Choices in
education A special supplement of Leader Publications JANUARY 2014
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Choices in Education • January 2014
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Choices in Education • January 2014
The ‘lake effect’ on student success In 2010, Kaitlyn Burnett received her diploma and began looking forward to life after high school. Three years later, this 21-yearold, 2013 Lake Michigan College graduate is a registered nurse, providing quality healthcare on the cardiac floor of Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
decision of my life. It saved me a ton of money, first of all. It prepared me financially. It prepared me for courses and workloads and balancing working full time and going to school full time,” stated Brad Gorman, a 2001 LMC a l u m n u s a n d communications manager at Whirlpool Corporation.
Like hundreds of area high school seniors who enroll at LMC each year right after graduation, Kaitlyn’s Lake Michigan College experience has produced transformative results.
“A lot of the things I do today -- from the writing, to the video scripts, to the social media -- I really started that foundation at Lake Michigan College. I took a writing class, a presentation class, a film arts class and I use all of that experience from Lake Michigan College in what I do in my job today.” Brad added.
“Every year at LMC I felt myself becoming stronger, more intelligent, and more competent. Basically building me into the nurse I am today,” stated Kaitlyn. A college career that begins at Lake Michigan College is the first choice of a growing proportion of area high school seniors. Affordability is
Submitted photo
Kaitlyn Burnett, an LMC graduate and registered nurse, assists a patient at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
often cited as a primary reason for choosing LMC. But the overall quality of instruction and
preparation for their next steps in life is what alumni readily talk about – whether those steps
have led to a career immediately following LMC or transfer to a four-year university.
“Doing Lake Michigan College before I did Michigan State University was the best
Kaitlyn and Brad credit their access to top-notch instruction and a campus environment geared toward individualized success as playing a big role in where they are today.
Living and learning at LMC Beginning fall 2014, LMC students will have access to a new resource aimed at expanding the college success experience when Beckwith Hall opens on the Napier Avenue Campus. The 188-person residence hall will provide students the opportunities to not only learn on campus, but to live in the college environment with their classmates near all of the campus activities and A closer look at learning opBeckwith Hall portunities outside of the • Open Fall 2014 classroom. • On the Napier Av“The resienue Campus dence hall • 2- and 4-person will be ansuites other tool for • 188 student capacity student suc• Fully furnished cess,” stated • Full kitchen with apLMC Presipliances d e n t D r. • In-suite washer & dryer Robert Harri• 42” flat panel TV son. “On• Free in-suite Wi-Fi campus liv• Free utilities ing gives stu• Workout room dents more • Outdoor social area access to existing academic resources, assistance from their instructors, study groups, and richer connections with classmates.” Harrison went on to add that living on campus will allow students to become more involved in an already vibrant campus life scene that includes seven intercollegiate athletic teams that compete at the state and national level, intra-
A projected image of Beckwith Hall that will be open to students this fall.
mural sports, and campus clubs ranging from skydiving to student government. “There is no doubt that the learning that happens in the classroom is the bedrock of a college education. But we recognize that increased involvement in extracurricular activities and connections with other students dramatically increases retention and completion rates. Everything we do is focused on the end result of student success,” Harrison added. The College expects the residence halls to attract students from within the College’s district as well as from sur-
rounding regions. In planning the residence hall, the College found many local students and their parents are looking for campus living options that give students the chance to learn about the independence and responsibilities of living on their own while still being in a structured, nearby setting. High profile LMC programs in areas like nursing, energy production, medical imaging, and hospitality, as well as the intercollegiate athletic programs, have long been a draw for students outside of the College’s district of Berrien County,
South Haven, and Covert Township. Now, with a convenient housing option, the College anticipates serving more students who are seeking out these indemand programs. “The residence hall will help us grow in our mission of advancing higher education within our region so that even more students can use their collegiate start at Lake Michigan College to launch great careers and then actively engage in making this a more vibrant region, like Kaitlyn and Brad have,” stated Harrison.
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Choices in Education • January 2014
Finding the cost of a college education (BPT) — A college education is a lifelong investment. College graduates are more likely to be employed and earn more throughout the course of their lives, according to a recent report by the College Board. While the benefits of a college education may be clear, figuring out the true cost and how to pay for it isn’t always as obvious. Today, college-bound students and parents face lots of questions in determining how to pay for college. An early step in the process should be determining the difference between the published cost of attending a particular school and the available scholarships or financial aid from the school. This is called the net price of attending a university. Most colleges have a net price calculator on their websites to assist in this determination. Additionally, students and parents should try and forecast the true cost of college beyond courses and textbooks including all the unforeseen costs, such as supplementary study materials, transportation, technology, extracurricular activities, any of which can push students and parents into unexpected debt. Eighty-one percent of parents plan to help pay for their children’s college education, but a willingness to pay doesn’t always correspond to an ability to pay, according to an annual survey commissioned by Discover Student Loans. Scholarships, grants and savings can help cover some expenses, but student loans can be needed to help cover the full cost of attendance. It’s important for students and parents to understand their options and carefully compare federal and private student loans so they can choose the loans that best fit their needs. “Parents and students should devote as much time to identifying and determining ways to responsibly pay for college as they do to the application and admissions process,” says Danny Ray, president of Discover Student Loans. “Conducting research, networking with other families and taking advantage of helpful online resources and tools such as net price calculators are just a few examples that will provide a better sense of the true cost of college.” Tips for paying for a higher education A few additional tips students and parents should keep in mind when navigating the college financial aid process include: • Maximize free money: Grants, scholarships and other free financial aid can help students pay for some college costs. Resources such as StudentLoan.com and Studentaid.ed.gov can help students and parents identify and apply for important free money. When considering the full mix of financing options, families should compare federal and private student loans including interest rates and origination fees. • Have a continuous - and honest dialogue with each other: The financial aid process can be overwhelming. It’s essential that college-bound students and their parents know their respective responsibilities and roles in paying for college. Parents should talk with their kids about what’s important, their financial limits and where the money is
Financial aid in five easy steps (BPT) — When first reviewing the options for financial aid, it can be overwhelming for students and their parents to comprehend all the options and steps they might need to take to financially plan for college. Wells Fargo Education Financial Services created the Five Steps to Financial Aid video series featuring “Mr. Fellows” to help families navigate the steps to obtaining the needed funds to cover educational expenses beyond high school. These steps include: 1. Fill out the FAFSA — This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and is recommended for all students planning on pursing college, no matter their family income. It is used to determine a student’s eligibility not only for federal student loans, but for work-study aid and some grants. 2. Estimate total cost — Colleges can provide students and their parents with an estimated cost for tuition, as well as room and board each year at the school. 3. Determine additional expenses — College is more than just class, studying and taking tests. Other expenses like car insurance, gas money, memberships to campus organizations and even paying for a spring break vacation might not be covered by scholarships, grants and fellowships. However, students should apply all financial aid - even scholarships that might not have stipulations of how the money is used - first to educational expenses. 4. Learn about financing options — Create a list of private loans available through your bank, as well as federal loan options. Compare available loan amounts, interest rates, if payments can be deferred until after the schooling is complete and loan term lengths. 5. Know deadlines — There are deadlines for submitting the FASFA and for most scholarships. Keep these deadlines on a calendar so nothing gets missed.
coming from, and then designate who will pay for what expenses. • Know when to request a professional judgment: If a parent loses his or her job or has his or her wages reduced, then he or she can ask the university’s financial office for a professional judgment review. During this process, the financial aid office may consider the projected year income as opposed to prior year income, which could result
in possible increases in financial aid awards and a reduction in the expected financial contribution from the parents and student. As the cost of college continues to increase, it’s important to understand the resources available to help pay for a college education, ultimately providing long-term benefits to students and parents. For more information, visit DiscoverStudentLoans.com.
View the videos on the Wells Fargo YouTube Channel at www.youtube. com/wellsfargo, or at www.WellsFargo.com/fivesteps. Additional information about banking, credit, money management, financial assistance and financial matters connected with post-secondary education can be found at www.wellsfargo.com/goals-going-to-college. Reviewing financial aid options early gives families a chance to best plan financial - and educational options for their child. Also view the video series with “Mr. Fellows” to get a head start in learning about covering the cost of college education.
Choices in Education • January 2014
IUSB is affordable, convenient
Indiana University South Bend is a good choice for nearby students in Michigan. With the help of financial aid and scholarships, students can earn an Indiana University degree at a lower cost than they might think. This year, Indiana University South Bend provided $60.5 million in financial aid to more than 6,300 students. The aid came in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study funds and low interest student and parent loans. There are a lot of ways to arrange financing an education and IU South Bend is committed to helping students get a college education they can afford. Plus, at IU South Bend, students are assigned a counselor who will guide them through the financial aid process. The key is to start now. The deadline to apply for many scholarships, grants and loans is March 10, 2013. For Michigan students, the Chancellor’s Merit Award is particularly helpful. This scholarship provides students with the opportunity to receive a reduction in the outof-state tuition rate. A limited number of awards per year are made to qualified students. To be eligible you need to be a graduate from a U.S. high school or state recognized homeschool program with a college preparatory curriculum; have a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; an SAT critical reading and math combined score of 950 or higher (21 or higher composite score on the ACT); and must be formally admitted to IU South Bend without condi-
tion. Michigan students can live on campus at IU South Bend in student housing. The proximity of classes, professors, the library, and student life make it easier to adjust to college life. Plus, there is no need for driving to and from campus or worrying about the price of gasoline. And research shows that students who live on-
campus during their first year are more successful in the classroom and more likely to graduate. IU South Bend offers the full collegiate experience including more than 100 degree programs, distinguished faculty, athletics, student life, undergraduate research, study abroad, tutoring and more. Students get personal attention because
residence Life At iU soUth Bend Start your college career living on campus at IU South Bend. Make new friends, get involved in student life, and live on your own. The suites are modern, private, and have 24-hour security. And, by the way, studies show students do better in class when they live on campus. For more information call 574-520-5805 or visit housing.iusb.edu/. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/IUSBHousing
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they are in smaller classes, where their professors know their names, advise them on their academic progress, and help them to be successful in college and in life. Contact us now. For financial aid email sbfinaid@iusb.edu or go to financialaid. iusb.edu. For scholarships email scholar1@iusb.edu or go to scholarships.iusb. edu.
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Choices in Education • January 2014
What parents need to know about changes in the classroom (StatePoint) Across the country, parents are beginning to notice that today’s classroom looks quite different from what they experienced in their own school days. From personalized learning technologies to new educational standards, teachers and administrators are using a variety of tools to ensure students are better prepared to succeed than ever before. In this era of innovation in education, this school year will be particularly exciting in part because states will be piloting assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards, the new set of K-12 educational standards designed to improve students’ readiness for college and future careers. So just what do these changes mean for your kids? Shift to New Standards Schools nationwide are finding new ways to provide individually tailored lesson plans while addressing the Common Core State Standards, often relying on a new generation of educational technologies that help students learn and succeed at their own pace McGraw-Hill Education’s Reading Wonders is one such tool. Available in both all-digital and print/digital formats, it is the first K-6 core reading program designed specifically for the new
standards. “Even before the advent of the Common Core, we knew that preparing students for the demands of college and careers required setting a solid foundation in skills such as reading comprehension and writing,” said Christine Willig, senior vice president of products at McGraw-Hill School Education. “When the new standards reiterated the importance of these skills, we saw an opportunity to build an entire-
ly new program that would address the Common Core requirements, by leveraging contemporary cognitive science about how we learn, using cutting-edge digital tools.” Personalized Learning Education research has shown that instruction becomes more effective when tailored to students’ unique learning styles and needs. Personalized learning tends to lead to deeper learning – which
will help students meet many of the new Common Core standards. As classrooms continue getting bigger however, delivering that sort of individual attention to students becomes more difficult. With this in mind, Reading Wonders was built using entirely new educational technology, offering interconnected platforms personalized for students and teachers and accessible across any device.
Other digital learning tools use additional techniques to help students succeed. McGraw-Hill Education’s LearnSmart and FLEX Literacy, for example, each use “adaptive” technology to continually assess students’ knowledge, skill and confidence levels and to create a unique study path designed to help each student in the topics and concepts they need most – a level of personalization previously only available from a personal tutor. LearnSmart delivers this adaptive learning experience for a variety of high school subject areas, while FLEX Literacy incorporates it into a comprehensive, Common Core-specific reading and language arts intervention system for students in Grades 3–8. More information about new digital programs, including those designed specifically for the Common Core State Standards, can be found at www.mheducation.com. In this ever-evolving educational landscape, keeping up with the changes can seem daunting – but it needn’t be. Parents can rest assured that teachers are increasingly equipped with new technologies that ensure their students are getting the personalized attention they need to improve their chances for long-term success.
SUCCESSFUL CAREERS
START HERE
Michiana Beauty College offers monthly programs Visit tcbeautycollege.com
269-428-2900 2600 Lincoln Ave. St. Joseph, MI
574-271-1542 7321 Heritage Square Granger, IN
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. For a list of gainful employment disclosures, please visit our website. Open: Mon - Thur 10am-4:30pm • Fri 9am - 4:30pm
The beauty industry is an exciting, adventurous and creative field that could be the career opportunity for you. Michiana Beauty College provides all the essentials for their students to become licensed Cosmetologists. The school provides a nationally accredited curriculum, which includes hair cutting, styling, color, salon management, facials, manicures and so much more. The instructors pride themselves in helping students acquire the knowledge and “hands on” skills required for a career in the beauty industry. The training also helps students develop advanced technical, business and people skills which encourage self-reliance and readi-
ness to assist others with an ethical approach to the profession. Classes start monthly and offer Monday to Friday schedules. Students learn and practice in the new 5,000 square foot school and student salon, which is located in Heritage Square Mall in Granger. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Michiana Beauty College is part of Moored Beauty Schools, with locations in St. Joseph, Holland and Traverse City. Careers with style begin at Michiana Beauty College, located at 7321 Heritage S q u a r e D r i v e , G r a n g e r, I n d . 574.271.1542 or www.tcbeautycollege. com.
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Choices in Education • January 2014
Niles Community Schools: Improving from within We all know that the work we normally do in any given day is not compartmentalized by subject. In other words, few people go to work and do 30 minutes of English, an hour of math, then throw in 45 minutes of science. Instead, we use all the skills and knowledge we have learned in English, math or science in an integrated framework to get the job done. That should serve as a basis for understanding project-based learning or PBL. It is a studentcentered approach for students to learn content and skills through the experience of solving a problem. PBL is a model that organizes learning around projects. This is a model of teaching where projects are complex tasks based on challenging questions and/or problems. Students are involved with the design, problem solving, decision making and the presentation of their ideas and work. Projects become authentic assessments that relate to the world around our students and provide an anchor for high order thinking. The goal of PBL is to
guide our students in the exploration of needed knowledge, effective problem solving, self-discovery learning, and effective collaboration skills. Using PBL as a strategy for curriculum and instruction, students encounter and learn the central concepts of a lesson through the project. Projects are crafted to make con-
nections between the investigation and production of the project to the underlying knowledge and cognition that our students must have in order to remember and use what they gather. Often PBL projects are built around thematic units or an intersection of topics from more than one discipline. The projects are defined by the teacher and serve as a vehicle for an important intellectual
purpose. PBL projects are focused on problems or questions that empower the students to confront (and struggle) with the central tenets of a discipline. They begin with a framing question or idea that must be explored. Students then define their problem, the steps needed to solve the problem, and the formation of a project that answers the question. Projects are realistic and
M
aking a decision about where you send your child to school is about more than textbooks, bricks, and mortar. It is about providing the vital preparation necessary to ensure success as they take their place in the world. At Niles Community Schools your child is important to us. You are important to us. We will work together with you for the best education for your child. We offer: . A Montessori pre-school program for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. . Comprehensive preK-12 education and college preparation. . W-A-Y Niles and W-A-Y Forward Programs: W-A-Y Forward is our middle school program and W-A-Y Niles is our high school program. Students become researchers at home or at school with an iMac workstation and Internet connectivity provided by Niles Community Schools; educational support 24/7, 365 days a year. Students in the W-A-Y Niles Program earn high school credit. . Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy which offers one of the most exciting new concepts in secondary education with Project Based Learning and One-to-One laptops. Niles New Tech has earned the distinguished honor of being named a National Demonstration Site. . Eastside Connections School. A magnet school grades K-7 focusing on high student achievement and a rich culture of high expectations, arts, and a full Project Based Learning environment. . Strive at Ballard. Students learn through Active Instruction, which combines Project/Problem-Based Learning with Whole Brain Learning to provide a highly interactive and effective form of learning. . Career Technical Education for school-to-work skills and employment preparation. . Early College Academy where students earn college credits while still in high school. . Non-Traditional learning options. We partner with the Home School community as well as continue to provide our award winning alternative high school and adult education programs. . An active Parent Volunteer Program that is lead by a District Volunteer Coordinator. . Building security updates. . Frequent assessments to guide instruction and learning and to help parents measure their student’s growth as compared to students from across the country.
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have an authenticity to them that students enjoy. Projects include the topic, the tasks, the roles that students must plan, the collaboration for the students working on a project, and the criteria by which each project is judged or evaluated. Project-based learning is quickly becoming one of the hallmarks of Niles Community Schools. Much of it started with the beginning of Niles New Tech where PBL is used every day. The next school to embrace the concept of PBL was Eastside Connections School where every teacher will be PBL certified before the fall of 2014. All our other schools are now building some PBL concepts into the school year so our students have real world examples of how to put their learning and skills into practice. Learning is not always best when it is confined to a single subject, sitting in a desk, and listening to information. Great learning is active and our PBL opportunities empower our students to learn and rememb e r. N i l e s C o m m u n i t y Schools is where we continually improve from within because we believe all of our students can learn at the highest levels.
Start the New Year right with a visit to Niles Community Schools where we offer the most innovative options in education. Please call us today at 269.683.0732. Stop in or arrange a visit to talk to us about what Niles Community Schools can offer you and your child and let us show you how we will “inspire locally to excel globally.” Now, more than ever, Niles Community Schools is the right choice.
www.nilesschools.org
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Choices in Education • January 2014
St. Mary’s School offers well-rounded religious education St. Mary’s School has as its foundation core Catholic values and proven curriculum trends in elementary education. Today, the three R’s, reading, writing, and arithmetic, are uniquely blended with values of religion, respect, and responsibility. Physical education, technology, art, music, and Spanish are offered to students as “specials.” In a society in which mass media constantly inundates our children with the images of desire and materialism, we have a choice to provide our children with a safe haven of peace and moral stability. St. Mary’s School is such a place! Religion is an integral part
Preparing for challenges At Brandywine, we offer many options to prepare today’s students to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Here are some of the ways we can help learners of all ages:
of the daily curriculum at St. Mary’s School. This enables our children to build a sense of accountability for their actions and a deepseated compassion for
others. A St. Mary’s School education helps children with the choices they must make as they mature in today’s complex world.
• Technology training and opportunities for all grade levels. • Extra help to get all students reading on grade level. • Online learning experiences at every grade level and building. • Alternative and Adult Education so that people can get high school diplomas, with free child care and flexible schedules.
We offer these and many other choices in a small, safe, caring school environment. The whole community has supported our school improvements by passing bonds to modernize our building facilities. Call us at 684-7150 or check our website at: www.brandywinebobcats.org.
BRANDYWINE
St. Mary’s Shining a Bright Light on Our Children’s Future
Community Schools
St. Mary’s faith-based education teaches character and values while providing a balanced academic program. St. Mary’s Offers: • State Certified Teachers • Title 1 • Higher Standardized Test Scores* • Leaps and Bounds Program for 3s, 4s and 5s • All Day Begindergarten and Kindergarten • State Certified After School Club • Daily Hot Lunch • Student to Teacher ratio of 1:10 (on average) • And So Much More!
• Early College opportunities for qualifying students at Brandywine Senior High, a State of Michigan Reward School. • Partnership with Lake Michigan College for skilled trades program. • Tuition opportunities for out-of-state students at affordable rates.
We Are —
“Commited to every student’s success!”
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Schools Of Choice Opportunities for 2013-2014 Second Semester!
•
Out Of State Tuition Opportunities!
•
Right Size, With Many Educational Opportunities!
Brandywine
Community Schools For more information, please call 269-683-9191 or visit St. Mary’s online at stmarysniles.com. St. Mary’s Catholic School is located at 217 S. Lincoln Avenue in Niles, MI and offers classes from preschool through 5th Grade.
THE RIGHT CHOICE! www.brandywinebobcats.org
* Compared to local public schools.
1830 S. 3rd St • Niles, MI 49120 • 269-684-7150
Choices in Education • January 2014
Applying to college? Practical advice for finding your dream university (BPT) — High school seniors are faced with making the first of many life-changing decisions: “Which college should I go to?” With more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. to choose from, finding the “Dream U” may be a daunting task. The truth is the perfect university doesn’t exist, but with the right guidance and resources, students can find many colleges where they can be successful and thrive. So what factors should college-bound teens consider when making their wish list? It’s not the school with the best parties, weather or where their best friend or boyfriend is applying. According to one of the nation’s top college admissions consultants, Dr. Katherine Cohen, CEO and founder of IvyWise and LinkedIn Higher Ed Expert, it all comes down to academic, social and financial fit. “Imagine you’re starting college tomorrow,” Dr. Cohen says. “Which courses would you take? Who would you be excited to study with? Are there research, internship and study abroad opportunities offered in your areas of interest? Which extracurricular activities would you take advantage of on and off campus? Have you had an open conversation with your parents about their expected financial contribution?” If they do their research correctly, students should end up with a list of 12 to 15 good-fit schools, a balance of reach, target and likely schools, any of which they’d be happy to attend, says Dr. Cohen. For students who aren’t sure exactly where to begin, she offers the following tips:
Get your computer, tablet or smartphone and get online
It’s never too early for students to begin researching schools. Thanks to the Internet, students have a wealth of information readily available at their fingertips. They can visit college websites, page through online course catalogs and even take virtual campus tours. Students can also get a real student perspective and good sense of campus culture by reading the school newspaper and blog online. LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, provides aspiring students with the opportunity to make informed decisions on which universities, majors and skills will help them achieve professional success — making college matchmaking even easier. The company’s newly launched LinkedIn University Pages allows higher education institutions to have dedicated pages so they can build their community and directly engage with prospective students, current students, parents and alumni. University Pages allows college-bound teens to access important information on colleges, such as the cost of tuition, notable alumni and more. They can also gain valuable insights on what it’s really like on campus by connecting with current students and recent graduates, and trace the educational and professional paths of notable alumni by following the most influential business leaders and company pages.
Be a student on campus, even if for a day
Students will likely be spending four years of their lives at college, and nothing beats the gut check that comes with an in-
person campus visit. Students should plan on visiting the schools that they are considering seriously while school is in session. It’s important to attend both the official information session and the campus tour, as it shows demonstrated interest in the school. However, students should also make time to explore the campus and local community on their own. Do’s and don’ts of a campus visit: Do forgo the urge to stay in an expensive hotel and eat in a four-star restaurant. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a meal with current students in the campus dining hall, audit a class in a topic of interest and spend a night in a campus dorm room. Do take lots of photos and copious notes. Don’t let mom and dad ask all the questions. Do wear comfortable shoes.
Alumni networks, a secret weapon
Alumni networks are a great resource for college-bound students that often go untapped. Students should talk to their college guidance counselor and see if there are any alumni from their high school who currently attend or have recently attended the colleges that interest them. These alumni often come from a similar background and can talk about what the transition to the college was like for them. They may also be willing to host an overnight stay. Not sure what to study or major in? Network in a field of choice or in a few that are of interest. Professional associations for undergraduates and LinkedIn can help students connect with people who can provide insight into a profession - and who may be potential employers in the future. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all college. If students take the time to do their research early on in the admissions process, they will be happily attending a good fit college come orientation.
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Choices in Education • January 2014
Tips for sharpening your children’s math skills (StatePoint) — Math is often a student’s most challenging subject. And if your kids aren’t keen on it, it may not have anything to do with their natural aptitude, but that they could simply be lacking the tools they need to succeed. There are many ways parents can help children do better in the classroom and unleash their math potential. After all, today’s crowded classrooms don’t always allow teachers the time to deliver a personalized approach to math instruction — a subject where it is especially needed. Reinforcing math concepts at home goes beyond improving grades, as elementary math skills are essential for success in the real world and are the basis for more advanced concepts. As more jobs require a solid math foundation, getting kids excited early is more important than ever.
Math in the Real World
Education does not just need to happen inside the classroom. Draw on the connections between math, which is all around us, and your children’s interests. For example, if you’re at the ballpark, use the time between hot dogs and cracker jacks to calculate batting averages and other vital statistics. Go bowling and let your children work out the score. Or take a trip to the park to reinforce the concepts of percentages and ratio. For example, have your children determine the percentage of people in the park walking dogs, or the ratio of boys to girls on the playground.
Go Digital
If you’re looking to squeeze extra math instruction and practice into a busy schedule, think about capitalizing on your children’s love for mobile technolo-
gy. Kids can use digital math worksheets on iPads to solve problems just as they would on paper, at home or on-the-go. Programs like Tabtor for example, an iPad-based e-learning program with personalized math tutoring uses highly visual and interactive worksheets to keep kids engaged and can help pinpoint where students are struggling, not just whether they got the correct answer. Such technologies are being used in the classroom to unburden teachers of manually tracking student progress. And
now, parents are catching on at home, using Tabtor as a unique, affordable and convenient math tutor service that provides personalized attention, feedback from a dedicated instructor and a reward system that makes learning fun. More information and access to a free trial can be found at www.Tabtor.com.
Be Vigilant
Once a student falls behind in math, playing catch-up is tough, as math concepts are not stand alone facts, but ideas
that build off one another. Stay vigilant by regularly reviewing test scores. This is a good way to determine where students need extra help. An at-home digital tutoring program that delivers regular reports on student progress can help you effectively monitor the situation. Whether your children are gifted math students looking to go above and beyond their grade level and school curriculum, or need extra help with their school work, parents can play a key role in sharpening the skills they need to
Career opportunities booming for financial professionals (BPT) — At a time when unemployment still remains relatively high and competition for jobs is stiff, the career as a personal financial professional holds much promise for graduating college students and career-changers. While the national unemployment rate hovers at 7.3 percent, as of September 2013, jobs as personal financial advisers are among the fastest-growing careers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation Summary. As a result the financial industry provides great career growth opportunity for new graduates or for those already in the workforce and contemplating a career change. “A career in financial services is an important way to make a difference in people’s lives. American families and business owners need reliable and trustworthy financial services professionals to help them make sound financial deci-
sions,” says John Vaccaro, senior vice president for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Sales and Distribution. These financial decisions include life insurance protection, retirement planning and achieving personal savings goals. Nearly 35 million families do not have a life insurance protection plan according to research industry group
LIMRA’s 2010 Life Insurance Ownership Study, and 57 percent of people have less than $25,000 in their 401(k) plan, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute 23rd Annual Retirement Confidence Survey. In addition, pensions are disappearing from American workplaces, requiring more workers to completely fund their retirement savings through 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs
and other investments. Because of a critical need for help in the area of personal financial services, MassMutual is recruiting and training record numbers of professionals, including agents with multicultural backgrounds. The training includes the Certified Family Business Specialist Program through The American College in Bryn Mawr, Penn., to help agents broaden their
knowledge of the inner workings and dynamics of family-owned business. Also, the company’s SpecialCare program offers agents training in helping families with a disability develop special needs plans for the future. To excel in these fields, students and career-changers should have the following characteristics: • An interest in helping others achieve their financial goals. Financial services professionals work directly with individuals and families, implementing financial strategies and creating a vision for the clients’ life goals. • Connections through networks and organizations. Starting off a job in the financial sector with connections from previous careers or social involvement provides plenty of business opportunities. But even if you are starting off in your first career directly out of college, you can develop
your own network by contacting new prospects and getting referrals from existing associates. • An entrepreneurial spirit. Superior time-management skills, commitment and motivation to reach personal and professional goals are excellent traits for students and careerchangers interested in building a financial services practice. • A commitment to education. The financial industry changes frequently, and students and career changers interested in a financial services career need to be open to feedback, team work, mentoring, coaching and professional development throughout their career. Students currently in college and those contemplating changing industries to financial services have plenty of opportunities for a successful career helping Americans plan for their futures.
Choices in Education • January 2014
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SMC a ‘success driven’ college experience Student success guides everything Southwestern Michigan College does. From admissions to graduation, SMC commits in every conceivable way to helping students succeed. The first step to a positive academic experience is an accurate assessment of what a student knows, using SAT and ACT scores, transcripts from other institutions and placement tests to insure every student lands at the right coursework level to be sufficiently challenged. SMC’s faculty creates learning environments where every student has an opportunity for a highly personal educational experience. Unlike larger institutions where students are a number, SMC students know their professors. SMC’s commitment to providing the highest-quality learning environment for students includes the latest technology. Wi-Fi is (virtually) everywhere for access to networked educational resources. Curricula lead to 30 associate degrees, as well as specialized fields certificates. SMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. SMC’s Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees are highly transferable. Graduates successfully transfer to many different four-year colleges and universities throughout Michigan, Indiana and the nation. SMC’s Transfer Advising Center, www.swmich.edu/tac/, gives detailed information on how courses transfer to different universities for another resource helping students succeed on the next rung of their educational climb. Three recent graduates illustrate SMC’s rank within the top 8 percent in the United States for transfer success, according to the National Community College Benchmarking Project. Nick Barber is pursuing mechanical engineering at Michigan Technological University. Kylie Oldenburg, also from Constantine, studies chemical engineering at Western Michigan University, where she is president of the WMU chapter for the 45,000-member American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Megan Mearing, from Paw Paw, studies animal science at Michigan State University to become a veterinarian. She expects to visit an African dairy farm in 2014. “Connections start with meeting your teachers, which you can do at SMC,” Barber said. “Teachers are committed to student success and truly care about their students. I think Southwestern is one of the best two-year schools you can attend.” “I learned time management at SMC and made amazing connections,” Mearing said. “SMC taught me it’s okay to walk into the office and say you need help.” “SMC helped me with study and work habits,” Oldenburg said. “At a big university, they’re not going to give you a second chance when you
don’t turn in an assignment. You have to be accountable for your own actions. A lot of people don’t find that balance until too late. I have no regrets going to a two-year college. You get the same course you would at a university, but a lot cheaper and with more one-on-one time.” SMC also awards a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree designed primarily for workforce preparation. Through occupational and specialty certificate programs, students can enroll in specialized training taking four months to a year to complete. If a bachelor’s degree is your goal, SMC teamed with Ferris State University and Bethel College to offer students the chance to complete one of 10 different bachelor’s degrees on the SMC campuses in Dowagiac and Niles. If you live in Indiana, Ferris State offers the same in-state tuition as Michigan students. SMC’s commitment to academic support includes one-stop Student Service Centers on both campuses and areas designed for student-faculty collaboration, including a Career Planning Center in the David C. Briegel Building. Research shows students actively involved with college more likely to ultimately succeed. SMC furnishes an array of co-curricular programs, lectures, clubs, organizations, intramural sports and off-campus enrichment trips for a complete experience — especially with 390 students living on-campus in three residence halls featuring private, two- and four-bedroom, fullyfurnished suites. Students socialize around a fire pit in The Backyard. The intramurals program includes football, soccer, softball, volleyball and basketball.
Clubs for archery, business, Christian Bible study, politics, drama, music, photography, rock climbing and STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) provide forums for students, staff and faculty with common interests to interact. The Southwester affords students an avenue to express themselves through writing and photography. Students can perform in band, choir and theatre and satisfy artistic yearnings though visual arts — ceramics, photography and graphic design. The theatre program produces major performances each year, with auditions open to anyone, regardless of major.
Campus Bash, filled with fun and food, is much-anticipated. While the Student Activity Center in the Charles O. Zollar Building is the hub for recreational, fitness and student-life activities or just hanging out over a latte or a smoothie, SMC’s 240-acre Dowagiac campus has more than six miles of wooded cross-country trails for hiking, running and cross-country skiing. The Student Activity Center contains a fully-equipped fitness center, gymnasium, rock-climbing room, racquetball courts, an Event Theatre, a game room, pool, ping pong and foosball tables, fitness classes such as boxing, an outdoor patio and a student lounge with large-screen TV.
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Choices in Education • January 2014