Kansas City Schools – Diverse And Unique Programs

Horace Mann school, Kansas City
Originally uploaded by Jilby

by: Patricia Hawke


Kansas City Schools are sensitive to the needs of its students. Not only is the goal of academic success encouraged, the school system is also giving attention to the needs of its students who require extra attention. These students’ needs are addressed through programs such as PE4Life, Homeless Student Services, and the Missouri Schools Comprehensive Guidance Program.

Kansas City Schools have a mission in which the goals are to work in partnership with parents and the community and to produce students who have the knowledge, skills and abilities to develop the necessary attitude to become life-long learners with capacity for leadership and service. Students who are enrolled in Kansas City Schools will be productive and responsible citizens capable of successfully competing in a changing global society. All school districts have a mission statement, and Kansas City Schools are no different. The vision of the leaders for all Kansas City Schools states that the district is the premier school district in Missouri, and is recognized as the most valuable asset of the community, delivering quality education and thriving on diversity.

Lincoln Middle School recently launched the PE4Life program. PE4life® is a national advocacy, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to develop a country of active, healthy and academically-prepared children and youth by increasing access to quality physical education solutions. PE4life imparts the knowledge, skills, and inspiration for children to adopt a lifetime of physical activity, health and well-being. The goal of the Indianapolis Schools’ PE4 Life program is to help schools implement a quality, health-and-wellness-based PE program expected to improve fitness levels, which will, in turn, enhance academic performance.

Lincoln Middle School now has the latest technology in the field at the school’s fitness center, including heart rate monitors, interactive fitness equipment such as Dance Dance Revolution, SportWalls, leading-edge strength and cardiovascular equipment and a traverse climbing wall.

Kansas City Schools are currently coordinating homeless student services, in compliance with a state law. The Homeless Student Services assures that homeless students are provided the same free public education as other children. Kansas City Schools have over 1,000 homeless students enrolled. Services include:

1. Immediate enrollment of homeless children and youth and assistance obtaining academic and medical records,

2. Provide and or arrange school transportation to any Kansas City Schools of choice,

3. The circulation of public notice of educational rights of homeless children and youth,

4. Arrange special tutoring and education services for students outside school,

5. Assist families in obtaining medical insurance and services, and

6. Coordinate Kansas City Schools related activities with homeless shelters and agencies.

Kansas City Schools participate in the Missouri Schools Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Services program. This Kansas City Schools program emphasizes a process in which the school counselor provides a safe, nurturing environment to foster a trusting relationship with students. Students can explore their feelings and experiences in a confidential relationship.

As you can see, Kansas City Schools offer various and unique programs to students who need them.


About The Author
Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Missouri/Kansas-City/index.html

Dallas School Budget Great For Teachers

Old Dallas High School
Originally uploaded by crowt59

by: Patricia Hawke


The Dallas Schools presented a budget to the trustees that may have teachers receiving raises as high as $5000 next school year. The proposed $1.16 billion budget contains nearly $31.5 million for salary increases and new incentives for educators and support staff of the Dallas Schools. The Dallas Schools will also cover the rise in health insurance costs for its employees, instead of passing that cost on through higher premiums, which means lower pay checks.

Budget Impacts Sizes of Dallas Schools

The budget for the Dallas Schools also contains funding for the effort to have smaller class sizes in middle schools, and more arts teachers in the elementary schools. Added funds will also give the high school teachers an additional planning period. These are the things that teachers in the Dallas Schools say are important to them. These three efforts alone, proposed and encouraged by the teachers and administrators of the Dallas Schools, could take a $17.1 million bite out of the proposed budget. But all involved say that the pay off is well worth the cost. Superintendent Michael Hinojosa of the Dallas Schools called the plan a "robust, teacher-friendly" budget. Educators laud his long-term vision in an era of high-stakes testing. There is a national battle on where to spend scarce educational funds.

Pay Packages for Teachers in Dallas Schools

On average other school support staff such as administrative employees will see about a 3% raise. The Dallas Schools will create incentive stipends to encourage principals and teachers to move to "hard to staff" schools. Within the Dallas Schools there are three area high schools and two middle schools considered “hard to staff’ due to their location in low income and high crime areas. Those willing to move there could get anywhere from $6000 for teachers, to $10,000 for principals. The details of that incentive plan are still in the planning stages, but administrators in Dallas Schools feel that this will attract experienced quality teachers and administrators to the areas where their skills are the most desperately needed.

The trustees of the Dallas Schools are scheduled to vote on the budget at a meeting in June. The overall spending in Dallas Schools is expected to increase by about $38 million; however the Dallas taxpayers will not see an increase in their contribution. They will actually see a lower tax rate because of a growing tax base, increased aid for schools from the state, and lower interest payments on the 2002 bond program. Dallas Schools Teacher Union President, Aimee Bolender, said that the proposed salary increases are "more than fair, and that the other initiatives – smaller classes and more planning time – will benefit educators. More importantly it will have a positive impact on the education of the students of the Dallas Schools that we serve”.


About The Author
Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Texas/Dallas/index.html

Choosing the Right Typing Tutor for Your Kids

by: June Shu


There is no one important skill than the typing skill in today's computer oriented world. From the server in a supermarket to a CEO in a corporation, from a clerk in a company to a president in an enterprise, typing skill is necessary. As well as a home worker, the typing skill is important, however. So the earlier you master the typing skill, the more advantage you take.

For your kids, typing skill is just as important as writing. Writing can help your kids communicate with others free, also typing skill is the same effect, even more convenient, however. Nowadays, kids live in the computer world, and they communicate with others by internet, such as email, msn instead of the tradition communication mode: letter. Then teach your kids typing skills when they are young, and typing skill will become second nature to them.

Kids learn things easier than adults. But for kids starting learning typing skills, they just "play" with the keyboard. This is a waster of time for them and, worse, kids get into the bad habit of typing with two fingers. However, if kids can learn correct typing techniques with proper finger placement and movement and without looking at the keyboard, no more hunt and peck and two finger typing. It will help them with school work: do research, surf the web, write papers, and save time with school work!

Apparently, choosing the right typing tutor for your kids is so important. The typing tutor is to help your kids develop a good typing habit in their earlier age. Once kids develop a good typing habit, their typing speed and accuracy can develop.

Here, list a few advantage when choosing a right typing tutor.

First, the typing tutor must be easy to use. For kids, they have no more computer skill, and then the typing tutor may give kids easy instruction how to use it and how to take practice as well.

Second, the typing tutor must be fun. For kids' nature, they like funny things and are willing to learn what they are interesting in. As parents known whether children want to learn a thing or not largely depends on whether they are attracted by it. Based on this, the typing tutor must be appealing to children. Once children love and develop interest in it, they will learn to type on their own initiative.

Third, the tying tutor must have rich features. For kids, they are always fond of the colorful interface things and like to do the thing when playing. So the typing tutor should offer rich features for them. When kids learn to type, they can enjoy the playing pleasure, as well as the study pleasure.

Fourth, the typing tutor may include a complete course for learning to type. After all, parents want kids to learn typing, and master the typing skills. So the typing tutor not only offers the course from the basic keys to the sentences, but also offers the course from typing practice to typing test. Kids can start learning typing with individual letters, then move smoothly on to words and complete sentences. Children can advance at their own pace, without pressure.

Finally, the typing tutor should offer typing games. Generally, kids naturally like to play games, because when playing games, they are always attracted by the colorful interface and pretty music in the games, and above all, they're able to learn something quickly under no pressure.

Finding an effective typing tutor for your kids is necessary. When your kids develop their interesting in learning typing and, they master the typing skills quickly. To find a right typing tutor for your kids, visit GS Typing Tutor at http://www.typingstar.com/


About The Author
June Shu http://www.typingstar.com/

When is Tutoring Appropriate? Five Tips to Help Your Child

By: Chris Robertson

There is much written about the ways in which children today are overscheduled. Between school, homework, sports, dance, band, and community service projects, it's difficult to carve out even an hour a day for family time. Still, many parents find themselves considering whether or not to get tutoring for their children. It's rarely an easy decision to make, so here are five tips to help you determine when it's appropriate to engage the services of a tutor.

1. Raising Grades. Tutors can help children raise their grades. If your child is falling behind in math, for example, a math tutor can work with your child to help him or her understand the curriculum and become better prepared for class work and for tests. If your child is falling behind in several subjects, tutoring can help him or her raise his or her overall grade point average.

2. Acceleration. Tutoring can be an excellent tool for gifted and accelerated students who either need more advanced coursework or who could benefit from work with more depth and complexity. Keeping a gifted or accelerated learner engaged and interested in schoolwork can sometimes be challenging, and tutors can provide your child with the stimulation he or she needs to stay on track in school.

3. Increasing Self-Confidence. There are any number of reasons why a child may develop a defeatist attitude or lack self-confidence in an academic setting. Whatever the reason, this lack of confidence can negatively impact his or her attitude towards school, choice of friends, and grades. The right tutoring program can help your child become motivated to succeed and feel confident in his or her ability to master the class curriculum. In turn, that confidence will positively impact other areas of his or her life.

4. Instilling Self-Discipline. Children often fall behind because they haven't developed good note-taking habits, good study habits, and good homework habits. Tutors can teach your child how to succeed in school both through being enthusiastic role models and through teaching specific strategies for listening and studying.

5. Test Preparation. Today's competitive academic environment means that students must score well on tests like the SAT, ACT, and GRE in order to be accepted to the schools of their choice. Tutoring can help students both master the material that is likely to be covered on the tests, as well as teach students proven test taking skills that will ensure that their knowledge is reflected in their test scores.

If you decide to engage the services of a tutor, keep in mind that there are many different types of services available. There are, for example, franchises that require you to drop off your child for one-on-one or group tutoring. There are also companies that provide a tutor who will come in to your home for individual tutoring. Finally, there are companies that provide one-on-one online tutoring. Given most families' busy schedules, companies that offer in-home or online tutoring provide the most flexibility - and often the greatest returns - on your investment in your child's future.


Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: tutoring
Visit Majon's Education directory.

The Key To Efficient Language Learning - Words + Sounds

By: Michael Gabrikow

First of all, this article is meant to emphasize on the importance of the words + sounds combination when learning a new language. This does not mean that the third factor that often comes into play, images, is not important. Actually, images are extremely important in any language learning process, especially in the beginning when you're trying to form a basic vocabulary.

But if you want to become a complete polyglot, speaking your secondary languages fluently and learning them efficiently, it's the sound + word combination that comes in most handy. Think about it - what good does it do if you know a language "on paper" and you can understand something read of spoken in that language, but can't speak it yourself? After all, the essence of learning a secondary language is achieving BOTH the understanding and making yourself understood parts.

Oftentimes, making yourself understood is a lot harder than understanding a language. There are a lot of people out there that state they "know" a language, but they can't speak it. That's because they only learnt using words and not sounds as well.

So let's assume you're just starting to learn German as a secondary language. As soon as possible (meaning from your first few lessons), start pronouncing the words you read and memorize. Say them out loud a few times and read them so you can hear your self. Of course, you won't get them right at first and it's normal. But at least you have a chance to see how your mind expresses that word in sounds. You may wonder why I consider this so important. Well wherever you live, you must have at least one foreign neighbor with a clumsy accent. The reason they have this clumsy accent is that they learn the language using the rules and pronunciation barriers of their own mother tongue.

In order to defeat this problem, you need to try and set aside your natural pronunciation rules when learning a new language. Try and memorize words after hearing them as well as reading them (language learning online is best for this scope since there are many interactive websites that offer audio covering to their text) since this will allow you to learn both their correct pronunciation and spelling. Our brain is also more used to picking up new words "heard" than read (as children, we build up most of our vocabulary through hearing). At this point, if you can also combine the word with an image - you can be sure that word is never coming out of your vocabulary and out of your memory.

Ok, this might be the perfect language learning pattern, but it's not always that easy to get to hear the words in the first place. Most language courses and online language lessons will simply throw you a list of common words in the language you're studying and tell you to memorize them robotically, without an additional image or audio extension. Try to avoid these websites and look for something interactive, something that gives you the written list AND the ability to hear them being pronounced. I found several websites that do this and although they're great to use, they are only available for a few major languages.

By the way, one common mistake when learning words through the sound + word system is becoming satisfied with half-measures. For example, you try pronouncing a word and it doesn't come out quite as how the audio source sounds and you say "it's ok, I'll perfect it over time". You won't, or at least not for all the half-measure words you've learnt. Try to get them to sound as closely as possible to the native speaker, since if these words get "printed" to your brain with a wrong pronunciation format, chances are it will be very hard for you to correct them later.

So if you intend to learn a foreign language with the purpose of making yourself understood, not only understanding what others say, learn not to think in your own native language! Some call this the "parrot method" since it simply involves copying what others say, mindlessly, just like a parrot.


Increase your foreign language vocabulary at online language games at www.InternetPolyglot.com. The site contains thousands of lessons in different languages from English, Spanish, French, Russian to Hindi, Turkish, Ukrainian and many others.

Integrating Daily Life with Reading Comprehension

Did you know there are many questions you could ask your child during common, daily activities that would reinforce a reading skill? Below are just a few scenarios.

1. Riding Around Town

a. Have your child name beginning, middle, or ending letters and sounds for the names of stores, streets, and auto tags. Reverse the questioning by saying you see a store beginning with a certain letter or sound and ask your child which one it is.

b. Reinforce sequencing by telling a couple of letters in a store or street name and asking which one comes next.

c. Practice classifying by asking how many restaurants, clothing stores, pet stores, etc. your child sees on a block or in a shopping center. Instead of how many, ask your child to name them.

d. To reinforce adjectives and nouns, have your child describe what he sees using as many of the five senses as possible.

e. Take this opportunity to practice left and right!! When approaching an intersection, ask which way you are going to turn and do not accept "That way!" as an answer!

2. Going Grocery Shopping

a. Read the ingredients of a product. Which is the most prevalent? (Clue: The answer is the first ingredient listed.)

b. Find the nutrition information on the label. How much sugar, or anything else, is in the product?

c. Locate the cooking directions. Will you be able to microwave the item? If you have to prepare it and have only 30 minutes to do so, will you have enough time if you buy this product?

d. How is the store laid out? Make a rough diagram when you get home. Will you find apples where the cereal is? Will you find spaghetti on an aisle labeled Pasta?

e. Compare two similar products for nutrition value, time to prepare, price, etc. Which is the healthiest? Which is the better value?

3. Going to a Restaurant

a. The menu is a great teaching tool! Have your child read the name of the 3rd vegetable, the description of the 8th entree, the price of the 5th dessert, etc.

b. Read the name of a food, yourself, and ask your child to read the description; or read the description and ask for the name of the food.

c. Choose your entree and describe it. Is there anything sweet in it? Spicy? Review adjectives and nouns and be specific (ie: instead of big hamburger, try extra-large hamburger).

d. Compare two entrees for same and different ingredients.

e. Predict how a new entree or vegetable will taste.

f. For math, estimate the total cost and the amount of tax. Do NOT use a calculator!

4. Watching TV and/or Movies

a. What a great way to reinforce reading schedules! Use the TV Guide or newspaper for these answers. What starts on Tuesday at 8 PM on channel 4? When does that show end?

b. Tell your child the name of a show that you watch on Friday. Use the schedule to find the channel and time it starts. Try naming a program your child does not watch so he will not automatically know the answer.

c. If you are allowed to watch only one TV show, but there are two you would like to see, what will be the criteria for which one you choose? Reinforce critical thinking!

d. Read the description of a particular episode. Can you determine if it will be funny or scary? What will make you decide if you are going to watch it?

e. At the beginning of the show, predict the outcome. At the end, were you right? During a commercial, ask your child to predict what will happen in the next scene.

f. Practice summarizing by writing or telling a synopsis of the show when it is over. Make sure to answer the who, what, where, when, and why questions.

g. Describe, in detail, a particular character. How would you change him?

Rather than having a 30-minute lesson, questions should be sprinkled throughout the day, especially in the summer and on vacation! This will keep your children on their toes but not bore them!

I hope these ideas have been useful and have inspired your own creativity.

And remember...Reading is FUNdamental!!

Freda J. Glatt, MS, retired from teaching after a 34-year career in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her focus, now, is to reach out and help others reinforce reading comprehension and develop a love for reading.

Visit her site at http://www.sandralreading.com. Reading is FUNdamental!

Source: http://www.websition.com/

How To Find The Best Foreign Language Courses?

You have precisely made up your mind to master foreign language and to bring the knowledge of this language to perfection? For sure you want to prove yourself that you can cope with mastering a foreign language. Good command of this language became the point of honor for you or you just want to understand what the beset people are talking about. You may need the knowledge of this language for studying, work or business. In a word, you want to grapple this troublesome point last and all the time. No problems, all these goals are achievable; the main point is to have a strong motivation and to be consistent with what exactly you want to attain, to have an eager desire to cognate the language and to find a place where all your plans will see their realization.

This place is highly qualified language courses with One-to-One teaching by experienced teacher in a relaxed home atmosphere and perfect acquisition of this language is in the bag. Nothing of the sort. Preliminary, you have to confront with the choice of language courses. It is a well-known fact that a variety of foreign language courses is rather broad and bewildering. There are estimated to be more than 1000 language courses in the UK. It will be rather difficult to enumerate the quantity of such organizations in the USA. It can absolutely distract you. As they sprang up like mushrooms and it is very easy to go astray in their diversity, even for the most versed teacher.

That's why you must be guided by clearly - cut set of selection criteria in the choice of your language courses. The majority of people make a lot of abstract demands for what they want from the courses. They know for sure that they want good quality of teaching for reasonable prices. People are definite that their experience of studying the language must be positive. And for sure they want to acquire this language at the very least. It is impossible to argue with these criteria of choice and indeed they have a place. But these criteria are obviously not enough to choose the language courses successfully and not to put one's foot into it. It is very simple to buy a pig in a poke. As some people make a lot of illusions about courses and when they don't find the courses which meet all their demands they give way to blank despair and make a random choice. Hence, one shouldn't create any illusions, but approach to the choice of the courses very responsibly and to examine thoroughly all the selection criteria of the foreign language courses which are offered below.

NB! All of these criteria are based on the personal experience, tested in practice and provided with the pin - point comments.

Pay special attention to these points when you choose the courses to attend.

* The facilities the courses have: libraries, study room, computers and special learning language facilities.
Remember that technical support of studying is very important as it can make the process of language acquisition less laborious, but more enjoyable and can enhance the results of your studying and speed up the process of mastering the language.

* The location of the courses.
It is clear that you are ready to overcome any obstacles on your way to language acquisition, but you can not but agree with me that it would be more suitable if the courses were located somewhere not too far a way from your house or dormitory.

* The size of the class.
A class size of up to 10 students is small; 10-15 is average and over the class which includes 15 students is large. Keep in mind one very significant point when choosing the courses. The smaller the group is the better it is. It can be explained very easily if there are few people in the class a teacher can approach to each student individually.

* The levels of abilities the classes are divided into and the way they are determined.
It is important for you to be in the class with the students who have approximately the same level of abilities as you do, because the appropriate course of studying is sorted out according to the level of language acquisition you acquire. Be sure to write a test which will determine the level of your language acquisition and your abilities.

* The quantity of hours of classes per week.
At least 15 hours per week are required for a student visa. It is also significant for a kind of program you'll choose. For instance, if you choose the intensive course so the quantity of hours of classes per week increases twice from the quantity of hours required for the standard course.

* The time of the day the classes are held.
The prices for morning, afternoon and evening classes usually vary. So if time permits make use of the opportunity to pay less for the courses and to choose the morning or afternoon groups, as the fee for these classes is always lower.

* The nationality and age of your classmates.
Remember that if the proportion of the foreign students is more than a half, it is more evidently that studying in such class will present some difficulties for you; hence it'll be better to refuse from such a proposal. The age is also important, because people of different ages perceive information in different ways, quicker or slower, so the types of exercises and the speed of studying will be different.

* The qualification and experience of the teacher.
It is not a secret for anyone that approximately 30 percents of academic success depends on the teacher, so redouble your vigilance at the very first test lesson in the courses and make sure that the manner of teaching and personality of the teacher suit you. If you have any hesitations change to study under different teacher without any doubts.

* The nationality of the teacher.
Remember that it is better if the teacher is a native speaker of the language.

* The textbooks and teaching methods which are utilized.
These are the points which must be highlighted. Pay special attention to the books offered by the courses. They must be well - structured, illustrated, contain a small vocabulary at the end, the list of irregular verbs, a section where the grammar points are explained. And for sure the teaching methods. I can give one and the same advice for everybody, even for the person who isn't familiar at all with a methodic of teaching. Attend the classes of your future teacher before starting the course and from the very first lesson you'll be able to identify whether the lesson is interesting or not, whether the students are bored or active while accomplishing the tasks assigned by the teacher, whether the lesson is vivid and different types of procedures are modified during the lesson. So you should feel the desire to get involved in the lesson, to participate in it.

* The credibility of the courses.
Note that if the courses were established not so long time ago, it is more evidently that they didn't establish solid reputation and wouldn't be able to provide you with all the necessary facilities, professional teachers and guarantee you respectable certificate.

* The recognition of the courses by the Council of the country the language of which you are studying.
This factor is highly important when choosing language courses. If the courses are recognized by the Council it acknowledges that the level of language teaching offered in these courses is adequate. Keep in mind that courses attached to the Council are always more respectable. First, the tutors there are native speakers. Second, the certificate of The Council is generally accepted.

* The curriculum of the course.
Clarify at once whether the course you are going to take is a set of modules designed for students taking short-term courses or it is a full structured course.
Keep in mind that the way the language is taught is a very important point, because the methodic of teaching foreign language as a second language differs much from the methodic of teaching this language as a native one.

* The variety of programs the courses can offer (business, conversational language, language for some specific fields, for Law, for medicine, intensive course).
The diversity of the languages and programs the courses can propose adds up to their credibility and reliability.

* The longevity of holidays.
For sure there must be a break in studying, but it mustn't be too long for you not to forget everything you've learned. You must be in the language speaking environment as much as possible. Hence, the language must be on the credit side, you should use the language actively.

* The courses fee.
Check all the money details very carefully. Check whether the registration fee is included in the general price for course. Get to know what a variation of fee for different programs is. Make sure if there any discounts for the program you are going to attend.

* The organization of any extracurricular activities: social events, excursions, discussion halls.
Get to know if there is any extra charge for these.

Hope that these selection criteria of the foreign language courses will come in handy to you and will help you choose the courses where you master the language perfectly well. Test them in practice and make certain that they are sure fire to work.

About author:

Linda Correli is a staff writer of www.CustomResearchPapers.us. She helps students write college research papers, term books, admission essays, book report and many other types of writing assignments: from personal statements to professional case studies. For more information and help, please, go to: http://www.customresearchpapers.us

Source: http://www.websition.com/