The Choice Blog: Tip Sheet | A FamilyҀs Lessons From the College Tour

Beth Kissileff

I never went on a college tour when I was a teenager. My parents wanted me to attend the college where my father was employed; it would have been tuition-free for me, and so they werenҀt eager to encourage other explorations.

Before I left on a recent college trip with my daughter I had believed these college visits yet another unnecessary aspect of the lives of privileged children. I thought the college tour was yet another accoutrement without value in itself, but only as something to brag about.

However, while with my oldest child, Tova, on a four-day, six-campus jaunt, I came to appreciate that one canҀt know what one wants until one sees it.

I love to browse physical stores. When a bookҀs title catches my eye, I peruse the table of contents and see who the author thanks in his acknowledgements. This, I then realize, is what I must read next.

The book wouldnҀt have occurred to me at all until I saw it. When I am in a store, I can pick up an object, try on a piece of clothing to check the color, the feel of the fabric, and most importantly the fit.

That seems to be the most overused word in the college search process: fit. But the college tour, my daughter and I have found, is a helpful way to try the campus out for size.

This is our advice to parents and students embarking on the college tour.

If you only have time for either a tour or an info session, opt for the tour. The same material is generally covered and you donҀt have to sit for an hour in an auditorium on a beautiful spring day.

There are things one learns on these tours that one might not realize ahead of time. One urban college did not guarantee housing for all four years. As a result, many of the students live in off-campus apartments and join sororities and fraternities, creating a sense of fragmentation on an already large campus. One campus had bicycles everywhere because it is so sprawled out that it isnҀt really accessible just to walk.

Find a way to meet with a smaller group of students informally. For us, it was at the Hillel, the Jewish student center, but any type of interest group can be accessed.

E-mail students from your high school at this college or look online for the clubs or student groups that interest you and see if you can schedule time to speak with them on campus. Most students are excited about their school and eager to share with newbies. And if they donҀt have good things to say or donҀt have time for you, that should say something about the culture of the school.

This is the essence of the title of a recent book by a college admissions professional and parent, and the mantra of my daughter and her college guidance counselor.

I agree, I am not going to college. However, I am footing the bill and do have a say in this.

While each studentҀs experience is unique and a student is free to do as he or she chooses, the culture of a place has an influence, for positive or negative, encouraging some things, rewarding others.

One tour began with a visit to the stadium, while others barely mentioned big-time sports. At one campus, the norm is to switch majors two or three times; at another, the admissions representatives asked the students on tour what they would be studying and seemed to expect them to have an answer.

Here are some questions we asked during our visits:

On the classroom experience:

What is the percentage of classes that enroll more than 20 students?What percentage of classes are taught by tenured professors, non-tenured professors, and graduate student teaching assistants?Are professors happy and do they want to be there?Do students love their classes, or do they see them as a necessary evil to meet their requirements?What are the most common majors?If a studentҀs interests shift, will she still be able to study what she wants?What kind of academic and social support system is in place?How much opportunity is there for undergraduates to do research?

On the campus environment and surrounding areas:

How is the college connected to the city or town it is in?Do students interact with locals?How do students dress and act? Do they seem happy?What do students do on weekends?

When driving, our GPS battery ran out but we had printed out Mapquest directions and managed to arrive at our first tour on time.

Having a backup plan also applies to the college search: When applying to college, donҀt think there is one place and only one where you will be happy. Go on the tour to think about the things you want in a college and apply to a variety of institutions that can give you those things.

Remember that college is a first step, not an endpoint. No matter who you are, or what you do in college, you will be starting from the beginning when you go to work. Have a sense of humor and humility about the whole process. This is only the first step in your career; what you do with it is up to you.

Beth Kissileff has taught at Carleton, Smith and Mount Holyoke Colleges, and the Universities of Minnesota and Pittsburgh. Ms. KissileffҀs daughter, Tova Perlman, contributed to this piece and is a graduating senior at The Ellis School in Pittsburgh. Ms. Perlman plans to attend Brandeis University after a gap year in Israel.

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College Coaches Use Transfer Rules to Limit AthletesҀ Options

Then the transfer process started, producing the latest and perhaps an extreme example of what is occurring throughout the country this time of year as many college athletes try to move to different universities.

The Oklahoma State coach, Mike Gundy, ruled out nearly 40 universities as transfer options for quarterback Wes Lunt, an apparent show of gamesmanship and punishment toward a college athlete who wanted to take his skills elsewhere.

The forces at work were not new, but Gundy, like a growing number of coaches, chose to harness them to eliminate many, if not all, of LuntҀs preferred options and to keep a potential rival from gaining the services of a highly regarded quarterback entering his sophomore season. It was a powerful illustration of the big-business mind-set of college sports and the control that coaches have over players.

When an athlete chooses to transfer, three sets of rules can be involved: those of the N.C.A.A.; those of the conference in which the university competes; and those that accompany the national letter of intent, a contract that athletes sign while still in high school to announce their intention to attend a university.

ӀItҀs entirely slanted to the coachҀs side,Ԁ said Don Jackson, a lawyer who runs the Sports Group in Montgomery, Ala., and who has represented dozens of athletes attempting to transfer to a university of their choice. ӀOnce the student-athlete signs that national letter of intent, itҀs essentially a contract of adhesion. They have limited rights.Ԁ

Universities have long sought to block student-athletes from transferring to a rival program. AlabamaҀs football team, for example, would not be expected to let a star player go to Auburn. But the impulse to limit the student-athleteҀs options has been heightened to the point that coaches are now blacklisting dozens of universities.

Proponents of transfer limits say that they are put in place to prevent coaches from continually attempting to lure athletes from other universities, which could create a never-ending recruiting cycle. Critics counter that the rules make it much too easy for coaches to act punitively, penalizing athletes for changing their minds about decisions made when they were teenagers.

Coaches cannot fully prevent athletes like Lunt from transferring to any university they want. But if a coach does not grant an athlete a release, the player must forfeit any scholarship opportunity, pay his own way to the new university and sit out the next season. Meanwhile, Gundy, whose contract pays him $30.3 million over eight years, and other coaches can routinely move from one college to another with minimal consequence, often for bigger contracts after arranging a buyout with the first college.

Lunt, who did not respond to requests for comment, is reportedly deciding whether to transfer to Louisville or Illinois, neither of which was blocked by Gundy, 45, who declined to comment and has not spoken publicly about the restrictions placed on Lunt.

The N.C.A.A. also declined to comment.

When Eugene Byrd worked for the Southeastern Conference, he oversaw the administration of the national letter of intent, essentially a one-year contract between a student and an institution with four yearly options to renew. As an assistant commissioner, he tried to simplify the often confusing process.

Byrd said the national letter of intent no longer served its original purpose, which was to stop the pursuit of high school players once they committed to a university. ӀIt was supposed to end the recruiting once you signed,Ԁ he said. ӀIt became a threat to limit the ability to transfer.Ԁ

In 2009, Robert Marve, who had started 11 games at quarterback for Miami before being benched, announced his intention to transfer. Randy Shannon, then the teamҀs coach, blocked him from transferring to any program in the Atlantic Coast Conference, which Miami belongs to; any program in the SEC; and any program in Florida, MarveҀs home state.

Jack Styczynski contributed research.

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The benefits and advantages of homeschooling

Homeschooling is a highly beneficial and wonderful way for parents to ensure that their children get the education they need in a more ideal setting.  Instead of attending government run schools or private schools, homeschooled students are taught at home by their parents or by private tutors.  Homeschooling began to increase in popularity during the 1980s and today, millions of families around the world home-school their children.  Some people may believe that homeschooling is unorthodox but in actuality,  before compulsory education was introduced in North America in the 1800s, children were commonly taught at home by their parents or by private tutors.  There are many benefits and advantages of homeschooling children that simply cannot be found in a traditional school structure.

Not all children think the same way and process information the same way.  Some children take a longer time grasping concepts and other children learn concepts more quickly than their same aged peers.  Homeschooling is a great way to educate children according to their skill level and needs.  The world is already a competitive place to live and work in and although children should be exposed to healthy competition, school should not be a place where children constantly feel embarrassed because they are having difficulties understanding the subject material.  Children who are homeschooled can work at their own pace and accelerate their studies in subjects that they are skilled in, as well as slowing down to better understand topics that are difficult for them.

Parents who home-school have much more freedom to structure their familiesҀ schedules than parents who send their children to school.  Homeschoolers can learn at anytime, not just between Monday to Friday in the mornings and afternoons.   Family vacations can be scheduled during off-peak travel times instead of during the high-peak times when school is out.  Home-schooling families may choose to educate their children all-year round instead of taking the entire summer off.  Many families who home-school rely on one income but it is not necessary for one parent to quit their job in order to home-school.  Because homeschooling schedules are so flexible, parents who work from home or who are able to set their own work hours can structure their childrenҀs learning time around working hours.  Homeschooling families can spend much more time together and build closer family bonds.  Homeschooling is also less expensive than private schools.

Homeschooled children have more time and freedom to pursue their interests and passions than children who attend schools.  Students who attend school have limited time to pursue their interests because of homework and rigid school hours.  Because homeschooled students can structure their learning schedules according to their preferences, they are free to work or focus more on extra-curricular activities like soccer or playing the violin.  The amount of hours required to home-school are much shorter than school hours because there is no time wasted on taking attendance, lining up to go to the washroom and settling down disruptive students.  Having shorter hours for homeschooling means that children and parents have more freedom to pursue personal and family interests at their own leisure.  Homeschooled children are not exposed to as many germs as are children who attend school, so homeschooled students are generally in better physical health.

One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is that children are free from peer pressure and bullying and they are able to be themselves.  Some students attending school are bullied so badly that they contemplate committing suicide.  Some students have already committed suicide due to the emotional pain from bullying.  Because they learn from their homes, homeschooled students are largely protected from bullying and they are free to choose their own friends.  Many large cities are home to diverse homeschooling groups where homeschooling families can get together and learn from each other and make friends.  Some families choose to home-school their children from kindergarten all the way through to high school and other families home-school for a shorter time.  Whether a child has been homeschooled throughout their life or for just a short time, they will greatly benefit from the security and the scholarly advantages that homeschooling provides.

Tips, How to Reference an Appendix Using the APA Format?

APA format is a very specific type of format and writing style that's used for various types of academic and research-based papers, essays and reports. Generally, APA format is reserved for papers and reports that relate to scientific fields and research. The papers are broken up into various sections that lend themselves to research, such as methods, results and recommendations. Papers written in APA format also usually include an appendix that it references throughout the document.

Instructions

1. Create an appendix following the Reference section at the end of your paper. This is where you will add information such as charts, graphs, and pictures, and anything else that would take up too much space within the paper. By doing so, you can get essential information across to the reader without interrupting the flow of the writing. Label each appendix as Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on, so that readers will know where to look based on your citation. (See Reference 2, pg. 400.)

2. Use an appendix in situations where you need information to back up a point you are trying to make. Referencing an appendix too early, however, can break up your introduction by taking your reader away from your writing before she's had the chance to become engaged in what you are trying to get across. (See Reference 2, pg. 400.)

3. Cite your appendix in-text according to the proper APA format style. This should be written following the sentence where you lead into the information that the appendix contains. For example, you might write something along the lines of "More than half of the city voted for the Republican candidate, while only 31% of the city voted for the Democratic candidate." The citation is then written in after that sentence in parentheses, such as "(See Appendix A)," where it would than lead them to a chart in the appendix that lists the percentage of votes that all of the candidates received. (See Reference 1, and Reference 2, pg. 400)

4. Explain the information in the appendix after you have cited it. As the reader returns to the text, you'll want them to be able to make sense out of what they just flipped to the back to see and why it was important for them to see. Adding on to the example in the previous step, you might go on to explain why each candidate received the amount of votes that they got. (See Reference 2, pg. 400).

High School Writing Standards

The Common Core State Standards Initiative divides the high school writing curriculum into two sections, one for ninth and tenth grade and another for eleventh and twelfth grade. In each grade level group, there are four "domains": text types and purposes, productions and distribution of writing, research to build and present knowledge, and range of writing. While the standards in both grade level groups are very similar, there are some notable differences.

Text Types and Purposes
In high school, students are expected to write a variety of assignments, including arguments, informative or explanatory texts, as well as narratives about real or imagined events. All high school grade levels are expected to produce clear, informative, organized writing with appropriate cited sources. Sources should have credibility and be from a variety of mediums. In narrative writing, students need to be able to use sensory details and correct sequencing to build a coherent whole and create tone.

Production and Distribution
Students throughout high school are responsible for producing clear and coherent writing which is appropriate for the purpose and audience for which it is written. They must demonstrate a firm grasp of English grammar and conventions. High school students must also work to develop and strengthen their writing by utilizing the writing process. Revising, editing, rewriting, or trying new approaches should be focuses of this process. High school students are also expected to use the internet to produce and publish pieces of writing.

Research to Build and Present Knowledge
Both grade level groups focus on conducting short as well as extended research projects and gathering relevant information in order to support analysis, reflection and research.

The differences between early and late high school emerge within the standard that addresses drawing evidence from sources. In the ninth and tenth grade, students are responsible for analyzing how authors treat specific themes in their work as well as evaluating arguments within a text to determine the validity of statements and evidence. In eleventh and twelfth grades, students must demonstrate a knowledge of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century American literature and must evaluate the reasoning in works of public advocacy, for example, presidential addresses.

Range of Writing
According to the Common Core, students in both grade level groups, ninth through tenth and eleventh through twelfth, are faced with the same expectations in their expected range of writing. Student must write routinely over both short and extended time frames for a range of audiences and purposes.

Tips, Note Taking Exercises for Middle School Students

Effective note taking and reading skills require discipline and practice. Students who work hard on note-taking skills are more likely to be prepared for class, comprehend course content and focus on the topic at hand. Students can employ several strategies to make note taking second nature. Being an active listener, developing a personal system and cultivating connections with your teachers help you become a well-rounded student.


Be Engaged

Listening skills are paramount when learning to become a proficient note taker. If you are an active and engaged listener, it will be easier to capture the most critical information that is shared by your teacher. To become an active listener, you can, if possible, sit in the front of the class. This will allow you to focus on what the teacher is saying both verbally and non-verbally. Also, when you hear what your teacher is saying, relate it to something that hits home for you and imagine a picture of it in your head. As your critical thinking skills kick in, ask clarifying questions. Ask a friend to share a story with you and then repeat the story back to them. The more your practice your listening skills the better you will become.

Develop a System

When you are taking notes, it is important that you write down the main points of the lecture. Instead of writing down every word, craft an outline that represents the story that your teacher is sharing. Use your own system for expressing the information as you put it on paper. For example, try shortening words or using images to describe a concept. It is OK if you are the only one who can interpret your notes as long as they make sense to you. Create a personal short-hand system and apply it to a passage in one of your textbooks by rewriting the paragraph. Read and reread your paragraph until your system becomes second nature.

Know Your Teacher

Think of your teacher as a mystery you need to solve. Each teacher has a unique style, and if you focus on both verbal and non-verbal cues, you will start to pick up on important points. For example, does your teacher write something on the board when it is going to be included in a test? Your teacher might even phrase information in the exact way it will be worded on a quiz. Does your teacher change the pace of the lecture or increase the volume of her voice when a piece of information is critical? Create a profile of each of your teachers and include the cues that relate to identifying important lecture points. This exercise will help prepare you as you take notes in class.

Review and Revise

One of the most important things you can do after a class is to review and revise your notes. Rereading your notes will help you remember the information and prepare for tests or assignments. As you read your notes, consider adding information you didnҀt originally include. Sometimes, when you are frantically trying to write down everything that is said in a lecture, it is easy to leave out some information. Rewrite your notes so that they are organized and make sense to you.

Tips, How to Transfer From a Public to Private High School?

There is an on-going debate about the benefits of private education over public education, but whatever the reasons you choose a private high school over a public one, there are a few obstacles you may need to overcome. Public high schools receive government funding and have to accept everyone, where many private schools pick and choose people from certain demographics for their student population. The process may seem overwhelming, but staying organized can make a huge difference.

1. Decide which private school you want to transfer to from your high school. There are independent schools, parochial schools and proprietary schools. There might be constraints based on previous test scores, grade point average or tuition affordability. Independent schools tend to be the most expensive, whether they board or not, and parochial schools tend to be the least expensive.

2. Obtain admission materials from the private high school. This is something you want to do early in the school year, so you can apply for the following year. Some places require even earlier application. Keep a day-planner or a list so you do not miss any deadlines.

3. Send in your application forms to the private high school and take any admissions tests or standardized testing required by the private high school.

4. Apply for any scholarships, grants or financial aid you may need to cover your tuition and other costs or fees for the private school. Admissions Quest and the National Association of Independent Schools both have lists of scholarship and grant programs to help people who might need financial aid. Your new private school also might have financial aid available for students in certain circumstances.

5. Make sure the credits you already have can transfer over. If some do not, you have to take extra classes or may be able to "test out" of those credits.

6. Ensure the public high school sends your transcripts and records to the private high school. The schools may work this out on their own, but following up helps you get the peace of mind of knowing it is taken care of. It also makes you look professional and mature to the private school.

How to instill life learning in the home school

Life learning always has started in the home. It seems it is therefore very appropriate that this be part of a home schooled child's curriculum. Children tend to blossom when they are being taught in a hands on learning environment. The biggest help is to just let THEM do it. Here are some ideas of ways to promote learning from life in to your home school curriculum.

Service: The best way to teach a child to serve and care for others is to give them the opportunity to do so. Plan activities like visiting senior centers, or picking up trash before playing at the park. The more they serve with you by their side, the more likely they are to grow into adults that serve.

Finances and Math: Start by teaching them to work and save for the things they want. There are several methods from paying them for each job they do, to giving an allowance if they complete the jobs assigned during the week, to even encouraging them to start their own business. When a child has to work for money, they value it more, and are more likely to save it for things they really want or need. Next, teach them to use a checkbook and register. Although the plastic credit/debit card is taking over, checks are still a handy thing to know how to use. When they reach an age that they can comprehend a little more, teach them about percentage rates, loans, mortgages, and other things they will have to know to survive life on their own someday. Once a child learns how to figure percentages let them figure out the discounts on merchandise they want to buy. The more they know and do when they are young, the less likely they will fall into the discouraging pitfall of debt, and the more they will remember the lessons learned.

Self-Reliance: It's good to include in your home school regiment the teaching of self-reliance skills. If you lack a skill that you wish your child could learn, sewing for example, look into what kind of programs are available. The 4-H program can be found in most counties and states, and offers many classes led by volunteer instructors. Classes range from horseback riding to bread baking. To know what is available go to your county 4-H office. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are also good programs for learning skills to make one independent.

Friendship: The only downfall to home school is the lack of social involvement. There are ways around this however. One way is to create home school groups that can meet once a week or more in person. It gives children the opportunity to gain social skills, and gives adults a chance to swap ideas making the whole home school experience better for child and parent. Another way to teach friendship, is to get your child involved in extracurricular activities. Youth theater camps, clubs, sports, and music are just a few ideas. If you can get them out of the house and interacting with other kids and adults, it's easy to teach social skills by guiding and correcting where needed.

Reading: Asking a young child to help read the names of stores, road signs, can labels, news paper articles, and other simple objects, can help them learn to read. Reading fun books out loud to them from you, and the other way around at night can help a child gain a love for reading. This is a life skill that they will carry into adulthood, and will enrich their lives for continual growth and learning.

In conclusion, yes there should be time set aside for traditional studies, but learning is a life long process, so why not let them learn from doing as well as studying.

The role encouragement plays in home schooling

Encouragement is an often overlooked but very crucial part of home schooling for both child and parent. The old adage "two heads are better than one" applies also to encouragement . Parents as well as children need regular words of comfort or inspiration from others around them. Who doesn't like to hear a few words of kindness to keep us focused and productive every so often. Have you ever found yourself feeling discouraged, weary or just plan tired of the daily rituals? After awhile things can become repetitive, a going through the motions if you will. And just when you thought you couldn't stand it another minute someone gives you a few words of appreciation and encouragement that brighten your day. You can't run a car off of air or wishful thinking so the same applies to each of us as well. We don't need gas to go but we do need thoughtful words and a little compassion from those around us to give us the desire to do our best.

When it comes to home schooling a child no matter what the age in order to get their best the parent must understand the important part encouragement plays. With small children in grades K-3 repetition is key in learning no matter what the subject is you are teaching them. As an adult it is easy to forget that because we have already learned well beyond what we are teaching their minds have yet to completely grasp the concepts. Also lets not forget that school work even when done in a home environment is still school work to any child. We all remember how quickly we became tired and dread filled us at the thought of another science report or history assignment. With all the planning and at times chaos that can go on during the year don't miss an opportunity to say a few words to inspire and complement your child. Thankfully there are several ways to encourage your child and they are a fun and easy. One great way is to find a trustworthy home schooling website just for home schooled children.

There are usually chat areas (safely monitored) where they can talk and share experiences with other kids just like them. There are also great educational games to play and articles to read written by other home schooled children. Another highly suggested idea is to be apart of a local home school group, one that meets several times a month so your child can learn as well as play with others in this unique setting. The best way to encourage any child is always from the parents mouth. Remember your child is an investment and you will always get out what you put into them. If all you put in is frustration, complaints, or irritating sighs guess what your child will become discouraged and less productive as a result. You are sacrificing so much to be at home and teach your child an outstanding education why would you hurt that with a negative attitude. When you tell your child "Great Job, your doing an awesome job today or wow! I'm so proud of you" your not just helping them to stay determined but they will also begin to become your encouragement as well.

Finally don't forget that just like children need encouragement so does the parent especially since there is usually one primary parent who does most of the home schooling. Some days seems like they run together it's been so long since you've left the house and feeling like your stuck in a rut doesn't take long. We all need an outlet and a fresh breath of air sometimes so don't deny yourself this necessary comfort . It is much easier to be a source of strength for your children when you yourself are being up lifted by others. A simple way to recharge your outlook is to be a part of a home schooling group on the internet. Cafemom.com has an outstanding site just for home school moms with new postings daily from encouragement to advice.

Also dependable friends to go out with and talk to are always a great comfort. Getting involved with a local home school or supportive church group can be a just what you need. The old proverb " two are better than one, when one lies down the other keeps them warm" is so true and puts the important focus of the other spouse's roll in home school setting. If one is doing most of the teaching the other should be breathing inspiration and strength into there partner. There is no doubt home schooling can be very demanding and seem repetitive at times. Which is why a few simple words of kindness or a choice to take a deep breath before speaking can bring new strength and inspiration into each day.

How to deal with education loans after school

Well, When someone reaches graduation usually wants to get rid of student debt as fast as possible in order to move on to another stage of his financial life. However, this is not always an easy task. Student debt accumulates and prevents graduated students from repaying the whole debt in a speedy manner. Sometimes students spend years paying just the interests on their loans while the principal remains intact.

Moreover, student loans usually have a mere 6 month grace period after graduation that lenders seem to think is enough time for someone to get a permanent job and a steady income. This is not always true; in fact, it takes far more than that to find a job. And those lucky enough to get hired within this period, usually get part-time jobs or temporary jobs which do not provide a good enough income to meet the loans' installments.

#Student Consolidation Loans

This situation forces students to resort to student consolidation loans so they can reduce the amount of their monthly payments and if possible reduce the amount of money paid on interests too. Furthermore the sole reduction of the number of outstanding loans cuts hundreds of dollars on administrative fees that are usually charged separately (though sometimes included in the interest rate).

Student Consolidation loans help by reducing the monthly payments; however, they will not speed up the debt reduction process unless you undertake other measures in order to boost their effects. There are many additional actions you can take in order to start eliminating debt more quickly so you can become debt free in a few years.

#Cut On Unnecessary Expenses And Postpone Costly Actions

Till you find a permanent job, you can aid your debt reduction process by cutting on redundant expenses such as dinning out, attending to clubs every weekend, etc. Also, it will not kill you to keep sharing an apartment till you can afford rent on your own while managing to pay for your loan at the same time.

Basically, unless after paying for your loan monthly installment you have enough money to cover for any unexpected event, do not get into more unnecessary expenses and use the money to pay off the loan's principal sooner or build some savings for emergencies.

#Forbearances

Another option if you find yourself in a tight situation is to request your consolidation loan lender forbearance. Forbearance is a period of time during which the loan payments will be suspended. Make sure you use this time to solve whatever problem is preventing you from making your monthly payments and also to build some savings to cover for unexpected events in case this comes to happen again.

Most lenders offer forbearances only once a year and some of them only offer one in the whole life of the loan, so make sure you really need it before requesting this grace period. Otherwise if another unexpected event takes place you will not be able to use this tool and will have to resort to other finance sources worsening your debt problems.

How does online homeschooling work?

Online homeschooling has made teaching children at home much easier than before the Internet was available. The option of using online curriculum resources has made homeschooling cheaper than traditional methods while opening up more topics for children to explore and learn. There are a few different ways to utilize online homeschooling curriculum.

Online charter schools

One option for homeschooling online is to use a charter school. While there are private schools that offer this method, most of the charter schools are run by the state and offered for free. Most of these state-run programs provide a computer to the student to use while they are using the program. The student logs in to view his assignments for the day. Most of the assignments are completed on the website. Books and other material necessary to complete the assignments are provided for additional help. The student is allowed to do as much work as he is capable of. What doesn't get completed gets added to the next day's work load. If he completes his work, he is free to move on to the next day's assignments. This allows the student to work at his own pace.

Students who utilize a charter school have the ability to receive tutoring from teachers that work for the school. They receive evaluations and testing just like children in public schools. Some schools even have dances or other social gatherings for the students to attend, as well as graduation ceremonies and diplomas. Therefore, the child receives the same benefits as if she attended a public school while having the opportunity to learn at home.

Free or paid resources

While online charter schools are a great option, many parents choose not to use them. Instead, they subscribe to sites that offer lesson plans, such as Time4Learning or Monarch. The prices vary from one site to the next. Many parents save money by utilizing free resources online. One way to accomplish this is to take the time to locate resources to teach each subject. Homeschooling parents typically look for lessons as well as videos and hands-on activities to ensure the child receives a multi-sensory education. Others utilize websites that have gathered these resources and organized them into weekly lesson plans, such as Lesson Pathways.

There was a time, before the Internet, when parents who home educated had to pay high prices for boxed curriculum or work with the resources available at the public library. Now that almost everyone has access to a computer, online homeschooling has opened doors to more options and resources for homeschooling families. This presents parents with the opportunity to offer their children the best education possible from the comfort of their own home.

Back to school shopping survival guide

Back to school shopping can be quite stressful, especially if you have multiple children to shop for. There are so many items that children need for school that it can be difficult to keep track of all the items that you need to shop for. It is important that you supply your children with what they need for school without breaking your budget. You can make your back to school shopping less stressful so that you can focus on getting your children prepared for the new school year. With careful planning, you could even save yourself some money by shopping the sales.

First of all, you need to obtain a list of school supplies that you children will need, if available. Some schools with give their lists to local stores, or even have them available online. This typically applies to elementary aged children, but for middle school and high school it will all depend on what classes they are taking. In middle school and high school they will need a lot of notebooks, folders, pens, and a good back pack for general supplies. Some class specific items they may need would be art supplies or a scientific calculator.

Get exactly what is required on the list. Some schools get pickier and ask for certain brands and I would recommend that you abide by them, because they choose a specific brand for a reason, and it would be terrible if you had to purchase another one later on. For children who are in middle school and high school, you will want to make sure you purchase plenty of notebooks, filler paper, folders, pens and pencils. Math classes can require basic calculators or scientific calculators, which can be a large purchase. Check for sale on these types of items.

Make sure that your children have something to carry their items home with, such as a backpack. Most schools frown upon backpacks that have wheels on them, so you will want to stay away from them. This is a way to get your child excited for the back to school season is by bringing them to the store to shop with you, and allowing them to choose items in your price range. Bringing the items home for them can be discouraging in their eyes. Also shop early and shop sales. There are many items that you can get at huge discounts when you shop the weekly sales at your major retail stores such as Walmart and Target.

Start shopping for clothing and shoes shortly after they get out of school. If you want to shop for the best prices, the early bird gets the worm. Selections get terrible the closer to the school season it is, so shopping early really pays off. Set each child on a budget for school shopping, and let them know if they want that expensive pair of jeans, they are going to get less clothes. This also helps children learn how to spend money properly. Shop discount stores to maximize your savings.

Go to school orientation with your child. This will help them get pumped for the school season by seeing some of their old friends, and it may also calm a child's nerves when starting in a new school. You can help them find their classes and even meet their teachers. These tips will help you survive the back to school shopping and get your children off on the right feet.

Homeschool unit study - beginning money and economics

Teaching young children about money and economics is an important part of every education. This homeschool unit study is designed for young children in kindergarten or first and second grades. Not only does it teach the homeschool child to recognize and count both coins and paper money, it will teach them how to manage their money effectively.

Beginning economics homeschool unit study covers basic supply and demand, profits and loss, and budgeting.

Money and Economics Vocabulary

The homeschool unit study should include the names of monetary units such as penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar. Also include general finance terms like money, save, spend, and budget. Build the vocabulary and spelling list based on the grade level of your student.

Money and Economics Reading and Writing

Any library books about money or finances would be great for the homeschool unit study on money and finances. Some popular titles include: "The Coin Counting Book," "Funny Money," and "The Story of Money." Search the catalog at your local library for more. Any of these books would provide a great opportunity to write a basic fiction or non-fiction book report.

Your child might also like to read a book about the early systems of trade such as bartering, the National Mint where money is made, and stories about owning a shop or starting their own business. Writing a business plan for something simple like a lemonade stand is good practice.

Money and Economics Math Skills

When working with money and economics, math skills come into play a lot. While you can find money worksheets to print out for your homeschool unit study, it might be more fun to use real world examples. Go to a store and let your child add up the purchase prices to see what the total cost will be. Or set up a pretend store at home and your homeschool child can purchase toys or other items.

Money and Economics Arts and Crafts

The money and economics homeschool unit study can be rounded out by creating your very own piggy bank to save money in. Use a large plastic jar, four empty thread spools, a milk bottle top and some construction paper. Glue the spools on one side of the jar for the pig's legs. The milk bottle top should be glued onto the plastic jar lid as the pig's nose. Use the construction paper to make pig ears and a curly tail. A grown up can cut a slot in the top of the pig for the money to be put in.

Does Civility Matter?

Common civility is becoming a lost art. In our busy and complex lives, simple gestures of politeness, such as smiling or saying Ӏthank youԀ have become uncommon. We have come to expect some level of disrespect in just about every facet of our lives. People drive recklessly and without regard to others. Many engage in loud and obnoxious cell phones conversations in restaurants, buses, and movie theaters. Others deliberately litter. 

Chances are that there will always be rude, disrespectful people. So why should we be concerned about increased incivility?  IsnҀt incivility an inherent byproduct of a democratic society? After all, there is this thing called the First Amendment. Why does civility matter?

A clue to these questions can be found by probing deeper into the definition of civility. While civility is technically defined as politeness and associated with good manners, the etymology of the word hints at a more expansive meaning.

The modern English word ӀcivilityԀ comes from the Latin word ӀcivitasԀ, referring to the city or civic community. In this context, civility refers to civilized conduct of citizens. More than just politeness, the civitas element of civility calls for an individual commitment to strengthening the community, as opposed to focusing exclusively on oneҀs own wishes and desires.  Translated to a modern context, civitas includes acts of community service, such as helping a sick neighbor or serving with a volunteer organization aiding others in the community. 

Whether the community is a neighborhood, college campus, state, or country, civitas requires people to behave in a way that recognizes and respects the needs of others in the community. This more expansive application of civility is reminiscent of the Golden Rule, which encourages people to treat others in the same manner as they would want to be treated. 

As civil people, our conduct toward others should be guided by mutual respect. Conduct such as driving while intoxicated, plagiarism, and bullying would all be examples of uncivil behavior. Such conduct does not take into consideration the needs of others, and may be harmful to the community.

The growing culture of incivility is critically important because it represents more than just poor manners, but rather a lack of consideration for others. This lack of respect, left unchecked, can perpetuate incivility and can lead to even more dangerous uncivil conduct. Consider the string of Columbine-style shootings that have occurred in the high schools, colleges, and shopping malls over the last decade, including the latest in Tucson, Arizona, where a U.S. Representative was critically injured and six victims died.

Civility has once again become part of the national conversation.  Citizens, politicians, college students and scholars are opening a new dialogue, saying civility does matter.  The many voices donҀt agree on all the details of civil conduct, but the fact that theyҀre having the conversation in the first place is a start. 

Kent M. Weeks

Tips: Finding money for college

Finding money for college can be a difficult task, especially with the economy as it is. Luckily, there are a few options when it comes to getting college at a lower price so that getting the money for college isn't as difficult. These options might not be for everyone, but they definitely can help get some ideas flowing for those having a tough time rounding up resources.

One such option is going to a community college instead of a four year college to knock out some of those prerequisites. When the desired number of classes are taken, then the student can transfer those credits to the college of their choice. This way, college students only have to pay a community college price for some of the classes that are unrelated to their degree that they're going to have to take anyway! It is important, however, to know ahead of time which classes will transfer and which won't so that money is not wasted on a class that will not transfer.

Another option for cheaper college is tuition free colleges. There are several tuition free colleges which are colleges that charge nothing for tuition. Of course, the college do get SOMETHING but each college that offers this has their own catch. By completing a program from a school that doesn't charge tuition, students can get a four year degree and leave college owing no money on loans. This can definitely give peace of mind as most people who leave college take a large chunk of debt with them.

A final option to try is going to college through work. Many employers will pay a decent percentage of an employee's tuition. This varies with each employer as do the rules. Some employers require that the degree program be related to the job and many require a certain grade point average to be attained. This usually works on a reimbursement program which means that the student pays for the tuition ahead of time and then the employer reimburses the student after they complete their semester. Often employees interested in the tuition reimbursement program must get this settled with the company before the semester begins to qualify for the reimbursement.

It is important to figure out a plan of action in affording college before applying to schools so that a surprise tuition bill doesn't show up and there is no money to pay it. There are several options and ways students can get the education they desire at a lower cost.

Tips: Guide to the first steps for the homeschooling parent

Home Schooling - A Guide to the First Steps for the Home Schooling Parent

Schooling at home means learning and gain a certificate from home. The online education system makes it all more easier these days to do so. However there are some questions that you as a parent would  like answered before making your final choice

Q: What is schooling at home?
A: Schooling at home means, your child can study just like any other child at school would do with the exception that he/she study at home and "attending" classes by using the internet. This kind of education is getting very popular as it gives you some interesting options which are not available in regular academic system.

Q: What subjects are available for schooling at home?
A: Most of the subjects that are available today are taught on internet home schooling. The subjects include all normal subjects that are presented in a traditional public school. However, it is important to note that some subjects that require more practical exercises will require more effort and time as there is no tutor at hand while experiments are conducted.


Q: What is the difference between a home schooling at home and going to a public school?
A: There is not much difference between online home schooling and going to a public school. The major difference is that a home schooling student can get a certificate from a good academic institution without going to the school in person and it allows children form countries with not such acclaimed education system to study at a better school.  Home schooling on the internet is a very good solution for those children who may not be able to go to another country to obtain good quality education. It enables them to stay at home and still can earn certification from a good institution. This option is also much less costly, especially if you take traveling, and general living cost into account.

Q: Where can I get the information regarding to schooling at home?
A: You will get all the important information from the Internet. You make a search about schooling at home. You can be more specific by entering the specific location, and level of education that you are looking for. You will have various options to select the best option for your child's specific requirements.

Before you go for select a specific on line schooling site, make sure that it is authentic, accredited and certified by the authorities. Unfortunately there are many on line cheats that prey on students to earn an income in a fraudulent way.

Q: How to get yourself admitted for schooling at home?
A: You have to contact the home school provider and provide them with all the required information for admittance. The institution will then verify your details and inform you if you are accepted to study on line with them. Once selected,  they will provide you with information on how to move forward in order to complete the registration and payment process.

Q: Are there a difference in the value of a certificate obtained from a public school and home schooling?
A: There are no distinction between the value of a public school and home schooling certificate. However, this is said with the understanding that the institution you make use of is registered and acknowledged as an authentic educational institution with the relevant Department of Education.

Comparing homeschooling and traditional education

There are many different types of homeschooling methods used today. Each parent must decide which method or methods are best for their child. But, that can be a very difficult decision, when you don't know the difference. Once a parent understands the different homeschooling methods, they can make the decision for what will best suit their child.

Structured learning which is the most like a traditional school environment. Student's work out of texts at specified times. This is the first type that most parents implement.

 Unschooling is the opposite of structured learning. This form of schooling does not use lesson plans or textbooks. Unschooling is considered Ӏchild centered learningԀ, meaning they focus the learning around what the child is interested in. Unschoolers usually believe that each child's learning is different, and that learning occurs all of the time. Parents work individually with their children based on the child's interests.

 Eclectic learning is a mix of both, structured learning and Unschooling. Parents using this learning style do not feel bound to any particular style. They will often use texts for subjects such as Language Arts, Math, and Reading while other subjects may be more unstructured. The curriculum is generally a mix and match of what works best for the individual child. This is rapidly becoming more popular than any other type of homeschooling.

Virtual on-line homeschooling is where a child is enrolled in school, but participates on-line. Parents are provided with all the curriculum and access to a teacher. This method can sometimes be done for free via a charter or on-line public school, depending on your area.

Unit Studies are when a family uses one theme or literary text to incorporate most school subjects. Often times parents will use this method in combination with other methods. Unit studies can be done on just about anything from the Renaissance to the Milky Way Galaxy. Parents either purchase these or make their own. You can find various activities related your topic to fill as many school subjects as you wish.

Charlotte Mason method is using living books as texts. These parents use narration, copy work, dictation, and recitation as learning methods. This can encompass all subjects, or be used in combination with another method.

Teaching in a digital world

With the increase of parents choosing to remove their children from traditional public school classrooms, online education has seen a marked increase in popularity.

The number of charter schools and home school programs offering online programs continues to rise. To meet the need of students with medical needs and behavioral problems, some states have even begun offering online public education as an option for students who are not excelling in the physical classroom.

This increase in online education has brought about a demand for online teachers.

Online teaching isn't for everyone, but many teachers are finding enjoyment and benefits from exactly that.

Teachers who have recently retired or teachers who want to take time off from the everyday stress of the classroom are enjoying the freedom and flexibility an online schedule provides. While some online classrooms do require teachers to be present at certain days and times as in a traditional classroom, others allow teachers to set the syllabus for students and check online several times a day to answer questions or address concerns. Professionals teaching elementary and junior high students may find stricter scheduling requirements, whereas teachers teaching older high school and college students may find more flexibility with their schedules.

This type of digital teaching situation can be ideal for teachers who have a short or long-term disability, an extended illness, or need time off to take care of smaller children or an ailing parent.

Online teaching can also be beneficial for teachers who wish to take on a second job. If the requirements of the online teaching position aren't intense, an online teaching job can sometimes be worked around regular work hours. This also applies to online tutoring positions, where teachers may choose to tutor students online during evening hours to help with homework, research specific school projects, or develop math and writing skills.

Educational institutions vary on their practice for hiring online teachers. With some schools, the teacher may be an actual employee of the institution, but this will most probably not be the case. Many online teachers are independent contractors who are paid by the number of classes taught, the amount of students attending class, or time required to do the job. Independent contractors are usually required to provide their own equipment such as computer, web cam (if required), and internet connection.

As in the real world, teachers must have the correct certification required for their particular state. They also must keep up to date on continuing education. In order to become an online instructor, teachers usually must have a required number of years in a traditional classroom.

For many teachers, the biggest drawback to becoming a teacher in the digital world involves the emotional connection lost between the teacher and student. While a relationship can be formed online, it almost never matches the relationship the teacher forms with a student in a physical classroom.

As technology increases, it's becoming apparent the digital classroom is here to stay. The demand for digital education is likely to increase as people become more and more technically connected in a virtual world. Online teaching will most certainly be a part of future generations, providing an option for teachers looking for a traditional role in a non-traditional world.

What you need to know when considering an online education

I have been both an online college student and a traditional ground college student. I have my preferences now as a seasoned college veteran and have learned a few tricks to keep online students on track. Here are my top five things to consider when looking for an online school:

1. Are you able to commit yourself to learning on your own? Online degree programs offer the convenience of going to class when it's convenient for you. This is a major plus for those who work full time and are juggling a family. The trade-off for this convenience is actual face to face contact with faculty and students. There are no online lectures with notes and handouts to facilitate your learning. Everything you learn online will be from reading your text and doing research in the library. You are responsible for your own success or failure.

2. Can you handle the cost? I was amazed at how much it costs for the convenience of going to school online. I was paying almost $2,000 for a 3 credit course. You have no room for failures or dropped course work online since the fees are so high. Financial aid grants will only cover so much be prepared to take out hefty loans. To some students ground college will make more sense if they foresee paying back these $40,000 loans will cause a problem.

3. How many transfer credits do you have? This is an important fact to consider when thinking of online schools. Make sure you take a good look at the college catalog to see what degree program your credits fit into. I can say with great probability that all your credits will not transfer and the school is allowed to give credit for a certain number of credits. Make sure you go over the transfer credits with your academic representative to make sure your getting the most credits possible.

4. Is the school accredited? It would be an absolute horror to spend four years and $40,000 getting a degree from a school that isn't even recognized as a reputable facility. You wouldn't go to a fake doctor would you? Same holds true for schools. Schools that meet educational standards are accredited and are the online students best bet.

5. Can you get the same quality out of a traditional ground school for half the cost? I am a firm believer in using the county colleges to knock out the core classes like English 101 and 102 before entering a costly online program. I understand the simplicity online schools have to offer but the fact is community colleges are so much cheaper in comparison and in some cases it makes more sense to get rid of the bulk of your classes to ease the loan payback.

Online schools offer students a chance to work full time and still earn their degree. It makes sense to a lot of students who are juggling school, work, and family. The downside is the cost of this convenience. With cut throat enrollment tactics, academic sales people will tell the student anything to get them enrolled, even if they can't afford the loan payback. Think long and hard to decide if an online degree program is right for you and your family.

Guide to virtual schools

when talking about Virtual Schools, this is the most talked about issue besides economy. Many people around the world find themselves struggling in jobs because of lack of education or lack of degree status. In current times, we are surrounded by many companies looking for degrees. For many of these hard working people, we see a sudden loss of interest in work since they are not being compensated since they have no degrees. They have more than enough experience but no "formal education". Many find this disturbing and inconsiderate but people are finding themselves going back to school to further their opportunities in their work fields.

After looking for so long and trying to do the same, I found Penn State University's World Campus. Around the world there are many schools, colleges and universities that are offering programs such as this. We see the commercials all over the television. What is not explained in these commercials is that many of these so called on-line schools, are not per say, "schools". These are places that offer people training and information in order for them to get the necessary "education". Many of these "schools" are businesses run by business men, not teachers which are the ones that should be teaching a course.

Besides the fact of having to deal with so many fake places that will take your money, which many families do not have, you also have to deal with the fact that you might not have the same opportunity to go into a job as any other person that has graduated from a brick and mortar college. These are acredited and their degrees are valid, while these companies degrees are accepted but not before the ones that come from an accredited school. The whole reason one is trying to do this is because between family and work, it is difficult to be able to go to a brick and mortar school.

Taking this into consideration, it is of great importance to make sure the school you choose is accredited. I was lucky that I found Penn State On-line. There are several others that will be able to provide you with the education you need, but make sure you go through one that is accredited. It is very interesting being able to experience this wonderful world of on-line schools. Not all are so lucky, if you are, you should take advantage of it. One word of advise. It is not the easiest task. You have to be very committed to your studies. It is not easy to try to juggle your full time job, home with the family and then have to also study and do homework.

Although it has been expressed by experts that on-line students tend to isolate themselves due to so much time needed to be on-line to achieve your desired levels, it is a risk you have to take in order to acquire your degree. It is incredibly fun and interesting to meet people from all over the U.S. I greatly encourage anyone interested, to take the first step and try to get some information. Remember the most important word; accreditation. There are so many on-line schools, my best bet would be a state college in your area and verify if they offer any on-line courses. I mean, even if you start with a certificate, it is a beginning.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey. Mine is far from done, but I am enjoying it everyday.