The Role Of The Caregiver In The Infant Classroom

Infant caregivers have many different roles.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2011, child care jobs are on the rise. Of these jobs, many positions include working closely with infants in daycare, child care and early education center classrooms. The role of the teacher, or caregiver, in the infant classroom presents unique challenges in creating an appropriate environment, caring for the young child and designing daily activities.

Creating the Environment

Although at first it would seem that the role of the caregiver starts when the infants are brought into the classroom, in reality it begins much earlier. Preparing or setting up the classroom environment is a preparatory step that any infant caregiver can not ignore. Whether it is on a daily basis before school starts or it is at the beginning of the year, setting up the classroom is key to providing a nurturing, beneficial environment. Organizing a play or exploration space for the infants to crawl or toddle through, strategically placing age safe and appropriate toys within infant reach, creating a welcoming feeding area and designing a nap-time/rest space all contribute to the overall success of the caregiver and the child.

Care Giving

Depending on the length of the class or center day, many infants in early childhood education environments spend the majority of their time with a primary teacher or caregiver. Unlike older children in elementary or high school, the infant teacher plays a substantial role in actually caring for the child. This includes feeding, changing and soothing the infant. Additionally, the caregiver's role extends into carrying, holding and even rocking (in a glider or rocking chair) the child.

Child Development

Infants develop at a rapid pace. By the end of the first three months most infants can grasp at a toy and smile intentionally at a caregiver. Over the next few months, infants begin to improve fine motor skills by holding small toys, sit up and crawl and start to babble and speak. Caregivers in an infant classroom can assist in these types of developmental milestones by providing an array of play options and activities. The infant teacher/caregiver designs activity plans that encourage development across all of the domains (i.e., cognitive, physical, social, emotional) through play and exploration. These may include free discovery periods in which the child can try out new toys, organized activities such as finger painting with pudding or quiet book reading times.

Cleaning

A clean, sanitary environment is crucial to keeping kids healthy. With frequent in-room diaper changes, spitting up and the ever present threat of sickness, maintaining a clean classroom is a daily task that the caregiver must face. Although many schools and centers employ a maintenance staff or have a designated employee who provides major clean up services such as mopping floors, washing walls and vacuuming, the classroom caregiver may be in charge of emptying diaper pails, sanitizing a changing area, washing high chairs and trays, washing bedding and spot cleaning.

Tags: teacher caregiver, child care, infant classroom, infant teacher, play exploration, setting classroom

Day Care Licensing Requirements

Each state requires different qualifications be met before a child care license is granted. These regulations can vary, and being able to locate accurate information is essential. Also, procedures vary depending on the type of facility--child care center or family home. To guarantee that your facility is up to date, be aware of the following general guidelines. Specifics will vary state by state.

Location

It's essential that you know your state's specific rules and regulations regarding child care licensing. Some states have a long list of requirements; however, other states have fewer. Regulations will include things like provider education and facility types.

Types

Most states distinguish center-based care and family child care. The ratio of children to adults will vary by state.

Worker Qualifications

States vary on the requirements a child care worker needs. Some states only require that a worker be 18, while others require post-secondary education.

Obtaining Your License

Each state has a licensing agency that accepts applications. Information on where to obtain your state's licensing contact can be found at the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Childcare and Early Development's website.

Benefits

There are many benefits to becoming a licensed day care provider. Parental preference, tax breaks and being compliant with local laws all make the effort of licensing worth the application process.

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Prepare Students For Writing Toefl

Most test-takers choose to take the interest-based TOEFL exam.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test that helps to determine how well students can understand English in an academic setting. The test is typically required for non-native English speakers who are applying to college in English-speaking countries and is also required by some corporations and government agencies before extending offers of employment. While the writing section of the TOEFL differs slightly between Internet, computer or paper-based versions of the test, there are several ways to help students prepare themselves, no matter which version they choose to take.

Instructions

1. Encourage your students to familiarize themselves with the format of the test, which differs depending on whether they are taking the Internet, computer or paper-based versions. Review the type of tasks they'll be asked to complete, as well as the time limits. The more comfortable the students are with the test's format, the more comfortable and focused they'll be when they begin to write.

2. Review the structure of a basic essay, explaining the function of the introduction, body and conclusion. Encourage your students to format their essay correctly, with indentations, proper spacing and appropriate punctuation. By simply following format guidelines, the students will ensure that the TOEFL graders won't have to struggle to read their writing.

3. Discuss the proper way to structure an argument. TOEFL writing exams typically require a student to argue one side of an issue or the other. Make sure they're prepared for this task by assigning essays that mimic the style of the TOEFL writing section and review the essays with your students, highlighting their successes as well as areas they need to work on. Encourage your students to only argue one side, make one point per paragraph.

4. Explain to your students that they should strive for clarity over creativity. Artistic and imaginative essays have their place, but it's not on the TOEFL. Students will receive higher marks for short, clear sentences, that are grammatically correct than they will for more creative, but error-filled prose.

5. Help students improve their typing skills. While paper-based TOEFL exams are still administered, the internet-based exam has become the most common testing method. If students are slow at typing, it would be beneficial for them to complete a typing class before taking the TOEFL. Proper typing skills would not only improve the students speed, but also their accuracy, reducing the risk of being docked for simple typos.

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Universities In Western Europe That Teach In English

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. There are many universities in western Europe that teach in English.

Western Europe has long been attractive to American students who wish to study abroad. The region offers history, culture and art as well as the opportunity to visit multiple countries via train or automobile. Some students may elect to enroll in either a study abroad program run by their school or an American university located in western Europe. In either case, the majority of classes will most likely be taught in English.

University College Utrecht

University College Utrecht (UCU) is located in the Netherlands, in the city of Utrecht and is a division of Utrecht University. According to the school's website, it offers a smaller setting for students and gives them freedom to create a personal course of study. UCU reports that a 2009 Academic Ranking of World Universities from Shanghai University found Utrecht University to be the highest ranked Dutch university and the 11th-ranked European university.

The American Higher Learning Commission has given UCU its highest reviews.

University College Utrecht

P.O. Box 80125

3508 TC Utrecht

The Netherlands

011-31-30-253-9111

uu.nl

American College Dublin

American College Dublin (ACD) began in 1993 as a non-profit educational trust, and has full charitable status in Ireland. The Dublin campus is housed in three restored Georgian residences, one of which was a home of Oscar Wilde. On its website the school reports it combines the traditions of American and Irish education to offer quality international education to students from all over the globe.

At ACD students take five classes per semester, each of which is worth six credits. Classes are small and students are encouraged to engage in discussion and debate. ACD also offers internships for its students. ACD is accredited in both Ireland and the United States.

American College Dublin

2 Merrion Square N.

Dublin 2, Ireland

011-353-01-676-8939

amcd.ie

American University of Paris

The American University of Paris (AUP) was established in 1962 by Lloyd DeLamater. It is located in eight buildings in Paris' seventh arrondissement (district), near the Eiffel Tower.

The school has 63 full-time and 33 part-time faculty members; according to its website 80 percent of AUP's full-time professors hold doctoral degrees and all speak a minimum of two languages. Class sizes are held to a maximum of 14 students per faculty member. AUP has just under 1,000 students from countries all over the globe. The school is accredited in the United States by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

American University of Paris

31 Avenue Bosquet

75007 Paris, France

011-33-01-4062-0717

aup.edu

Tags: American College, American College Dublin, American University Paris, College Dublin, College Utrecht

Make Fake Money

Counterfeiting is illegal. We all know that. Making play money for children, however, is perfectly legal and tons of fun. Children love to play make-believe, and pretend money makes their games much more fun. You don't have to run out and purchase a wad of fake money. You don't even have to use the money from a Monopoly board game. Making fake money is actually quite easy and cheap. In fact, have your children join in the fun.

Instructions

1. Fold a sheet of paper from top to bottom. Then fold it the same way again. Next, fold the same piece of paper from left to right. Crease the sides and unfold. You should now have 8 equal sections divided by folded line creases on a piece of paper. These sections will be bills.

2. Draw a face in the middle of each section. This can be as detailed as you want or as simple as you wish. A smiley face works just as good as anything. You could also cut out small pictures of your child for a really unique look.

3. Write the bill amount in each corner of each section. In each of the 4 rows, there are 2 bills. The first row should be labeled "$1," the second row "$5," the third row "$10" and the fourth row "$20."

4. Turn the sheet of paper over to draw on the back of the bill. Draw a simple flower in the middle of each bill, and remember to label the dollar amounts in each corner again.

5. Place your sheet of paper between 2 laminating sheets. You can pick these up at any discount store. This step is not crucial, but it will make your fake money last much longer; it will resist liquid, ripping and dirt.

6. Cut each bill out with scissors. The folded creases should be your guide. Once you have them cut out, there should be two of each bill. If you want more, simply make another sheet.

Tags: each bill, sheet paper, each corner, each section, fake money

Does A Student Loan Offset Delay Your Refund

An offset can delay your tax return.

Failure to repay a student loan can lead to a federal tax refund offset, which could delay your tax refund check. An offset occurs when a portion of your federal income tax refund is withheld to settle an outstanding federal or state debt, such as student loans or delinquent taxes. The Treasury Offset Program, also known as TOPS, is a federal program administered by the Department of Treasury that collects tax obligations and other delinquent obligations, such as student loan defaults. The Treasury department does not provide a standard time frame in which taxpayers can expect their refund following an offset, as the length in delay is contingent on a few factors.

Student Loan Default

Federal student loans reach default status when a loan holder fails to make payments for 270 days or more, according to the Department of Education. Once an account holder surpasses this point, his loan servicer can submit a request to offset his tax refund to collect on the defaulted federal student loan. Private student loans serviced through third-party companies are not eligible for the TOPS program. However, federal tax returns are still available for garnishment if you default on a private student loan.

Filing Method and Status

The length in delay for receiving a federal tax refund following an offset depends on the method and filing status a taxpayer uses to file his taxes. For example, if a taxpayer files his return electronically, the Department of Treasury processes his offset and issues a refund quicker than if he submitted his tax return through the mail. Additionally, married taxpayers who file jointly and are subject to an offset may experience a longer delay with their tax return than a single taxpayer because the Department of Treasury must obtain the non-obligated spouse's tax information. Non-obligated spouses, also known as injured spouses, are not exempt from offset when a couple files a joint tax return. The non-obligated spouse's tax return also is subject to offset if the obligated spouse's return does not fully cover the required offset amount.

Injured Spouse

Non-obligated spouses can recover their portion of a joint tax return that was offset by the treasury department. An injured spouse must complete a federal Form 8379 to recover her share of the refund, which the IRS computes for her. Allow up to eight weeks to receive you allocation request. The form 8379 is available at the IRS website or a local IRS servicer (see Resources).

Considerations

According to the Department of Education, the amount subject to offset for a student loan includes only the amount of earned income tax credit due to a taxpayer. That is, a taxpayer's tax refund usually is offset no more than the amount he expects to receive for the earned income credit. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund following an offset using the IRS's "Where's My Refund" tool (see Resources).

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Design A Concept Map

Concept mapping helps students organize complex information.

Mapping out the relationships between concepts helps educators and students organize knowledge. Concept maps are particularly helpful for visual learners; use this mapping technique for brainstorming activities, collaborative work, integrating a current lesson with previously learned knowledge and as a form of taking notes. Students enjoy creating concept maps by hand or with a computer program, and they will find this method useful for organizing complex information and multiple important concepts. Educators enjoy using concept maps to plan and deliver a lesson plan systematically.

Instructions

1. Gather information that will be organized in the concept map. This may require researching multiple sources. Determine the most important concepts that will be mapped in detail.

2. Consider an intuitive and effective way to map out the information connecting to the central concepts. Some information is presented best as a hierarchy with the information flowing down from the central concepts. Other information works best in either a spider or cluster format with information radiating in all directions from the central concepts.

3. If you are creating the concept map by hand, write the central concept or concepts on a page and enclose the concepts in a box or circle.

4. If using concept mapping software, follow the software's directions to enter the central concepts.

5. In an intuitive manner, write the concepts that directly relate to the central concepts around them. Enclose them in either a box or circle.

6. Draw arrows from the central concepts to the relating concepts. On each line of the arrows, concisely explain the relationship. For example, if the central concept is "President of the United States," a relating concept could be "White House," and the word "lives" connects them along the arrow. If the concept map's central concept is "Atom," a relating concept could be "Electron," and the word "includes" connects these concepts along the arrow.

7. Extend the concept map by writing additional relating concepts to all of the information currently on the map. Enclose in a box or circle and continue to connect with an arrow and explain the relationship.

8. Once the concept map is finished, evaluate its effectiveness in organizing and relaying information. Edit and improve the map, if necessary, to develop a more useful concept map.

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Harvard Business School Programs

Harvard Business School offers master's and doctoral degrees, as well as workshops for executives.

Since its inception in 1908, Harvard Business School has been a leader in business education. The school's website notes that Harvard is home to the world's first MBA program, and, in 2010, the school celebrated its 100th commencement. In addition to the MBA, Harvard Business School offers more than 60 workshops for mid-level to senior-level executives, as well as doctoral programs in business areas including economics and organizational behavior.

MBA

The two-year MBA program at Harvard Business School uses case studies and group discussions to teach business fundamentals. Students complete required courses such as finance, marketing, strategy and leadership as part of an assigned section of 90 fellow first-year students. The second year is spent taking elective courses in areas including accounting, management, negotiation and finance. There is no work experience requirement for prospective MBA students; Harvard Business School seeks applicants who are active in their communities, have gained leadership experience in school and are academically prepared for a rigorous course of business study.

Executive Education

There are some 60 executive education programs available at Harvard Business School. Executive education programs are workshops that are geared toward professionals with significant managerial or leadership experience; the specific years of experience required varies by program. Executives can select from topics such as financial management, marketing and social enterprise. Programs are held at Harvard Business School, as well as locations in Europe, India and China. Applicants must meet admission criteria of the specific program to which they intend to apply and must be nominated by their current employer.

Doctoral

Students interested in earning doctoral degrees in business can select from nine programs at Harvard Business School, including accounting, organizational behavior, strategy and business economics. All programs are full time and can be completed in four or five years. The doctoral degree programs at Harvard Business School are designed for individuals seeking careers in academia as teachers and researchers. Applicants need to have a working knowledge of statistics and economics, as well as be self-disciplined; prospective students submit recommendations, transcripts and a resume along with a personal statement.

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Become A Certified Public Accountant

A certified public accountant (CPA) is a financial professional who has passed a certifying exam, showing a high level of competency in the field of accounting. CPAs may work for corporations or in private practice as consultants. In general, a person does not need to be a CPA in order to work in accounting, but the credential may be required by some employers. In addition, the CPA credential can mean higher pay and more responsibility. Certification requirements for CPAs vary by state and jurisdiction.

Instructions

1. Check the requirements of your state accounting board to see what the specifics are for eligibility to become a CPA. You will need a specific number of hours in training and experience to sit for the CPA exam.

2. Go to a university and obtain a Bachelor's degree if you do not already have one. Choose a major that is related to accounting or finance and take as many courses as you can that are relevant to accounting regardless of your major, making sure to reach the number of credits required by your state accounting board.

3. Find employment in the accounting field, ideally working directly under the supervision of a CPA, if work experience is required to sit for the CPA exam in your state. Work at least the minimum number of required hours.

4. Apply to take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant examination that is offered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Get a passing score on the test.

5. Follow your state accounting board's procedures to submit paperwork to obtain a license to practice as a CPA. Some states allow accountants to take the CPA exam after meeting the educational requirement but then require additional work experience after passing the CPA exam before applicants are eligible for licensure.

6. Complete your state board's required number of continuing education units each year to maintain your CPA license.

Tags: your state, accounting board, state accounting, state accounting board, your state accounting, Certified Public

Survive Dorm Bathrooms

When you first move into a college dorm, the biggest adjustment you might have to make is to using the dorm bathroom. Only the luckiest of dorm dwellers, at very few colleges, have private or semi-private bathrooms. Most people living in a dorm have to share a bathroom with dozens of other students.

Instructions

1. Find out right away if the bathroom is coed if you live in a coed dormitory. Many coed dorms separate guys and girls by floor or wing and keep bathrooms separate. But some coed dorms have guys and girls living next door to each other. In these dorms, the bathrooms could be single sex or coed.

2. Get over the shock if you find out your bathroom is coed. At first it feels very uncomfortable, shortly it starts to feel normal. Coed bathrooms do not usually have urinals and if they do they are inside the stalls. In time you get to know all of the other people who share the bathroom and see the opposite sex like sometimes annoying siblings.

3. Learn the cleaning schedule. Dorm bathrooms sometimes get cleaned during the week, but not on the weekend. Find out what the cleaning schedule is for your bathroom and try to coordinate your bathroom use to right after a cleaning. Of course you have to use the toilets in between, but time showers and other extended bathroom use to follow a visit from the cleaning person.

4. Wear shower shoes, flip flops or sandals when going into the bathroom if you are barefoot. Keep your flip flops on when taking a shower to avoid getting athletes foot, staph and other infections that can be transmitted from shower floors.

5. Use common sense. Assess the cleanliness of the bathroom before using it. If someone throws up in a bathroom stall on a Friday night, and the cleaning person isn't coming until Monday, consider putting on rubber gloves and cleaning it yourself. If you don't want to clean it, notify the Resident Director or whoever is in charge of the building to see if they can call in a cleaning person.

Tags: cleaning person, your bathroom, bathroom coed, cleaning schedule, coed dorms, flip flops, guys girls

What To Expect From A Pharmacy School Interview

Receiving an admission interview to pharmacy school is an impressive accomplishment. Unfortunately, it's still a big step away from your goal of getting accepted to pharmacy school. This short chance to meet with a representative of the school boils down years of preparation and plays a critical role in the admission committee's decision. It's vital you enter the interview as ready as possible.

Format

You can expect the general format of a pharmacy school interview to fit the standard interview format. You'll sit down with a representative of the institution, for about half an hour, to answer questions about your experiences, to talk about your interest in the field and the particular institution and to ask questions about their program. At a pharmacy school interview, of course, all these subjects will be tied to pharmacy, with focus a on your related coursework, work experiences and questions about why you want to pursue study and a career in this field. Pharmacy schools often have applicants interview with two people, one of whom is a student at the school. Group interviews are occasionally held.

What They're Looking For

There are a number of traits you can expect the pharmacy school interviewer to be searching for throughout the interview, many of which you can shape your presentation to show. A first impression about your professionalism and level of maturity will often be made based on whether you have arrived on time and based on your appearance. A clean and formal look, with minimal jewelry and perfume, is ideal. Schools on the west coast usually expect less formality than on the east coast.

The interviewer is also looking for a candidate who has the analytic mind and determination to do well in pharmacy school, and the integrity, compassion and interpersonal skills to do well in a pharmacy job. You should be able to articulate your experiences and strengths clearly, without seeming arrogant. You should also be prepared to show your interest in the school, by explaining what it is about the school that appeals to you and by asking specific questions about the school's program, their curriculum and student life. You can prepare for this by researching the school and brainstorming a few questions.

Specific Schools

Resources like the Student Doctor Network, where students recount details and questions from each of their interviews, can help you prepare for your interview, and anticipate parts and questions that might have caught you off guard.

Tags: pharmacy school, questions about, about your, about school, pharmacy school

Learn English In Germany

In recent decades, English has become the international language of diplomacy as well as technology. Germany, which boasts Europe's biggest economy, teaches English to its students beginning in elementary school. Adults who want to learn English in Germany have a variety of means and methods available to help them acquire skills in the language.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Enroll in a language school. Germany has language schools in both larger cities and smaller towns. (Reference 1) These schools offer curricula designed to fit the needs of German speakers learning English. Conversational English classes are offered, as are classes designed to teach business English to businesspeople.

2. Find an English-language club. Throughout Germany there are clubs that meet regularly for Germans who want to communicate in English. (Reference 2) Members of these clubs discuss current issues, books and participate in group activities.

3. Locate English-speaking foreigners in Germany. The United States, United Kingdom and Canada all have clubs for their nationals residing in Germany. Many of these clubs welcome Germans. (Resources 1, 2, 3)

4. Watch American and British television shows. German television offers daily viewings of English shows for its customers. Many of these shows have German subtitles.

5. Obtain English-language reading material. German libraries have many books in English, and they can help build you vocabulary and comprehension. Also, examine English-language newspapers and magazines.

Tags: English Germany, Many these, these clubs

Checklist For Proofreading A Paper

Proofreading is not as easy as it sounds and could involve lots of work depending on the quality of the paper submitted.

For a document to be well-written and readable, it must be proofread. This is the final step in good writing and is not to be confused with revising or editing. Proofreading covers grammar, spelling and punctuation and is the process of reviewing a final draft paper to ensure there are no surface errors. Editing is a more in-depth process that may alter structure and flow of the text. Proofreading is the step that follows editing and it does not change the writing style or substance of the paper.

Spelling

Using a ruler or blank sheet of paper to cover the paper to be proofread, the paper should be checked one line at a time. Reading out loud helps to spot the mistakes in spelling. This aspect of proofreading includes: incorrect spelling of words, use of incorrect words and misused words. Highlight the errors in spelling as you proofread the paper. A second reading will help to spot any incorrect spellings that you overlooked in the first reading.

Punctuation

When proofreading to check punctuations, check abbreviations and acronyms and ensure they have the correct capitalization, construction and punctuation. Ensure that each sentence begins with capitalized letters, that proper nouns are capitalized and that all titles of books and journals are capitalized. Every sentence should end with a full stop or exclamation mark or question mark. Punctuation marks should be used in the right places.

Grammar and Usage

Grammar problems should be addressed before the paper reaches the proofreading stage. Check subject-predicate agreement. Sentences should be complete rather than fragmented. Correct run-on sentences by making them separate sentences or by separating them with the right punctuation. Unbalanced sentences having parallel or un-parallel construction should be corrected.

Review

When setting out to proofread a paper, the tools that will be required include a thesaurus, dictionary, citation manual and grammar book. All corrections need to be entered into the computer. Then the entire process starting with the spelling check has to be repeated. Mistakes do get missed in the first proofreading, but can be spotted in the second due to familiarity with the paper. Read the document line by line out loud to see if it makes sense.

Tags: proofread paper

Understand The Consequences For Nonrepayment Of A Student Loan

Knowing understand the consequences of not paying your student loan is key to protecting your credit score. Some students have a hard time making payments and default on their loans, setting in motion a whole series of events that will negatively impact their lives for years to come.

Instructions

1. Make payments as best you can. Stay in constant contact with your lender. Request extensions for circumstances out of your control. You may be able to extend your payments with little or no penalty.

2. Consider applying for determent or forbearance of your loans. Determent occurs when your lender allows you to postpone payment on your principal temporarily. Forbearance occurs when your lender postpones or reduces your payments, but the interest still accumulates.

3. Consider applying for a consolidation loan. This would allow you have lower interest rates and only one monthly payment to one lender.

4. Know the potential consequences of default. They include: Being turned into a collection agency, a lawsuit, your wages may be garnished, the federal government will withhold social security benefits from you and defaulting on your loans will go permanently on your credit record.

Tags: your lender, Consider applying, occurs when, occurs when your, when your

The Average Salary For A Bachelor'S Degree In Education

A bachelor of education (BEd) degree allows recipients to work in primary or secondary schools once they receive required certification or licensure. The average salary for people who hold a BEd depends on experience and who they work for.

Experience

In July 2009, bachelor of education recipients averaged $33,836 during their first year of employment, $36,415 for years one to four, $40,647 for years five to nine, $47,899 for years 10 to 19 and $53,927 for 20 years of experience or more.

Employer Type

In July 2009, the highest paying employer of bachelor of education holders was the federal government, which paid an average salary of $62,857. Bachelor of education degree holders who were self-employed reported lowest average pay at $26,500.

Specialty

In July 2009, people with bachelor's degrees in education who taught grades five through nine earned the highest average salary at $42,443. Those who taught secondary school or grades nine through 12 averaged the lowest at $39,320.

Location

In July 2009, the states with the highest average pay for bachelor of education recipients were Illinois at $60,000, California at $58,673 and New York at $50,751.

Benefits

In July 2009, many bachelor of education holders received additional benefits that increased their overall compensation packages, including between 1.5 and 2.7 weeks of paid vacation time and average annual bonuses of between $1,000 and $,5500.

Tags: July 2009, bachelor education, average salary, bachelor education, bachelor education holders, bachelor education recipients, education degree

Take An Online Calculus Class

An online calculus class allows you to cover the course material at your own pace rather than at a pace the instructor chooses. Other benefits include starting the course at a time other than the traditional semester start times, no set class schedule and one-on-one interaction with an instructor, which may not be available in a large classroom setting.

Instructions

1. Sign up for Extended Learning at San Francisco State University and register for Online Calculus. Take the self-test to be accepted into the class. After being accepted, you will have access to a forum the instructor monitors, making this course fully interactive. Complete the course and transfer the credit to your school.

2. Take Distance Calculus through Shorter University. Start the course any time and go at your own pace; the course is based on a 14-week class, but you can finish sooner, if desired, or take up to eight months to complete the coursework. Start the course as soon as you register online.

3. Complete the the calculus coursework available through MIT's OpenCourseWare program. This is not an online calculus class, but rather the program allows you access to MIT course materials. You won't receive credit for completing the course work, but you can still learn calculus just as MIT students do through access to lectures, notes, assignments and exams.

Tags: course time, Online Calculus, online calculus, online calculus class, Start course

Courses To Take To Become A Speech Therapist

Speech therapists (also known as speech-language pathologists) work with a variety of different age groups, from the very young to the very old, to treat speech and language disorders. To get started with this career, you need to have a way with people and a way with textbooks. Most speech therapy positions require a professional master's degree and challenging prerequisite courses at the undergraduate level.

While in High School

During your high school years, select courses designed to hone your communication skills and deepen your knowledge of science. In its "Fact Sheet for Speech-Language Pathology," the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends that high school students take biology, physics, psychology, social sciences and math. Because communication with others is so important in professional practice, take English classes to improve your writing skills and public speaking courses to work on oral presentation.

During Your Undergraduate Years

You don't need to major in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) as an undergraduate to get into a speech-language pathology master's program. According to ASHA's graduate school planning document, many schools accept students with different educational backgrounds. Some schools require that students complete certain prerequisite courses prior to admission, while others place students in modified master's programs that include missing prerequisites and take longer to finish. If you're considering other career directions and want to major in something else, investigate the master's programs that interest you and have a look at their prerequisites. Consider whether you can get the prerequisites you might need in your chosen undergraduate program and college. Most master's programs look for solid foundations in anatomy, physiology, physical sciences, psychology and mathematics. Admissions committees also look for language-related courses, including linguistics, phonetics and semantics. Many want to see speech and hearing sciences coursework on your transcript. Attending a university that has a speech and hearing sciences department is strongly recommended, since universities without these programs usually don't offer these specialized courses.

As a Master's Student

The focus of your studies narrows with admission to a professional program. Anatomy and physiology courses consider body parts important for language and swallowing. Psychology classes look at the nature of communication disorders. A math and physical science background will be necessary when studying acoustics and sound waves. Master's programs also offer courses focused on clinical practice, such as patient counseling and disorder evaluation techniques.

Consider Taking a Foreign Language

For the best future career opportunities, gain fluency in a second language. If you're not sure which language to learn, consider what's commonly spoken in the area where you want to work. A considerable number of Americans speak Spanish, for example, so learning Spanish in high school and working on your skills throughout university is a wise career move.

Tags: master programs, hearing sciences, high school, master programs that, prerequisite courses, programs that

Courses In Crisis Management

A crisis in the workplace can cause stress and anxiety among employees.

Crisis management is defined as the process that a company goes through to deal with an event that could cause threat or harm to the employees or the business as a whole. Courses in crisis management are offered in universities and learning centers around the world to help managers deal with a crisis in any capacity. These courses vary depending on the particular type of crisis management being taught.

Crisis Communication

Courses in crisis communication help managers communicate better with employees who may be affected by a particular crisis. In this type of class, managers role-play with other managers to see how a situation can pan out in the event of a crisis. This type of course helps managers better understand the psychology of employees and handle employees undergoing stress.

External Coordination

External coordination courses help managers and public relations employees better understand handle outside interests in the event of a crisis. Those who take this course will learn deal with other companies and the press during a crisis. External coordination courses are not meant to directly aid employees, but they do help managers understand maintain the company's reputation in the event of a crisis.

Crisis Simulation

In crisis simulation courses, managers team up with leaders in their staff to work through simulated crises to better plan for the event of a crisis actually happening. In crisis simulation courses, participants role-play with one another to better understand the intricacies of a crisis and how it might affect individual departments in the company. This kind of course also walks participants through the life cycle of a crisis to help them better plan for one.

Crisis Management Basics

In this course, participants are taught the general overview of a crisis and some tactics that can help mitigate a crisis. Participants learn the basics of communication and delegate responsibility in the event of a crisis.

Tags: event crisis, help managers, better understand, deal with, better plan, coordination courses, Crisis Management

Get Out Of A Cosigned Student Loan In Divorce

If you are a co-signer on your spouse's student loan, you will not be able to end your repayment obligation just because your marriage ends. Even if your divorce decree stipulates that your spouse is responsible for paying off her loan, her lender is not bound by this agreement and can pursue you for payment. You can minimize your risk by including language in your divorce decree that gives you recourse against your former spouse if she doesn't make her loan payments.

Instructions

1. Speak to your lawyer about the student loan debt. As part of the divorce process, both you and your spouse should turn over information about your finances, including your debts, to your respective attorneys. Your attorney should help you work out a fair settlement that allocates responsibility for your spouse's student loan repayment.

2. Ask your lawyer to include language in your property settlement that allows you to take your spouse back to court if he fails to make his student loan payments as agreed. If your credit is damaged or your wages are garnished by the student loan lender, you can take legal action against your former spouse and receive compensation for your losses. Your lawyer should also include a "hold harmless" clause that prevents your ex-spouse from attempting to make you responsible for the debt at a later date.

3. Monitor your credit report. If your former spouse falls behind on her payments, her lender may put this information on your credit report. Let you lawyer know if you find out that your spouse is not making payments on the debt so that you can go back to court and ask the judge to enforce your property settlement.

Tags: your spouse, student loan, former spouse, your credit, your former, your former spouse

Requirements To Receive A Pell Grant

A federal Pell grant is given to students who need help to pay their college tuition. The money is distributed by the Department of Education. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 per school semester if they qualify. This amount can change depending on the amount of funds available. The federal Pell grant is a good resource for those students and parents who can't afford college tuition.

Significance

Those who apply for a Pell grant are screened to determine if their income guidelines meet the standard. Each applicant must prove that they have a financial need. Once that is determined, they may receive enough funds to pay their entire college tuition. The best thing about a Pell grant is that it does not have to be repaid. It is considered federal money.

Features

Pell grants are available to those who have a high school diploma or GED. They must also be a U.S citizen or permanent resident. An applicant's grades are also taken into consideration and once approved for a Pell grant, each applicant must maintain a certain grade point average while attending college. The applicant also cannot be in default on any school loans.

Function

The Pell grant can be used for tuition, books or other college expenses. In order to determine the amount the applicant should receive, a formula called the expected family contribution (EFC) is used. If the EFC is a low number, that means the applicant's need is great and they may receive the full grant. If the applicant's EFC number is high, their need is not as great and they may receive less grant money.

Benefits

In some cases, if you have a significant amount of medical expenses, you may inform the financial aid office to which you are applying and they may determine that you qualify for more aid. If you have a disability, this should also be indicated as this may affect the amount that you receive. The financial aid office may determine that as a result of your disability, you have incurred expenses and the amount of your aid may increase.

Effects

In some cases if you have a significant amount of money in the bank, this may affect the amount that you receive. The award that you receive may be more if your family's income is below $20,000. Pell grants are also awarded during the summer term, but the amount that you receive may be less.

Tags: Pell grant, that receive, amount that, amount that receive, college tuition, they receive

Merck Educational Grants

Merck grants fund several education programs and scholarship opportunities.

Merck is a large, United States-based, pharmaceutical company that offers a variety of grants through the Merck Company Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1957 to support programs in four areas: science education, increasing access to medicine in under-served populations, encouraging and supporting innovation in the pharmaceutical industry and assisting community programs that help improve people's quality of life, such as disaster relief. The Foundation offers several types of educational scholarships, grants and assistance to educators.

UNCF/Merck Science Initiative

Merck Foundation educational grants support a program called the UNCF/Merck Science Initiative, which is run in conjunction with the United Negro College Fund. This program offers 37 annual scholarships and fellowships to African-American students pursuing studies in biological and chemical sciences. The scholarships are awarded to undergraduates, graduates and post-doctoral candidates on the basis of achievement. The awards are granted following a national competition and provide training opportunities, extensive mentorship and financial support. The undergraduate scholarships include a paid internship at Merck Research Laboratories.

Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholars Program

The Ciencia Scholars program is run in conjunction with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and is supported by grants from the Merck Foundation. The program provides 50 Hispanic high school students from Brownsville, Texas; Elizabeth, New Jersey; and Los Angeles, California, with college scholarships worth $42,500. This includes $20,000 in tuition funds and up to $22,000 to work in a paid internship at Merck. All scholarship winners also receive a Merck mentor. Applicants must plan on majoring in a science or technology subject. The Ciencia programs also awards 125 $2,000 scholarships to Hispanic students living anywhere in the country. These national scholarships also come with access to a dedicated website that provides support and networking opportunities.

Merck Family Fund

The Merck Family Fund provides large-scale grants to educational organizations, non-governmental organizations and government bodies. These may be used to pay for providing education and educational opportunities. Money is available for work, including educational work, promoting environmental sustainability and for community transformation and empowerment. Interested organizations must begin by sending a two-page letter of inquiry describing the project, the project budget and the size of grant needed from Merck. The Fund will review the letters and, if the project is appropriate, invite the organization to write a full proposal for funding.

Merck Institute for Science Education

The Merck Foundation also provides funding and grant support to the Merck Institute for Science Education -- MISE. MISE runs two Resource Centers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that offer a variety of resources to elementary and middle school teachers. Resources include books, journals, curriculum materials and videotapes. While MISE itself does not offer grants, teachers may apply for classroom assistance from MISE volunteers. This can include mentoring students in science subjects, free classroom visits, provision of materials and lessons and in-school astronomy programs with the use of a portable planetarium.

Tags: Merck Foundation, Ciencia Scholars, conjunction with, Family Fund, from Merck, Institute Science

Compensate For A Low Gmat Score

A low GMAT score can be heartbreaking, but there are ways to compensate for it.

Business school at the graduate level is a competitive environment, and the heavy competition begins at the admissions process. For every business graduate studies program there are more applicants than the program can accept, and every prospective student needs any advantage she can get. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score is a big part of what the admissions office takes into consideration, and those who scored low on the exam may need to do other things to compensate for their test results.

Instructions

Pre-Admissions Process

1. Retake the GMAT if your school allows it. Some business school programs will consider two sets of scores in the admissions process. Check with your intended program's admissions office for their application guidelines with regards for sending in more than one GMAT score.

2. Take higher-level math courses to compensate for a low GMAT quantitative score. Class credit in statistics or calculus courses will inform the admissions board of your knowledge of quantitative problem-solving.

3. Take higher-level writing or speech courses to compensate for a low GMAT verbal score. Credit in classes that particularly deal with reading comprehension and expressive skills may overcome a low verbal score in the eyes of the admissions board.

4. Get experience in the business world. An internship or summer job may give you the additional boost you need for program admission. Experience at a corporation or office will also expand your network of contacts in the business world and give you possible personal references to include on your application.

During the Admissions Process

5. Have more than the required number of personal recommendations. Extra personal recommendation letters included with your application will impress the admissions board, especially if your references are alumni of the program or people in the industry.

6. Ensure your admissions essay is free of grammatical or stylistic errors.

Write a spectacular admissions essay. Look at example essays for inspiration. Bloomberg Businessweek (businessweek.com) has a few example business school application essays available on their website.

7. Explain your low GMAT score in your essay, but don't veer too far from your original topic.

8. Triple-check your admissions essay for grammatical or stylistic errors. Have it proofread by someone else. Also check your application forms for any errors or omissions.

Tags: admissions board, admissions essay, GMAT score, your application, admissions office, admissions process

Write A Letter To The Government

The federal government is based in Washington D.C.

The United States government exists at every level to represent the American people. There are a number of officials you can contact at varying levels to voice your concerns or put forward an issue. Local government is the easiest place to start, because local representatives will be more familiar with regional issues and events. You also have a local representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, and your state has two in the Senate. And at the top of the system you can even take your concerns directly to the president of the United States.

Instructions

1. Look up "Government or State Agencies" in the local phone directory and get the names, addresses and phone numbers of your representatives. You can also find their details online.

2. Write or telephone your local state legislators -- it is their job to listen to you. State legislators are your most local representatives in government, and as such they are the most likely to listen to your concerns. They are likely to understand issues and will have time to deal with them in depth.

3. Get in touch with the governor of the state. He will have an official residence in the state and an office you can write to, and the addresses will be listed in the phone book. Each also has her own page on the U.S. government's official website and should be easy to find online. Governors are the highest nonfederal politicians in the state, and as far as local issues go, they are the top people you can go to.

4. The House and the Senate meet in the Capitol building in Washington D.C.

Take your issue to the federal government. There are 435 congressmen in the House of Representatives, each working for a particular region, so they are probably the most accessible part of the federal government you can take your concerns to. Each congressman has an office you can contact in Washington, D.C., as well as in your local area, and their numbers and addresses will be listed in the phone directory. Alternatively, you can find their details on the official House of Representatives website. However, they are often encouraged to vote in the same way as the rest of their Democratic or Republican colleagues, which leaves them less room to fight for individual causes.

5. Write a letter to one of your senators. Senators sit above the House of Representatives, and there are two for every state. They will have an office in your state as well as one in Washington, and these addresses will be listed in the telephone directory as well as on the official Senate website. Traditionally, they are not under as much pressure as representatives to vote along Democratic or Republican party lines, allowing them a greater degree of individuality in dealing with issues.

6. You can contact the president directly at the White House.

Take your concerns right to the top. You can write directly to the president or vice president of the United States. You can write to the Office of the President at The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20500. You can also phone the White House comments line at 202-456-1111. There is also a form to submit comments on the official White House website.

Tags: your concerns, House Representatives, White House, addresses will, addresses will listed

Fill Out A College Application Form

All American!

Yes, college is becoming more competitive. But so are you! You are SURROUNDED by the resources to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

You've already picked colleges for which you qualify academically. Everybody's got the same scores on their SAT and about the same grades. So what now? Your college wants to know that you're dynamic, social, and well-rounded. Here's what to do:

Instructions

1. Step 1 - FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. Many applications are online now, and have very specific directions. Some are placed there solely to test whether you can follow them! So if they say 472 word essays, that's what you give them. Three adjectives which describe you? Give them 3 ADJECTIVES. (I've seen some CRAZY questions on these common apps.)

2. Step 2 - COMMON APP QUESTIONS. There are many common app questions, and questions in general which are BEGGING for originality or a sense of humor. Use yours, and don't be afraid of it! Colleges are looking for the best fit, and so should you. Don't be vulgar, racist, or over the top, and you'll be fine. Example I saw on a common app: "Your favorite book and why?" Answer: "1984 By George Orwell. Because thank God, it didn't come true!"

3. Step 3 - ESSAYS. Remember, admissions officers are people too. They, like your SAT essay readers, will give the essay that you spent HOURS on maybe 2 minutes of their time. So make it count. Fill it with buzzwords they want to see - specific things you know and like about their school. Example: Instead of, "I really like molecular biology and I know your school is good at that" try "Professor Glugenschophel's paper on The Mating Habits of Amoeba piqued my interest in the program, and I also noticed that you sponsor internships at Merck, a company which I would definitely work for." Get me?

4. Step 4 - VIDEO!!! That's right - a well-kept secret of the Ivy bound kids is that they're using that webcam to separate themselves from the crowd. Get in touch with your admissions officers and ask if you can send a video response to essay questions or scholarship questions. Make a video, and send it in! You're on that cam all the time anyway. Use it for something...well...USEFUL! There's more kids doing this than you think, but not so many that it won't make you look like a total GOD to an admissions officer. Take it from someone who graduated Ivy League -- use the resources you have in an imaginative way, and you can't go wrong. Good luck!

Tags: admissions officers, from crowd

Write A Personal Goal Statement

Your personal goal statement can relate to your education, career, family, financial situation or anything else that is important to you in your personal life. The important thing to remember is that it is your personal statement and it should relate to the factors that are relevant to you. This article shows you write a personal goal statement for yourself.

Instructions

1. Launch a spreadsheet program such as MS Excel. Create columns for monthly goals for the next year and yearly goals for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on far ahead you want to plan.

2. Determine what you want your personal goal statement to include. Choose topics such as goals related to education, finances, family, career or any other topics that are important to your personal life.

3. Create a row in your spreadsheet for each topic you have chosen. Be as specific and detailed as possible in describing each topic area.

4. Decide your goals for each area. For example, if you want to complete a degree or further your education, add that goal to the appropriate cell in the row for education.

5. Do some research, if necessary, to learn achieve the goals you have listed. For the education example, research the local community colleges or universities to determine how long it would take to earn the degree you are seeking. Include that information in a "Notes" column at the far right side of your worksheet.

6. Launch a word processing program such as MS Word. Using your spreadsheet as a guide, write a paragraph for each goal you've listed. Include how long it will take you to achieve your goal as well as the information you have discovered in your research.

Tags: goal statement, your personal, each topic, goals next, important your, important your personal, personal goal

Crna School Interview Tips

Stamp out pre-interview stress by being prepared.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are at the forefront of medical training and technology. The schools offering CRNA programs are highly competitive, and to narrow down the large number of qualified applicants, they arrange for in-person interviews with their top selections. These interviews can be quite stressful. Take a moment to congratulate yourself for being offered an interview. It's a major accomplishment, and it means you're one step closer to achieving your goal. There's no guarantee that you'll be ready for every question your interviewers throw your way, but careful preparation can increase your chances of impressing the admissions committee and securing your place in the program.

Answer the Commonplace Questions

The commonplace questions come straight out of the interview textbook, and tend to take up more than half of the allotted interview time. Consider these questions your softballs. You have every opportunity to knock them out of the park. Sit down and write out the answers to these questions: Why do you want to be a CNRA? Can you explain what the daily routine of a CNRA is like? How are you prepared to finance your education? Is your family/spouse supportive of your educational goals? What makes you sure that our program is the right one for you?

Prepare for the Technical Questions

It doesn't hurt to review your nursing school materials.

Anesthesiology is a very advanced and precise area of study. You can be sure the admissions committee is interested in gauging your experience level and your subject knowledge. If you've worked in an ICU or ER, you will have the experience and know the answers. Your resume, grades, experience and skills have brought you to the interview. Let your confidence in your matter-of-expertise guide you through any technical questions. The interviewers will also give you at least one question that you will not be able to answer correctly. A confident person can admit their ignorance in this instance and highlight it as an opportunity to learn.

Prepare to be Unprepared

You don't always have to know the answer.

When that dreaded moment arrives and you don't know the answer to a question your CRNA interviewer has asked, don't be surprised. Instead, be prepared. Before your interview, sit down and write out how you will respond to a complicated question about vasoactive drips or cardiogenic shock that leaves you stumped. You don't want to stammer and stare at the floor before you mutter, "I don't know." Tell the interviewer what an interesting question it was but that you don't know the answer. Often, the question that stumps you is intended to, and the committee is truly interested in seeing if you respond with character and honesty or with deception.

Prepare your Questions for the School

Create a checklist of questions for each school you apply to.

It's easy to forget that an interview goes both ways. Research the school. What's especially appealing about their CRNA program? Why is that school a good fit for you? Showing up to the interview with no questions about the school can give the admissions committee the indication that you're not very interested. This is your chance to highlight your efforts in finding a program that's a good match. It's also the ideal opportunity to convince the committee that you're not seeking acceptance to just any CRNA program; you're seeking entrance to their program. Showcase your knowledge of the school's specialties by asking thoughtful questions.

Set up Mock Interviews

Arrive to your interview confident.

Sit down with someone you're comfortable with, and have a mock interview. It sounds silly, and you'll likely feel a little silly going through it, but that's the point. It's helpful if your interviewer is familiar with CRNA programs. Get through the interview feeling awkward, and then ask another friend to interview you. Practice answering the commonplace questions and a random assortment of technical questions that you'll find in your nursing textbooks and asking the interviewer questions about the program. Keep doing this until you no longer feel embarrassed and the interview process is ingrained in your head. Preparation and practice are the essential keys to a successful interview.

Tags: admissions committee, know answer, question that, CRNA program, CRNA programs, down write

To A Prepaid Plan

If you don't want to sign up for a multi-year cellular contract, you may want to think about a prepaid plan. Many cellular providers offer prepaid plans rather than contracts which allow the consumer to cut off service at any time. These plans can be set up quickly from your phone or online, and you can add credit or minutes to your phone whenever you need them.

Instructions

1. Turn on your computer and open your Internet browser. Navigate to the home page of your service provider. If you do not already have a prepaid plan you can select to start one from the service provider's home screen. Then enter your payment information when prompted and confirm. You will then be given an account number and password.

2. Log on to your personal account and select the option to add to your account. The language will vary from service provider to service provider. For example, on Virgin Mobile you would choose the "Top Up" option and on T-Mobile you would choose "Refill." However, there will be an option to add services on each service provider's website.

3. Select the appropriate option to add to your account based on your budget. Your options will be specific to the type of account you have. For example, if you have set up your account so that you have call minutes only you will be given options to refill your minutes. If you have an account that allows for talk, text and Internet usage you will be given options to add minutes, text and Internet. You can change your type of account from the home screen of the service provider.

4. Enter your payment information when prompted and confirm the purchase. You can also purchase prepaid cards that are compatible with your account that can be used to add credit for minutes, texting or Internet use. To pay with a previously purchased prepaid card, locate the section of the website where it discusses paying with a prepaid card and enter the card's PIN number when prompted. You can also enter the PIN number directly into your phone by contacting customer service directly from your phone and entering the number. The money will then be added to your account.

Tags: service provider, your account, your phone, account that, when prompted, credit minutes, from service

Contents Of A Letter Of Recommendation

A student recommendation letter should highlight personal attributes.

As a teacher, you will find yourself having to write letters of recommendation for your students as they apply to college. These letters are a supplement to the transcripts and test scores the students submit to the admissions office. Use these letters to highlight personal attributes and intangibles that may not show up explicitly without you bringing them to light.

Leadership Ability

Consider your student's leadership qualities and expand on them in the letter of recommendation. Take into account how the student works in groups and the role that he plays within those groups. Does the student speak up when there are problems? Does the student point out flaws in a constructive way? Consider how the student handles herself in class discussions and think about what unique qualities are brought to the table via his contributions.

Initiative

Although initiative and leadership are often linked, it is important to also cover self-motivation and drive in a letter of recommendation. Consider the student's extra-curricular activities. Has she started a club or is she pursuing an extra-curricular activity that is unconventional. Students who pursue activities, such as competitive cycling or private piano lessons, often do so outside of traditional school confines, but it is important to note such activities, which show initiative, determination and passion.

Critical Thinking

While good grades and test scores reflect sound critical thinking skills, a well-thought-out letter of recommendation can highlight the exact critical thinking skills a particular student possesses. Is the student adept at breaking down a task into smaller parts and approaching it in a methodical way? Also consider how the student deals with class discussions and if he is able to properly approach complex issues from a pragmatic perspective; such an ability not only shows sound reasoning skills but also a level of maturity that can lead to college success.

Potential

Consider all of the student's accolades, achievements and personal qualities and evaluate her chance at success in college and in the real world. This is a great way to illuminate any personal obstacles that the student may have faced and overcome. It can also be a way of showing that sometimes the whole can be more than the sum of its parts. This also can be a means of explaining a student's mediocrity in some areas and how that is not reflective of his true skills, which may currently be unrealized.

Tags: letter recommendation, class discussions, Consider student, critical thinking, critical thinking skills

Teach Critical Thinking Skills In Kindergarten

Critical thinking skills are important to the cognitive development of children. The introduction of these skills can begin as early as pre-school and kindergarten. It is important that the skills of analyzing, comparing and synthesizing be developed at an early age so students can apply them to the appropriate situation, whether in academic or personal life.

Instructions

1. Introduce the skill and explain it. Critical thinking skills are taught in isolation in kindergarten so that students can learn when and apply them. For example, "Today, we are going to learn compare and contrast. We will learn to identify things that are alike and things that are different about the people in the story we have just read." Don't be hesitant to use the exact terminology. Five year-olds have an amazing capacity for understanding complex language.

2. Model it for the students. Show them how the thinking process is used. For example, after you have explained what compare and contrast is, illustrate it by completing a venn diagram about a story that everyone is familiar with. Write down the similarities and differences about the main characters. Talk to yourself about what you are writing, showing students that you are thinking as your are writing. This think-aloud procedure helps children increase metacognition.

3. Apply the skill. The purpose of teaching critical thinking skills is to be able to apply them. When you read aloud to the class, use the skill of compare and contrasting throughout the story. Do this informally and draw the children into the conversation, giving them the chance to comment on your comparisons and make some of their own. It shouldn't take many times of you modeling the skill for your class to know do it themselves.

4. When a student can easily write about what they've learned, you know that they have mastered the skill. For example, after you have modeled and the class practiced compare and contrasts, have them write a few sentences about how it has helped them. Since you are working with kindergarten, do not depend on spelling and grammar expertise. Instead, look for content. If they write something like, "I know tell how things are like and how they are different," you have succeeded. If everyone looks confused and unsure of what to write, then you will need to continue practice on this skill. Do not introduce the writing component until second semester when most children can write at least a simple sentence.

Tags: apply them, thinking skills, about what, after have, compare contrast, Critical thinking

Grants For Fashion Students

Fashion Design Models

Just as with any other program of study, would-be fashion students have the ability to apply for and use a grant toward their education. As there are fewer schools with a focus on fashion studies within and outside the traditional 4-year university system, the competition for limited grants can be intense. Knowing what to expect and where to apply is half of the battle toward winning a grant that can make all of the difference for a student who wants to study fashion.

Passion for Fashion Grant

The Art Institutes has campuses across the country and holds a "Passion for Fashion" competition annually in which it awards monies to students. In 2010, two graduating high school seniors were awarded a full scholarship to the Art Institute location of their choice. Those interested in competing next year will need to check the school's website for the upcoming deadline (normally in November each year) in one of two categories: fashion design or fashion marketing and merchandising and retail management. Contestants should send their entries to the location at which they would like to attend.

artinstitutes.edu

888-624-0300

YMA Scholarship

Each year, leaders in the fashion industry vote on their favorite rising fashion designers for the YMA Scholarship, sponsored by a nonprofit organization of the same name, dedicated to helping students reach their goals by easing their financial burdens; four students are named Geoffrey Beene scholars and are given $25,000.

Interested students should contact their school for more information during the fall season; September is the normal time for the YMA to open up the competition to interested participants.

the-yma.com

212-594-6422

Designer of Tomorrow

The well-known Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising has a grant entitled "Designer of Tomorrow" for rising high school seniors and recent graduates in which they must submit a project showing their prowess in one of six areas: graphic design; merchandising; fashion design; visual design; digital media art; or interior design.

Although the deadline already has passed for 2010, you can start preparing your 2011 entry (the deadline will fall around May 2011); winners will be announced in the July for that year. The grant only is open to United States citizens and those with permanent resident status.

fidm.edu

800-624-1200

Tags: Designer Tomorrow, high school, high school seniors, Passion Fashion, school seniors, which they

Incorporate A Fraternity

A fraternity is a non-profit organization led by a mission or purpose statement to provide intellectual, personal and social development for college-aged men. Fraternities typically work in unison to perform community service projects and sponsor social gatherings for university students. A fraternity can incorporate as a new chapter or as a local chapter under an established grand chapter. A fraternity is not required to incorporate for operation, but in order to avoid paying corporate federal taxes and to gain university funding, the fraternity must prove its not-for-profit status. However, your fraternity may have to pay unemployment and Social Security taxes if it employs workers.

Instructions

1. Secure a resident agent, which is a responsible adult of legal age willing to accept served legal notices in the event the fraternity experiences legal troubles. A resident agent can help your fraternity comply with state requirements. A fraternity member can't serve as the resident agent; the resident agent must operate outside of the fraternity.

2. Obtain an articles of incorporation form for a tax-exempt non-stock corporation from your secretary of state's office or state department of assessments and taxation's website or local office. These two state departments typically handle corporations.

3. Complete the articles of incorporation form with the fraternity's name, purpose and street address of the principal office or fraternity house. The description should provide a one- to two-sentence overview of your fraternity's educational purpose and commitment to service.

4. Ask the resident agent to sign the form along with all fraternity members or incorporators. If the form provides insufficient space for signatures, attach an additional sheet of signatures and reference the original section on the form.

5. Return the form to the secretary of state or department of assessments and taxation and pay the required filing fee.

6. Mail a copy of your state certificate of incorporation to the grand chapter of your fraternity if you filed to incorporate a local chapter under an established fraternity.

7. Obtain a SS-4 form from the Internal Revenue Service site to apply for a federal employer identification number (FEIN). The FEIN allows the fraternity to open a bank account for chapter dues and other financial transactions, and this number exempts the fraternity from paying federal corporate taxes.The fraternity still must withhold federal income tax for employees and pay Social Security tax and unemployment tax and any applicable state taxes. If your fraternity falls under an established chapter, send this number to the grand chapter for tax-exemption purposes.

Tags: resident agent, your fraternity, grand chapter, under established, articles incorporation, articles incorporation form, assessments taxation

Where Can The Element Strontium Be Found

Strontium, an alkaline earth metal and number 38 on the periodic table, is a highly reactive element with many medical and manufacturing applications. It can be found in several countries around the world.

History

Strontium was discovered in a Scottish lead mine near the town of Strontian, from which it takes its name. The element was known as early as 1790, but it wasn't isolated until 1808, when the famous scientist Sir Humphrey Davy announced the achievement at the Royal Society in London.

Geography

According to the United States Geological Survey, China has produced most of the world's strontium in recent years, while Turkey, Mexico and Spain also produced substantial amounts (around 100,000 tons annually). Morocco, Argentina and Iran produced smaller amounts.

Types

Commonly used types (isotopes) of strontium include strontium-90, strontium-89 and strontium-86/-87 (a mixture often found together). Each of these has the chemical characteristics of strontium but behaves differently in terms of radioactive decay.

Uses

Strontium-89 is used in medicine to reduce bone pain in patients suffering from certain cancers. Because it is very similar to calcium, strontium-89 is easily absorbed by bones and can deliver radiation directly to the target area. Strontium-90, also used in medicine, is found in nuclear waste. It has been used to power nuclear batteries on board spacecraft and in isolated areas where solar panels were impractical. Nonradioactive strontium is used in some types of television screens and is particularly valued for pyrotechnics, such as fireworks and flares.

Famous Ties

When the nuclear plant at Chernobyl, Ukraine, exploded in 1986, one of the main radioactive substances released was strontium-90. Because of its 29-year half-life, strontium-90 is still present in the areas it contaminated. (see References 3)

Tags: used medicine