Phoenix Schools

By Patricia Hawke

The schools in the United States are considered to be "in crisis" due to the soaring student dropout rate. In his first State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush stated that the national dropout rate was 25 percent.

A recent study conducted by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University puts the current national dropout rate at 25 to 30 percent. Additionally, it indicated that males have the highest dropout rate of 20 to 30 percent and are most likely "at risk" of not graduating from high school with a diploma.

It is said that when a student drops out of school, he/she drops into the criminal justice system. In 2002, the U.S. incarcerated its two millionth person. Of those in prison at the time, 82 percent were high school dropouts.

Phoenix Schools Tackle Dropout Rate

Dropouts cost our economy billions of dollars each year, and not just from the cost of incarceration. They are an undereducated work force that retards our economic and social development. Businesses cannot depend upon a large portion of graduating students to fill much-needed jobs, which translates to lost government tax revenues. State governments lose money through welfare payments, unemployment and crime prevention programs. Governments, from the president to the local level, have discovered that if they do not pay for programs to decrease the dropout rate now, they will pay much more in the future.

According to the study, the dropout rates vary dramatically by location and racial/ethnic background. The state of Arizona was cited in the study as one of the five states with the lowest graduation rate for 18 year olds. Thus, Phoenix Schools, along with the Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, have made dropout prevention a top priority.

There are three types of dropouts:

o Dropouts -- students who stop coming to school,

o Drop-In Dropouts -- students who come to school but do nothing while they are there, and

o Forced-Out Dropouts -- students who were "counseled out" by school counselors and administrators.

Phoenix Schools are addressing all three types of dropouts. Their initiatives are focused on engaging the students, rather than excluding them. They know that programs alone will not change the dropout rate. Only people and relationships can make a difference.

Phoenix schools work with businesses, community organizations and others to identify and develop effective strategies for keeping students in school. They are working to improve student academic success, believing that the high school renewal initiatives are directly linked to a decreased dropout rate. Phoenix schools are focusing on fixing the system, not the student.

Every student in the state of Arizona must now pass three tests in order to graduate high school. The tests measure the students' knowledge against required state standards. Phoenix schools are focusing on the students who do not meet the state required standards. They are tackling their needs by:

o Addressing the students' skill gaps through a state-funded tutoring program,

o Providing the students with their own tutorial guides, customized to their individual needs, and

o Using state-funded tutors, who are qualified to help the students learn the required skills in order to achieve a passing score on the standardized tests.

Phoenix schools are committed to reducing the dropout rate in their schools. Though it is a lengthy and ever changing process, they know the importance of their task. Phoenix schools know they have an obligation to the students and their parents, as well as the businesses and community to improve their dropout rates. More skilled and diploma-graduated students mean better-prepared adults and a better Phoenix.

Phoenix Schools Tackle Dropout Rate

Top 5 Business Schools in America

By Joy C. Harrison

If you are looking for a top business school, a great place to begin your search is with one of the national rankings, such as US News & World Report or the Princeton Review. They can provide a myriad of information, including enrollment, placement, scholarships, and average GPA, just to name a few. It is important to have an idea of what characteristics are important to you prior to beginning your search. To help get you started, the top 5 business schools in America are listed below.

Top 5 Business Schools in America

1) Harvard University (Boston, MA)
2) Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
3) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
4) Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
5) University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

These schools all scored between 100 and 92 in the overall standings. Scores were derived from assessments from peer business school deans, corporate recruiters, placement success, average starting salary, employment rates, student selectivity, GMAT scores, undergraduate GPA, and acceptance rate. In order to be ranked schools had to have a full time MBA program with 20 or more graduates with at least 50% of those graduates seeking work. In total, 433 accredited business school programs were ranked.

Whether you are looking for an undergraduate or graduate program, the national rankings are a great place to start your search for the perfect school. While the ones listed above are just the top 5 business schools in America, there are many other well named schools on the list that may meet your specific needs. Some may even be in your hometown!

Top 5 Business Schools in America

The Rise of Universal State Schools

By Patrick Gomes

By the 1800's the nation, rather than the church, had become the chief symbol that united people in many countries. Thus, religious control over formal schooling declined while that of the state increased.

In France, following the French Revolution of 1789, a national system of secondary schools and universities was set up under tight government control in 1802. Primary schools became part of the system in 1833. However, France did not reform its school system on nationalistic lines nearly so thoroughly as did Prussia and the United States. Prussia developed an educational system under which all children attended schools financed and regulated by the state. The curriculum dealt largely with German literature, geography and history. Teachers were not only well trained but also dedicated to the state. In1871, the king of Prussia became the first emperor of a united Germany. The Prussia system of nationalistic schools was widely believed to have contributed to Prussia's rise to power.

The Rise of Universal State Schools

Greta Britain was one of the few European countries that did not form a state-controlled educational system in 1800's. In Britain, church and charitable societies promoted schools more extensively than did the government. Robert Owen, a mill owner and social reformer, started Great Britain's first infant, or nursery schools in early 1800. The most influential British schools of the 1800s were the public school such as Eton and Tugby. These schools, which were actually private, offered a classical secondary education for upper-class boys.

Girls were less well educated than boys, but from the 1800s more girls went to school, and a small but growing number of female students attended universities. Today, most national school systems are open to girls and boys on equal terms. However in some countries girls still receive an inferior education.

By the early 1900s state primary education was free and compulsory in most Western countries. Some countries also provided free secondary schooling. Vocational and technical education made great strides in Europe during the first half of the 1900s. But today many countries also stress general education at the secondary level. Many nations added infant, or nursery, schools to their system in the mid-1900s.

The Rise of Universal State Schools

New York Schools Cited as Among the Best in the Nation

According to the National Education Association, the New York schools have made significant strides in academic achievement over the past few years. In a nationwide comparison, the New York schools have improved student achievement, as well as the schools themselves. Though issues remain that challenge the New York educators, parents and the community can be assured that the New York schools are doing everything in their power to remedy these.

Students Are Achieving

Essential scoring on the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) exam has risen for the New York schools.

Fourth grader reading scores have risen by 26 percent between 1992 and 2003 for those students scoring in the highest two levels.

Writing scores have increased in the NY schools, making them among the nation's best. Fourth graders now rank third in the nation on the NAEP, while eighth graders increased scoring by 43 percent between 1998 and 2002 in the highest two levels of the exam.

Math scores also have improved. Fourth grader scores nearly doubled between 1992 and 2003 at the two highest levels of the exam. Eight grader scores more than doubled at the highest two levels between 1990 and 2003.

The public New York schools have outperformed the private ones on Advanced Placement exams, courses through which high school students may earn college credit. Students attending public schools score higher in calculus, computer science, and physics.

College Entrance Exam scores have improved. More NY schools students are getting high scores on the SAT exam. Graduating seniors also have increased their scores on the math portion of the SAT by 28 percent since 1994, with a high score being 600 or above. Additionally, the New York schools are one of the top ten states, with high school graduates scoring in the top 20 percent nationally on the ACT and SAT exams.

More New York schools students are college bound! The schools in New York are among the top eight states in the percentage of 18-24 year olds enrolling in college. This is good news for parents, the communities, and the businesses in New York.

New York Named One of Smartest States

New York has been named one of ten "smartest states" in the nation for its quality public elementary and secondary schools. Education Week gives the New York schools a grade of "A"  for the high standards and accountability of the public schools.

Advanced Placement coursework is offered by 85 percent of the public schools, while only 60 percent of private schools offer them in the New York schools.

The New York students take more advanced coursework. The schools in New York are among the top eight states in percentage of high school students taking upper level math courses and among the top ten states for advanced science coursework taken.

The schools in New York are leading the nation in cutting edge Foreign Language Immersion Programs . They are among the top ten states nationally in the percentage of public elementary schools offering FLIP coursework.

Quality teachers also push the New York schools in front of other states, with their middle and high school teachers among the most qualified in the nation.. The number of school teachers in New York that are nationally certified by the prestigious National Board of Testing Standards has nearly tripled since 2000. Math teachers with majors in their field for the seventh through twelfth grades place the schools in New York among the top eight states, with similarly-qualified science teachers for the same grades placing the schools in New York among the top seven states.

written by  Patricia Hawke

Elementary Education Excellence

Pity the poor children of Sanibel island. Children in grades K-8 attend school amidst the lush beauty and exotic wildlife for which Sanibel is well-known. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is right outside the back door, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn about ecology in their own backyard. And, while the school is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the attitude inside the school is far from a "life's a beach" mantra. In fact, the Sanibel School is widely recognized as one of the best elementary schools in the state of Florida. Students consistently outperform state and even national schools across a wide range of subjects.

In 2007, the U.S. Department of Education selected the Sanibel School as a "Blue Ribbon School," the highest honor an American school can receive. The school attributes its success to combining a challenging curriculum with an active community and strong parent/teacher organization. The school's Web site notes, "Teachers and staff work very hard to create an atmosphere that encourages children to discover their individual interests in a safe and supportive atmosphere." Not surprisingly, one of the school's crowning achievements is its emphasis on environmental education.

Starting in Kindergarten, Sanibel students are active participants in numerous walking and biking tours to observe plant and animal life up close. They research environmental issues related to the islands, plant native vegetation, and serve as volunteers at many island functions. In support of this continuing objective, members of the Ding Darling Wildlife Society recently announced plans to build a 200-foot boardwalk from their trail to the school. The idea is for students to explore nature as they walk to the refuge, learning about the fresh water system that is an integral part of the trail.

Students also participate in other community-led programs sponsored by the City of Sanibel, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and the Sanibel Shell Club. This special community/school relationship extends to a number of recreational programs. New students who can't swim receive free swimming lessons in the city pool during school hours. Sanibel Recreation also runs summer camps for a small fee with free after-school programs.

The school's approximately 400 students are the children of families who live on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Parents who work on the island but live on the mainland can also apply for a waiver for their children to attend. Each grade includes 40 - 50 total students with a student/teacher ratio of 1:17.

 

California Schools

All across the country there is an increasing emphasis placed on early learning. Parents in California Schools desire preparation for their children at younger ages for the academics and atmosphere of school. California Schools have implemented initiatives to ensure that preparation. The First 5 California School Readiness Initiative has garnered support from the large state since its beginning in 2002 and was granted $206 million to fund programs that help transition young children into the school system.

The First 5 Initiative of California Schools focused on early care and education, parenting and support services, health and social services, school readiness for children/school capacity, and program infrastructure, administration and evaluation. Ending in 2006, this initiative completed its purpose and was followed by other California School readiness initiatives. California Schools are invested in the idea that preschools have tremendous influence and power.

The First 5 Initiative Of California Schools has formulated a task force that also branches into other areas of student help. California Schools have earned an A on their childhood obesity report cards, owing in part to the California First 5 obesity prevention campaign. The group constructed ads targeting parents and warning of the dangers accompanying obesity. Physical education programs have become more prominent in California Schools in keeping with the struggle against obesity, particularly in young children. First 5 California is attempting to stop the obesity trend in California Schools through student, parent and community awareness.

In the hopes that children of migrant workers might receive equally well-grounded educations in California Schools, the California First 5 has undertaken the challenge of funding the California First 5 Children of Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers project, which has targeted 3 and 4 year old children since its inception in 2003. This program helps struggling families in California Schools receive educational childcare, enroll more students, find transportation and improve test scores.

In October 2005, California First 5 found that a serious percentage of students entering kindergarten lack the necessary skills to succeed in California Schools. In an effort to allow children the chance to begin on equal footing in grade school, the California First 5 has acknowledged that all previous student preparation is simply the groundwork of what must eventually be achieved. California Schools' children who participate in early childhood programs are more successful than those children that don't. Therefore, the California First 5 has doubled their dedication and hopes to alert more parents to the seriousness of childhood education. California First 5 encourages parents to read regularly to their children and be aware of the benefits of preschool.

California Schools recognize the geographic sprawl of their state. In order to unify and aid incoming students, progress must be made in the partnership between parents and the school systems. California First 5 works to comprehensively alert parents and makes efforts to keep them aware of urgent trends, such as the youth obesity crisis in America. As shown in the results of past initiatives, California Schools have succeeded in their agendas primarily due to parent involvement and the success of upcoming programs will continue to depend upon parental participation.

Written By Patricia Hawke

Florida Schools are Promoting Literacy

If you live in Florida and have previously lived in another state, you might have realized that Florida's educational standards are below where you have previously lived, especially with regard to literacy. That's why Florida Schools are now fostering a program to help parents help their children with the growing literacy problem facing the state. They believe that parents are the foundation to a love of reading in a child; so they've developed some tips for parents that are dedicated to helping their children read better.

How Can Florida Schools Help Me Help My Child?

Before any advice can be given, it has to be understood that you can promote your child's literacy levels in many different ways. Florida Schools recommend that you don't just pick one tip and encourage your child to do it, use all of the tools suggested as a way to give your child a well-rounded approach to learning about reading.

Ï Teach: Florida Schools know that reading cannot just be acquired. While children can do extraordinary things like picking up another language just by exposure to it, they cannot learn to read on their own. When your child is young, make sure to make an environment that is very word friendly. If a child grows up in a very print-rich environment, he'll be more responsive to the prospect of reading simply because he's been around words all his life. Florida Schools also suggest that you make sure to set a good example for your child and read as often as you can. Don't just read to him though, read something you're interested in by yourself. If your child sees you reading, he'll grow up with the understanding that it's good and ok to do so.

Ï Emergent Reading: Have you been reading to your child lately and noticed that he looks like he's beginning to read? This is most likely emergent reading and Florida Schools encourage you to foster this in your child. Emergent reading is simply your child pretending to read as he becomes more familiar with the story. He's beginning to recite it from memory. Encourage him to tell you the story in his own words because it allows him to gain a better understanding of the words he's hearing. It'll help him recognize words when he's actually starting to learn to read. Florida Schools want you to engage your child in discussions about the book you've just read in order to help him with this.

Yes, it is important for you to use these tips to help your child love to read, but Florida Schools seem to be relying too much on parents and not enough on their teachers to teach essential literacy skills. However, if you start early before you child starts school, you can help teachers teach literacy in Florida Schools because you've already taught him that learning and reading is fun. But, in digression, Florida Schools should do more than just rely on parents to teach children essential literacy skills.

Written By Patricia Hawke

American Continental Academy

American Continental Academy offers two diploma programs for the prospective student. The
first is a 16 credit program, completed entirely online. This is available to students 18
years and older. The second is a 24 credit home school program. This is a paper and pencil
program taken through the mail. This is available to students 16 years and older.
Online diploma program: With this program, designed for adult students, all coursework,
assignments and exams are done online. This allows the student to achieve a high school
diploma in the fastest most effective way possible. An accredited high school diploma at
affordable rates can be earned in less then a week (depending on their initial knowledge and
motivation) through our advanced online system that allows you to take all your courses
online at your own pace.
Past students who have used this program are adults looking to go on to college, and those
looking for jobs that require a high school diploma, in which case time is of the essence.
The program is available nationwide and you can enroll in a SACS, CASI, and CITA accredited
program in just a few minutes and for an initial payment of $40.
Home school diploma program. This program is designed for students ages 16 and up or
international students looking to achieve an accredited high school diploma which may aid
them in getting admitted to U.S. college or university. When you enroll in the home school
program you will either take a brief test or submit a transcript. This will allow us to
determine which courses you demonstrate competence in. This means you will get credit for
these courses and move on directly to the ones you need to work on, thereby speeding up your
diploma process. Once this is completed you will then be able to begin your high school
courses and start the journey to obtaining an American high school diploma. The home school
program can be completed in as little as 3 months.
Past students who have used this program are students who's parents have decided the local
public school is not the safest environment for their child to get their high school diploma
in and would prefer their child get a quality education at home through an accredited home
school program. In addition we have had past students who have enrolled in the home school
program as an alternative to going through a GED program which is usually not given the same
significance as an actual high school diploma. Finally, the largest growing part of our
student body is our international students. Students from Cairo, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon,
Columbia, Argentina, Chile, the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, South Africa and many more are
inquiring daily.

By Dipp Mukherjee

Florida Culinary Schools

The first thing that comes to the mind of many when they hear Florida is Miami, Orlando, and
the world famous Disneyland. The warm beaches, a place that everyone dreams of visiting.
Florida is a popular tourist with fantastic restaurants around with world renowned chefs.
Now, where do these chefs come from? Many of them come right from Florida, and some of the
top Florida Culinary Schools.
The Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach is one of the most well known Culinary
Schools in Florida. There are quite a few reasons one should consider attending this
Culinary School. First of all, unlike many other schools, there you will receive first hand
experience, unlike other schools where there is a lot of watching involved. Secondly, the
school has numerous Master Bakers, Executive Chefs, as well as the National Culinary
Educator of the Year from 2001. Last of all, the school offers several degrees. There are
degrees which you can complete within 12 to 36 months. Whether you are here to pick up
cooking for a hobby, or to advance your career, Florida Culinary Institute is the place to
be!
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is another very
well known Culinary School. It offers a number of degrees ranging from an Art of Cooking
Diploma, up to a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Management. One of the greatest parts of
this school is that it offers online classes. Lastly, the beautiful campus of the school is
an attraction to many of the attendees of the school. Whether you are coming to become a
chef, or improve your skills for personal use, this is a Culinary School you will enjoy.
Last, but not least, Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts is a great Culinary School
in St. Augustine. At Keiser you will receive a great amount of hands on experience in their
technologically advanced kitchens, fully equipped with the best appliances. Aside from this,
you will receive very solid academics. The hands on experience you will receive here will be
taught by the many experienced, professional cooks at the institute. The school is very well
known for its professors.

By Yan Susanto

Early Childhood Education Degree

These days, you are able to enroll in any course that you like online. This is very beneficial for a lot of people who are not able to relocate or be physically present at school. The main reason why people want to go back to school is to get an early childhood education degree. The common problem when getting a degree online is looking for the right online school. There are only a few who are accredited which can sometime hinder individuals to go to school online.

So if you are faced with this problem then here are some things you need to know when you want to get a degree on early childhood education online. The first thing is that, online schools let you take your classes at the comfort of your home. Even if you are across the world you can still take lessons. The only thing you need to have is time and of course a reliable internet connection. There are a lot of internet service providers in the market so this will not be a problem.

Next, comes the researching of schools online. The Internet is very easy to use and provides you with all the information you need when researching. Once you have scouted several online schools that you like considering that they are all accredited it is time to contact them. You should know the subjects they offer, the fees to be paid and if you are required to be present in school to take the exams or quizzes. This is the case for some because the professors or exam administrators are not able to watch the students when taking exams or quizzes. Finding an accredited school can be a challenge but once you have found one it will be worth it.

Choosing an accredited school is important because when you are going to apply for a job the school will always prefer those who graduated from accredited school. An accredited school means that the standards are up to par. If you are not a graduate of an accredit school they will question the standards of the online school because it may not confer with their requirements.

Considering the program offered by a certain online school will let you determine how many subjects you need to take in a certain school. Right now, the curriculum of online schools are not complete which can a bit of a disadvantage. Though, if a subject is offered in a university or college near you then the problem is solved.

Getting an early childhood education degree can be a bit difficult at first but as compared to enrolling in a university it is so much easier. Especially when you have a family to take care of you can still do it while attending your school at home. This is why online schools attract individuals who are willing to get a degree but are not able to attend physically. Definitely, online schools will help save money but still individuals are able to enroll at schools with high standards.

by:-By Dr. Christopher Williams

Online Success at K-12 Schools

In Minneapolis and all over the United States online classes are becoming extremely popular. The fact that it makes it much easier for teen moms to finish high school, delinquents get back on their educational path and bullied kids go from homeschool to being able to switch to online classes. There are many benefits to online learning. Students can learn to be independent and are in control of their learning. Fast or slow, they make the decision on what makes learning easier for them. There are now statistics coming up that are saying that online learning is not always better learning.

Online learning and virtual schools have obvious benefits, but what about the disadvantages? Statistics are saying that test results from students attending virtual schools or taking online classes are showing that eighty five percent of students aren't up to statewide standards for math proficiency because the online classes aren't rigorous enough. Since these statistics are starting to become apparent, why doesn't the education system overhaul the online class requirements? Since the work is done at home, should there be more work? Or should the teachers utilize video conferencing for its students? As there is some blame for the students not studying hard enough, the teachers and curriculum are the issue.

It may be easier to blame the students for their lack of focus and them not spending enough time on their online work or studying, but it seems the education system is quick to blame someone else for their issues. It's not the student's fault that some online courses are not challenging enough or are not teaching them in the way that they should be. A student merely sigs up for a class, hopes to pass by doing their work and passing tests, they don't create the curriculum. Online classes are a great option and not all online classes are inefficient. Online classes with other subjects seem to be fine, but because math is a subject that s student ether gets or doesn't get, more teacher interaction is needed to assist individual needs and learning styles.

In a classroom setting, students can raise their hand, ask the teacher for help on a particular problem and the teacher will help you work through the problem, step by step, until you get the concept ad the formula down. They help you to see the meaning of the formula and teach you shortcuts and easier ways to do the problems. By being in a classroom environment for learning math, it is greatly beneficial for the students that aren't the best at math. The problem is, the people that don't do good at math don't want to sit in a classroom learning it for hours, they would rather do online courses and get it over faster.

As students work much faster online, which can be good for most subjects, online courses for math just aren't configured properly to assist all learning styles. Is the education system wants to see a boost in test scores in the subject of math in online classes, there needs to be a reform off the online math curriculum.

Psychology Graduate Schools - University of Michigan (By Sheridan Salter)

The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor boasts one of the largest psychology research departments in the country. Currently this university holds the number 3 slot for top Ph.D. programs in psychology according to the U.S. News and World Reports rankings, measuring quality of a school's faculty, research, and students. At Michigan, students receive training for careers in both academic and applied settings-for positions in colleges and universities, governmental agencies, research organizations, and clinics. There are 6 different areas of psychology in which you can receive a Ph.D. including:
* Biopsychology
* Clinical Psychology
* Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience
* Developmental Psychology
* Personality & Social Contexts
* Social Psychology
In addition, there are a number of joint programs of study, offering dual emphasis in different areas:
* Social Work and Psychology
* Education and Psychology
* Women's Studies and Psychology
As posted on the University of Michigan website, there are several objectives that indicate quality in graduate study. The general objectives of psychology doctoral programs at Michigan include: 1) a general knowledge of the broad subject matter of psychology; 2) mastery of a specialized field; 3) competence in organizing, interpreting, and communicating effectively; 4) competence in research skills and creative work; and 5) professional skills relevant to their field of specialization. This broad array of skills will enable graduates to seek out careers in many different areas and develop their own program of research by working cooperatively with faculty members across the department, and in some cases, the university itself.
What can you do to prepare yourself for grad school at Michigan?
To get into grad school at Michigan, of course, you need to have an excellent academic resume, official copies of your transcript, submit GRE exam scores, and effective letters of recommendation. There are also several helpful tips found on the Department of Psychology website. Specifically, these tips suggest beginning to prepare yourself for grad school during at least your junior year of undergraduate education (although these are not hard and fast rules, as many students also work for a few years before being admitted to grad school):
* Broad undergraduate background in natural, physical, and social sciences
* Courses in Experimental Psychology (or research methods)
* Courses in Statistics
* Experience in the field, laboratory and/or research assistantships
* Undergraduate research project as a plus
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a competitive for graduate admissions. The typical overall GPA of an admitted student is approximately 3.82. Although the number of students admitted changes from year to year, generally, less than 5% of applicants receive an acceptance letter. For the Clinical Psychology area alone, over 300 applications were received for the Fall 2009 admissions cycle. Only 6 students were admitted.
Those students who are admitted typically have a great understanding of how important faculty-student fit is to admissions committees. The payoff is great, not only in receiving one of the best graduate educations in psychology, but also in terms of financial assistance. Currently, Michigan offers admitted programs a 5-year, fully funded package. This includes research assistantships, teaching appointment, and a monthly stipend for living expenses. Therefore, it literally pays to do your homework on what it takes to get into top ranked psychology Ph.D. programs.

Psychology Schools and Universities in Florida (By Erik R Johnson)

In recent years, the growth of jobs in the field of psychology has seen a significant rise. As a result, demand for the qualified psychiatrists in mental health facilities, clinics and hospitals have increased. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment for psychological counselors is expected to grow on average of 21 percent, which is actually much faster than the national average for all occupations through 2016.
Similarly, the job openings for vocational and school counselors have also seen an average growth of 13 percent. This considerable amount of growth has in turn created a new platform for many schools and universities in Florida to offer psychology courses. So, if you are considering making career in the field of psychology, following are the few top universities of Florida where you can complete or earn a degree:
South University: Established in 1899, this University is known to have long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. The university is certified by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university provides Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology. This is a diversified and four-year long bachelor's degree program that is applicable to a number of industries.
University of phoenix: University of Phoenix founded in 1976 is among the largest private universities in North America, which has nearly 200 campuses at convenient locations. It offers more than 100 degree programs at the associate's, bachelor's, masters and doctoral levels in health care education. The master's and bachelor's degree programs in psychology at University of Phoenix involve psychological study with a higher level of academic focus. It focuses on research and general principles rather than clinical skills development.
Argosy University: Argosy University is one of the leading institutions of higher learning established in September 2001 by bringing together three separate academic institutions. After merging three successful foundations named, The University of Sarasota, American School of Professional Psychology and Medical Institute of Minnesota, The Argosy University was formed. Today, Argosy University comprises four colleges and features different 19 campus locations in the United States alone for psychology.
Keiser University: For near about 30 years, Keiser has been in the field of educating students in Florida seeking hands-on learning experience that allows them to target in such a way to get the most out of it. The course scheduling at one time is set for four to five hours a day. This ensures that students acquire more knowledge for hours they devote to absorb. The most unique feature of this university is that one never get late for admission nor has to wait long, as every month a class is started. Certainly, today there are number of schools in Florida are affiliated to recognized and renowned universities. The availability of such universities have simplified the way to obtain a degree in psychology with valuable knowledge, which can further make your career ease to crop up in this competitive world.

New York film schools are included among the best schools for film education in the nation, others being in California and Florida. They teach students everything they need to know about making films. These prime institutions in the nation provide quality education and hands-on knowledge that are required to meet the challenging trends in the film industry. The film industry located in New York City has great advantages in the way of film schools. This is because experienced people in the industry teach most of the classes in these film schools. Hence, students learn more
New York is a state enriched with galleries, museums, historic sites, music venues and other resources suitable for artists. New York City is the largest city in the state with a rich blend of culture, fashion, and art. Both the state and city are well suited for art lovers and film makers and for people studying in related fields.
New York film schools may be either public or private. The private ones are not linked to any of the universities of the United States. The New York Film Academy, based in New York City, is one of the best. The Academy is a unique educational institution and offers classes in filmmaking, acting and animation instruction.
Other popular accredited film schools in the state are The Art Institute of New York City, Briarcliffe College in Bethpage, Briarcliffe College in Patchogue, The Chubb Institute and Wood Tobe-Coburn School in New York City, Katharine Gibbs School in Melville, and the Devry University.

Florida Culinary Schools (By Yan Susanto)

The first thing that comes to the mind of many when they hear Florida is Miami, Orlando, and the world famous Disneyland. The warm beaches, a place that everyone dreams of visiting. Florida is a popular tourist with fantastic restaurants around with world renowned chefs. Now, where do these chefs come from? Many of them come right from Florida, and some of the top Florida Culinary Schools.
The Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach is one of the most well known Culinary Schools in Florida. There are quite a few reasons one should consider attending this Culinary School. First of all, unlike many other schools, there you will receive first hand experience, unlike other schools where there is a lot of watching involved. Secondly, the school has numerous Master Bakers, Executive Chefs, as well as the National Culinary Educator of the Year from 2001. Last of all, the school offers several degrees. There are degrees which you can complete within 12 to 36 months. Whether you are here to pick up cooking for a hobby, or to advance your career, Florida Culinary Institute is the place to be!
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is another very well known Culinary School. It offers a number of degrees ranging from an Art of Cooking Diploma, up to a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Management. One of the greatest parts of this school is that it offers online classes. Lastly, the beautiful campus of the school is an attraction to many of the attendees of the school. Whether you are coming to become a chef, or improve your skills for personal use, this is a Culinary School you will enjoy.
Last, but not least, Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts is a great Culinary School in St. Augustine. At Keiser you will receive a great amount of hands on experience in their technologically advanced kitchens, fully equipped with the best appliances. Aside from this, you will receive very solid academics. The hands on experience you will receive here will be taught by the many experienced, professional cooks at the institute. The school is very well known for its professors.
For those who are considering going to Florida to attend one of Florida Culinary Schools, should definitely consider the above culinary schools. Aside from these three cooking schools, there are many other great culinary schools in Florida. These schools will prepare you for whatever path it is you decide to take with your cooking experience. You can become a chef, or you can just better your skills for your family at home.

Florida School Grading System (by Sheridan Salter)

If you have ever hoped to one day get into grad school (or more specifically, gain admission to the doctoral program in psychology) at UCLA in Los Angeles, California, then you've come to the right place! Currently ranked at number 3 by U.S. News and World Reports for best overall graduate program in psychology, University of California at Los Angeles has applications pouring in from students all over the country. These students represent the academic elite, contending for a spot on the next class of graduate students in their particular area of interest in psychology. Ph.D. programs are offered at UCLA in the following areas:
* Behavioral Neuroscience
* Clinical Psychology
* Cognitive Psychology
* Developmental Psychology
* Health Psychology
* Learning & Behavior
* Quantitative
* Social Psychology
Lastly for those interested in studying Education and Psychology, there is a related program for Psychological Studies in Education.
As is the case for all Ph.D. programs (and certainly for prestigious Research One institutions of higher learning), UCLA boasts its reputation for preparing psychologists to work as researchers, college and university instructors, and professional research psychologists. After graduation, typical careers around found in both academic and applied settings, research and government agencies, business and industry, and clinics and hospitals.
At UCLA you will also find several research institutes on campus. Graduate students are especially encouraged to get involved in research projects at the Brain Research Institute, the interdisciplinary Neuroscience and Cognitive programs, the Institute for Social Science Research, the Neuropsychiatric Institute, and the Fernald Child Study Center. For clinical psychology students, there is a Psychology Clinic on campus where you will spend hours in practicums learning how to treat patients under supervision.
How competitive is it to get into Ph.D. program in psychology at UCLA?
The UCLA Psychology Department website states that for the Fall admissions cycle of 2009, approximately 690 applications were received. Although precise numbers vary each year, only 30 students were admitted into the Ph.D. program. A quick look at the numbers might suggest that it is extremely difficult to get into UCLA. The matter of fact is that lots of applicants likely failed to do their research before applying. There are several keys to admissions to Ph.D. programs - and the first rule of thumb is to apply to programs with good faculty-student fit. This means that if you are only interested in becoming a psychotherapist, the research-oriented nature of the program is not a good fit. Secondly, if you're interested in studying the development of autism, but there is no faculty member whose research interests mirror yours, you are better of saving your application fee to apply to another university where you can find appropriate mentorship.
Do I have to take the GRE to get into UCLA?
The short answer is yes. GRE General Exam scores are a requirement for admission. You're in good luck though that there are no minimum GRE cutoff scores to be considered for admission. If you still feel like your GRE scores might not be competitive, be aware that UCLA's policy is only to take into consideration your last reported GRE score. No averaging, no taking your best score. However, please be aware that certain programs at UCLA require the GRE Psychology Subject Test: These include Clinical Psychology. For the Health, Developmental, and Cognitive Psychology areas, the GRE Psychology is highly recommended but not a strict requirement. For other areas, you are in the free and clear.