SAT Officials Vow More Security After Cheating Arrests on Long Island

SAT Officials Vow More Security After Cheating Arrests on Long Island By WINNIE HU and JENNY ANDERSON, NYTimes

The College Board said it was hiring a former F.B.I. director to review its testing procedures.

Clearing Up Some Confusion About the New Federal Student Loan Rules

Clearing Up Some Confusion About the New Federal Student Loan Rules By RON LIEBER, NYTimes
Ron Lieber, Your Money columnist, answered readers’ questions about the recent changes announced by President Obama on federal student loans.

• In Denver, Obama Seeks Student Support


• President to Ease Student Loan Burden for Low-Income Graduates

At Elite Schools, Easing Up a Bit On Homework

At Elite Schools, Easing Up a Bit On Homework By JENNY ANDERSON, NYTimes

Some of New York City’s most competitive high schools, like Dalton, Trinity and Horace Mann, are working to address student stress.

Envisioning University of Future, in Person or Online

Envisioning University of Future, in Person or Online By D.D. GUTTENPLAN, NYTimes

A conference in Madrid ponders an era of escalating costs and ever-increasing mobility, predicting that the duration of academic programs would shrink and that huge classrooms will become less the norm.

Net-Price Calculators: New tools to calculate the real cost of college

New tools to calculate the real cost of college | Marketplace From American Public Media

The sticker price keeps some students from applying to certain universities. But by Oct. 29, colleges will be required to post calculators on their websites that provide a better idea of what students will pay. (download mp3)

Radio Essays Explore Technological Creativity

VOAVideo: Radio Essays Explore Technological Creativity

There are mechanisms in nature as well as in human endeavors like engineering and art. Since 1988, the creative manipulation of these mechanisms has been explored in short radio essays about the history of technology called 'The Engines of Our Ingenuity'. The man behind the series is retired University of Houston engineering professor, John Lienhard, who broadcasts his essays Monday through Friday from the university's public radio station, KUHF. Through the Internet, he now has fans all over the world.

Facebook’s Impact on Student Grades

Facebook’s Impact on Student Grades By REBECCA R. RUIZ, NYTimes

The New York TimesHow does Facebook activity affect a student’s grades?

Report Supports the Practical Value of STEM Diplomas

Report Supports the Practical Value of STEM Diplomas By THE NEW YORK TIMES The Choice Blog

Over at The Times’s Economix blog, Motoko Rich reports today on a new study from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce that indicates that college students might do well to study science, technology, engineering or math.

How to Take the SAT

HowCast: How to Take the SAT

Doing well on the SAT can mean the difference between attending your first choice and your safety school, so you'd better learn what to do.

To complete this How-To you will need:
A computer with internet access
A registration form
Practice tests
A photo ID
2 #2 pencils
A calculator
Punctuality
Confidence
A library or bookstore (optional)
An SAT registration book (optional)
SAT resource books (optional)

Step 1: Register for the test
Register to take the SAT by signing up online at collegeboard.com or by mailing the registration form found in the SAT registration book, available in your school counselor's office.

Tip: Signing up for an online account allows you to register, view your SAT scores, and send them to colleges.

Step 2: Get registration confirmation
Receive your registration confirmation and admission ticket either online or via snail mail.

Step 3: Prepare
Prepare for the test well in advance by studying, reviewing, and taking practice tests that can be found online.

Tip: There are many books available at your local library or bookstore that will assist you in preparing. Ask a librarian or bookseller for assistance in finding them.

Step 4: Bring supplies on your test day
Bring your SAT admissions ticket, a photo ID, two no. 2 pencils, and a calculator.

Step 5: Take the test with confidence
Be confident and relaxed when taking the test. The payoff could be entrance to the college of your dreams.

Step 6: Arrive on time or early
Arrive to the test center on time or early. Your confirmation will affirm your test time

Thanks for watching How To Take the SAT! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

As Online Courses Grow, So Does Financial Aid Fraud

As Online Courses Grow, So Does Financial Aid Fraud By TAMAR LEWIN, NYTimes

Online college courses have proliferated, and so have financial aid scams. Investigators are fighting to keep up.

How To Study For the SAT

Howcast: How To Study For the SAT
Succeeding on the SAT isn't just about what you know, but also about how you approach the test. Study the test to be prepared.

Should the School Day Be Longer?

Should the School Day Be Longer? NYTimes, Room For Debate

While more time in the classroom may benefit children from disadvantaged backgrounds, is it right for everyone?

• Help for Parents and Society Geoffrey Canada


• Quality vs. Time in the Classroom Vicki Abeles


• Naps, Recess and the Arts Annie Murphy Paul


• Let Teachers Teach Vern Williams


• Let Students Sleep Mary A. Carskadon


• Why Not Internships? Kathleen Porter-Magee


• Targeted Time and Programs S. Paul Reville


• For Us, More Time Is Critical Richard Barth

A Call for Opening Up Web Access at Schools

A Call for Opening Up Web Access at Schools By WINNIE HU, NYTimes

Students, teachers and librarians across the United States are questioning whether schools should block Web sites.

College Offers Top Applicants Two-Thirds Off

College Offers Top Applicants Two-Thirds Off By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA, NYTimes

Seton Hall University, a private college in New Jersey, will give early applicants with strong academic credentials a tuition discount of some $21,000.

Applying for Scholarships? Think Small

Applying for Scholarships? Think Small by Emily Glazer, WSJ.com

Emily Glazer explains why students can likely forget about scoring one big scholarship and instead should try piecing together money from a host of smaller scholarships and grants.

Students’ Knowledge of Civil Rights History Has Deteriorated, Study Finds

Students’ Knowledge of Civil Rights History Has Deteriorated, Study Finds By SAM DILLON, NYTimes

Ignorance by American students of the basic history of the civil rights movement has worsened, according to a new report by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

To Hover Over Schoolwork, Parents Go Online

To Hover Over Schoolwork, Parents Go Online by Molly Baket, WSJ.com

More public and private school systems are wiring up parent-accessible data-management systems that keep track of schoolwork, grades and attendance. There are opportunities for overuse.

What if the Secret to Success Is Failure?

What if the Secret to Success Is Failure? By PAUL TOUGH, NYTimes

Why our children’s success — and happiness — may depend less on perfect performance than on learning how to deal with failure.

Bullying as True Drama

Bullying as True Drama By DANAH BOYD and ALICE MARWICK, NYTimes Opinion Page

Adults need to pay attention to the language of youth if they want antibullying interventions to succeed

At the White House with the Google Global Science Fair Winners

wh.gov: At the White House with the Google Global Science Fair Winners

President Obama welcomes the winners of the first-ever Google Global Science Fair to the White House. Go behind-the-scenes with the three remarkable, young, American women that swept the awards and hear what the journey to success has been like. http://whitehouse.gov/stem. Also read the WhiteHouse Blog post about Google Science Fair Winners.

College Graduation Rates Are Stagnant Even as Enrollment Rises, a Study Finds

College Graduation Rates Are Stagnant Even as Enrollment Rises, a Study Finds By TAMAR LEWIN, NYTimes

The group Complete College America cites factors like whether enrollment is full- or part-time, or at a two- or four-year institution.

Simply Finishing College Offers the Best Chance to Gain Financial Education

Simply Finishing College Offers the Best Chance to Gain Financial Education
By Dan Kadlec, Time.com Sep 28, 2011

In the muddied global effort to teach young people about money, one thing has become clear: college graduates pretty much have, or through experience and learning ability soon will acquire, enough personal finance smarts to effectively manage that part of their life.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the employees--past and present--of Apple, Pixar, and NeXT Computer. Steve, you were an inspiration to us all!



Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

Drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life's setbacks -- including death itself -- at the university's 114th Commencement on June 12, 2005.

Oct 2011 SAT Essay Prompt

CollegeBoard requests the public to respect the integrity of the test and NOT to post/duplicate the essay prompts. However, CollegeBoard DOES post the essay prompts after the test.

Here is the link for the essay prompts from the most recent SAT administration in October 2011.

Also check out CollegeBoard's Writing Practice webpage.

President Obama and Education Reform

Obama: Major Changes for 'No Child' Law By Ap Sep 23, 2011
Decrying the state of American education, President Barack Obama on Friday said states will get unprecedented freedom to waive basic elements of the sweeping Bush-era No Child Left Behind law614 words

Obama’s Education Waiver Plan: No Child Left Behind’s Final Chapter? By Kayla Webley, Time.com Sep 23, 2011
President Obama announced on Friday his plan to offer relief to states that are chafing under the strict requirements of No Child Left Behind, the federal education standards championed by George W. Bush in 2002.

Obama Encourages Learning to Students By Ap Sep 28, 2011
President Barack Obama is encouraging students to work hard in their classes, saying the country is counting on them.

Coming Together to Kill Education Reform By Andrew J. Rotherham, Time.com Sep 29, 2011

A new consensus is emerging in education politics. But can the center hold? And would reformers even want it to?931 words

President Obama's Third Annual Back to School Speech

President Obama's Third Annual Back to School Speech

Tells America's High School Students that They Are America's Future. September 28, 2011.

Obama Urges Students to Set Their Sights on College By MARK LANDLER

In a back-to-school address to students at an elite Washington public school, the president urged youths to work hard and set a goal to get college degrees.

After Arrest, a Wider Inquiry on SAT Cheating

SAT Fraud in New York State Exposed By REBECCA R. RUIZ, NYTimes

A 19-year-old college student from Long Island allegedly charged local high school students up to $2,500 each to sit for the SAT in their name, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday

After Arrest, a Wider Inquiry on SAT Cheating By JENNY ANDERSON, NYTimes

Testing officials said a Long Island case involving seven students was an isolated event, while others argued that the problem was widespread and emphasized the need for better security at the test.

Happy SAT!

Ready for the Test!

Day of the Test:

• Wake up fifteen minutes early to focus your thoughts.


• Eat breakfast (skip the quad latte and Red Bulll--you'll crash during the test).


• Bring Student ID


• Bring pencils, calculators, ear plugs, water, energy bar, etc.


• Leave the house early.


• Arrive early--use the spare time to encourage yourself and your friends to do your best.

During the Test

• Stand up and stretch!


• Drink water.

After the test, meet up with some friends, and celebrate. Good luck!