"If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up Someplace else"-Yogi Berra
Every December, High School juniors receive a Score Report Plus from the company which administers the PSAT/NMSQT in October. The Score Report Plus is very valuable for several reasons. First, the student receives the original test booklet along with an itemization of each correct and incorrect answer. Second, the student receives personalized feedback on all facets of the test. Suggestions are given to improve skills based upon performance on the math, critical reading and writing skills sections.
The Score Report Plus helps the student map out a game plan aimed at maximizing the best possible SAT score. For example, if a student consistently answers the same type of question incorrectly, certain skill builders will be suggested. Studying for the SAT is much more efficient once the student focuses on his or her weaknesses. You need not study all areas of math if geometry is your only weakness. You need not practice endless passage based reading questions if your vocabulary is so poor that you cannot answer sentence completions.
Another valuable component of the PSAT/NMSQT results is it provides the student with a yardstick from which to set goals. Each section on the PSAT/NMSQT is scored on a scale of 20 to 80, which equals 200 to 800 on the SAT scoring scale. My students are given a goal sheet, which is a personal signed written contract. Before signing this contract, I ask the student to fill in certain blank spaces which represent the score that the student realistically expects to achieve on each part of the SAT.
Here is a list of scoring goals that a diligent student should set based upon PSAT/NMSQT results:
If your PSAT Score is:
20 to 30 (200 to 300) set your goal for a 150 point gain
31 to 40 (310 to 400) set your goal for a 125 point gain
41 to 50 (410 to 500) set your goal for a 75 to 100 point gain
51 to 60 (510 to 600) set your goal for a 50 to 75 point gain
61 to 70 (610 to 700) set your goal for a 25 to 50 point gain
Above 70 (700) strive to maintain the same standard of excellence
The above table is only suggestive and is based upon my personal interaction with students over the years. It is not based upon any scientific data or empirical studies. Students may set even bolder goals than those set forth above. Writing down goals is only one step towards achieving those goals. Once a goal is set, the student must put in the actual time and effort necessary to turn those prewritten goals into real SAT scores.
Steven N. Weisman is an author and private SAT Tutor. Many valuable test strategies and information can be found on his blog and website http://www.testniques.com
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With competition for private school slots increasing every year, knowing the ISEE test questions and knowing what to focus on studying for the ISEE test is a vital step. It is estimated that there are over one million students vying for enrollment slots that are far less than that number each year. Below are the major sections of the ISEE test to help you understand what to focus on.
There are three major sections of ISEE test questions.
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section is about 30 minutes in length containing multiple choice questions. The questions will require the student to identify synonyms and also complete sentence structure correctly.
Mathematics
The mathematics section is also multiple choice and is about 30 minutes in length. The students are required to answer questions in geometry, algebra, and some basic equations. This is a section that should be a focus for most who are looking for ISEE test help, as the multiple choice answers will not differ very much, and a student must be confident in how to do the problems to succeed.
Reading Comprehension
The reading comprehension section is about 40 minutes in length, and is also multiple choice. Here the student reads paragraphs and is asked a series of questions about what is contained in the text. Again, this is a point of struggle for many students as many have been trained to scan books instead of taking the time to read and comprehend them.
The final portion of ISEE test questions is a written essay, that is not graded, but sent to the prospective schools.
In all, those needing ISEE test help should focus on the three areas listed above, and be sure to stress the importance of the reading comprehension section, as this seems to be the biggest struggle for many students.
There are some very reliable web based programs that are tailored specifically for ISEE test questions. The best program I have come across can be found at http://www.ThePrivateSchoolExam.com.
Here you will find an in-depth training course, completed with practice exams, and video instructors to help your student succeed.
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Business Spanish may not be an official term, but by learning and applying the language to the sales environment opens up a potential customer market of millions of people. As with any customer, they would prefer to look at and purchase items that they can relate to more easily, which is inevitably via their native language.
The concept of learning business Spanish and the benefits thereof can be realized if one merely considers the size of the market. Figures from a few years ago estimated the business Spanish market, excluding the United States, was over 350 million individuals of which over 10% of the those people had access to the internet. Therefore this allows an additional target market via the internet that must be tackled in professional business Spanish terms and in a way that will call this market to action. Furthermore, it has been estimated that a spending power of over $1 trillion will be realized within the next 7 to 10 years.
One has numerous opportunities to learn business Spanish, but the basic starting point would be to familiarize yourself with the language from a starter point. The business Spanish will progress after one has mastered the basics from the everyday language and usage point of view.
Once one has established the basics of business Spanish, you will be able to enter into marketing activities that will provide an inroad into this market and will provide you with the potential sales of this market. The marketing strategy would be aligned to your existing vision and mission, whilst incorporating this business Spanish campaign. The process of learning business Spanish will also put you in a unique position of understanding and being able to communicate your desired communication effectively, via your marketing partners and agencies.
Business Spanish represents a growth opportunity to the organization that is being sought by companies in every community and may be the break that your company needs to move onto the next level. The consumer at the end of the line is more likely to respect and appreciate your business Spanish efforts, realizing that his or her culture and native tongue is important to your business; thereby increasing the opportunity of generating sales.
Once you have decided and conducted the learning of business Spanish, you will be empowered to travel to the target market locations, geographically speaking, and be able to communicate and converse with your distributors and customers on a mutually beneficial understanding; and with clear communication. Learning business Spanish will benefit you, your company as well as your new target market, providing sustainable growth and development over the long term.
Most of us learn Spanish at school as our third and fourth language, but in todays environment people are choosing to learn Spanish fast If you have decided to learn Spanish then read on.
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Teaching children about latitude and longitude is challenging at best. Asking children to visualize imaginary and invisible lines that only seem to exist on a map is beyond many young minds. When I came across the Confluence Project web site I was ecstatic! Now this was something that younger children could relate to and understand! Alex Jarrett started the Confluence Project in 1996. He became interested in the unique spots on earth where the integer degrees of latitude and longitude intersect. What would be at each unique spot?
I begin my one-hour lesson with the globe. We look at it. Practice saying longitude and latitude while trying to remember which is which. I give a tip that the "flat" lines rhyme with latitude....flatitude, latitude. The long, up and down lines, begin with the word "long." I find that even fourth and fifth graders need review on these terms.
Next we discuss the uses of latitude and longitude in regards to finding locations and absolute location. At this point I like to talk about the various GPS devices that are commonly found in households today including the navigation systems in cars and hand-held GPS units.
Next I share some background information about the fun adventure of geo-caching which is a treasure hunt all over the world using given latitude and longitude. Often I find one child who has heard of this before.
Finally, I discuss the Confluence project. We talk about the term confluence. Most often the term is used to define the meeting place between two rivers or two sections within one river. In the case of the Confluence latitude and longitude project, it is where the whole number latitude and longitude lines meet.
My first lesson on this topic usually focuses on our own state so I give a handout with the web address and the confluences of Michigan with the direction to check out each location. I first show a couple of the locations and share the neat stories that are shared in finding the confluences. And, of course, we find the one closest to our home.
Send your students out to actually "see" where latitude and longitude meet. This makes those invisible lines have meaning! As I've done this lesson over and over during the past I find the adults and parents walking by are even more intrigued by the Confluence Project and the idea of being able to see each meeting place.
Visit http://www.confluence.org Just before sending the students off at the end of class I remind them to share this idea at the dinner table when Mom and Dad ask what they learned in school today! Bet they can stump their parents by mentioning "Confluence" and kids love doing that!
Interested in other technology-rich lessons? Download a free project at http://technologylessonsforteachers.com
Kathy Cothran is an elementary media specialist committed to helping teachers turn toys into learning tools. Her vast teaching experience ranges from preschool through Master's level education classes.
For years Kathy has been a "Gadget Girl." She loves technology! Tie that to her extensive teaching background and she has been able to interest, invigorate, and inspire children and teachers to use technology in a rich, exciting manner.
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Lessons about personal, social and health matters including sex and relationships will be compulsory in all England's schools from ages five to 16. The government is currently reviewing the best way in which they can tackle the situation. Reports have shown that more than 1,000 people found two thirds would support sex lessons from the age of 11. Reviews of the education in the UK were taken out as Government officials said that current education is too 'patchy'.
Teaching health education to kids who are 11 is acceptable I suppose however teaching kids from the age of 5 I think is just too much. The department for Children, School and Families said the review of sex lessons had identified "a need to challenge the perception that sex and relationships education happened in a 'moral vacuum' in schools and says that parents and schools can and should work together to decide how best topics should be taught.
The Government are trying to improve the framework and moral understanding around which teachers can then talk about sex education later on in children's school lives.
I can understand the basic logic behind the scheme but personally I would never really notice the difference if this concept was not implemented. I cannot see the advantage of deploying this tactic to school children at such a young age, it just doesnt seem 'normal'. It feels as though it is too much at such a young age. I will have to stand corrected on my statements but in my opinion the concept of teaching young school children health education is not right.
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By : Mark B. zero times read
Submitted 2008-11-24 09:23:07
According to an article by Kim Clark in the US News and World Report Blog called College Cash 101 (Nov. 12, 2008), your ability to get the college scholarship you need to pay for your college education will not be so easy next year. The reasons being given were that money is harder for lenders to get and more people will be applying for college scholarships. Here are some things that you need to do in order to get your college scholarship next year.
AVOID EDUCATION LOANS IF POSSIBLE
When you start thinking about how you are going to pay for your college education, you do not even want to think about getting a college loan. While there are plenty of these available, it is way too soon to get one.
A better strategy would be to apply for as many college scholarships and grants as possible so that you can reduce the amount you owe for education. It is possible to have your entire college education paid through scholarships it is just a matter of finding them.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE HARDER TO FIND
College scholarships will not be as easy to find this coming year, Kim said, but you could probably expect colleges to give more scholarships than before. She also said that it is possible that even with more money that it still may not be enough to cover the cost of living increases. In addition, she said, you could expect some states to reduce the size of their grants by as much as 25 .
CHECK OUT EVEN OBSCURE SCHOLARSHIPS
In order to combat this rise in costs, you will need to look at many different scholarships and apply to as many as you think may apply to you. You do not want to waste your time on scholarships that are not a match.
Scholarships are available in several different kinds. Probably the most well known type are those that are for some kind of merit or achievement. These are often awarded for academics, for sports ability, and for some kind of leadership and civic activity.
Another kind of scholarship is based on your career field. While academics helps, it is not the main criteria. The main concern is whether or not you are committed to the career field and show promise in the future if you work in it. Sometimes this may be based on a low number of people within a career field, or sometimes if there is not enough people in a certain career field within a certain location such as for nurses or doctors willing to work in low income neighborhoods for a few years. Teachers and others also have similar opportunities.
Women and minorities also have a good chance of getting a scholarship, too. College
scholarships are available at all academic levels and for people of any age. Women going back to school also have many scholarship possibilities. Minorities have many opportunities for a scholarship, especially at schools where their particular minority group may be underrepresented.
Another type of popular scholarship are those that are awarded by large corporations. Most big corporations give college scholarships as they are in constant need of personnel within certain fields. This is an excellent way to get an education, possibly do some travel as you represent the company, and also have a job waiting for you when you get out of college.
CONSIDER GOVERNMENT GRANTS
You can get Federal college scholarships by going through various Federal programs. This is especially valuable if you are looking to get a government job of any kind. Scholarships are available, and so are internships that lead to positions in the government.
KEEP EYES OPEN FOR SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
As a number of scholarship associations and agencies close their doors, you can expect that new avenues of scholarships and grants will also open up to help meet the need. This will mean paying close attention to scholarship news, and to what your college is going to do this next year. Equally important, though, is that you work extra hard at filling out your applications and college scholarship forms. There will be a lot of competition going on for fewer scholarships which will mean tougher criteria.
You will also want to pay close attention to various tips that will help you to win the college scholarships of your choice. For one thing, this will mean working a little harder on the grades, and keeping a balance with social activities, too.
Author Resource:- Paying for college before the current economic downturn was hard enough - now it got harder. According to education writer Mark Allen, getting college loans is going to get tougher, so supplementing with grants and scholarships is more important. Learn more on http://www.FinancialAidFinder.com/.
Article From Free Article Publishing
Each fall as school resumes, we immediately find ourselves having to teach about the Constitution in order to celebrate Constitution Day. The idea of celebrating a document is a bit difficult for lower elementary students.
So, how can we help younger children understand the impact of the Constitution and also celebrate the day?
I begin by talking about when the pilgrims came to America and why. We discuss becoming a country and having George Washington as our first president. These are concepts that they may have heard about before. Next I address the idea of starting school and how rules are important to keep the school flowing with ease. Then I suggest that a new country would have to have rules also, to keep the peace. With older students (grades 3 and up, I read "The U.S. Constitution" by Norman Pearl) which gives a very basic outline of the Constitution.
With the kindergarten through second graders, I begin by having the younger students recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Then I ask if there are any words in that Pledge that they don't understand? Maybe words like pledge, allegiance, justice, liberty, indivisible? I read "I Pledge Allegiance" by Bill Martin Jr. This book does a great job defining the pledge and I even skip some of the small print.
Finally, I show the children how to draw a flag using a drawing program on the computer. I use KidPix. We look at a flag to find out how many stripes they are and what colors are at the top and bottom of the flag. We use the rectangle tool to draw the red stripes (as the line tool isn't quite thick enough.) We add a blue rectangle in the upper left-hand corner. We stamp on 50 stars, or white dots.
In kindergarten, we type our name on the flag. In first grade we write "I am proud to be an American" and our name. In second grade we add one reason why we are proud to be an American. By third and fourth grades we have multiple reasons as to why we are proud to be an American.
After printing the flags in color, I staple each to a piece of red or blue construction paper and send them back to the classroom to become a bulletin board display for the month of September!
What a great way to start the year! Constitution Day doesn't have to be a painful experience to celebrate with youngsters. More painful is when I sing them the Schoolhouse Rock version of the Preamble! (Check that out too, if you need another lesson to celebrate Constitution Day!)
Play the song, sing together, and look at the flags your class has made!
Kathy Cothran is an elementary media specialist committed to helping teachers turn toys into learning tools. Her vast teaching experience ranges from preschool through Master's level education classes.
For years Kathy has been a "Gadget Girl." She loves technology! Tie that to her extensive teaching background and she has been able to interest, invigorate, and inspire children and teachers to use technology in a rich, exciting manner.
Find out more about Kathy at http://theoriginalgadgetgirl.com
Interested in other ways that toys can become learning tools? Visit http://turningtoysintotools.com
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