Educational Issues
- Wind Turbines And School
- Tutoring Not Effective
- Google and ADD
- 7 Ivy Leagues Admit Immigrant
- Death By Choking
- ACT Prep Backfiring
- SATs Becoming Optional
- Perverts On MySpace and Facebook
- Great Scholarship Sites
- Student Loan Problems
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
The Wind For Schools program is installing wind energy on school grounds to teach students about this alternative source of energy.
The Midwest is known for wheat, hogs, cattle, soybeans, corn and wind. The large open spaces which make the land great for farming with 24 row equipment also leaves little to reduce wind. The U.S. Department of Energy is promoting a national initiative to help students understand the renewable power of wind.
The states involved in this initiative are
Iowa and other states already sprinkled with long ribbons of wind towers helping to create electrical energy. Wind does not pollute and is renewable. The Midwest is going "green."
Source: www.kcstar.com, June 9, 2008
The states involved in this initiative are
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Montana
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
Iowa and other states already sprinkled with long ribbons of wind towers helping to create electrical energy. Wind does not pollute and is renewable. The Midwest is going "green."
Source: www.kcstar.com, June 9, 2008
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
Federal law prescribes free tutoring for students in struggling schools. But, studies show that students are not improving in spite of the tutoring.
The federal government had Plan B in place for failing students--tutoring. Plan B isn't working very well. A recent study shows that in
How much money is involved? For 2006-2007, $595 million went to nonprofit and for-profit tutors. Under No Child Left Behind mandates, schools that don't meet academic goals must allow students to transfer to higher-performing schools. In many large cities, high-performing public schools are difficult to find and permission has not been given for below par students to attend high-performing parochial schools.
Schools that fail to make academic progress for three years are to provide free tutoring. If progress does not occur, strong sanctions are taken against schools with replacing teachers and administrators a strong possibility.
A Rand Corporation study shows that tutoring is beneficial adding confusion as to what really works. So, what are the factors? The tutors? The school? More time needed? The length of tutoring sessions? Parental cooperation and encouragement? Collaboration between teachers and tutors?
As Congress tries to appropriate funding for what works and what doesn't, what data will be considered?
Source: The Washington Post, Maria Glod, June 13, 2008
- Virginia
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Michigan
How much money is involved? For 2006-2007, $595 million went to nonprofit and for-profit tutors. Under No Child Left Behind mandates, schools that don't meet academic goals must allow students to transfer to higher-performing schools. In many large cities, high-performing public schools are difficult to find and permission has not been given for below par students to attend high-performing parochial schools.
Schools that fail to make academic progress for three years are to provide free tutoring. If progress does not occur, strong sanctions are taken against schools with replacing teachers and administrators a strong possibility.
A Rand Corporation study shows that tutoring is beneficial adding confusion as to what really works. So, what are the factors? The tutors? The school? More time needed? The length of tutoring sessions? Parental cooperation and encouragement? Collaboration between teachers and tutors?
As Congress tries to appropriate funding for what works and what doesn't, what data will be considered?
Source: The Washington Post, Maria Glod, June 13, 2008
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
Does reading short articles and blogs on the internet actually make us dumber? Carr believes it does.
Nicholas Carr recently wrote an article in The Atlantic Monthly stating that reading information on the internet has actually shortened our attention spans. Carr believes that when we click and scan, we are creating a habit that will discourage us from reading in depth.
Carr argues that reading for information on the internet
Having information with just a few clicks on the computer is a wonderful tool as long as it doesn't make us dummer!
Source: National Public Radio, June 20, 2008
Related article: Miracle-Gro For The Brain, Bullying Linked To ADHD
Carr argues that reading for information on the internet
- shortens our attention spans
- inhibits our ability to read long articles and books
Having information with just a few clicks on the computer is a wonderful tool as long as it doesn't make us dummer!
Source: National Public Radio, June 20, 2008
Related article: Miracle-Gro For The Brain, Bullying Linked To ADHD
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
What a success story! A short time ago Lukasz Zbylut began 7th grade with very limited English. Today, he chooses between 17 prominent colleges.
Occasionally we hear about a student having a perfect ACT score of 36 when it makes the news. And, that is a big deal. But, a Polish immigrant really has people scratching their heads.
Five years ago, Luke (Lukasz in Polish) entered a New York 7th grade with poor English-speaking skills. Today, the 18-year-old has been accepted by
Luke states, "Schools in Poland are very rigorous, as you can imagine." European schools have a different structure than in the United States. In middle school, students split into technical areas and college prep.
In addition to working very hard at academics, which is obvious, he was very active -- which is what colleges are seeking. Colleges want leaders with character. Luke's accomplishments are
Luke was a self-starter and a leader with terrific academics. He was the perfect choice for Ivy Leagues.
So, which school did he pick? Harvard. And, what will he study? Politics, law and philosophy. Congratulations, Lukasz, for showing us what hard work and tenacity can accomplish!
Source: TodayShow.com, Bob Considine
Related articles: Becoming An American Citizen, Recruiting College Students
Five years ago, Luke (Lukasz in Polish) entered a New York 7th grade with poor English-speaking skills. Today, the 18-year-old has been accepted by
- Columbia
- Cornell
- Dartmouth
- Georgetown
- Harvard
- New York University
- Penn
- Stanford
Luke states, "Schools in Poland are very rigorous, as you can imagine." European schools have a different structure than in the United States. In middle school, students split into technical areas and college prep.
In addition to working very hard at academics, which is obvious, he was very active -- which is what colleges are seeking. Colleges want leaders with character. Luke's accomplishments are
- co-captain of the United Nations team at his school
- founder of the school's debate team
- president of the mock-trial team
- editor of the school newspaper
- soccer
Luke was a self-starter and a leader with terrific academics. He was the perfect choice for Ivy Leagues.
So, which school did he pick? Harvard. And, what will he study? Politics, law and philosophy. Congratulations, Lukasz, for showing us what hard work and tenacity can accomplish!
Source: TodayShow.com, Bob Considine
Related articles: Becoming An American Citizen, Recruiting College Students
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
Asphyxia games just claimed another death on the news today. Sunday after church a young girl was found dead and her parents want others to be watchful.
Choking games are not new. Signs are bruises or red marks around the neck. Students often do this to each other taking turns but sometimes they try and duplicate the sensation on themselves.
Today's news story just brings our attention back to this routelle game...you may make it and you might not. Young children do not realize they may die playing this game. Even when told, they think it can't happen to them.
Related article: Cutting
Today's news story just brings our attention back to this routelle game...you may make it and you might not. Young children do not realize they may die playing this game. Even when told, they think it can't happen to them.
Related article: Cutting
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
"When 40% of instructional time was used to prep for the ACT, scores actually went down. What is going on?
It is assumed that "better" students prep for the ACT. They buy the official ACT study guide or take the expensive prep classes from Sylvan or Kaplan. Which students are declining in performance?
A Study
The lead author of from High School to the Future: ACT Preparation--Too Much, Too Late, Elaine Allensworth, states that the study revealed three problems:
The Best Prep
According to Ed Colby, a spokesman for the Iowa-based ACT Inc., "ACT prep is learning the material you're being taught in your classes." Taking class time to teach the ACT is backfiring because students are taking less time to learn the concepts on the test.
Recommendations
Related article: College Entrance Scores Down,, ACT Scores Falling
A Study
The lead author of from High School to the Future: ACT Preparation--Too Much, Too Late, Elaine Allensworth, states that the study revealed three problems:
- too much classroom time was devoted to preparing for the ACT
- attention was diverted away from analytical and problem-solving skills
- test preparation that most teachers use is inferior
The Best Prep
According to Ed Colby, a spokesman for the Iowa-based ACT Inc., "ACT prep is learning the material you're being taught in your classes." Taking class time to teach the ACT is backfiring because students are taking less time to learn the concepts on the test.
Recommendations
- Schools should make sure students are use real practice tests under real conditions instead of teachers teaching random information.
- Schools should teach students to better understand the connection between their studies and the real world.
- Move ACT test prep outside of school hours leaving time for academics between 8-3.
Related article: College Entrance Scores Down,, ACT Scores Falling
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
According to FairTest, more colleges are joining the list of "SAT Optional Colleges." Many of these colleges are very selective institutions. Why are they doing this?
The SAT has enjoyed great popularity for generations and proclaims that the test is a predictor of success. The higher the SAT score, the more likely a student is to succeed in college--or so says the College Board, owner of the SAT.
Some colleges are starting to think that may not be the case. Many in the educational field are not great supporters of the SAT because many talented students do not do well on the tests. The colleges are then depriving students admission that could be successful in spite of not doing all that well on the SAT.
Right-brained students create circumstances in their head to make each answer possibly correct. They get totally confused taking this multiple choice test and end up getting a lower score than possible.
Minority students (Hispanics and blacks) do not do as well as white students on the SAT. Because of this, college campuses do not have the desired diversity if relying on the SAT for admission. The University of California dropped the SAT requirement in 2001 for this very reason.
Approximately 30% of 4-year universities have the SAT listed as optional. Of course, that means that 70% do require the SAT or ACT. While the great test takers will continue to hail the benefits of the SAT, students that are not good test takers have choices.
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Some colleges are starting to think that may not be the case. Many in the educational field are not great supporters of the SAT because many talented students do not do well on the tests. The colleges are then depriving students admission that could be successful in spite of not doing all that well on the SAT.
Right-brained students create circumstances in their head to make each answer possibly correct. They get totally confused taking this multiple choice test and end up getting a lower score than possible.
Minority students (Hispanics and blacks) do not do as well as white students on the SAT. Because of this, college campuses do not have the desired diversity if relying on the SAT for admission. The University of California dropped the SAT requirement in 2001 for this very reason.
Approximately 30% of 4-year universities have the SAT listed as optional. Of course, that means that 70% do require the SAT or ACT. While the great test takers will continue to hail the benefits of the SAT, students that are not good test takers have choices.
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Perverts On MySpace and Facebook
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
In spite of a law forbidding convicted sex offenders from being on social networking sites, three men were arrested in New Jersey for doing just that.
Parents turn out the lights and say good night to their children, but the kids are on MySpace or Facebook until 1 a.m. Who else is out there enjoying their company? Well, we know who three of them are.
Child predator #1: a 32 year old convicted of aggravated sexual assault on a minor.
Child predator #2: a 24 year old convicted of endangering the welfare of a child.
Child predator #3: 34 year old convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and sexual assault.
While there may be no evidence that these men attempted to lure any teens into meetings with them, New Jersey law forbids them even being on the sites. The men may face up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine and could have their parole revoked. Computers were seized along with a mobile phone and Web cam.
How Prevalent?
January of 2008, MySpace found thousands of registered sex offenders on its site. Facebook found 23 registered just in New Jersey. This is every parents nightmare.
While New York has a similar law, it is easy to ignore and difficult to monitor. New York is sending 25,000 letters to sex offenders warning them of this law and asking them for their online names, email and user names.
The bottom line is that teens and parents must be vigilant. The threat is always there.
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Child predator #1: a 32 year old convicted of aggravated sexual assault on a minor.
Child predator #2: a 24 year old convicted of endangering the welfare of a child.
Child predator #3: 34 year old convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and sexual assault.
While there may be no evidence that these men attempted to lure any teens into meetings with them, New Jersey law forbids them even being on the sites. The men may face up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine and could have their parole revoked. Computers were seized along with a mobile phone and Web cam.
How Prevalent?
January of 2008, MySpace found thousands of registered sex offenders on its site. Facebook found 23 registered just in New Jersey. This is every parents nightmare.
While New York has a similar law, it is easy to ignore and difficult to monitor. New York is sending 25,000 letters to sex offenders warning them of this law and asking them for their online names, email and user names.
The bottom line is that teens and parents must be vigilant. The threat is always there.
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
As the count down begins for accepting financial aid packages, students want more scholarships. Where do they go?
There are scholarship scam sites and you need to be careful. How do you know it is a scam? The site will ask you for money and guarantee the scholarships. There are no guaranteed scholarships. Even if the site offers you a money back guarantee, it is unlikely you will get any money returned. Never pay for scholarships!
The following are sites that are free and credible:
www.Fastweb.com offers millions of scholarships. You must register on the site and spent a little time filling out a questionnaire that highlights your interests and talents. Soon after completing the interest inventory, you will begin receiving scholarship applications. Check them out and apply for those that match your personality and interests.
www.collegeboard.com is a site managed by the College Board. This organization is in charge of the SAT college testing. This site has information on locating internships and grants in addition to scholarships.
www.fastaid.com and www.petersons.com are two more sites to explore.
You must remember that scholarships may be lost once found. If students let grades drop, a scholarship may be lost that was based on a grade point average. Students may also lose scholarships by putting inappropriate messages and pictures on the internet. A Google search may produce less than flattering images and scholarships may be pulled.
Keep looking for scholarships during summer vacation. It's not too late.
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
The following are sites that are free and credible:
www.Fastweb.com offers millions of scholarships. You must register on the site and spent a little time filling out a questionnaire that highlights your interests and talents. Soon after completing the interest inventory, you will begin receiving scholarship applications. Check them out and apply for those that match your personality and interests.
www.collegeboard.com is a site managed by the College Board. This organization is in charge of the SAT college testing. This site has information on locating internships and grants in addition to scholarships.
www.fastaid.com and www.petersons.com are two more sites to explore.
You must remember that scholarships may be lost once found. If students let grades drop, a scholarship may be lost that was based on a grade point average. Students may also lose scholarships by putting inappropriate messages and pictures on the internet. A Google search may produce less than flattering images and scholarships may be pulled.
Keep looking for scholarships during summer vacation. It's not too late.
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Posted by
Barbara Pytel
Barbara Pytel
Falling housing prices, tougher standards for qualifying for loans, and lenders withdrawing is having an impact on student loans.
President Bush recently proposed that Congress buy billions of dollars in federal student loans to ensure students can borrow what they need for college.
How Much Is Borrowed?
In 2007, students and families borrowed
Where Are The Problems?
The problems seem to be located at commercial colleges and some universities. Traditional four-year colleges have seen few problems getting federal student loans.
The House has passed the bill authorizing the federal government to buy out the loans through July of 2009. Senator Edward Kennedy has proposed the Senate version to be considered. Award Letters are just beginning to hit the mail. The crunch may come in the fall.
Source: Jonathan D. Glater, New York Times, April 23, 2008
Related Articles:
College Classes in High School
ACT Goes International
Successful Junior Colleges
McPherson, A Specialty College
How Much Is Borrowed?
In 2007, students and families borrowed
- $17 billion in private loans
- $60 billion in federal loans
Where Are The Problems?
The problems seem to be located at commercial colleges and some universities. Traditional four-year colleges have seen few problems getting federal student loans.
The House has passed the bill authorizing the federal government to buy out the loans through July of 2009. Senator Edward Kennedy has proposed the Senate version to be considered. Award Letters are just beginning to hit the mail. The crunch may come in the fall.
Source: Jonathan D. Glater, New York Times, April 23, 2008
Related Articles:
College Classes in High School
ACT Goes International
Successful Junior Colleges
McPherson, A Specialty College
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