7 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Advice
Posted on January 3, 2014 by Guest Blogger

myths

I’m currently a junior in college, which means the 2014-15 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSASM) will be the last time I complete the FAFSA. However, my sister is going to be starting college in the fall and will be filling out the FAFSA for the first time. Luckily for her, she’ll have me to help her along the way.

Looking back to the first time I completed the FAFSA, I remember some misconceptions that I had about filling it out —and some of my friends had the same ones. Turns out these myths weren’t true. The FAFSA really is an easy-to-complete, online application that will help you plan for and finance your education.

I wanted to share some of these common myths about the FAFSA and applying for financial aid with you. You can also check out Federal Student Aid’s video that addresses these common myths!

  1. I won’t qualify for financial aid because my parents (or I) make too much money.
    Actually, there isn’t an income cutoff to qualify for financial aid. Your eligibility for financial aid is based on a number of factors and not just your or your parents’ income. Plus, many states and schools use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for their aid. Fill out the application and find out what you can get!
  2. I don’t have good grades, so I won’t be eligible for financial aid.
    Completing the FAFSA isn’t the same as applying to college. Most federal student aid programs don’t take your grades into consideration when you apply. Just remember, once you’re in college, you do need to maintain satisfactory academic progress  in order to continue receiving federal aid.
  3. I’m too old to qualify for financial aid.
    Federal student aid programs don’t take your age into consideration.
  4. The application is too hard to fill out!
    Since it’s available online, the FAFSA is easier than ever to complete. The form uses “skip logic,” so you are only asked the questions that are relevant to you. If you’ve filed your taxes, then you can transfer your tax return data into your FAFSA automatically. And as you go through the application, there will be guided assistance in the margins to help you answer each question. Plus, the FAFSA website has a Help page that addresses most frequently asked questions.
  5.   I have to wait until I (my parents) file taxes.
    Since some colleges have FAFSA deadlines that are before the tax filing deadline, it’s important to complete the FAFSA early. You can use estimates on your FAFSA by basing them off of last year’s taxes. After you file your taxes, you can log back into the FAFSA and input your updated tax information.
  6. I support myself, so I don’t have to include parent info.
    This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself and file taxes on your own, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes. You can determine your dependency status by answering these questions. If you are independent, you don’t need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA. If you are dependent, you need to provide your parents’ information.
  7. I completed the FAFSA my freshman year, so I don’t have to complete it again.
    As I said, this will be my fourth time completing the FAFSA. You should complete the FAFSA each year you plan to attend college or career school.

What are you waiting for? Start your application now at www.fafsa.gov!

Mark Valdez is a student at Brown University and an intern with the Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid.

Blended learning models taking hold in California schools

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Elementary schools using different model than are high schools

Blended learning is becoming entrenched in California schools, but elementary schools and high schools are taking different approaches whenintegrating learning technology.

Elementary schools are using the “station rotation” model, in which students in small groups may spend 20 minutes in a reading center, followed by 20 minutes at a computer using an online learning program, and an additional 20 minutes of small group instruction with the teacher.

Elementary schools throughout the country are now adding the online component to the rotating classroom models that have been used for decades, says Heather Staker, a senior education research fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, a nonprofit dedicated in part to researching and promoting blended learning.

Fast Facts

  • Some 66% of school leaders say they use a blended learning model, compared to 34% who say they primarily use a fully online learning model. And 81% of schools now offer online courses, compared to 66% in 2012. Source: K12 Inc. 2013 Benchmark Study
  • Only 33% of middle school students can collect and analyze online data to identify solutions and make informed decisions on school work. Source: Learning.com “21st Century Skills Assessment

“The real attraction to these models is they greatly improve a teacher’s ability to deliver differentiated instruction to small groups,” Staker says.

Though just 19 percent of California’s elementary schools are using blended learning, another 20 percent are planning implementation, according to 2013 research from the California Learning Resource Network, a statewide education technology service of the Department of Education. And of those using blended learning, some 80 percent employ a rotation model.

On the other end of the education spectrum, 73 percent of California districts use online learning at the high school level. Almost half of those districts are using the “a la carte” model in which students take one or more courses entirely online while continuing to take traditional classes at school. Many districts are increasingly requiring students to take an online course before graduation.

“It’s a natural fit for elementary schools to use the station rotation model, since they aren’t quite ready to take complete ownership of their learning,” says Allison Powell, vice president for state and district services at the International Association for K12 Online Learning. “The older a student gets, the more flexible they get and the better the learning choices they can make.”

The Clayton Christensen Institute predicts that by 2019, 50 percent of all high school courses nationwide will be delivered online. However, elementary schools are likely to continue with the blended model because students don’t need the specialized AP or advanced language classes that will only be offered online in some districts.

Schools can improve traditional classrooms by exploring blended learning options that personalize instruction, Staker says. Middle school and high school administrators can also identify content areas that are missing in their schools, such as AP courses, and try to find online learning solutions. “We’re remiss if we don’t embrace the rapid pace of innovation that is presenting itself to the K12 sector,” Staker says.

Learn How BrainCore Therapy with ADD/ADHD/Autism…

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“Neurofeedback should play a major therapeutic role in many difficult areas.
In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum
of efficacy it would be universally accepted and widely used.”

– Dr. Frank H. Duffy, Professor and Pediatric Neurologist at Harvard Medical School.

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Picture of brainwave patterns and neurofeedback.The theory of neurofeedback is based on a simple concept – When you have information on what your brainwaves are doing, your brain can use that information to change how it works BrainCore Neurofeedback is also known as EEG Biofeedback. Neurofeedback is guided exercise for the brain. It is actually a learning modality designed to retrain dysregulated brainwave patterns. The goal of all neurofeedback is to transform an unhealthy, dysregulated brainwave pattern into a normal, healthy, organized pattern. By doing this, the brain becomes more stable and is able to operate optimally and efficiently. It is completely noninvasive and is considered by the Food and Drug Administration to be safe. In fact the Food and Drug Administration recognizes that neurofeedback has NEVER produced a serious side effect since it was first discovered over 40 years ago. Published scientific research has demonstrated neurofeedback’s efficacy in managing many neurological conditions such as ADHD, Migraine and Tension Headache, Insomnia, Chronic Pain, Post Stroke Syndrome, Anxiety and Panic Attacks as well as many others.

BrainCore Neurofeedback Training

Drugless Alternative TreatmentsBefore training sessions begin, a comprehensive assessment is performed. This assessment procedure allows the doctor to determine, in a scientifically objective manner whether a client’s brainwave patterns are different from normal. The assessment provides the doctor with the neurofeedback training protocols that will be used during the training sessions. These protocols are designed to retrain the brainwave patterns toward normal. As the brainwave patterns normalize, the brain is able to operate more optimally and efficiently. Once the protocols are determined the individual is hooked up to a computer using wires and sensors and the computer records their brainwave activity. These sensors are noninvasive, as no electrical current is put into the brain. The sensors simply record the brainwaves coming from the brain. Information about these brainwaves is displayed on the doctor’s monitor.

The software automatically detects when the brainwaves are properly ordered and it feeds that information back to the patient. This feedback appears in the form of a game, movie, or sound which signals the patient that the brainwaves are becoming more ordered. For example, in the image above, the patient is watching a puzzle of a picture that is being filled in piece by piece. As long as the patient’s brain waves are moving in an orderly direction, the puzzle pieces are filled in and the patient hears a tone. If the brainwave patterns move away from an orderly pattern, then the puzzle does not get filled in and no tone is produced. The patient is actually controlling the completion of the puzzle with their brain and by doing so; the brain is learning how to regulate itself.

how does neurofeedback work?In another design, the patient performs the training while watching a movie. In this case the patient may watch a DVD movie that is being controlled by their ability to regulate their brainwaves. The movie will get brighter as the brain waves normalize and become darker when they become dysregulated. The brain’s natural desire to watch the movie clearly will drive those neurological circuits that normalize the brainwaves and allow the picture to be visualized. The more those circuits are driven and used – the more neuroplastic changes take hold. The patient learns how to use those new circuits during the demands of everyday life.

http://www.braincoretherapy.com

How to Treat Panic Attacks in Children
A Brief History of PTSD
Alternative Medication For Autism
Natural Remedies for Insomnia
4 Foods That Improve Memory
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Needing Money for College – FAFSA!

Advice

 

7 Things You Need Before You Fill Out the FAFSA

If you need financial aid to help you pay for college, it’s important that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The good news? The FAFSA is simpler than ever! Did you know that, on average, it only takes 23 minutes complete? That equates to roughly one episode of your favorite TV program, so no excuses about not having the time. Record that TV show and watch it later.  Click here for an alternate version of the video with an accessible player.

The 2014­­–15 FAFSA becomes available on January 1, 2014, at 12 a.m. Central Time. You can fill it out for FREE on the official government site, www.fafsa.gov. To speed up the FAFSA process, get prepared early. Here is what you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA:

  1. Your Federal Student Aid PIN* — In order to sign your FAFSA electronically, you’ll need a Federal Student Aid PIN. You can help to prevent processing delays by getting a PIN before you begin the FAFSA. Find out how to get a PIN and what to do if you forgot your PIN. It only takes a minute.
  2. Your social security number* — If you don’t know it, it can be found on your social security card. If you don’t have access to that, it may be on your birth certificate or permanent resident card. If you don’t have one of those, or don’t know where it is, ask your parent or legal guardian. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need their help with portions of the FAFSA anyway. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you’ll also need your Alien Registration Number.
  3. Your driver’s license number — If you don’t have a driver’s license, then don’t worry about this step.
  4. Your tax records* — Use income records for the tax year prior to the academic year for which you are applying: so if you are filling out the 2014–15 FAFSA, you will need 2013 tax information. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you can always estimate the amounts using your 2012 tax return, just make sure to update your FAFSA once you file your 2013 taxes. If you have filed your taxes already, you may be able to automatically import your tax information into the FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
  5. Records of your untaxed income* — This includes a whole bunch of variables that may or may not apply to you, like child support received, interest income and veterans non-education benefits.
  6. Records of all your assets (money)* — This includes savings and checking account balances, as well as investments like stocks and bonds and real estate.
  7. List of the school(s) you are interested in attending — The schools you list on your FAFSA will automatically receive your FAFSA results electronically. They will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of financial aid you may receive. You can list up to 10 schools on your FAFSA. If you’re applying to more than 10 schools, you can add more later. Be sure to list any school you’re considering, even if you’re not sure yet.

*If you’re a dependent student, you will need this information for your parent(s) as well.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Connect with us: StudentAid.gov/social.

Nicole Callahan is a new media analyst at the Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid.

This entry was posted in Federal Student Aid, Headlines, News. Bookmark the permalink.

Mathematics Adoption Announcement!

Common Core, Math Resources, Teacher Support
REL#14-6 CONTACT: Tina Jung
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PHONE: 916-319-0818
January 15, 2014 E-MAIL: communications@cde.ca.gov

 

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces Adoption
of First Mathematics Materials Aligned to the Common Core

 

SACRAMENTO—School districts now have a list of more than 30 instructional materials to choose from that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards for mathematics, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today.

This comes after the State Board of Education completed the 2014 adoption of kindergarten through grade eight mathematics materials for California students. The list is attached.

“Today’s step keeps u­­s on track toward our goal of providing students the real- world skills they will need for college and career, in part through the Common Core,” Torlakson said. “These quality materials will help students achieve the proficiency in mathematics that California’s employers are looking for from this future workforce.”

Of the 35 instructional materials programs submitted for consideration from 17 publishers, the State Board of Education approved 31. Of these, 20 were Basic Grade-level programs, 10 were Algebra 1 programs, and one was an Integrated Mathematics 1 program.

Local school districts can now begin their own process of reviewing the materials to determine which of the adopted programs best meet the needs of their students. With such a wide variety of choices, including a number of technology-based programs, districts can tailor an instructional program that will help their students achieve academically. Districts may use some of the $1.25 billion in Common Core State Standards Implementation Funds to purchase the materials.

The adopted programs are on display for public review at Learning Resources Display Centers across the state. For more information about the 2014 Mathematics Adoption process, visit the California Department of Education Mathematics Instructional Materials Web page.

# # # #

2014 Mathematics Instructional Materials Adoption

Basic Grade-Level Programs 

Publisher

Program Title

Grade Level(s)
1.      Agile Mind Common Core Middle School Mathematics

6–8
2.      Big Ideas Learning Big Ideas Math

6–8
3.      Center for Mathematics and Teaching Math Links

8
4.      College Preparatory Mathematics Core Connections, Courses 1-3

6–8
5.      Edgenuity, Inc. Edgenuity California Common Core Mathematics

6–8
6.      Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Go Math!

K–6
7.      Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Go Math!

6–8
8.      Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Math Expressions

K–6
9.      Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Math in Focus

K–8
10.   McGraw-Hill California Math, Courses 1-3

6–8
11.   McGraw-Hill Glencoe Math Accelerated

7
12.   McGraw-Hill McGraw-Hill My Math

K–5
13.   Pearson Common Core System of Courses

K–8
14.   Pearson CA Digits

6–8
15.   Pearson Scott Foresman enVision Math

K–6
16.   Perfection Learning Kinetic Pre-Algebra

8
17.   Reasoning Mind Reasoning Mind Algebra Readiness Program

2–6
18.   The College Board SpringBoard Mathematics

6–8
19.   TPS Publishing, Inc. Creative Core Curriculum for Mathematics with STEM, Literacy and Arts

K–8
20.   Triumph Learning Common Core Math Curriculum

6–8

 

Algebra 1 Programs

Publisher

Program Title

Grade Level(s)
1.     Agile Mind Common Core Algebra 1 Mathematics

Algebra 1
2.     Aleks Corporation CA Algebra 1

Algebra 1
3.     Big Ideas Learning Big Ideas Algebra 1

Algebra 1
4.     College Preparatory Mathematics Core Connections Algebra 1

Algebra 1
5.     Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Algebra 1: Analyze, Connect, Explore California

Algebra 1
6.     JRL Enterprises I CAN Learn Algebra 1

Algebra 1
7.     McGraw-Hill Glencoe Algebra 1

Algebra 1
8.     Pearson CA Common Core Algebra 1

Algebra 1
9.     Perfection Learning Kinetic Algebra 1

Algebra 1
10.  The College Board SpringBoard Mathematics Algebra 1

Algebra 1

 

Integrated Mathematics 1 Programs

Publisher

Program Title

Grade Level(s)
1.     Pearson Common Core Integrated Math 1

Math 1

 

Instructional Materials Not Adopted 

Basic Grade-Level Programs

Publisher

Program Title

Grade Level(s)
1.     JRL Enterprises I CAN Learn Basic Math

5–8
2.     Marshall Cavendish Primary Mathematics Common Core Edition

1–3
3.     McGraw-Hill Connecting Math Concepts

K–4

Algebra I Programs

Publisher

Program Title

Grade Level(s)
1.     Revolution K12 Algebra 1

Algebra I

# # # #

The California Department of Education (CDE) is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. For more information, please visithttp://www.cde.ca.gov or by mobile device at http://m.cde.ca.gov/. You may also follow Superintendent Torlakson on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorlaksonSSPI.

 

Check California College Courses that will transfer – Great Tool!

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Assist.org

ASSIST is an online student-transfer information system that shows how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for California’s public colleges and universities and provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about student transfer in California.

There are two ways to look up information in ASSIST.

 

Explore Transfer Information

If you have already chosen a major or know what kind of information you want to see, select the transfer information you want to display by choosing an institution below. You can select the institution you are transferring from or to.

 

Explore Majors

If you want to find out about a specific major, search for majors that interest you, or explore majors available at university campuses in California, click Explore Majors below.

Click to explore majors

ASSIST does not take the place of a counselor on your campus. It is intended to help students and counselors work together to establish an appropriate path toward transferring from a public California community college to a public California university.

 

ASCD’s “2014: WHAT’S IN, WHAT’S OUT”

Advice, Common Core, Educational News

 

ASCD logo VIEW MOBILE/WEB VERSION HERE   | January 6, 2014
Capitol Connection
2014: What’s In, What’s OutAs we begin the new year, Capitol Connection bids adieu to the compelling people, policies, and activities of 2013, and predicts their likely successors that will command our attention in 2014.

IN OUT
A-F AYP
[insert state name here] College and Career Ready Standards Common Core
Tablets Textbooks
“White suburban moms” Top-down reform
Carmen Farina John Deasy
Concussion protocol Getting your bell rung
Smarter Balanced PARCC
Primary challengers General election
Student privacy Data mining
Sassy Sunny Big Brother Bo
Shanghai Finland
Coding Keyboarding
Waiver waivers Waivers
Locally sourced Organic
Early education Higher education
Bipartisan Budget Act Sequestration cuts
John White Tony Bennett
Snow in Sochi Snow in the Meadowlands
Flipped learning Stand and deliver
A functioning Congress (fingers crossed!) Government shutdowns

ASCD’s public policy team wishes you a very happy new year!

 

line
ASCD footer logo 1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311
© 2014 ASCD. All Rights Reserved.		 Visit our website
www.ascd.org/policy
Contact Us  

7 Board Games That Teach Math Skills (and are actually FUN)!

Advice, Math Resources, Partner with Parents, Student Support

By: Samantha Oestreicher, guest writer

Editor’s note: Samantha is a college math teacher who also writes a blog entitled, “Social Mathematics.” She offered to share some of her expertise with us here at Engaged Family Gaming and we couldn’t pass it up! Read on for some excellent examples of board games that teach math concepts without being all “teachy” about it!

There is a lot of pressure from the media and from peers to believe that math is painful. Sometimes adults try to dress up mathematics to make it look like“a game”. As a gamer, I have been really disappointed in these dressed up math practice games because they miss the point of what a game really is. Instead they are loosely veiled attempts to manipulate kids to use math in a “fun” way.

All is not lost though, great games do exist that use mathematical thinking and math skills. The following is a list of fun games that can inspire mathematical thinking. I have compiled a list of seven wonderful board games for gaming families which can be enjoyed by parent and child alike which also include mathematical thinking.

  1. Set 5+ (grouping/sorting)

Set is an amazing card game! This is a game that your 6-year-old will be better at than you are. I’m not kidding; kids totally rock this game. This is a matching game that can be played solo or with any sized group. The rules are relatively simple. The cards each have a certain number of shapes on them of a particular color and pattern. A set is three cards which all have the same type of an attribute or miss-match an attribute. Perhaps a set is three cards all have ovals with a striped pattern on them but each card has a different number of shapes (1, 2, and 3) and different colored (purple, green and red). Pro tip: Sometimes there isn’t a set available in the cards on the table. When I play set with undergraduate math majors I ask them to prove to me why there isn’t a set. Challenging older kids to explain why is excellent mathematical practice! This game fits in your purse or stroller and is perfect for a quick distraction and only requires a small table (or floor) of space.

  1. Rummikub 7+ (Numerals/grouping/relationships)

Rummikub is a 2-4 player classic game with lots of tiles to play with and sort. While Rummikub is also about color/number matching, it is more advanced than Set because you can re-organize the board. The matching rules are similar to Set, but now all the collections of tiles stay out on the table and you can steal from already created collections to make a new one. Worst comes to worst, the tiles are fun to play with and you can build things with them! This is a great game to play at home or at the end of the day on a vacation.

  1. Connect Four 7+ (planning/pattern recognition/Loud pieces!)

Every family needs a noisy, clattering, pieces-get-everywhere kind of a game. Connect Four is a childhood classic that supports geometric thinking, planning and pattern recognition. It is a two player game and great for two children to play together. Basically, Connect Four is an advanced version of tic-tac-toe. I do not recommend taking this game out of your home as you will surely lose pieces. This is a great game to entertain the kids while you are finishing dinner or something.

  1. 20 Express 8+ (consecutive numbering/planning)

This game is great for parents to play with your kids! It’s a number game which focuses on consecutive ordering. The scoring may take parental involvement as it is a little weird at first sight. However, the cool part about this game is that everyone tries to organize the same numbers at the same time. So you, as a parent, can compare answers with the other players. “Oh, that was a good choice, I didn’t think to do it that way!” The only negative to 20 Express is that it obviously uses math and that may turn off some kids. This game is good for traveling as it doesn’t require a central table and any number of people can play at once. Each player just needs a pen and something to write on.

  1. Ticket To Ride 8+ (counting/planning)

This game is really fun! It is a time commitment (maybe an hour once everyone knows the rules) and requires a big table. There are lots of little train pieces that you get to place on the board when you build railroad tracks between cities on the map. I don’t recommend this game if you have a cat or child who likes to jump on the table and mess up the board. This 2-5 player game requires business optimization similar to operations research. There is no money, but you have to collect cards which include restrictions on where you are allowed to build. This game requires a longer attention, but is full of bright colors and will definitely be just as fun for the parents as the children!

  1. Rush Hour 8+ (problem solving/ spatial awareness)

Rush Hour is one player, portable, colorful, and mentally wonderful. The board is small and packed with vehicles which have set directions that they can move. The goal is to move the vehicles in a particular order to get the little red car out of the traffic jam. A negative is that every piece is important. Don’t lose them! This game is great for waiting rooms or car trips as it comes with its own board and it small enough to hold in a child’s hand or lap.

  1. Sumoku 9+ (addition/multiplication)

Sumoku is a math-centric game for 1-8 players. Think of it as Scrabble/Bananagrams for numbers. You add to the existing tile layout based on a specific mathematical goal. For example, every row must add to a multiple of 3. This is a great game to support a young mathematical thinker because along with practicing basic computational skills, the player is also planning and matching. Unlike Bananagrams, there is no element of speed, so young players may take as long as necessary to check their math before they place their tiles. Like 20 Express, this game obviously uses mathematics. But, I believe Sumoku is interesting and dynamic enough to provide entertainment to the whole family. This game is easy to transport and requires a central table.

My recommendation is that, if you only buy one of these games, get Set. Then I would pick up Ticket to Ride. After that your choices should depend on you and your children’s interests. And remember that your involvement always improves the quality of the game. Mathematical thinking requires self reflection and the ability to collaborate. Challenge your kids to explain why they made a particular choice or ask them to help you with your move.

Happy Gaming!

Math Games at Home

Advice, Math Resources, Online Learning, Partner with Parents, Student Support

Looking for educational and fun computer games for children?

Here are a few links:

  • http://www.ixl.com/math/
  • http://www.coolmath4kids.com
  • http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html
  • http://www.hoodamath.com/games/
  • http://www.softschools.com/math/games/

Don’t let their brains turn to mush.  Brains need exercise just like bodies needs exercise!  Use this break to help students catch up or get ahead with math practice!

GO GO GO!

 

Apple News – An Hour Of Code – Spread the word!

Educational News, Technology

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