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L.A. Unified School District: More work to do

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is one of the largest school districts in the United States of America. With over one million children in its system, LAUSD provides an array of programs and opportunities that are geared towards helping students succeed. To date, LAUSD has supported the country’s Juvenile Justice System by providing an education to over 12,000 troubled youth, and has provided 80% of graduating seniors with the necessary tools attend post-secondary schools or obtain a job after high school. The District is constantly inspecting low performing schools, and working with educators to improve student performance.

In spite of recent improvements and contributions, the Los Angeles Unified School District has a long way to go before attaining excellence. While the LAUSD is constantly evaluating school performance, there are still over five hundred low performing schools in the District. These schools are spread out among 43 sub-districts and are home to approximately 645,000 students. Although 645,000 students equals a small percentage in a large district such as LAUSD, the idea of over 600,000 children receiving a poor education is disappointing. According the LAUSD 2009-2010 report, the only action that the District has taken to improve the numbers is to review the records and credentials of educators in low performing schools to ensure that proper assignments were administered. The report says nothing about teachers receiving new assignments or rules concerning classroom conduct; this is unacceptable.

In order to substantially improve the Los Angeles Unified School District, board members must practice accountability and instill such concept in educators.

Filed Under: High School, Higher Education Tagged With: , ,

Yes You Can! Finish Early

Although most counselors are focused on providing necessary tools that will help students finish high school on time, some advisors are also concerned with early high school graduation. According to various reports, it is possible for high school students to finish school early and enroll in college. As with any over achievement, such action requires much motivation and concentration.

The first step to finishing high school early is to meet with a guidance counselor. When scheduling the meeting, students should inform the counselor of their plans to complete school at an accelerated speed so that the advisor can have necessary information accessible to the student in the meeting. Counselors are reluctant to approving an accelerated program; especially when it appears that a child cannot handle a regular school schedule. Students who complete average work in high school should not expect to be placed on an accelerated program before improving their grade point average. Likewise, students who have poor behavior or attendance records should also expect to be denied. Why would a counselor give a student more classes if he or she has not shown that they can handle the courses that they already have? If a student expects to be approved for early graduation, then he or she should show it through perfect attendance, stellar grades, and model behavior.

After qualifying for and completing an ambitious course schedule, students should consider their plans after graduation. While most parents suggest college, all career paths do not require a four year university. Students should choose careers that they feel comfortable with, and should not aspire to do something just because it satisfies family members.

Filed Under: High School, Higher Education Tagged With: , ,

K-12 Online: How do they measure up?

Every since its debut, parents and educators alike have been skeptical of the online alternative to public school education. Although the programs offer specialization at little to no cost, many parents do not want their children educated by a computer. Well, these parents may have a change in heart after hearing of the changes being made in the online public education sector.

In a rubric recently released by the Quality Matters Program, online education for grades K-12 gives the appearance of being just as good or even better than a traditional public school education. Contrary to the physical classroom where some students are disruptive and teachers fail to address the needs of each student, virtual classrooms offer one-on-one time for students and teachers without interruptions. Students attending virtual academies do not have to be concerned with the student who is competing for attention, and teachers have more time to convey key points in the lesson plan. In addition to specialized time, the teachers of online schools are credentialed like the average educator in the traditional public school sector. Online schools also offer visuals and other resources that are progressively being taken out of the traditional sector. The online school is the perfect alternative for parents who want their children to obtain a good education without financial restrains and behavioral interruption.

Although the online track for K-12th grade is an excellent source for learning, it is not a good place to look for social interaction. While students interact with teachers via web videos, children do not have the opportunity to make new friends on the playground or in the hallways of a virtual school; primarily because there is no such thing. Parents should stick with the traditional educational scheme of things if they want their children to enjoy school in its entirety.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education Tagged With: , ,

Sending Transcripts to Prospective Colleges

As students approach their Junior and Senior years in high school, many of them begin considering which college they would like to attend and filling out applications. Most college applications ask that a transcript be sent as well. What can a student with a less-than-average grade point average do to convince a college that they are worth accepting?

First, look for places within the application to mention ways they have improved since they earned the scores that pulled down their grade point average. An essay question or a question about extenuating circumstances might be a good place to explain three “F” grades in one semester due to an extended illness or emotional distress from a home situation.

Most colleges also require an essay. If appropriate, the student should mention how he or she has grown and how they intend to do better in college. This works better if the student’s grades have improved and are still good at the time of the application. Promising to work harder in college because it will be easier than trying to work hard in high school will not get your student what they need.

If there is no other place within the application to do so, writing a separate letter explaining that they have taken full responsibility for the bad grades and have been working to improve upon them may help. A letter of recommendation from a teacher who can back up the student’s story can help as well.

If it does not help, it is not the end of the world. Students end up at their second and third and fifteenth choice for a college every year. If nothing else, try spending a year at your near-by community college. Colleges only look at the most recent school when checking GPAs. A student’s high school GPA will most likely not be factored in to the final decision if he or she works hard. The next step after this is to apply again with a whole new grade point average.

Filed Under: High School, Higher Education Tagged With: ,

The Choice of Living Off Campus or On Campus

For most students college is a time of new-found freedom and intellectual exploration. It’s the first time students have to make decision and rely on their own judgment to help them get the most out of their college experience. One of the first big decisions college students must make, is whether to live in on-campus or off-campus housing.

There are many pros and cons to both and students must be aware of them to make an informed decision. First, on campus housing means you are close to everything and everyone in school. You can walk to most of your classes and you can make use of all the facilities students are entitled use. Some cons to on-campus housing is that usually they are quite small, cramped and you may have to share, not only your living space, but also your room. Some specific items you may wish to have if you choose to live on campus is space saving items. While it might make you laugh to be talking about Martha Stewart organization. The truth is that most dorm rooms are the size of large closets and consolidating space and not wasting it is critical to be able to live comfortably. A small fridge also comes in handy to keep your own food secure.

If you choose off-campus housing you will more than likely have the benefit of having your own room and a nicer living space. The drawbacks are that you could be farther away from school and might have to either drive or take some form of public transportation to school, which adds time to your schedule. Unless it comes furnished, you would need items typical for an apartment such as a mattress, desk and bedding. It would be wise to check into moving quotes if you wish to bring some of your personal possessions to make the transition to college life more smooth.

Filed Under: Higher Education, Students Tagged With: , ,

Helping Kids Learn Service

Many people think that kids just aren’t interested in philanthropy, but really when it comes down to it, it’s not about whether they’re interested— it’s about whether they have been given the opportunity to provide service. Most kids would love to help their communities, but feel limited in what they can do because they’re “only kids.” The best that you can do to help these kids is to show them how much power they really have.

There are many ways that kids can help in the community. One way is through organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts. These organizations not only teach self reliance skills, they also teach how to serve others. Typically for the Eagle Scout award, scouts will organize things in their communities to do things such as provide a place to collect recycling, collect items for those who are in need, or organize a community cleanup of a local park or beach.

With the creation of the Internet, there are even more ways to help in the community. For example, if a group of kids see a need in their community— such as people needing help repairing their homes after a tornado came through the area— they could create an online charity to raise money for those families. There are websites that provide a way to solicit money from people all over the world. In the case of a disaster, the kids, along with the supervision of adults, can buy materials that are needed for the repairs and can then help to repair the homes themselves. Not only will the kids feel good about raising the money, but they’ll learn that service is about doing all you can to help. They’ll feel very confident in their abilities to help others, which will lead to a life built on love and service.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education Tagged With: ,

Explaining the 504 Plan

According the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, students can not be barred from any school or activity based on their physical limitations. This means that a school can not in any way discriminate against a student for having a disability.

For example, a child with a genetic illness that causes joint pain can not be made to take regular physical education classes. In addition, children with disabilities who have issues walking must be picked up at their house by a school bus at the request of the child’s physician. Another example of this would be a partially blind student who needs to be released from classes five minutes early to help them navigate the hallways without running into other students.

It is wonderful that these laws in are in place. However, how do parents make sure that the exemptions are being made and are going to be made for their child? It is called a 504 plan. A 504 plan does not make any changes to the actual coursework that a child learns. It does make sure that the student is in an environment that is suitable for his or her optimal learning.

Concerned parents should do some research and make sure that your child is eligible for a 504 a plan. If he or she needs changes to be made due to a physical disability, then this may be the case. Next, make sure you communicate your request for a 504 plan to your child’s school in writing while keeping a record of it for yourself. Once the school administration agrees to meet with you, it may take many more steps to see actual changes happen. However, there is a good chance that if simple changes can be made to help your child, the teachers will make the changes. A step-stool in the art room or a special seat cushion at lunch can make all the difference to a child struggling with being different.

Filed Under: Education, Higher Education Tagged With: ,

The Beginning of Good Study Habits Starts with Kindergarten

Kindergarten marks the beginning of a journey that will end with the celebration of a high school graduation. Parents hope their children will enjoy and succeed in school. A child’s success in school depends greatly on a parent’s involvement. Teaching your child the value of good study habits should begin in Kindergarten. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your child excited about the things he or she learns in Kindergarten. This is an exciting opportunity for parents to establish a deeper bond with their child.

In Kindergarten, children begin to learn to write the alphabet, count, and develop social skills. It is important for parents to ask their child what he or she learned in school each day. If your child brings you a paper with the numbers he or she practiced that day, you should sit down with him or her and go over the numbers. You can spend just 15 minutes helping your child practice writing numbers. Children love to share their experiences and teaching them to get in the habit of practicing whatever they learned that day will develop good study habits.

This will also help parents to recognize any difficult the child may have with learning. It will also boost the child’s self-esteem to have his or her parents involved with the learning experience. Your child will happily show you what he or she learned in school that day. Your child will look forward to spending the quality time with you. This will develop open communication that can last through high school.

Kindergarten should be a fun and exciting experience for all children. This is the time parents should establish their commitment to their child’s education. Spending just 15 minutes each day go over schoolwork, will establish good study habits that will take your child through high school.

Filed Under: Education, High School, Higher Education Tagged With:

Parental Tips for a Child Having Trouble in School

Every parent’s nightmare is finding out their child is not performing well in school. Being summoned to school for a parent/teacher conference is a stressful situation for parents. If you are a parent that keeps up with your child’s schoolwork and activities, there should be no surprises other than behavioral issues you may not be aware exist. Unfortunately, many parents feel defensive when a teacher addresses a child’s learning abilities or behavioral issues.

The most important thing to remember during a conference with a teacher is that it is not about you; it is about your child. You must consider the teacher has at least 20 to 30 other students and if your child is having issues in school, it would be best to find a way to work through these issues through cooperation.

Many parents will instinctively blame the school or the teacher for their child’s poor performance. This avoids the root of the problem, your child’s difficulty in learning. As a parent, you should be involved in your child’s education as much as the teacher and the school. It is in the best interest of the child, that you do not place blame and work with the teacher to improve your child’s performance.

If your child is struggling, it is important for you to communicate with his or her teacher often. In addition, it is critical that you sit down with your child to review his or her assignments. Your involvement may help your child overcome the difficulty he or she is having in school.

Not all children will excel in every subject. Some children may struggle with certain subjects and will require help to manage those subjects. If you pay attention to your child’s academic progress, learning issues will be detected early on. This can circumvent future learning issues in school.

Filed Under: Education, High School, Higher Education Tagged With:

The Importance of Establishing a Teacher and Parent Relationship

Establishing a relationship with your child’s teacher is crucial especially during elementary school. Many teachers will meet parents the first time during a parent/teacher conference. This is usually scheduled when a child has performance or behavioral issues in school. Meeting a teacher for the first time under these conditions can be stressful and frustrating.

You should introduce yourself to your child’s teacher prior to the beginning of class or after class one day of the first week of school. You will want to express to the teacher that you are committed to you child’s education. Many teachers welcome parents that wish to be involved.

It usually takes most teachers at least six weeks to become familiar with each child. By this time, many teachers can determine any shortcomings a child may have. This is a fantastic time to meet with your child’s teacher. He or she will be able to discuss any issues that may affect your child’s performance. If your child is doing well, then you know your efforts in the home are helping. However, if your child is having trouble, you will be able to prevent the situation from becoming worse with early intervention.

While a child’s academic performance is important, you also want to make sure your child is able to get along with other children. Your child may struggle socially and this may impact his or her academic performance. Often children need encouragement to participate in group activities. They are unsure of themselves and may need guidance to become more socially adept.

Elementary school is a challenging time for young children. There is much to learn and a wide variety of subjects to master. They must also develop social skills and learn to make new friends. Children will benefit from the guidance of a teacher, however, nothing replaces having a parent’s guidance as well.

Filed Under: Elementary, Higher Education, Parents Tagged With:
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