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Teach For America Reduces the Achievement Gap For Thousands of Students in Los Angeles Schools

After bidding adieu to the Bush era, many parents and concerned citizens experience lingering indignation toward the ineffectualness of the No Child Left Behind Act. Fortunately, institutions like Teach for America target twenty-nine urban and rural areas where educational inequality has hit the hardest. With only 45.3 percent of high school graduating seniors, the Los Angeles Metropolitan area is one of the nation’s most prominent regions of educational disparity. One of the goals of Teach for America is to ensure that a child’s birthplace does not determine his or her education and life prospects. For the 2008 school year, Teach for America has employed 350 teachers to alleviate the education gap in underserved schools in Los Angeles. As there has been a 42 percent increase in Teach for America applicants for the 2009 school year, Teach for America staff will continue to improve students’ performances in Los Angeles schools in 2009.

For applications due February 13th, Los Angeles candidates had the choice to sign up for several interview dates and locations throughout Los Angeles. Applicants signed up for interviews at three venues including McKinsey & Company in downtown Los Angeles. They attended interviews consisting of a five minute teaching presentation, problem solving activities, a group activity, and a personal interview. These rigorous evaluations were designed to provide interviewers with a way assess the dedication, preparedness, and stamina of future teachers and educational leaders in underfunded Los Angeles communities. Such communities include Baldwin Park, Compton, Los Angeles, Lynwood, and Pasadena.

In the five minute teaching presentation, applicants demonstrated their organizational aptitude and ability to teach key academic subjects. The subjects and grade levels chosen for five minute teaching presentations reflected the subjects taught most by corps members in LA , including: Secondary English, Secondary Science, and Secondary Math. To ensure successful funding for these grades and subject levels, twenty-eight percentage of Teach for America’s budget is used for corps member’s professional development. Twenty percent is devoted to pre-service training; eighteen percent for recruitment and selection; sixteen percent for national support; six percent for alumni support and development; and five percent is dedicated to local program administration.

Without support from corporate and public foundations, Teach for America would be unable to fulfill its increasing budget demands. The organization receives corporate and public support from such companies as The Ahmanson Foundation, The Eisner Foundation, MSST Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Symantec Corporation, and The Weingart Foundation. These contributions make it possible for Teach for America to extend its services to new regions such as the Mississippi Delta and Greater New Orleans, in addition to expanding the corps’ population in Los Angeles.

You may wonder why Teach for America generates such a colossal impact on students’ lives. Why are so many organizations donating funds to support a non-profit organization when there are qualified teachers who already exist? Do schools in Los Angeles really need Teach for America or is the corps’ presence in Southern California superfluous, especially during a time of such profound economic hardship?

To avoid sounding like a propaganda flier, I have to admit that the selection process is far from transparent. It is difficult to know what you, as an applicant, are being tested for when you have to participate in a phone interview, write two essays, provide two references, give a five minute teaching presentation, demonstrate your quantitative problem solving skills, and participate in a group critical thinking activity. During various times during the interview process I yearned to see some kind of rubric to learn what assessments carried the most weight. The program–despite a few opaque accountability factors—is, nevertheless, an invaluable community resource for college graduates and school aged children alike. As Wall Street plummets, Teach for America staff have derived inspiration from public service and giving children hope for a better future.

This non-profit organization spends three months training new teachers before placing them in a school. With rigorous standards and intense preparation, teachers learn how to manage a classroom, teach effectively, and use creative problem solving skills to last them the full two years of their service. Many principals have shown their enthusiasm for the program, admitting that they would hire more Teach for America instructors in the future. Even though the Los Angeles School district is not at a loss for teachers, it can always benefit from energetic, highly focused do-gooders supported by an effective structure. What separates the Teach for America program from normal Los Angeles schools? Corps members spend more than six hours a day educating their students. If a student is falling behind a little or even drastically (it is not uncommon for Teach for America instructors to work with students three grade levels below their required math or reading levels), corps members will stay after school, arrange parent conferences, or do whatever they can to help their students on an individual level. It looks like our progeny do have hope!

http://www.CaliFindIt.com

The Early History of the Diamond

Diamonds have been found in numerous various locales but in only a select few in prominent amounts. Most frequently the diamond was discovered in the sand and gravel of stream beds, where it was conserved because of its immobile chemical nature, its incredible hardness, and its moderately high, precise gravity. In South Africa, other countries on the continent of Africa, and in Arkansas, diamonds were discovered in a changed peridotite know as “kimberlite.”

The four countries that initially provided the majority of the earth’s production of EGL loose diamonds, best value diamonds, and GIA diamond rings were India, Brazil, South Africa, and the Belgian Congo. The imperative fields of India were found in the eastern and southern areas of the peninsula; however most of the renowned mines were eventually abandoned.

Only a few hundred carats annually were produced from the gravels in the early twentieth century in comparison to a period of 2000 years where over 20,000,000 carats were produced per year. Until the eighteenth century, India was the only resource of diamonds and several of the celebrated gems were found there. Diamonds were found in Brazil in between 1700 and 1750 and continued to be mined there for decades and decades to come. The production became relatively smaller by the beginning of the twentieth century, with only about 250,000 carats per year.

Diamonds were discovered in the stream gravels in a variety of different districts, the most imperative located in the provinces of Minas Geraes and Bahia. The city of Diamantina, Minas Geraes, was positioned in the middle of the most industrious field, the diamonds being found primarily in the gravel and sand of the Rio Jequitinhonha and Rio Doce. Widespread upland deposits of diamond-bearing sands, clays, and gravels were also mined.

The black “carbonado” came solely from Bahia up until the early twentieth century when it was eventually discovered in the Central African Republic and other areas of Brazil. This particular type of diamond was difficult to classify as a non conflict diamond until recently, due to the diamond’s rarity. About 95 percent of the world’s production of diamonds came from Africa at the turn of the nineteenth century. The Belgian Congo was largest producer by leaps and bounds, supplying from placer deposits over 50 percent of the earth’s stockpile.

These Congo diamonds were largely of industrial grade and signified only about 13 percent of the overall value of diamonds found. The principal African diamonds were found in 1867 in the sand and gravels of the Vaal River in South Africa. In 1871 diamonds were discovered imbedded in the rock of many volcanic necks or pipes near the city of Kimberley in Griqualand-West, south of the Vaal River, close to the boundary of the Orange Free State (which eventually became a part of the Union of South Africa). The diamonds in this area were originally discovered in the soil consequential of the breakdown of the original distorted peridotite.

The soil was yellow in color due to iron oxides and was referred to as “yellow ground.” The initial mines in close proximity to the town of Kimberley were the Kimberley, Du Toitspan, De Beers, Wesselton, and Bultfontien. The Kimberley mine was dug to a depth of 3,500 feet before it was abandoned. The mines were primarily worked as open pits, but as they grew in depth, underground techniques to find quality diamonds that would pass any IGI appraisals for diamond jewelry were implemented.

The early system of treatment was to pound the blue ground into coarse remains and spread it out on platforms to fragment progressively under atmospheric persuasions. The process ultimately evolved into crushing the rock finely enough to allow instant concentration. The diamonds were lastly separated on shaking tables that were covered with grease—the diamonds stuck while the remaining materials were washed away.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in the history of the non conflict diamond and where to find best value diamonds. For GIA diamond rings or to design your own diamond jewelry, stop by http://www.diamondwave.com/.

How to Work With Emotionally Disturbed Children

If you have any emotionally disturbed children you have had this type of day probably. You come home from a long day at work, you want to see your child. You probably have a longing to be able to play with them normally and enjoy their company. It is not that you don’t even when they are having an “episode”, but it breaks your heart to see them struggling as they so frequently do. You walk in the door only to find your child throwing toys, screaming, and acting irrationally. If you are at anyone else’s house, this is not only embarrassing but may make you angry. How do you handle it?

First, let us identify what not to do. A typical child you would normally discipline them with techniques that you commonly find. Often times, things like timeout will work for them. However, your child has a different condition that leads them to this type of behavior. They have a social problem which they do not understand how to convey their problems or desires properly. In a timeout chair, they will only find that their behavior received a response, whether good or bad is probably never actually known by an emotionally disturbed child. Therefore, sitting them in a timeout chair for their actions is probably not the best way to approach it.

When emotionally disturbed children are having problems, they are looking for a reaction. Therefore, when they do not receive a response, they understand that they have to change their methods. I am not going to say that these new methods will be better than the last. Sometimes it may escalate from screaming to throwing things. However, when you simply step back from the situation and take time to avoid socially interacting with them until they find the proper action you would want them to have, they may overtime develop a natural instinct of how to properly act in a normal environment. In other words, when they give a specific social behavior, they might get the specific social behavior in response that they are looking for. The other types of social behavior will not get any response.

This may not work for all emotionally disturbed children. Also, not all children who scream or throw things are emotionally disturbed. If you feel that your child may have social problems, it would be recommended that you take him to a professional for diagnosis.

There are also many great resources available from educational professionals. They have the expertise and education to give you proper guidance and help that you will need. You also have to remember that every disorder is different and you have to take different steps for each one. You have to take the time to learn from these professionals so you can educate yourself to properly help your child.

The main thing to remember is that a emotionally disturbed child is different from other children. Many things that would work with a normal child will not work with a child that is emotionally disturbed. Hopefully this will help you improve your life and the life of your child.

For more information please please visit Emotionally Disturbed

A Powerful New Theory of Intelligence

Dr. Henry Yeh has invented a powerful theory of intelligence, known as the total Intelligence (TQ) 一 TQ 二 SQ + IQ + EQ + CQ + XQ + PQ + GQ + Q = (SEXPICG) Q. The new idea shocked the world. Subsequently, he has given a lot of lectures and published these theories into various Co - Iections. In the past decade, Intelligence (IQ) was the sole benchmark to measure a person ‘ s future success rate . However, evidences show that it 15 unreliable to judge without considering other that the 21st be Lifelong 〝 reorganize 〞 factors, such as Emotion Intelligence (EQ), etc. Dr. Yeh indicates century 15 the time for ” Intelligence Revolution 〞 in which Learning should and from multiple sources. As for organizations, they need to in order to be more competitive. While they are formed by individuals, then reform should start from the individual -! eve - . Dr. Yeh, S ” Human Reformation, concept covers the total aspects of human intelligence, i. e. Total Intelligence. As a matter of fact, this 15 grouped into four main categories, i. e. Spiritual (SQ), Soul (LQ), Physical (PQ) and Group Intelligence (GQ). Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) includes Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) and Epsilon Intelligence (Q) while Soul Intelligence (LQ) consists of Intelligence (IQ) , Emotional Intelligence ( EQ ) , Creative Intelligence ( CQ ) and Executive Intelligence ( XQ ) . In another word, TQ indicates your comprehensive ability. If the development of all elements 15 properly coordinated, one will certainly increase future success rate. He believes that TQ has immense impacts on us. The combined Spiritual, Soul and Physical TQ training enables us to understand ourselves thoroughly and change our behavior, which will simultaneously improve our interpersonal relationship. At the same time, TQ also affects achievements. Empirical researches conducted on the 95 graduates from Harvard in the 405 revealed that IQ and EQ scores have minimal influences on the satisfaction Ievel of the studied middle age group in Iiving, interpersonal relationship, family and love, etc . It 15 important to instill the right attitude and opinion towards life as this will affect the TQ level. By maintaining a higher TQ, one can live a more meaningful 11 化．化 n Commandment for a TQ person are: 1) Faster action (Epsilon Intelligence — EQ); 2) Be more generous (Spiritual Intelligence 一 SQ); 3) Quick thinking (Intelligence– IQ); 4) Control temper (Emotion Intelligence — EQ ); 5 ) Less argument ( Creative Intelligence — CQ); 6 ) Increase efficiency ( Executive Intelligence — XQ); 7 ) Work more ( Executive Intelligence– XQ); 8 ) Speak softer ( Physical Intelligence — PQ ); 9 ) Smile a little ( Group Intelligence — GQ ) ; and 10) talk nicely ( Group Intelligence — GQ ) .

Apart from promoting the latest TQ theory in China, Dr. Yeh also aggressively expanded co — operation with various agencies on the offer of higher education programs. At present, there are inadequate schools in China and the entire education system 15 too rigid. On the other hand, the U. S. models 15 more flexible. Most of the universities adopt the credit system and students have the liberty to choose any Course that they like. Upon completion of all required units, the student’s wil1 receive the diploma and degree. Although the number of students attending universities in China 15 on the upward trend, it just represents a small portion of the population. In this respect, Southwest International University provides an alternative for those in China who are eager to learn and seek high quality continuous education.

Dr. Henry T. Yeh received his Ph.D. in business, MBA degrees from Baruch College, CUNY in the 90s and MS degree in Operations research from Columbia University. He has taught at CUNY and St. John?s University and worked at TWA. He is currently teaching at Southwest International University USA. One of the largest distance learning universities.

Educational Toys: A Brief Glance

It is considered a great contribution to a child’s educational growth if parents are able to educate their child before formal education begins. Most parents let schools do most of the educating. From teaching a child to count, write his name, and read, these are all being handed down to educators. Child educational growth is only successful when there is a combined effort of the teacher, the parent, and the child itself.

There is a huge difference in a child when a parent is actively involved the child’s education compared to the one who is being left on his own. The difference is not only visible in the child’s ability and the quality of output but it has a huge impact in the development of the child’s attitude and self image. The child’s first venue for learning is always the home. Therefore, it is important to select activities and toys for the child that will not only keep him or her busy but will also develop his emotional, mental, and physical well-being. This is now where educational toys come in.

Since many child psychologists complain about the senselessness of toys for kids, toy manufacturers have created a wide selection of toys that guarantees fun, excitement, and at the same time meet the demands of these experts.

For every time a child enters into a particular stage of growth, his or her playing habits also change and this also means that the kind of toy that used to catch his interest may no longer be apple of his eyes. Therefore, there is a need to change his toys that match his interest.

Toys have a powerful impact on the child gender identities. One experimental study shows that little girls ages five to eight who are exposed to Barbie dolls feel bad about their bodies compared to girls who are exposed to dolls with rational physiques. As children grow up, gender stereotyping on toys become more and more evident. For instance, boys who used to play comfortably with girl toys such as dolls, tend to keep away from playing girl toys for fear of being labeled as “girlish” or “gay” with their male friends. Therefore, dolls that were supposedly created to stimulate imagination and creativity among teens and pre-teens may turn out to be not the best educational toys for them because it only promotes gender marginalization and desensitization.

Toy companies, similar to all other industry, aspire towards making money. However contrasting in countless other businesses, the object of the market of the toy industry is kids who are not sufficiently equipped with the capability to dispute these businesses’ statement or question the implication of their offers. The actuality that the toy makers sell openly to a key market that depends on middlemen - their parents - to buy the goods is in itself an outstanding interest.

The effect is an obscure situation in which toy businesses assert that they are defending the kid’s buying privileges through clear-cut publicity, while critics dispute that these businesses are developing a powerless population.

Take a look at some of the top UK retailers who sell fashionable baby clothing in Amongo.co.uk, a baby clothing portal that lets you read some independent reviews about Evisu baby clothing and other baby clothing retailers.

What is the Difference Between Traditional and Online Universities?

Online universities offer you the availability to further your education without ever having to leave you home. You can also study at your own pace, when and where you want to.

For many years it has been known that not everyone has the availability to attain some form of higher education. Availability may be limited due to a full-time job, family, or just a lack of time. However, these obstacles can be overcome by advancing your education through an online university. An online university can allow you to attain a degree from the comfort of your home, at your own pace, and allows you to study where and when you want. If you have a computer, advancing your degree through an online college may be right for you.

Online universities have a plethora of choices when it comes to degree programs. Often they have a very diverse catalog of online courses that are designed to meet the restricted schedules and budgets of online students. Students can attain comprehensive online classes from colleges that are focused on tailoring educational plans chosen by students. The number one benefit for taking online courses is that they give you the convenience of studying in a comfortable, private environment that you are familiar with.

Time

With an online university you can often take as little or as much time as you need to complete the program. However, you will still need to devote significant time to your studies. Online universities and colleges often set high standards for their students to ensure they achieve success. Online education requires a great deal of motivation, if you are not motivated to take the time you need to study and complete your course work, this path may not be right for you. However, online education is often perfect for people who live busy lives but need a quality form of advanced education that allows more options and is less stressful.

Some online colleges allow students to earn a degree in as little as 10 months. Also, they usually offer flexible schedules and are often very affordable. However, it is primarily up to you to determine how long it will take you to finish your chosen program of study.

Online Courses

Generally online universities offer a plethora of choices for certificate and degree programs. Some examples of degrees that are often offered are: science, business, technology, criminal justice, education, health care, human services, math, legal, and engineering. Often you can find any degree or certificate program you are searching for.

Evaluations and Grades

At certain specific time periods, professors will provide students with important feedback that determines how well they are progressing towards earning their certification or degree.

Working with other Students

Online education also allows you the freedom to work together with other students. Often online schools allow students the option of exchanging constructive information via the internet, especially when it pertains to a class topic or problem solving.

Online universities and colleges offer higher education programs at virtually any level. You may choose to take a single course, complete an associate’s degree, or even a PhD.

Traditional and online schools are different but may also have some similarities. For instance both types of school provide educational tools and information to their students. In both types of schools, students are expected to make progression in their educational path, students are still required to put in time and effort to complete course work. However, the major difference is that you do not have to travel, attend class, or compromise your current life in order to fulfill your educational needs and desires.

Seomul Evans is a SEO consultant with Dallas Search Engine Optimization Company and an Entrepreneur Blog contributor of Education articles.

What You Should Know About College Grants

Due to the high cost of college tuition, higher education may be only a dream for some. However, most colleges recognize the financial need that most students have and are willing to provide scholarships and grants to those who qualify. For many, this can help them realize their dream of a college education. Below I will discuss what exactly a grant is and the types of grants available.

What is a Grant?

Grants are similar to scholarships in the fact that they do not need to be repaid. However, many grants require updated information on the progress of the student like their GPA and need to know that they are meeting all of the obligations to receive the loan. Some grants are given to graduate students to assist in funding research or to promote study in a certain field. If this is the case, these types of grants do not help fund tuition, fees, or other expenses; but only the expenses that are needed for research. The availability of grants for undergraduates is sparse. Grant awards vary in amount and often range from $100 up to $100,000.

Grant Types

There is a wide variety of grants that are sponsored by a plethora of organizations. The common categories for grants are: student specific, subject, degree level, or for minority communities. Some common grant types are: Federal Grants, State Grants, Minority Grants, Subject Specific Grants, Student Specific Grants, and Women Grants.

Federal Grants are disbursed by the Federal government. One common grant is the Pell grant that was established in 1972 and has helped millions of low-income students pay for college. Another well known Federal grant is the Academic Competitiveness (AC) grant. It is awarded to undergraduate freshman and sophomores with excellent academic records and a demonstrated skill for leadership and service.

State Grants are awarded by each state. These grants are awarded to residents of that state and are based on merit and a need for a particular area of study. Many states offer grants for a particular field of study that is needed in that state, undergrads, low income, non-traditional students, and those who are academically proficient.

Minority grants are awarded to minority students such as African American students. These grants have helped raise the percentage of African American’s who have attained a 4 year degree.

Subject specific grants are awarded with a specific group of students in mind. Some of the most common categories for this type of grant are: non-traditional students, low income, graduate, undergrads, high school students, and military.

Grants for women are pretty much self explanatory. These grants are for women to promote the education of women in programs where they number of women enrolled is low. These programs often include science, math, and business. These grants often assist women who are at a disadvantage or those who want to return to college to finish a degree or start a degree.

If you are currently attending school or someone you know is preparing to start college let them know that you can contact the local schools in the area to find out what types of grant programs are available. However, keep in mind that you do have to meet the requirements before you will be considered for a grant. Once you receive a grant, there are also requirements that you have to meet to keep the grant. Often these requirements include a certain grade point average or you have to be enrolled for a particular amount of hours. Once you fall below the required GPA or you drop below the required hours you will often lose your grant.

Seomul Evans is a SEO Services consultant, Internet Marketing writer and contributor of Education Articles.

The Western International University Advantage: Online Degree Programs For Working Adults

With a busy work schedule, a family to take care of, and the daily grind life creates, it can feel like it’s nearly impossible to find time to attend class, much less earn a college degree and graduate. Life can be overwhelming, but earning a degree doesn’t have to be. Earning a college degree in a reasonable amount of time is achievable with online-based learning. Schools that offer online college courses have several advantages over traditional classroom-based classes.

First, online courses offer students the ability to attend class anytime and from anywhere. Some people find it easier to concentrate in the middle of the night. Others prefer waking up early to get work done. Online classes can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With online classes, the ability to retrieve class information and lectures is not constrained to a limited number of hours during the day.

Potential students looking for flexibility with their coursework can benefit from taking classes online because of the ability to tailor a curriculum to fit specific, individualized needs. With online learning, students can enroll in a single class or several classes. Course information and lectures can be found online, on campus, or at both locations. Students who choose to obtain an education online can cater to their specific learning styles and needs.

Colleges and universities may sometimes seem intimidating because of their enormous student size. Students can feel insignificant amongst their peers while attending a large lecture and may find it nearly impossible to correspond with a teacher. Online classes are less intimidating, allowing students to learn in the comfort of their own homes. Online chat and instant messaging can make it easier to establish a voice for those who have a hard time speaking out in class and need extra time to collect and prepare their thoughts. Online participation during class lectures encourages student interaction and increases the sharing of opinions and ideas between students and instructors. Instructors are also viewed as more approachable via online courses. Email, instant messaging and chat allow for fast two-way communication between the student and teacher.

Western International University (WIU), founded in Phoenix, AZ, is an exceptional educational institution offering interactive online classes for an array of degree programs, including associate, bachelor, and master programs. For over 30 years, WIU has prepared students, including working adults and international students, with educational courses designed to help them succeed in the business world.

With WIU Interactive Onlinesm is a unique interactive platform where students and teachers from anywhere in the world can connect in a live learning environment. Students log in to the virtual classroom from anywhere to watch a lecture, discuss ideas with other students, and ask questions via online chat or voice. Each session is recorded, so students who miss the real-time class can view it later at a more convenient time. The teachers at WIU are experienced professionals who have worked extensively in their respective areas of study. Learning from a successful practitioner helps a student grasp concepts that will assist them for the working world.

WIU also allows credit transfers for those who have taken classes periodically and are still looking to work towards a degree. The enrollment advisors at Western International University work students to go through previous experience to determine what is relevant and can be applied towards a degree, including previous professional training, licenses, previous completed coursework, and experiential essays.

Online degree programs from WIU help students take the steps toward advancing their career. The unique WIU Interactive Onlinesm learning environment, course flexibility, and experienced teachers make WIU the perfect institution for working adults to earn a college degree.

http://www.wintu.edu

Preparing a Substitute Teacher For Your Classroom

You need to feel comfortable with the teacher who will be relieving you for the day in having all that is needed. Make sure you have everything organized and ready to go when preparing for a substitute, you will be happy to know things went smoothly in your absence. You can make sure all is well with your class while you’re gone if you follow these simple steps to help properly prepare your substitute.

Be sure to leave a copy of the seating chart. The best thing you can do for a substitute is provide a thorough and up-to-date seating chart. Having a blank copy of the classroom desk arrangement on which they can fill in names of students is the method preferred by some teachers. Some of them like to take a picture of each student and produce a poster type seating plan that incorporates the photos. The way most other people do it is to have their students wear the same name tag all day long. Just find a way that suits you and leave some way of allowing the substitute teacher to address your students by name.

Type your daily itinerary. Your day plan is the most important thing for you to leave for your sub. It should be noted that she has no knowledge of the current unit or lesson being taught, nor the individual struggles of any students. You should provide all of this information to her so she can best prepare and deliver educational lessons to the students. Remember to write the beginning and end of each period of time. Draw attention to any duty you are accountable for all the way through the day, and don’t forget to tell the tutor where to find your student if they don’t come in from breaks after the bell.

Your students will want to know that someone is available to them to help them solve problems. Give the substitute a list of which students need extra attention and the best way she can give it to them.

If there is grading work to be done, you should leave an answer key for all assignments handed out. If it is best left up to you, make note of this for her.

Also, be sure to leave markers on the pages of your teaching materials that she will be using while they substitute for you. Put the books he or she will need in the proper order to avoid confusion.

Discuss behavior management. Individual teachers decide how to deal with behavior issues in their classes. You must convey to the sub teacher how you deal with bad or good actions during class time. How do you choose to discipline your children? Are there any benefits? List out all consequences that students have come to expect.

Get her some assistance. No doubt, the sub teacher will appreciate having a student to help them with the little things. Assign a student in your class that the substitute teacher can ask for help. You should also make note of any volunteers expected that day, and leave details for what they should do.

Make photocopies of everything in advance. Don’t expect your substitute to figure out how to photocopy things first thing in the morning. Make sure that you have all she will need on your desk, labeled and ready to make her day easier. It’s something she won’t think of, but something that will cause much turmoil in your classroom if it doesn’t get done.

Make sure you remember all the small details. Double-check that you haven’t forgot any of the little things that will help her through the day while you’re gone. Make sure she has all the keys that she will need. Just in case, leave your personal code number for the photocopier. Come up with another teacher to bounce ideas off of. In order to help your substitute’s day flow smoothly have as much prepared for her beforehand that you can. This will help you too, as you’ll be able to pick up right where she left off when you return.

Tiffany Provost writes about teacher and educational tips for HowToDoThings.com.

A Favorite Math Project

A number of years ago, I had a student who was assigned an algebra project called “Grid Co.” I don’t know if her teacher invented it or got it from someone else. I don’t even know the teacher’s name, so I am unfortunately unable to give proper credit. Regardless of where it comes from, it is one of my favorite math projects for students studying algebra.

The premise of Grid Co. is that you (the student) are a consultant hired by Grid Co., the nation’s leading supplier of fine grids for industrial and home use. (Kids always want to know what the grids are for- sometimes I have them come up with a fun use as a small creative writing extension to the project.) The people at Grid Co. want a rapid, accurate way for their sales staff to quote prices when customers call up to purchase custom grids, and it’s your job to make that possible.

Of course, what I am really looking for here is a student-made formula that can correctly spit out a price when you insert information on the dimensions of a grid. It’s a great way to help demystify formulas, which often seem like magic.

I break down Grid Co. into two portions: 2D grids and 3D grids. The 2D grids are considerably easier, so I always start with them. To give you a better idea of how I structure the project, I have included an example of the worksheet I give students at the end of this article.

Some students are pretty much able to take the assignment and run with it. However, most students need some guidance. One way I provide this is by giving students data collection tables. I find this provides focus and gets them thinking about what details are important and what details are not. (Sample data collection tables are also included at the end of this article.)

It may seem obvious, but it is critical that students actually build models and count the parts carefully. Some students run into trouble early by trying to cut corners when collecting data. For 2D grids, I usually have students just draw grids out on paper. Using dot paper (like graph paper, but with dots instead of lines) makes drawing grids easier, but it is a luxury, not a necessity. If kids want to, I’ll let them build actual 2D grids, but it does take more time than using drawings. For 3D grids, I always have students build physical models. A very wide variety of materials can be used for building grids- use what is convenient or what will appeal to your particular students. In the past, I’ve had particularly good luck with toothpicks and stale prunes (fresh prunes are a little too soft). A grid built with toothpicks and large gumdrops was a little less stable, but far prettier. If they’re available, commercial model building sets can be nice, and they won’t attract ants.

Students can almost always come up with portions of the formula on their own. For example, it quickly becomes apparent that every 2D grid contains the same number of 2 hole connectors (i.e., four- one at each corner of the grid). From there, it’s easy to see that simply multiplying the price of a 2 hole connector by 4 will obtain the total cost of the 2 hole connectors. On the other hand, figuring out how to model the number of 4 hole connectors is significantly more difficult. I let students mull it over for quite a while- usually I let them toy with the problem over the course of several days. At first, I give virtually no clues beyond the data collection chart, but after a while, I will gradually start suggesting ways to look for patterns in the data (interesting, but they don’t usually get the algorithm from this). Then, I will start helping them look at the grid from a more functional point of view. In other words, I’ll ask questions such as “Why is the number of 3 hole connectors on a given side always fewer than the length and width as measured in beams?” and “How does the number of 4 hole connectors in a row relate to the number of beams in that row?” After a while, this type of leading question will lead to the breakthroughs that students need to finally crack the algorithm.

Finally, a note for classroom teachers. I am a tutor and I also teach small groups of homeschoolers. My student who originally clued me into this project went to a small, exclusive independent school. My point is that I don’t need to deal with classroom management issues, and neither did that teacher. If I were teaching in a traditional classroom, I would structure this project somewhat differently because in its current form, the students have to deal with a lot of frustration. In the environments in which I currently work, I can manage that frustration, and I think it is educationally valuable for students to sometimes really struggle (especially when they ultimately succeed and end up with a result that really wows the people they show it to). However, in the classrooms I used to teach in, that level of frustration could easily have led to a classroom management disaster. I would still tackle this sort of project, but to head off a crisis, I would probably break the project into smaller bites and announce in advance that clues would be given out at certain pre-determined times.

P.S.- I know I haven’t given the algorithm here- I’m confident that you can figure it out if you try!

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