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The Positives and Negatives of the Advanced Placement Program

March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Advanced Placement Program, or AP Program, is well-known by many high school students in America today. Many juniors and seniors spend their days with a head in a textbook, trying to tackle reading lists, absorb vocabulary words, and memorize historical dates in efforts to earn the coveted 5 on the AP exam.

The AP program prepares high school students for college-level academics. The programs are available in a number of subject areas, from World History to Latin. Students can take courses designed to help them prepare for the exam, held in the spring of the academic year, or they can study on their own.

The AP program is widely accepted in American high schools, and seems to encourage students to push themselves academically. However, AP courses also run the risk of simply teaching students to perform well on a test rather than learn critical thinking skills.

One of the advantages of taking the AP exam is that students who earn a 4 or a 5 on an AP exam in a certain subject area can receive college credit. For example, a student who earns a 4 in AP English may be exempt from Freshman English in her college. This allows high school students not only to prepare for college, but actually perform at the college level, which can give them a jump start when they matriculate and can alleviate college costs.

AP Programs are so widely accepted among colleges and universities that it is a no-brainer that high-performing high school students, or those students that want a challenge, should take the exams, But it can also be beneficial to consider International Bacchalaureate or other programs that can also provide college credit and academic challenge.

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High Achieving Schools Believe All Students Can Succeed

March 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are certain criteria that separate a high achieving school from those that aren’t.  These schools offer an inviting environment for student engagement.  Expectations are high for students and teachers alike, and respect is mutual.  The work ethic is strong and the morale is high.  The goals and focus of the school is agreed upon by the principal, teachers, and staff. With the main focus being on the instructional programs used and the achievement of the students.  There is an emphasis on and special instruction provided for English and math skills.  State standards are used to design the curriculum and assess the progress of the students and teachers.
Teachers in a high achieving school are committed to their students and believe they all can achieve.  They appreciate each child for who he is and they exhibit an infectious love of learning.  Students in high-achieving high schools graduate on time and have plans for secondary education.
Since it is assumed that every child will succeed, students must master all their work before they are promoted to the next level.  If a student has difficulties the teacher will diagnosis the problem and help the child overcome them.  This dedication forms the basis for relationships that last and continue from one year to the next, giving the student a community of caring adults who believe in their ability to succeed.                                                                             If your child’s school doesn’t meet these criteria there are steps you can take to bring about change.  You and your child have the right to expect academic excellence from the school he attends.  Voice your concerns at parent-teachers conferences and school board meetings.  Check your state’s education website to see how your school rates on the “School Report Card”.  Partner with other concerned parents to effect positive change in school policy and academic excellence.
Graduates from high performing schools, are often better prepared to secure good employment or pursue higher education, because of their advanced skills in English and math.  Many of the schools expect their students to continue on to college and actively seek out scholarship opportunities.

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Alarming Dropout Rates

January 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The dropout rate in American high schools has reached an alarming rate.  More than a million students drop out each year despite efforts by the schools, communities, and parents to aggressively approach the problem and come up with a solution.  Statistics have consistently shown that high school dropouts are more likely to be unemployed or work in low paying jobs, have more health problems, live close to or below the poverty line, and have a higher chance of becoming a single parent.
Young people who drop out of school before graduating share some of the same characteristics.  Students who come from families with a low income are 2.4 times more likely to drop out than those from middle income families, and 10.5 times more likely than those from a high income family.
Race plays a big part in the dropout rate.  While white an Asian American students have the lowest rate, Hispanics and African Americans have the highest dropout rate, with Hispanics being twice as likely to dropout than their African American peers.
Students with disabilities also make up a large percentage of students who drop out, at an estimated 36.4% leaving school without a diploma.
Academic performance has proven to be a factor the student dropout rate.  Students who do poorly in school or have been held back, making them older than others in their class, are more likely to drop out.  Also falling into this category are the students who miss a lot of school and fall behind as a result.  Poor academic performance can lead to low self esteem, it also causes students to have lower expectations as to what occupational opportunities are available to them.
Aside from the effects on future earning potential and the problems associated with it, high school dropouts make up a large percentage of prison inmates and death row prisoners.
Statistically, students who stay in school have a much better chance for a successful and productive future.

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School Vouchers and the American Education System

December 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Among the many solutions people have floated as a way to fix the American school system one solution that seems to be gaining the most ground, especially in urban areas is school vouchers. These school vouchers are a way for students from families who would not normally be able to go to private school to finally be able to attend them. The vouchers are basically free scholarships based on financial situations rather than actual academic achievements.

Of course one main drawback with these school vouchers is that poor students are then at the mercy of what is usually a religious private school that is free from the government restrictions of indoctrinating their students in any way, shape or form. School vouchers can also come across as unfair because for the most part they are now offering this private schooling to someone for a limited period of time. While some voucher programs might take place over the entire career of a high school student, other voucher funds run out before the student has matriculated meaning that they may have to finish their education in a lesser well funded public school.

Finally there is something to be said for directing the money that usually goes to the private school vouchers towards rebuilding and improving the existing public schools as that money will almost assuredly reach a larger population in the long run. Education testing has long shown that the surroundings that a student learns in has a major effect on their performance. Public schools that are well funded have a much better chance of turning out well educated students as compared to those who are allowing their schools to rot and the teachers and staff to continue to be underpaid and underappreciated. School voucher programs may seem like a quick fix but in the long run they actually hamper public schools improvement.

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An Overview of the American Education System

December 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The United States welcomes hundreds of students who come to study from other countries each year. As many of them will soon discover, the American education system is significantly different than that used by most other countries.

There is no national curriculum that is overseen by the federal government. Instead, each state is responsible for governance of their specific school system. Major decisions are made by the local school board (comprised of people who are either elected by their community members, or appointed to the post by the local government) or, the state’s Department of Education. The main function of the school board is to ensure that state education standards are met, and to set policies.

Grade levels are usually broken down into elementary, middle and high school. Students at these levels are not required to pay tuition, although some education funding is provided for by resident’s tax dollars. If a student decides to go on to study at the university level, tuition costs do come into play. However, there are numerous scholarship programs that assist with the cost of a university education for deserving applicants. In some cases, universities will even offer full scholarships to students who demonstrate that they are able to meet minimum grades throughout their time in college.

Education is required for students until age sixteen, or eighteen depending on the state in which they reside. There are many programs for high school students that allow them to begin attending classes at a local community college during the latter portions of their time in high school. This allows for the option of applying credits earned towards the general education requirements at many universities, which often shortens the overall time spent at university, in addition to giving students a taste of coursework and demands at the university level.

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Putting The Advanced In Testing

December 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Today’s students are used to standardized testing in fact they take them every few years as part of the NCLB program. It helps schools and administrators determine how successful a particular program is and determines the amount of funding the school will receive based on the NCLB standards. Standardized tests are not just part of the NCLB program, in fact there are test designed to help determine if a student has learning disabilities and others given to advanced students. The advanced placement tests are special standardized test that help students get college credit.

Many high schools offer their students advanced placement classes. These classes are high school level classes that cover college level material. They typically require more work from the students and are far more challenging. Home-schooled students can participate in these classes through self-study or via a virtual classroom. AT the end of the school year, testing takes place. Students who score well on the advanced placemat test are given college credit for the course.

Advanced placement classes are available in over 20 subjects. Students who place into these classes can end up with over a years worth of college credit, while still in high school. Scoring high on the AP standardized test is important. The class prep work must be approved by the AP board as well.

Standardized test are not just for getting additional funding for a classroom. Today, students take tests for a wide variety of reasons. Advanced placement standardized testing is a unique way to allow advanced students access to college level material and credits all while still in high school. If your local public school does not offer AP classes, look into classes on line or check with local private schools. Advanced placement is a great way to get a head start on the world of college.

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The GED Stigma

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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.

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The Educational System Known as Online Schooling

November 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Just say the words, “educational system,” and people automatically assume that you are talking about brick and mortar schools. In recent years online colleges, universities and even high schools have started to spring up all over the Internet. These programs like earnmydegree.com allow students to be able to learn while not having to attend a physical school location. However, it might be surprising for many people to learn that even though these schools are online they also have an educational system of their own.

Online schools are very similar to that of regular schools. The structure is so similar that the only difference is that the student is not physically sitting in a desk in front of the teacher. Due to the similarities the school also needs an educational structure to run. So what type of educational structures do online schools have?

To begin with online schools all have a headmaster, principal or dean that oversees the running of the school. This person is in charge of all upper level decisions and plays the role that is similar to the real life person at a physical location of a school.

Another structure that is similar to that of a physical school location is that of the flow of teachers, hiring and getting the information to the students. Teachers and educators are hired in a similar fashion as regular schools. All of these people have to have the proper certifications, degrees and pass all the background. Since there is so much background and regular information needed there is a whole educational administration office.

Even though online schools appear to exist only in the virtual world these school structures are just as complex as regular schools. They all have the same structures from administration, grading systems and headmasters as regular schools do. The structure is just further proof of the similarities between online schools and regular ones.

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