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The GED Stigma

While NCLB was meant to ensure that all of our students have the chance to obtain an excellent education and a high school diploma, one of the most troublesome problems faced by our education system was not really addressed: high school drop outs. While there are many different reasons that students drop out of high school and don’t finish their degree, it is a growing problem. One way that students can address this issue is with the GED.

The GED is a test that evaluates students to see if they have achieved the same academic knowledge and skills that a typical graduate from a four-year high school has. It is unfortunate that many of the individuals who study for and pass the GED tests feel they suffer from a stigma. Graduating from high school is the prize, not the GED. This problem is further compounded by students who effectively graduate from high school via a home schooling program. Many parents are unaware that they have the right to issue their home-schooled child an actual diploma and instead opt to have their children take the GED test as proof positive they have completed the course work.

Of course a better solution should be found. Finding innovative ways to keep our high school students in school is important. Today’s students face a variety of problems, teenage pregnancy, money issues, drug and alcohol abuse, divorced parents and more. Instead of letting these children simply slip through the cracks, perhaps it is time to develop a strategy to help them stay in school and graduate. If that is not possible, it may be time to change the way the GED is administered and viewed, making it a more real option for students who have dropped out. Taking and passing the GED should be viewed as a high school diploma, not a poor substitute.

Filed Under: Administration, Education, General Tagged With: , , , , ,

College Bound: Apartments to Rent in Atlanta

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: Administration, General Tagged With: , ,

Finding Options Through Testing

As a parent, you may very well be frustrated with the education your child is receiving. If nothing else, you are likely confused by the standardized test your child takes and why they take them. Since the inception of NCLB, many parents are left feeling that their child is tested solely for the benefit of the school district and their funding. Because of this many parents are opting to have their child take additional tests to help determine where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

The most common forms are career aptitude and personality tests. These tests, which can be taken in conjunction with your local school or community college, give students a better idea about how to build their future through the sue of the education system. By understanding where your child’s interests lie and what their strengths are, it may be possible to redirect some of their educational efforts.

Some parents are finding that they must supplement their child’s education especially after receiving results from a career aptitude or personality test. These tests may more clearly define where your child needs additional help or may show a gapping hole in the education they are currently receiving. In either case, finding tutors, online classes or advanced placement classes is often necessary.

In a perfect world, we could leave the education of our children solely to the schools. Unfortunately, this is not working. Our students are face, now more than ever, with a growing gap between their performance and their peers in other countries. It may be a good idea to use these additional tests to see how you can supplement your child to help them close this growing gap.

Additional standardized testing is a personal choice, but may be one of the most helpful things a parent can do for their school aged child. Start today by talking to your child’s counselor.

Filed Under: Administration, Education, General, Teachers Tagged With: , , ,

Make Your Own Postcards

Textured craft card, in a variety of colours. ...
Image via Wikipedia

Creating your own postcards is just one fun little project that can be done with or without kids. It is similar to scrapbooking, yet is as simple as taking a picture and making a bunch of copies. When you are looking to get your creative juices flowing or looking for something to do with the kids, gather the supplies and make your own postcards.

The materials needed to make your own postcards include construction paper, glue, scissors, card stock, photographs, and magnets. Get creative with the materials you use to create your unique postcards.

First, you want to get a large sheet of construction paper and lay it flat on the workspace. This will be the background of your postcard. We used a 12×18 inch piece of paper. Then, start arranging items on the construction paper. Do not glue them down, simply place pictures, trinkets, magnets, and any other materials that you feel appropriate, on the paper. Cut out letters and numbers to use, or pictures from books. The final result should resemble a scrapbook page.

Next, take a few digital pictures of the collage, making sure to fill the entire frame with the image of your collage. The best pictures will be those taken in natural, indirect light. Either print the best picture out at home or take the memory stick to a photo shop and have them print it out.

Finally, take the picture to a copy shop. Ask them to print two 4 ½ by 6 ½ inch copies of the picture, one above the other, on an 8 ½ by 11 inch card stock. Request as many to be printed as you need. The copy shop can then cut the cards out from the stock paper.

You now have custom postcards! Simply turn the card over and write a message, add the address and a stamp, and send it off.

Filed Under: Education, General, Requirements Tagged With: , , ,
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