Criminal Justice Bachelors Or Masters - Which is Right For Me?

Taking up Criminal Justice as a course is growing more in demand for professionals to be. Many distance learning schools and traditional universities continue to enhance their programs to assure its students of the quality in education. Similar to other courses available, this course of study has several degrees to advance in the said field. There's the Bachelor's Degree and the Master's Degree. Both serve their purpose of producing a highly educated, service oriented, and respect deserved official. To achieve a career growth in Criminal Justice, it is crucial to determine whether to settle for a Bachelor's Degree or to further pursue studies and take up a Master's Degree.

Many professions under Criminal Justice require at least a Bachelor's Degree. Though not all job opportunities are strict when it comes to this compliance, it is still a wise move to take a Bachelor's Degree if there's really a desire to pursue this as a long-term profession. The Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice is a stepping stone for an advanced career. This is where Criminal Justice students fully grasp the entirety of law enforcement. Here, both physical and mental capacities of students are put into test. It is important that students of Criminal Justice are physically, emotionally, and psychologically fit to perform heavy duties of officials in the future. Critical thinking is also developed alongside understanding the legal procedures. Several positions await those who finish this degree. The most common is being a public officer who's expected to patrol the streets and keep the crowd safe from anything suspicious. There could also be some administrative works depending on the count of officers on patrol.

A Master's Degree is a big factor for those who want to be promoted to higher desk job positions. One desirable position a Master's Degree holder in Criminal Justice could bag is that of a Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) Agent. As such, he is tasked to perform undercover assignments, collect evidences, and investigate crimes. Other positions include a slot at Customs and Immigration Services. Those at Customs inspect cargos and baggage from all forms of transportation. No illegal matter or any of that content should enter the country. Those at Immigration, on the other hand, are to watch out for illegal entries crossing the border. They make sure passport holders attempting to enter the country are authentic and are legally allowed to do so. There could also be positions in other government agencies handling law compliance on firearms, alcohol, and other similar issues.

A rewarding and long-term career is attainable with any of these degrees, but a Master's Degree opens an individual to many higher positions and wider job opportunities. This means higher pay and bigger tasks and responsibilities to carry out.

3 Ways to Step Up Your Career by Earning Your Degree Online

A lot of people were not given the chance to earn a degree after high school because they need to work due to circumstances beyond their control. Some being the eldest in the family, must give way to younger siblings so that their parents can sustain the education of the younger ones.

Now is your chance to have the degree you dream of when you opt to earn an online degree. Once you have that career, you will have access to jobs that will be able to give you the life you never imagined you could have.

Here are 3 basic ways on how you can earn your degree online so you can get into a better job for you and your family. Read on and start to improve yourselves today.

1. Decide which degree being offered by the online colleges is to your liking. Why? If you do not like what you will study, it is most likely you will fail at completing the course.

2. Find out which online college or university offers the online degree that you have set your heart on. See the curriculum they offer. Check out their faculty and their background. It is perfectly alright for one to inspect the credibility of the people who will give them their lessons.

3. Aside from the credibility of the teaching staff being placed in the spotlight, the online college's profile must also be evaluated. Online colleges are monitored by accreditation bodies so that all the online student's efforts will not go to waste.

5 Tips For a Great Future by Earn Degrees Online Fast

Looking for ways to earn degrees online fast and have a great future to boot? The vast range of opportunities available to obtain an online degree brought about by modern technology seems to make it senseless to attend a traditional university or college.

A degree on hand gives a person more value. Here are a few tips on how earn degrees online fast will give you a great future.

1. Choose the degree you want to pursue well. Make sure that you will finish what you start. You can start with an Associate Degree and work your way up as the years pass by.

2. Find which online college gives the best curriculum for the online degree you wish to pursue. The top traditional universities are now opening doors to online education and so check them out if they offer the online degree course you want to obtain.

3. Check out the credentials of the online colleges' faculty if they are adept in the field that they will instruct you in. It never pays to be careful because your hard work and money is online here.

4. Inquire about the online school's accreditation. There are lots of online schools proliferation out there that offers you earn degrees online fast programs which is all a hoax. Online educational institutions are being regulated by accrediting bodies to protect the rights of the student.

5. Ask around your office to see if they offer financing to employees who want to pursue a degree. There are employers who feel proud and secured when they know that they have a certified employee in their company.

Should I Have a Home Sleep Study or Go to the Lab?

Technology has come a long way and studying sleep is no exception. We are now able to perform sleep studies in the home as well as the sleep lab. This is a great thing because it allows more people to be tested for sleep disorders then every before. The drawback is that there are limitations to what can be done in the home versus the lab.

In home sleep studies are generally modified unsupervised sleep studies. This means that the equipment is delivered to the patient and then they are responsible for applying it and taking it off. In some areas a technician will come out in the evening to apply the equipment and you will wear it the rest of the night, then you may have to take it off or the technician will come back in the morning and remove it. Generally these types of studies are limited in nature and only monitors certain parameters, oxygen level, heart rate, breathing, and whether you are awake or sleep and position. Because the study is limited it is designed strictly to diagnoses sleep apnea. Other conditions a person may have will not be diagnosed, such a periodic limb movement disorder and teeth grinding. This type of testing is also not good for patient with significant health issues such as congestive heart failure or COPD.

In lab testing has several differences. The first one is there is a technician there with you if any problems should arise. If one of the wires become dislodged it can be fixed right away. You do not need to have another study performed. The technician is also there to answer questions should you have any during the nights. The most important role of the technician, however, is that they can intervene if there is a significant health issue during the night. They can also do a special type of study called a split night, or combination study, which allows you to be diagnosed and treated for your sleep apnea on the same night. This way if you have severe sleep apnea you can be treated right away instead of waiting. You also are able to be evaluated for other conditions you may not know you had.

Treating sleep apnea after the home sleep study can occur in two different ways as well. You can be brought into the sleep lab for a titration study. During this test the technician finds a mask that works for you, educates you about CPAP and how it works and then finds the right pressure to eliminate most of the apneas and snoring. This test also allows the doctor to look for the other disorders such as periodic limb movements.

The other option for treatment is to have a home care company deliver an auto-titrating CPAP. This machine is set to allow a range in pressure that adjusts as you have events during the night. The technician will fit you for a mask and then leave the machine for you to use. The drawback is that there is no one there during that first night to assist you if there is an issue. The other issue is that unless you call your doctor or the company that delivered the machine they may not be able to correct any problems that happen until they download the information in the CPAP memory.

Overall home sleep studies do have a place in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. They are very good for diagnosing the straight forward sleep apnea patient. If, however, there is any issues that need to be addressed right away or if a person needs some assistance this may not be the best choice. A full sleep study allows for the possibility for quicker treatment and intervention. There is also the ability to diagnose other conditions that might go unnoticed in the home setting. That and the personal care involved in testing help to create a successful long term care situation.

Fast Ways to Get an Accredited Online University Degree

Online university degrees offer numerous benefits from convenience to the amount of time it takes one to complete a college program. Although many online schools take the same amount of time as a traditional program, there are ways to accelerate the time it takes to get a diploma. Below are some helpful tips on fast ways to get an accredited online university degree.

Some online schools will offer accelerated programs. Inquire about any special services offered that may decrease the amount of time you will have to attend online classes. Some schools will offer Business or Education; two of the most popular majors, that only take 3 years for a Bachelors degree instead of the general four year period.

In addition, ask your counselor if you can double up on classes. Many online schools have a set curriculum and order of classes. However, at times, students can take more classes than recommended during each semester, quarter, or month. As long as all pre-requisites have been satisfied this should not be a problem. This can reduce time from 4 years to 3 years or less. However, some schools will set limits on the amount of classes that can be taken during a quarter or semester.

Furthermore, many online schools offer tests that students can take to eliminate general classes such as: English, Math, History, Foreign Language, and Science. Instead of spending times taking these courses, students can take a 100 question multiple choice test. One can normally take about 30 credits worth of tests, eliminating the need to take 10-15 general, non-major classes and decreasing one's in school length by about a year. These tests can be taken while the student is in other classes. However, it is important to keep in mind that these exams do require study time and preparation.

Also, ask the school if they offer any other incentives or programs to accelerate your degree. Some schools will offer various types of coursework, work studies or other unique methods for speeding up a program.

By entering a special shorter program in combination with doubling up on courses and taking exams to replace some classes, one can reduce a 4 year program to 2 to 3 years. Furthermore, these tips can decrease a Masters Degree program from 1-2 years to 6-12 months, significantly reducing the length of one's college career. When looking to obtain an accredited online university degree quickly, be sure to ask your counselor or advisor of all your options as well as the above tips.

NOTE: by researching and comparing the best online degree programs in the educational field, you will determine the one that will help you to ignite the spark of a brand new career but meeting perfectly your financial needs.

Career Planning

Social culture is certainly an interesting phenomenon. Planning is ingrained into some aspects of our lives and completely shunned in others. Holidays, for example, are often meticulously planned because we want to ensure that we make the most of our time away. Weddings are another example of painstakingly thorough planning. Diets, babies, sporting endeavors and education are more examples of goals and events that are have culturally accepted planning phases.

What is it about these activities and events that lead us to invest so much time into their planning? When we consider that the risk or impact of failing to meet our objective is unacceptable we mitigate the risk by planning ahead. Nobody wants to waste valuable holiday time, nor do they want their weddings to be incomplete or disorganized. We generally recognize that some events will not naturally come to order and their success is dependent on planning. Career Planning, on the other hand, is often overlooked.

A common misconception about career planning is that the concept is about working hard in order to press for a promotion. But career planning is about working smart. It is about making the right decisions and focusing energy in order to maximize time and effort. In the workplace and during our education, we make decisions on a daily basis and these decisions shape our image as a professional.

Let's deviate from careers in order to press this point. Which racehorse would you bet on?

Racehorse #1. Recently started racing - formally privately owned and lived in a paddock.

Racehorse #2. Has two years of racing experience and trains twice a week.

Racehorse #3. Has five years of racing experience and trains five times a week.

Racehorse #4. Has five years of racing experience, he trains five times a week and was bred from champion racers. He was raised by experienced champion trainers and began training as a foal.

In answer to our question, racehorse #4 seems the obvious choice. It appears that this racehorse has dedicated his life to the one career and that gives us good odds that he is better at his job than the others.

When your career is scrutinized by a potential employer the 'odds' that you are better at this job than the others are calculated on the same rationale. Choices that you made years before stand as confirmation of your long standing interests. Your level of skill and expertise in one field is proportional to the quality and quantity of time that you have previously invested in that field. The great Albert Einstein said "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer".

Career planning is about making choices that build on your skill set. Just like Albert Einstein - focusing your energy on just a few fields will drive you towards your career goals.

Earning Respect From Your Students

One of the best ways to teach a class is to earn the respect of your students. In the past, teachers were generally treated with more respect than today. For example, in most schools when a teacher entered the classroom, the children would stand up as a mark of respect. The teacher was known as. Mr. or Mrs. So-and-So, and their first name was always a closely guarded secret of world proportions.

Today, the classroom atmosphere is very different. Instead of the more distant but respectful relationship described above, the trend is towards a more friendly, intimate classroom atmosphere. Teacher is no longer a rather severe figure, but someone cool, hip, and sometimes even trendy.

But where is respect in the equation? And has this new approach been successful? Looking at the growing rates of classroom violence, the need in some inner city schools for closed circuit TV to make sure that the kids haven't brought drugs and flick-knives to school along with their peanut butter sandwiches and pencil boxes, the answer is probably "no." The kids who go to the kind of schools where they still stand up for teacher and even occasionally still call him "sir" are most likely to come out with a better education and with less incidents of classroom violence.

While the distant, more respectful relationship with the teacher may not be as much fun as sitting with "Mr. Cool," creating a respectful atmosphere builds boundaries. Boundaries are necessary for discipline, and despite the more laissez faire attitude in today's world there's no getting past the fact that discipline is a very important part of both parenting and education.

An Online College Makes Business Degrees Easier to Achieve

The current competitive job market makes it essential for applicants to enhance their skills. That may mean adding a degree or certificate to put you ahead of the competition. A business degree can open up opportunities in almost every industry. Choosing to get on line degrees is one of the fastest ways to climb the career ladder and online college is making it easier. You don't have to quit your job to go to school or take classes at times that interfere with your life. You study at your own convenience.

If you enjoy crunching numbers, negotiating, or writing, a business degree may fit your interests. Or if you are not sure what career you want to pursue, business is a good option. Every employer needs people trained in organization, planning and management. Business majors can go on to careers in accounting, advertising, insurance and even real estate.

In the last few years, more students, as many as 20%, have added business classes to their curriculum. The reason? Students are realizing they are more marketable to potential employers if they have some business background. According to Career Builder, a popular job website, the number of accountants hired in the next six years is expected to increase by 18%. Accounting is a popular field for people with business degrees.

All levels of business degrees from an associate's degree to a doctorate in business can be earned online. Bachelors degrees are the standard college degree. A bachelors usually involves four years of study. However, some online degree programs allow students to earn their bachelors in less than four years. An MBA, or Master's of Business Administration, is the most popular business degree. Students must already have a bachelors degree to earn an MBA, but it does not have to be in business.

Many online degree programs have earned widespread acceptance with employers. Most companies are more concerned about a school's reputation than whether it's a brick and mortar facility. To make sure you are enrolling in a respected online college, check the school's accreditation. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation approves distance learning programs, as well as traditional colleges.

Why choose an online college instead of attending college on campus? If the convenience doesn't convince you, the comparable quality might. Many online colleges offer the same curriculum as their campus-based counterparts. However, you don't have to report to class. That means you can choose a nationally ranked business school even if it's on the other side of the country. Online programs are often cheaper than traditional college courses, but financial aid is still available for online learning. If you are already working, your employer may be willing to reimburse you for the cost of an online business education.

A study by the Sloan Consortium reveals the number of students taking college courses online has more than doubled in the last five years. About one quarter of all students are enrolled in at least one online course. That's nearly four million students learning online.

Getting online degrees qualifies you for more careers and once you're working they make you more eligible for advancement. Many job seekers are finding an online business degree is the way to go. Business degrees are so flexible, the recipient can fit into most career fields. Online college makes achieving a college degree easier than ever. You can research the best business schools, apply and attend one all over the Internet.

Discovering That Ideal Film School

When looking for a Kentucky film school, there are a few basic (but very important) considerations you need to make. For example, you have to be certain that whatever school you select provides a program that focuses on what it is you want to accomplish in the film business. If you wish to direct, you should be sure there exists a program that will teach you important concepts of film such as lighting, pacing, framing a shot, how to run a set and keep the crew focused, etc. Some of this can only be mastered via experience, but you should at least be introduced to these concepts and learn what you can about them. Having said that, if you're more interested in editing, you should be certain that the institution provides a program that would allow you to learn similar aspects of film, but with a strong focus on pacing through editing and how to utilize the hardware and computer programs used in the market.

You must also research what type of educational program would be best for you, and how you learn new information. You may find that the conventional classroom environment has not worked properly for you during the past. If that is the situation, then a Kentucky film school that provides a non-traditional program like the mentor-apprentice approach which has become more popular recently might work best for you. Some people realize that the personal approach of having a coach that will supply real life information and experience from within the business is more beneficial than other techniques. What's more, your private coach may also help you make those precious industry connections. Yet, only you can recognize how you learn best in fact it is your own responsibility to select what kind of school you want to attend.

As a final point, consider how Kentucky (as a setting) can work best for you in your education and also the ensuing career after you finish your program. You may want to find a school in Louisville to make the most of the larger metropolis as well as its benefits. However, you might find that a smaller sized environment and rural surroundings fire up your creative juices more than the metropolitan city scapes of a bigger city. If you do want to direct, then you must think of what type of location will best fit your vision as you create student projects or short films. In conclusion, it is reasonable to say that in selecting your perfect Kentucky film school, you have to think about both the environment and the program.

A Career in Arts and Humanities

Diverse Domains in Arts

Arts and humanities have numerous career options and there are various fields on which you can work upon. It has expanded indefinitely to include disciplines which require not only soft skills but also concepts of higher mathematics and sciences. The most common trades are fashion designing, study of social sciences, interior decoration and photography. Moving onto a little technical side you can take on courses in visual designing and drafting. Various colleges provide you accredited degrees in these domains.

For fresher, the arts degree demands high degree of creativity and visual capacity. For those who dare to dream of having a career in this domain; it is eminent to take on post graduation studies in this field. So start looking for higher studies institutes right now if you want to ensure a bright and successful career opportunity for yourself. A career in arts and humanities depends more on your skills and ability to work upon a particular project rather than on your studies in graduation or post graduation. They will just act as tool to give you a chance in job market.

Institutes for Studies of Arts and Humanities

There are various universities worldwide which provide quality education and training in the practical and creative domain of arts and humanities. Mineral Area College, Delaware State University, Portland state university are some of the universities which provide degree programs in different simians of arts and humanities. These have state of art infrastructure and renowned faculty base for students from all over the world.

Mineral Area College was established in 1022 and since then it is committed to the betterment of society through its large number of educational programs. Students from all over the world get themselves enrolled in these courses.

Visit the official state university website to get detailed description about Mineral Area College. It is one of the finest universities for arts and humanities. On this website you can check out articles from noted writer Michael Russell.

The Leading Film Schools

Situated just a drive away from Orlando and Disney studios, Jacksonville film schools have reached a unique advantage in relation to coaching the upcoming superb filmmaker.

Home to plenty of studio and independent filmmakers, Florida is instantly turning out to be an important film industry. And where would you better learn the craft than right at the heart of Florida, where the best filmmakers and studios are located?

Why select Florida?

With Los Angeles and New York City over saturated with new filmmakers, Florida is quickly turning into of bastion of up-and-coming filmmakers.

Presently, prime institutions like the New York University and the University of South California no longer monopolize the provision of top-notch education, largely because the film industry has already evolved a lot. Modern film schools can teach you a similar programs utilizing authentic professional filmmakers and at a fraction of the fee and time.

What Can I Do By having an Education From Jacksonville Film Schools?

Which Film School is proper For Me?

This is both an issue of individual inclination (based on what sort of profession you wish to pursue) and basic suggestions that I have acquired.

Fundamentally, you would like to choose the college that offers you the most value for your money.

Basically, a 4-year college program does not provide you with the most return for your dollar since you can spend more than $100,000 to listen to a few lectures, make a few student films, undertake a lot of math and biology lessons, and leave with little more than you started with.

First Rate Recording Schools

For those who have passion for music, you will find that there are plenty of opportunities for you to choose from in the music business. A large number of careers are very specialized, but Indianapolis recording schools will help you along your path. Moreover, the city itself is a budding area that is characterized by many clubs and studios - so you'll have plenty of employment opportunities once you finish school.

The responsibilities related to the music industry is promising and fascinating - considering that in this line of work, you will constantly work side by side the artists. As an example, Eddie Kramer is a famous sound engineer who has worked with Led Zeppelin, Triumph, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, AC/DC and the Rolling Stones. Then there's Giles Martin, who is known for his work with Celine Dion, Elvis Costello and INXS. Definitely, the importance of sound engineers in the music business cannot be overlooked.

Sound engineering is a fantastic way making money, but mind you, it's not as easy as it appears. You should have training on the ins and outs of the music business if you want to be a famous sound engineer. Since the job of a sound engineer normally entails dealing with the sound of music by way of mechanical and electrical means, you must have the theoretical background to do that - this is certainly not something that you can easily "pick up."

And when you enroll in one of the Indianapolis Recording Schools, you will learn everything you need to know about sound engineering. A sound engineer need to be skillful with various kinds of recording media and have a very good amount of computer knowledge. We are now living in the digital era, where everything is constantly evolving, and it becomes important to go to a school and discover new developments at the hands of those who are seasoned in the industry.

If you wish to go to 4-year schools, be ready to pay the high price of the education. Investing in a four-year school requires a lot of work, patience, and useless lessons to be given a diploma, which isn't enough to get a job these days.

But you actually have another alternative - and that is to look for programs that focus on sound engineering. You will be acquiring training in a studio, from instructors who work in the field and will help you make relationships and get jobs at a later date. Many courses last less than a year, and are significantly more affordable than going to a four-year college.

Take advantage of the fact that good sound engineers are hard to come by - so hone your skill by getting your education at one of the Indianapolis recording schools. The hands-on training you will acquire will constantly prove to be more useful than a diploma.

Living Off Campus

Deciding to go to a college or university is gonna be one of the biggest decisions of your life. When deciding to further your education there are many choices you will need to make. Some of the big decisions are what college or university you will be attending? How you will fund your education? What your major focus of studies will be when you get to college? But one of the biggest decisions many students face is where they will live when they start college. Sometimes this is an easy decision that seems to be made already for you and at other times it is a very difficult decision. Most of the newer students that do struggle with this decision tend to live close to their campuses, and question whether or not to remain with their family while attending school.

Living on campus can have many benefits. The school is closer to you so you may not need private transportation and can therefore save money for gas or for a car completely. Also this can be a benefit because you may tend to skip less and be late less when you are very close to the classroom. When you choose on campus housing your social life also tends to improve having friends so close, but beware this can also cause a drop in grades. Living in campus also can simplify your life a little because you will not need to worry about most monthly bills that you would have if you had a student apartment, and some students also get a meal plan makes grocery shopping easier. However there are some downfalls to living on the campus as well. There is less privacy as on average you can have anywhere from 1-6 roommates. This can make it noisier, harder to study and get work done, and can make your living quarters feel very small.

Living off campus can also have its rewards. Off campus housing tends to offer more privacy so it can be easier to get studying done. Living off campus you will have less rules and more of a sense of independence. Living outside of university housing can also better prepares you for living on your own after college as you will have more of a sense of responsibility when it comes to paying bill, budgeting, and prioritizing. One of the biggest downfalls to off campus living is it tends to be much more expensive then dorming you will need to buy more groceries, more monthly bills, and most likely more cost towards transportation. The other big downfall is there is less security as most campuses have on campus security guards.

There are many different types of student housing when staying on campus. Most freshmen start out in dormitories and sometimes don't have a choice in their roommates. After freshmen year there tends to be a little more choice in the matter and you can stay in dormitories, residence halls, and mostly for seniors town houses or villas. It is usually recommended that students live on campus for at least one year to get the full college experience, but many choose to never live on campus for many different reasons. Living on campus tends to get you better situated with the lay out of your new campus. Campus maps will guide you along the way. However when you live on your campus it forces you to get to know where things are and how to get around. There are many websites to help guide you toward a student apartment. Your university bookstore may also have information to help you find student apartments in your area.

Student Today Today students sharing blog and tips.

Resume Writing Advice to Get Your Dream Job

When you are trying to get a job, the best place to start is with a resume. This is true of any job, and you will need to take your time putting the resume together. Even if you are applying for a job that has a physical application, you will need to provide a resume. Not only is it a good way to present your experience, it will also do a great job of showing that you are a professional.

When you are writing your resume, you should definitely follow this resume writing advice. It would be best to make sure you format it properly. The first tip that you will need to follow of course, is keeping your resume to a single page. Chances are that the potential employer is going to only read the first page anyway, so make sure you fit everything on there that needs to be there.

When we say 'needs to be there', we mean that if you have many years worth of experience, you should always list the most recent. One thing to note is that you do not want to list any employment gaps. If there has been a brief or even long period that you spent unemployed, then it would be best to get a bit of volunteer experience between now and the time you apply for this new job. If you cannot think of a way to do this, then you might want to consult a resume writing expert so that they can help you to fill those gaps.

In addition to that you will need to list your education. First of all, make sure you list your high school education or even a vocational school if you happened to graduate from one. After that you will need to list your college or university experience, but it would be wise to only list these if you graduated from them. Any certifications you happen to have need to be listed in another category, specifically the skills category. Anything you are good at which is related to the job you are trying to get should be listed, even if you are not an expert.

In addition to the resume you should also have a good cover letter. This letter will describe everything that you are and what you plan to bring to the company. One thing that you should note however is that you cannot make a generic cover letter for every company. You need to customize your cover letter for each company that you apply for, and in the letter you should demonstrate that you know things about the company. This could include any mergers they are having as well as any new products that they are going to launch.

Writing a resume can be difficult and exhausting; no one can deny that. One thing to remember though, is that once you land that job you have always wanted, you will find that writing the resume was actually the best thing you could have done. So without further delay, it's time to start writing.

Restructuring Education

The Huffington Post "Obama Education Waiver Plan" of 8/10/2011 speaks of wavering parts of the No Child Left Behind program to modernize education. From my perspective, we can try to patch our education system through rigid standards and waivers, but the full potential of educating our children cannot be reached if we continue to apply an incomplete definition of education, as "the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life."

An "enduring" State is founded on culture, dominated by ideals, and motivated by service attained when its citizens have been raised with the personal commitment to develop a well-balanced personality, leading us to a companion definition for education:

"The acquirement of skills, the pursuit of wisdom, a realization of self, and the attainment of spiritual values."

To achieve this definition, education must cultivate the three endowments of the human mind: intelligence, moral awareness and spiritual insight. Together, these endowments create the harmonious development of the human personality, and bring us the PURPOSE of education: to be fully empowered to contribute one's best to the advancement of self and civilization. Through the development of intelligence we hone our skills and cultivate our reasoning and emotional abilities.

What about moral awareness? Our expanding social structure has readily adapted to intellectual and scientific growth, but abounding technological achievements have eclipsed the moral ethics that the home institution once provided. And ethics is the external social mirror that faithfully reflects the inner development of the members of society.

The home and family - the crowning glory of a long and arduous evolutionary struggle - is the natural social arena for the development of ethics: patience, altruism, forbearance and tolerance, all essential for peace and progress. Home ethics is one of civilization's only hope for survival.

And spiritual insight? Living faith is what empowers individuals to elevate morality to the spiritual levels of unselfish service. To constrain living faith in civil interaction is like removing the sails of a sailboat. It is wise to separate religious institutions from education and government, but it is true religion - the desire to find and know God - that organizes the human personality in an ascent to higher levels of love and devotion, of service and fellowship.

The time is NOW to recognize that the educational concept and definition should include cultivation of the three endowments of the human mind; that modifications to our education system alone will not achieve the result we seek in our children without the edification of home life and the progressive force of living faith.

Sheila Keene-Lund is the author of Heaven Is Not the Last Stop, the first book to reconcile a planetary revelation with a wide swath of human knowledge

How to Earn a Degree Online - 3 Benefits to Boost Your Career

Would you be interested in learning how to earn a degree online? Deciding to earn any degree online is not that easy, but if you read the simple reasons why earning an online degree proves to be very beneficial, for sure you will immediately register in an online college or university that offers the degree you want.

1. Convenience - You can earn a degree online while working. Yes, you do not have to resign from your job so that you can have a degree. You can stick to your commitments to your boss and at the same time provide your family's needs.

You get to choose the time as well as the place to access your classes. Online classes are so flexible that you can decide when and where to attend your online class sessions.

You do not have to leave your family to relocate to the campus. You do not even have to commute daily to get to class. No more worrying about whether you can be in class on time or not. You can even attend class even if you are on vacation if you choose to. All you need is an internet connection to be able to access your classes.

2. Credibility - All online degrees are very much at par with their counterparts, degrees from traditional colleges. You are assured of the same quality of education that traditional colleges give to their students when you earn a degree online.

3. Personalized Teaching - Online degrees gives you more personalized instruction. You get to communicate with your professor on a one on one basis and so whatever questions that you may have, you will have the guts to ask.

You also get to have small group discussions that are very healthy to discuss the different points in your lessons. Yes, you get to interact with other online students too. Online education will not isolate you socially.

Gender and Education

Here in the United States we live in a country where families do not have to worry about the sex of their child. Except for some societal norms our children are created equal in most areas of our country. Everyone can vote, work, and even run for office. However, not all countries are lucky like us. There are some countries that hold different sexes to a higher degree than others. What does this do the psychological state of a child? Even though we do not enforce any rule against the different genders pursuing their dream, do we have societal occurrences that pin one gender against the other? This article takes a brief look into how our education system differs for the different sexes. Is there a difference? If there is, why is there one?

It is often debated whether or not our educational system offers the same opportunities to both genders in our country. Currently, we are seeing that more women pursue a higher education and are continuing to earn higher degrees. What is the reason for this occurrence? If this is a true development, why are men still earning more than women on average? Women earn more secondary degrees including; associates, bachelors, and masters. Yet men earn more doctoral degrees than women.

It is shown that women in the United States dominate men in writing abilities, but then fall short in math and science. Why are these trends continuing to happen this way? The notion of the hidden curriculum suggests that women are discriminated against in the education system. It believes that teachers provide special privileges to boys and as a result they become more social and learn more. However, if this notion is true, then why are more than 50% of higher education degrees going to females? If we do pay more to males in the formative years, where does the disconnect begin and when do women start surpassing males?

Some argue that this gender gap would be solved if we went to same gender class room styles. They say that this would get rid of the hidden curriculum notion because all of the students within the classroom would then have the same equal chance to get help or participate. However, would this add further to societal gender notions?

We know that this phenomenon is a problem in teaching the children, but how does this translate to those who try learning online. Typically they do not have face time with their professors, so how can you truly guess one's gender? In a day where there are examples of unisex names, how can you assume that you are teaching a girl or a boy? Therefore, wouldn't there be less bias if someone were to attend an online school to further their education. The students are forced to excel at their work without having the face to face communication and feedback with their teachers. If this thought it would then become more about those who have the initiative to ask for help and participate, rather than if a particular gender is doing it. Will we ever see a decrease in the gender gap?

Post-Post Education - Learning Never Stops!

Education.

It is the key ingredient to the survival of mankind. Without the capacity to learn, we would not have figured out how to make the very basic, yet essential things in life work, such as make fire, hunt for food, or shelter ourselves from harsh weather. It is what sets us above other species. In fact, when a person loses the ability to think for him or herself completely...we refer to them as "vegetables", or as being in a "vegetative" state. Not only is it often seen as the necessary trait to be declared a human being, or person, but it also enables a people to become organized, civilized, and prosperous down to an individual level.

What has struck a chord with me is how a bit "watered down" the concept of education has become. What do I mean by this? Well school as an institution, and education have become one. It is as if many people only see education as something attainable in a traditional school setting. This is a flawed idea in several respects.

Consider the fact that just because someone goes to school, does not automatically means they are receiving education, there are failing schools all across the country, and a learning deficit within these schools is becoming a growing problem like the national debt. This leads me to my next point. Schools may not be teaching relevant topics. The school system in America has not improved much over the years and it is starting to show when we look at things from an international perspective, which is especially important in this age of globalization. And the list goes on and on. I'm sure you can think of a few things wrong with the school system yourself as well.

The purpose of this article places its focus elsewhere within the realm of education, and that is education OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM AND INSTITUTIONS. It is important to remember that education doesn't end when class is no longer in session, or when that degree is hung on your wall. On the contrary, that is when the real education begins.

Select the Best Educational Learning Toys

Play is an essential part of childhood development, so it is important that parents choose toys that promote the learning and growth of their children. Toys should be age appropriate and encourage positive imaginative play. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that appropriate toys don't have to cost a fortune, so no matter how big or small your budget is, you can find toys that will suit your child's needs. While children need toys and play things for successful development, they are no substitute to the love and nurturing that only their loved ones can provide.

Best Infant and Toddler Toys

Teach and stimulate your babies and toddlers minds with toys that focus on cognitive thinking and motor skills. As babies, children use every part of their bodies to explore the world around them, which is why they are constantly sticking everything in their mouths! Help your child learn to use his or her body parts, recognize and control objects, sounds and tastes and more with developmentally appropriate toys such as mobiles, rattles and stuffed animals.

Toddlers are very active and begin to realize that they can communicate with others, which is why focusing on participatory skills is of utmost importance. Picture books with colorful symbols and make-believe educational kids games are great interactive activities for your child and you to enjoy together. Simple toys such as blocks, balls and even hats can inspire learning and imagination in your busy toddler.

Preschool Educational learning toys

By the time your baby reaches preschool he or she will have already learned a great deal about the world around them. While some youngsters have siblings that they interact with on a daily basis, others haven't had a chance to spend lots of quality time interacting with peers, which is why preschool exposes children to a whole new world. Foster the skills that help them develop friendships by purchasing dramatic play items such as props for group play and educational kids games such as house or store.

Also, be sure to invite your child's new friends over for play dates. These get togethers will further their understanding of friendships and social interactions, and when another mommy or daddy asks if your child can come over for a few hours you can catch up on some much needed rest.

The author recommends The Wishing Well Toy Company for educational learning toys [http://www.wishingwelltoys.com] that are thought provoking, engage children's minds and encourages them to ask questions. The Wishing Well Toy Company in an online provider for developmental toys for babies [http://www.wishingwelltoys.com], toddlers and preschool age children.

Building Strength for Students to deal with Adversity

Build supportive relationships in the classroom

1. Build supportive relationships in the classroom
2. Create safe spaces
3. Build upon strengths by supporting self-regulation

As human beings, the most important factor for our survival is supportive relationships. But trauma and adversity can disrupt the development of the important bonds that children need to reach their full potential. Fragmented families and communities make it harder for children and teens to find attachment figures to connect with, leaving many kids unmoored.

To support children and teens exposed to trauma and adversity, we can demonstrate alternative working models of relationships by building social trust. While a warm and supportive classroom environment is beneficial to all students, for students exposed to trauma and adversity, it’s a necessity. Teachers can make efforts to get to know each student individually, their strengths and challenges. They can pay special attention to the classroom social network, promote positive peer relationships, and teach and reinforce kindness and respect, while avoiding competitive situations that create social hierarchies.

Teachers can build relationships with students by practicing a mind shift—one that focuses on students’ strengths rather than their weaknesses. Instead of asking yourself, “What’s wrong with him?” when a student exhibits difficulties, ask yourself, “What happened to him and how did he learn to adapt to it?” Reframing in this way will help you to understand where he is coming from and how best to help him.

It’s best not to ask students who’ve misbehaved, “Why did you do that?”—because their behavior may be as perplexing to them as it may be to you! Educators need to understand that exposure to trauma often impairs self-awareness, self-regulation, and perspective taking, which interferes with these students’ ability to understand or explain reasons for their behavior.

If teachers can move away from blame, and provide warmth, empathy, and a respect for students’ strengths, it will go a long way toward building positive relationships in the classroom.

Effective treatment of complex trauma requires coordinated community systems that can effectively identify, treat, and provide support for children, teens, and families. The first order of business in building a trauma-sensitive school is creating a safe environment for all concerned.

What does that mean? It means that all students feel protected by and connected to their teachers and the school community, and that rules for the students are always fair, made with their needs in mind.

At the classroom level, teachers can help build safety by creating fair, logical rules that are consistently reinforced. For children exposed to trauma, this is particularly important, because they come from homes where rules may be associated with arbitrariness and severe punishment. It may help to use the word “expectations” rather than “rules” to communicate with students in a way that is less likely to trigger them.

Since children exposed to trauma often feel powerless around what’s happening in their lives, having them participate in creating classroom rules, and giving them choices and alternatives when making assignments, can help empower them. However, it’s important not to lower your academic expectations. I have witnessed teachers give trauma-exposed students a coloring worksheet as an alternative to a math assignment out of fear that the assignment might trigger an outburst. While offering alternative assignments may be helpful at times, the alternatives must give the student an appropriate opportunity to learn the same material.

What can teachers do when students act out? While you must always address behavior that disrupts the learning process, it’s important not to rupture the students’ connection with the school community. Exclusionary policies, such as suspension and expulsion, only reinforce students’ feelings of rejection and low self- worth.

Instead, give students the opportunity to calm down by de-escalating the situation. Recognize that such behavior may be adaptive in their home environment and they may need support to learn adaptive strategies that are appropriate for the school environment. Alternative strategies include inviting the student to take some “time in” to settle and calm down, either in the classroom “peace corner” or in a “resilience room,” a place set up to give students space to self-regulate at their own pace.

Hypervigilance, hyperarousal, and a tendency to disassociate—these are all ways students who’ve been exposed to traumatic environments try to adapt. Unfortunately, while being adaptive in some stressful environments, they can interfere with a student’s ability to focus their attention on schoolwork.

To support students exposed to trauma and adversity, teachers can help them learn to understand and manage their emotions better—both directly and indirectly. For example, you can monitor your students for signs of hyperarousal and use soothing talk to help them calm down. You can also teach calming strategies such as simple mindful awareness and relaxation practices, which help all students to deal with difficult feelings. Having a meditation or compassion-based practice yourself prepares you to teach practices to students and maintain your own resilience at the same time.

Be careful to avoid situations that are confusing, chaotic, or erratic. If these situations do arise, try to prepare these children in advance. Here is an example of how this might be done:

Let’s say that you learn of an upcoming fire drill, and you fear that it will set off a student. While all students deserve a warning, you can give special support to a student who may be particularly frightened. Taking her aside during early morning recess and explaining what will happen can help avert a meltdown. Also, asking the student to take a leadership role—perhaps leading the other students as you walk out of the classroom—gives her a chance to feel empowered in the situation. Giving her a last warning just before the fire drill happens and preparing for her special role can help her to build some self-confidence.

Exposure to trauma and adversity during childhood and adolescence has a significant impact on a child’s development, often interfering with learning and social and emotional functioning. While children may have learned to cope with a stressful environment in adaptive ways, their coping strategies can pose challenges to learning in school environments, especially if schools are not employing trauma-sensitive practices.

Schools can play an important role in helping students heal by recognizing and building upon their strengths and by building supportive relationships, creating safe and caring learning environments, and supporting their development of self-regulation. This requires adults who are committed to caring for themselves first, so they have the resilience to be compassionate in their teaching.

While this is not always an easy task, I believe that the benefits in terms of improved school climate and student learning are well worth the effort. Long-term, the benefits to our students and society may be immeasurable.