education

13 student uinons aim to disrupt to convocation

2009-12-28T00:03:00.000-08:00

Thirteen student unions today decided to script the 35Th convocation Day of Tribhuvan university(TU) which is slated for December 11 .

The TU is bent on approving the face high decision on December 7 through it's council meeting.

Today decision of the agitating student union came at a matting held here during which the student union chalked out their third- round of stir. TU has hiked the fee by ten of the Bachelors and master Laval.

TU has announced that the revised for structure world come into effect from November But 13 student unions opposites it and submitted a 72 day ultimatum to the vice chancellor prof Dr Madav prased shorma on November 17 demanding to roll back the decision.

TU has said that the fee would not be rolled back at any cost Argus that it was necessary to rise the academic equality of the nation 5 oldest and largest institution of higher education.

Following the adamant stance take by the TU admin instruction the student announced their sound- phose of protest lasting from November 32 to 27 taking to the Himalayan times today pradeep poudel president of Nepal student union said that since the TU administration was not serious to sort out the problems through dialogues they were compelled to announce the third-phase of protest program me.

"We are going to half the TU convocation Day on December 11 and TU assembly on December 7 which is going to pass the fee hake decision."

USC launches 125th Anniversary

2009-12-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

Shining the spotlight on itself, the prestigious USC Thornton School of Music, the oldest continuously operating cultural institution in Los Angeles and one of the oldest and most illustrious music schools in the country, celebrates its 125th Anniversary in grand style with the party of the century (and a quarter) on Thursday, September 10, 2009, 5:30 P.M., at USC's Town & Gown. With toasts bubbling forth and music flowing, the dazzling celebration spotlights USC Thornton's remarkable 125-year history, its leading role in the music industry and its focus on the future. The free event for friends and family of USC Thornton as well as community leaders features delicious cuisine, signature cocktails and a wide array of musical performances by the school's outstanding musicians. A performance of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique by the USC Thornton Symphony, conducted by Carl St.Clair, in Bovard Auditorium caps the festivities. Attire is business casual."This is a momentous milestone for a storied institution," says Rob Cutietta, Dean of USC Thornton. "USC Thornton - which was founded long before the birth of the region's film and recording industries, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, LA Opera or any of the Southland's other leading music ensembles or cultural institutions - is truly the cornerstone of culture in Los Angeles. Since its inception in 1884, the school and its acclaimed faculty and alumni have played a pivotal role in the music industry internationally. In marking Thornton's 125th Anniversary, we will reflect on the school's illustrious history, and, in the true spirit of USC Thornton, will look ahead to the next 125 years and plans to help ensure it will continue its cutting edge leadership role."The University of Southern California's Flora L. Thornton School of Music, generally regarded as one of the premiere music schools in the world, offers a unique combination of innovative programs such as popular music performance, recording science, and scoring for motion pictures and television, which stand alongside the more traditional programs in classical music, opera, jazz studies, composition and research. Blending the rigors of a traditional conservatory-style education with the benefits of studying at a leading research university, USC Thornton offers students an unparalleled music education in a real-world context. Its illustrious alumni and faculty have been awarded countless Grammy and Academy Awards and serve as leaders in all facets of the music industry. Celebrated alumni include pop great Herb Albert; film score composers James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith and James Newton Howard; TV/film score composer Bear McCreary; composer and Presidential Medal of the Arts recipient Morten Lauridsen; acclaimed conductors Michael Tilson Thomas and Grant Gershon; opera stars Marilyn Horne, Rod Gilfry, Jessica Rivera and Erica Miller; and esteemed classical guitarist Christopher Parkening. In 1999, philanthropist Flora L. Thornton became the school's benefactor with a naming gift of $25 million, at the time the largest such contribution to an American school of music.

children school's and familie

2009-12-20T02:29:00.000-08:00

Ed Balls today praised a race equality initiative in Leeds and announced plans to promote the Stephen Lawrence Education Awards to all local authorities across the country.The awards, which are supported by Stephen Lawrence’s mother Doreen, help schools to promote race equality by formally recognising and ‘kitemarking’ good practice in schools. Leeds City Council has developed the scheme as a way to target parts of their local area facing particular community tensions. The Stephen Lawrence Standard was developed in partnership between Education Leeds, Leeds City Council and Black and minority community representatives, in response to the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 and the publication of the MacPherson Inquiry Report into Stephen’s death in 1999. Two-thirds of schools in Leeds are already taking part in the initiative and Ed Balls now aims to promote this and similar initiatives to all local authorities across the country.He announced plans to promote the Stephen Lawrence Education Awards and the other best equality initiatives like the Rights Respecting School Awards in Hampshire to all local authorities across the country. This will include the DCSF co-hosting an event with Education Leeds to showcase the awards to other local authorities so they can spread the benefits of awards to help schools work in partnership with their local community and other schools to promote equality in all they do. We will also prepare a tool-kit to help other areas who want to introduce awards in their schools.Attending a ceremony celebrating the achievements of the participating schools in Leeds, Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: "Schools have a key role to play in building a fair, integrated and tolerant society for all children growing up in Britain today. I believe a Stephen Lawrence Education Award is a sign of a good school. It means they’re committed to doing all they can to show that racism has no place in their school and that pupils understand different cultures and backgrounds. “Winning a Stephen Lawrence Education Award is a great achievement and I congratulate all of the schools, teachers and pupils who are leading the way in Leeds. I want to do more to spread what Leeds is doing to other areas where it can also make a real difference.”Chris Edwards, Chief Executive of Education Leeds, said:”It is testament to the successes of the Stephen Lawrence award that the Secretary of State is attending the ceremony this year. The award is unique to Leeds but is a fantastic example nationally of what can be done to promote the importance of race equality to all children and young people.“We want all schools to be inclusive, brilliant learning places and this amazing scheme is really helping. It enriches learning, broadens young people’s horizons and embeds a culture of equality in our schools and communities.”

Editor's Notes
This press notice relates to 'England'
1. The Stephen Lawrence Education Standard was developed in partnership between Education Leeds, the Leeds City Council and Black and Minority community representatives, in response to the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the MacPherson Inquiry Report. Launched in 2003, the Standard evolved from a competitive award established in 2000 and was the first of its kind in the country. A ceremony each October celebrates the achievements of the participating schools.

2. To achieve the award, schools and early years centres have to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and evidence of promoting inclusion and race equality to help transform education. The latest awards, presented by Ed Balls today in Leeds, takes the total number of accredited schools and early years centres in the city to more than 200.3. The 12 criteria of the Stephen Lawrence Education Standard are:
• A whole school approach.
• School self-evaluation.
• A written race equality policy.
• Written anti-racist and anti-bullying policies, with clear procedures to deal with racial harassment and bullying.
• An effective approach to monitoring and responding to racist incidents.
• An inclusive policy on the procedures for pupil admissions, assessment and transfer.
• A written policy for involving parents, carers and the community in working with and supporting the school.
• An inclusive curriculum which positively reflects a culturally and religiously diverse society, promotes race equality, and prepares pupils to become responsible citizens.
• An effective monitoring process of black and minority ethnic pupils, particularly to academic attainment and exclusions. Target should be set for improvement for all groups of children.
• The effective monitoring of staff recruitment, staff development and governors appointments, with targets for recruitment from ethnic minority groups.
• Mandatory anti-racist training for all staff and governors.
• Race equality and community cohesion action plans

GAP not solely resposibli

2009-12-20T01:57:00.000-08:00

I high school student bust their butts to earn good grades score high one the SAT'S and get involved in extra curricular activities to beef up their collage application After they get into collage, student pull all nighties, attend (almost) every class and spend hours in the library all to boost their grade point average high enough to impress employers.
But just how important is your GPA to employers ? where all of those group study sessions and late nigh spent cramming worth it?
The majority of employers (62percent) don't have a minimum GPA requirement for hiring collage graduates, according to career Builder Com's "collage Job Forecast 2008" six percent of employers will accept below a 2.5 GPA while and additional 31 percent require a 3.0 and above only 11 percent require a 3,5 and above.

wourld Online Bachelor's Degree

2009-12-15T23:41:00.000-08:00

Today, the world has become very competitive and so as the importances of education. So there are many reasons why people are seeking for online bachelor's degree. They have found that a bachelor's degree gives them an edge over the competition and can sometimes sway a promotion or potential employer to swing their way. The online bachelor degree is making it easier than ever to obtain your degree while working or handling everyday life.A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate academic degree. The name bachelor was given to the degree because of the English word bachelor, meaning "young apprentice." A bachelor's degree is the first degree a student can receive in his or her academic career, with the exception of the associate's degree. The bachelor's degree is sometimes awarded after earning an associate's degree, though it is often the first degree that is earned. Whether or not an associate's degree can be earned first depends upon the area of study. A master's is generally the degree that can be earned following a bachelor's degree, which can then be followed by a doctorate degree.One of the aspects of online education that people do not understand is how you get the hands on training that many fields require. While you may or may not need this in the bachelor-degrees that you plan to get, you will find that information about this is easy to find at the online university's websites.There are many programs that are offered through online bachelor-degrees. If you would like to know if any of the programs or classes that you need to take are available to you on the web, all you need to do is to log onto any of the various online schools and find out. This level of education that the bachelor-degree is one that is advanced and will require much learning.Well, in many cases online bachelor degrees are being offered by accredited colleges that are not only online but have a physical campus as well. However, there are a growing number of institutions that are strictly online. A bachelor's degree is an investment in your future. While most on-campus bachelor's degree programs take a minimum of four years, many online schools also offer accelerated studies. An education through an online university is one of the best ways to learn and to stay on the cutting-edge of technology.The cost of obtaining an online bachelor degree is comparable to obtaining a regular bachelor degree. Though many people will find the cost of higher education outside of their budgets, online bachelor degree programs offer financial assistance.When choosing an online bachelor degree program you want to find one that matches your needs. Make sure that the institution is accredited in your state to ensure that you degree will be valid to all future employers. The area of study and method of learning, whether obtaining an online bachelor degree or earning it in a traditional classroom, are all personal choices that must fit with your professional and personal goals, schedule and budget.

education most likely

2009-12-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

On the day of the big football game between the University of Missouri Tigers and the Cowboys of Oklahoma State, a football scout named Dan Shonka sat in his hotel, in Columbia, Missouri, with a portable DVD player. Shonka has worked for three National Football League teams. Before that, he was a football coach, and before that he played linebacker—although, he says, “that was three knee operations and a hundred pounds ago.” Every year, he evaluates somewhere between eight hundred and twelve hundred players around the country, helping professional teams decide whom to choose in the college draft, which means that over the last thirty years he has probably seen as many football games as anyone else in America. In his DVD player was his homework for the evening’s big game—an edited video of the Tigers’ previous contest, against the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Shonka methodically made his way through the video, stopping and re-winding whenever he saw something that caught his eye. He liked Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman, two of the Mizzou receivers. He loved William Moore, the team’s bruising strong safety. But, most of all, he was interested in the Tigers’ quarterback and star, a stocky, strong-armed senior named Chase Daniel.
“I like to see that the quarterback can hit a receiver in stride, so he doesn’t have to slow for the ball,” Shonka began. He had a stack of evaluation forms next to him and, as he watched the game, he was charting and grading every throw that Daniel made. “Then judgment. Hey, if it’s not there, throw it away and play another day. Will he stand in there and take a hit, with a guy breathing down his face? Will he be able to step right in there, throw, and still take that hit? Does the guy throw better when he’s in the pocket, or does he throw equally well when he’s on the move? You want a great competitor. Durability. Can they hold up, their strength, toughness? Can they make big plays? Can they lead a team down the field and score late in the game? Can they see the field? When your team’s way ahead, that’s fine. But when you’re getting your ass kicked I want to see what you’re going to do.”
He pointed to his screen. Daniel had thrown a dart, and, just as he did, a defensive player had hit him squarely. “See how he popped up?” Shonka said. “He stood right there and threw the ball in the face of that rush. This kid has got a lot of courage.” Daniel was six feet tall and weighed two hundred and twenty-five pounds: thick through the chest and trunk. He carried himself with a self-assurance that bordered on cockiness. He threw quickly and in rhythm. He nimbly evaded defenders. He made short throws with touch and longer throws with accuracy. By the game’s end, he had completed an astonishing seventy-eight per cent of his passes, and handed Nebraska its worst home defeat in fifty-three years. “He can zip it,” Shonka said. “He can really gun, when he has to.” Shonka had seen all the promising college quarterbacks, charted and graded their throws, and to his mind Daniel was special: “He might be one of the best college quarterbacks in the country.”
But then Shonka began to talk about when he was on the staff of the Philadelphia Eagles, in 1999. Five quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the college draft that year, and each looked as promising as Chase Daniel did now. But only one of them, Donovan McNabb, ended up fulfilling that promise. Of the rest, one descended into mediocrity after a decent start. Two were complete busts, and the last was so awful that after failing out of the N.F.L. he ended up failing out of the Canadian Football League as well.
The year before, the same thing happened with Ryan Leaf, who was the Chase Daniel of 1998. The San Diego Chargers made him the second player taken over all in the draft, and gave him an eleven-million-dollar signing bonus. Leaf turned out to be terrible. In 2002, it was Joey Harrington’s turn. Harrington was a golden boy out of the University of Oregon, and the third player taken in the draft. Shonka still can’t get over what happened to him.
“I tell you, I saw Joey live,” he said. “This guy threw lasers, he could throw under tight spots, he had the arm strength, he had the size, he had the intelligence.” Shonka got as misty as a two-hundred-and-eighty-pound ex-linebacker in a black tracksuit can get. “He’s a concert pianist, you know? I really—I mean, I really—liked Joey.” And yet Harrington’s career consisted of a failed stint with the Detroit Lions and a slide into obscurity. Shonka looked back at the screen, where the young man he felt might be the best quarterback in the country was marching his team up and down the field. “How will that ability translate to the National Football League?” He shook his head slowly. “Shoot.”
This is the quarterback problem. There are certain jobs where almost nothing you can learn about candidates before they start predicts how they’ll do once they’re hired. So how do we know whom to choose in cases like that? In recent years, a number of fields have begun to wrestle with this problem, but none with such profound social consequences as the profession of teaching.
One of the most important tools in contemporary educational research is “value added” analysis. It uses standardized test scores to look at how much the academic performance of students in a given teacher’s classroom changes between the beginning and the end of the school year. Suppose that Mrs. Brown and Mr. Smith both teach a classroom of third graders who score at the fiftieth percentile on math and reading tests on the first day of school, in September. When the students are retested, in June, Mrs. Brown’s class scores at the seventieth percentile, while Mr. Smith’s students have fallen to the fortieth percentile. That change in the students’ rankings, value-added theory says, is a meaningful indicator of how much more effective Mrs. Brown is as a teacher than Mr. Smith.

local school of our old

2009-12-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

Before Gov. John Baldacci announced his plan to cut $63.1 million from the current state budget, local school districts knew they'd be taking a hit.

Districts had been warned this might be coming back in the spring, and both the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District and RSU 21 had plans in place for dealing with the funding loss. The surprise was that the cuts, announced by the Maine Department of Education on Friday, Nov. 20, were in some instances deeper than expected.

"We had preliminary meetings because we knew this would come through," said WOCSD Superintendent Elaine Tomaszewski on Friday. "But we anticipated $182,000, not the $213,558. That's a big discrepancy."

Department of Education Commissioner Susan Gendron said the cuts to education total $38 million, all of which will come out of districts' general purpose aid.

"It is important to understand that in calculating the reductions to each school administrative unit, we have not changed the total Essential Programs and Services allocation for individual units or the statewide total," she said.

Gendron reminded districts that no cuts will be final until they receive legislative approval.

That's hardly a consolation to RSU 21 Superintendent Andrew Dolloff, who said the $883,392 in funding the district will lose will not affect staffing this year, but will almost certainly force personnel cuts in the future.

"Although it appears we will be able to make the reductions without any loss of jobs or programs this year, there is little chance of accomplishing the same goal next year," Dolloff said in a release Monday. "We will have to take a hard look at all of our programs, and unless there is better news coming from Augusta or Washington, some tough decisions will have to be made."

Tomaszewski said her board had already identified areas in the budget that could be cut, including travel, conferences and supplies. The board looked at things that would least affect students.

"But now we're going to have to go further," she said.

In RSU 21, Dolloff said unanticipated revenue from Medicaid reimbursement and a reduction in the special-education budget for out-of-district placement are largely responsible for making up the funding lost.

"It is our intent to keep these cuts as far away from classroom instruction as possible," he said. "That's not easy when nearly 80 percent of the budget is tied up in personnel costs — the vast majority of which have a direct impact on our students' learning and safety."

campus news

2009-12-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

Illicit file sharing isn’t just for kids these days. Once mainly used for downloading pirated music, sites have sprung up on the Internet that allow free swapping of academic journals (think Napster’s younger dweeby brother).

A new study, published in the Internet Journal of Medical Informatics, looks at a site aimed specifically at medical professionals and students and finds that thousands of people were obtaining non-open-access materials free of charge. The article says that in a six-month period of watching the unnamed site, nearly 5,500 articles were exchanged, costing journals about $700,000 in that time, or about $1.4-million a year.

The site had 127,626 registered users, who during the study period put in requests for 6,587 journals. There was an 83 percent success rate in finding the article. Nature and Science were the most commonly swapped journals.

The article does not focus on the ethical implications but does say, “In the field of medicine, ethics plays a pivotal role, and yet the site displays activities by medical students, teachers, and practicing professionals that are ethically dubious.”

Wired Campus reported earlier this week about another attempt to give more access to subscription journal articles. This effort, called Deep Dyve, is a legal rental program that allows users to access articles for a set amount of time with a fee.

Education at the mercy of strikes

2009-12-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

On December 7 Maoists called an educational sector bandh demanding the security of the Maoist affiliated teachers. Due to this all the schools and +2 colleges remained closed the entire day throughout the nation. This is not the first time that protesters are staging a strike that affects the academic institutions. Strikes and academic institutions have become interrelated. The Nepalese academic environment has been deteriorating since last few years due to widespread and damaging strikes. Strikes are hitting the academic institutions very hard. Strike has become a common but serious issue due to the never-ending political instability and selfish political interest among the political parties and their allied student organisations. Various political parties including Maoists are using Nepal bandhs, regional bandhs, district bandhs, education strikes and many other disruptions to flout their power and express dissatisfaction over the issues they have been raising. However they don't seem to be aware of the adverse effects of such actions on the academic environment of the colleges, universities, schools etc. Students, guardians and teachers are frustrated by such frequent strikes. They feel that the future of the students is at stake. The nation's future is under siege.

The frequent strikes and bandhs have derailed the education sector. No can deny that the student movement has played a significant role in politics from the beginning. In 1980, the then king had to declare referendum on the system due to the pressure from the student movement. Likewise the 1990's restoration of democracy also preceded active student participation in the political movement. Democracy has been pushed off track. Students are naturally, a vital section of the Nepalese society that gets agitated when the country's democracy is at stake. Colleges and schools are naturally the venues to hold political debates and organise their political ideas. Despite these facts, the political parties and their student allies must not forget that education is the foundation of both nation and democracy. We can find so many examples of continuance and maintenance of academic environment even in the countries driven by sharp political instabilities.

Keeping in mind these concerns they must rethink their strategies of agitation and expressing the voice of discontent. They should not hesitate to declare academic institutions as zones of peace and parties should give necessary emphasis to keep the education sector out of politics. The right of students to education is being violated by the so-called bandhs. The constitution of the kingdom of Nepal clearly guarantees individuals the right to education and right to engage in the occupation of their choice. The political agenda is dominating the education sector. The government has neither succeeded in providing an adequately secure environment nor addressed the issues of loyalty raised by the students.

Before it gets worse all the related sections of the society and the nation as a whole must immediately take some crucial steps to secure the bright future of the younger generation and the country itself.

Education at the mercy of strikes

2009-12-13T18:59:00.001-08:00

Education at the mercy of strikes

2009-12-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

The frequent strikes and bandhs have derailed the education sector. No can deny that the student movement has played a significant role in politics from the beginning. In 1980, the then king had to declare referendum on the system due to the pressure from the student movement. Likewise the 1990's restoration of democracy also preceded active student participation in the political movement. Democracy has been pushed off track. Students are naturally, a vital section of the Nepalese society that gets agitated when the country's democracy is at stake. Colleges and schools are naturally the venues to hold political debates and organise their political ideas. Despite these facts, the political parties and their student allies must not forget that education is the foundation of both nation and democracy. We can find so many examples of continuance and maintenance of academic environment even in the countries driven by sharp political instabilities.

Keeping in mind these concerns they must rethink their strategies of agitation and expressing the voice of discontent. They should not hesitate to declare academic institutions as zones of peace and parties should give necessary emphasis to keep the education sector out of politics. The right of students to education is being violated by the so-called bandhs. The constitution of the kingdom of Nepal clearly guarantees individuals the right to education and right to engage in the occupation of their choice. The political agenda is dominating the education sector. The government has neither succeeded in providing an adequately secure environment nor addressed the issues of loyalty raised by the students.

Before it gets worse all the related sections of the society and the nation as a whole must immediately take some crucial steps to secure the bright future of the younger generation and the country itself.

2009-12-12T02:54:00.001-08:00

"Opponents have several objections, but one is primary: The outcomes are nebulous, hard to measure, and ... concern attitudes, values, beliefs and emotions rather than academic achievement," said Bruno Manno, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, in a recent scholarly look at the OBE controversy. Alarmed parents argue that OBE reeks of social engineering and behavior modification and are forming grassroots networks to resist educators who are pushing OBE as the cure-all for underachievement. Tarring all education reform with a broad brush, the harshest critics have slapped the OBE label on numerous progressive education theories and practices percolating in the schools, making OBE the whipping boy for all of the changes they believe are leading to further "dumbing down" of education. Classroom practices they see as manifestations of OBE include cooperative learning; deemphasis of competition; heterogeneous grouping of children of vastly different abilities; multiculturalism and self-esteem courses; scorning of rote memorization of multiplication tables, spelling words and historical dates; and the abandonment of traditional testing and grades in favor of checklists of goals attained and protfolios of work. Critics also equate OBE with "mastery learning" in which teachers teach until every child has learned the concept and passed a test on it. Children may retake tests until they pass. Phyllis Schlafly, president of the conservative watchdog group Eagle Forum and an OBE foe, recently derided the following "antiacademic" pupil outcomes sought in Kentucky's OBE plan: * Establish goals for improving and maintaining self-esteem. Plan, implement and record accomplishments. * Identify and analyze stressful situations in your life. * Interview a graduate from a substance-abuse program; create a case study of his or her drug history. * Examine the mental and emotional wellness of past or present world leaders. OBE's kindest critics think it's a good idea that has been hijacked. "The idea of OBE is perfectly sound," says American Federation of Teachers President Albert Shanker. "What else would you want except to measure the outcomes? Get away from the idea of how much money we spend on kids, what the class size is, how many hours a kid spends in class, how many courses he's taken. That doesn't tell you what he's learned. What we want are the outcomes." But Shanker acknowledges the theory can be abused. "Unfortunately, some folks got hold of the outcomes and decided that they didn't care very much about academic outcomes. What they wanted to know were touchy-feely outcomes. What were the attitudes of these kids toward other kids or toward certain social issues?" Despite the criticism, Shanker believes that if parents understood the idea of OBe, they would support it. "I think the majority of American parents and citizens would go along with the idea [that] we want to see what the outcomes are, but what they want would be the academic outcomes." But Cheri Pierson Yecke, who was named 1988 Teacher of the Year in Stafford County, Va., links the continuing decline in test scores to "reforms" such as OBE. "Academic performance has fallen in many of the reform districts, in part because precious time is being diverted away from academics in order to socialize students," she says. "In 1983, 'A Nation at Risk' concluded that not enough time was being spent on academic courses. Were educators listening? Apparently not." Yecke spent nine years teaching and is now a doctoral candidate in educational psychology at the University of Virginia and a member of the Governor's Commission on Champion Schools.

stuednts Keys

2009-12-12T02:37:00.000-08:00

"Opponents have several objections, but one is primary: The outcomes are nebulous, hard to measure, and ... concern attitudes, values, beliefs and emotions rather than academic achievement," said Bruno Manno, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, in a recent scholarly look at the OBE controversy. Alarmed parents argue that OBE reeks of social engineering and behavior modification and are forming grassroots networks to resist educators who are pushing OBE as the cure-all for underachievement.
Tarring all education reform with a broad brush, the harshest critics have slapped the OBE label on numerous progressive education theories and practices percolating in the schools, making OBE the whipping boy for all of the changes they believe are leading to further "dumbing down" of education. Classroom practices they see as manifestations of OBE include cooperative learning; deemphasis of competition; heterogeneous grouping of children of vastly different abilities; multiculturalism and self-esteem courses; scorning of rote memorization of multiplication tables, spelling words and historical dates; and the abandonment of traditional testing and grades in favor of checklists of goals attained and protfolios of work. Critics also equate OBE with "mastery learning" in which teachers teach until every child has learned the concept and passed a test on it. Children may retake tests until they pass.
Phyllis Schlafly, president of the conservative watchdog group Eagle Forum and an OBE foe, recently derided the following "antiacademic" pupil outcomes sought in Kentucky's OBE plan:
* Establish goals for improving and maintaining self-esteem. Plan, implement and record accomplishments.
* Identify and analyze stressful situations in your life.
* Interview a graduate from a substance-abuse program; create a case study of his or her drug history.
* Examine the mental and emotional wellness of past or present world leaders.
OBE's kindest critics think it's a good idea that has been hijacked. "The idea of OBE is perfectly sound," says American Federation of Teachers President Albert Shanker. "What else would you want except to measure the outcomes? Get away from the idea of how much money we spend on kids, what the class size is, how many hours a kid spends in class, how many courses he's taken. That doesn't tell you what he's learned. What we want are the outcomes." But Shanker acknowledges the theory can be abused. "Unfortunately, some folks got hold of the outcomes and decided that they didn't care very much about academic outcomes. What they wanted to know were touchy-feely outcomes. What were the attitudes of these kids toward other kids or toward certain social issues?" Despite the criticism, Shanker believes that if parents understood the idea of OBe, they would support it. "I think the majority of American parents and citizens would go along with the idea [that] we want to see what the outcomes are, but what they want would be the academic outcomes."
But Cheri Pierson Yecke, who was named 1988 Teacher of the Year in Stafford County, Va., links the continuing decline in test scores to "reforms" such as OBE. "Academic performance has fallen in many of the reform districts, in part because precious time is being diverted away from academics in order to socialize students," she says. "In 1983, 'A Nation at Risk' concluded that not enough time was being spent on academic courses. Were educators listening? Apparently not." Yecke spent nine years teaching and is now a doctoral candidate in educational psychology at the University of Virginia and a member of the Governor's Commission on Champion Schools.

Apple developing new Mac for education

2009-12-09T19:41:00.000-08:00

The new low-cost PC, which will act as a replacement for Apple's now defunct eMac line, appears to be on track to catch the latter half of the 2006 educational buying season.

Based on a series of proprietary checks, it's believed that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company is aligning component suppliers for a manufacturing ramp of the computers that it plans to initiate around the September timeframe.

Technically, this means that Apple's much anticipated professional line of Intel-based Power MacMac Pro" moniker -- won't be the last of the company's PC offerings to make the transition from PowerPC to Intel chips.

In keeping true to its roots of designing educational Macs as plug-and-play solutions, people familiar with Apple's product roadmap say the company is building the new Mac around an all-in-one enclosure. Though unlike the eMac, which employed cumbersome CRT-based displays, the new educational computer will follow a design pattern similar to the company's LCD-based iMac Core Duo desktops, these people say.

The departure away from CRT displays and towards pricier flat-screens means that Apple will have to carefully balance its component costs and shave as much as possible off the computer's bill-of-materials if it plans to hit a home run with educational institutions.

Although the Mac maker said its U.S. educational channel sales increased by approximately 16 percent during the first quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005, the company has come under tremendous competitive pressure in the sector over the last several years.

"Uncertainty in this channel remains as several competitors of the company have either targeted or announced their intention to target the education market for personal computers, which could negatively affect the company’s market share," Apple has repeatedly stated in regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. "Although the company believes it has taken certain steps to strengthen its position in the education market, there can be no assurance that the company will be able to increase or maintain its share of the education market or execute profitably on large strategic arrangements."

But just as Apple's is expected to incur increased costs associated with transitioning its educational Mac to more modern technologies, the computer's new industrial design is expected to eliminate some of the financial complexities of the eMac. One of the pitfalls Apple discovered while building the unwieldy CRT-based Mac was that its bulbous enclosure quickly became one of -- if not the most -- expensive part of the computer to manufacturer.

In using its new iMac design as a blueprint for the eMac replacement, Apple will also save on freight and packaging costs that will result from the computer's substantially smaller footprint and lighter weight . It's also believed that the Mac will borrow industry standard components already employed by Apple's Mac mini and MacBook line of consumer PCs, enabling further cost reductions.

In April of 2004, the last time Apple introduced a major revision to the eMac, it priced models at $799 and $999. While pricing for the new educational Mac has yet to be determined, it should fall well below the company's low-end consumer iMac offering, which fetches $1299.

It's still unclear whether the computer will be made readily available for purchase by the average consumer.

When Apple introduced the eMac as a low-cost alternative to the flat-screen "sunflower" iMac in April 2002, it initially restricted sales to educational buyers. However, demand for the computers amongst consumers proved to be so strong that a month later the company made the educational Mac available to the general public.

On October 12, 2005, shortly before the computer met its ultimate demise, Apple once again restricted sales to educational institutions and returned to its "E is for Education" marketing scheme that had been attached to the product from its inception.

After exhausting much of its remaining eMac inventory to educational buyers later that year, Apple began offering its higher-margin all-in-one iMac as a replacement for the eMac. The company plans to continue to offer the iMac to its educational customers until the new Intel-based eMac successor makes its debut in the fall. computers -- expected to make their debut this summer under the "

50 games, 50 years of school

2009-12-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the state's 50th anniversary of football playoffs, azcentral.com is republishing all of The Arizona Republic's original state championship stories at highschools.azcentral.com.

It's a look at yesteryear's great moments and heroes. Some of the old stories are not much longer than a brief from a roundup, and the change in writing style over five decades can be equally interesting. But they're all there.

You can also vote for the most exciting championship game ever and take a look at our slideshow.

To whet your appetite, here's our 50 Games for 50 Years: A look at the some of the most thrilling championships.

You can cast your vote for the most exciting in each conference.

Take a look, and we think you'll agree with us: They're a lot more exciting than your typical .

1959-69

1959 5A: Richard Bryant's interception at Phoenix South Mountain's 1-yard line with 37 seconds remaining preserved a 7-7 tie with Yuma in the first official big school state championship game.

1961 5A: Gus Moreno, whose missed an extra point earlier, kicked an 11-yard field goal with 1:30 to play, capping a 10-point Tucson Pueblo rally and giving it a 16-14 win over Phoenix St. Mary's.

1962 1A: A 20-yard pass from Joe Ready to Bruce Hodges late in the third quarter made Camp Verde the first champion from Yavapai County as it beat Patagonia 32-31.

1964 2A: Marana held Willcox on downs on its own 3-yard line in the fourth quarter before scoring the game-winning on halfback Frank Ard's 48-yard run in the game's closing minutes for a 14-7 win.

1964 3A: Bill Bolling recovered a Flowing Wells fourth-quarter fumble in the end zone for a touchback, then Winslow marched 80 yards, producing the game's only points on a quarterback Tine Lopez's 1-yard touchdown run with 1:20 to play in a 7-0 win.

1966 3A: A fumble set up a short game-winning drive, capped off when quarterback J.T. Burchett sneaked in from 1 yard out with seven minutes, as Eloy Santa Cruz beat Avondale Agua Fria 16-13.

1966 5A: Keith Ritchie's diving 34-yard touchdown catch from Art Monje with 41 seconds remaining gave Tucson High a 14-7 win over Mesa Westwood.

1968 3A: Jimmy Calvin blocked a punt, chased it 30 yards into the end zone and fell on it for the winning touchdown with 2:55 remaining in the game as Coolidge beat Peoria 27-20. Peoria drove to the Coolidge 4 in response, but was pushed back by penalties and ran out of time.

1968 4A: Rick Brensleck, a 5-8, 190-pound defensive tackle, produced the game's only score on an 84-yard fumble return with 43 seconds to play as Flagstaff Coconino beat Tucson Flowing Wells 6-0.

The 1970s

1970 3A: Ray Darden plunged 3 yards for the game-winning TD with only nine seconds showing on the clock, as Parker rallied from a 13-0 deficit in the game's final 1:52 to beat Snowflake 16-13.

1971 2A: Gilbert's Ray Pace returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown with 4:55 left in the ball game, but Gilbert failed to convert two chances at the two-point conversion to win as Round Valley held on for a 13-12 win.

1971 5A: A crazy finish. Tucson quarterback Frank Castro's two touchdown passes in the final 4:07 sandwiched Fred Mortensen's 50-yard touchdown pass to Rick Molina for Tempe as Tucson beat Tempe 20-14.

1972 3A: Santa Cruz's C.T. Strange returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown with 1:41 to play, but Miami answered with Dan Rodriguez's 57-yard touchdown pass to George Padilla and Gilbert Beltran's two-point conversion run with 59 seconds left as Miami topped Santa Cruz 22-21.

1973 5A: Tucson Palo Verde's 80-yard scoring drive in the game's final six minutes put coach Van Howe out as a winner in a 22-20 victory vs. Phoenix Camelback.

1974 5A: Roger Overton's 2-yard run and two-point conversion run gave Phoenix Camelback a lead, which the defense preserved with a two-point conversion stop and a late fumble recovery as Camelback beat Phoenix St. Mary's 22-20.

1975 5A: Randy Barkley scored on a 2-yard run with 17 seconds left and Herman Gutierrez kicked the decisive extra point as Tucson Amphitheater beat Phoenix Maryvale 23-22.

1977 4A: Tucson Canyon del Oro quarterback Jeff Carreon scored a touchdown with less than three minutes remaining, then booted a 46-yard field goal with 32 seconds to play to give CDO a 9-7 victory over Gilbert.

1977 5A: Todd Greer's 2-yard scoring run capped a 13-play, 72-yard drive early in the fourth quarter as Tempe McClintock rallied to beat Phoenix Washington 14-9 in a game that featured two future quarterback stars, McClintock's Rick Neuheisel and Washington's Mike Pagel.

1978 3A: Mike Cade rushed 20 times for 299 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:53 to play, returned a kickoff 70 yards for another score and caught a two-point conversion pass as Eloy Santa Cruz beat Willcox 40-36.

1979 1A: Quarterback Spencer Brown scored on a 2-yard with 31 seconds to play as St. David beat Salome 28-22.

1980s

1981 1A: With star running back Eddie Mavis sidelined after taking an elbow to the throat moments before his replacement, Marco Valenzuela, scored the winning touchdown from 3 yards out with 17 seconds left, lifting Maricopa past Suffolk Hills 20-14.

1982 2A: Decided underdog Willcox stopped Blue Ridge inside the 1-yard line in the game's final minute, then, after a safety, withstood a 51-yard field goal attempt as time expired to win 13-11.

1982 4A: Vinny Zanzucchi's 13-yard scoring pass to Daniel Casados with 41 seconds to play lifted Flagstaff past Tucson Flowing Wells 10-7.

1985 5A: Reggie McGill's 47-yard touchdown run with 4:40 to play lifted Phoenix St. Mary's to an 11-7 win against upset-minded Glendale Apollo.

1986 2A: Brad Hyatt's 13-yard blocked punt return before halftime proved to the game's biggest play as Thatcher beat Willcox 13-10.

1986 4A: William Babb's 1-yard sneak with 49 seconds remaining completed a nine-play, 68-yard drive as unranked Peoria rallied to beat Avondale Agua Fria 29-23.

1988 4A: Keith Huckaby's 1-yard run with 6:18 to play proved to be the winning score, and Toby Cluff's interception ended Peoria's final possession as Avondale Agua Fria beat Peoria 13-7.

The 1990s

1990 4A: Tucson Sabino drove 79 yards on six plays, culminated by a 15-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brown to best friend Kip Canatsey with 3:57 left as Sabino beat Peoria 31-28.

1991 1A: Two 10-0 teams meet, no one wins. Second-ranked Fredonia missed a two-point conversion attempt with 3:22 left and top-ranked Patagonia held on for a 36-36 tie.

1992 5A: Though otherwise marred by a postgame fight, Mesa held off a late rally and beat Mesa Mountain View 14-8 to win one for ailing coach Jim Rattay.

1994 1A: Mayer and Heber Mogollon's defenses came up with stops in the final minutes, played in a driving rain, and the teams ended up in a 20-20 tie.

1994 4A: Quarterback Aaron Dumsch led Tucson Sahuaro on a 12-play, 77-yard drive, scoring on a 6-yard draw with 1:27 to play, then running around left for the two-point conversion, as Sahuaro tied Peoria 17-17 in Howard Breinig's final game as Sahuaro coach.

1994 5A: Jeff Voigt managed to shovel a 7-yard scoring pass to Brooks Tyree through a swarm of defenders on fourth down with 24 seconds to play, capping an 18-play, 80-yard drive that gave Phoenix Horizon a 16-14 win against Phoenix St. Mary's.

1995 1A: Billy Johnson rushed 34 times for 180 yards, and Jake Bundy added 127 yards on 13 carries, as Fredonia held off a big Mogollon rally for a 38-32 win.

1996 3A: Stephen Waldo's 16-yard field goal with 17 seconds to play lifted Lakeside Blue Ridge to a 22-20 win over Queen Creek Arizona Boys Ranch.

1996 4A: Todd Mortensen's 7-yard scoring pass to Justin Taplin lifted Tempe to a 20-17 overtime victory against Glendale Ironwood, Tempe's only outright state championship.

1997 5A: Mesa Mountain View's defense stopped Antrel Bates on a fourth-and-one play at the Amphitheater 40, then the offense capitalized with a scoring drive that ended on Brad Malone's 18-yard scoring run with 2:39 to play as Mountain View beat Tucson Amphitheater 28-24.

1999 3A: Show Low nose guard J.R. Pearce stopped backup quarterback Alex Moro's run on a 2-point conversion attempt with 1:59 to play, sealing a 26-25 win for Show Low against Lakeside Blue Ridge.

2000-Present

2000 2A: Michael Romney broke a tackle to score from 1 yard out with 3:19 to play, then outran two defenders and beat everyone to the corner for a go-ahead 2-point conversion, and finally intercepted a pass with 38 seconds to play to seal a 14-13 Thatcher victory over St. Johns.

2001 5A: Down 10-0 late in the third quarter, Mesa Red Mountain rallied on Mike Chacon's 57-yard punt return and Steve Smith's 4-yard run with 1:41 to play, clinching a 13-10 win against Chandler Hamilton on Billy Fulcher's interception.

2002 4A: Controversy reigned as Steve Hoffman's apparent 18-yard fourth-down catch to the 1-yard line with 1:54 to play was ruled juggled out of bounds, and Scottsdale Chaparral held on to beat Phoenix Greenway 21-14.

2003 5A: Tramell McGill's 5-yard run gave Chandler Hamilton a lead in the third overtime, then Hamilton's defense stopped Marc LeBaron on fourth down from the 1-yard line to end the game as Hamilton beat Mesa Mountain View 35-28.

2004 3A: Bryce Talbot kicked a 29-yard fourth-quarter field goal to cap Lakeside Blue Ridge's rally from a 24-6 halftime deficit and give it a 25-24 win against Coolidge.

2004 4A: Down 34-6 at the half, Phoenix Moon Valley scored 39 unanswered points and stunned Glendale Cactus 45-34 in the biggest turnaround in big-school state championship history.

2005 1A: After blowing a 20-6 lead and falling behind 28-26, Pima bounced back to beat Mayer 40-34.

2005 5A-I: The Drive. Heavy underdog Phoenix Brophy drove 99 yards on 17 plays against Chandler Hamilton's highly touted defense, scoring on an 8-yard pass from sophomore Bryan Berens to Matt Smith with 34 seconds to play, as Brophy upset Hamilton 15-14.

2006 3A: Coolidge converted a fourth-and-19 on Andrew Ashford's 29-yard reception from Jesse Wheeler, then T.J. White scored the game-winning 4-yard touchdown the next play as Coolidge beat Wickenburg 28-21.

2007 2A: Shad Bride scored the game-winning two-point conversion in overtime as St. Johns beat Phoenix Arizona Lutheran 21-20.

2007 4A-I: Steven Chiappetti capped a 67-yard drive by kicking a 30-yard field goal with two seconds left as Scottsdale Saguaro beat Tucson Canyon del Oro 23-21.

2008 3A: Josh Frewin's extra point in the second overtime proved to be the difference as Payson rallied from a 20-0 deficit to beat Lakeside Blue Ridge 34-33.

collage news services

2009-12-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

KATHMANDU: Padma Kanya College students today burnt the effigies of Home Minister Bhim Rawal and IGP Ramesh Chand Thakuri in protest against what they described as ‘indecent act’ meted out to them by DSP Prakash Karki of Maharajgung Ward Police Office during yesterday’s protest rally.

Accusing the DSP of ‘pulling their college dresses’, and using ‘abusive languages’, college girls halted the traffic for about two hours in the road adjacent to PK Campus.

Following the incident, police briefly detained a dozen students from the Campus. In the scuffle that ensued between the police and the students, Laxmi Dahal, Kaushila Bhatta and Chanda Sharma sustained injuries.

A dozen others, demanding justice for Suntali Dhami - a policewoman raped by her co-workers in Achham -were detained and released later. Dhami is in ‘preventive detention’ in the hospital and the protesting college girls were not permitted to see her.

PK students are scheduled to organise torch rally midday tomorrow, in protest against ‘police highhandedness in their peaceful rally.’

“Midday torch rally also symbolises the fact that the government is still keeping women in darkness and had curtailed their freedom,” said Lal Kumari Pokharel, president of Free Student Union, PK Campus unit.

She also regretted that none of the organisations working under women rights issues joined hands with them in their programme.

“Even the student unions showed hardly any interest in our programme,” she remarked, adding, “Whatever may be the case, we will not quit our agitation until justice is done to Dhami.”

children's injuries

2009-12-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

LONDON: Around 15 families in Britain are set to take legal action over injuries to children which they say were caused by Maclaren pushchairs, a law firm representing them said Wednesday.

The move comes after US authorities last month announced the recall of around a million buggies made by Maclaren, saying they pose a risk of "fingertip amputation" to young children.

Law firm Russell, Jones and Walker said it had compiled a dossier of claims against British-based Maclaren.

"We are already representing numerous parents whose children have been injured, despite Maclaren claiming their pushchairs are not at fault," it said.

"We are already handling 15 potential claims where children have been hurt, allegedly by their Maclaren buggies, and we are urging trading standards (officials) to issue a product recall to stop any further injuries."

Maclaren responded to the US move by distributing a cover kit which fits over hinges and reassured consumers that their buggies were "perfectly safe to use".

Maclaren also says it will provide the covers to customers elsewhere who want them, but added that "the number of incidents outside the US did not warrant" a further recall.

"We would only stress that you keep children away from the buggy whilst unfolding or folding it," the firm said on its website. It was not immediately contactable about the latest development.

Quality Education for Nepal

2009-12-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

DAMAK: Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Rakesh Sood today said that the new Nepal was only possible through quality education as it determined the future of the children and the nation.

Laying foundation stone for Mangalmaya Higher Secondary School building in Lakhanpur of Jhapa, Sood said, "Nepal and India has cultural and historical relation,'' adding, "People of the two countries are near to each other through hearts.''

The school building will be constructed with the Indian assistance of Rs 36 million within the next 15 months. The Indian government had already assisted more than Rs 90 million for developmental works of Jhapa district alone. "Additional 280 million has been allocated for the district," Sood said.

Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Narendra Dahal expressed gratitude to the Indian government for development of the district., Sood also inspected the dam site of the Kankai River. He had laid foundation stones of two other school buildings here yesterday.

special education, english language

2009-12-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

Abstract. The number of English languageEnglish language, member of the West Germanic group of the Germanic subfamily of the Indo-European family of languages (see Germanic languages). Spoken by about 470 million people throughout the world, English is the official language of about 45 nations. ..... Click the link for more information. learners (ELLs) in early childhood regular and special education services has increased dramatically in the past decade. A survey was conducted with 141 early childhood administrators and teachers to examine their beliefs and practices concerning the special education referral, evaluation, and placement process for preschool ELLs and their families. Survey questions were designed to gather information about: 1) how cultural and language differences were addressed, 2) what strategies were used to ensure parent participation of ELL children, and 3) what training was available and being used by early childhood professionals. Data were coded and percentages of similar responses calculated to understand participants' beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Results indicate that inconsistencies in methods are used to determine home language and English 1. English - (Obsolete) The source code for a program, which may be in any language, as opposed to the linkable or executable binary produced from it by a compiler. The idea behind the term is that to a real hacker, a program written in his favourite programming language is proficiency pro·fi·cien·cy n. pl. pro·fi·cien·ciesThe state or quality of being proficient; competence.Noun 1. proficiency - the quality of having great facility and competence , a lack of clarity regarding the purpose of instruments used for screening and evaluating ELL children, a need for reliable and valid screening and assessment tools in a variety of languages, a need for interpreters who are trained in early childhood terms and the special education referral, evaluation, and placement process, and a need for more teacher training on meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse families.
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Ads by GoogleNILD educational TherapyPrepare to help struggling students Training courses for educatorswww.nild.org
TherapeuticBoardingSchoolStructured Environment with Strong Academic and Behavior Managementwww.LittleKeswickSchool.net********** Children of immigrant families are the fastest growing population in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. (United States Census Bureau The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title 13 U.S.C. 11) is a part of the United States Department of Commerce. , 2003). In 2003, an estimated 33.5 million people, or nearly 12 percent of the U.S. population, was foreign-born for·eign-bornadj.Foreign by birth; not native to the country in which one resides.Adj. 1. foreign-born - of persons born in another area or country than that lived in; "our large nonnative population"nonnative (Larsen Larsen may refer to:In engineering:
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, 2004). As a result of these population changes, the number of children in U.S. schools who are English language learners (ELLs) has increased by more than 15 million students, making up almost 10 percent of the total school population in prekindergarten through 12th grade (Mathews Mathews is the name of several places in the United States of America:
Mathews, Louisiana
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Mathews County, Virginia Mathews is also a person's name. See .See also Matthews. & Ewen, 2006; Meyer Mey·er , Annie Florance Nathan 1867-1951.American writer and a founder of Barnard College at Columbia University (1889). Her plays include The Dominant Sex (1911) and Black Souls (1932). , Madden mad·den v. mad·dened, mad·den·ing, mad·densv.tr.1. To make angry; irritate.2. To drive insane.v.intr.To become infuriated. , & McGrathMcGrath or MacGrath may refer to: Geography
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..... Click the link for more information., 2004). Spanish Spanish, river, c.150 mi (240 km) long, issuing from Spanish Lake, S Ont., Canada, NW of Sudbury, and flowing generally S through Biskotasi and Agnew lakes to Lake Huron opposite Manitoulin island. There are several hydroelectric stations on the river. , Vietnamese (human language) Vietnamese - An Asian language that, like other CJKV languages, requires 16-bit character encodings but, unlike them, does not use Han characters.While normal Vietnamese has not used Han characters since the 18th century, the standards TCVN 5773 and TCVN , Hmong HmongMountain-dwelling peoples of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand who speak Hmong-Mien languages. There are also émigré communities in the U.S., France, and elsewhere. , Korean Korean, language of uncertain ancestry. It is thought by some scholars to be akin to Japanese, by others to be a member of the Altaic subfamily of the Ural-Altaic family of languages (see Uralic and Altaic languages), and by still others to be unrelated to any known , and Arabic are among the top five languages spoken in the homes of families with ELLs (Hopstock & Stephenson, 2003). Early childhood regular and special education services have been particularly impacted by these population changes. Nineteen states experienced a 100 percent or more increase in the number of immigrant children under age 6 during the last decade, and approximately 44 percent of ELL students attending public schools are in prekindergarten through 3rd grade (Mathews & Ewen, 2006). Similarly, in 2005, twenty-five percent of the children attending Head Start spoke a language (mostly Spanish) other than English in their homes (Hamm Hamm, village, LuxembourgHamm, village, S Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, near Luxembourg city. Gen. George S. Patton is buried in the large U.S. military cemetery there. , 2006). In response to the large number of young ELL students participating in preschool education preschool education: see kindergarten; nursery school.
preschool educationChildhood education during the period from infancy to age five or six. Institutions for preschool education vary widely around the world, as do their names (e.g. and the need to appropriately educate the increasing number of culturally and linguistically diverse learners, 12 of the 38 states and the District of Columbia District of Columbia, federal district (2000 pop. 572,059, a 5.7% decrease in population since the 1990 census), 69 sq mi (179 sq km), on the east bank of the Potomac River, coextensive with the city of Washington, D.C. (the capital of the United States). that have state preschool services use ELL as an "at-risk at-riskadj.Being endangered, as from exposure to disease or from a lack of parental or familial guidance and proper health care: efforts to make the vaccine available to at-risk groups of children. " category or as a factor to prioritizepri·or·i·tize v. pri·or·i·tized, pri·or·i·tiz·ing, pri·or·i·tiz·es Usage Problemv.tr.To arrange or deal with in order of importance.v.intr. ..... Click the link for more information. enrollment of eligible children (Mathews & Ewen, 2006). North Carolina's population reflects this national picture. It is well-documented that North CarolinaNorth Carolina, state in the SE United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), South Carolina and Georgia (S), Tennessee (W), and Virginia (N). Facts and FiguresArea, 52,586 sq mi (136,198 sq km). Pop. ..... Click the link for more information. has the fastest growing Latino population in the United States, nearly a 400 percent increase since 1990, and six to seven times faster than the national growth rate (North Carolina State Data Center, 2001). In fact, 27.5 percent of the state's population growth from 1990 to 2004 was made up of Latino families. Fifty-seven Adj. 1. fifty-seven - being seven more than fifty57, lviicardinal - being or denoting a numerical quantity but not order; "cardinal numbers" percent of the total enrollment growth in North Carolina public schools between the 2000-01 and 2004-05 school years can be attributed to the Latino population (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2006). Within North Carolina and nationwide, early childhood teachers and administrators in both regular and special education are being challenged in new ways by the cultural and linguistic differences of ELLs. These circumstances CIRCUMSTANCES, evidence. The particulars which accompany a fact. 2. The facts proved are either possible or impossible, ordinary and probable, or extraordinary and improbable, recent or ancient; they may have happened near us, or afar off; they are public or are exacerbated by the speed at which these changes have taken place, thus creating enormous challenges to service providers responsible for assessing, determining eligibility, and providing educational services to young ELLs (Bevan-Brown, 2001; Burnette Burnette could be:
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, & Glass, 2005). All too frequently, children who are culturally and linguistically diverse fail initial developmental screenings. Ultimately, many of these children are placed in special education simply because of the difficulties in distinguishing learning differences from cultural and linguistic differences (De ValenzuelaValenzuela may refer to:
Valenzuela District, Paraguay
Valenzuela City, Philippines
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Valenzuela, Louisiana Valenzuela Spanish surname :This page or section lists people with the surname Valenzuela. ..... Click the link for more information., Copeland Copeland may refer to: Places
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, Qi, & Park, 2006; Lock & Layton Layton, city (1990 pop. 41,784), Davis co., N Utah, between the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake. In an irrigated farm area served by the Weber basin project, it produces fruits and vegetables. , 2002). The gravity of this situation was reflected in the recent reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004), which now requires states to develop policies and procedures Policies and Procedures are a set of documents that describe an organization's policies for operation and the procedures necessary to fulfill the policies. They are often initiated because of some external requirement, such as environmental compliance or other governmental to prevent over-identification or disproportionate dis·pro·por·tion·ate adj.Out of proportion, as in size, shape, or amount.
dispro·por representation of children by race/ethnicity in their special education programs (United States Congress, 2004). Research indicates that although children with limited English proficiency may be able to orally communicate in English in social situations with peers and adults in as little as one to two years, the Years, Thethe seven decades of Eleanor Pargiter’s life. [Br. Lit.: Benét, 1109]See : Time skills required to be cognitively and academically proficientpro·fi·cient adj.Having or marked by an advanced degree of competence, as in an art, vocation, profession, or branch of learning.n.An expert; an adept. ..... Click the link for more information. in English may take as long as five to eight years to develop (Cummins This article is about the diesel engine manufacturer. For other uses, see Cummins (disambiguation).Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) is a maker of diesel and natural gas engines whose corporate headquarters is located in Columbus, Indiana. , 1981, 2005; Lake & Pappamihiel, 2003; Tabors, 1997). This fact alone brings into question the efficacy of assessment results for children with limited English proficiency when they are evaluated for special services For Special Services, first published in 1982, was the second novel by John Gardner featuring Ian Fleming's secret agent, James Bond. Carrying the Glidrose Publications copyright, it was first published in the United Kingdom by Jonathan Cape and in the United States by . Even after the initial adjustment period, children may continue to learn at a slower pace, due to language differences or unfamiliar teaching styles (Barrera, Corso, & MacPherson Mac·pher·son , James 1736-1796.Scottish poet who claimed to have translated the works of Ossian, a third-century Gaelic poet and warrior. Although based on unauthenticated original texts, the translations influenced many writers. , 2003; Grossman Grossman is a family name of germanic and Jewish Ashkenazi origin (in German Grossmann or Großmann).
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, 1998; Lock & Layton, 2002), sometimes resulting in referrals to special services. In addition, early childhood professionals are faced with the task of ensuring active family participation of ELLs in a culturally responsive manner, regardless of potential language barriers. In accordance Accordance is Bible Study Software for Macintosh developed by OakTree Software, Inc.[]As well as a standalone program, it is the base software packaged by Zondervan in their Bible Study suites for Macintosh. with legal mandates under IDEA 2004, particularly the provision of nondiscriminatory evaluation and procedural safeguards for family participation, early childhood professionals must ensure that appropriate measures are taken to facilitate open and effective communication between service providers and families of ELL children (National Association for the Education of Young Children The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the largest nonprofit association in the United States representing early childhood education teachers, experts, and advocates in center-based and family day care. [NAEYC NAEYC National Association for the Education of Young Children (Washington, DC) ], 2005). According to according toprep.1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians.2. In keeping with: according to instructions.3. Barrera, Corso, and MacPherson (2003), common problems related to parent involvement in the referral, evaluation, and placement process include insufficient methods for: 1) determining cultural and linguistic differences that contribute to or inhibit inhibit /in·hib·it/ (in-hib´it) to retard, arrest, or restrain.
in·hib·itv.1. To hold back; restrain.2. communication between parents and professionals, 2) gathering information from families using culturally sensitive processes, 3) communicating assessment results and placement options with families within a culturally responsive framework, and 4) developing and maintaining culturally appropriate methods of communication with families after a child begins receiving special services. Understanding successful strategies as well as gaps in support for children who are ELLs and their families will help ensure greater success for them as they navigate (1) "Surfing the Web." To move from page to page on the Web.(2) To move through the menu structure in a software application. through the public school system. To better understand the dynamics surrounding sur·round tr.v. sur·round·ed, sur·round·ing, sur·rounds1. To extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle.2. To enclose or confine on all sides so as to bar escape or outside communication.n. the referral, evaluation, and placement process, as well as methods for encouraging family participation for preschool children who are ELLs, the authors conducted a statewide survey with administrators and teachers in North Carolina who provide regular and special education services to young children. The study was designed to address the following three questions: 1. How are cultural and language differences being addressed during the special education referral, evaluation, and placement process for preschool ELLs? 2. What accommodations are being made to ensure parent participation during the special education referral, evaluation, and placement process? 3. Have classroom teachers and special education professionals been trained on cultural and linguistic practices relevant to the referral, evaluation, and placement process? Methods Program Characteristics All of the participating programs (n = 31) were located in North Carolina. As shown in Table 1, the programs included child care centers, public schools, and Head Start centers. Approximately two-thirds of the programs were located in the Piedmont Piedmont, region, ItalyPiedmont (pēd`mŏnt), Ital. Piemonte, region (1991 pop. 4,302,565), 9,807 sq mi (25,400 sq km), NW Italy, bordering on France in the west and on Switzerland in the north. or central region of the state. Another seven programs were in the mountains of the western region, and five programs were from the eastern coastal region. Most programs were located in urban/suburban service areas. All of the programs provided services to children with disabilities and ELLs. Participants Total Sample. A total of 141 participants returned surveys. However, one survey was excluded from analyses because of incomplete data. Thus, data from 140 surveys were included in all analyses. Of these 140 respondents In the context of marketing research, a representative sample drawn from a larger population of people from whom information is collected and used to develop or confirm marketing strategy. , 31 completed administrator surveys and 109 completed teacher surveys. Except for one administrator, all of the participants were female. The race/ethnicity of the participants for the total sample included: American Indian American Indian or Native American or Amerindian or indigenous AmericanAny member of the various aboriginal peoples of the Western Hemisphere, with the exception of the Eskimos (Inuit) and the Aleuts. or Alaska Alaska (əlă`skə), largest in area of the United States but third smallest (exceeding only Vermont and Wyoming) in population, occupying the northwest extremity of the North American continent, separated from the coterminous United States Native (1.4 percent); Asian (0.7 percent); black or African American African American Multiculture A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. See Race. (32.1 percent); Hispanic Hispanic Multiculture A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race Social medicine Any of 17 major Latino subcultures, concentrated in California, Texas, Chicago, Miam, NY, and elsewhere or Latino (2.1 percent); white (62.4 percent); and other (2.1 percent). Administrators. Table 2 depicts the demographic data for the administrator survey subsample sub·sam·ple n.A sample drawn from a larger sample.tr.v. sub·sam·pled, sub·sam·pling, sub·sam·plesTo take a subsample from (a larger sample). (n = 31), consisting of mostly child care center directors, preschool special education directors for public school districts, and school principals. The race/ ethnicity ethnicity Vox populi Racial status–ie, African American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic distribution of the administrator survey subsample was proportionally pro·por·tion·al adj.1. Forming a relationship with other parts or quantities; being in proportion.2. Properly related in size, degree, or other measurable characteristics; corresponding: similar to the total sample distribution. Responses concerning the highest level of education completed indicated that all but one of the administrators had some college training, including two-thirds with a master'smas·ter's n.A master's degree. ..... Click the link for more information. or doctoral degree. All but five administrators reported being in their current job for 1-10 years, and most had worked as early childhood education administrators for more than a decade. Teachers. Table 3 shows the demographic data for the teacher survey subsample (n = 109). By far, the majority of teacher survey respondents were classroom teachers. In addition, six speech/language pathologists
Max Bielschowsky
Paul Ehrlich - (1854 - 1915)
Gustav Giemsa - (1867 - 1948) (see Giemsa stain)
Ludwig Grünwald
William Boog Leishman - (1865 - 1926) (see leishmaniasis)
Richard May
Frank Burr Mallory (1862 - 1941) (see Mallory bodies)
and four teacher assistants completed the teacher survey. While the race/ethnicity of the teacher survey subsample reflected the total sample distribution, it should be noted that the majority of the participants (87 percent) were of European Europeanemanating from or pertaining to Europe.
European bat lyssavirussee lyssavirus.European beech treefagussylvaticus.European blastomycosissee cryptococcosis. and African American decent. More than half of the teacher survey respondents had college degrees. Nearly two-thirds reported being in their current job for up to five years and another 24 percent for 5-10 years. Approximately two-thirds of the teachers reported working in the field of early childhood education for 1-10 years. Measures Two types of measures--a program administrator survey and a teacher survey--were developed to investigate current practices associated with the referral, evaluation, and placement process for preschool ELLs. A literature search was conducted to identify trends and issues related to ELLs and the special education referral, evaluation, and placement process for ELL students. Questions were drafted for each category of services (referral, evaluation, placement) to obtain information related to both ELL children and their families. A cover sheet was added that explained the purpose of the survey, included instructions for completing the survey, and asked participants for personal demographic information (name and contact information). Other personal demographics The attributes of people in a particular geographic area. Used for marketing purposes, population, ethnic origins, religion, spoken language, income and age range are examples of demographic data. were included at the end of the survey (position, gender, race/ethnicity, number of years in early childhood, preservice and inservice training). In addition, program directors were asked to provide information, such as type of program (e.g., public school kindergarten kindergarten [Ger.,=garden of children], system of preschool education. Friedrich Froebel designed (1837) the kindergarten to provide an educational situation less formal than that of the elementary school but one in which children's creative play instincts would be , private child care center), service area (rural, urban, suburban), and teaching staff characteristics (e.g., number of bilingual bi·lin·gual adj.1. a. Using or able to use two languages, especially with equal or nearly equal fluency.b. staff). Each measure was piloted with early childhood professionals, and questions were revised accordingly. Both surveys comprised multiple choice and short answer open-ended questions A closed-ended question is a form of question, which normally can be answered with a simple "yes/no" dichotomous question, a specific simple piece of information, or a selection from multiple choices (multiple-choice question), if one excludes such non-answer responses as dodging a . The administrator survey consisted of 45 questions and the teacher survey contained 36 questions. Questions concerning the referral process focused on language proficiencyLanguage proficiency or linguistic proficiency is the ability of an individual to speak or perform in an acquired language. As theories vary among pedagogues as to what constitutes proficiency[1], there is little consistency as to how different organisations ..... Click the link for more information. in the home language (two questions), English language proficiency (three questions), and the preschool screening process (four questions). The surveys included a total of four diagnostic evaluation diagnostic evaluation Workup Medtalk An evaluation used to diagnose disease Components Medical Hx, CXR or other images, collection of specimens from blood for lab analysis process questions on each of the following topics: the instruments used, the language in which they were administered, the evaluation administration process, and strategies used to meet the needs of ELL children during diagnostic evaluations. Two questions were asked about administrators' and teachers' perceptions of how language and cultural diversity needs were taken into account during the IEP IEPIn currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Irish Punt.Notes:The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. process. The surveys contained five questions to learn about accommodations for parents of ELLs throughout the referral, evaluation, and placement process. Additionally, administrators were asked six questions about the skills and training of their teaching staff. The surveys took 20-30 minutes to complete. Procedures Initially, a doctoral student recruited programs through telephone or face-to-face(jargon, chat) face-to-face - (F2F, IRL) Used to describe personal interaction in real life as opposed to via some digital or electronic communications medium. ..... Click the link for more information. interviews with the program/school administrator. The doctoral student was trained on confidentiality procedures; interviewing techniques; methods for identifying possible programs/schools from each program type (e.g., Head Start, public schools, community child care centers) and according to state regions; and guidelines guidelines,n.pl a set of standards, criteria, or specifications to be used or followed in the performance of certain tasks. for documenting and organizing recruitment activities and data entry. During the recruitment interviews, program administrators were asked if: 1) they enrolled children ages 3-4 years old, 2) they enrolled children who were English language learners, and 3) they enrolled children with disabilities. Forty-nine programs that met these criteria were asked to participate in the study. Once it was determined that a program was eligible to participate in the study, packets of consent letters and surveys were mailed or delivered in person to program administrators, who disseminated disseminated /dis·sem·i·nat·ed/ (-sem´i-nat?ed) scattered; distributed over a considerable area.
dis·sem·i·nat·edadj.Spread over a large area of a body, a tissue, or an organ. and collected them. Completed surveys were placed in an envelope to ensure confidentiality. Follow-up follow-up,n the process of monitoring the progress of a patient after a period of active treatment.
follow-upsubsequent.
follow-up plan phone calls and e-mails were made as needed as needed prn. See prn order. during the data collection process. During the implementation of the project, a concern arose regarding the disproportional dis·pro·por·tion·al adj.Disproportionate.
dispro·por responses by geographic region. Therefore, in order to ensure a statewide perspective on the topic, such agencies as the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Division of Exceptional Children and Head Start regional consultants were contacted to disseminate dis·sem·i·nate v. dis·sem·i·nat·ed, dis·sem·i·nat·ing, dis·sem·i·natesv.tr.1. To scatter widely, as in sowing seed.2. additional surveys during program meetings. The responses for each survey were entered into an Excel A full-featured spreadsheet for Windows and the Macintosh from Microsoft. It can link many spreadsheets for consolidation and provides a wide variety of business graphics and charts for creating presentation materials. spreadsheet spreadsheetComputer software that allows the user to enter columns and rows of numbers in a ledgerlike format. Any cell of the ledger may contain either data or a formula that describes the value that should be inserted therein based on the values in other cells. . Two individuals verified ver·i·fy tr.v. ver·i·fied, ver·i·fy·ing, ver·i·fies1. To prove the truth of by presentation of evidence or testimony; substantiate.2. the results for each item against the original protocol to ensure accuracy. Two individuals independently read and coded responses to open-ended questions to look for similar patterns and themes for each question on the two surveys. Differences in coding categories were discussed and reconciled for each question. Two sets of data analyses were conducted to examine the beliefs and practices of early childhood regular and special education professionals. First, descriptive data were examined by administrators, teachers, and for the overall sample. Second, data were examined to understand patterns of similarities and differences for each research question and area of service (referral, evaluation, placement). Percentages were calculated by using SPSS A statistical package from SPSS, Inc., Chicago (www.spss.com) that runs on PCs, most mainframes and minis and is used extensively in marketing research. It provides over 50 statistical processes, including regression analysis, correlation and analysis of variance. 14.0 for each multiple-choice mul·ti·ple-choiceadj.1. Offering several answers from which the correct one is to be chosen: a multiple-choice question.2. question and coded response for each survey. It should be noted that percentages for some questions exceeded 100 percent, since multiple answers were allowed. Results Referral Process Questions about language proficiency in the home language, English proficiency, and the preschool screening process were included to better understand beliefs and practices concerning the referral process. The results pertaining per·tain intr.v. per·tained, per·tain·ing, per·tains1. To have reference; relate: evidence that pertains to the accident.2. to these aspects of the referral process are as follows. Language Proficiency. Five questions about language proficiency were included in the surveys--two pertaining to home language proficiency and three concerning English language proficiency. Administrators and teachers reported the same top three methods for both identifying the child's home language and determining the amount of proficiency for the home language (shown in Table 4), including: meetings with parents at school, written forms completed by parents, and home visits. Results for the third question, which pertained to how English language proficiency was determined, suggest that observations at school, language proficiency tests, and home observations are the most frequent methods used. When asked to identity the language proficiency tests used for this purpose, administrators most frequently cited two instruments: the IDEA Oral Language Proficiency Test (IPT IPT - IP Telephony II) and the Miami-Dade Oral Language Proficiency Test. It is interesting to note that the third most prevalent instrument reported was the DIAL-3, a developmental screen. In fact, teachers reported the DIAL-3 as the most prevalent instrument for assessing English language proficiency, followed by nonspecificnonspecific /non·spe·cif·ic/ (non?spi-sif´ik)1. not due to any single known cause.2. not directed against a particular agent, but rather having a general effect.
nonspecific1. ..... Click the link for more information. speech/language tests, and the Miami-Dade Oral Language Proficiency Test. The last question asked how English language proficiency information was used. Administrators reported using this information for individualized in·di·vid·u·al·ize tr.v. in·di·vid·u·al·ized, in·di·vid·u·al·iz·ing, in·di·vid·u·al·iz·es1. To give individuality to.2. To consider or treat individually; particularize.3. planning, and to determine how well ELL children communicate and the language spoken by their family, or whether a referral was needed. The teachers' responses indicated the same reasons, but in a slightly different order of frequency with determining how well children can communicate and the language of the family the most frequent way the information was used, followed by whether further referral was needed and for individualized planning purposes. Screening Process. To better understand teachers' beliefs and practices concerning developmental screening for preschool ELLs, four questions were included in the survey, as shown in Table 5. The first question simply asked respondents to identify the developmental screening instrument(s) they use. Both administrators and teachers reported the DIAL-3 as being the most prevalent screening instrument used (46.2 percent and 53.8 percent, respectively). Administrators reported using the Head Start National Reporting System and the Brigance as the next most frequently used screening instruments, while teachers reported using the Learning Accomplishment Profile-Diagnostic (LAP-D LAP-D Link Access Protocol - D Channel ) and the Brigance. In response to the next question (about the number of times per year children are screened), administrators and teachers alike reported that the majority of children were screened one time per year (47.8 percent and 40.5 percent, respectively). Approximately 40 percent of respondents reported screening children twice a year, and a small number of respondents stated that children were screened three times a year. A few teachers indicated a combination of times, depending on the instrument used. Almost all of the respondents reported that most developmental screens were administered in English. Spanish was the second most frequently spoken language, and a few teachers reported other languages spoken, including Hmong, French, Vietnamese, and Arabic. In the fourth question related to screening, participants were asked to identify the process they used to screen ELLs more precisely. Administrators and teachers were in agreement about the most frequently used strategies, including: administering the screening in children's home children's home n → centro de acogida para niñoschildren's home n → foyer m d'accueil (pour enfants)children's home n language; having an interpreter A high-level programming language translator that translates and runs the program at the same time. It translates one program statement into machine language, executes it, and then proceeds to the next statement. assist with the screening; administering missed items in the opposite language; and administering the screen in English only. Sixty percent of administrators and 49 percent of teachers indicated that interpreters received training related to the screening process. Diagnostic Evaluation Process. Four questions about the diagnostic evaluation process were included in the survey, as shown in Table 6. First, participants were asked to identify the language(s) in which the diagnostic evaluations were administered. The responses were similar to those about the screening responses, with participants indicating that most diagnostic evaluations are administered in English, followed by Spanish, and then other languages (Arabic, French, Hmong, Icelandic, and Vietnamese). Second, participants were asked to identify the diagnostic assessment instruments used during the evaluation process. Approximately one-fifth of both administrators and teachers reported the Preschool Language Scale-4 as being the most prevalent instrument used during the diagnostic evaluation process. Administrators reported the DIAL3 and Bayley Bayley is a surname, and may refer to:
Arthur Wellesley Bayley
Barrington J. Bayley
Blaze Bayley
Elizabeth Ann Seton, born Elizabeth Ann Bayley
Hugh Bayley
Ian Bayley
James Roosevelt Bayley
John Bayley
Matheson Bayley
Peter Bayley
Scales of Infant Development-Third Edition as the next most frequently used instruments. Teachers reported the DIAL-3, even though it is a screening tool, as the most frequently used instrument used for diagnostic evaluations, followed by the Learning Accomplishment Profile-Revised (LAP-R)/Learning Accomplishment Profile-Third Edition (LAP-3). Next, participants were asked to indicate other strategies used to gather information during the diagnostic evaluation process. By far, both administrators and teachers (74.2 percent and 88.4 percent, respectively) reported classroom observations as the most prevalent method for obtaining information relevant to the diagnostic evaluation process. To a lesser extent, screening tools and parent reports, work samples, and home visits were other methods used to gather evaluation information. Lastly, respondents were asked to describe the process used for diagnostic evaluation of ELLs. Administrators and teachers reported three main strategies used to facilitate this process: administering assessments in children's home language, having an interpreter assist with the screening, and administering missed items in the opposite language. Forty-two percent of administrators and 27 percent of teachers stated that interpreters received training related to assisting with the diagnostic evaluation process. Placement-IEP Process. As depicted de·pict tr.v. de·pict·ed, de·pict·ing, de·picts1. To represent in a picture or sculpture.2. To represent in words; describe. See Synonyms at represent. in Table 7, participants were asked how IEP goals reflected the culture of ELL children. Forty percent of the teachers reported they did not know the answer to this question. Of the remaining 60 percent, approximately 40 percent of both administrators and teachers reported that cultural and language differences were taken into account in the children's IEPs. Almost 30 percent of administrators and 20 percent of teachers reported that parent participation helped ensure this aspect in the IEP goals. Unfortunately, nearly a quarter of the administrators and 18 percent of teachers said no effort was made to reflect cultural and linguistic differences in IEPs.

Multicultar Education

2009-12-07T02:32:00.000-08:00

A significant demographic transformation is on the horizon for the United States of America. Bennett (1995) estimates that "by the year 2000, over 30 percent of our school age population will be children of color" (p.18). Additionally, research has indicated that ethnic minority students are disproportionately poor, dropping out of school, being suspended or expelled, and achieving far below their potential relative to the ethnic majority (Bennett, 1995). Consequently, teachers must prepare themselves and their children for the ever changing challenge of interacting and communicating with diverse races. Reduction of fear, ignorance, and personal detachment are possible benefits to a Multicultural education. The following excerpts are taken from Paul Gorski (1995), a University of Virginia Doctoral student during a case study interview:

The idea of political correctness with the black race astounds me. I found it extremely interesting that some blacks in our class prefer to be called African American. In all of my classes...I have felt like I was stepping on egg shells as to not offend the blacks in my class. I am honestly glad it is not that big of an issue to my fellow classmates--it promotes a more comfortable, genuine environment for me to be totally honest and carefree.

Initially, the student interviewed in the case study reflected an attitude that would probably not facilitate consensus building, respect for other cultures, or fostering of cultural pluralism within different racial communities and in the classroom. However, with integrated curriculum, social activities, administrative support, and staff training, fear, ignorance, and personal detachment may be notably reduced in both students and teachers. Benefits to multicultural education can help to eliminate the crux of stereotyping, prejudice, racism, and bigotry (Fear, Ignorance, dis-ownership). Case study analyzed:

fear: "I have felt like I was stepping on egg shells as to not offend blacks in my classes..."
ignorance: "I found it extremely interesting that some blacks in our class prefer to be called African American."
dis-ownership: "I am honestly glad it is not that big of an issue to my fellow classmates."

The writer agrees with Hilliard and Pine (1990), "if Americans are to embrace diversity, the conscious and unconscious expressions of racism (sexism) within our society must be identified and done away with" (p. 7). Multicultural education is the potential catalyst to bring all races together in harmony.

Cons of Multicultural Education

According to some views, if one wants to alienate and further fragment the communication and rapport between ethnic groups, implement multicultural education. As stated by Bennett (1995), "to dwell on cultural differences is to foster negative prejudices and stereotypes, and that is human nature to view those who are different as inferior" (p. 29). Thus, multicultural education will enhance feelings of being atypical. Schools in America may see multicultural education as a way to "color blind" their students to differences. Administrators may view the "color blind" approach as a gate keeper that assures equal treatment and justice for all students and as a way to facilitate compatibility and sameness of all cultures. A common statement from this line of thinking is, 'we are more alike than different'. We should focus on the similarities and not the differences to achieve greater equanimity among the races.

Ethnicity is breaking up many nations. If one looks at the former Soviet Union, India, Yugoslavia, and Ethiopia, all countries are in some type of crisis. Closer to home, one observes the divisiveness of the Rodney King and O.J. Simpson trials in our country, we can see how focusing on race and multiculturalism may lead to a further divisiveness between the races in America. Over time, multicultural education may have unplanned for and undesired consequences. For example, multicultural education rejects the historic American goals of assimilation and integration of ethnic cultures into the majority culture. Hence, the perception may result that America is a country of distinct ethnic groups, as opposed to a more traditional view of the country that involves individuals making decisions for the good of the order (Schlesinger, 1991).

Multicultural education may increase the resentment encountered by students who feel that changes in school traditions, curriculum, and academic standards are not necessary to get along and respect students from ethnic minorities. Since many institutions resist change of any kind, passive resistance on the part of the administration may simulate acceptance of the tenants of Multicultural education. Of course, excepting the tenants of multicultural education should be avoided with enthusiasm and optimism.

Character Education

2009-12-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

Most college students need some sort of assistance. Very few students go into college with all the cash needed to support the whole education process to the end result. Most students have to work during college and/or get financial aid of some sort. Here we will talk about the different types of aid that can be possible solutions.

Federal Aid Grants - These grants are determined by a number of factors. Grants are funds that you receive that you DO NOT have to pay back. These are much better than loans and should be the first resource that a student turns to just to keep their future debt load to a minimum if at all possible. Keep in mind that you can do an Internet search for non-federal aid and you may be surprised. There are many offers out there and many people/organizations willing to fund education. For federal aid (Pell Grant) here are a few of the qualifiers:

You must be a US Citizen

You must have a GED, high school diploma or take an exam approved by the the Federal Aid Office

If you are male, you must be registered with Selective Service

Have a valid Social Security card

Must be accepted to a college

Must not have had a drug conviction

Give financial documents to prove need and to see how much you qualify for

Student Loans - Many financial institutions offer student loans at low interest rates for the use of education. Student loan payments are usually deferred until the student is done taking classes. After you have been out of school for a certain length of time then the payment begin. The payment amount naturally depends on the loan amount. Most institutions also offer deferment plans if you find that you can't make the payment for some reason. Ultimately though, you will end up paying it all back with interest.

Scholarships - Scholarships are like grants in that you do not have to pay them back. The difference is that scholarships have different requirements and each one is unique. There are scholarships based on academic status, some on sports activity, some on theatre, music, or other arts. Thousands of scholarships go unused each year so it is worth finding scholarships that you qualify for, even if they are small, every bit helps. You should not have to pay fees to apply for scholarships so don't get caught up in a scam.

Teaching Morals in School -Character Education

Teaching values and morals in our schools can also be called "character education". This is much debated on one hand and then much needed on the other. Education is generally focused on three things: knowledge, skills, and character.

Knowledge naturally covers the learning that is actually assimilated and usable in the future. It is also general knowledge that creates a well rounded mind and ultimately a well rounded person. This knowledge base allows students to experience a wide variety of subjects and therein find their particular interest and specialty. This is probably why in continuing education they require two years minimum of "general education".

Skills refers to what the student can do or perform with the knowledge they have been given. It isn't good enough to just give the information back on tests, students should come out with skills that they can use in the work place.

Character refers to the type of people that the school produces. If we do not teach character buildingvalues and morals in the schools we could be missing a great chance to better society. The debate comes in when parents believe that there is not place for anything but scholastic knowledge in the public schools.

Teachers and administrators will most likely argue the point that values and morals such as honesty and integrity are always okay and that there are no religious conflicts with such teachings. It isn't that they are "God based" or "Christian" values and morals but that we need more upstanding and honest men and women in the world who are willing to do the right thing and stand up for what they know to be right.

Another attribute of character education is fostering pro-social traits. For example, an elementary school student may mistreat another student and the teacher may have to give a lesson on empathy and/or sympathy. These traits ultimately benefit the individuals, our families and then a society as a whole.

Character education can be taught in a wide variety of ways but it usually is not a specific topic in thecurriculum. Rather it is a whole school focus that intertwines with scholastic education. That you are kind, you do take care of your neighbors, you treat the world and all those in it with the respect you want shown to you. Schools can do specific things such as focus on good role models and employ good role models, talk about heroes worth of being called heroes and what a hero really is, and then there needs to be reinforcement to see the kudos for what has been accomplished or shown. All students (young and old alike) like to see the fruits of their efforts.

Other things that can be brought about are critical thinking and problem solving skills, how they apply to the world and how to solve social problems. Helping students see as many sides to a situation as possible is a great thing and helps them in years to come with all of the interpersonal relationships. Students can also be taught how to break a situation down to make the best of a bad situation. For example, you can present a problem that there is no ideal answer to (like the welfare issues in the government). It can be taught that while there is no ideal answer other than to not have that issue you can choose from the options that you have wisely and try to foresee the pros and cons of each answer.

home education

2009-12-06T01:45:00.000-08:00

The bottom inspectors are coming. Some of you will remember the hilarious strip of that name in Viz, a parody of the tendency of state bureaucrats to extend their clipboard-wielding tentacles into ever more areas of human life.
The latest threat is to home education. Government busybodies, under the guise of showing concern about child abuse, are proposing to give themselves more power to interfere with those families who choose to take the completely legal, very sensible and extremely efficient path of home education.
A man going by the wonderfully Bunyanesque name of Graham Badman has prepared a report on home education and – surprise, surprise – it recommends more meddling.
The main point is to impose a "compulsory registration scheme" on home educating parents. The tax-eating time wasters also want to see your plan: "At the time of registration parents/carers/guardians must provide a clear statement of their educational approach, intent and desired/planned outcomes for the child over the following 12 months."
If the education legislators cannot write good English, what hope is there for those they are attempting to police?
Another bureaucrat, John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, voices the mainstream view: "For the vast majority of children, being in a school with their peers gives them the best opportunity to develop into well-rounded adults." But this is claptrap: schools do not generally send out well-rounded adults. All too often they send out depressed, anxious and fearful weaklings.
I am in touch with a number of readers who either home educate or are planning to do so, and they all speak of the sense of liberation. State schools are a testing ground for state-conceived educational theories, for example, stats.
With home education, you can give your children a flexible and enjoyable education that you control. The other paradox about home ed is that the kids seem to be rarely at home. Says Idler reader Barry, who plans on home educating his son: "They are all out at museums, galleries, parks and libraries, and getting involved with the local community." Barry adds: "The home-educated kids I know are free-spirited, curious, inventive, make things, dance and sing, read lots, bake bread."
Angie, an Idler reader who home educates, rhapsodises about the fun and freedom that the children experience. And what of the results? Well, a teacher at a sixth form college in Exeter recently told me that the home-educated kids who come into the college are more, not less, confident than the state-trained teens. And it is a myth that home schooling separates kids from other kids: in Angie's group, there are 20 kids, and they move from house to house.
Conventional school is an extraordinarily inefficient method of educating children. Most supposedly well-educated young people I meet do not know the difference between "it's" and "its", which would take about 10 minutes of explanation. What have they been doing for 12 years?
With rising private school fees and crunched-out parents, and with an ideology-bound state education system that demands teachers carry out a government plan rather than bring any of their own ideas to the job, we need to explore cheaper and better alternatives. The report is spectacularly ill-timed.
However, all hope is not lost. Government schemes tend to produce the opposite effect to the one intended. An example is the ban on foxhunting: it only made it more popular. I hope the same will be true with this new government interference in the noble pursuit of home education, and that you.

physics education

2009-12-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

I once knew a Karamojong zebra. His skin was pale but his heart was that of an African. He was born in northern England but chose to die in Uganda, because that is where he felt at home and where his life made sense to him. After living on the African continent for over twenty years, he lived in harmony with the local way of life, though his environment often had a hard time seeing past his complexion. Thus, he called himself a zebra; half white, half black. He was in love with Karamoja and its people.When I met him, I was carrying out research into the meaning of the word mzungu. As a newcomer to Uganda, I was offended by being screamed and pointed at as the kazungu, mzungu, zungu and the like. So, I became curious about the etymology of the expression as well as about how other zungus felt about being called such. My friend Zebra was then living in the servants' quarters of a house in Kampala with his former house help, looking after her extended family (and more and more often being looked after by her). He was working out plans of how to save the Karimojong from being wiped out by what he called "our age of global de-culturisation"."Mzungu," he said, "despite its literal meaning (it means 'a European'), is now applied to all foreigners, mainly of the Caucasian race, who do not share the same cultural values with the locals. However, there are other roots to the word and more importantly, it is related to the Kiswahili verb kuzunguka, meaning 'wandering around aimlessly like a mad person and wasting time'. That is the deep connotation behind the word. As such, if you are a mzungu, you are an outsider and not trustworthy, especially here in the southern parts of Uganda. For that reason, you will never really know where you stand with the locals. Not so in Karamoja. In Karamoja, you know immediately if the Karamojong like you or not.

"They either exchange gifts with you and become your friends for ever or they classify you as their enemy and shoot you," he laughed, half in jest. "Of course they will give you some time so that they can work out which category to put you in or to see if you could be useful to them in some way."

"Well, that is not very nice of them, is it? Why should I even be interested in them?" I asked.

"Because they are the last authentic people living in Uganda today who refuse to give up their cultural identity and who have not yet figured out the survival value of pretence," Zebra replied. "On top of that, all they have been experiencing from the outside world is violence and contempt and so they turn to violence themselves. They know what they want - looking after and depending on their cattle. The only problem is that the rest of the world seems to be telling them that what they want is outdated and wrong and that they have to change now. Yet culture cannot be changed by force, it has to develop together with changing circumstances. But their circumstances have remained the same for centuries."

I decided not to waste time and leave for Karamoja at the next opportunity. A week later I was riding on one of Uganda's infamous upcountry coaches, also nicknamed 'killer buses', with a journalist friend of mine who was exploring the other side of Karamoja; its fine artists.

After 10 hours of flying through the countryside, watching a number of ragged matatus being swept aside to give way to our mighty Icarus, and to the accompaniment of Somali music keeping all the passengers filling up every single inch of available seat or floor happy, we arrived in Nakapiripirit.

Nakapiripirit.

"From now on, you had better keep your head down," my friend advised.

"What do you mean?" I asked as I scrubbed a layer of sticky dust off my scorched face and looked around in bewilderment to make sure I was not in the way of someone offloading their luggage - mainly chickens or goats.

He smiled and gently bobbed his head towards the window, as if to point at something. "Warriors usually hide in the bushes and when a coach passes, they just perforate it from one side or the other."

I was sitting by the window and did not like the idea of being a life shield to him or anybody on the bus at all.

"This road has not been named 'the road of death' for nothing," he added.

Great, I thought. I am sitting on a 'killer bus' about to take to the "road of death" to visit a people who might just be merciless enough to decide that I am 'not useful enough in some way'. I started searching desperately for someone to give me some reassurance that my decision to come and experience the Karamojong culture was not just an act of a headless, arrogant and suicidal adventure seeking but a professional communicator's venture inspired by the wish to help a misunderstood and marginalised ethnic group to be objectively represented outside their territory.

Finally, my eyes met with those of two young men who seemed to be returning home for school holidays. "Madam, you look worried," one noted politely. Somehow, we were in silent agreement about the cause of my fear. "You know, whenever we go through this road to Moroto, we just repeat to ourselves; 'Think positive and God is great'," one of them said.From then on, I had that motto on my tongue and their confident smiles on my mind every time I returned to Karamoja.

Mount Moroto.

Many people asked me why I keep going back to that 'miserable and frightful' place. I think it is because during that first trip, the Karamojong people decided that I was worth keeping alive and offered me their friendship at least symbolically. It happened during a long walk I took around Mount Moroto to feel out the place. My companion, who was doing research into the fine arts in Moroto, and I had been walking for about 2 hours when we noticed that it was getting dark. We knew that even the locals return home after dark to clear the way for wild animals and gangsters and were thus thinking about returning to town, when suddenly we heard those infamous AK47 shots. We looked at each other. How close was that? Were they directed at us? Should we run or should we duck? Out of instinct, we jumped into a ditch and ducked into the nearby bushes. With a shaking voice, my companion suggested that if we had to run, the best thing would be for me to drop my heavy video camera bag and run in an opposite direction to him to confuse our pursuers.

However, I had a different vision. I was going to stick to the ditch with my video camera safely tucked to my chest and sleep right there if necessary. As we were discussing our survival techniques, a young man dressed in western clothes walking speedily to a destination only known to him stopped to watch the spectacle of two bazungu squatting in the bushes shaking with fear. He laughed cordially and started explaining something in his language. We figured that he was telling us not to worry; that there were some celebrations going on in the neighbourhood and people were drinking liquor and shooting into the air out of excitement.

We crawled out of our hiding place and walked with him for a while. On the way, we were joined by young women carrying heavy loads of fire wood on their heads and babies on their backs. The women stretched their hands to offer us berries they had just collected in the woods. Everything seemed perfect and harmonious - even the fact that we were speaking English and they Nakarimojong. After a few kilometres, they turned off the main road to join their villages. Just as we relaxed back into a casual stroll, a young warrior jumped out of the dry thicket clenching a shiny AK47, gently suggesting how easy it was to point its barrel in our direction and fixed his gaze at my hat and sunglasses. All three of us froze. The warrior clarified that he liked both my hat and sunglasses and that the time had come for me to hand them over to him.

My friend poked me with his elbow, "What are you waiting for... just give them to him!" I was about to succumb but just before the young man grabbed the hat from my hand, I decided not to get out of this with something in return. I scanned his attire and my eyes rested on his bracelets. "I want that," I said to him in English. "Something for something!" My companion did not think my spontaneous reaction was cool though, and urged me again to respect the power of the gun and please its owner. But the warrior understood. He smiled, hung his steel protector loosely from his shoulder and passed me the objects of my desire as he was grabbing his from my hand.

What followed was another exchange - of his headrest for my friend's scarf and a few small purchases of tobacco etui and a necklace. We all left laughing and satisfied and I could not stop thinking about what my friend Zebra told me about the significance of exchange in Karamoja. From then on, I started exchanging everything experiences, stories, views, drinks, food and sometimes just smiles and greetings. Every time I look at the bracelets on my wrist, I am reminded of how important it is to realise that we all have something to give and something to learn or take from any incident.

When I returned from Karamoja, Zebra urged me, "Help me to help them to save themselves."

"But how?" I asked.

"Through communication; they need to be put in touch with the outside world and the outside world needs to understand who they are. We all need a place within society, which is based on respect and mutual understanding for our cultural values. At the same time, we all have to understand that although times are changing fast, respect cannot be achieved through violent means."

Katerina Marshfield with the Tepeth.

Over the next three years, after Zebra's ashes were scattered into the River Nile, I have been going back to Karamoja to understand why it was so difficult for human beings to get together and strive towards progress and constructive co-habitation rather than wallowing in violence and destruction. I drank from a pot of local brew in Camp Swahili, Moroto town while I was being given an intensive course in Nakarimojong. I listened to the concerns of the Matheniko people about their 'violent' neighbours the Tepeth and the Jie. I sat on top of Mount Moroto with a group of Tepeth elders, listening to the moaning of an old lady who lost her arm during a raid by the 'ruthless' Matheniko. I interviewed a grieving Jie whose village had been burnt down by the UPDF and whose daughter was mistaken for a young man while going to the market dressed in a khanga and shot dead.

I listened to UPDF soldiers telling me about how primitive the Karamojong were and how the cows and women from Western Uganda were so much more beautiful than the local ones. I listened to young warriors from three different tribes telling me how they were humiliated by the UPDF into 'giving up' guns which they did not have any more and how they were scared of being attacked by planes and of losing their cows in the process. I listened to a UPDF pilot telling me how a Karamojong cannot even tell a plane from a big bird.

I was shocked at the pride with which a Karamojong warrior assured me that he never wastes a bullet and that he can put down three soldiers at once when they are stupid enough to stand in a row (single file, as the military call it). I was alarmed by an escort telling me how the Karamojong refuse to give up using their guns but instead hide them from the disarmament squads. I was puzzled by a teenage warrior telling me that one of his best sources of guns were the UPDF soldiers themselves.

I played the sounding board to a congregation of elders sitting in the shade of a large tree near Lopotuk, discussing why most of the aid granted to projects solicited by their representatives was not reaching the people of Karamoja themselves but was spent somewhere between Kampala and Moroto in big hotels, conference rooms and per diem payments.

Then one sunny morning, I was driving a loud, battered off-roader through the deep lush greenery of the escarpments of Timu forest, returning from a visit I paid to a group of peaceful Ik people who grow their crops and keeping their bees in the middle of all those military clashes that have been going on in Karamoja for decades. Having just raced through a clearing, where I surprised a gang of suspicious armed Karimojong warriors taking a rest, I passed a group of marching soldiers heading up the hills to where I had just come. My limbs stiffened from the tension of having just escaped a possible ambush and that cool streak of fear slowly let go of my spine. I saw an old man majestically march down the long dusty road towards me. He was dressed in a bright purple and black chequered cloth, which kept swaying to the rhythm of his rock-hard bare feet. As if to counter my still fresh frightening experience, I decided to greet him with a gentle wave.

With great serenity, he passed a wooden headrest from one hand to the other and swung his free hand high above his head to pay back my gesture. This lifted his khanga up to his waist and revealed his most private body parts to his surroundings. A warm feeling of amusement and joy at his friendly and uninhibited demeanour overcame me and in that second I got an uplifting idea. If only he knew what was going through my mind. If only I knew what he was thinking. If only, instead of blaming each other for the havoc in this fascinating place, people opened up to a new dialogue, respecting each other's space and differences. And what better way to do this than through the mass media?

Ex-student leaders TU in Nepal

2009-12-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

While student unions are at a longrheads with the Tribhuvan university (TU) officials over the recent free hike the universities former students leaders have criticized former student leaders have criticized both a parties for the row. Former president of all Nepal national free student Union (ANNFSU) and constituent assembly (CA) member Rabindra Adhikari said it was necessary said it was necessary to hike the fees the improve the attenders of education at the university.

"Student leaders souled not protest just for the sake of protest and politics," said Adhikari. "They should realise that the degrading equality of education at TU is largely Due to lake of tinansila resources and student also have a responsibility to improve it."
Adhakari however said insured said opting for a ten-fold fee increase, TU should have made a policy to hike a fixed percentage of fees every year.
Similarly former president of Nepal student union (NSU) and CA members gayan thapa, pointed out the need to hike fees, but citizen Tu's move as hasty, He said "It is obvious that the university cannot operate without hiking fees but the descend came in haste."
Thapa stated that the existing education system will be overhauled making the state government solely responsible for overall management and operation of the university after promulgation of the new constitution. He added that they have repeatedly asked the university not to rise issues of fee hike and phase. out of the proficiency certificate level.
starting it was impossible to procure necessary educational materials materials to equip the collages and complete with other university with a to decade old fee structures, TU academic council decided on November 4Th hike tuition fees in all it's 60 constituent and over 650 affiliated collages across the country.
According to the new fee structures the entrance fee increased from Rs50 to 500 library fee from 60 to Rs 150 and monthly tuition fee from Rs. 60 to Rs 500 at bechelors level while master lavel the increase unter the same heading are from Rs. 50 to Rs. 500 Rs.61 to Rs.200 and Rs. 75 to Rs 700 respectively.

Students hold top TU heads captive

2009-12-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

KATHMANDU: Vice chancellor Madhav Raj Sharma, registrar Bhim Raj Adhikari and rector Surya Lal Amatya of the Tribhuvan University are under the custody of students affiliated to 13 student unions from 2:30 pm, Thursday in the TU central office. The students have said that would not free the top TU heads until they make a breakthrough in the row over the TU decision to hike fees for the Bachelors and Masters levels. Himal Sharma, chairman of ANNISU-R, said “We will not retreat from our act until the TU scraps its decision to hike fees.” However they have said that they would respect the fundamental rights of their teachers while they are in their detention.

The student unions and the TU officials have been at loggerheads ever since the latter decided to hike the fees of the Bachelors and Masters levels. The several rounds of talks failed to bear any fruit.

For Turks With Talent

2009-12-03T04:12:00.000-08:00

Had the capital of Turkey been much larger, the incident might have passed unnoticed, but before long all of Ankara seemed to be talking about Idil Biret, the amazing four-year-old daughter of a local sugar-refinery official. One day in 1946 little Idil sat down at the piano, and without a note of music before her, dashed off a Bach piece she had just heard over the radio. The story gave newspapers and music lovers an idea: Why couldn't the state send Turkey's child prodigies abroad for proper study?

The idea eventually reached the ears of the National Assembly, which in 1948 passed the Suna Kan and Idil Biret Law to send Idil and twelve-year-old Violinist Suna Kan to Paris. On the advice of the Ministry of Education, the Assembly not only provided funds for the girls but also for all members of their families. Then it sat back to see just how the prodigies would make out.

As students at the Conservatoire National, the girls did remarkably well. Violinist Kan won first prize in the annual

Conservatoire competition, another first prize in Italy and a second prize in Munich, is now planning to return home in triumph for a concert tour. Pianist Biret not only performed in public, she also had some of her own compositions played on the French national radio. Encouraged by these records, the Turkish government decided to expand its program, this year put 14 youngsters through a rigid set of tests and interviews to pick those qualified to go abroad. Last week three more Turkish prodigies were in Paris waiting 'o begin their formal studies. The three: Verda Erman, 12, daughter of a Wagons-Lits Cook inspector in Istanbul. Verda began playing the piano at six, showed so much promise that her parents and music teacher decided to enter her in the ministry's contest. When she won, her father took a leave of absence, now lives comfortably, at his government's expense, with his wife and child in an apartment in suburban Sevres. Hasan Kaplan, 14, lives with his sister, mother and father, a retired naval officer turned art teacher, in a hotel on the Left Bank. Having begun to paint as a toddler, Hasan has had a one-man show in Turkey, exhibited his canvases in both Paris and New York (TIME, Nov. 10, 1952). Ates Pars, 14, son of an Ankara State Opera tenor and a former member of the opera chorus, both of whom were violently opposed to his becoming a musician ("The life of an artist is too hard"). Two years ago they made the mistake of buying a piano, which Ates promptly began to play. After only 22 lessons, his music teacher sent him home, saying "I can't teach him any more." Last year visiting British Composer Benjamin Britten heard Ates play two original compositions, became so enthusiastic that the Parses decided to let their son try for a travel grant. Said a wistful Mrs. Pars in her Montparnasse hotel room last week: "We knew he'd win, and he did

Prevent child abuse

2009-12-03T03:15:00.000-08:00

Child from various school voiced their op in ons and their need of child right on Thursday and called for the laws that should be immediately amended in the constitution for the prevent of child abuse.

The joint program by 22 organizations saw the children highlighting their situation across the country thought various creative from as dances songs, poems and dramas. We want to make education free for all until grade twice and have the same curriculum in all school so that their will be fair competition among people," said pampha bhusal, constituent Assembly Members.

The program included the issue of HIV/AIDS among children sexual abuse, domestic violence and illiteracy the children also presented a document to the lawmakers present that include point like free education employment for at least one member in a family, and curriculum in all the school.

We hope that the government will listen to our voices and make effort to protect child right," said Pratima Battarai of the Bhrikutibal club.

The United Nations convention of the right of the child was signed this day 2o years ago in 1989. The Universal Child right Day will be celebrated on Friday across the country with a special focus's on of the nations plan of action for the children Nepal(2004-2014.)

New book on civil war

The thirty volume in the A people's war trilogy, edit by Kaunda- Dix it will be lunched on nomver 21. The book entitle people after war depicts the lives of characters photographed in the first book to Ravel what has happened to their in the years since.

The book is to be lunched by Nepalaya at an event that con dies with the anniversary of the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement. The look Featured photograph and profiled high lighting the daily struggle for survival of the relatives of those who were killed of disappeared during the war. Editor Dixit sai, "they are all uplifting because they prove just how resilient and hopeful the Nepali people are about the future despite the sorrows of war they lived through."

Lethal toxin found in students

2009-12-03T02:58:00.000-08:00

PATHLAIYA: Traces of lethal pesticides have been found among an overwhelming 94 per cent of Nepal Secondary School students at Amlekhgunj in Bara district. A fresh study has revealed the disturbing fact.

How did the victims fall prey to the toxic stuff? The the reason was not far to seek. The chemical pesticides were stored at a warehouse, located next to the school. Dr Sital Kaji Shrestha, who holds a post-graduate degree in Animal Husbandry from an Indian university, disclosed the contents of the study, which was conducted for eight months. Various harmful chemical elements like DDT, Indosulfine and Chlorpyrifos were found in the victims’ blood samples. Many more locals could get affected by the toxin in the coming days.

What are the side-effects of the infection?

The affected students will fall ill frequently, and the girls can suffer from various gynaecological problems. The fear of cancer, too, looms large. There is also a high risk that the offspring of victims might be physically challenged. If the toxic content goes up, then the victim could meet a premature end to h/his life. Take the case of Saroda Thakuri, a Standard 10 student, who died recently.
Incidentally, the root cause to the problem has had its origin more than
34 years ago. The government had imported 40 metric tons of pesticide from several European countries, which subsequently went

school buling

2009-12-02T01:20:00.000-08:00

Children who are bullies can frighten and immediate member of their peer group in very suitable ways. Girls are often expert at in flirting psychological torture withing giving away and clues to adults.

An important recitation contest was about a week away and i had been prepared by my teachers to performs in front of the school and paint. I was very excited and practicing really hard in order to perform well. Unfortunately at that times I was also being bulled by a mean sprinted and physically bigger girl in my class who suddenly decided that she did not want me to do well on the big day. She start harassing me daily to spoil my performance. I was devastated because I was a good performer and wanted to do good job. She Threatened that she wood really harm me if I did will. That was enough to frighten and worry me, She said i was to recite, my poem "The grasshopper" (for which a lot of action was required) without any expression or action. For night before the performance I couldn't sleep because of the dilemma facing me. I wanted to do will my teachers expected me to do well but I dead not disobey her order. finally the day arrived, Amidst all the excite meant I was miserable. My throat was dry and my heart was pounding not with nervous excitement but with fear. My turn came the teachers wished me luck and I was on stage. Right in front of mi in the audience she sat with 'look' a could stare that gave me a clear message I can see her eyes clearly till this day. I return the poem like a left-dead person and could see some surprised looks any my teachers shocked expression from the corner of my eyes. As I bowed and left the stage, I died I thousand death. I had let my teachers down. I had performed terrible ............... I had let my self down. The only person satisfied was my bully............

(Recollection of an adult female Nepal)

As the above case study shows school bullying is very dangerous because if thrive on secrecy and victims are afraid share their fear. There are many such subtle forms of bulling that go undetected by school superiors, teachers and even friend. Many children are forced to deal with daily school work and other pressure while at the same time cope with harassment and mental future at the hand of children their own age or slightly older. shouldn't adult be more vigilant and protective against such forms of bullying.

education particulate

2009-12-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

AbstraUnderstanding the particulate nature of matter (PNM) is vital for participating in many areas of science. We assessed 11 students' atomic/molecular-level explanations of real-world phenomena after their participation in a modelling-based PNM unit. All 11 students offered a scientifically acceptable model regarding atomic/molecular behaviour in non-heated solids. Yet, 10 of 11 students expressed the view that, in response to added heat energy, atoms/molecules in a solid increase in movement to a degree beyond what is scientifically accepted. These students attributed a gas-like model of atomic/molecular movement to situations involving a heated solid. Of the students who held two conflicting models of atomic/molecular movement in solids, almost all provided justification for doing so, indicating their holding of the conflicting models was unproblematic. These findings can be interpreted to mean that students may drop constraints of certain scientific representations and apply, assess, or revise models when explaining unfamiliar phenomena. In fact, we believe students may develop conflicting causal models as a result of misperceptions they acquire, in part, during classroom instruction regarding atomic/molecular movement. However, our findings may also be interpreted as an incidence of student model development that may later aid their understanding of a more complex model, one that involves substantial sub-atomic electron movement to account for heat transfer in solids. Whether or not this is the case remains to be seen. Implications for student learning and instruction are discussed.

KUSOM collaborates and concludes

2009-12-01T04:14:00.000-08:00

NOV 30 - Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM)’s three-day KUSOM Annual Festival(KAF), concluded on Sunday with prize distributions and performances by Nepali bands at a function held in Megha Malhar of Soaltee Crowne Plaza. Aptly titled KUSOM Collaborates, the event brought together KUSOM students, alumni, and representatives from corporate organisations with the aim of future collaborations.

The event began at three in the afternoon with an advertisement design competition, where the participants were asked to design ads for the Springwood brand of clothing. The ad designed by the students from Kathmandu College of Management won the first prize in the competition.

The ad designing competition was followed by a group dance competition. The first prize in the dance competition was won by the team representing the Kathmandu University College of Arts.

Following a short break, the programme continued to prize distributions, felicitations, and performances by various bands. The best students from different management colleges affiliated to Kathmandu University were awarded at a ceremony. Prof. Subhas K.C, the Dean of KUSOM, and Prof. Suresh Raj Sharma, the Vice-Chancellor, were also felicitated by the sponsors of the festival. The day ended with well-received performances by Nepali bands Mukti & Revival and Kutumba.

Educational tax:

2009-12-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

The decision made recently by finance Minister Dr. Bhattrai to levy a five pc taxes on private schools seems feasible only if the collected tax money will be utilized and mobilized to materialize the targeted goal as expected. Yet, there are challenges that will come on the way if taxing policy is imposed. As of now, the ministry of education has not formulated any such proper plans and policies upon which the plan will work out. The only aforementioned statement that the sums collected will be utilized to provide education for deprived students, marginalized students etc. will not attract the people of remote areas unless the government starts implementing it’s plan into work. Interestingly, the PABSON’s threat to shut down all private schools has calm down. Because it does not want to shut down the money generating school industries. Some time ago the threat seemed like a stir that probably would hit the education sector nationwide. But the threat remained in empty speeches. Isn’t it surprising as to why PABSON is keeping mum suddenly? None of us has thought of the other side of PABSON’s step. Once it threatened the whole education sector to oppose the taxing policy of government by closing all private schools, but now it has not rai sed a voice. If we think the matter seriously, who will pay the education tax? Taxing all private schools nationwide will not make tax policy an effective one and the policy will not turn a rational one if the annual revenues of all PABSION registered schools are taken into consideration of. However, on the one hand there are thousands of schools generating ample profits, and on the other there are such schools that are crawling to survive. Is it a fair decision to levy a five pc tax on all private schools? Also, there are schools not registered with PABSON. However, we have no clear data regarding the annual revenues of private schools, but can arbitrarily figure out and conclude the fact that there are many private schools in the country that are running only primary classes and are just able to manage break-even points. In order to materialize the tax policy, the government must divide all private schools into groups and sub groups on the basis of population of student in the schools. In addition, the government can take the elements like fee structure of schools, facilities provided, quality of education as yardstick in the formulation of tax policy. Also, it can inspect if the schools are run as per the set standard or not. Therefore, the government can make the policy effectual and can easily impose only if it proportionately levies tax according to the stratum of schools. Furthermore, the government must make the private schools’ account transparent to th e public. It must make it mandatory that private school must publish half-yearly and yearly profit and loss account and balance sheet in newspaper. It is for sure, if the government imposes a flat tax rate on all school without taking scientific and counteractive measures into consideration, that the parents will receive a notice “the five pc tax imposed by the government will be paid by the parents/guardians and will be added to bill”. The next month, the parents/guardians will start receiving an added five pc bill. Isn’t it an added burden for parents/guardians, who already are in financial woes, to pay added tax along with the school fee? Is taxing parents/guardians the next PABSON’s step?

Apple University

2009-11-30T23:17:00.000-08:00

Joel Podolny, current dean of the Yale School of Management, has announced he is leaving the education institute to go and work for Apple. The project he is going to work on is something new called Apple University, which he will be the vice president and dean of.

Little is known about what Apple University is, but speculation points towards an internal education system for Apple employees, an expansion of the existing iTunes U program, a brand new education initiative, or a combination of these.

Neither Apple nor Mr Podolny have commented further on what his new role will entail, but he will start his new job at Apple early next year.Read more at The Wall Street Journal

Matthew’s Opinion
Apple University looks most likely to be an internal education system for Apple employees, but it could be something a lot more encompassing. There has been a lot of interest and new resources offered up by education institutes lately, and Apple University could be some extension of that as well.Mr Podolny has been working in education for a long time and before Yale he was teaching at Harvard and Stanford. There’s sure to be a transition phase as he gets used to the business environment and makes his mark within Apple. He is sure to receive a lot of respect there, but who he deals with directly is all down to what exactly Apple University is.

I for one hope this is more than just internal education and that Apple are planning to get more involved in education through the use of its products.

Hiking at kagaeshwori

2009-11-30T23:04:00.000-08:00

On saterday, 22 August our school, siddha ratha vanastahali snstitute organized a hiking program. The spot was kageshwori hill at the gagalparted from our school at around I am and after about an hour drive we rearched at the foot of the hall. We were about forty student accompanyied by six teachers forty student accompanyied by six teachers. We gathered near the large peepal tree where on of our teachers gaves us an

Hiking at kageshwori

2009-11-30T22:09:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, 22 August, our school, siddha ratha vanastahali Institute organized a hiking program. The spot was kageshwori hill at the Gagalparted from out school at around I'm and after a about am our drive we reached at the foot of the hill. we were about student sccompanyied by six teacher we goatherd near the larked pee pal tree where on of our teachers Gav's us an orientation on hiking and about that place. After seeing that many of us were carring cameras our in-change made a surprise announcement regarding the photograph competition i.e. whoever takes the picture during the hiking can submit the picture for the competition.

We headed ahead through the beautiful paddy field which attracted me so much that took some snaps. Then there came a small but clean river where we played for a while. on our way up we say different colorful flowers unique plants trees added the meaning to our hiking. After all these are what we had expected to see in this place of natural beauty. Also in this place, we saw water in it's different forms rivulets, streams, water falls and spring. Since We were bit exhausted due to heat we found the spot the best for refreshing ourselves so we all jumped in to the pound (the pound was shallow, bit higher then our knee). There we played for about half an our, taking a lot of photographs, sprinkling water on each other cheering and shouting.

At one place, we came across a pear tree full of juicy pears. and soon well as were enjoying fruit. As we all were hungry and tired we decided to sit and take our lunch in a dense forest of pine frees. There was shared our lunch pictures talent .

As it was almost time to return, we all slowly descended and headed towards were our school bus was parked. After about an our of tiring walk we all were relived to see the bus. The hiking was a total fun and will always remain in memory.

Rebuildinging lives

2009-11-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

During the Decade-long civil war and the current insecure transition the brunt of which continue to affect many children, educational institutes have been one of the wort the sectors of the country, affecting the lives of thousand of children.

Back in Helambu Yangrima school is recuperating. But the scars of the bomb incident will remain. what took a spilt - second moment to destroy a school and instill fear among it's children and village in general will perhaps be compensated by the new hopes and dreams of student like little sangya who has her entire future spread out before her. will little sangya be ensured of her right to education and to play ? Yangrima school seems to be on the right track to guarantee these inalienable right to the children in the Helambu region, which is on of the most poverty stricken mountainous regions in Nepal. for the movement little sang ya sits in her renovated classroom as the languidness luring Range smile down on this new beginning. perhaps one day, little rang ya will have her own story to tell-one without bombs and intimidation.

Helping hands

2009-11-30T02:49:00.000-08:00

Applying sunscreen and enjoying the view of Dorje Lakpa -locally known as Ajino malo ( the two sister) and graping with shovels, comment and paint, 16 Britishers brought some of the sunshine to this school and the children.
On November 13 the volunteers completed the contraction of the playground. the group which was in Nepal for a week for the "school improvement" program of CRI, represented says ltd (UK), a subsidiary of the says group PCL, a leading supplier of business software.
Found for the endeavor were raised by the volunteers through different activities of the says group (SG) led by Graeme Heighten and the staff of SGS branch offices in Manchester Newcasthe New sasthe and oxford were also engaged in a variety of activities.
"We hosted fashion shows sold old computers," informs graeme the marketing executive of sage who had previously participated in a umilar school improvement program of CRI in Tanzania. Three of the man even waxed their bodies in return for donatio. Along with the playground the face of the common hall has been beautified. figures of bright sun, colorful prayer flags, peacock, and trees now adorn one once bare walls of the hall where only sandiness righted. it was he are that the hostel student were looked during the bombing. Today, Gene hand prints on the branches of the painted trees give and impression of the lives and the small of fresh point evokes hope of the new beginning.

Displaying the sketches by his son one of the counters, Ben Bun can, commented,"when He decided to participate in this project. I asked my son's school to help us out." Thus he had brought a bunch of sketches of the playground and mess ayes from the kindergarten student of south riage first school in UK. Designed with the help of those staunch of the playground is compete and colorful it consist er of nearly Alla young student could sesire. A seesaw tyre swings, hopscotch, big clock, and a balancing path baptize the green Dragon" by the volunteers with the input of the kits. For principle Nima lama, it is an exhilarating moment. one of the first student's to pass school leaving certificate (SLC) examinations from Yangrima school. He has now seen it rise from the ashes. literally. He proudly point to the playground, which is Incorporated in to the formal curriculum everyday.

"One of the major attractions for the student is the extra activities too," remarks the 20- years -old principle. Thus, the school has general knowledge, songs, and games mainly football, as extracurricular activities.

education therapist

2009-11-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

The job of an occupational therapist is to assist disabled people to improve their quality of life. There are disabled children and adult who are unable to do activities like buttoning a shirt, using a computer or driving a car. Therefore, the role of occupational therapist is to increase such people's productivity so that they become independent. The disability of patients in such cases can range from emotional and mental to physical. The occupational therapists' job is to work with all these patients and help them in improving their reasoning skills. The occupation of occupational therapists is extremely challenging. However, it is really satisfying to see ourselves helping to improve other people's lives. During their occupational therapy career, these professionals can come across a number of patients. Some of these patients would need assistance to be able to perform basic daily activities independently while some others would require occupational therapist to help them become successful at their workplace.

While performing their job, occupational therapists also make use of a variety of computer programs to help them with their tasks. These computer programs are used in occupational therapy with a view to assisting patients for developing decision making, reasoning, problem solving and coordination skills among others. During their career, these occupational therapy professionals also need to take care of patients who are ailing from permanent disabilities. Therefore, therapists can also help patients suffering from paralysis or cerebral palsy. Besides helping such patients operate the wheelchair independently, the job of an occupational therapist may also require them to devise new equipment to suit individual patient requirement.

The occupational therapists' career happens to really challenging. To perform the job quite well, professionals need to be creative and practical. Patients that need occupational therapy can belong to any age group. The occupational therapists may help may help a patient who got a spinal cord injury in an accident, or a woman who suffered from a stroke, or an elderly with poor vision etc. The role of an occupational therapist becomes very crucial when it comes to taking care of an Alzheimer's patient. Cases and extent of therapeutic treatment may vary from patient to patient. No matter how exhausted you may feel at the end of day, the job always brings you pure joy and satisfaction out of helping people improve their lives. During your career as an occupational therapist, you make a difference in other people's lives. There are not too many jobs that bring such joy and satisfaction.

With the advancement in their career and years of experience, occupational therapist may also choose to specialize in a specific area. For example, there are therapists who look after only school children whereas there are others that treat the elderly. Some other occupational therapists may make their career out of treating a specific injury case like spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy etc. The roles and responsibilities in each case, however, remain the same. Occupational therapy always deals with helping the patients increase their productivity, gain reasoning skills, be able to do daily activities on their own and finally become as much independent as possible.

Education Requirements

To kick start a career in occupational therapy, candidates need to obtain a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in the same field. Besides acquiring an accredited degree program in occupational therapy, candidates also need to obtain a license to practice occupational therapy and become a registered occupational therapist. The coursework for an occupational therapy degree program includes physical sciences, behavioral sciences and biological sciences. Those who aspire to become occupational therapist also need to be motivating and encouraging while they practice their profession. Trust, patience and imagination are the other skills that candidates need to make a career in occupational therapy.

Getting back to life

2009-11-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

The school responded earlier this year on April 13 with the assistance of child Reach intention (CRI) and the Yangrama Ex student society (YESS). CRI is a UK-based charity which has been supporting Child Health program and school Health program at Dhuikikhel Hospital. previously, CRI also supported a school's Renovation in Minikharka and they have also been supporting Antardrish a counseling centre for axially abused children in Nepal.

CRI is funding yangarima school to renovate the infrastructures and sponsors, half of teacher's salary and educational materials required for the school. This renovation work carried out by CRI helped reopen the school, enabling over 70 children to enrol and restart their lessons. Today little sang ya Dolma along with 78 student aged from three to 14 attend the school from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm of these 75, 19% of the student were sent to yangrima school by there parents who are now settled in the capital.

student some all dressed up and others paying less attention to their appeals walk all the way to their school from as for as Salim village, which is two hours away from shermathange. The school's uniform however is yet to be decided. The school presently operates nursery to class four and follows the Currie clams set by the District Education Board. It even runs Tibtan script classes to grade eight in the poplin for the next year. "The main aim of the reopening of yangorima school it to provide" equality education" says. Tshering lama, the man behind the scene, who introduced CRI to Nepal .

Tshering is a regional winner and was a national Finalist in the British councils annual SHINE award for international students. In recognition of his outstanding academic and personal achievement, Northumbria university has dedicated a scholorship in Tshering's name.

many might be unaware that tshering also happens to be one of the first graduates of Yangrima school. Ask any of the present student in Yangrima "what do you want want to be in your life ?" the answer. " Be like Tshering dai."

But just rekindling the hope for quality education was not enough. getting good Tea-Cher's was also and of the main priorities for yanggrima. And realizing the importance of trained teachers the school put and extra effort to training the eight teachers the school has. And the result has been productive.

"I' have learnt about lesson plan night which I had no idea about prior to the training says kumari Hyloma, one school teacher. All of the eight teachers at Yangrima have their salaries at per with the government fixed rate of Rs. 5,000 per month With insure ance facilities too.

Dorje , who recall the Bomb incident vividly is pursuing his undergraduate studies now. At the same time he has also returned to his Alma mater as a teachers. "A year ago when i was here, the school area was covered with jungle." Tshering adds."It took the villages four days to clear the path up the school." "The school roofs striated disappearing after the news of it's reopening surfaced . With the help of the village, We tracked down the Chet made him carry all the roofs back to the school and fined him" added the director of the school Tashi lama.

Now the classroom in the five blocks are under construction. And Tashi recently came up with the sketches of the restrooms for girls and boys.

A small dark area in the between the two building on the half of the main school compound remains untouched. This is a area where the bimbo was planted, according to the villagers.

"This will be a gallery," Tshering says. "Eight years of darkness means so years of pushing back ward."

Rebuilding a school will require energy and part ice. A library with book and musical instruments is already set up.

" Right now. Because we don't have any music teachers. The guitar Just sits there," points out the principle of the school, Nima lama.

getting bck to life

2009-11-28T20:04:00.000-08:00

The school peopended earlier thes year on April 14 with the assitance of child reach international (CRI) and the Yangrima Ex student society (YESS)
Cri si a Uk -based charity which has been supporting child Health pogram and school health program at Dhilikhel Hosfpital .

education articles

2009-11-27T20:46:00.000-08:00

Alex Beam Forces H&E Hiatus

Well, not really. Alex Beam isn't forcing me, of course, to do anything. But his well-received new book, A Great Idea At The Time: The Rise, Fall, And Curious Afterlife of the Great Books, has lit a fire under me.

After many worthy post-dissertation/PhD "distractions"---including a new son, many conference presentations, several articles, hundreds of blog posts (over 630 not counting USIH pieces), and a new job (including one year-long academic job hunt)---it's time for me to get focused and tell my story about Mortimer Adler and the history of the great books idea.

Getting on task means giving up some things. What I've discovered over the past year is that, for me, this involves managing my energy as much as my time. I've probably actually had the time over the past two plus years since finishing my dissertation to turn it into an acceptable book manuscript. But I know for sure I haven't managed my energy well enough to complete the task.

Academic writing is not something that comes easy at this period in my life. I can't decide whether this is an internal or external issue. I can write blog posts with ease, and even some kinds of academic articles without a herculean effort. But getting this first book out is going to require my getting over a hump called "activation energy" by chemists. I can't see my personal kilojoules-per-mole/reaction path graph, but I suspect it contains a higher than average spike early on my "book creation path" axis.

Rebirth of Achool

2009-11-27T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sungya dklmas classroom is not yet complete cracked muddy floor and a Carling cover with bambo sticks and the bench a little high for a 4 years- old. All this is witness to the hurdles that must be over room to insure primary education for children in Helambu one of the top trekking destinations some 72 kms northeast of Kathmandu Vally. sang ya sang ya takes her seat the new classroom and grand panorama of the vangtang. Li ruing Range smiles at her from the north. But perhaps she is not at the age of being entharalled withe her schools spectacular setting or to be saddened by the recent story her school.
But one day shell be told this horrible story the need to know. In 2001 the yangrima Boarding school of sermathang village in Helambu regim was forced to shut down after the locl Maoist bombed it. Under the management ot local community mumbers, Yangrima school was stablishedin 1985 as a primary school expending over the 1990s to everntally become a high school. unfortunately the civil was in 2001 forced the school to close and resulted in the gradual decay of the school building.
According to the Ministry of education 78 school were damaged and 31 district education officer destroyed during the decade long conflict. The very large number of school got close down, starting from those in Python.
It was a Sunday evening at around 430 I heard a loud noise. when i was returning home. from a festival, the sound came from the direction of my school I rushed towards the sight. The book from the library were put on fire. The window glasses were all shattered. one of our school building was bombed and hostel student were looked in the doing room," recalls dorje Wang
Dorje, now 22 was in grade seven when his school, which had been in operation for two decades was boomed. He then moved to Kathmandu for his father study.
This incident on of the money atrocities during conflict did not only put dorje and other student through an ordeal, it also made the villages of shermathang take refuge in the capital. some left for overseas or neighboring con tries in search of livelihood opportunities to support their families in the capital .
Sermathange village is made up of some 85 houses holds with almost every house equipped with solar panels. En route the helambu trek itinerary, by village even had seven lode's to keep with the number of tourists post the bomb incident only three are in operation now.
Helambu region is on of the top trekking destinations of the country, and it drives it's name from two regatta bales, "hey"- potatoes and "labu"- radish which are found aplenty in the region .
chuck lama.

SCHOOL PRINCIPLE AMONG THREE HACKED TO DATH

2009-11-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

Three persons were killed in Haripur village Development committee in Dhanusha district last night. Megh Bahadur Dumgan headmaster of Rastriya primary school of Haripur, 15 yearsd -old Bhihari Mahato and 16 years old sukan mahato of Haripur-were tied to a tracter belonging to Dumjan and were hacked to death, alled euewithnesses.

Dumjan was blindfolded and his limbs were chopped off mahato due were killed by slitting their thriats, eycwitnesses said. Three bodies were found tied to the tractor this morning. Bindeshwor Mahato, from ar. Headmaster of the school was also killed laist year. The police rearch the site after locals informad then of the incident today the bodies were taken to Janakpur zonal Hospital for post-moreten the police said.
Mean ehile, suraj,bhan, district in change of madesh silent killer owned up the incidnt over phone to the local Journakists last night. However, yadavari khanal, suparitendent of police, Dhanusa, said "it is nit yet clear who all were involved in the killing demanding action against the quality and compensation to the kin of the victions have haripurchowk since the morning.

ICJ SEES HOLES IN RIGHT DRAFT

2009-11-26T02:43:00.000-08:00

The International commission of jourists (ICJ) Nepal has said that the draft submitted by the Fundamental Rights committee fails to guarantee a numbers of fundamental right and has "serious week messes." According to ICJ, in order for the draft to meet the international standard it need serious revision to trim out a number of flaws related to definitions, limitations and measures provided for enforcement of fundamental right.The draft, for instance, does not even mention the right to project against "en forced disappearance," Which is considered a serious crimes under international human right law, according to ICJ. "It is advisable that this provision be expended to include the fundamental right of every one not to be invoked to be, subject to enforced disappearance, that no exceptional circumstance may be invoked Justity an enforced disappearance shall be punishable. as a criminal offence without the possibility of amnesty or the imposition of statute of limitations on of statue of limitations on this continuing violation." sated the ICJ in its letter submitter to CA Charmain subash Nembang on Wednesday ICJ has recommended at least 24 majer corrections in the draft. ICJ has asked the CA to correct, among others, the definitions of " right to leave with dignity" (arcitle 1) right to security of person". Right against torture punishment and compensate (article 7), substantive equality, right against untouchability, rights of woman and Dalits (Articles 3/9/23/&25), right to legal counsel (Article 5/2), legal aid (article 5/10), rights of those under preventive detention (Article 5), civel and polticle rights, right to privacy (article 13) and economics, social and cultural right (article 3.5, 3.5). Regional limitations on fundamental rights fundamental tights , ICJ Says the current provisions allow the government the impose "reasonable restrictions" on fundamental tights on the overly broad and vague grounds of threats to "her money", "relations," decent public behaviour,"the interest of the general public " or the social dignity of the individual" According to ICJ, the UCJ, the use of this kind of "reasonable restrictions." is country to that established under international law. specifically, under international human rights law ( and good practice around the world ) it is legitimate for government to restri of bly and association only if the restrictions the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association only if the restrictions are: specifically provided by law. the least restrictive mesns necessary in Democratic society intended to pro ted a legitillage interest including respect of the right and reputations of nations or nation security or public order or public health or morals, reads the ICJ letter.

ICJ SEE HOLES IN RIGHT DRAFT

2009-11-26T00:58:00.000-08:00

The draft, for instance, does not even mention the right to project against "en forced disappearance," Which is considered a serious crimes under international human right law, according to ICJ. "It is advisable that this provision be expended to include the fundamental right of every one not to be invoked to be, subject to enforced disappearance, that no exceptional circumstance may be invoked Justity an enforced disappearance shall be punishable. as a criminal offence without the possibility of amnesty or the imposition of statute of limitations on of statue of limitations on this continuing violation." sated the ICJ in its letter submitter to CA Charmain subash Nembang on Wednesday ICJ has recommended at least 24 majer corrections in the draft. ICJ has asked the CA to correct, among others, the definitions of " right to leave with dignity" (arcitle 1) right to security of person". Right against torture punishment and compensate (article 7), substantive equality, right against untouchability, rights of woman and Dalits (Articles 3/9/23/&25), right to legal counsel (Article 5/2), legal aid (article 5/10), rights of those under preventive detention (Article 5), civel and polticle rights, right to privacy (article 13) and economics, social and cultural right (article 3.5, 3.5). Regional limitations on fundamental rights fundamental tights , ICJ Says the current provisions allow the government the impose "reasonable restrictions" on fundamental tights on the overly broad and vague grounds of threats to "her money", "relations," decent public behaviour,"the interest of the general public " or the social dignity of the individual"

According to ICJ, the UCJ, the use of this kind of "reasonable restrictions." is country to that established under international law. specifically, under international human rights law ( and good practice around the world ) it is legitimate for government to restri of bly and association only if the restrictions the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association only if the restrictions are: specifically provided by law. the least restrictive mesns necessary in Democratic society intended to pro ted a legitillage interest including respect of the right and reputations of nations or nation security or public order or public health or morals, reads the ICJ letter.

Boys less likely to sttened university

2009-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Study Sydney, teenage boys are less likely to gain university entrance than grail and are more likely to leave school before 70 according to a new Australian report. The report Boys achievement: A synthesis of a Data gives a number of examples of this dis ere Pansy between the sexes including that 72 present of all suspensions 2006 were boys and 10 present more girls will again university entrance then boys. A new initiative from Auckland university of technology (AUT) aims to address the dis ere .

Pany between sexes in education by reaching out to male student in year 10 before they lose interest, the program a male in education now (MEN) sets out to equip student with skills experiencr and new role - models so that the students don't give up on education before they gain valuable qualifications.

Motivated and disciplined

2009-11-23T17:44:00.000-08:00

Here's how the service works
Young people are invited to a six-week orientation program where they meet in a drop with workforce outsource urcing services trainers once a week. From that group a most motivated and disciplined candidates are selected. They participate in, an intensive IT training program at a university and then begun working part time for corporations while they go to school part time and finish their under graduate degrees. "The goal is for people to graduate in six years with a degree, technology certification, no debt and a job," langer says.
Valeria Rodriguez, and 18-years-old from somerset, N.J. learned a about the program a years ago when she was in high school "it was too perfect," She says. She is now participating in a certification program at Rutgers University and working at galaxy systems, a provides of It consulting and other services in somerset.
participating companies make donations to help cover operating costs and tuition pay me nts, plus pay salaries to the student. They including Johnson and Johnson, Me deco Health solutions, and prudential Financial. Nonprofit organizations, such as new York's Museum of modern Art, are allowed to participate with out making donations. The program work will for employers, says Steve peltzman, MO MA'S chief information officer. He initially hired one of langer's student for the museum's teach help desk. that went so well that he now user other student to monitor the data canter which houses computing for the museum. one person with higher-level skills managed a software programming project. "You get all of the monetary benefits of off-shoring and none of the negatives," peltzman says. "and you're doing social good."
Langers program is still reactively small, but if it grows as rapidly as he hopes, grows it could Bergen to do hole lot of social good. He's working on that -right now negotiating with people at the university of Missouri in an effort to get the program going in st. Louis.

A work study

2009-11-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

Program for us teach student
Many within techdom complain about us compares that use cheap, offshore labor or guest foreign worker in places of domestic complements. pew are doing much about it. A note worthy exception is Arther Langer his new york non profit organizations workforce outsource services is trying to provide alternative to forgin teach worker including those on H-1B visas, by genting school airships to law-income student and placing them in compares while they work toward undergraduate degree. "we have an incredible source of talent in this country that can work for competitive prices." Says langer a technology consultant and professor at Columbia university. you don't have to go to India for labor.
The organization began as an academic project nine years ago, became a company in 2005 and is now expanding in new york. new Jersey and Ohio, so far 120 student have graduated and further 65 are enrolled. langer ultimately hopes to put thousands of youngsters though the program. he believe it's at a turning point. "We have proved in can work, and we're scaling up now,"he says. Langer expert in technology management began the project after seeing many young people from poor communities go to collage but fail to complete degree program, the reason they are under intense pressure to get in to the workforce and earn money, or they are averse to piling up loan debt without the certainty that they will get good Jobs after graduation. so he funded workforce outsource services to help students earn degrees with out financial strain.

A work study

2009-11-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

Program for us teachdom students

complain about us comparies that use cheap, offshore labour or gust foreign worker in places of domestic employee's. few are doing much about it. A note worthy exception is Arthur langer His new York nonprofit organizations workforce outsource service is trying to provides alternatives to foreign teach workers, including those on H-1B visas, by granting school airships to low income student and placing them in multi yer work_ study program in companies while they work toward undergraduate degrees."we have an incredible source of talent in this country than can work for competitive prices". says langer a technology consultant and professor at Columbia University. you don't have to go to India for labor.

the organizations begun as an academic project nine years ago become a company in 2005 and is now expanding in new york.new. Jersey and Ohio, so far 120 student have graduated, and fur 65 are enrolled.longer ultimately hopes to put thousands of youngsters through the program. he believe it's at a turning point. we have proved it can work, and we're scaling up now." he says langer, an expert in technology management began the project after seeing many young people from poor communities go to college but fail to complete degree programs. The reason. They are under intense pressure to get into the workforce and earn money or they are averse to piling up loan debt without the certainty that they will get good Jobs after graduation. so he founded workforce out source services to help students earn degrees with out financial strain.

A work- study

2009-11-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

program for us teach student

Many within techdom complain about us comparies that use cheap, offshore labour or guest foreign worker in places of domestic employers. Few are doing much about it. A note worthy expect ion is Arthur langer. his new york non profit oeorganizations workforce outsource services is trying to provides alterntives to foreign teach workers, including those on H-1B visas, by granting school airships to law-income students and placing them in multi yer work-study programs in companies while they work toward undergraduate degrees. " we have can incredible source of in this country that can work for competitive prices" says longer a technology consultant and professor at Columbia University. you don't have to go India for labor.' The organizations begun as academic projects nine years ago, became a company in 2005 and is now expanding in new work New Jersey and Ohio, so far 120 student have graduate,and further65 are enrolled. longer ultimately hopes to put thousands of youngsters through the program. He belie vs it's at a turning point. "We haveproved it can work, and we're scaling up now." he says. Longer, an expert in technology management began the project after seeing many young people from poor communities go to collages but fail to complete degree programs. The reason. They are under intense pressure to get into the workforce and earn money, or they are averse to piling up loan debt without the certain ed tat they will get good Jobs after graduation. so he founded workforce outsource services to help student earn degrees with out financial strain .

MOTIVATED AND DISCIPLINED

Here's how the service works: young people are invited to a six- week orientation program where they meet in a group with workforce outsourcing services trainers once a week. From that group three most motivated and disciplined candidates are selected. they participate in an intensive IT training program at a university and then begin working part time for corporations. while they go to school part time and finish their under graduate in six years with a degree technology certification, no debt, and a job ."langer says.

A work- study

2009-11-20T00:07:00.000-08:00

program for us teach students

Many within teachdom emplain about us comcomparies that use cheap, offshore labour or guest foreign workers in places of demestic employes. Few are doing much about it. A note worthy exception is Arthur Langer, his new york non profit organization worlforce outsource serbvicesis trying to provides alternatives to foreign teach workers, including those on H-1B visas, by granting school arshops to law- income students and placing them in multiyer work-study program in companies while they work toward they undergraduate degrees. We have an incrediable source of talent in this country that can work for the competitive pieces"say langer a techonology consultant and professor at columbia university. you don't have to go to india for labor. The organization bigen

A worlk- study

2009-11-19T17:30:00.000-08:00

Program for us teach student Many within tedium complain about us comparies many within techdom, offshore labour or guest foreign worles in places of domestic employ es. few are doing much about it. A note worthy exception is Arthur lanker, his new York non profit organization workforce outsource services is trying to provides alternatives to foreign teach worker including those on H-1B visa, by granting achoo airships to law- income,students and placing them in multi yer work- study program is in companies while they work toward undergraduate degrees." we have an incredible source of talent in this country that can work for competitive pieces." Says langer a technology consultant and professor at Columbia university. you don't have to go to India for labor.' The organization began as an academic, project nine years ago, become a company in 2005 and is now expending in New work, New Jersey and Ohio, so far 120 student have graduated, and further 65 are enrolled. longer ultimately ho pus to put thousands of youngster's through the program. he have believe its at the turning point. "we have proved it can work and we are scaling up now." he said. langer and expert in technology management began the project after seeing many young people from poor communities go to college but fail to complete degree programs the reason. Thieu are under intense pressure to get in to the worker and earn money or they are averse to piling up learn debt without the certainty that they will they good Jubs afrer graduation.So he founded workforce outsource services to help student can degrees with out financial strain . MOTIVATED AND DISCRCIPLINED Here's how the service works : Young people are invited to a six- week orientation program where they meed in group with workforce outsourcourcingservices trainers once a week. From that group the most motivated and disciplined candidates are selected. they participate in an intensive IT training program at a university and then begun working part time for corporations while they go to school part time and finish their under graduate degree. " the goal is for people to graduate in six yes rs with a degree, technology certification, on debt, and a job." longer says. Valeria Rodriguez, an 18 years from somerset, N.T. learned about the program a years ago whine she was in high school . It was too project," She says. She is now participating in a certification program at Rutgers university and working at galaxy system, a provides of it consulting and other service in somerset.

student rally 350 message

2009-11-18T02:46:00.001-08:00

Kathmandu:

Millions of people around the world celebrated the international Day of climate change on October 24 with various programmers. Nepali youth also participated in different event organised in Kathmandu to com memo Tate this day. A cycle rally aimed at pres sun rising the participants of the climate change confer once going to be held in ncopenhangen on December was held first after the three hour cycle rally, participants begun the climate march with the slogan save our Himalayas.' The march that started from Basantapur candied at swoyambhu, where every one lit candles. The participants wore tee shirts Sand carried banners with massages of milting the carbon emission to350 logo painted on their face and save songs urging everyone to take action against limited change the 350 Argo and 1 degree initiative (1DI) Nepal had jointly organized the events. the member of (1DI) and student from Chelsea International Acade my, Rato Banggala, school, little Angles school Lincoln school, Himalayan white house and golden Gate Academy had participated in the event, all the different events organized on that day had one message to request the world to limit the carbon emission to 350 ppm. other parts of the country also observed the day with rallies distribution of CF LS and processions with umbrellas and empty gagris. Boys less likely to attend university: Study Sydney teenage boys are less likely to gaon university entrance than girls and are more likely to leave school before 17 accors ac cor ding two a new Australian report boys and 10 per cent AF all ascensions 2006 were boys and 10 percent more gilts with again university entrance than boys. A new initiative from Auckland university of technology (AUT) aims to address the desire poncy between sexes in education by reaching out to equip Students with skills experiences and new role- models so that the students don't give up on education before they gain valuable qualifications.

2009-11-17T02:11:00.000-08:00

Quality maintenance

the growing demand for BBA has not gone unnoticed by TU as will and it has already taken steps to keep the quality of the study intact prof Dr. kamal Das man and her, assistant dean, TU faculty of management said "as the demand of BBA affiliation to colleges so that the quality of education is maintained". He also informed that the university is making new provision for BBA affiliation in more colleges so that the quality of education is not compromised. however, he did not assure when affiliation procedures will reopen and he also admitted that the university has not been able to introduce MBA though it was planned some four years ago. According to him, in session altogether 1,080 student get enrolled for BBA in 18 TU affiliated collages.

Global potential

2009-11-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

Beside the course design the fact that BBA is am internationally valid programme and the possibility of credit transfers ti foreign universities has been a strong desisive factor fir many student.

Endorsign this Bashitha said, "These days student are attracted more towards BBA as it has wider range of scope within the country and abroad as well."

Both ghimere and Anisa seemed to be aware of the global scope. she pointed out. "the course is internationally recognised and one can even get credit transfer to another collage even the ones in abroad."

stating the courses ability the prepare student for the competitive market Bhawani khadka who has recently joined BBA at NOC said business organisations prefer the employ a BBA graduate rather then a BBA graduate.

Practical approach

2009-11-11T20:30:00.000-08:00

A practical based profes sional programme the course of study for BBA has been designed in such a was that student obtain practical understanding along with all the theoretical parts .

According to subedi the well designed inclusivefAour years course with 120 credits divided in to semesters has been a majorattraction for BBA stude. surendra pokhral a seventh semester BBA student st SDC strongly believes that a practical _ based course prepare student better to be business professionals. "BBA is more of a profesional course, so by the time complete the course, s/he would easily get a middle level managericalpost," he said.

the inclusionof information technology(IT), which keep students upelated with the latest technical development in the field of management. is another strong point of BBA for pokhrel.

Stating thr courses ability to prepare student for the competitive market Bhawani khadka who has recently joined BBA at NOC said 'business organisations prefer to employ a BBA graduate rather then a BBA graduate."

Her friend Anisha khadka opined that she found the course systemsticallydedigned on comparison

campus

2009-11-11T20:25:00.000-08:00

Western Writers Series Digital Editions

A partnership between Albertsons Library Special Collections and the Boise State English Department - Western Writers Series is making 23 out-of-print titles available digitally for the first time. The Western Writers Series provides brief, authoritative introductions to writers and classic texts of the American west.
The purpose of the 50-60 page booklets is to deepen the understanding and appreciation for the literature of the American west. The Western Writers Series are written by scholars and intended for lay readers and fellow scholars alike.
In celebration of this undertaking, a launch event featuring readings by Brady Udall, Clay Morgan, Janet Homes, and Mitch Wieland will be held at The Cabin on Thursday December 4th at 6 pm. Further details can be read
Reference Librarian
Phone: (208) 426-1626
Labels: Announcements, Events
posted by Memo Cordova at 9:07 AM 0 comments
11.20.2008

2009-11-11T20:18:00.000-08:00

A Juicy Shutdown
Juicy Campers,What a wild ride this has been! In the past year and a half, JuicyCampus has become synonymous with college gossip, and is more popular than I could have ever expected. We’ve expanded to more than 500 campuses across the US, and have more than a million unique visitors coming to the site every month. It’s clear that we have provided a platform that students have found interesting, entertaining, and fun.Unfortunately, even with great traffic and strong user loyalty, a business can’t survive and grow without a steady stream of revenue to support it. In these historically difficult economic times, online ad revenue has plummeted and venture capital funding has dissolved. JuicyCampus’ exponential growth outpaced our ability to muster the resources needed to survive this economic downturn, and as a result, we are closing down the site as of Feb. 5, 2009.On behalf of everyone here at JuicyCampus, I would like to thank all of our users for reading, contributing to, and telling your friends about the site. And I’d like to thank everyone who has engaged in meaningful discussion about online privacy and internet censorship. JuicyCampus has raised issues that have passionate advocates on both sides, and I hope that dialogue will continue. While there are parts of JuicyCampus that none of us will miss – the mean-spirited posts and personal attacks – it has also been a place for the fun, lighthearted gossip of college life. I hope that is how it is remembered.

The campus plus

2009-11-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

Dipak budhathiki
Kathmandu
There is a clear indication of high demand for managenent professionals in todays competive commercial world taking need of this more and more management student are slso looking for a better course which world equip them to complete batter in the market. while there are many choices for student of commerce after thete intermediate level studies, of late the bachelors of business Admininistration (BBA) has come up as the most preferried course .
"around a thousand students appeared in the intrance examinations for BBA this session while the collage is provisioned by tribhuvan university (TU) to take in 60 student only." said dhurba subedi, BBA deputy programme director at shanker dev Campus ( SDC).
So, what is the reason behind BBA popularity ?
Dibakes Bashistha, BBA programme director at National open collage(NOC) affiliated to Pokhara coniversity -pointed out, " the course is fully reserch based snd resourceful ; by the time student complete their course, they become a management professional."
Practical approach