Sun, 20 May 2012 02:06:09 GMT <![CDATA[LearningStylesTutoring.com]]> Sun, 20 May 2012 02:06:09 GMT Learning styles are various approaches or ways of learning. Everyone can be a successful learner when the information is pushed out to the learner using the methods that best address their individual style of learning whether it be kinesthetic-tactile, auditory or visual-spatial. Teaching a student outside of their style of learning doesn't necessarily mean complete failure but it can impede the progress. Delivering content to a student in the manner in which he/she learns best is sometimes difficult in a classroom of students and can no doubt be best obtained through one-one-one teaching however it is refreshing to see a huge push and education of teacher's minds towards creating a differentiated classroom - gearing learning toward the individual styles, needs, interests and personality of the child. In other words, not all students will work at the same pace or on the same material but all students will cover the same objectives to master. It's a wonderful thing to witness classrooms making the shift from the traditional teacher based classroom to the student based classroom. It is not a change that will happen overnight but it is a change and it is on the rise.

]]> <![CDATA[What is a Learning Style?]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2010 02:30:21 GMT Deal announces "Real Results," a plan for education in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA (September 7, 2010) - Nathan Deal, Republican nominee for governor of Georgia, today unveiled his blueprint that emphasizes local control, greater choice and reforms to better position schools in Georgia for the new century. 

The plan, "Real Results," was developed following lengthy discussions with stakeholders in the education process, including parents, teachers and administrators.

"I have listened to Georgians and believe this plan has the right elements to bring needed changes to public education in Georgia," Deal said. 

More than 700 teachers responded to Deal in an online survey. Over 70 percent said that too much classroom time was being spent on preparing for and taking standardized tests. "We must provide significant flexibility to local school systems that are accountable for student outcomes," Deal said.

One of the unique approaches in Deal's plan would allow students to progress to higher levels without having to complete unnecessary hours. Online assessments will be made available to teachers, allowing students to advance to more rigorous coursework when they are ready. "We will no longer tie the hands of students and teachers by imposing arbitrary 'seat time' requirements," Deal said.

The plan also addresses the need to attract new teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

In order to restore Georgia's competitiveness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Deal will work with legislators, state and local school officials to develop a STEM Education Student Incentive Plan that will encourage our best and brightest science and math college students to pursue a course of study to become an educator in these fields. These incentives would be repaid over the course of a teacher's service in our public elementary, middle and high schools. 

Teachers who agree to dedicate their time in one of our state's most underperforming schools would further be rewarded by accruing service credit at twice the rate, earning two years of credit for each calendar year served.

The plan would also allow school systems to earn state incentives for implementing innovative programs of learning under the STEM program.

The Republican's plan also includes a health and wellness element. 

"With an increasing number of children who struggle with weight issues or have been diagnosed with health-related issues, such as diabetes, we can work within our schools to educate students on improving their physical health," Deal said. Utilizing existing infrastructure such as the Healthy Kids Challenge, physical education and school nutrition programs will intentionally work together to create a national model for wellness. 

The plan also addresses economic concerns for the future of the HOPE scholarship program and the financial future of the Teachers Retirement System. 

"We have seen what the HOPE program has meant at both ends of the education spectrum, in pre-kindergarten and in college education," Deal said. "It will be a priority of my administration to protect these core purposes of HOPE."

Deal also pledged to protect the retirement funds of career educators.

"We must be good stewards of the funds for teacher retirement," he said. "We have seen what has happened when pension funds are invested in high-risk ventures and I want to make certain that teachers can rest assured that their retirement fund will be there when needed." 

He said improving education would be a cornerstone of his administration.

"As the son and husband of career educators, I know the value of education to Georgia," Deal said. "I want to ensure that future generations of Georgians can enjoy the same."

]]> <![CDATA[Real Results]]> Sat, 11 Sep 2010 11:21:09 GMT We are on Twitter!  I wasn't a fan or at least I didn't quite know enough about it to even know if I was a fan or not.  I'm finding it to be informative, curious, humorous, creative and entertaining.  What I like most of all is the fact that it's bringing this world even closer and that, my friend, is a good thing!

]]> <![CDATA[Twitter]]> Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:58:56 GMT What is your biggest back to school challenge in your family?  For our family it's just a matter of getting back  in to the routine and being accountable to a time schedule.  Oh the drag!  But then again maybe not.  There is something to be said about having routine and a schedule even though the transition may sometimes be difficult.

]]> <![CDATA[Back to School]]> Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:54:18 GMT As I speak to more and more families these days it seems the growing trend is for students to stay put in their hometown while attending a community college.  A lot of this may be fueled by the ever changing and gloomy economy and/or the fact that students just don't know what they want to pursue.  Discussion around the dinner table may spark inquisitive questions such as "Son, what do you want to do with your life?"  "Not sure" replies the son.  What better time than to introduce the most economical next step in a teens life.  Parents are promoting the concept of their children staying home while attending community college until their money is put to the best use possible when students finally gain direction and have a real passion for what they want to pursue as a career.  Parents can then dish out the big bucks to a 4 year college once their child is established and has direction so they can earn more knowledge in their desired field rather than the "party" headaches 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Off to the College Dorm? Maybe Not.]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:00:07 GMT
State Board of Education Adopts Common Core State Standards
MEDIA CONTACTS:
- GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, mcardoza@gadoe.org  


July 8, 2010 – The State Board of Education today adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts and mathematics for grades K-12. These state-led academic standards were initiated by the National Governor's Association (NGA), co-chaired by Governor Sonny Perdue, and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The CCSS for grades K-12 were developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including content experts, states, teachers, school administrators and parents.

“The State Board's vote to adopt the Common Core State Standards is a huge step toward giving us a meaningful comparison of our students’ achievement with that of students in other states," said State Board of Education Chair Wanda Barrs. "Our students will be competing for jobs with students from all over the world and we must be able to compare ourselves to the rest of the U.S. and other countries to ensure that we are providing students with the tools they need to be globally competitive."

The CCSS is a state-led initiative - not a federal mandate. Georgia teachers and other experts in standards setting have been at the table since the process began. When the expert development groups that the CCSSO and NGA pulled together began writing the standards in mathematics and English language arts, they built off of the work of states that had already developed rigorous college- and career-ready standards. Georgia was one of these select states, and when reading the CCSS, it is clear that there are many elements of the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) throughout. Therefore, the adoption of the CCSS in Georgia will not be a drastic change for either teachers or students. Some of the standards are introduced at different grade levels, but teachers have, essentially, been implementing the CCSS while they’ve been teaching the GPS.

"Georgia has been ahead of the curve in the development of rigorous standards," said State School Superintendent Brad Bryant. "The Common Core standards enhance the Georgia Performance Standards and ensure that all of our students will be taught a world-class curriculum that will prepare them for college or a career."

The Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college and careers. These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college and careers. The standards are:
• Aligned with college and work expectations;
• Clear, understandable and consistent;
• Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
• Built upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
• Informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
• Evidence- and research-based.

"Today's students must be prepared to compete in a global economy," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "These state developed standards make sure that our students are prepared for college and the workforce." ]]> <![CDATA[Georgia Standards]]> Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:19:33 GMT Have you ever wondered what particuluar styles of learning best suits you or your child?  Visit this website to find out http://www.educationplanner.org/education_planner/discovering_article.asp?sponsor=2859&articleName=Learning_Styles_Quiz

 

Targeting the individual learning style of a student whether in the classroom or in a private tutoring environment is key to educational success. When a student is equipped with the proper tools for learning and the environment is student centered the realms of learning increase significantly. 

 

We'd love to hear about your style of learning and any success stories you'd like to share! 

]]> <![CDATA[Be Prepared with the Proper Tools]]> Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:24:44 GMT As I sit here in the midst of high temps and sunny skies my thoughts ponder the upcoming school year quickly approaching.   Have our children had enough time to decompress? I think not. The more time a child (and an adult) has to decompress and relax the more productive he/she will be. Our children need a retreat from the rat race of daily schedules and committments and what better way to obtain that than during summer vacation.  I vote for 3  solid months of summer vacation (making sure to keep up with reading and those basic math skills!)  then making the transition to a fresh start  after labor day!  Many states follow this calendar and I'm hopeful our schools in Georgia will some day too. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

]]> <![CDATA[Summer Fun!]]> Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:39:05 GMT July 8, 3:14 AMAtlanta Education Headlines ExaminerTracey Bray

 

 

State Board of Education to adopt a set of national benchmarks for Georgia’s

 

The state-led initiative to adopt a set of national benchmarks is underway in Georgia. The state Board of Education (BOE) is expected to announce adoption and implementation of the core standards this week.


What are educational standards? Educational standards help teachers to ensure that their students have proficiency in the skills and knowledge that they need to be academically successful by providing clear goals for student learning. If adopted and implemented Georgia will join 20 other states that have already signed on to the Common Core State Standards.


Why do children in the state of Georgia need educational standards? Standards are needed to ensure that all students are prepared for success in institutions of higher learning and in the workplace. Having common core state standards will mean that when families move within the state their children can still receive a high quality education that is consistent with the curriculum from the previous school, which will ultimately recognize and value all students in education thereby, serving the needs of the students.


Adopting common core state standards is not a push for nationalizing education as the federal government has not been involved in the development of any standards. Each state will choose individually as to whether the state will adopt or not adopt the standards.


The standards were developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers in collaboration with key stakeholders including school administrator, teachers, parents, states and content experts. The standards are: aligned with college and work expectations; clear, understandable and consistent; include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills; informed by other top performing counties and evidence and research-based. The standards will focus on eight critical areas in math and cover five content areas under the English Language Arts component.


Armed with information, how do you feel about this initiative for the state of Georgia, is a common core state standards the right move for the children of this state?
 

]]> <![CDATA[Interesting Article]]> Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:15:00 GMT