away with almost completely. Corporal punishment only exists in privately funded schools in which parents are given the option to allow corporal punishment for their students.

This change likely came in an attempt to protect the rights of students. Administrators and politicians might not have stopped to think how important an effective punishments system can be. Today’s students often get little more than a detention for serious infractions. News stories of students plagiarizing, vandalizing school property and bullying others abound and in many cases show that misbehaving students are not really punished.

While the unlikely that corporal punishment will come back perhaps what we need is it a more demanding set of rules, standards and guidelines and appropriate punishments for each infraction. Parents, students and administrators must clearly understand these infractions and punishments and agree to a set of standardized punishments for infractions.

Our students are supposed to learn how to behave as adults during their school career. By teaching them that rule breaking has no consequence we’re setting them up to fail.

Filed Under: Education, Teachers Tagged With: Child discipline, Corporal punishment, Education, Parent, Punishment, Student

Liberty, Freedom and Education

In our country we are ruled by laws and legislation. Part of what ensures our freedom and our liberty are these very same laws. A very big part of these laws surround our children. They are designed to protect them and to teach them. The Federal government, state government and even local governments have passed many laws that impact our schools, our teachers and their ability to teach. Understanding these rules and how they impact our children is important if we hope to guide our children into the next generation.

While there are several major pieces of legislation that have been passed in the past 50 years perhaps none is as significant as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. This act was passed by the Federal government in an attempt to regulate the content, course selection and standards our schools use during the education process. While the Federal government could not directly require state and local governments to change the guidelines they used the act to entice school boards through monetary gains. In other words, schools that met certain criteria were offered additional funding.

Unfortunately many people feel that this act had several negative impacts on our students. They believe it has led to a culture in which we teach to the test and effectively ignore educating our students. Because of this legislators at the Federal level are currently investigating other options for regulating education. NCLB is currently up for renewal and many legislators are interested in repealing the act and replacing it with a more effective piece of legislation.

Using laws to regulate education makes sense but only if those writing the laws understand how those laws impact every single aspect of our children’s education. Perhaps the best idea is creating laws based on input from teachers, students, parents and administrators.

Filed Under: Education, Students Tagged With: Education, No Child Left Behind Act

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Public Schools

Parents want the best for their children and this includes their education. For many parents this means a big decision: public or private school. Both forms of education have benefits as well as disadvantages. For parents who feel that public school may be the ideal option it is important to understand the advantages and the disadvantages of that form of education.

Public school does have many advantages. Key may be the socialization factor. There it is somewhat of a social stigma attached to private school. Students who attend public school are able to experience the normal education. They are also exposed to a wider variety of students from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds. Many public schools also have the advantage of highly developed sports programs. They also offer student’s access to many different types of activities something many private schools are unable to do.

It is important to recognize that public schools are free. This may be the single greatest advantage they offer over private schools which can be very costly.

Public schools do have disadvantages as well. Many feel that the educational level at public schools is not as high as that of private schools. Public schools rely on funding from state government and often do not have the financial means to provide students with access to advanced courses. Some also believe that the teachers at public schools are either underpaid or under prepared.

Making the decision to attend public or private school is often entirely based on the desire of the parent and the student. Carefully reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of both types of educational systems is the best way to determine which one is most suitable for a particular student.

Whether you choose to send your student to a public or private educational institution, remaining involved in their education is the best way to ensure their success.

Filed Under: Public School Tagged With: Education, Public Schools

My School, It’s Better Than Yours

It is a debate that has been wages almost as long as schools have been in existence: which is better private or public schools? The truth is both have their benefits and their problems. Deciding which is better for your particular child often has less to do with the argument and more to do with the needs of the child. That being said, it’s still a good idea to stop and consider the benefits of both systems.

Private schools tend to set a slightly higher standard for their students. While they are still bound by state regulations, private schools are just that, private. Because of this, they have a bit more flexibility when it comes to course curriculum, discipline and attendance. In some cases it is also true that private schools often recruit ‘better’ teachers or teachers that are more dedicated. Many parents choose private schools with a religious affiliation to promote continuing exposure to religious education – something that is not possible at public schools.

Public schools, on the other hand, are mainstream. Always co-ed, many parents choose a public school over a private, sex segregated school. Public schools are very much ruled by state law and public opinion. Parents who do not want their children exposed to religious education like this. Public schools also, as a rule, have better developed athletics programs. Parents of athletic students of choose public schools for the exposure they can give their children. Finally, public schools are free – there is no expensive tuition bill due at the beginning of the year.

There really is no answer to the question, which school model is better. Parents should carefully consider the options in their particular area as well as the needs of their child before deciding which educational model will work best for their own child.

Filed Under: Private School, Public School Tagged With: Child, Education, Private school, State school

An Apple A Day And Other Rules

Colleges and schools need rules and regulations in order to function properly. In the United States there is no federal standard for these rules and regulations. Instead, schools are regulated at the state and local level, except when a federal law supersedes it. A comprehensive list of school regulations is not possible; however, most schools and colleges have rules covering the same areas. Students and parents are encouraged to check with their local school district for a complete listing of applicable rules and regulations.

A large portion of the rules focus on student conduct and responsibility. These laws are designed to provide students, teacher and administrators with a healthy and effective learning environment. These regulations, in particular, are often superseded by federal laws. Examples include discrimination laws, regulations governing the treatment of special needs students and truancy regulations.

Other laws govern curriculum and course content. These regulations are somewhat sticky, owing primarily to No Child Left Behind. The 2002 federal law does not regulate curriculum, but it does offer states additional funding based on performance. Prior to 2002 curriculum and content was handled primarily on a local basis. After the passage of NCLB many states took control of curriculum in order to assure they were eligible for more funds.

Additional regulations apply, again depending on the institution. Typically absenteeism, tardiness, probation, academic standards and other areas are cover. All educational institutions provide students, teachers, parents and administrators with carefully worded student code handbooks which explain in detail all of the applicable words and regulations.

Until such time as the federal government mandates across the board governance of schools and colleges it is likely that this system of varying rules will remain in place and maybe that isn’t a bad thing. Maybe it is the differences that make our education system work.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Education, Law, Regulation, School, Student

The Necessary Ratio: Private Education

It’s the familiar madness — a classroom is defined to too small corners and too many students, a teacher struggling to understand the endless questions that are flung toward her. She tries but her efforts aren’t enough. She can’t offer the necessary smiles, attention. Her mind is instead shaped to the essential lessons, the blackboard revelations. Knowledge must be given. All other hopes must therefore be sacrificed. And she doesn’t even know the names of her pupils. She doesn’t have the time.

A public education is formed by clumsy chaos. The student population is forever expanding while the instructor levels remain the same — stagnant, overcrowded and not as effective as they are meant to be. This is not a reflection of the desire to teach. It is merely proof that those teachers are human; and they cannot do what is required when their classes are overwhelmed.

And private education therefore becomes far more appealing to parents.

While all may regret the cost of private education (the force of countless dollars each year), none could regret the advantage it offers — all classes are tailored small, with the ratio of students and teachers rarely exceeding 13 to 1 and the majority instead providing 10 to 1. This is a sharp decline when compared to public schools and their average of 17 to 1.

The difference is startling — and the results are undeniable. When teachers are not forced to bear the burden of too many pupils, they can become stronger presences. Their focus will not be divided. Instead it can be offered to each individual student, ensuring that they all receive the attention they deserve. The quality of lessons becomes greatly improved; and knowledge is earned, rather than simply memorized.

And parents seeking more than the standard experiences for their children will find this ideal.

Private education offers intimate classes and practical ratios; and the consequence is success. The advantage can’t (and shouldn’t) be refused.

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Education, Private school, State school, Washington Post

The Enrollment Denials: Private Education Disadvantage

An application waits before you, a hope for the future. Its questions must be answered carefully; its deadline must be met. You are seeking to offer your child the chance he deserves, the education you know to be essential (the differences between public and private schools have already been learned, charted out by you again and again). You wish to enroll him in the best classes. And all that remains in this process is a singular form. You assume it to be perfunctory. Your son will be selected, after all. How could he be refused?

He is, however — and you are stunned.

Private education is sought by countless parents each year. The desire is to receive a more comprehensive curriculum, with all attention offered to students and their needs. But this intention is not always secured. Instead many individuals will find themselves denied entry to their districts, with their children unable to attend.

And the reason for this is all too simple.

Private institutions are not required to accept all applicants (even those who have been proven able to pay). They instead create their own standards and many families can be refused access — merely because they did not match the vital criteria. These schools are governed by:

One: Academic standing. All students must have a high grade point average and suffer from no mediocre courses.

Two: Community service. Students are expected to be involved with their districts, exemplifying humanitarian efforts.

Three: Behavioral certainty. Students must refrain from less than ideal behaviors; and those with disciplinary problems will be denied.

Four: Classroom quota. Students will not be allowed to enroll if classrooms have already reached their maximum limits. Small sizes are to be maintained.

Such rules can cause even the most worthy of applicants to be rejected. And this can become the great concern of all parents. Private education is not guaranteed, unlike its public sibling. This must be understood by all and anticipated.

Filed Under: Education, Private School, Students Tagged With: Education, Education reform, Private school, Washington Post

The Public Advantage: Meeting Special Needs

It is a quick dismissal, an assumption of dwindling standards: public education will no longer suffice. Your child instead demands attention, the assistance of qualified professionals. A disability has marked each day a challenge for him. He needs more therefore than the crowded classrooms and overwhelmed instructors. Though there have been promises of individual care, the independent programs, you simply think these won’t be enough. A private education is instead wanted. It’s the chance for him to excel.

That chance never comes, however.

A school instead refuses to accept him, won’t even consider allowing him to enroll. It is not a reflection your bank account. It is not a slight against your child. It’s instead the prerogative of an organization that is not required by law to offer admission to special needs pupils. They can instead reject them, deem them too much of a concern.

And this is — you discover — the great failing of private education. There is no certainty your son can be helped.

Public schools, however, provide a far better advantage. Despite the many complications they may offer, these institutions are government sanctioned. This translates to an immediate acceptance of your child. All students with disabilities (no matter how mild or severe) are to be accommodated. The necessary programs and procedures must be implemented. New teachers and methods must be offered. It’s a guarantee of success.

And parents wishing to ensure a better education for their son or daughter will discover that the public option is the stronger choice. No student can be refused. They instead must be helped — and this is essential.

Private education is often deemed to be the only acceptable decision. But those seeking to enhance their child’s life (in regards to a disorder) will often be met with a lack of compassion. There is no assurance. There is only refusal.

Public schools, however, offer an easier ideal: all special needs will be answered, aided and soothed.

Filed Under: Education, Private School, School Violence, Students Tagged With: Disability, Education, Private school, Special education