Sunday, January 23, 2011

Administrating Special Education in Our Schools - A Book Review

Special education in our schools is something that is very serious, and it costs a lot of money. We have some of the best and brightest figuring out how to do it correctly, and keep the costs low so we can afford to operate our school systems for all the kids. It is quite a challenge for us, but it is a major responsibility and a task we cannot ignore. If you'd like to read more information on this very serious subject I'd like to recommend a very good book to you.

This book explains the ins and outs of the reality behind what's going on. It's interesting that this book is well over 20 years old, but the same problems they've identified previously are the exact issues and problems that we have now. The name of the book is;

"Educational Administration and Special Education: a Handbook for School Administrators" by C. Lamar Myers, 1982

This is basically a Handbook for School Administrators, and although these curriculums had changed since it was originally published in 1982 most everything holds true today. Especially the concerns identified in the book concerning the funding of local and rural special-education, and the procedures that we use. We still have a shortage of qualified personnel in this field and that will probably continue and increase into the future.

The book also explains the history, which is quite fascinating and important to understand, so you can understand how we got to where we are today. The book also covers several other important topics such as;

What Are Sensory DisabilitiesIssues with Hearing, Behavioral DisordersOrganizational ModelsDifferences Between Small and Large School DistrictsBudget ChallengesThe Politics of Special-Education

Originally the rules were; not mainstreaming, rather "least restrictive alternative" or the least restrictive environment. Next, there were master plans for special education set up across the country. The author poses some questions that to this day still have not been rightfully addressed in special ed in many places. And goes into an in-depth look at; IEP's -Individual Education Plans; but first an assessment is needed. I hope you will please consider all this.


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Get the Best Grades With the Least Amount of Effort Review

'Get the Best Grades with the Least Amount of Effort' is a unique collection that reveals the secrets of studying ways. This product is quite mature because it was released on 15th April 2008. In ReviewCritical.com's subcategory: Test Prep & Study Guides, it ranked #1. You can imagine how much sales and how many people bought this product.

For me such an undergrad student, this is the must-tool-to-have as it thought me how to learn smart (not hard). As young man, i love mingling with my mates. Nothing wrong with that, BUT how about the continuous assignments we've got? Final project maybe? Do we have enough time to do many things in one time? Hell no! Just robots can do that.

This book taught how to manage your times as well. Do not have to worry much how to handle the study and social life because this book will teach you how to become super learner. 'Get the Best Grades with the Least Amount of Effort' is a collection of secrets and hidden techniques that students maybe don't know or maybe they do not realize.

The students always had the problems with times. I admit, I always try hard to learn in first 30 minutes in lecture hall, but end up losing direction for another 30 minutes. In the end of semester, last minute study is the only option. Anybody does not like it, because we have to do revision until 4 am or maybe even lucky, NOT SLEEP AT ALL!.

In 'Get the Best Grades with the Least Amount of Effort' you will learn how to absorb, remember and digest lots of information quickly and easily. Here, I give you the best parts of this product:

* A very simple formula to improve your grades, which is very interesting, easy to apply

* How to prepare for your test

* 5-steps system to organize your work, social life, family and sports

* 6 effective methods to remember facts or information and at the same time, having fun!

* 7 studying shortcuts that save time WITHOUT compromising results, so you can complete your schoolwork in the shortest time possible

* How to determine exactly what will be on your next exam.

* And much more


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Recommended Asian Languages Learning Software

The need to learn Asian languages is growing because more and more businesses are shifting their focus to Asia. This brings about the need to interact with people here in their respective regional languages as such interaction can bring about better understanding. The easiest way to get started with learning an Asian language is by using learning software.

There are quite a few learning software packages available. Key points to check up when you are considering any particular software is the teaching methodology, the number of languages taught and the depth of learning that is provided through the software. One software package that quite popular is the Rocket Languages Software. You can learn various languages through it like Arabic, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Mandarin. The approach is through multimedia and the lessons covered enable the learner to assimilate through hearing first and concentrates on building vocabulary so that the language foundation is strong.

The innovative aspect about this software is that is includes vocals from local speech, and this gives an idea of a how a word is spoken normally. This software enables you to learn a multitude of Asian languages in a short while.

Asian languages are different because of their sounds, large vocabulary enriched by thousands of rich and colorful cultures and histories. Some languages such as Chinese and Japanese are very different because of their intricate script and complex system. Learning such languages is made easier through language learning software as it focuses on the basic aspects that enable the learner to overcome their initial difficulties in language understanding and paves way for fluent conversation and script understanding.

The advantage of using learning software is that they give you the freedom to learn at your own pace, which is necessary when learning a new language. They also provide interesting audios and use various multimedia effects to reinforce learning, so that the learner is encouraged to know more about the language and also infuses motivation to imbibe from other sources as well.


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9 Key Chapters of the "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle" Book

The Build Your Own Electric Vehicle paperback book by by Seth Leitman and Bob Brant is one of the top selling manual for electric car enthusiasts. Anyone who is planning to convert a gas guzzler to run on pure electricity would need a conversion manual to assist them.

The following are 9 key chapters covered in the Build Your Own Electric Vehicle book:
1) Why electric vehicles are still right for today - In this chapter, the authors pen in their views on the practicality of pure electric car as the transportation vehicle for the masses.

2) Electric vehicles save the environment and energy - In this portion of the book, the authors cover the environmental aspects of using an electric car. Issues such as fuel efficiency, toxic solid waste, power utilities companies, green solution etc are discussed.

3) The history of EV - If you like his history, you will love this chapter. Leitman and Brant go back as far as the 1900 to discuss the time line of the EV history. There are pictures showing one of the first electric car from Detroit Electric Company to the modern Tesla Roaster.

4) The best electric vehicle for you - In this chapter, discussion will be made on the nuts and bolts of building your own EV. Readers will be exposed to the idea of buying a ready-to-run car from the manufacturers and getting the service of a custom shop.

5) Chassis and design - This chapter is specially written for the techno geeks. It's time to bring out your calculator because you will be proving formulas on net weight, acceleration, rolling resistance, aerodynamics, balance, airflow etc.

6) Electric motors - You won't be able to build your own EV without understanding the electric motor. In this chapter, discussion is made on the science behind the motor such as magnetism, Direct Current, Alternate Current, etc.

7) The Controller - Understanding the brain of the EV. All electric cars need a controller to monitor all its electrical components. For a beginner, you will learn about the different controller such as switch, solid-state, AC, DC, off the shelves, Curtis etc.

8) Batteries - The power source of the electric car. To build your own battery bank, you have to understand the science behind the lead acid battery. To get the best out of the battery bank, you have to find space to store them and link them all together in series.

9) The charger and electrical system - The final part in this EV conversion manual is the discussion on the battery charge and all the electrical system and how everything in linked together. This chapter will brush up your knowledge on electrical engineering.


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Free Enterprise Learning and For Profit Colleges - Book Review

Everyone knows that our schools, high schools, colleges and even our universities are just not what they used to be. Many believe it is due to the children and their upbringing, parenting. Indeed, it is some of that and the lack of discipline in school. And yes, it is true that the school districts are generally top heavy, and the funding often doesn't get into the classroom where belongs.

Other challenges with our schools include the political correctness, the overwhelming support staff is now required, and the costs of special education, lawsuits, and just general poor management. But what if we made our schools into for-profit enterprises? Could they work well then? Well, if this topic interests you, I'd like to recommend an extremely excellent book that you should read about an entrepreneur who saw an opportunity and is changing the way we think, the way we teach, and the way we go to college. The book is;

"Rebel with a Cause; The Entrepreneur Who Created the University of Phoenix and For Profit Revolution in Higher Education," by John Sperling.

The underlining principle to the University of Phoenix is that one can earn a degree while they are still working, going to night classes during the evening, and work during the day. With a higher degree comes higher salaries, and increased opportunity for forward advancement in the market place and in your job career. I'm not sure if you've ever been to a University of Phoenix, but I have and I have spoken at some of the classrooms.

I have been very impressed with this business, and very impressed with many of the individuals who have graduated from the University of Phoenix. I believe you should learn the secrets of this for-profit revolution in higher education. And consider what it means for the future. I hope you will think on it.


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