First semester is almost finished with semester tests next Monday and Tuesday. The first few months have been a bit of an adjustment for me splitting my time between each building. It's been difficult to organize seeing students in both buildings but I've been able to make it work so far which is great.
I was lucky to have a fundraiser approved for the remainder of the year. The kickoff date was December 1st. The information is below. The fundraiser is for the DOVE Self-Esteem Fund. I will update any information regarding that fundraiser when need be.
I am also lucky to be attending a conference on January 16th called "Mean Girls II". It is a conference on Girl Bullying and it will be good to get more information and tips on how to educate our young girls and young women on bullying as it is an issue at not only our school but many schools around the world. Bullying is covered in my 5th grade guidance classes and I have decided to add onto the bullying unit to talk more specifically about girl bullying.
After that conference I'm sure I will add more information and resources for all of you wanting to learn more about it.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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DOVE Self-Esteem Fundraiser
The DOVE Self-Esteem Fund was established as an agent of change to inspire and educate girls and young women about a wider definition of beauty. Their goal is to reach 5 million girls worldwide by 2010. So far they have reached just over 2.5 million.
Some statistics on young girls and their self-esteem is as follows from DOVE:
*7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members.
*62% of girls feel insecure or not sure of themselves.
*57% of girls have a mother who criticizes her own looks.
*Girls with low self-esteem are significantly more likely to engage in negative behaviors.
*75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activites such as disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking or drinking when feeling bad about themselves.
*61% of girls 13-17 turn to mom as a resource when feeling badly about their self compared to 91% of girls ages 8-12.
They are able to reach these girls that are suffering from low self-esteem by holding self-esteem workshops for girls 8-12 along with their mothers or femal mentors. Part of the funding for these workshops comes from the DOVE Self-Esteem Fund.
I have received board approval to begin a fundraiser on Monday, December 1st for these workshops. The money raised through this fundraiser will be donated to the DOVE Self-Esteem Fund under the name "Bondurant-Farrar Community School District".
A container to collect money will be placed in the following classrooms:
Mrs. Goes
Mrs. Drummond
Mrs. Hamborg
Mrs. Sandoval
Mrs. Norton
Mr. Lansink
Mrs. Heiter
One will also be placed in the office and the media center. The goal is to raise $500 by the end of the school year.
Some statistics on young girls and their self-esteem is as follows from DOVE:
*7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members.
*62% of girls feel insecure or not sure of themselves.
*57% of girls have a mother who criticizes her own looks.
*Girls with low self-esteem are significantly more likely to engage in negative behaviors.
*75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activites such as disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking or drinking when feeling bad about themselves.
*61% of girls 13-17 turn to mom as a resource when feeling badly about their self compared to 91% of girls ages 8-12.
They are able to reach these girls that are suffering from low self-esteem by holding self-esteem workshops for girls 8-12 along with their mothers or femal mentors. Part of the funding for these workshops comes from the DOVE Self-Esteem Fund.
I have received board approval to begin a fundraiser on Monday, December 1st for these workshops. The money raised through this fundraiser will be donated to the DOVE Self-Esteem Fund under the name "Bondurant-Farrar Community School District".
A container to collect money will be placed in the following classrooms:
Mrs. Goes
Mrs. Drummond
Mrs. Hamborg
Mrs. Sandoval
Mrs. Norton
Mr. Lansink
Mrs. Heiter
One will also be placed in the office and the media center. The goal is to raise $500 by the end of the school year.
Iowa Youth Survey
The Iowa Youth Survey is a joint effort by the Iowa Department of Public Heath's Division of Behavioral Health, Iowa Department of Education, Office of Drug Control Policy, Iowa Department of human Rights, Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning and Statistical Analysis Center, and Iowa Department of Human Services.
In October 2008, Bondurant students in 6th, 8th and 11th grade participated in this survey along with all other students across Iowa in these respective grades. They answered questions about their attitudes and experiences on substance abuse and violence, and their perceptions of their peer, family, school and their neighborhood/community.
Questions on the survey relate to many of the topics that are discussed in my blog. The results of the survey will list answers for every question providing total percentages and breakdowns by grade and gender. These results will not only help the state of Iowa create or change programs to assist students but also help us at Bondurant to have a better idea of what is going on in the lives of our students and issues they may be facing and struggling with on a daily basis.
Results of the Iowa Youth Survey will be available in the late spring of 2009. Once they are available I will post results that deal directly with issues discussed on this blog or anything of relevance.
In October 2008, Bondurant students in 6th, 8th and 11th grade participated in this survey along with all other students across Iowa in these respective grades. They answered questions about their attitudes and experiences on substance abuse and violence, and their perceptions of their peer, family, school and their neighborhood/community.
Questions on the survey relate to many of the topics that are discussed in my blog. The results of the survey will list answers for every question providing total percentages and breakdowns by grade and gender. These results will not only help the state of Iowa create or change programs to assist students but also help us at Bondurant to have a better idea of what is going on in the lives of our students and issues they may be facing and struggling with on a daily basis.
Results of the Iowa Youth Survey will be available in the late spring of 2009. Once they are available I will post results that deal directly with issues discussed on this blog or anything of relevance.
Personal and Social Issues
Personal and Social Issues will always be around and, unfortunately, never go away. There are a wide range of personal issues that I see in our students. Some of them are depression, eating disorders (or eating issues), girl bullying, bullying, family conflict, peer conflict, anger issues, drugs/alcohol, cutting, peer pressure and many more. In this section I will touch up on some of these issues and if you feel you need more information you can contact me or look at the websites listed under "helpful links".
Depression in Teens
Depression in teenagers can sometimes be difficult to detect. The reason for this is that teenagers can be moody, sad and their emotions all over the place. But, it is important for their friends, peers or adults in their lives to notice if they are acting out of the ordinary. Many teenagers do not realize there are so many people that have felt this way, are feeling this way or will feel this way. The most important first step after recognizing there is a problem is going to see a doctor. Whether it is stress that has led you there, family issues, friend issues, a traumatic event or genetics; it is very important to seek help.
More information is found on the websites listed under "helpful links"
More information is found on the websites listed under "helpful links"
Cutting and Self-Harm
Self-harm is a topic some people may feel uncomfortable talking about. Self-harm is defined as injuring yourself, especially by cutting, in order to relieve emotional stress. It seems relatively new but, in fact, it is not. I have spoken to students that self-harm and many of them cut themselves or burn themselves in some way. Self-harm can begin for different reasons. In my experience, the person suffering either doesn't feel the emotion so they harm themselves to feel something or they are so overwhelmed with emotion they do not know how to deal with it and cutting releases that. From my experience, a great percentage falls under the 2nd category.
The part of cutting that people may not realize is the person will get to a point where it doesn't hurt and, therefore, is ineffective as their coping skill. So, they cut deeper.
If you or someone you know is currently cutting or injurying themselves please talk to someone immediately.
Under "helpful links" is more information on cutting and self-harm.
The part of cutting that people may not realize is the person will get to a point where it doesn't hurt and, therefore, is ineffective as their coping skill. So, they cut deeper.
If you or someone you know is currently cutting or injurying themselves please talk to someone immediately.
Under "helpful links" is more information on cutting and self-harm.
Eating Disorders
An Eating Disorder is a very serious disease. I use the word disease because although a complete recovery is very possible it is never forgotten and could be a daily struggle to stay healthy. Some cases begin as a way to gain control in their lives which seem uncontrollable. For this "group" it isn't about the weight, at least not at first. It's about control.
On the other hand, in our society, magazines, television, and movies there are extremely think celebrities plastered all over each page. As adults we can distinguish between what is healthy and/or unhealty. However, teenagers may believe that is how they should be and some of them will do anything in order to achieve it.
In a time of puberty and changes, teenagers do not realize that we are not all built the same and to love the body they are in. It's okay to be healthy but healthy doesn't mean not eating, exercising compulsively or eating and purging.
In February, a week is dedicated as National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. I have statistics in the announcements each day and have a Jean Giveaway. The slogan has been in the past "Be comfortable in your genes, wear the jeans that fit the real you". I have students and staff giveaway jeans that no longer fit them and I gave them to charity. This week brings not only awareness but hopefully "permission" to talk about it since many feel this is a topic to be unspoken about.
Under "helpful links" is the link to the National Eating Disorder Association which has more information regarding Eating Disorders if you feel you, a friend or a loved one is suffering.
On the other hand, in our society, magazines, television, and movies there are extremely think celebrities plastered all over each page. As adults we can distinguish between what is healthy and/or unhealty. However, teenagers may believe that is how they should be and some of them will do anything in order to achieve it.
In a time of puberty and changes, teenagers do not realize that we are not all built the same and to love the body they are in. It's okay to be healthy but healthy doesn't mean not eating, exercising compulsively or eating and purging.
In February, a week is dedicated as National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. I have statistics in the announcements each day and have a Jean Giveaway. The slogan has been in the past "Be comfortable in your genes, wear the jeans that fit the real you". I have students and staff giveaway jeans that no longer fit them and I gave them to charity. This week brings not only awareness but hopefully "permission" to talk about it since many feel this is a topic to be unspoken about.
Under "helpful links" is the link to the National Eating Disorder Association which has more information regarding Eating Disorders if you feel you, a friend or a loved one is suffering.
How Do I Help A Friend Brochure
This is a brochure for anyone that has a friend suffering from an eating disorder and doesn't know how to help them. I have a few of these left in my office.
Do I..... Am I..... Brochure
This is a brochure for anyone that is worried that their eating habits are turning, or have turned, into an eating disorder. It is set up similar to a checklist for symptoms of eating disorders or behaviors associated with them. I have a few of these left in my office.
Girl Bullying (also known as Relational Aggression)
Relational Aggression (or girl bullying) is defined as "acts that harm others through damage (or threat of damage) to relationships or feelings of acceptance, friendship, or group inclusion." For example, "ignoring someone socially for revenge, using negative body language or facial expressions, sabotaging someone else's relationships, or threatening to end a relationship unless the friend agrees to a request. The bully uses her relationship with the victim as a weapon" (Odd Girl out, pg. 21).
"Girls will use backstabbing, exclusion, rumors, name-calling and manipulation to inflict psychological pain on targeted victims. Unlike boys who tend to bully acquaintances or strangers, girls frequently attack within tightly knit networks of friends, making aggression harder to identify and intensifying the damage to the victims."
"Girls fight with body language and relationships instead of fists and knives. In this world, friendship is a weapon and the sting of a shout pales in comparison to a day of someone's silence. There is no gesture more devestating then the back turning away" (Odd Girl Out pg. 21)
I recommend everyone - students, parents, teachers, coaches, etc. to read this book by Rachel Simmons. Odd Girl Out will give insight on a topic that too many say "that is just how girls are". To some extent yes, but there is so much more going on then little agruments and a bit of drama. It is girl bullying and people in all realms need to be educated on it's meaning, how serious it is and how to stop it.
Under "helpful links" is a site called The Ophelia Project that talks more about relational aggression if interested on more information in addition to the book "Odd Girl Out".
"Girls will use backstabbing, exclusion, rumors, name-calling and manipulation to inflict psychological pain on targeted victims. Unlike boys who tend to bully acquaintances or strangers, girls frequently attack within tightly knit networks of friends, making aggression harder to identify and intensifying the damage to the victims."
"Girls fight with body language and relationships instead of fists and knives. In this world, friendship is a weapon and the sting of a shout pales in comparison to a day of someone's silence. There is no gesture more devestating then the back turning away" (Odd Girl Out pg. 21)
I recommend everyone - students, parents, teachers, coaches, etc. to read this book by Rachel Simmons. Odd Girl Out will give insight on a topic that too many say "that is just how girls are". To some extent yes, but there is so much more going on then little agruments and a bit of drama. It is girl bullying and people in all realms need to be educated on it's meaning, how serious it is and how to stop it.
Under "helpful links" is a site called The Ophelia Project that talks more about relational aggression if interested on more information in addition to the book "Odd Girl Out".
Family Issues
A family could look perfect on the outside but have many issues plagueing them on the inside. No family is perfect and will have struggles but for some students it may be happening daily and feel like it will never end. Some family issues I have seen are: divorce, anger issues,disrespect among family members, abuse (physical, verbal and mental), not getting along with parents and/or siblings, drug and alcohol abuse or usage, absent parents, communication breakdowns (especially with teenagers), etc.
If you are a student that is having troubles with your family and you haven't tried talking to them, do so. You can write down exactly what you want to say and read it. If the conversation is just a yelling match that is not a conversation. When we are angry most of the time we don't even known what the other person said (and vice versa) because our emotions, not our minds, are running the show. Use "I" messages. Saying "you do this..." is accusing and naturally makes the person defensive. Instead say "I feel like.....". If that doesn't work or you have already tried talking to them fact to face try writing them a letter. This way they know how you feel and you have it off your chest.
Make sure you talk to someone if you are having troubles at home. There are many things you can do to try to make the situation better or to protect yourself.
If you are a student that is having troubles with your family and you haven't tried talking to them, do so. You can write down exactly what you want to say and read it. If the conversation is just a yelling match that is not a conversation. When we are angry most of the time we don't even known what the other person said (and vice versa) because our emotions, not our minds, are running the show. Use "I" messages. Saying "you do this..." is accusing and naturally makes the person defensive. Instead say "I feel like.....". If that doesn't work or you have already tried talking to them fact to face try writing them a letter. This way they know how you feel and you have it off your chest.
Make sure you talk to someone if you are having troubles at home. There are many things you can do to try to make the situation better or to protect yourself.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is defined as pressure by a peer group: social pressure on somebody to adopt a type of behavior, dress, or attitude in order to be accepted as part of a group.
Peer pressure exists in many different ways. It is present in situations involving alcohol, drugs, sexual activity, cheating, getting into trouble, and bullying just to name a few. It is even present in a group of peers you may be tied to because of a sport or just a group of friends. Groups of people can stereotype themselves, only accept those that fit that stereotype and peer pressure members of the group to do what everyone else is doing, which depending on the circumstance can also be bullying. These groups are called cliques. Each person in this world should be their own individual. Making their own decisions whether it is approved by their group or not. Make choices that are right for you no matter if you think you will be labeled one way or another. Your "true" friends will respect any decision you make whether they agree with it or not. I realize it is difficult and peer pressure can be very powerful but you live with your decisions and yourself, not your friends.
Peer pressure exists in many different ways. It is present in situations involving alcohol, drugs, sexual activity, cheating, getting into trouble, and bullying just to name a few. It is even present in a group of peers you may be tied to because of a sport or just a group of friends. Groups of people can stereotype themselves, only accept those that fit that stereotype and peer pressure members of the group to do what everyone else is doing, which depending on the circumstance can also be bullying. These groups are called cliques. Each person in this world should be their own individual. Making their own decisions whether it is approved by their group or not. Make choices that are right for you no matter if you think you will be labeled one way or another. Your "true" friends will respect any decision you make whether they agree with it or not. I realize it is difficult and peer pressure can be very powerful but you live with your decisions and yourself, not your friends.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs are extremely prevelant in teenagers. Some adults may believe alcohol is more so then drugs and in some instances they would be correct. However, drugs are a part of teenagers' lives much more than you may think. Marijuana, from my experience at schools, seems to be used just as frequently if not more frequently then alcohol. There are so many issues that come to mind when I think of teenagers using alcohol and drugs. Some turn to these because of peer pressure or it's "the thing to do" mentality. Some turn to it because of issues with themselves or their families and are using them for self-medication and escape. The probem with both of these situations is that neither decisions have themselves in mind. As mentioned in the peer pressure section, it can be very powerful. But if you are using and abusing alcohol and drugs because your friends are and you are afraid of losing them, who you really lose is yourself. Ask yourself why you are making the decision to drink or to use drugs and be honest with yourself. More than not if you are honest it would be because people you are hanging out with are doing it and you don't want to feel left out or thought of as "uncool".
As far as self-medicating, the problem will be there in the morning. Alcohol or drugs may make you feel better at the time but if you are using alcohol, for example, because you are depressed it will only make you feel worse as alcohol itself is a depressant. You cannot run away from your problems you have to face them head on. Trying to escape them is just prolonging the hurt.
In another realm, there may be teenagers addicted to alcohol and drugs. If you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol or drugs you can educate yourself by looking on the internet or contacting groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous and getting advice on how to help them.
Lastly, smoking is a real issue among teenagers as well. Many do it for the same reasons they turn to alcohol and drugs. Tobacco is very addictive and even young girls are turning to it as a way to maintain or lose weight. In reality, the issue here first and foremost is eating. Not eating is an eating disorder and the tool not to eat is the cigarette. It then becomes two issues: eating and the addiction to nictotine. They may or may not know the health risks of smoking but becoming educated is the best bet on the way to quitting.
Under "helpful links" is information on alcohol and drugs. It is under the Teen Health link.
As far as self-medicating, the problem will be there in the morning. Alcohol or drugs may make you feel better at the time but if you are using alcohol, for example, because you are depressed it will only make you feel worse as alcohol itself is a depressant. You cannot run away from your problems you have to face them head on. Trying to escape them is just prolonging the hurt.
In another realm, there may be teenagers addicted to alcohol and drugs. If you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol or drugs you can educate yourself by looking on the internet or contacting groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous and getting advice on how to help them.
Lastly, smoking is a real issue among teenagers as well. Many do it for the same reasons they turn to alcohol and drugs. Tobacco is very addictive and even young girls are turning to it as a way to maintain or lose weight. In reality, the issue here first and foremost is eating. Not eating is an eating disorder and the tool not to eat is the cigarette. It then becomes two issues: eating and the addiction to nictotine. They may or may not know the health risks of smoking but becoming educated is the best bet on the way to quitting.
Under "helpful links" is information on alcohol and drugs. It is under the Teen Health link.
In the Classroom
The classroom can be a tough place to be for some students. They may have trouble concentrating for various reasons, maybe they are not taking notes, not following along or doing other things to make them not concentrate on learning. maybe they lack organizational skills and do not write down assignments or when they are due. Maybe they have no problem with assignments but have no idea on how to study for tests. It could be one of these things, a combination or something not even mentioned.
In this section of "In the Classroom" I will discuss a little bit about the responsibilities of a student in the classroom, studying for tests and test anxiety. In addition, there are links posted on the right hand side of helpful resources in each of the areas discussed.
Under "helpful links" is more information on studying, taking tests, etc.
In this section of "In the Classroom" I will discuss a little bit about the responsibilities of a student in the classroom, studying for tests and test anxiety. In addition, there are links posted on the right hand side of helpful resources in each of the areas discussed.
Under "helpful links" is more information on studying, taking tests, etc.
Advice for Students in the classroom
As a student sitting in a classroom there are many things that are your responsibility and, if executed correctly, will allow you to succeed in that subject.
I find that many of the younger students (even some of the older students) are afraid to ask questions in class or even out of class. I can understand the intimidation you may feel but you will only learn what you do not understand if you ask questions.
Follow along in the textbook. This will allow you to ask any questions you may have made note of in your textbook when you read it the first time.
Remember Bondurant's Best in the classroom. Raising your hand to talk, respecting others, listening to the teacher's instruction. These are keys for your learning and for your peer's learning.
I find that many of the younger students (even some of the older students) are afraid to ask questions in class or even out of class. I can understand the intimidation you may feel but you will only learn what you do not understand if you ask questions.
Follow along in the textbook. This will allow you to ask any questions you may have made note of in your textbook when you read it the first time.
Remember Bondurant's Best in the classroom. Raising your hand to talk, respecting others, listening to the teacher's instruction. These are keys for your learning and for your peer's learning.
Notetaking
As mentioned above, following along in the textbook during lecture will assist you in understanding any questions you may have had when you read it the first time. Taking notes during lecture will also make you pay attention more carefully, to stay on task and stay focused. The information you gather from the book and lecture will be vital for when you study for tests. Pick out what is important out of each resource and write them down. This will help you remember the information and help you succeed in not only doing well on the test but learning the information.
Studying for Tests
In the past two years of being a counselor at Bondurant-Farrar I have had many conversations with students regarding studying for tests. The students are 7th, 10th, even 12th grade. They believe the way to study for a test is to read the chapter...and that is it. Unfortunately, not everyone learns this way and from my experience there is only a small percentage that do. Most of us have to figure out what will work best for us based on how we learn. For some, that will be flashcards, review questions at the end of each chapter, taking notes and reviewing them, making quizzes for themselves, lecture, diagrams, studying with someone else or in a group, etc. But it is imperative that as learners you figure out your learning style and what works for you as soon as you can. Although it may seem like a lot of extra work; the extra work will pay off and your life will be so much easier.
Test Anxiety
Test Anxiety is not a figment of anyone's imagination. By definition, test anxiety a worry or fear that is created or caused by taking the test. This worry or fear may cause a student to get easily distracted by a sound, a passerby, or the temperature in the room. Physical symptoms are things such as a faster heart rate, sweating, nausea, headache and "butterflies" in the stomach. Some of this anxiety may be stemming from how you study for the test. Maybe you aren't sure how to study for a particular subject or a particular teacher. But, if you did, you might not feel so anxious. Some students may find their test anxiety disapperas once they have found what studying techniques work for them. As the confidence builds the stress level lowers.
On the other end of this, is someone who has studied, maybe even too much, and still feels extremely anxious about sitting down and taking a test. Test anxiety can make someone who is completely prepared fail a test, that simple. It's frustrating, it's scary and there are strategies a student can try to remedy it.
Check out the websites under "helpful links" for information on test anxiety and strategies to help you or your child or friend deal with it.
On the other end of this, is someone who has studied, maybe even too much, and still feels extremely anxious about sitting down and taking a test. Test anxiety can make someone who is completely prepared fail a test, that simple. It's frustrating, it's scary and there are strategies a student can try to remedy it.
Check out the websites under "helpful links" for information on test anxiety and strategies to help you or your child or friend deal with it.
Learning Styles
Everyone learns differently. Some learn best through lecture, some in a lab because it's "hands on" or some in a group setting. No matter which one you are it is first important to know which one you are. Learning styles are referred to as Multiple Intelligences. There are eight intelligences: Verbal, Logical, Spatial, Bodily, Musical, Interpersonal, Naturalist and Intrapersonal. In my 8th grade guidance exploratory we spend a day doing a very unscientific test of their learning styles. The results give information on how the person learns, strategies for studying and a few career possibilities. It is very helpful for students to know their learning style so they can adapt their studying and learning that best suits them.
Under "helpful links" is an online learning style test. A student can take the test and find out what learning style they are. In addition, ideas on being successful in school based on their results and their learning style.
Under "helpful links" is an online learning style test. A student can take the test and find out what learning style they are. In addition, ideas on being successful in school based on their results and their learning style.
Iowa Choices Program
Career Development and planning is an essential component of a student’s education. Understanding the importance of career and educational exploration and planning will help students make successful decisions and achieve their future goals. According to the American School Counselor Association National Standards for Students, during their school experience, students need to develop career awareness, develop employment readiness, acquire career information, and identify, acquire knowledge and apply skills to achieve career goals.
Iowa Choices® is comprised of nine different software programs and is the State designated Career Information and Decision-Making System. Iowa Choices is designed to equip educational professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to assist students and families with career exploration and information, as well as knowledge about educational and financing opportunities. The products open a world of opportunities for students by helping them implement career and educational plans with connections to postsecondary school options and career related information.
For the 2008-2009 school year, Choices® Planner is provided free to all Iowa high schools, colleges and universities and area education agencies and Choices Explorer is provided free to all Iowa middle schools.
Choices® Planner is targeted to high school students and offers 5 different assessments to help match students to various careers, programs and majors. Students can also search for specific career and labor market information, postsecondary schools, scholarships, create a resume and cover letter and design a career plan.
Choices® Explorer is targeted to middle school/junior high school students and offers tools for career and major exploration, high school planning, homework helpers, and personal interviews with professionals.
**information from http://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/schools/highschool/choices.html
Iowa Choices® is comprised of nine different software programs and is the State designated Career Information and Decision-Making System. Iowa Choices is designed to equip educational professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to assist students and families with career exploration and information, as well as knowledge about educational and financing opportunities. The products open a world of opportunities for students by helping them implement career and educational plans with connections to postsecondary school options and career related information.
For the 2008-2009 school year, Choices® Planner is provided free to all Iowa high schools, colleges and universities and area education agencies and Choices Explorer is provided free to all Iowa middle schools.
Choices® Planner is targeted to high school students and offers 5 different assessments to help match students to various careers, programs and majors. Students can also search for specific career and labor market information, postsecondary schools, scholarships, create a resume and cover letter and design a career plan.
Choices® Explorer is targeted to middle school/junior high school students and offers tools for career and major exploration, high school planning, homework helpers, and personal interviews with professionals.
**information from http://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/schools/highschool/choices.html
4 Year Plans
Each 8th grader in Iowa will begin their 4 year plans this year. In the past, the plans have been in paper form. This year it will be done online through www.ihaveaplan.gov which links the student, parent or educator to the Choices program. Each 8th grader will complete these four year plans with me in my guidance class. The purpose of the 4 year plan is for each student to have ownership and responsibility over their education. Included in this is knowing not only how many credits it takes to graduate but what classes have to be included within those 48 credits. The last thing we would want is a student reaching their junior or senior year and finding they are short on credits and no time to fulfill them in order to graduate on time. The 4 year plan can know give each student an awareness of where they are at, where they are heading and responsibility over their education and meeting graduation requirements.
This plan is not set in stone. In fact, in the past, these paper forms have been given back to students annually to change anything they wanted to change. This will still continue but it will be done online through Choices. Once a student has created a portfolio in Choices through my guidance class they can access it at any time and any place.
This plan is not set in stone. In fact, in the past, these paper forms have been given back to students annually to change anything they wanted to change. This will still continue but it will be done online through Choices. Once a student has created a portfolio in Choices through my guidance class they can access it at any time and any place.
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