+

Passion In Education
October 2012

ARE YOU EDUCATION
EDUCATED?
Educated
on
Education

THE BRIDGE
VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Strong Program UC
approved -ACCREDITED!
Great Support one-on-
one with teachers and
tutors via Internet.
Quality Teachers
credentialed and highly
qualified
Flexibility can work
from wherever you have
Internet Access
Career Pathways
provides goal setting and
exploration of gifts, skills,
and passions that will
impact career choices
CATCH UP OR
GET AHEAD!
Sign up now
Genius without
education is like silver
in the mine.
~Benjamin Franklin
The education system in the United States is compulsory for all
children between 5 and 17 for most states. Most parents send
their children to public or private institutions. Approximately
10% of students are in private schools and 85% in public
school because they are tax-subsidized. Four percent of all
students are homeschooled. I suppose this means 1% are not
in any formal education. In 2010, approximately 30% of
students between 16 and 24 dropped out of high school.
CONTINUED PAGE 2
2 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012

Learn about your school options!

In 2010, there were 3,823,142 teachers in public, charter, private and
religious-based elementary and secondary schools which taught
55,203,000 students whom attended 132,656 schools. There were
440,000 yellow school buses carry over 24 million students. School
start and end times are usually created with busing in mind. Beginning
in 2008, thirty-eight states created tuition-free preschools on their
school campuses.
Students are advanced through grades K 8 much like a cohort, some
differentiation in instruction but mostly following the curriculum and
standards set by the district or state. There is current work on a
national curriculum for all states which is a hot topic today in education.
Most high schools students move through a broader curriculum and
have options for relearning material not learned in grade school all the
way up to honors. Advanced placement or international baccalaureate
courses are available at some high schools. The following page gives
you the minimum requirements for high school graduation in the US.
States and districts may make changes to
this set of minimum standards.
Do you
understand
the
education
system?
Upon the subject of
education, not
presuming to
dictate any plan or
system respecting
it, I can only say
that I view it as the
most important
subject that we as a
people may be
engaged in.
~Abraham Lincoln
CONTINUED PAGE 3


3 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012

Those are some of the facts, so how does that help
you?

We know that most students in USA are moved
through the system up through 8
th
grade. Standards
are set at each grade level. Teachers, parents and
students are aware of what the standards are and
students are tested on standards each year through
state testing. Parents are given results. What do you
do with those standard test results as teachers and
parents? Do you look for ways to improve weak
areas? Is the 8
th
grade student at an 8
th
grade level
of all subjects? If not, what should you do?
With the plethora of school materials available via
Internet and stores, there is always a way to help a
students improve in weak areas at home once they
are indentified. Remember that tests are identifiers
and are not always accurate based on the student,
the test day, the environment or other variables; but
use them to flag area of strengths and needs.

So now the student is entering high school. Test
scores are indicators for 8
th
grade teachers and high
school teachers to work cooperatively to place
students in appropriate leveled classes for English
and Mathematics. Students may fall below level, at
level or above level in those courses and are placed
in classes to best meet needs and take them to the
next level. It is in high school that many students
are found to be as low as 2
nd
grade math or reading
levels!!! If you dont believe me, ask a high school
teacher. Higher-level students need to be in classes
that will challenge them and help best ready them
for their future.

Minimum Course Studies or A-G requirements:

A. History/Social Sciences World History,
US History, Government, and Economics and
sometimes Geography 3 years
recommended
B. English/Composition/Literature 3 years
recommended
C. Mathematics Algebra 1, Geometry,
Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and
Calculus up through Algebra 2 is
recommended
D. Sciences Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Life and Earth Sciences 4 years
recommended
E. Languages other than English Spanish,
French, German, Latin, Japanese, Russian,
Mandarin Chinese, Sign Language, etc. - 4
years recommended
F. Visual and Performing Arts Drama, Art,
Orchestra, Photography, etc 1 year
recommended
G. College Preparatory 1 recommended
Many states require PE for 2 years and a health
course which include anatomy, nutrition, first aid,
sexuality, drug awareness and birth control.

Exams Many still utilize the SAT that is
focused on Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
Some schools utilize the ACT Exam that covers
Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Science.
College going students may want to look into
both.


CONTINUED PAGE 4


4 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012
Students and parents need to understand the A-G requirements in order for students to complete high school in a
timely manner with their end goal in mind. Students may finish early or be sent to a school where they can catch
up. Some students will take college classes concurrently with colleges to work towards an Associates Degree.

A statement I hear often is Not all children are going to go to college. I have thought about this issue for a long
time. Teachers, being college graduates and understanding that higher education leads to better future, have
definitely pushed college. But do we REALLY think all students should go to a 4-year college?

What are the other choices? A high school diploma wont get you far these days but you cannot even work at fast
food places without it now. Some students are good at trades. Some students will work in a family business but
should still get some business education. We need all skills in a community from cleaning up the side of the
highway to brain surgery. How do we lead students down the path that best fits them?

Some Options:
Trade school Find a skill: culinary, business, healthcare, fashion, graphic design, information technology,
cosmetology, flight, fashion design, graphic design, animal care, automotive, legal, media arts, concrete, HVAC,
construction, interior design, lawn care, sports, recreation, day care, nursing, etc.
Check out this list of skills and high light what you enjoy:
http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/publications/9446/9446.htm
Jobs without a 4-year degree:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudreau/2012/06/21/the-best-jobs-that-dont-require-a-bachelors-degree/
Undergrad Degrees that lead to high salaries:
http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/degrees.asp

Four-Year Colleges and Universities There are many types of colleges now. Again, work through high school
with the end in mind. Certainly higher degrees will bring with it a steadier income if it is followed by good work
ethic and follow through.
2012s Best Jobs for Bachelor Degree Grads:
http://www.economicmodeling.com/2012/05/07/2012s-best-jobs-for-bachelor-degree-grads/

Community College - This is a great financial choice. You can be admitted to any of the 112 Community Colleges
whether you have a diploma or not. (Some CC may differ on this item.) Students may also take college classes as
early as 7
th
grade with permission. This allows students duel credits for high school and college. Work with
current school to make sure all credits transfer. Here is an example from our nearby College of the
Sequoias:http://www.cos.edu/Admissions/Admissions/Pages/ConcurrentHS.aspx

CONTINUED PAGE 5
5 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012
If you are taking classes at the college level, make
sure the classes are transferable. Nothing is more
frustrating then working through classes in colleges
that you find dont transfer. Im not sure why they
even exist!
Dont Miss the FREE Placement Test?
On September 28, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger
signed SB946 enabling CA Community College
System to implement the Early Assessment Program
(EAP) as the placement test for California State
Universities and Community Colleges. The EAP is
part of the state testing provided to juniors in an
Algebra 2 or higher math class should take it:
http://www.collegeeap.org
Check out the video on what you can do your senior
year if you did not do well on it.
How can I best prepare my child for school? What if
my student has special needs? What if they do well
up to 8
th
grade and then fall apart? What if they work
hard to get into a four-year college and then find out
they want to come back home to a community
college? How do I prepare the financing for the years
at college? How do I pay for private school?
Just as you need a specialist working with you in the
medical field, you need a specialist in the area of
education to assist you with needs. Check with high
school, trade or college school counselors to make
sure you are on track. Please feel free to call on us at
Passion In Education to assist you in your educational
needs. If we dont know, we will find out!
Enjoy education and become a lifelong learner!
~Sandy
Education in our times must
try to find whatever there is in
students that might yearn for
completion, and to
reconstruct the learning that
would enable them to
autonomously seek the
completion.
6 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012
Our exciting Career Elective Courses that could help
students in the 21
st
Century include:
3D Art Modeling
3D Art- Animation
Audio Engineering
Introduction to C++ Programming
Computer Literacy
Computer Science 1/2
Digital Arts 1/2
Engineering Deign 1/2
Introduction to Entrepreneurship 1/2
Game Design
Web Design
Green Design and Technology
Image Design and Editing
Introduction to Marketing
Personal Finance
Healthy Living
Foundation for Personal Wellness

The time-bound and place-bound find it hard to
pursue degrees and careers. Online learning provides
them with option.
~Vickie Cook
Help For Parents
The Bridge Virtual Academy - 6
th

12
th
grade plus
ACCREDITED
The Bridge Virtual Academy is still accepting
students because we are open start and end times!
Work at your pace and your time. We help you
pace but its up to you! Two semesters for the
price of one until October 31st. Its a GREAT deal!
Exciting new groups of students have joined us for
the fall. Some students are focusing on getting
ahead with higher level learning courses and
some are retaking classes to improve their GPA.
We have many students practicing for SAT and
ACT through TBVA. Adult students are working
through our many Career Elective Courses.
Check out a demo to view languages available for
middle school, high school or adults! We provide
Spanish, French, German, Latin, and Mandarin
Chinese:
http://www.passionineducation.com/?q=bridge-
virtual-academy
For California students, the California High School
Exit Exam must be passed to graduate from your
comprehensive high school. Sometimes a
challenging exam for students due to the fact that
it covers material from 6
th
8
th
grade but not
tested until 10
th
grade. We have courses where
students can practice curriculum covered in the
CAHSEE.



7 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012


8 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012
9 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012


10 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012
11 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012
For Educators





Passion In Education
PRESENTS
Tyler Campbell and Denise Douglas


LEARN TO CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE
ADD ASSIGNMENTS, QUIZZES, TESTS, AND
WORKSHEETS
TAKE POLLS
CREATE YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL
LEARNING COMMUNITIES ONLINE
CONNECT WITH STUDENTS VIA SAFE CHATS
SET UP STUDENT GROUP STUDY TIMES
SAFELY POST GRADES FOR INDIVIDUAL
STUDENTS
CREATE A CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUCH AS
TESTS AND QUIZZES TO ALERT STUDENTS
THREE-HOUR TRAINING AT YOUR LOCATION
$75 PER TEACHER
Write scarl@passionineducation.com or call 559-375-4805 for more information.
Teacher Website Building
Workshop
Your website will be up and running before you leave the training!
12 www.passionineducation.com
Passion In Education
October 2012














Common Core Network Secondary
Mathematics
Location: Fresno County Office of Education
Date: Last Thursday of each month*
Time: 4:00 6:00 pm
Cost: Free
Recommended attendees: teachers, department
heads, curriculum specialist and administrators
Aug 30, Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 29, Jan 31, Feb 28,
Mar 21, Apr 25, and May 30
For more information: jdueck@fcoe.org
Teacher Opportunities
rrrr re rrrr rrrrr rrrrrrSr r1rrrS rrrrrSrrSrrrrrrr rMrrrrSrrrr rrSrrr
rrrrrsrr rSrrMrrrrSrlr
r
r rrrrrrSrrrrrrrr1rrSrrrrrr1rrrrSr rrrrrrrrr rrrrr rrr1rrS rrrrrrrSrrrrrr
rrr rrrrrSrr rrrrrr rrr rrrrrrrrr rr rrrlrrrrrrrSrrrrrrrr[r
rSSr[hhrrr r rrrrrrlrrrrlrrrhrrr r rrarrrrhr rS rrr rS rrrrrr rrSrrrr
rrrrrrrSrrrrrrrrCrrrr1rrrrCrrrrSrrrrrr rrrrrSrSrrrrrrrr rrSrrrrrrrrrrr rrrr
rSrr rrrrrrr rSrrr rS rrrrr1rrrrSr rrL rr rrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrLrrlrrr
r rrrrrr1rrr
If you would like to unsubscribe, scarl@passionineducation.com Type unsubscribe in the subject line.
http://www.passionineducation.com
scarl@passionineducation.com
PO BOX 6215
Visalia, CA 93290
559-375-4805

Common Core Math Planning a lesson
$75.00 each workshop
October 2, 9, January 29
October 16 Geometry 8 12 only
October 17 Rations/Proportions Grades 6 - 7
October 16 Fractions Grades 3 - 5
Contact: Wendy Lopez: 559-497-3790
Common Core State Standards
Region 7 Conference
$250 per person
Speakers: Daggett, Thomases, Bloomquist, Crockett
November 7 & 8, 2012
Holiday Inn Downtown Fresno
Sponsored by CCSESA and CISC Contact your COE
The Conference for Community College
Advancement
Community colleges are playing a more
important role in education today than ever.
Join Council for Advancement and Support of
Education on October 3
rd
5
th
in San Diego,
CA to hear your colleagues and create a
network.
http://www.case.org/CCCA12.html