Archive for January, 2009

State Budget Cuts Are Here?

January 26th, 2009

Although state officials everywhere are making attempts at continuing to fund classrooms, increasing budget cuts may lead to the loss of many useful and even necessary tools. An example of this is the case for the Star System, used by over a hundred school districts in Tennessee.

The Star System is the name of the software package that manages the attendance, schedules, and discipline of students in the schools. It is also the way the schools’ reports are sent to the state. Word is pending by Tennessee state governor Phil Bredesen of whether or not this budget item will be cut. Should that be the case, funds will no longer be provided for it, and schools will have to either find their own management software or pay for a state contract. » Read more: State Budget Cuts Are Here?

Flobots Handlebars Video Meaning

January 16th, 2009

 

Students, the Flobots Handlebars Video is excellent and full of symbolism. Of course people will interpret it in their own way, but after reading on many sites what other people have to say about it, I feel a lot are giving the “poor guy” way too much credit as being “good”.

 

 Short Version: The video is about how a leader’s actions/indifference can affect those around them.

 

Long Version:

 

Power is not just about wealth that is only a piece of the puzzle. The other pieces are Connections, and Force. Each can cancel one out (wealth buys force, force neutralizes connections, connections overcomes wealth.) You are not truly powerful in a practical sense unless you have all three pieces. If you understand the triangle of power you will understand this video a lot better » Read more: Flobots Handlebars Video Meaning

Home-Schooling More Popular?

January 7th, 2009
Wow parents helping kids with schoolwork?

Wow parents helping kids with schoolwork?

According to this article, more and more parents are opting for home-schooling for their children rather than enrolling them into institutions and having them sit in classes. A recent survey revealed the parents’ reasons for their decisions are not just religious. Travel, financial, curiosity, and others have been added to the list. The article mentions that the growing availability of Online Education may be a contributing factor to the “disappearance” of students.

Hide SAT Scores in 2010!

January 6th, 2009

students

In 2010, The College Board is launching Score Choice. This will allow students to hide SAT test dates that they do not want colleges to see if they have taken the test more than once.

Learn more

Video For Teachers By Teachers!

January 5th, 2009
For teachers by teachers

Teachers, Get some popcorn and a notepad. You now have help to plan your lessons. Thanks to Jason and Adam Smith of Dallas Texas, teachers have access to over 50,000 videos. For teachers By teachers!

“It is allowing teachers from all over the world to share with each other and learn from one another,” said Adam, “We want to create a grassroots movement in transforming how teachers teach and students learn.”

Learn more

Visit teachertube.com

State Education Might Get $250 Billion!

January 4th, 2009
Hey Banks and Autos got it, why not us?

Hey Banks and Autos got it, why not us?

Five Democratic Governors led by Massachusetts State Governor Deval Patrick have decided to ask the Federal Government for one trillion dollars to help states meet budget shortfalls. $250 billion of this money will go towards education. You can read more about it here.

Just where is all this money coming from? I am glad that state governors are noticing that education can always use more money, but I really think this is just an attempt to jump on the bailout bandwagon and milk money indirectly from hardworking blue collar Americans to save the state’s bloated budget.

Students, you may want to pick up a copy of Atlas Shrugged, a book ironically written in 1957 that talks about the effects of a federal government getting involved in bailing out the economy. This book is a long and hard read that I can relate to more and more each day.

Learn Another Language Fast

January 2nd, 2009

Studying a foreign language can be highly beneficial in the real world.

Managers might review resumes and applications, and invite you to come in for an interview afterwards. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about yourself so that they can better understand who you are. One of these might be, “Do you speak any other languages?”

High school students often take some foreign language courses as part of elective credits before graduation. Some continue this education into college, but is it really thorough teaching and learning?

Many books, audio tapes and CDs, and computer games have been made to enhance learning. However, Rosetta Stone has been deemed the most effective program. » Read more: Learn Another Language Fast

Outrage Over College Application System? … Please!!

January 2nd, 2009
I blame my procrastination on computers!

I Blame my Procrastination on Computers!

According to a NY Times Article, Applications for Colleges Clog System, students and parents where upset that the Common Application computer system was not adequate enough to handle the last minute load on New Year’s Eve to meet this year’s deadline.

Here are a few tips for students and parents to avoid frustration in the future;

Do not wait to the LAST MINUTE to send in your applications. The correct time to send an application is several weeks before the deadline.

Highways always have traffic jams, phone networks go down on New Year’s Eve. If these established infrastructures have problems, it can be assumed that a computer system that handles the applications of over 300 major colleges/universities will too. Be practical.

Understand that if you do send your application at the last minute, you are lumped in with the rest of the estimated 65% of applicants who just did the same thing as you. This is bad. Errors can happen, you can be overlooked, you do not give yourself time to correct mistakes; and finally, when you apply for anything, it pays to separate yourself from the rabble.