Elementary Education Schools Produce Qualified Teachers

For those interested in teaching young children, a degree in Elementary Education is an essential prerequisite for employment. Elementary Education Schools offer a wide variety of studies, specialties, and concentrations that instill basic knowledge and skills for understanding processes of teaching and learning.

Elementary Education provides a strong background in various disciplines to allow for entry into teaching careers in various venues. Graduates may teach in government settings, the arts, higher education classrooms, business, or in industries where basic teaching skills may be needed.

Elementary Education Schools offer several undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Diplomas and certificates from vocational schools and community colleges are possible, as are Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) that satisfy some school requirements. Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) degrees are far more common. Bachelor, master, and doctorate (PhD) degrees are obtained from colleges and universities.

BA and BS degree programs follow carefully planned course sequences and supervised clinical experiences to ensure precise and complete professional development. The program prepares future teachers with as much versatility as possible to meet rapidly changing and diverse demands in kindergarten, elementary, and middle school classrooms.

Courses can include variations of subjects in communications, children's literature, social sciences, humanities, arts, mathematics, physical education, health, nutrition, human growth and development, elementary and middle education, literacy, teaching, and working with disabled and special needs children. Graduates will have developed skills for composition, handwriting, listening, social sciences, concepts of developmental and corrective reading, and classroom teaching experience.

By : Michael Bustamante

Elementary Education Training

If the field of teaching is intriguing to you, then elementary education training is an appropriate place to start. Students who plan to teach in elementary or secondary schools should become familiar with individual state requirements to determine which elementary education program will be the best fit.

While all states require a Bachelor Degree (BA) to teach in the public sector, some vocational schools offer transfer programs whereby an Associate Degree (AA) may be attained prior to earning additional credit hours at a college or university.

Common curriculums provided in elementary education training may include various levels of English Composition, Education, Communication, Introduction to Education for Children with Special Needs, Classroom Instruction, Educational Psychology, and Child Growth and Development. Other courses in an elementary education training program may include Mathematics, History, Science, Physical Education, and more.

Public school teachers are required to be licensed in all 50 states, and licensure is most often granted by individual State Boards of Education upon completion of an approved education training program. Those who wish to teach in the private sector may not always be required to have a Bachelor's Degree. In this case, students may attain elementary education training via a vocational school and present an Associate's Degree to gain a private school teaching position.

If you are serious about a career in teaching, requirements can go well beyond the education obtained in a traditional or vocational school; many educational boards encourage and/or require professional certification. In particular, there is currently a National Certification program (sponsored by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards) that allows teachers to transfer licenses from one state to another.

Typically, students who have successfully completed elementary education training at a trade school, and have gone on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree, may acquire gainful employment as teachers in preschool, kindergarten, elementary or middle schools.

By : Michael Bustamante

How to Obtain Free Education Grants

For the past years, the price of college tuition has significantly increased and continues to do so at astronomical rates. This is problematic because more and more people are experiencing financial difficulties as the result of our current economy. As such, it is getting harder and harder for students and families to afford a college education. The good news is that there are a lot of sources available. Among available sources are free education grants.

In fact, many families view education grants as the single best choice to cover college tuition because they are totally free and do not have to be paid back. In addition, they allow students who were not previously able to afford tuition to afford it. If you're looking for a free education grant then my advice is to apply for as many as you possibly can.

Since no education grant can be guaranteed, it is wise to apply for as many as you're possibly can. Some common education grants that you may apply for are the Pell, AC Grant and SMART Grant. In addition, you may also qualify for specific educational grants from the state where you live. Lastly, if you are from a minority group, you will have even more opportunities since there are a lot of organizations who are happy to help minorities.

Once you have this information, you need to next figure out how much you need to cover your tuition costs. Then, you will need to compile another list of available grants. To just know about the grants is simply not enough; you must take action - you must apply and you must do it early. Make sure that you converse with your financial aid office as well as view sites like grants.gov for available education grants. Then, take your time and fill out the applications to ensure that you can be considered in a timely manner.

By doing this, you will increase your chances of obtaining a free education grant and will be less likely to need a student loan to cover your college tuition. Good luck.

By : Mishaun Taylor

Education Grants For College Students

Education grants for college students allow new and returning students the opportunity to seek and earn a professional degree that will make them more competitive in the job market. While more and more students are enrolling to obtain degrees or specialized certificates every year, students and parents are faced with a tough financial decision.

College is not cheap by any means. Every year the cost to go to college goes up at a 20% rate, which means today's students will find that their tuition has almost doubled by the time they complete their 4-year program. As tough as things already are, college may not be a realistic option for some.

But America cannot afford to let someone who is ambitions, intelligent and driven miss out on obtaining a college degree simply because they cannot afford it. That is why education grants for college students are made available to those who qualify.

Education grants for college students are different than your traditional student loan or scholarship program. These grants provide financial assistance by reducing your tuition, sending you a check to pay for housing, books and other expenses, or giving you a voucher for related education expenses. Best of all, these education grants for college student do not have to be paid back.

With these grant programs, current or perspective students do not have to worry about the financial pressures and can focus on their academics and achieving their goal. Once a student applies and qualifies for free grant money, they typically are automatically approved the following year. The biggest hurdle is simply getting accepted into these programs from the start, but once you do you could earn your degree and graduate debt free.

By : Austin Warty

Post Secondary Education A Good Choice To Get Ahead

You can easily find post secondary education in colleges and universities across the US and Canada. In North America, secondary education ends with the 12th grade; any formal education received after high school graduation is considered post secondary. Undergraduate degree programs are available in many exciting fields of study.

The term post secondary education is very broad, and covers every type of training and every level of adult education, from technical certification all the way to graduate degrees. In order to qualify for college degree programs, most schools require proof of a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, a good grade point average (GPA) is required for entry into many of the better colleges and universities.

At the undergraduate level, students may opt for two-year degrees, known as Associate degrees; or Bachelor degree programs, which can take up to four years to complete. If your goal is learning the basics of any field (whether it be the arts, computers, health care, etc.) the Associate (AA or AS) and the Bachelor's (BA or BS) are the typical choices of undergraduate degrees.

After you have completed an undergraduate degree program, perhaps you are ready now to select a specialty in your chosen field and begin graduate studies. At the graduate level, post secondary education is much more concentrated, allowing the student to become an expert or master (hence the term Master's Degrees). Those who wish to take their graduate studies to the highest level will seek a good university Doctorate degree program. With a Doctoral degree, the graduate can qualify for positions with authority and responsibilities beyond that of the undergrad, including scientific research and teaching positions.

No matter your position on the academic ladder, Post Secondary Education is always a good choice to get ahead.

By : Michael Bustamante

Online Schools Have a Lot To Offer In Higher Education

When it comes to gaining a college education, online schools have a lot to offer these days. You can say goodbye to the old concept of distance learning via snail mail, and hello to convenient classes and degree programs right over the Internet! Recent graduates and adult learners all across the world are discovering that online schools are a good bet for higher education. They make it possible to get a respected college degree on your own terms.

Traditionally, campus-based colleges and universities demand that students conform to a rigid schedule of pre-determined classes and a set schedule for degree completion. Classes meet at a specific time and place, and everyone must be in attendance, especially the professor. Everyone progresses at the same pace, and everyone is expected to graduate at once.

The great part about online classes is that they can take place anywhere at any time, completely at your own convenience. You can contact your professors and peers via email or special chatrooms to receive feedback and encouragement without stress. Simply open your personal computer or laptop and study as long or as short as you desire. Speed up the process and graduate in record time, or stretch it out and allow yourself a relaxed pace. This means no long commutes to and from campus, no baby sitters, and no strict deadlines. For many students the added advantage of maintaining current employment while earning a degree in their free time is a real selling point.

Of course you are concerned that your online education will be valued in your future professional career. There are literally hundreds of online schools and colleges across the web, and it is important to avoid the so-called "diploma mills." There are some easy ways you can find the best online colleges and ensure your education will be of quality.

Perhaps the most important step is to be sure any online school you are seriously considering is a member of a national accrediting agency related to your field of study. The accrediting agency should be approved by either the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or both. Online colleges that are accredited have been verified to provide the same quality education as traditional colleges and universities. If your online school carries any or all of these credentials, you can be confident that you are on the right track.

The next step is to investigate the specific curriculum and entry requirements. Some online courses will have no enrollment requirements whatsoever (such as online vocational schools or certificate courses); some schools will require a minimum of a high school diploma; and some online colleges and universities can require extensive previous experience or an undergraduate degree in the field prior to enrollment.

The last step is to be sure the curriculum will meet your personal schedule as well as your aspirations and goals for the future. In many fields, such as computer science, it is possible to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees completely online without ever setting foot on a campus. However, in many other fields, such as health care and medicine, there can be some on-site lab work or important exams requiring the student to travel to a specific site at a specific time. Additionally, in some fields, advanced degrees are just not offered online. So, again, it is important to check with individual colleges to be sure they are able to meet your personal needs. Talking things over with the advisors at a few selected schools will quickly help you bring all of this into focus.

If you are ready to find the best online schools, we urge you to visit our website today where you can request program information to help you make a good decision for higher education online.

By : Michael Bustamante

Higher Education - Adults Getting Higher Education

Many times after a couple has their family out of the nest they find that now is when they can return to college and get the degree they always wanted. Many times it is the mother who put behind her the career that she wanted for the sake of the family while the father had to go as he was the bread winner and his career was considered most important. It is not uncommon to find older adult students picking up the books and returning to college. In most cases the college campus is full of the more youthful adult that is thirty five years old and under but new streams of older adults from ages 55 to 79 desire to retool their education becoming a student. In the early part of life many older adults died around the age of sixty-eight so they work their whole life with never the opportunity to pursue the goals they have in life. It was very difficult for them to get accepted into college because was reserved for the more youthful student.

Funding at the time was out of the question because it was felt that there was no need for the older student to return to college it was a waste of time and money. The older student had various barriers that prevent them from returning to school their health was always considered along with the race and ethnic backgrounds prevented the colleges from accepting them as students. The fast pace technology seemed to intimidate the older student preventing them from becoming a part of the learning techniques. This was a real learning challenge for older adults. Now a lot of the colleges offer peer mentoring programs to help the older student up to speed. There are also off campus organizations that work with the older student to help them get more in tuned with the modern youthful student who is very savvy when it comes to modern technology.

The federal government is finding that many of the older adults make great students as they are more ready to settle in for the long haul and keep to their studies. The older adult wants to make their career much better and seems to be more serious minded. That is why there are now special grants and scholarships to help the older adult pay for their college expenses. A good thing to see some of our older adults pursues knowledge by returning to college.

By : Tom Tessin

Scope of Administrative Jobs in the Field of Education

One of the most common admin jobs is that of the high school principal. People grow up with their high school principal and see first hand what their job entails, to a limited degree. They do not see everything, but they do get an idea of what that job entails. When I was in junior high, I was often sent to the principal's office. I was in trouble for doing something disruptive in class or for skipping class, and I had to visit his office so he could talk some sense into me. When I went to high school, my methods had not changed. My junior high principal was a stern man, and the type I did not get along with very well. He would scold me and threaten to call my parents, and I did not really seem to care. For some reason, it only provoked more misbehavior from me.

So when I entered high school, my behavior had yet to be changed. My high school principal was a very understanding man and his reprimands were very mild and effective. Because he was such a likable person, I decided that I wanted to impress him and make him proud. So I was only sent to his office once. That is all it took. Once I got to know the man, I respected him and realized how immaturely I had behaved. I immediately changed my ways and behaved well in class. His position made a big difference in my life.

Administration jobs in education can often be the most rewarding for this very reason. Principals get to deal with and see firsthand how their methods work on children. If they really care about the welfare of the kids, they will experiment with different methods and adapt to what their kids need. They will eventually find a few tactics that work better, and will handle those situations better. If you want a rewarding career, look into administration lobs in the educational system. The pay might not be the best, but it is good enough, and you get to be a part of the community. Since all parents care about their children more than anything, they will be very concerned and involved with everything you do as principal. If you win their affection and trust, you will be popular in the local town. People will praise your methods if they work and will be grateful to you for what you did for their children. Children will grow up and realize what you did for them. Many of them will remember to thank you, while others might forget. In the end, you will have the warm feeling inside of knowing that you are making a difference.

The best kind of admin job is one that makes the biggest difference in the world around you. As principal, you will be directly and actively involved in the community. Since budgets have become tight over the years, and the government has had to reduce those budgets throughout the years, many principals have had to take action and raise funds for their own schools. They have had to work with the community in organizing fundraisers. They also create all the educational policies of their school, which means that parents and teachers will be making their own suggestions and raising their voices to make changes. You will need to listen and be attentive to their needs and desires. If you find a good compromise or find great and effective ways of working with parents and appeasing them, you will be in good standing in your community. You will be popular locally and many of those parents will go out of their way to thank you for your interest and concern in their children's lives. It is a big deal to parents if you listen to their concerns and truly consider them.

If you start out with admin assistant jobs, you will see just how involved principals are in their communities. There are a wide variety of duties that principal has to take care of and a wide variety of operations he has to make sure run smoothly. You will see firsthand how difficult and rewarding that position can be. Principals have to be very organized and be able to take on multiple tasks. They should be involved in multiple facets of the field on a daily basis. They have to make sure their teachers are performing well and their students are learning well. They often visit classrooms to observe the teachings and performance of their teachers to make sure students respond well to their methods. As principal, you will be directly involved with the curriculum and will set the overall academic tone in the school.

Because I had a great principal in high school, I changed my tune. I decided to try learning and taking advantage of the opportunities that were available to me at the school. I got more involved in the activities of the school. I auditioned for the school plays, helped my friends with the school dances, and joined a couple of athletic teams. In junior high, I was always thinking of ways to create mischief and cause problems for the teachers and the school staff. In high school, I no longer thought all those things were funny, or fun. I no longer got a thrill out of pulling pranks at school. I grew up a little and realized that I needed to start preparing myself for life after high school. My principal and my teachers helped me realize this. The principal set a good, solid academic tone at the school and the teachers took to that mission statement and made high school an enjoyable learning experience!

By : Martinez Betheliza

Education Jobs - Cover Letter for Education Jobs

One of the biggest traps that teaches fall into when writing an education cover letter is to be so interested in showing of their own education that the cover letter ends up being dull and hard to read. While your level of education is certainly important, being able to capture the attention of the person reviewing your cover letter is even more important. The guidelines for writing any other kind of cover letter are equally true when writing an education cover letter.

It is important to remember that how you word the things in your cover letter are just as important as information it has in it. A rule of thumb is to write like you speak. Read your letter to someone who knows you, and ask them if it sounds like you. You may be the most qualified teacher that has applied for the job, but if no one reads what you've written your qualifications won't do you any good. You have to be able to engage the reader, and make them want to take a closer look.

A word of warning here; don't just cut-and-paste a free education cover letter sample. While they may have some limited use as reference for structure, there is nothing unique or interesting. Hiring managers see a lot of these types of cover letters, and they will not capture their attention.

You're a unique individual, and your education cover letter needs to show that. Do not be afraid of letting a little of your emotion and personality shine through. If you love certain parts of your job, say so. If you are passionate about making you area of expertise come alive for your students, say so. Remember, they are hiring someone who can engage and instruct children. They are looking for a real person. If your cover letter is dull and lifeless, what does that say about you?

Make each education cover letter unique to the specific position to which you are applying. "I am applying for a teaching position at your school" is dull and generic. "I am applying for the History Teachers position at Betty Boop Elementary School" is much more specific, and is much more likely to capture the hiring managers attention.

You will need to limit your cover letter to one page, so you will not be able to mention every qualification you have. Focus on a few qualifications and accomplishments that are the most important. Make sure you relate those to the specific position, and how it makes you a better candidate. In business this is referred to as Competitive Advantage. Why should they choose you over the other people that have applied for the same position? This means you have to do more than give a list of skills. Your resume already does that. You have to tell them why you're the best person for the job.

Do not finish your letter without asking for an interview. Successful sales people will tell you that there is power in asking. It encourages the reader to take action. After you have asked for the interview, give your contact information. Do not make the reader have to track your phone number down in your resume, give it to them. You want to make contacting you as easy as possible. Finish off your cover letter by letting them know when you will be following up. Give a specific date when you will follow up, then remember to call on that date.

Always remember to check your grammar and spelling before you send your cover letter anywhere. With the abilities to check this with most word processing software, there's really no excuse for letting mistakes slip through, especially for someone trying to get a job in education. Run the checkers, then re-read your cover letter aloud to find any mistakes the software might have missed. If there are any mistakes or areas that are unclear, this is your chance to make corrections.

There is a lot of competition for jobs in education. In order to get one of these jobs, you have to get noticed. Your chance to make a good first impression is your cover letter. If it doesn't get noticed, neither will you. Show the people doing the hiring that you are a unique person with the skills and abilities to engage and educate children. Show them you're alive.

By : Mario J. Churchill

Online Education Doctoral - How to Effectively Plan Ahead

There are fees to pay when you register for these exams. It is a good idea to plan far ahead for entrance exams. You should begin finding and filling out applications one year in advance of the time you want to enter a program. In the United States this usually means that you get busy in September or October for an autumn entrance in the next academic year. Online schools tend to be more flexible than traditional schools when it comes to application deadlines, but it is best to prepare well in advance.

ETS provides sample tests for its exams, but there aren't really any official guidelines for studying to take them. This kind of exam tests depth knowledge, so you cannot really cram for an entrance exam in a short period of time. You should be wary of guides that guarantee higher results. There do exist small companies that purport to help you, for a fee, to prepare. One such company Prepmaster Review, Inc., holds seminars and packages self-study materials. You can reach them at:

Prepmaster Review
University Station
PO Box 7555
Austin, TX 78713-9821

You can retake any exam administered by ETS. The latest exam taken will "bankrupt" (that is, replace) previous test results. About the best advice you will ever hear for taking an entrance exam is this piece of simple common sense: Get a decent night's sleep the night before you take the exam and eat breakfast in the morning. Nervousness and anxiety are your worst enemies.

DEGREES

Determine what sort of degree you are interested in before you seek admission. Undergraduate degrees include the associate degree and the bachelor's degree. Postgraduate degrees include the master's degree and doctoral degrees.

Associate Degree

The main requirement for entrance into an associate degree program is a high school diploma or GED (general equivalency diploma) or GCE (general certificate of education). If you need information about a GED program, contact the GED Office in your state, or write:

American Council on Education GED Testing Service One Dupont Circle, Suite 250 Washington, DC 20036-1163

Bachelor's Degree

The general requirements for a bachelor's degree are:

high school diploma, GED, or GCE
official transcript from your high school
letters of recommendation
work experience: most online/DL schools require work experience in addition to a high school diploma

Master's Degree

The requirements for admission for a master's degree are more demanding:

work experience: most online/DL schools require that the applicant have work experience ranging between two to five years
bachelor's degree in the same area of study or related area
grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or above on a scale of 4.00
official transcript from your undergraduate school
letters of recommendation from your instructors or people who have worked with you closely
CM AT or GRE: Business schools usually require that you take the GMAT; engineering schools require the GRE. If the school requires a score of 1100 for admission to the MBA program, you can calculate your score by using the following formula:

Score = (GPA X 2) + GMAT score

For instance, if your GPA is 3.00, you have to score 500 in the GMAT test to meet the school requirement of 1100 points:

1100 = (300 x 2) + GMAT score

Online Education Doctoral

A doctorate is the highest degree that can be earned. Schools vary in their requirements, but most require the following:

work experience of at least five years

master's degree

grade point average of at least 3.00 on a scale of 4.00

official transcripts from previous academic institutions attended

three letters of recommendation

By Cindy Chung

Elementary Education Degrees Obtained Online

There are a lot of people who want to become an elementary teacher. When it comes to traditional ways, to become one you need to enroll in some college or universities. But not all are able to enroll because of a busy schedule or geographical factor and other commitments. Now, individuals are able to get a degree to teach in elementary school online. Elementary education degrees attained online are now becoming more and more popular today. This has been achieved through the help of the Internet and several communication tools online which makes it easier for a student to communicate across the world.

This method of getting an elementary degree online is also known as distance learning. There are several advantages when taking up a degree online which are:

1. Convenience: You are not required to be present at school and you choose the time to start your school. This means that you can still have other commitments like a regular job and then go to school at your free time.
2. Different programs and online schools to choose from: It is easy to find a program that fits you because you can use the Internet to do so. Different colleges and universities from around the world have come up with different programs to fit the needs of different individuals.
3. Much cheaper: This is because you do not need to relocate just to attend school and you can take your class at the comfort of your home. The tuition fee is also said to be lesser. Also, you do not have to eat outside or rent an apartment because all you need is a reliable Internet connection.

Alongside its advantages it also has its disadvantages which are:

1. Less interaction with other students or professionals: Being a teacher requires you to have an excellent communication skill. This will limit an individual from practicing his communication skills and interaction with other students or professors online is very minimal.
2. Some elementary schools may not acknowledge you as an elementary teacher because of the way you have obtained your elementary education degree. Though, since online school is becoming more and more popular, elementary schools are becoming aware of it and gradually accepting them.

One of the requirements to get bachelor degree in elementary education is to acquire an Associate of Arts degree. Then after taking it up you will continue your studies to acquire a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Then after finishing up your Bachelors degree then you can take up your master's degree. Having a master's degree will provide you with more career opportunities.

You can do all this by taking your elementary education degrees online. Though, not everything can be learned in an online school. There might be subjects or courses that are not offered online so you must take it in a certain college or university. But nonetheless since this method of attaining an education degree is becoming more and more popular there will come a time that they will offer a complete curriculum.

By Dr. Christopher Williams

Elementary Education Degrees Obtained Online

There are a lot of people who want to become an elementary teacher. When it comes to traditional ways, to become one you need to enroll in some college or universities. But not all are able to enroll because of a busy schedule or geographical factor and other commitments. Now, individuals are able to get a degree to teach in elementary school online. Elementary education degrees attained online are now becoming more and more popular today. This has been achieved through the help of the Internet and several communication tools online which makes it easier for a student to communicate across the world.

This method of getting an elementary degree online is also known as distance learning. There are several advantages when taking up a degree online which are:

1. Convenience: You are not required to be present at school and you choose the time to start your school. This means that you can still have other commitments like a regular job and then go to school at your free time.
2. Different programs and online schools to choose from: It is easy to find a program that fits you because you can use the Internet to do so. Different colleges and universities from around the world have come up with different programs to fit the needs of different individuals.
3. Much cheaper: This is because you do not need to relocate just to attend school and you can take your class at the comfort of your home. The tuition fee is also said to be lesser. Also, you do not have to eat outside or rent an apartment because all you need is a reliable Internet connection.

Alongside its advantages it also has its disadvantages which are:

1. Less interaction with other students or professionals: Being a teacher requires you to have an excellent communication skill. This will limit an individual from practicing his communication skills and interaction with other students or professors online is very minimal.
2. Some elementary schools may not acknowledge you as an elementary teacher because of the way you have obtained your elementary education degree. Though, since online school is becoming more and more popular, elementary schools are becoming aware of it and gradually accepting them.

One of the requirements to get bachelor degree in elementary education is to acquire an Associate of Arts degree. Then after taking it up you will continue your studies to acquire a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Then after finishing up your Bachelors degree then you can take up your master's degree. Having a master's degree will provide you with more career opportunities.

You can do all this by taking your elementary education degrees online. Though, not everything can be learned in an online school. There might be subjects or courses that are not offered online so you must take it in a certain college or university. But nonetheless since this method of attaining an education degree is becoming more and more popular there will come a time that they will offer a complete curriculum.

By Dr. Christopher Williams

Reading Tools For Early Childhood Education

For those who don't know, it is easier to teach your child to read early on in his life (from the ages of zero to three), than later! Many experts suggest that by teaching your child to read before they begin formal education, they will find school-based education easier from the get-go as they will not have to learn reading skills at the same time that they have to comprehend curriculum material. So what options are available to parents who are interested in teaching their child to read early? Let's look at a few.

TWEEDLEWINK

Tweedlewink is a set of DVD volumes, made for children ages 0-6. Borrowing from the theory that the right-brain-dominant nature of babies allows them to quickly absorb vast amounts of information, each lesson covers a broad spectrum of topics including vocabulary, phonics, whole words, poetry, early speed reading, and more. Relaxation music and soothing voices narrate each lesson and is designed to build rich neurological connections in your child's mind during the early formative years.

The founder, Pamela Hickein, states that "Tweedlewink is the springboard from which our children can develop and grow as happy, healthy, compassionate and kind people who have equal amounts of IQ and EQ, intellect and creativity at their disposal". Being DVD-based, this product is quite easy to use as you can simply put the disc in and play!

KidThing

A software program described by its creators as a "digital media player", KidThing was founded by a group of parents who believed kids everywhere deserved better content in a safe learning environment. Their vision has resulted in a program with a very clean, simple aesthetic where games, stories and videos can all be played in the main window, with additional content available for purchase via their online store.

In Story mode the words light up as they are being spoken, and animations illustrate the story. Other features include content reminiscent of encyclopedic knowledge flash cards that teach your child about various topics in a casual and fun manner. I found the content and overall feel of the software to be absolutely adorable, but as a reading tool it may be more suited towards older children with a basic reading foundation as the animations and illustrations may distract babies and toddlers from learning to read.

LITTLE READER

Little Reader is a software program for children 4 months and up created by BrillKids, a company that aims to create fun, innovative and user-friendly products in the field of early childhood education. It integrates traditional flash card methods as well as multi-sensory techniques to promote early language recognition and efficient learning. Using a slideshow format, Little Reader combines words with pictures, sound effects, pronunciations and videos to enhance the learning experience. You can download hundreds of categories of words to supplement your library for free, and Little Reader also allows you to print out flashcards in two different flash card styles.
The program is highly flexible and customizable; allowing you to personalize and control what your child learns. However, I did find I needed some patience in learning how to use the program before I really appreciated its features.

Perhaps most surprising, however, is that all three products (or rather, their founders) suggest using their reading tools along with other methods, and not to simply look for the one true product. Children and babies have an immense capacity for stimulation, and having various tools at hand may well delight your little one! The important thing to remember is that as long as your child is learning, no matter what the tool, you are providing him with a foundation that he will have for the rest of his life. Happy teaching!

By Madeleine Fitzpatrick

Early Childhood Education Degree - Hunting Down the Best

These days, you are able to enroll in any course that you like online. This is very beneficial for a lot of people who are not able to relocate or be physically present at school. The main reason why people want to go back to school is to get an early childhood education degree. The common problem when getting a degree online is looking for the right online school. There are only a few who are accredited which can sometime hinder individuals to go to school online.

So if you are faced with this problem then here are some things you need to know when you want to get a degree on early childhood education online. The first thing is that, online schools let you take your classes at the comfort of your home. Even if you are across the world you can still take lessons. The only thing you need to have is time and of course a reliable internet connection. There are a lot of internet service providers in the market so this will not be a problem.

Next, comes the researching of schools online. The Internet is very easy to use and provides you with all the information you need when researching. Once you have scouted several online schools that you like considering that they are all accredited it is time to contact them. You should know the subjects they offer, the fees to be paid and if you are required to be present in school to take the exams or quizzes. This is the case for some because the professors or exam administrators are not able to watch the students when taking exams or quizzes. Finding an accredited school can be a challenge but once you have found one it will be worth it.

Choosing an accredited school is important because when you are going to apply for a job the school will always prefer those who graduated from accredited school. An accredited school means that the standards are up to par. If you are not a graduate of an accredit school they will question the standards of the online school because it may not confer with their requirements.

Considering the program offered by a certain online school will let you determine how many subjects you need to take in a certain school. Right now, the curriculum of online schools are not complete which can a bit of a disadvantage. Though, if a subject is offered in a university or college near you then the problem is solved.

Getting an early childhood education degree can be a bit difficult at first but as compared to enrolling in a university it is so much easier. Especially when you have a family to take care of you can still do it while attending your school at home. This is why online schools attract individuals who are willing to get a degree but are not able to attend physically. Definitely, online schools will help save money but still individuals are able to enroll at schools with high standards.

By Dr. Christopher Williams

Board of Education

Most people think of School Board when they see or hear about the board-of-education. I'm here to tell you that the board-of-education is far from a School Board! Usually a board-of-education was made from a piece of 1 inch by 4 inch piece of lumber somewhere between two and three feet long. A handle was usually carved into one end of this board and some had elaborate carvings on the business end of the board.

I met the board-of-education on my first day of school at recess. There was a merry-go-round and I liked to ride that merry-go-round. I did not think that pushing the merry-go-round was too much fun and refused to push. My first grade teacher felt this was not in keeping with the school tradition of joining in and that resulted in my tiny rear meeting with the board-of-education.

That started what was to become a real close relationship between me and the board during the rest of my school career.

My third grade was with a teacher who gritted her teeth causing the veins of her neck to stand out. I met the board again when I showed her the veins in my neck to the great delight of my classmates.

My sixth grade was filled with delight and despair. We were made to practice our letters on ruled paper. I just never was very good at this so decided to lay my ruled paper over the top of the letter page and traced the letters perfectly! The teacher just did not want to believe that that perfect paper came from me and laid it on top of the letter page! Hello board-of-education!

I was doing real good in the seventh grade and trying to stay away from the board until Leo, one of my classmates who liked gum created a situation that I just could not pass up. Leo liked gum, especially chic-lets, the kind of gum that came with a white sugar coating. I found some fin-a-mint, a laxative, gum that looked just like the chic-let gum. I put that laxative gum into a regular chic-let gum box and took it too school. At recess, Leo saw that I had the "gum" and wanted some. I allowed him to take all he wanted! Back in class, Leo began to fidget and squirm. He asked the teacher to allow him to go to the restroom, but as it was just after recess she refused. Leo squirmed a little longer - too long as it turned out! He got up to run for the restroom, but we all could hear his bowels letting go and the smell was pretty bad! The teacher ran after Leo and I suppose learned of his problem first hand. She later stormed back into the classroom with the principal and headed directly to my desk. I was roughly yanked up and the board-of-education was applied to my backside!

Leo came back to class white-faced and weak. Leo never chewed gum after that!

The eighth grade I just knew was going to be my year until I chanced upon a live wood rat in my after school travels. Vernon, a classmate, had a great fear of rats. Those were the days of zippered notebooks and early one school morning I got to the classroom first with that rat. With some work, I got the rat into Vernon's zippered notebook and placed the notebook back in Vernon's desk.

Mrs. Vick was our teacher and she must have had a great fear of rats also. When Mrs. Vick instructed the class to get out their notebooks, I watched with anticipation as Vernon got his and began unzip it. The rat struggled to jump out and Vernon slung the notebook, with the rat, away - they landed near Mrs. Vick's desk! Mrs. Vick's scream, along with Vernon's, just plain disrupted the classroom. I was laughing pretty hard when I noticed that Mrs. Vick was staring at me with what appeared to be malice from on top of her desk.

The rat was caught and put outside. I was escorted by Mrs. Vick to the principal's office. He was overjoyed to see me as it gave him a perfect excuse to use his "board-of-education" on my backside. I felt the punishment was unjustified since it was Vernon who had slung the rat toward Mrs. Vick. In addition, I was never thanked for the exercise that it provided to Mrs. Vick. That was quite a leap Mrs. Vick made. From a seated position to the top of her desk in one single bound!

The 9th grade was super. We were introduced to chemistry and I just loved chemistry! There were so many things that one could do using chemistry and not just the experiments in the books! Sodium was amazing. It sputtered and flitted about when it came in contact with water. That set me to thinking.

We used real ink and ink pens on our homework in those days, not ball-point pens. The ink came in a glass bottle with a small ink well built into it. I wondered what would happen if one put some sodium in the ink well and then threw the ink bottle. Would it explode? Yes it did!!! With ink splattered all over the walls. It was a truly exciting thing to watch. The Chemistry teacher did not think it was so exciting and "helped" me down to the principal's office for a liberal application of the board-of-education.

My 10th grade was going to be better until the band concert. There was a band concert scheduled in the school auditorium that was eagerly awaited by the student body. I had learned that when a firecracker fuse was inserted into a lighted cigarette it took approximately 15 minutes for the fuse to ignite. With great care and stealth that "bomb" was placed on the back of the stage before the concert began. The assembly was gathered and the concert started. During a particularly rousing song the firecracker ignited! There were band members everywhere - they overturned chairs and leaped from the stage in great numbers. It was a truly momentous occasion and one to be remembered by all. When things settled down a bit the principal escorted me to the stage and with great vigor applied the board-of-education to my back-side! Seems he had seen me emerging from backstage prior to the concert and found me guilty.

My last year in school was started with a firm resolve that the board-of-education and I were not going to meet again. It was not my fault that I was exposed to the procedure for making hydrogen-sulfide gas in chemistry class. I put together a small hydrogen-sulfide gas production apparatus and placed it with loving care in a locker near the school lunch room. It began to produce the gas which smelled pretty bad - so bad in fact that the lunch room wing had to be evacuated and just before lunch to boot.

Needless to say it was not very long before the notice came for me to report to the principal's office and the board-of-education was applied with loving vigor.

I did learn from that board. I learned to pad my pants, grit my teeth and bear it.

© John D. Beeson November 2007

John Beeson has had a varied career that includes: working for NASA during the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Projects; has owned and operated several businesses; management consultant for large civil design and construction projects around the world; since retirement John has raised organic tomatoes commercially.

By John Beeson

Importance of Value Education

Seven sins: wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character,commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, politics without principle.

-Mahatma Gandhi

Just in case you believe that great social problems are beyond your scope, consider this story: God said to me: Your task is to build a better world. I answered: How can I do that? The world is such a large, vast place, so complicated now, and I am so small and useless. There nothing I can do. But God in his great wisdom said: Just build a better you.

- Anonymous

The moral values present a true perspective of the development of any society or nation. They tell us to what extent a society or nation has developed itself. Values are virtues, ideals and qualities on which actions and beliefs are based. Values are guiding principles that shape our world outlook, attitudes and conduct. Values however are either innate or acquired. Innate values are our inborn divine virtues such as love, peace, happiness, mercy and compassion as well as the positive moral qualities such as respect, humility, tolerance, responsibility, cooperation, honesty and simplicity.

Acquired values are those external values adopted at your "place of birth" or "place of growth" and
are influenced by the immediate environment. Examples of acquired values are one’s mode of dress, the way you bless, cultural customs, traditions, habits and tendencies.

The main causes of moral degeneration are:

- Lack of respect for the sanctity of human life.

- Breakdown of parental control of children in families

- Lack of respect for authority, seen through the brazen breaking of the law and

Total disregard for rules and regulations

- Crime and corruption

- Abuse of alcohol and drugs

- Abuse of women and children, and other vulnerable members of society.

- Lack of respect for other people and property.

To solve all these type problems it is necessary to know the main causes of the above problems. We know today children are tomorrow’s citizens. If we give good education to the present day children, the future of the next generations will be well. My opinion education is the solution for all types of the problems. Now we are living in the modern century. If we use science and technology in the proper way it is not difficult for us to solve all the problems of the non-moral and value things.The main object of the study is to inculcate moral and value based education in schools and colleges and to know the attitude of intermediate students towards moral values. Gandhiji advised the inmates of Sabarmati Ashram on the practice of the following values in their day-
to-day life:

1. Ahimsa

2. Non-stealing

3. Non-possession

4. Swadeshi

5. Manual work

6. Fearlessness

7. Truth

8. Chastity

9. Equality of religion

10. Removal of untouchability

11. Control of palate

Important life goals and personal characteristics:

Life goals and Personal characteristics are very necessary for all types of persons in the society.

Life Goals:

- A world at peace (free of war and conflict)

- Freedom (independence, free choice)

- Wisdom (a mature understanding of life)

- Happiness (contentedness)

- An exciting life (a stimulating, active life)

- Equality (brotherhood, equal opportunity for all)

- A comfortable life (a prosperous life)

- Self-respect (self-esteem, feeling good about yourself)

- Salvation (religiously saved, eternal life)

- Mature love (sexual & spiritual intimacy)

- Social recognition (respect, admiration)

- A sense of accomplishment (I've made a lasting contribution)

- Family security (taking care of loved ones)

- True friendship (close companionship)

- A world of beauty (beauty of nature and the arts)

- Inner harmony (freedom from inner conflict)

- Pleasure (an enjoyable, leisurely life)

- National security (protection from attack)

Personal Characteristics:

- Self-controlled (thinks first, restrained, self-disciplined)

- Honest (sincere, truthful, disclosing)

- Loving (affectionate, tender, caring)

- Ambitious (hard working, aspiring)

- Cheerful (lighthearted, joyful)

- Responsible (dependable, reliable)

- Independent (self-reliant, sufficient)

- Broad-minded (open-minded, able to see other viewpoints)

- Polite (courteous, well mannered)

- Forgiving (willing to pardon others)

- Intellectual (intelligent, reflective, knowledgeable)

- Helpful (working for the welfare of others)

- Obedient (dutiful, respectful)

- Capable (competent, effective, skillful)

- Logical (consistent, rational, aware of reality)

- Clean (neat, tidy)

- Imaginative (daring, creative)

- Courageous (standing up for your beliefs, strong)

Hogan (1973) believes that moral behavior is determined by five factors: (1) Socialization: becoming aware as a child of society's and parents' rules of conduct for being good. (2) Moral
judgment: learning to think reasonably about our own ethics and deliberately deciding on our own
moral standards. (3) Moral feelings: the internalization of our moral beliefs to the degree that we feel shame and guilt when we fail to do what we "should." (4) Empathy: the awareness of other people's situation, feelings, and needs so that one is compelled to help those in need. (5) Confidence and knowledge: knowing the steps involved in helping others and believing that one is responsible for and capable of helping.

Today we facing so many problems like terrorism, poverty and population problem. It is necessary to inculcate moral values in curriculum. Education is an effective weapon. Education is a weapon, whose effect depends on who holds it is his handsand at whom it is aimed. (Joseph Stalin)

Curricular Activities:

Due to liberalization, industrialization and globalization rapid changes are occurring in almost all social sciences. The value possessed and their attitudes according to the changes should be known up to date vast changes are occurring in the education. So called philosophical foundations of India are declining day to day with the country in a state of social turbulence, the goals and functions of formal education need to be reassessed and updated. Through education we can change the world.

- By giving a place for moral values in the curriculum.

- Moral values can be explained through stories and illustrations.

- Through poetry, novel and stories we can inculcate moral values in the students.

- Role play of a good story in the lesson.

- Educate students through posters, advertisements and dramatizations; those are all a part
in the curriculum.

- By introducing a course on moral values as a part of its Master Degree in Developmental
Administration.

- Giving course training to students to develop moral values in the society.

- By educating citizen through direct contact by setting up local offices across the religion.

- First of all educate women in the society. Mother is the first teacher. Motivate every woman
to know about moral values through special course like “Gandhian Studies”.

"IF WEALTH IS LOST NOTHING IS LOST"

"IF HEALTH IS LOST SOMETHING IS LOST"

"IF CHARACTER IS LOST EVERYTHING IS LOST"

BEST OF ALL THINGS IS CHARACTER - FATHER OF INDIAN NATION MAHATMA GANDHI

Name:Naraginti Amareswar Reddy Father Name: N.M.Reddy Sex: Male Date of Birth: 10th Fed 1981 Ed Qua: M.Sc., M.Ed., research scholar in the dept. of education, sri venkateswara university, tirupati, India. e-mail ID: amareswaran@yahoo.co.in

By Naraginti Reddy

Distance Education Software

Distance education, is a technique of offering education through correspondence or online. It makes it possible for students to receive education in far-off places. In Distance education, educational materials are sent to the students through various means such as tutorials, audiotapes, videos, satellite broadcasts, and also through CD's. Interactive videoconferencing generally helps a teacher to deliver lectures in a virtual classroom. The different facilities and services available through the network generally include online listing, accessibility of online video materials, distribution of course materials, and constant communication, with tutors or instructors and fellow students through e-mail.

Distance education software is also used to encourage, reputed institutions to start distance education programs. Interactive videoconferencing is the most useful software developed, and it has helped to change the way distance education is imparted. The growing technical software makes it possible for colleges to adapt distance-learning programs, by easily mixing online-learning software from multiple companies. Many colleges around the world are now getting involved in creating new standards, and many institutions, corporations, and government bodies have also started applying for them.

These standards are still being developed, and it is assumed that it could take years to be implemented. Professors with the help of this software can create, a database of the attendance record of students in each of their courses. Professors would have to individually update the lists, whenever students join or drop out of a course, with the help of the advanced software.

With the help of this software, the curriculum can be arranged and rearranged easily, to accommodate different learning styles. A professor can also include evaluation tools, to track a student's progress through the material. When content can easily be rearranged, distance education without doubt is likely to expand quickly. Online sites are available that give detailed information, and latest updated news of how soon this software will be introduced.

Distance Education provides detailed information on Distance Education, Distance Education Programs, Online Distance Education, Christian Distance Education and more. Distance Education is affiliated with Christian Home Schooling.

By Kevin Stith

Understanding How Adult Education Can Benefit You

There is more emphasis on lifelong learning and adult education these days. More and more people are returning to college as mature students and some choose to attend night and part time classes. Some people also enroll in vocational courses where they can learn new skills to help them get a new job or just to enjoy learning.

There have been a lot of changes in the world of work in the last two decades. A person can be quickly left behind because computers and technology are developing so quickly. Fortunately, people can now get up to speed with computers through adult education IT classes. Proficiency with computers and a degree in IT are required in most jobs nowadays. In fact, there are even companies who pay their employees to go on computer related courses.

The popularity of language classes has also significantly increased in the past years. You can take a basic course which will help you to get by on vacation. You can also choose from different levels of courses to suit your needs if you want to learn a language to further your career. The number of languages on offer in adult education is expanding all the time to keep up with the demands of students.

You may prefer to do a distance-learning course if sitting in a classroom with others doesn't appeal to you. You can benefit from the flexibility of working at your own pace and setting your own hours with this form of adult education. You can still have guidance in class because some courses still provide a personal tutor. You can also enroll in some adult education courses, which involve going on residential summer schools. You can talk to tutors, share ideas and concerns with fellow students in these courses. Socializing with like-minded people can often be a morale-lifting boost to your studies.

On the other hand, you may just be interested in doing something for fun and not to get a qualification or pass an exam. You can select from many popular adult education courses in painting, yoga, cookery and carpentry. These courses will give you an opportunity to do something that you've always wanted and make new friends. You will also gain more confidence in everyday life and learn valuable lesson such as self-defense and car maintenance in these classes.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Adult Education. Visit our site for more helpful information about New Direction For Adult and Continuing Education and other similar topics.

By Morgan Hamilton

Borrowing for College - Department of Education Student Loans

Finding sources of college funding is an important step towards getting an education. College tuition and living costs are increasing and you will need to find funding wherever you can. You may even have to eliminate your favorite school from your list, even if your efforts have been rewarded with the chance to attend. Though you will have to take money into account when choosing a school, you should be able to get into one of your top five schools with the help of the department of education; student loans and financial aid can help you pay for it.

You should apply for student aid first. It is free to apply, you may receive extra funds that you won't have to pay back, and having applied for student aid is a requirement for receiving student loans. You can apply online with the department of education. An online forecaster and a college expenses calculator are now provided to help you estimate how much money you will need and how much you will receive.

Federal PLUS loans are available for parents who wish to help their children study, but if they do not meet qualifications to receive a PLUS loan, the student can apply for Stafford loans with a higher maximum loan amount. The minimum loan amount increases after every year in college, and as an example, your first year the maximum loan amount is $3500, or $7500 if your parents do not have access to the PLUS loan.

In the case of financial need, the government pays the interest on your loan during your time in college. This is called a subsidized loan. If you are borrowing a Stafford loan with the normal maximum limit, the entire loan is subsidized. If you qualify for a higher maximum loan amount, only the normal loan amount can be subsidized: $3500 of the $7500 for the first year, for example.

Federal loans can be taken from the Department of Education directly, or, through the FFEL program, through private lenders. The terms and payment options may vary, but federal loans now have a fixed interest rate at a maximum of 6.8%. Direct federal loans offer you the option of switching among a variety of payment plans, allowing you to make lower payments over time or even make payments based on your income.

If you have education expenses which are not covered by federal loans, you can take out private loans as well. These are available from many different sources with differing terms; you should contact them while you are comparing colleges to get an estimate on how much you can borrow. Graduate students can take out PLUS and Stafford loans, and you can consolidate your student loans at any time.

Even if you can't pay for your top choice, you can get into a good school if you use all the resources available to you, including Department of Education student loans, financial aid, and private loans.

By Adam Hefner

Special Education Funds For the Disabled

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services referred to as OSERS from this point in our discussion was developed to help people of all ages to improve their status in life by providing educational funding. The OSERS provide support to persons with disabilities in three different ways.

• Osers support parents and students by providing special education programs that help meet the needs of each individual according to their disability.

• Osers help with vocational rehabilitation by providing special training in a particular job and in many cases funding to help the student to go to college getting a degree for a higher profession.

• Osers help the disabled by providing funding for research that is very helpful in some cases to improve health and provide better equipment for mobility.

Osers a federally funded program feel that by providing funding for that covers infants, toddlers, children and adults with disabilities no individual will be left behind and will have a happier fit in today's society. The disabled and the legally blind are just as capable as any other student to complete a four year college course and enter into a profession that will help them to achieve a life of abundance.

The different states have programs that help with educational funding and there are private organizations that provide funding help for anyone with a disability who wishes to excel in college. Most people with a disability prefer to look at themselves as a person with many "capabilities" and this is a proven fact. Over the many years our society has had many people with "capabilities" in very important positions, artists, singers, scientists and inventors.

OSERS has become the guiding force to identify early in a child's life what is needed to help them succeed in life. Osers provides intervention in schools when need be to assist the parent in getting what is needed for the progress of the child. OSERS is committed to working with both internal and external forces while some local or state groups do not have the power to require organizations to adhere to rules and regulations governing the help and support of the disabled. Many years ago the federal government had already put into place specific guidelines for the legally blind which protects their rights and gives them the privilege of attending a college or University for higher education. The disabled and legally blind now have rights and privileges that help them succeed in life with a higher education.

By Tom Tessin