Lessons From Leaders

Title I

Title I is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to public schools that have high percentages of poor children. It is a formula grants program that focuses on “improving the academic achievement of the disadvantaged.” Children that come from a lower-income household are considered educationally at-risk. The program provides extra special instruction to the children who are identified as at risk or failing the state’s performance standards.

Schools utilizing the Title I program will have one Title I Reading Specialist on staff. Depending on the size of the school, several Title I Instructional Assistants will be trained by and work under the Reading Specialist. These specialists and para-professionals go into the classrooms to tutor at-risk children either individually or in small group settings. Providing children with personalized, one-on-one attention is key in improving their academic development.

Public schools receive Title I money based on the funding provided to the state. The State Educational Agencies send money to school districts based on the number of low-income students in the district. Students do not have to be from an economically disadvantaged family to receive Title I services.

The program offers smaller class sizes and special, individualized instruction. There are even extra opportunities for professional staff development within the schools. Classroom assistants typically get to attend an on-site workshop once a month.

Title I also encourages parents to get involved in their child’s learning. No one is more influential in a child’s life than his or her parent, so becoming active in education both at home and by participating in volunteer opportunities at school assures that parents are well aware of their progress. Parents should serve as a role model by reading in front of their children at home or by partner reading with them on a regular basis. Keeping an open line of communication with their child’s Title I Reading Specialist is also encouraged.

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Education

Finding Apartments to Rent in Atlanta and Other Things You Must Do Before Your College Moving Day

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Moving to Atlanta for college can be fun, exciting and difficult all at the same time when you aren’t from the area. There are several things you will need to do before you are ready to embark on this new journey. If you come to Atlanta for college, but have forgotten a small, yet critical, detail it can ruin the entire experience for you. Below are the essential things you need to do before you are officially ready to move to Atlanta for college.

The first thing you must do before you are ready to make the big “college move” is to look through and find available apartments to rent in Atlanta. You have to have a place to stay while you attend college in Atlanta before you can actually move in. When you begin hunting for a place to stay, you need to take a hard and objective look at your finances. Determine what you can really afford in rent each month while still having enough money left over to pay the bills, buy groceries, etc. You also need to consider what type of transportation you will need to get to and from classes. If you will need a car, then you will also have to allow extra money to pay for the gas, insurance and upkeep for the vehicle as well.

Once you have your living situation, finances and transportation figured out and in order, you are ready to begin the moving process. If you need a moving truck to move your things, this will also need to be arranged in advance. Of course, you can always save your money and purchase the necessary furniture for your new apartment once you get to Atlanta. Moving off to college is fun, but make sure all the critical details are in order before moving day!

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Apartment, Atlanta, Georgia

Obtaining a Job with a Higher Degree

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As the economy has struggled, many people are without jobs or working in fields where they are untrained and unable to make the amount of money they need to live comfortably. Obtaining an advanced degree is a great way to further one’s career, and thus earn a larger paycheck. But with work schedules, family conflicts, and other commitments, finding the time to attend classes can be very difficult. Additionally, many do not even live close enough to a college campus for this to be a viable option. However, with so many degrees and choices available through online universities, this problem has met its solution.

Onlineeducation.com is a prime spot for those seeking higher education without the time or means available to attend a traditional university. The site is paired with more than 10 online colleges that have hundreds of degree options available, including the University of Phoenix, Capella University, Westwood College, Ashford University, and many more. There are many fields of study available, including the ever-growing healthcare field, where students can choose from nursing, administration, medical assisting, and more, offering a glance into just about every angle of needs in the healthcare profession. The universities are accredited, so the degrees will be very helpful as graduates enter the professional world and learn just how important an advanced degree can be.

Many job applicants these days are up against individuals who have bachelors and even master’s degrees, so this can give the competitive edge to show future employers just how motivated these graduates are to succeed. Having a degree shows employers that you are willing to work hard and commit to something in order to achieve goals. In such a fast-paced job market, having a degree in the desired field will definitely help each individual to succeed in finding, obtaining, and ultimately advancing in the chosen career.

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Academic degree, Ashford University, Higher education, University of Phoenix

Onlineeducation.com: Improved Teaching Techniques for Today’s Workforce

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There are many aspects of obtaining a degree online that dramatically differentiates the experience from traditional college environments. While many consider an online format to be less personal, there are actually many factors that would suggest the opposite. After utilizing a resource such as onlineeducation.com to determine the types of online institutions available, look into how each school is structured to ensure you are entering an environment that works best for you.

Take, for example, a traditional state university setting. General education courses can consist of literally hundreds of students in amphitheater style settings, making it very difficult, if not impossible, to get the personal attention they need from the professor or instructor. Students might organically create study groups with other individuals they know or meet in the class, but they are largely left to their own devices in obtaining help outside of the lecture. Conversely, online courses, such as those found on onlineeducation.com, are frequently structured with small groups that are designed to facilitate collaboration between students and to foster a sense of community that might not be achieved otherwise. Also, because of the nature of shared online communication techniques such as forums and blogs, it is actually more probable to get a specific answer from an instructor and benefit the entire group from the question as a result.

Also, considering that the workplace and business in general is becoming more and more diversified, the methods learned for online collaboration and communication are well suited to today’s business environment. More recent college graduates are finding themselves interacting in cross-state, and even cross-country situations, where online networking and connecting are both critical and essential for success. These abilities will be more comfortable for the elearner who has already utilized similar techniques for collaborating with fellow students and interacting with instructors while obtaining their online degree.

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Education, eLearning, Online degrees, Student

Today’s Match-up: Public v Private

Trying to determine what school will be the most effective for educating your child is one of the most difficult questions faced by parents. One of the biggest debates is whether private or public schools are the most effective. Weighing not only the educational factors but also the cost factor often makes the decision even more difficult. By carefully reviewing what is being taught, the accountability standards and accreditation of the various educational options available, it may be easier to select the ideal institution.

What Classes?
There is a clear difference between what is taught. Public schools follow strict guidelines set by the state to determine what subjects are taught and how they are taught. Private schools can teach whatever they choose and can teach in any manner they select. The key is selecting the institution that offers your child the best access to class that are in keeping with your personal philosophy in regards to education.

Accountability
Again, public schools are subject to accountability standards predetermined by a variety of governmental institutions, primarily centered on NCLB. Private schools have a bit more freedom as it relates to accountability. They most, of course, adhere to safety regulations and reporting standards, but, largely because they are self-funded, they often are less accountable than public institutions.

Accreditation
Most public schools must comply with state accreditation standards. Private schools do not have to comply with these standards, but often choose to simply to remain competitive with college prep standards.

There are other factors to consider as well. Graduation rates, cost, discipline and safety are just a few of these areas of concern. Carefully reviewing each of these areas may help a parent determine who wins this match-up: the private school or the public school. As you can imagine, this decision is one that many parents face each year for their children.

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Child, Education, Parent, Private school, Public Schools, School choice, State school, United States

An Alternate Suggestion

Alternate schools were originally developed to fill the educational needs of students who themselves could have been termed alternative. Students with emotional or behavioral issues were not well served by traditional schools and needed an alternative. Alternative schools not only served to educate these needy children but also get them out of the mainstream system. Today’s alternative schools also serve a variety of other students who have special needs. They are better thought of as options for students who are not performing well in the traditional environment of school.

Charter School
These schools vary from state to state but are all operated independently from the traditional school system. These schools are publicly funded and tend to offer more innovative educational solutions for their students.

Online or Virtual Schools
A variety of educational programs fall into this category. Students can engage in a completely self-paced and independent program to a single class that follows a more traditional format. These programs gained popularity at the college level, but now more high schools are turning to online schools as an alternative for their students.

Magnet Schools
With an origin in desegregation, magnet schools are now an alternative for students who need access to advanced educational information and training. Many schools offer magnet classes in agriculture, vocational, performing arts, engineering and advanced science.

It has become apparent that today’s alternative schools are not just for the students that struggle. Instead, may of the most successful alternative options are aimed at students who are advanced or who need more stimuli in the classroom. Instead of using alternative classes as a way to remove the ‘bad apples’ from the classroom, maybe we should be using them as a road map for creating more successful students in the future. Alternative schools are not just for ‘alternative’ students. They are for advanced students as well.

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Alternative school, Charter school, Education, High school, Magnet school, Seattle Public Schools, Student, Virtual school

Making It Private

With the current state of our education system in the United States, many parents, or those that can afford it, are turning to private schools for their children. A variety of factors including funding, class size, testing and curriculum have combined to create an education environment that many people feel is doing more harm than good. Private schools, which typically have more funding, address these problems in a variety of ways.

Teachers
Itâ€™s funny that some private schools canâ€™t afford to pay their staff as much as public schools but still manage to attract the best teachers. Dedicated teachers are drawn to private school settings for a variety of reasons, but one of the most important may be a belief in creating a positive environment for students. Smaller class sizes, tougher standards and a feeling of community attract teachers. Couldnâ€™t we find a way to integrate these ideas into our public system?

Classes
Private schools have it going onâ€¦at least when it comes to classes. Smaller class sizes and a more advanced curriculum are standard fare at private schools. Sure, some of this is due to funding from tuition costs, but a lot of it simply has to do with the way the curriculum and content is designed. It seems like employing some of these ideas at our public institutions is one of the most important reforms we could make.

Whatever direction we take, it seems apparent that now is the time to make a change. Our students simply are not performing as well as they should. Perhaps it is time to tae a page from the private schools and make some changes aimed at improving both the teacher and class quality at our public schools â€“ it might make all the difference to our students. Now is a time to make the move.

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Education, K through 12, Private school, State school, Student, Student–teacher ratio, Teacher, United States

College Bound: Apartments to Rent in Atlanta

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Your college may not be too far from home, but now that you’ll be on your own, there seems to be so many things to do. Your parents are full of great advice and say you’re so grown up. Still, you’ve only packed some clothes this week. There is so much more to living in an apartment than what you wear. You’ve saved, so money isn’t the problem, but how can you remember everything without a list? Start with the basics below before heading out to college. You’ll find more things to add as the days get closer to moving away from home.

1. Get a tuneup for the car and get gas.
2. Rent a trailer to bring the hand-me-down bathroom stuff, kitchen utensils, and bedding.
3. Find a bank nearby the college and start a new account.
4. Get a newspaper to find apartments to rent in Atlanta.
5. Call a furniture rental store.
6. Call the utility companies and cable.
7. Drive around the campus and get a parking permit.
8. Create a budget.

Most of what you do to prepare before classes begin won’t be as important as finding a safe and secure place to live. Sturdy locks, nice neighbors, and a trustworthy landlord are some things to look for when hunting for an apartment. You’ll know it’s the right place to live when you walk inside. The apartment will feel like home. Over time, hanging out at the local flea markets will get your apartment cozy. Lots of bookshelves and a desk with a comfortable chair are a must. Make sure the apartment gets good reception for the big screen, your computer computer, and you cell phone. A laundry room close by is a great amenity, and so is a park where you can meet friends and study.

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Apartment, Atlanta, Landlord

Inequity In The Classroom

A recent study delved into the inequities seen in American classrooms, comparing schools in economically depressed regions to those in more affluent regions. The passage of NCLB was meant to address these inequities, helping schools with outdated facilities and resources more adequately serve their student base. A brief glimpse at schools across the country seems to show that we have failed miserably in this goal.

Throughout the country there are schools that have been compared, by some researchers, to depression era schools. Their buildings are falling down, presenting students with an unattractive and unsafe environment in which to learn. These schools cannot offer their students classes in the arts or sometimes even science. The textbooks are often severally outdated and advanced technology is non-existent.

There are other schools that offer their students a pristine environment. Their facilities are state of the art, taking advantage of the latest in technology. These schools offer a more in depth course schedule, the best resources and often attract the most qualified and sought after teachers.

One must ask what has caused this disparity. The answer is, of course, the crumbling schools are located in economically depressed regions while the newer schools are located in affluent regions. The problem is, NCLB was meant to address this issue by providing schools in disadvantaged areas with funding and resources to better educate their children.

The reality is that NCLB offers, at most, less then 10% of a total budget in incentives. Schools that are severally disadvantaged often do not have the resources to meet the standards needed to receive the funds. NCLB has failed these schools.

We must again recognize that while NCLB has admirable goals, there are flaws that must be addressed. The inequity we are seeing in our classrooms must be addressed as we consider education reform options.

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Education, Education in the United States, Education reform, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, NCLB, No Child Left Behind Act, Student, United States

How I found my teacher using online directory?

After being in contact with parents in early childhood year, a child normally stays with his teachers the most. The relationship of children with their teachers is more or less like it is with their parents. It is both teachers and parents that keep guiding the kids and help them understand to differentiate between the right and wrong things to become a good person.

I still remember that when I first started going to school, I met Miss Jane there. She was the first teacher who helped me get adjusted in the school. Then every year when I got promoted in next class I met with new teachers who helped in one way or the other not only to develop my learning skills but also educated me in terms of understanding human values and ethics. When I moved to high school, I met with Mr Smith. Although I always used to get influenced by my teachers and still remember the names of all the teachers who taught me, but becoming a student of Mr Smith was a wonderful experience that I will never be able to forget in my life. Mr Smith used to be very friendly and he used to teach us by using very innovative and practical ways. Sometimes, if we did well in the class he also used to give us treats. He was very passionate about his teachings and his students. He used to be very concerned about the overall progress of all of his students in his class and we all were welcomed to go and meet him in the office whenever we needed his guidance. He was an IT professional and used to work as a freelancer after the school timing. It was then; I decided to be an IT professional by getting influenced from Mr Smith.

After my high school, I kept in touch with Mr Smith and used to call him often to seek guidance about my studies. He was a mentor to me and I used to turn to him whenever I needed his advice. When I got into my professional life after becoming a web developer I got so busy in my life that I could not contact him for quite a long time. And one day when I called his number I found that he had left that place. I never wanted to loss contact with my mentor and really wanted to find him. Suddenly, I thought about using directories to find him by his name and profession and after using so many directories finally I found his recent details using Canada 411. I dialled his new number and spoke to him. I was so glad that I did not loose my precious teacher and mentor.

So, if you are also looking to get back in touch with your teachers then online directories can get you connected with your lost contacts. Hats off to online directories!

Filed Under: Lessons From Leaders Tagged With: Canada, Education, Teacher