Bookmobiles are a traveling branch library service. They consist of a large vehicle, designed to hold books on shelves and function as a mobile source of literature. Many bookmobiles even have room for people to sit and stay awhile, to catch up on their reading. In addition, they usually allow the public to check out books that can either be returned to the closest library branch or to the book mobile at a later time. As an integral part of American culture, bookmobiles stand as a symbol of the importance of reading.
The idea for the first U.S. bookmobile came from Washington County, Maryland in 1905. At that time, it was merely a book wagon that was used to take books directly to the homes in remote parts of the country. Through the years, they have functioned to provide services to school students and acted as the primary method of outreach to rural areas. Today, bookmobiles still run routes through small towns, frequenting retirement homes and schools. They operate in almost every state in the U.S. The state of Kentucky operates the most bookmobiles, with 98 active vehicles.
It takes a lot of effort to pack up a mobile library and transport it over a large area. A strong message that the bookmobile sends to both adults and children is that reading is important enough to merit that effort. Reading develops the mind, which is a muscle that needs exercise. Literature provides both education and culture to the people who are able to utilize it. Without the bookmobiles, many people in rural areas, or those who do not have access to a library might not receive the benefits that come from reading. Bookmobiles have helped to educate these groups of people, which in turn has aided in developing our society as a whole.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Higher Education Act
The Higher Education Act was originally passed in 1965, as part of President Lyndon Johnson's attempt to “strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and provide financial assistance for students in post secondary and higher education.” The original reform made it easier for many to pursue secondary education by generating low-interest student loans, increasing the funding that is provided to universities, and creating scholarships. This legislation was designed to be open for review and change approximately every five years from its origination, in order to accommodate growth and improvement in the reformation of education.
The Higher Education Act has been reauthorized in the years 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998, 2008, and 2009. In 1998, the amendment prevented individuals with drug charges from receiving federal financial aid for school. Next, in 2003, the changes made to the Higher Education Act were intended to assist minority groups accomplish their educational goals. Then, the 2008 Higher Education Act made an amendment that would offer loan repayment forgiveness for disabled people. In other years of reconsideration, little changes were made and the existing legislature was reauthorized.
More recently, in 2009, Obama signed for some technical changes to occur in the Higher Education Act, which updated some language and political issues. Authorization of the program that is currently in effect is set to expire in 2013. However, with the current state of our economy, many people expect to see changes occur with the Higher Education Act before then. In 2010, the government plans to put a large focus on items pertaining to post secondary education loans and loan repayment.
The Higher Education Act has been reauthorized in the years 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998, 2008, and 2009. In 1998, the amendment prevented individuals with drug charges from receiving federal financial aid for school. Next, in 2003, the changes made to the Higher Education Act were intended to assist minority groups accomplish their educational goals. Then, the 2008 Higher Education Act made an amendment that would offer loan repayment forgiveness for disabled people. In other years of reconsideration, little changes were made and the existing legislature was reauthorized.
More recently, in 2009, Obama signed for some technical changes to occur in the Higher Education Act, which updated some language and political issues. Authorization of the program that is currently in effect is set to expire in 2013. However, with the current state of our economy, many people expect to see changes occur with the Higher Education Act before then. In 2010, the government plans to put a large focus on items pertaining to post secondary education loans and loan repayment.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Technical Schools
Technical schools are available all over the world. They offer professional skills for some of the highest paying jobs. Plus, they provide a fast track to a career. Most technical programs require only 6 months to a year of training before the student is ready for the job market. With the rising cost of tuition and the lengthy amount of time it takes to get a degree from a university, technical schools are growing in popularity.
Technical or vocational skills are recognized for teaching job specific skills, rather than providing a broad education, like one that might be received at a four year college or university. They are considered to be practical institutions, which prepare individuals for careers in a timely manner. Students choose technical schools for a number of reasons. However, they are most popular because they are job specific and ensure that one will be ready for a certain career upon completion of its related program.
When selecting a technical school, there are several things one should consider. Location is an important factor. Due to the fact that there are hundreds of technical schools located all over the map, often one can conveniently stay in their current area to attend school. Also, tuition and fees are a major consideration. Generally, a technical school is less expensive than attending a university. However, not all of them are accredited or able to offer you financial assistance programs. Also, every technical school should have current information about job placement and how many graduates are actually placed in their career field.
For all types of occupations including, welders, certain types of engineers, computer drafting, dental assisting, hospital tech jobs, and more, technical schools assist students in joining the workforce with a set of specific skills. However, they are generally not as highly accredited as a university and often make it difficult to transfer credits around. On the other hand, there are many advantages to technical schools which may cause them to be the better option for certain individuals. Selecting any type of educational facility is an important decision that requires careful thought and research.
Technical or vocational skills are recognized for teaching job specific skills, rather than providing a broad education, like one that might be received at a four year college or university. They are considered to be practical institutions, which prepare individuals for careers in a timely manner. Students choose technical schools for a number of reasons. However, they are most popular because they are job specific and ensure that one will be ready for a certain career upon completion of its related program.
When selecting a technical school, there are several things one should consider. Location is an important factor. Due to the fact that there are hundreds of technical schools located all over the map, often one can conveniently stay in their current area to attend school. Also, tuition and fees are a major consideration. Generally, a technical school is less expensive than attending a university. However, not all of them are accredited or able to offer you financial assistance programs. Also, every technical school should have current information about job placement and how many graduates are actually placed in their career field.
For all types of occupations including, welders, certain types of engineers, computer drafting, dental assisting, hospital tech jobs, and more, technical schools assist students in joining the workforce with a set of specific skills. However, they are generally not as highly accredited as a university and often make it difficult to transfer credits around. On the other hand, there are many advantages to technical schools which may cause them to be the better option for certain individuals. Selecting any type of educational facility is an important decision that requires careful thought and research.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Library Technology in Your Public Library
Generally when we think of the library we just think of books. Maybe some of the more frequent library patrons use the Internet or get movies but most people don't even know what all is available from their library, let alone what technology is used and available from their public library.
Some of us not so young generation may remember the card catalog that librarians so carefully updated and indexed. Today when you go to a library you can walk up to a computer and type in a number of different things and find a whole list of what the library has to offer. You may look for a specific title, author, subject, age group, or any number of search options to help you find what you are looking for.
Bookmobiles have been around for ages. For those that may not be familiar with what a bookmobile is, it is a traveling library. Generally a motorized vehicle that goes to smaller more rural areas that don't have their own district library. In some places the bookmobile may actually be a boat or even a horse-drawn wagon.
One of the more exciting and more recent technologies is the invent of e-books. Books that are in an electronic format and can be read from your computer. You may not even have to go to a library to access this type of book. In essence you can bring your library to your home. Inter-library loans are also wonderful. Perhaps there is a specific book you need but your library doesn't have it. An inter-library loan allows your library to borrow the book from a college library or some other library and then lend it to you. This done by special request for a specific book where the bookmobile just carries a variety of books that you can choose from.
If none of these library services sound familiar to you, maybe it has been too long since your last trip to your public library. Take a trip and check it out. If you have young kids, run a homeschool, or a preschool group you may be surprised at all the activities and fun options available in most libraries today.
Some of us not so young generation may remember the card catalog that librarians so carefully updated and indexed. Today when you go to a library you can walk up to a computer and type in a number of different things and find a whole list of what the library has to offer. You may look for a specific title, author, subject, age group, or any number of search options to help you find what you are looking for.
Bookmobiles have been around for ages. For those that may not be familiar with what a bookmobile is, it is a traveling library. Generally a motorized vehicle that goes to smaller more rural areas that don't have their own district library. In some places the bookmobile may actually be a boat or even a horse-drawn wagon.
One of the more exciting and more recent technologies is the invent of e-books. Books that are in an electronic format and can be read from your computer. You may not even have to go to a library to access this type of book. In essence you can bring your library to your home. Inter-library loans are also wonderful. Perhaps there is a specific book you need but your library doesn't have it. An inter-library loan allows your library to borrow the book from a college library or some other library and then lend it to you. This done by special request for a specific book where the bookmobile just carries a variety of books that you can choose from.
If none of these library services sound familiar to you, maybe it has been too long since your last trip to your public library. Take a trip and check it out. If you have young kids, run a homeschool, or a preschool group you may be surprised at all the activities and fun options available in most libraries today.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Kindergarten Curriculum
Maybe you have a child that is about to enter the world of kindergarten and you are curious to know what they will be learning. Perhaps you are teaching kindergarten curriculum at home or maybe just want to make sure your child is prepared. Regardless of the reason, it isn't a bad idea to know what kindergarten is all about. There is a curriculum for those youngsters that involves more than coloring pictures, playing with toys, and learning to cut and paste. Kindergarten teachers are responsible for teaching 5 and 6 year old kids some important principles.
States seem to vary greatly on what kindergarten children are required to learn. Some have more requirements than others. However, the national guidelines have set standards for teaching kindergarten Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and History. There are various websites that outline the principles and lesson plans that can be used to teach these subjects. If your child in enrolled in compulsory education, you can check with their teacher to stay involved in their learning process.
In kindergarten, children become familiar with animals, colors, parts of the body, letters and numbers. They learn nursery rhymes, days of the week, important holidays, and how to rhyme simple words. Preparing your child for kindergarten by teaching a lot of these things at home really help to give them a head start. Kindergarten children should also learn their address, phone number, and the location of their home and school. By the end of kindergarten, they need to be able to write their name, read simple words, compute simple addition problems, identify letters and sounds, and make observations about the world. When you think about it, this is really a lot to teach in such a short period of time.
Kindergarten is a lot different than it used to be. It demands much more from these young children. In order to be ready for kindergarten a child must be able to manage their bathroom needs, pay attention for short periods of time, and follow simple directions. Any prior knowledge they receive regarding numbers, letters, sharing with others, or tracing basic steps will help them be well on their way to a positive learning experience. Be sure to check with your school prior to enrollment to learn of any additional requirements they might have for your child.
States seem to vary greatly on what kindergarten children are required to learn. Some have more requirements than others. However, the national guidelines have set standards for teaching kindergarten Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and History. There are various websites that outline the principles and lesson plans that can be used to teach these subjects. If your child in enrolled in compulsory education, you can check with their teacher to stay involved in their learning process.
In kindergarten, children become familiar with animals, colors, parts of the body, letters and numbers. They learn nursery rhymes, days of the week, important holidays, and how to rhyme simple words. Preparing your child for kindergarten by teaching a lot of these things at home really help to give them a head start. Kindergarten children should also learn their address, phone number, and the location of their home and school. By the end of kindergarten, they need to be able to write their name, read simple words, compute simple addition problems, identify letters and sounds, and make observations about the world. When you think about it, this is really a lot to teach in such a short period of time.
Kindergarten is a lot different than it used to be. It demands much more from these young children. In order to be ready for kindergarten a child must be able to manage their bathroom needs, pay attention for short periods of time, and follow simple directions. Any prior knowledge they receive regarding numbers, letters, sharing with others, or tracing basic steps will help them be well on their way to a positive learning experience. Be sure to check with your school prior to enrollment to learn of any additional requirements they might have for your child.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Student Support
As a young adult, there are many things to consider while pursuing an education. You must figure out how to fit the expensive bill of attending an educational institution. Plus, you will need to plan for creating a class schedule and finding the right resources that you need to succeed. Many young students fail to be prepared for important things like health care. Fortunately, student support is offered for all of these items and more. There are many people and resources that are available to help you reach your educational goals. The most important thing is to know what services are offered and how to find them.
Finance is a word that sparks anxiety in many college students. However, the cost of tuition and books should not defer anyone from pursuing an education. School is an investment in your future. For this reason there are multiple organizations that can help you get by. Every educational institution should have a financial aid department. Financial assistance my be available through the school in the form of a scholarship. Also, the federal government, state agencies, and private organizations or individuals may be able to provide for you. Most financial aid departments will have you begin your search for aid with a FAFSA application. This is a lengthy government form that requires your financial information, as well as that of your parents. The application is usually done online and you will want to be prepared with your most current income tax return, as it will ask for some detailed information. However, if you have questions about completing the application, the office of financial assistance is there to help.
When the time comes to select the appropriate classes, you should probably seek the advise of your schools academic adviser. They are a great resource and can help you stay in line for a timely graduation. You will find out exactly what courses are required for your field of study and be instructed on the number of classes you should be able to handle each semester. However, schedule an appointment in advance. Academic advisers become very busy at the start of a new semester.
If you struggle academically because of a learning disability or any other reason, you will want to seek the appropriate organization for assistance. Each state requires student support services for those who are at a disadvantage when it comes to learning. You may be eligible for free tutoring, class room accommodations, or some extra help learning study and organizational skills. Ask your school counselor if you think you may be a candidate for these resources.
Due to the fact that attending an educational institute can be very stressful, young students often find themselves feeling under the weather. Some of them may be far from home or lack appropriate health care coverage. Many schools offer their own health care center. You should contact the Student Insurance office on your campus and look into a policy that ensures you will receive the proper care in the event of an illness or accident. It is required of some schools that you have medical coverage prior to attending.
Get familiar with your campus and know where to go to find help when you need it. Although attending a new educational institution can be an exciting and intimidating experience, help is available if you look around. Student support is offered in a variety of forms and is there for almost any problem you may encounter.
Finance is a word that sparks anxiety in many college students. However, the cost of tuition and books should not defer anyone from pursuing an education. School is an investment in your future. For this reason there are multiple organizations that can help you get by. Every educational institution should have a financial aid department. Financial assistance my be available through the school in the form of a scholarship. Also, the federal government, state agencies, and private organizations or individuals may be able to provide for you. Most financial aid departments will have you begin your search for aid with a FAFSA application. This is a lengthy government form that requires your financial information, as well as that of your parents. The application is usually done online and you will want to be prepared with your most current income tax return, as it will ask for some detailed information. However, if you have questions about completing the application, the office of financial assistance is there to help.
When the time comes to select the appropriate classes, you should probably seek the advise of your schools academic adviser. They are a great resource and can help you stay in line for a timely graduation. You will find out exactly what courses are required for your field of study and be instructed on the number of classes you should be able to handle each semester. However, schedule an appointment in advance. Academic advisers become very busy at the start of a new semester.
If you struggle academically because of a learning disability or any other reason, you will want to seek the appropriate organization for assistance. Each state requires student support services for those who are at a disadvantage when it comes to learning. You may be eligible for free tutoring, class room accommodations, or some extra help learning study and organizational skills. Ask your school counselor if you think you may be a candidate for these resources.
Due to the fact that attending an educational institute can be very stressful, young students often find themselves feeling under the weather. Some of them may be far from home or lack appropriate health care coverage. Many schools offer their own health care center. You should contact the Student Insurance office on your campus and look into a policy that ensures you will receive the proper care in the event of an illness or accident. It is required of some schools that you have medical coverage prior to attending.
Get familiar with your campus and know where to go to find help when you need it. Although attending a new educational institution can be an exciting and intimidating experience, help is available if you look around. Student support is offered in a variety of forms and is there for almost any problem you may encounter.
Friday, December 11, 2009
School Lunch Programs
The National School Lunch Program makes it possible for every child in the United States to have a nutritional and balanced meal on every school day. The school lunch programs that they implement reimburse all participating schools in efforts to safeguard the health of the Nation's children. Children are provided with more than 1/3 of their Recommended Daily Allowance of key nutrients.
More than 99,800 schools participate in assisting children in need by offering a school lunch program. They can be a public school, a non profit private school, or a residential child care facility in order to qualify for the nationally funded benefits. On a typical school day, more than 18 million children receive a free or reduced price lunches.
Eligibility for receiving the benefits of a free or reduced lunch program are determined by the parent's income. Household income must fall below 130% of the national poverty level to receive free meals or between 130% and 185% of poverty to receive reduced price lunches. However, aside from showing proof of income, there are several other ways that a family can become eligible. If the family is receiving food stamps or some other forms of financial assistance, they often automatically qualify. Also, children who are homeless, migrant, or runaways can be placed in the program by a professional judgment, without having to compete an application.
Even the idea of a starving child is hard for most people to think about. Fortunately, our government has established the National School Lunch Program to help. In addition to providing kids with a nutritional lunch, our government also supports programs for free breakfast and free after school snack to those who qualify in participating schools.
More than 99,800 schools participate in assisting children in need by offering a school lunch program. They can be a public school, a non profit private school, or a residential child care facility in order to qualify for the nationally funded benefits. On a typical school day, more than 18 million children receive a free or reduced price lunches.
Eligibility for receiving the benefits of a free or reduced lunch program are determined by the parent's income. Household income must fall below 130% of the national poverty level to receive free meals or between 130% and 185% of poverty to receive reduced price lunches. However, aside from showing proof of income, there are several other ways that a family can become eligible. If the family is receiving food stamps or some other forms of financial assistance, they often automatically qualify. Also, children who are homeless, migrant, or runaways can be placed in the program by a professional judgment, without having to compete an application.
Even the idea of a starving child is hard for most people to think about. Fortunately, our government has established the National School Lunch Program to help. In addition to providing kids with a nutritional lunch, our government also supports programs for free breakfast and free after school snack to those who qualify in participating schools.
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