Category Archives: Schools

Debatepedia Documents All Pros And Cons Of Merit Pay For Teachers

Debatepedia has developed the world’s most extensive article on the pros and cons of merit pay for teachers. The article draws over 30 pro and con arguments and quotations from over 20 of the most outstanding editorials, opinion pieces, essays, and political statements on the issue. And, it structures these arguments and quotations in Debatepedia’s unique pro/con “logic tree” structure. The structure helps separate the primary sub-debates (and arguments and counter-arguments) in this debate, which are represented by some of the following questions: Does merit-based pay improve education? Does it improve the quality of teaching by incentivizing hard work? Does it help attract and retain quality teachers? Does it help weed out bad teachers? Does merit pay distract teachers? Does it create undesirable competition between teachers? Does it discourage teachers from going to needy schools? Can teacher merit be successfully measured? Or does varying student performance get in the way? Is merit pay fairer to teachers? Does it fall pray to principal cronyism? Does it encourage teachers to cheat? Does the market demonstrate the importance of pay for performance? If teachers should be paid more in general, is merit pay the best way to do it? What do past examples of merit pay around the world demonstrate? Debatepedia’s community has outlined the pros and con arguments and quotations that fit within and respond to the above sub-debate questions, making it truly the most comprehensive breakdown of the debate available.

President Obama has repeatedly stated his support for merit pay for teachers. Yet, with many priorities on his plate, it would appear that the debate will continue for some time, and even after any policy decisions are made, the debate is likely to continue for years to come, in the United States and abroad. For this reason, Debatepedia’s pro/con structure is particularly valuable in helping walk citizens and decision-makers through the many arguments and quotations so that they can effectively deliberate, make decisions, and make the policy that will guide education in the 21st century.

Debatepedia is a wiki encyclopedia of pros and con arguments and quotations. It is essentially “the Wikipedia of pros and cons”. Started in 2006 by Brooks Lindsay and William Wnekowicz out of Georgetown University, Debatepedia subsequently merged with the International Debate Education Association in 2007. IDEA is a 501c3 non-profit piloted initially by the Open Society Institute in 1999. While IDEA promotes debate in all of its forms around the world, Debatepedia fits within its mission to expand a new industry in journalism – what it calls the “in-depth journalism of public debates”.

Related links:

*Merit based pay for teachers:
http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Debate:_Merit-based_pay_for_teachers
* Home page: http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Welcome_to_Debatepedia!
* Media kit: http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Debatepedia:Media_Kit

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The Book Of Dreams Project Chapter One Description

I was a little nervous when the students at Harford Friends School and I began our studies of The Underground Railroad,and local Black history.. After all, this was the Book’s first chapter, and uncharted territory for all.

As the kids settled in to the project,my fears were replaced with pride. After four three hour sessions, the first chapter of an original piece of fiction inspired by our studies had been composed. The story centers around a boy and girl, both slaves. The kids worked together, with no help from teachers or parents. I’m very proud of what they created. (click here to read) I emphasized to the students that there is history beneath our feet, and in front of our faces, everyday, everywhere. It’s just that many of us never bother to check it out,because we don’t know it’s there.

I knew that we would not have to look very far to find some tasty local Black history. After all,we live in Maryland!

As it turned out, we would Christen the Book Of Dreams by entering the first chapter just two miles from our school.

In 1867,a one room school house was built from wood,and stood amidst the rolling farm land of Darlington,Maryland. The school was for black children only,during the long years of segregation. The Hosanna school has been restored to it’s original condition.. It still stands alone with fields all around,as though little had changed. As we entered the classroom, there was a silence,occasionally punctuated by the creaking of a wooden floor board..The old desks were still in their original positions,empty and mute. A pot belly stove sat in the same corner as it always had when it was the sole source of heat for the small building. There was a quiet energy about this place..

It would not have taken much to imagine the ghosts of children and teachers long gone, learning to read,write,and add in this very room. Many of the children and some of their parents who had never learned to read walked 6-7 miles each way,rain or shine. Teachers in black schools such as this were paid about half of what teachers in the white schools were paid. The curriculum in black schools was very different than in white schools as well. The local board of education explained the disparity by stating that the black children would grow up to be farm hands,so they did not need the same level of education as their white neighbors children. The cool thing about today was, that we did not need to imagine ghosts.. We had Christine Tolbert with us, who along with her parents and grandparents, had been a student here as a young child.

We also had Gladys Williams who was Christine’s teacher,right here in the very room in which we all were now seated.

Today,they would both be OUR teachers. The kids listened well,and asked many questions as the ladies wove their stories of a bygone era..Later,Tamika Hudson read two original spoken word pieces to us all, in the voice of Harriett Tubman. Christine told us that even when she was a child,there had always been strong relationship between the Deer Creek Friends Meeting,and the Hosanna School, and surrounding black community.She said that today felt like a family reunion of sorts. Tamika and Gladys seemed to really hit it off,as did we all.The kids then put quill pen to Cotton paper,and the first chapter had been entered.

It was an awesome day, and not one that any of us will soon forget. I know that the Book will travel to many schools and historical sites,and I’m looking forward to seeing it take on a life of it’s own.

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Book Of Dreams Project By Gandhi Hurwitz

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

The Book of Dreams is living testament to good people who chose to act when the evil of slavery governed in America. Written by American school children in the 21st century, it will tell the stories of ordinary people, black and white, enslaved and free, who tapped into deep waters and together worked to create safe passage to freedom on the Underground Railroad for thousands of American slaves. The Book’s creator, Gandhi Hurwitz, sees the project as a way for children to understand that if their ancestors could work together in such a tumultuous and primitive world, so can they in today’s world.

Born at the Steppingstone Museum in Havre de Grace, Maryland, the Book of Dreams was “beaten out of the fire, carved out of wood” by Steppingstone’s resident blacksmith, Tom Alexander, and Masters of the Shop and woodworkers, Wade Whitlock and John Weifenbach, with jointing by Joe Cambria. It is massive, structural, permanent. Handcrafted entirely of iron and black walnut, it measures 30”x 36” x 9” and weighs in at about 60 lb. Visitors to Steppingstone’s Fall Harvest Festival on September 23 and 24, 2006 will be able to watch these master craftsmen put the final touches on the Book of Dreams, using traditional techniques and hand- and foot-powered tools.

The Book of Dreams will “visit” its first school during Black History Month, in February 2007, where the students at Harford Friends School in Darlington, Maryland will research local Underground Railroad history and write Chapter One as a parent-led and expert guest enrichment activity. Hurwitz, whose daughter Clairellen attends the school, says he was inspired by local Quakers who worked on the Railroad, including members of Deer Creek Meeting where the school is located. (The previous Meetinghouse in Darlington is believed to have been burned down by arsonists who objected to Quakers’ antislavery activities.)

After leaving Harford Friends, the Book will travel far and wide to schools along Railroad routes in Maryland and beyond, perhaps circulating as far south as North Carolina. Students from each school will research local Railroad history and write a Book chapter. Each chapter will be recorded on a large sheet of archival cotton paper and entered into the Book. Hurwitz has invited Tamika Hudson, an actor and Harriet Tubman interpreter, to contribute a written piece in Tubman’s voice. After the Book has circulated, it will return to its permanent repository at Harford Friends School where 8th grade students will write the last chapter as part of their year-long study of Harford County and American history.

Hurwitz calls Steppingstone the perfect birthplace for the Book of Dreams. Located on the site of a Quaker family farm believed to have been a station on the Underground Railroad, Steppingstone is a living history museum and interpretive center of American farm life near the Mason-Dixon line. Hurwitz found receptive partners when he first presented his vision to Steppingstone’s Director, Linda Noll, its board of directors and craftsmen. Under the Museum’s sponsorship, the craftsmen – all volunteers – have dedicated dozens of hours to building the Book.

The Book’s striking appearance was inspired by a design created by Clairellen Hurwitz. Two wrought iron, life-size arms – one shackled and skeletal, the other unshackled – reach across the Books’ black walnut cover. They are connected by a railroad track. A hand-carved rendering of the African continent rises out of the wood. A burnished iron North Star sits near the top. “Book of Dreams” is boldly embossed along the Book’s iron spine. You can view photographs of the Book on the project’s website: www.bookofdreamsproject.org

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New Advanced HR Business Partner Programme By Henley Business School

Henley Business School has launched a new Advanced Human Resources Business Partner programme as part of its executive education programme. Aimed at senior HR business partners, the programme will help them focus on aligning the HR agenda with the strategic business imperatives of their organisations, on deriving competitive advantage for the business through delivery of that agenda and on developing their own strategic leadership skills.

The Advanced HR Business Partner programme is intended to provide HR professionals looking to move to more senior roles with the necessary leadership skills to understand and contribute to overall business management. Typically participants will have been charged by their organisations to set an HR agenda that is aligned to, and supports, the overall business agenda – rather than being responsible for a discrete area of HR.

Henley Business School

The programme is based on real-world business research by the Henley Human Resources Centre of Excellence into what is required from HR today.

Nick Holley, Programme Director, said: “Great human resources people need to understand what drives the business and focus on HR’s contribution as part of overall business leadership. One HR Director commented to me that there are many people with strong HR knowledge but few with the business acumen or personal strength to challenge and influence their peers. Our research with many leading international businesses has revealed what a good HR leader looks like and this programme will enable participants who work as part of a senior team to develop those commercial and influencing skills.”

The ‘Advanced HR Business Partner’ programme is part of Henley Business School’s new portfolio of executive development programmes aimed at helping organisations to develop effective leadership and the right calibre of managers to survive and thrive in today’s turbulent economic times.

As part of an extensive executive education offering, which also includes both customised and tailored qualification programmes, these management courses and leadership courses are highly practical, designed to create immediate impact and make a real difference back in the work environment.

About Henley Business School:
Henley Business School was formed in August 2008 from the merger of Henley Management College, itself founded in 1945, and the Business School at the University of Reading. It is one of the longest established Business Schools and the world’s third largest supplier of MBA education. It delivers business management training to managers in more than 112 countries worldwide with in excess of 5,400 people studying at any one time.

Henley Business School is one of Europe’s largest full service business schools and offers a comprehensive range of management programmes from undergraduate to board level.

Encompassing the world-ranked Henley MBA, executive and distance learning MBAs, DBAs, PhDs, MScs, BScs, BAs and its internationally renowned open and tailored executive education, it provides learning and development opportunities from the start of a career through to senior executive levels, from developing strategy to managing change and achieving sustainable, responsible success. With expertise in the development and delivery of solutions to the management and leadership challenges of our times, it is also one of the very few international business schools to hold triple accredited status (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).

Via EPR Network
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Host a Rocket Contest and Help Kids Reach for the Stars

You have read about it and heard it in the news – students in the U.S. are falling behind in test scores.. We need to get kids interested in science, technology, engineering and math – the STEM subjects. To get them involved you have to get their attention. Nothing draws more attention than a rocket launch – except a rocket contest. To that end we offer the national Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest.

Rocket launches are great for publicity! Use the contest to advertise your presence, build your membership and / or raise funds. They are a terrific way to get kids excited about learning. Running a local event is as easy as 3, 2, 1. Three – find at least twelve contestants and order supplies. Two – build and launch your rockets. One – award certificates and prizes. A step-by-step video and on-line help are available to guide you.

Compete locally. Celebrate nationally. The contest, for ages 10 to adult, is designed to be run by local organizations, is safe, easy and affordable. Everyone benefits. All contestants get a reusable Estes model as well as the unforgettable experience of launching a solid-fuel powered rocket hundreds of feet into the sky. Everyone involved receives a commemorative achievement certificate – suitable for framing. Each certificate bears an inspirational quote from Christa McAuliffe. Sponsors receive recognition and the satisfaction of Helping Kids Reach for the Stars.

As Homer Hickam, author of “The Rocket Boys” (aka “October Sky”) recently stated, “What’s better than a rocket launch to inspire young people? They learn about science, engineering and, at the end, they get to launch a rocket.” Everyone remembers their first rocket launch. What other activity can you say that about?

The contest is in its third year. It runs continuously and has annual deadlines for each celebration. Go to TheRocketman.net for deadlines and details. Our six national winners get memories to last a lifetime and bragging rights for generations to come!

Results from local events are entered in the national contest. National winners get their choice of launching their rockets at the Astronaut Hall of Fame and celebrating at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – or they can celebrate with author, Homer Hickam and launch with the original Rocket Boys at the October Sky Festival in Coalwood, West Virginia. They will also receive a Space Shuttle Challenger – commemorative coin as well as other prizes.

Dr. Warren Layfield, Educational Director at COSROCS (Colorado Springs Rocket Society) and TARC mentor considers the Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest to be the “perfect training ground for kids who will go on to more challenging competitions like the Team America Rocketry Challenge and NASA’s Student Launch Initiative.”

Tickets to the Astronaut Hall of Fame and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for three national winners and their families are provided by DNC Parks. Lodging and breakfast is compliments of the award winning Country Inns and Suites by Carlson in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Without the generosity of these companies, the winners’ celebration would not be possible.

Your efforts will promote the Helping Kids Reach for the Stars program and honor the legacy of Christa McAuliffe – NASA’s first Teacher-in-Space.

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Npower Events ‘Enthuse’ A Local School

Npower volunteers have returned Greendown Community School, one of the first schools selected to pilot npower’s ‘enthuse’ programme in 2007, the third consecutive year the event has taken place at the school.

During the recent two day educational experience over 260 Year 9 students participated in a range of 

interactive activities designed to help them think about the impact science and engineering has on their daily lives. South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove also visited the school to find out more about the programme.

Enthuse, which is part of npower’s Brighter Futures Programme, is a five year scheme designed to inspire and engage students aged 12-14 years old in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

The students were encouraged to think of ways to improve existing products or design a completely new concept, before considering the very real problem of how we can meet and reduce the UK’s future demand for energy. These activities were followed by a ‘facts and fiction’ session where the students were given the opportunity to meet with engineering staff f r o m npower’s Swindon offices. Throughout the day, the students took part in a series of hands-on activities relating to the power industry.

The day ended when the school’s Director of Specialism, Gill Sarjent was presented with an award, which recognised the continued support and efforts of the school towards the highly successful enthuse programme.

Gill Sarjent said: “The school is very proud to be involved with the ‘enthuse’ programme since day one and continued participation during the last few years. The students have been given an excellent insight into what it would feel like to be an engineer. Also, the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with staff f r o m npower helps bring the activities to life and gives the students a great introduction into the world of work.”

Anne Snelgrove MP commented: “It was fantastic to see the students having such a good time while they were learning. This scheme brings science and technology to life and makes it real.”

Connor Wood, a year 9 student, added: “I think the whole day was good as I liked learning about different careers and I really liked all the “hands on” activities. My favourite workshop was ‘Bright Ideas’ as I liked designing a new product, which was completely different. I think we should run this event every day for year 9 students!”

In 2008 alone, npower ‘enthuse’ days reached out to over 3400 students across the UK.

To find out more about npower’s education programme and free resources for schools and community groups, visit www.npower.com/education.

 

About npower:
npower is one of the UK’s largest electricity suppliers and draws on 50 years experience in supplying electricity and gas. npower offers a range of essential home and business services to 6.6 million customers across the UK.

RWE npower has been awarded the prestigious CommunityMark f r o m Business in the Community (BITC). npower is the only utility business, amongst 21 other companies in the UK, to receive this accolade. The CommunityMark is a new BITC standard which has been created to recognise companies that are good investors in local communities and who have brought about real and positive changes.

The aim of the npower Brighter Futures programme is to inspire young people f r o m their first day at school to their first day at work. This is achieved by helping them to develop their skills and knowledge to make their own choices and empowering them to achieve their vision of a ‘brighter future’ for themselves and for the environment. npower Brighter Futures also includes our apprenticeship and graduate recruitment schemes.

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Hays Reports Schools Increasingly Turning To Supply Teachers

The demand for supply teachers continues to remain buoyant in the current climate, according to the specialist recruitment company, Hays. Schools have come to rely on supply teachers to fill their staff shortages, as the requirement for sickness and emergency cover is as prevalent now as it has always been.

“Supply teachers who provide sickness support and cover emergencies at short notice are very much in demand, especially given the harsher winter conditions that we’ve experienced this year,” commented Stephen Heard, National Operations Director at Hays Education.

He emphasised, “Supply teachers not only make a significant contribution to staffing needs, but they are also pivotal in ensuring that schools run smoothly and that standards are maintained in the education sector”.

Supply teaching offers a great lifestyle choice and allows for greater flexibility, which suits people who have family or childcare commitments. Stephen continued, “Having the choice to work a limited number of days per week is a valuable option for some teachers, although they have to be flexible – in terms of both school and location – and available to travel at very little notice”.

Working as a supply teacher also allows the individual to cement their experience by working in a number of different schools. An NQT starting out in supply teaching will develop valuable skills and a breadth of experience that they would not have otherwise gained in a permanent role. This gives them a chance to look at different schools and to establish the type of environment that suits their personalities best.

Regular stints as a supply teacher can also serve as a valuable stepping-stone to a permanent teaching job. “It is important to foster relationships with the school as you will also be considered for a permanent job when one becomes available,” explained Stephen.

Opting for a longer-term contract is a way of bridging the permanent and supply teaching divide. It helps to build a teaching career, allowing the teacher to become a more integral part of the school and have greater involvement in planning class activities. Supply teaching provides an excellent platform to build a track record of experience and make a mark in the industry.

“Fostering a relationship with a specialist recruiter that deals in supply teaching vacancies means that you can establish a career and become known among schools, which will subsequently ask for you by name as your reputation in the industry grows,”Stephen concluded.

 

About Hays Education:
Hays Education is part of Hays plc, the leading global specialist recruitment group and specialises in a wide range of teaching jobs from cover supervision to head teacher jobs. It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. On 30 June 2008, the Group employed 8,872 staff operating from 393 offices in 27 countries across 17 specialisms.

For the year ended 30 June 2008:

– the Group had revenues of £2.5 billion, net fees of £786.8 million and operating profit before exceptional items of £253.8 million;
– the Group placed around 80,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 300,000 people into temporary assignments;
– the temporary placement business represented 49% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 51% of net fees.

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New Publication Seeks To Empower California’s Charter Schools

The Charter News is leading the information empowerment charge for California’s Charter Schools. The Charter News is currently the only statewide charter school newspaper in California, which caters to the charter school community. The Charter News is owned, operated, and published by David Morrow and John Hamilton, who are currently educators in secondary and postsecondary education respectively. According toMorrow, “the vision of The Charter News is to assist with empowering the charter school community in California”.

The Charter News is a monthly publication, which serves the growing 750 charter schools in California. Moreover, The Charter News has the potential to reach over 350,000 students, educators, parents, community members, legislators, and vendors. The Charter News provides national, statewide and local community news, information about activities, academic accomplishments, legislation, and conferences.

The Charter News believes in providing charter schools throughout California information, which educates and stimulates discussions from all levels of the charter community concerning our educational system. Morrow and Hamilton would like to invite educators, students, and community members to provide them with any news involving your region, school, students, and/or community to share with the California charter school community. The Charter News is committed to delivering world-class services designed to generate profound and measurable results for their members and subscribers who they consider family.

Additionally, The Charter News provides a connection for local, regional, and national vendors who have a desire to build a relationship with charter schools in California with their goods and services. Readers are able to access The Charter News through subscriptions (hardcopy and digital) and bulk delivery directly to schools, institutions and homes. Charter schools can advertise for recruitment of teachers and educational staff. Vendors have the opportunity to promote new products or services with various size display advertising targeted at state, regional and local consumers.

Join The Charter News with empowering each other with information and services. You are encouraged to visit and bookmark The Charter News website, which provides a digital copy of the publication at www.thecharternews.com and leave us a comment.

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TroubledTeenHelp.com – New Website By Horizon Family Solutions, LLC

Horizon Family Solutions Founder Dore Frances, M.A., reveals new website that showcases Residential and Wilderness Treatment Centers Bend, OR, February 20, 2009: Horizon Family Solutions, LLC , a leading Educational Consulting firm, is delighted to announce the launch of their new website, viewable at www.TroubledTeenHelp.com.

With a hint of corporate flare, the new website offers many features with a sophisticated look and feel. Site visitors will enjoy the ease of functionality on searching for breakingnews or browsing the bookstore, while allowing for a more personal visiting experience.

The site also provides users with a more comprehensive overview of addiction treatment centers; Christian based schools; college prep boarding schools; holistic treatment centers; preteen programs, family environment residential treatment centers; outdoor therapeutic programs; therapeutic boarding schools and wilderness programs.

The user-friendly layout has an up to date look and offers expanded service descriptions for all programs and schools listed.

Echoing sentiments of the company’s creative side for bringing up to date information to parents and professionals assisting struggling and troubled teens, Dore Frances, Founder, commented , “As the amount of residential treatment programs and wilderness programs have grown in numbers over the past eight years, so have the Internet advertising sites listings.

Many of these sites list anyone and everyone, with no overview as to the current licensing or struggles they may be having. Many of these sites list hundreds of programs and schools at a time, confusing parents and professionals even more when needing to make a best choice, a safe choice for an at risk child. I decided it was time to have a website that insures that when a parent is searching on their own, only the best programs will be made available as a first step measure. All programs are prescreened prior to the acceptance of advertising. If for any reason the program is shut down by the state, they are immediately removed as an advertiser until all concerns have been addressed. No one wants to take that kind of chance with their child. I had a lot of fun designing the site and I am very proud of the results.”

Established in 2001, Horizon Family Solutions, LLC has rapidly gained notoriety within the Educational Consultant and Residential Treatment Industry as a dual service provider for parents and professionals.

The company celebrated its eighth year in business this month.

To learn more about Horizon Family Solutions or TroubledTeenHelp.com, please visit us online at www.HorizonFamilySolutuions.com or www.TroubledTeenHelp.com; or call us at (541) 312-4422.

 

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University of New England’s Online Graduate Education Program Hits Record 500 Enrollments

The University of New England’s online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) program exceeded the 500 student enrollments barrier this fall, just one year after the program was launched.

Said Dr. Arthur Goldstein, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, “We are very excited to see such tremendous success so early in the life of this program. To have come this far so quickly is a testament not only to faculty and staff but also to our students.”

The program is already garnering recognition within the tight-knit education community. Tech & Learning magazine recently identified University of New England’s online master’s in education as one of the top online programs in the country.

Said Dr. Douglas Lynch, Chair, Department of Education, “The online Master of Science in Education program is a fantastic opportunity for motivated teachers and educational leaders to interact and learn. Our student base from across the nation enhances the shared-learning experience. The curriculum requires teachers to employ what they learn in their classroom making the program highly engaging and authentic. Teachers can apply what they learn right away.”

The students themselves appear to share the enthusiasm for the curriculum as is evidenced by the program’s retention. University of New England’s online MSEd program boasts a 98% retention rate, a figure many institutions rarely see.

Said online student Kimberly Rockwell, “I feel I interact more with my instructors online than the traditional format. They are very accessible and regularly check-in. It is much easier to write a quick email anytime of the day than to wait for certain hours to visit the professor in his/her office.”

About University of New England
The University of New England (UNE) is an independent university with two distinctive campuses on the coast of southern Maine, University Campus in Biddeford and Westbrook College Campus in Portland. The University’s mission is to provide a highly integrated learning experience that promotes excellence through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in education, research and service. UNE has four schools:
the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Health Professions, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the newly established College of Pharmacy. University of New England is a leading educator of healthcare professionals and an innovator in biomedical and healthcare research. With internationally recognized scholars in the humanities and marine sciences, UNE is building an outstanding faculty and provides a balance between students and faculty that ensures close collaboration and strong interactions. UNE’s student-centered, interdisciplinary programs promote experiential learning, critical thinking, and lifelong service to community.

For more information on the University of New England’s Online Master of Education programs call 1-800-994-2804 or visit www.education.une.edu.

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Portland State University Honors University Of Cincinnati Professor Edward J. Latessa With Hatfield Scholar Award

The Mark O. Hatfield School of Government honored Dr. Edward J. Latessa with the Hatfield Scholar Award. Dr. Latessa has led a distinguished career in the field of Criminal Justice and is currently a Professor and Head of the Division of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati. He has co-authored seven books including Corrections in the Community and Corrections in America. Additionally, Dr. Latessa has directed over 100 funded research projects, including studies of juvenile justice programs, drug courts, and intensive supervision programs.

Senator Mark O. Hatfield, for whom the award is named, said “I admire [Dr. Latessa’s] dedication to public service. Oregon is a state that values new ideas that serve the cause of social justice and consequently, we are proud that he would accept this award.”

Dr. Latessa’s intrepid perspective on academic practice has inspired the creation of two highly reputable online Criminal Justice degree programs. In 2001, the University of Cincinnati launched a Master of Science in Criminal Justice to great success. When approached about the possibility of launching a Bachelor’s degree Dr. Latessa recommended Portland State University’s own Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice as the ideal candidate and in 2005 this recommendation came to fruition.

At the award ceremony, Dr. Latessa said “I have dedicated most of my career to trying to improve programs, trying to make us a little more effective. I am happy if I can get one program, make it more effective, and change a few peoples’ lives. Many times the difference between us and the people that are incarcerated is a very small, thin line. It’s important that we understand that they are human beings, they are citizens, they are our neighbors that are incarcerated. It’s important to work hard to see that what we know works its way into the field.”

About the Hatfield Scholar Award
The Hatfield Scholar Award, named after the distinguished former Governor and Senator from Oregon, Mark O. Hatfield is offered to exceptional scholars whose careers best exemplify the Hatfield ideals of public interest, scholarship, public service, civil and human rights, social justice, and peace. The award is given annually by the combined faculties within the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University.

About Portland State University
PSU was founded in 1946 to help educate returning World War II veterans, and continues this tradition of adapting to changing social and educational circumstances. PSU’s Criminology and Criminal Justice division, part of the Hatfield School of Government, has been awarding bachelor degrees for nearly 40 years. The online learning program enables distance learners to interact with an interesting, passionate group of fellow students and learn with the same distinguished faculty that teach the on-campus program.

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Henley Business School Has Launched Its New Programme Of Executive Development Courses Aimed At Helping Organisations To Develop Effective Leadership And The Right Calibre Of Managers To Survive And Thrive In Today’s Turbulent Economic Times

Henley Business School launches new programme of executive development courses. Henley’s executive development courses are focused on building and enhancing leadership quality and management capability.

Evidence suggests that organisations which invest in management training and leadership development are able to operate more effectively both in the current difficult economic times as well as being better placed to take advantage when the economy returns to a period of growth.

Informed by the latest business research and ongoing feedback from clients, Henley’s programmes have been strengthened and extended to provide even more relevance and applicability to those charged with delivering effective leadership. New programmes being offered include ‘Profiting with Sustainability’ and ‘The Advanced HR Business Partner Programme’.

As part of an extensive executive education offering, which also includes both customised and tailored qualification programmes, these management courses and leadership courses are designed to create immediate impact back in the working environment and make a real difference to an organisation.

As well as a comprehensive range of leadership programmes, Henley is able to offer an innovative and cost-effective way for organisations to share ideas on business leadership through its Thought Leadership Groups. These forums allow clients to explore their key issues in a confidential and pragmatic manner to develop and understand good practices with real business benefits. Linda Irwin, Executive Director, Corporate Development at Henley Business School, said: “Our agenda is driven bottom-up from clients who tell us what’s keeping them awake at night. In today’s environment this client intimacy allows us to provide a unique offering with significant tangible benefits to them.”

In addition to their executive education and leadership development courses, Henley Business School also holds a series of invitation-only keynote addresses by top business leaders throughout the year.

About Henley Business School
Henley Business School was formed on 01 August 2008 from the merger of Henley Management College, itself founded in 1945, and the Business School at the University of Reading. It is one of the longest established and the world’s third largest supplier of MBA education, delivering business management training to managers in more than 112 countries worldwide with in excess of 5,400 people studying at any one time.

Henley Business School is one of Europe’s largest full service business schools and offers a comprehensive range of management programmes from undergraduate to board level. Encompassing the world-ranked Henley MBA, executive and distance learning MBAs, DBAs, PhDs, MScs, BScs, BAs and its internationally renowned open and tailored executive education, it provides learning and development opportunities from the start of a career through to senior executive levels, from developing strategy to managing change and achieving sustainable, responsible success. With expertise in the development and delivery of solutions to the management and leadership challenges of our times, it is also one of the very few international business schools to hold triple accredited status (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).

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Climate Cops Programme In Worcester Hosted By Npower

npower, one of the UKs largest energy providers, has been hosting the ‘Climate Cops’ programme, which visited Worcester’s Powick C.E Primary School in an effort to help the school become greener and more sustainable.

Over 52 pupils in years 4 and 5 were involved in the Climate Cops Academy which helps children learn how to become greener at home and in school in a fun and engaging way. The highly interactive day was filled with activities, including generating electricity with body movement, working with miniature examples of renewable energy sources and using thermal imaging cameras to see how much heat is emitted from human body and the effects of insulation.

Worcestershire County Council has been working closely with npower for over 12 months on the Climate Cops programme, helping schools throughout the local area. The scheme follows the Government’s National Framework for Sustainable Schools and forms a key part of npower’s Brighter Futures Programme which aims to inspire young people from the first day of school to the first day of work and brings npower’s education programmes under one umbrella.

The Climate Cops programme can also provide schools with ‘green makeovers’, including free energy audits, helping to implement tailor-made energy efficiency measures to reduce a school’s carbon footprint.

Head teacher at Powick C.E Primary School, Mr Richard Drewett, said: “The Climate Cops Academy has taught the children about climate change and saving energy in a really fun way. They’ve learnt some simple ways to conserve energy that will make a big difference to the school, their homes and the environment.”

Rupert Brakspear, Learning for Sustainability Officer at Worcestershire County Council added: “It’s great to see a class of children so excited, exploring ideas around energy and climate change. I’m certain the experiences they have had during the Climate Cops Academy day will give them plenty to think about over the coming weeks ahead. It is the small things we can all do that add up to making a big difference and we hope this programme will work with other schools in the city to help reduce the overall amount of energy used.”

This year, six other schools and over 375 children in Worcester will experience Climate Cop Academies, including; Cherry Orchard Primary, Turves Green Primary, Fairfield Community Primary, Upton upon Severn Primary and Great Witley Primary School. Lyppard Grange Primary School has already benefitted from the initiative at the start of the year.

Teachers and children can go to the Climate Cops website at www.climatecops.com for interactive games and downloadable activities. Teachers can also visit www.npowerbrighterfutures.com to order their copy of the Climate Cops teaching resources that bring education for sustainable development, science, geography and citizenship to life.

About npower:
npower is one of the UKs largest electricity supplier and draws on 50 years experience in supplying electricity and gas. npower offers a range of essential home and business services to 6.6 million customers across the UK.

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The 2009 TAP Award, A Scholarship Program And One-Time Grant Opportunity For Outstanding Professionals And Philanthropists, Has Now Been Announced

The 2009 TAP Award, a scholarship program and one-time grant opportunity for outstanding professionals and philanthropists, has now been announced. We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2009 award.

From the scholarship information page:

The TAP Award is a scholarship program and one-time award granted to one or more individuals based on academic excellence, community service, demonstrated professionalism, and dedication to post-secondary education and philanthropy.

The goal of this program is to assist future professionals and philanthropists in obtaining an undergraduate or graduate degree that will allow the winners to continue in pursuing these ideals.

Professionalism, as we will define it for the purpose of this award, is independent of career field. It is a mind-set, a way of thinking and behaving both in and out of the public eye that defines a person. A restaurant cook may be every bit as “professional” as a doctor or lawyer. Applicants must demonstrate, in their own words, why they consider themselves to be professionals.

Philanthropy, as we will define it, is not about writing a check to a charity. As considered for this award, philanthropy embodies a true spirit of giving and giving back. No money needs to have changed hands for the successful applicant. Rather, applicants must demonstrate how, through 100 hours or more of community or volunteer service, they have helped to enrich the lives of others. Again, applicants must prove to us how they have themselves lived as philanthropists and will continue to do so.

Undergraduate members of The Aspiring Professional may begin completing their 2009 Application immediately. Applications must be finalized by June 15, 2009.

More information about the 2009 TAP Award may be found at:
http://www.aspiringpro.com/award/scholarship.php

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Henley Business School welcomes talented scholarship winner onto its world-class Full Time MBA course

Henley Business School has welcomed a scholarship winner on to this year’s Full Time Henley MBA, a world-ranked business management course for experienced professionals.

Mia Carbon won the 2008 Evening Standard/Henley Business School MBA Scholarship. She joined her fellow participants on the fully booked MBA course on 19 January and can look forward to an intensive MBA course that will significantly enhance and develop her leadership skills.

Mia, currently acting head veterinarian at Beaumont Animal Hospital, the busy teaching hospital attached to the Royal Veterinary College in Camden, said: “Winning this scholarship is so fantastic. With my MBA, in the longer term I’d like to work with the World Health Organisation (WHO), particularly around their public health agenda. My clinical training gives me an understanding of this, but an MBA will help me input into the strategies to tackle these issues. I’d like to be involved in policy development and response.”

Mia joins PC Dan Stork Banks as a successful Henley MBA scholarship winner. PC Stork Banks won The Times/Henley Business School Executive MBA Scholarship in 2008 and started on the Henley Executive MBA course in September 2008. The part time Executive MBA course is for experienced professionals looking to complete their MBA alongside full time employment, and significantly enhance their leadership and management skills.

Dan said: “I realised that an MBA would be a catalyst for my career and give me the ability to achieve the kind of influence I wanted… (since starting in September) it has helped me to align my management priorities and vision of neighbourhood policing in Hampshire.”

There is only one Henley MBA but it can be achieved through a number of modes – the Distance Learning MBA, the Executive MBA, and theFull Time MBA. The Henley MBA is a leading business management course that is ranked number one in the world based on student quality, faculty quality and potential to network.

About Henley Business School
Henley Business School was formed on 1 August 2008 following a merger between Henley Management College and the Business School at the University of Reading. It is one of the longest established European business schools and the world’s third largest supplier of MBA courses. Henley Business School delivers business management courses, designed to develop leadership capability and enhance business performance, to managers in more than 112 countries worldwide, with over 5,400 people studying for a Henley MBA at any one time.

Henley Business School is one of Europe’s largest full-service business schools and offers a comprehensive range of management courses, from undergraduate business degrees to executive education. Its portfolio also encompasses the world-ranked Henley MBA, Executive MBA and Distance Learning MBA, The Henley Doctor of Business Administration, PhD opportunities, and postgraduate Masters courses in business. With expertise in the development and delivery of solutions to the evolving management and leadership challenges of our times, it is also one of the very few international business schools to hold triple accredited status (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).

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Everblue Training Institute has announced that it will begin offering its highly sought after Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Exam Preparation courses in Hartford, CT.

Everblue Training Institute, a leading green education provider, has announced that it will begin offering its highly sought after Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Exam Preparation courses in Hartford, CT. The US Green Building Council’s LEED certification for buildings is the gold standard for green buildings in the United States and around the world. As of January 1, 2009, all commercial building construction in the state of Connecticut worth $5 million or more must meet LEED-Silver standards. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) are recognized experts in LEED that can navigate the green building process and help buildings attain LEED Certification.

As green building goes mainstream, professionals from all backgrounds are seeking the coveted LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) title by taking the US Green Building Council’s LEEP AP Exam. The exam, however, has a notoriously low pass rate and is scheduled to double in length after March 31, 2009 from two to four hours. With a staff experienced in both green building and test-preparation, Everblue Training Institute has developed exam preparation classes designed both to inform students about the basics of LEED and to help them pass the exam.

This is Everblue’s first LEED course offering in Connecticut. “This is the next logical step after having so much success in New York and Boston,” said Chris Boggiano, co-founder of Everblue. After an overwhelming initial response, Everblue’s LEED Exam courses are now available in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Portland, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Seattle, and Washington, DC. The company plans to continue expanding its offerings into other major US markets in throughout 2009 and will begin offering LEED Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED O&M) Exam Prep courses in the spring of 2009 as the new exam becomes available.

About Everblue Training Institute
Everblue Training Institute, a subsidiary of Everblue Energy, is a sustainable consulting, training, and certification company operating in Boston, California, the Carolinas, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, Chicago, New York, New Jersey, and Washington DC. Contact Everblue Training Institute at 888-204-8735 or visit their website at www.EverblueTI.com or www.EverblueEnergy.com.

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Henley Business School Has Retained Its Top World Rankings For Both Its Executive MBA And Full-Time MBA Courses

Henley Business School, in separate MBA ranking reports by the Financial Times on executive MBAs and by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on full-time MBAs, has remained at the top of several categories vital to successful students.

In the Financial Times Executive MBA Rankings, Henley was rated overall in the top 5 in the UK, top 15 in Europe and top 50 globally. For career progression it was rated number 1 in the UK and 5 in the world, with salary increase and attracting women onto the courses also significant results.

In the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Full-Time MBA Rankings, Henley was rated as number 1 in the world for faculty and student quality, personal development and educational experience, potential to network and in the breadth of its alumni network.

Professor Christopher Bones, Dean, said: “This provides external testimony to many of those aspects of our MBA programmes of which we are most proud… we retain some great ranking positions in an increasingly competitive business school market. The team are working hard already to ensure we get even further up the rankings for 2009. The benefits that come from our merger with The University of Reading will help to strengthen our position.”

Earlier this year, Henley – then Henley Management College – also received the top score for student rating of programme content in the EIU’s first ranking of distance learning MBA courses.

About Henley Business School
Henley Business School was formed in the August 2008 from the merger of Henley Management College, itself founded in 1945, and the Business School at the University of Reading. Henley is one of the longest established business schools and the world’s third largest supplier of MBA education, delivering business education to managers in more than 112 countries worldwide with in excess of 5,400 people studying for a Henley MBA at any one time.

Henley Business School is one of Europe’s largest full service business schools and offers a comprehensive range of management programmes from undergraduate to board level. Encompassing the world-ranked Henley MBA, executive and distance learning MBAs, DBAs, PhDs, MScs, BScs, BAs and its internationally renowned open and tailored executive education, it provides learning and development opportunities from the start of a career through to senior executive levels, from developing strategy to managing change and achieving sustainable, responsible success. With expertise in the development and delivery of solutions to the management and leadership challenges of our times, it is also one of the very few international business schools to hold triple accredited status (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).

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Bigmouthmedia reveal that the majority of recent Scottish university graduates feel that higher education is failing to adequately prepare leavers for life in the real world and opportunities in emerging industries

Bigmouthmedia has revealed that the majority of recent Scottish university graduates feel that higher education should do more to connect students to opportunities in emerging industries and that universities are failing to adequately prepare leavers for life in the real world.

According to a wrap up of 2008 graduate intelligence, harvested by bigmouthmedia from a series of recruitment events, the majority of Scotland’s class of 2008 believed that the education system is not properly aiding the transition from student life. Some 56% of the recent graduates polled believed that university had not sufficiently prepared them for life in the business world.

The research revealed a worrying lack of awareness about opportunities in 21st Century industries. Over 46.3% of those surveyed said they knew little about opportunities in digital marketing and felt that universities should help increase awareness of such emerging industries.

Some 39% also believed they should have been told more about the search marketing sector during their time in higher education.

Respondents revealed a tendency to use online media to supplement gaps in the curriculum. Some 89% said that they had learned more about search engine optimisation and online marketing reading a range of industry blogs such as Search Engine Land and Search Engine Watch.

The research also revealed that a career in search marketing is beginning to appeal to university leavers from disciplines not typically attracted to the sector. While 24.4% of the recent graduates enquiring about a career in the industry had marketing/advertising degrees and 29.3% had been studying ICT/Computing, the clear majority – 46.3% – had studied unrelated subjects.

The results indicated that this broadening attraction could in part be due to the perception of the digital marketing as a ‘hot’ industry, with an overwhelming 80% stating that they believed the sector offered a more glamorous career than television marketing.

The graduate groups questioned also revealed a preference for remaining North of the border after leaving university. Some 95% of the graduates questioned said they would prefer to pursue a high-tech or marketing career in Scotland if possible.

See the results at: www.bigmouthmedia.com/live/articles/graduate-survey-2008.asp

About bigmouthmedia
Founded in 1997, bigmouthmedia is Europe’s largest independent digital marketing agency. With a team of over 200 staff located across 13 offices in 10 countries on 3 continents, the company maximises exposure for major brands online through a variety of fully integrated digital marketing channels: Search engine optimisation, PPC, Online Media Planning, Affiliate marketing, Social Networking, Brand Monitoring, Online PR and Web Analytics. Bigmouthmedia also provides up to date daily digital marketing news to ensure clients are fully informed and aware of all industry developments.

 

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Austin Self Defense (ASD), a premier martial arts and fitness school located in Cedar Park, Texas

Going the extra mile to assist Austin residents, military, police and other service personnel in self defense training and defensive tactics. ASD announces a 2 FOR 1 special for $99. ASD is known for its realistic and no nonsense approach to street survival and conditioning. Classes are offered and structured for persons of all athletic abilities, from ages 7 and up. Conditioning drills are incorporated to build speed, endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular system which results in a complete and well rounded athlete. Additionally, ASD concentrates on the mental conditioning and respect that builds discipline and focus.

Austin Self Defense unique class structure and training methods allows for persons with little to no training as well as those with advanced backgrounds to train together yet advance on individual levels accordingly.

Programs include: Haganah Adults, Haganah Kids, Krav Maga, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Fitness Kick-Box Bag Classes.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children report, 797,500 children are reported missing each year. In addition to the possibility of abduction, kids are continually faced with school yard bullies who can have a traumatic effect not only on the child’s education and motivation in their studies but also long term effects concerning personality and emotional trauma. ASD offers ‘Haganah Kid’s’, a mixed martial arts (MMA) program for preteens. The program comprises the best practical self defense techniques that suit child learners. Just as importantly, kids will learn life skills such as Respect, Courtesy, Self-Control, Perseverance, Confidence, Self-Esteem and much more.

Emphasizing the importance of self defense and fitness training as a combined discipline, Dan Kiser, President of Austin Self Defense says, “Students will learn techniques relating to the defensive as well as offensive side of an engagement/attack. Just as important, students benefit from improved confidence, peace of mind, less stress, and increased energy and endurance,” he adds.

ASD offers structured classes and private training with fully equipped modern self defense training amenities, certified instructors & unique conditioning with focus on creating self confidence and a balanced mental attitude for survival.

“Instructors are amazing – both knowledgeable and passionate about their work. There is a very welcoming feeling of companionship and high energy in the classroom. The classes have helped increase my assertiveness and confidence, as well as my physical fitness. I would highly recommend Austin Self Defense” – – Shannon

I was an assistant Combatives Instructor for my unit, in the military, and the Haganah course has allowed me to pick up, right where I left off. ASD is keeping me Army Strong! Hooah! – – Ryan

About Austin Self Defense:
Austin Self Defense is a self defense and fitness training facility which was established in 2002. The Texas Self Defense company is known for its unique and precise approach in providing superior martial arts and conditioning. The programs are designed for all ages and physical capacities incorporating real life military survival skills and mindset to eliminate the danger quickly and without hesitation.

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Cybershala.com is a new educational website that brings, via easy to access virtual classrooms, advanced international curriculums like Singapore Math to children all across the United States

You see it on the news time and time again – American students are falling behind the rest of the world in Mathematics, Science, and other subjects. In fact, a recent study published Nov 14, 2007 by the American Institutes for Research puts American children far behind their foreign peers in regards to math and science.

It was this very notion that led to the birth of a new virtual learning website dedicated to bringing US students the best educational curriculums the world has to offer.

Launching earlier this month, Cybershala.com is the brainchild of Ripujeet Sharma, an engineer who found his own children were having trouble with math. Being a world traveler, he did some research, and found a few interesting notions. “In my research and studying other curriculums, I found out there was a huge ‘learning gap’ in what was being taught, and what could be learned” says Sharma “In essence, we’re doing it backwards, and that’s why we are ranking so low.”

Sharma took the next logical step and created a substantial website that acts as an online learning portal. His website offers an international curriculum via online virtual classes, and is aimed primarily at home schooled children and public school students who need extra help. The first offering is what his own children had trouble with – math.

“The website is starting out by offering what is called ‘Singapore Math’” commented an excited Sharma “and Singapore Math is simply a name for the Math Curriculum they teach to students in Singapore, whom have consistently ranked amongst the highest in the world.”

Indeed, Singapore Math has gained worldwide respect, and differs from other math curriculums because it utilizes a visual approach to problem-solving instead of solely a memory-based one.

Sharma also built the educational and online learning website to be, in his words, “effective, accessible, and affordable. We have the best instructors, an affordable price of $10 per hour, and the benefit of teaching the best curriculum around.”

The classes themselves are also different, exclaims Sharma: “The classes differ from traditional online classes in that there is real interaction. We have textbooks and workbooks that we provide, and small 6-person virtual classes with face-to-face live video. The child is in their home, but they can see and hear the teacher, and vice-versa, in real time.”

“In other words, it’s a real class” adds Sharma.

While the website has launched with the focus on k-12 math, Sharma also plans to add science and technology based curriculums in the near future, making cybershala.com a well-rounded answer to some of America’s most troubling academic questions.

About Cybershala.com
Cybershala.com inc. is an online educational portal dedicated to bringing the best of international curriculum to the US, and to close the “education gap” between what is taught, and what can be learned. Their first curriculum is the highly successful “Singapore Math”, which they offer via virtual classrooms.

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