The Problem With Music Advocacy

Have we, as an interested group in music education, damaged our own efforts simply by labeling it as "music advocacy?" I, along with many music educators, am very thankful for "VH1 Save the Music," and other music advocacy efforts. But only those who are already passionate about the value of music education truly champion those efforts. Although the term, "music advocacy," has its place within the circle of music supporters, it is a misrepresentation in general society.

The word, "advocacy," indicates helping an underdog. It places it in a category of sympathetic efforts toward something worthwhile in need of saving. Contemplate the term, "child advocate." What pictures come to mind? Visual images of children in need pulling on your heart-strings of giving, right? We love them and want to do more for them, but invoking emotions of sympathy only reaches a few. Think of all the phrases that include the word, "advocate," or "advocacy." What is your instant emotion? pity? charity? sympathy? empathy? left-wing? righteous? desire to fight for the cause?

Why do we feel that way? It indicates a need to fight for the defenseless, vulnerable, needy. Who puts on the gloves and does the defending? The one's closest to the underdog. Those with a deep compassion and emotion connected to the victim.

How do they fight for the victim? They work to bring the world's attention to the problem. They paint graphic pictures through word and images that guilt people into giving. Those most passionate for the defenseless work tirelessly, attempting multiple methods to reach the masses, but only winning a few.

Music is not the underdog in reality, just in the education system, and in lack of funding. In our efforts to improve the perception and financial support, we sabotage the greater mission to revere and admire. Music is not something to sympathize, but to admire and seek to aspire to greatness. What if we turned sympathy into admiration?

People love winners. People love champions. People want to be part of the winning team. It inspires them to go after their dream and admire those who did and succeeded. For example, I'm not much of a sports fan, but when the local high school team begins advancing to the state playoffs, I'm there with the rest of the town. Everyone loves a winner. Sound familiar?

Now contemplate a contrasting picture-Shawn Johnson. Have you heard of her? A young girl from Iowa had a dream. With only the support of her family and coach, Shawn focused on the gold and passionately dedicated her time, energy and talent toward achieving excellence, and she did. Shawn obtained a gold and silver in the 2008 Olympics held in China-and hasn't stopped yet.

Before the Olympic season, only those within the gymnastics' circle knew of Shawn Johnson. Similar to only those within the music circle are aware of the benefits of music instruction in a person's life. Shawn Johnson is not a sympathetic picture. No one is a martyr for Shawn Johnson. No one needs to be or even wants to be. Shawn Johnson is one girl who had a dream with an action plan. She had a small support team of her family and a coach. Shawn did not recruit "advocacy" groups to help pull her along and represent her case. She did not see herself as an underdog. She was going for the gold-the Olympic gold.

Did she dedicate a percentage of her time reaching for sympathy votes and support groups? No. As she poured her heart into her work, she began to excel and as she began to win, the world clamored to see her, learn about this incredible success story, take pride in her as one of our own in the U.S. Everyone admired Shawn's dedication and proudly claimed her as a representative of what is possible when you aspire for excellence in your craft. For Shawn Johnson that is gymnastics. For us, it is music.

Millions of kids take gymnastics, but it's only the excellent ones that the world wants to watch. Many people are involved in music, but it's only incredible musicians that draws the world's attention.

The large majority of U.S. citizens never attend, or watch, or participate in gymnastic events, but in the summer of 2008, all U.S. eyes were watching Shawn, willing her to win and celebrating her victories. Google Shawn Johnson and you will find articles and video clips from around the globe. Fan clubs and web pages came into being. All of this from one girl with a dream that took the necessary action to make it happen.

People love a winner. People want to be apart of the winning team. People gravitate and seek out winners. They want to be part of that dream.

Music is a winner. We, musicians and music educators, know that. Anyone who sits in an audience and is moved to tears from the sheer beauty of the perfectly sung notes in a musical or opera, or the exquisite sounds of the instruments in an orchestra or band that cause people to rise to their feet in impulsive applause, understands. Music experienced at that level does not evoke sympathy, but awe. Everyone that experienced the incredible music shares it with enthusiasm to anyone who will listen. Like a virus, everyone clamors to experience the magical moment created through music. All eyes turn toward the source of the inspiration and want to experience it again.

We know that, but does society? We need to stop portraying music education as an underdog needing rescued and start exclaiming the opportunities for incredible experiences unlike any other. If our music programs inspire and excel as winners, all eyes will turn to us and want to be part of what we are doing. They'll experience what we already know and music will be viewed as the hero it already is.

"Music advocacy?" I don't think so. Within our music circle? Maybe, but only within our circle. We need to view it as something with wondrous awe that we are excited to share, not defend. Does music education need more support and help to keep it in existence? Absolutely. No question. But we are going about it the wrong way. Outside of the music world, the phrase, "music advocacy," hurts the mission before it even starts. The term indicates a solicitation for sympathy votes before you even understand what they are about. They only really effect those who are already passionate about music and already see the problem. Music education will NEVER be elevated and perceived with respect with labels that indicate defenseless losers and illicit pity.

Pursue excellence in music with a single-focused passion and people will follow. Pursue excellence in music education with passion and people will rally and clamor to be part of the success of their kids-your students.

We treat music education like a needy child trying to compete in an olympic games out of sympathy votes. Only eyes of pity on that child-and then they are fleeting. Music education needs to be Shawn Johnson, and in many schools it is perceived with admiration and respect. Music performed with excellence already is admired and respected with wonder and awe by those who have the privilege to witness it. There are many examples from Paul Potts and Susan Boyle to Kristen Chenoweth, Bobby McFerrin, Yoyo Ma, etc. Pursue excellence in music education and the world will notice and be inspired.

How do we achieve this? Teach kids with passion. Practice with passion. Conduct with passion. Educate parents with the beneficial facts of music education and instruction, but not as a plea, but as an exciting opportunity to involve their kids in the best. We have something that is in desperate need-smarter, brighter and more creative citizens. Music education instills, develops and exercises those qualities. We have wonderful tools available for today's children.

Teach with passion and the term, "music advocacy," will become obsolete.

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To special educate or not (Part 1)

To special educate or not . . .

For many reasons we as a society and educational institution cant accept that some kids will always be behind. One reason for this that you dont hear discussed is grade levels, which have a negative cumulative effect for roughly half the school population. In college everybody has heard of or learned about the bell curve; which tells us it is normal and expected to have a range of abilities. Yet it amazes me how society, politicians, and educators seem to forget this fact. In education classes teachers even learn that in a given class you can expect a six year grade range. In other words, in a 5th grade class there will be kids with reading levels ranging from 2nd through 8th grades. Time out; did anybody ever tell the general public this? Also, how did this information apparently get erased from the memories of every professional working in the schools? Getting back to grade levels, consider this. The bell curve tells us that half the children will be below average. So in any grade, half the students will be behind. Think about when students start out in first grade. Half of the students will leave first grade below average (or below their peers), or below where they should be at the end of first grade. This cycle continues for most of these kids school years because they dont catch up. And we wonder why so many kids drop out when they reach high school? They have already experienced years of failure. Grade levels tell them, and remind them daily that they are failures. If you dont think so, try explaining to them year after year why they are behind.

Another way society has denied the real-life differences among children and tried to deal with the crippling effects of grade levels is through special education. The development of the categories of special education was influenced more by politics and social pressures than by research. Even today, the few categories that include the vast majority of children in special education (Leaning Disability) are highly subjective in their definitions and decisions of who is labeled and placed into special education. Research into the effectiveness of special education has shown that once a child is placed (get a label), his/her chances of graduating greatly decrease. Of course, nobody tells parents this at an IEP meeting! The child in special education receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which sounds impressive. Who wouldnt want an education program tailored to their needs? Well, the problem is that the goals in an IEP are at a level far below his grade placement. Whats even worse is that most of these students never get up to grade level, or catch up. So what happens when one of these children gets to high school and theyre still reading at a third grade level? I have been in many uncomfortable meetings trying to explain this to parents. But hey, they have a label, and have received professional help, so its ok to be years behind, or sometimes even nearly illiterate. The IEP becomes a license to fail.

Special education is just a reflection of the problem with our unrealistic expectations. We cant accept the fact that some kids will always be behind, no matter what we do. Since the 1970s, when the government passed massive special education legislation, the numbers have swelled, and it has been plagued with controversy. Its interesting once again how people in education so readily accept research when it seems acceptable, or they are told by the higher ups that they will accept it, but when its to the contrary educators and legislators turn the other way. The research has shown for a long time now that special education is not working. Kids who are in special education dont catch up, and they are more likely to drop out. I believe this research because I see it every day. Another thing the research tells us is that there are no clear and consistent interventions (treatments) that distinguish the children identified with the disabilities that represent the majority of kid s in special education. The disabilities that comprise the majority of kids in special education are Learning Disabled, Mentally Impaired, Emotionally Disturbed/Behavior Disorder, and Other Health Impaired (this one has so many kids because ADHD falls under it). In other words, when an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is made for these children, which specifies the goals and objective of how each child will be taught, they differ very little from disability to disability. A learning disabled (LD) childs IEP will look very much like a mentally impaired (MI) childs IEP, and so on, with all the various comparisons. And I believe this research because I have seen thousands of IEPs. The interventions always involve something like repetition, a multisensory approach (hearing and seeing it, and hands on), having directions read to them, and extended time limits. If you looked at a childs IEP goals and objectives, and didnt know their eligibility, you would have a very hard ti me figuring out what their eligibility (disability) was. What it really boils down to is we are bringing the material down to their level. If a learning disabled child is reading at a second grade level, he will have the same (or very similar) goals and objectives as a mentally impaired child reading at a second grade level. What needs to happen is that we need to teach kids at whatever level their at (remember the bell curve); but we have to stop pretending that all kids are the same, and hiding as many of the ones that we can get away with that arent at grade level or behaving in special education. This is malpractice and we have to stop doing it.

After special education legislation in the 70s it was common for schools to have self-contained classrooms. These are classrooms in which special education students spend most or all of their school day. The class size is small, with paraprofessionals to assist the teacher. As with many things in our society, there were more than enough researchers and experts to provide the proof demonstrating the reasons and benefits for these classrooms. Well in the 90s this all changed with self-contained classrooms being gutted from school districts. When I started in the field in 1990, I worked under a principal who had already been in education for about 25 years. He told me how they (people in education) had worked so hard to get these classrooms and now they were getting rid of them. And of course the experts had all the research to show why we needed to get rid of these classrooms. I guess they got it wrong the first time? I dont know, but maybe somebody should tell the taxpayer! The research and experts once again helped lead us on another humongous, costly wild goose chase, which only delayed the inevitable. For years the learning and progress of students who were learning and behavior problems were sheltered and protected from scrutiny and real accountability. Basically, as long as you had an IEP it was OK to be far behind all of your school years. And if your behavior was so bad that you werent learning, that was OK because you had an IEP. I know this sounds harsh and cruel, but dont misunderstand me. Teachers, schools, and districts were doing what they could, and trying to work within the rules they were given to try and educate these problem children. As more kids were becoming more problematic, the schools were expected to deal with them. So kids were often given a label, and any label would do. By the 90s it became obvious that there were too many kids in special education. After all, how could there be that many disabled children? So of co urse the research was provided to show that self-contained classrooms and labeling were actually detrimental to these children. Nevertheless, the reason the number of children in special education was growing is because there was a growing number of children that the regular education classrooms could not deal with. But that didnt matter, and we were pressured to reduce the number of kids in special education!

More to come on this topic.

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To special educate or not (Part 1)

To special educate or not . . .

For many reasons we as a society and educational institution cant accept that some kids will always be behind. One reason for this that you dont hear discussed is grade levels, which have a negative cumulative effect for roughly half the school population. In college everybody has heard of or learned about the bell curve; which tells us it is normal and expected to have a range of abilities. Yet it amazes me how society, politicians, and educators seem to forget this fact. In education classes teachers even learn that in a given class you can expect a six year grade range. In other words, in a 5th grade class there will be kids with reading levels ranging from 2nd through 8th grades. Time out; did anybody ever tell the general public this? Also, how did this information apparently get erased from the memories of every professional working in the schools? Getting back to grade levels, consider this. The bell curve tells us that half the children will be below average. So in any grade, half the students will be behind. Think about when students start out in first grade. Half of the students will leave first grade below average (or below their peers), or below where they should be at the end of first grade. This cycle continues for most of these kids school years because they dont catch up. And we wonder why so many kids drop out when they reach high school? They have already experienced years of failure. Grade levels tell them, and remind them daily that they are failures. If you dont think so, try explaining to them year after year why they are behind.

Another way society has denied the real-life differences among children and tried to deal with the crippling effects of grade levels is through special education. The development of the categories of special education was influenced more by politics and social pressures than by research. Even today, the few categories that include the vast majority of children in special education (Leaning Disability) are highly subjective in their definitions and decisions of who is labeled and placed into special education. Research into the effectiveness of special education has shown that once a child is placed (get a label), his/her chances of graduating greatly decrease. Of course, nobody tells parents this at an IEP meeting! The child in special education receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which sounds impressive. Who wouldnt want an education program tailored to their needs? Well, the problem is that the goals in an IEP are at a level far below his grade placement. Whats even worse is that most of these students never get up to grade level, or catch up. So what happens when one of these children gets to high school and theyre still reading at a third grade level? I have been in many uncomfortable meetings trying to explain this to parents. But hey, they have a label, and have received professional help, so its ok to be years behind, or sometimes even nearly illiterate. The IEP becomes a license to fail.

Special education is just a reflection of the problem with our unrealistic expectations. We cant accept the fact that some kids will always be behind, no matter what we do. Since the 1970s, when the government passed massive special education legislation, the numbers have swelled, and it has been plagued with controversy. Its interesting once again how people in education so readily accept research when it seems acceptable, or they are told by the higher ups that they will accept it, but when its to the contrary educators and legislators turn the other way. The research has shown for a long time now that special education is not working. Kids who are in special education dont catch up, and they are more likely to drop out. I believe this research because I see it every day. Another thing the research tells us is that there are no clear and consistent interventions (treatments) that distinguish the children identified with the disabilities that represent the majority of kid s in special education. The disabilities that comprise the majority of kids in special education are Learning Disabled, Mentally Impaired, Emotionally Disturbed/Behavior Disorder, and Other Health Impaired (this one has so many kids because ADHD falls under it). In other words, when an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is made for these children, which specifies the goals and objective of how each child will be taught, they differ very little from disability to disability. A learning disabled (LD) childs IEP will look very much like a mentally impaired (MI) childs IEP, and so on, with all the various comparisons. And I believe this research because I have seen thousands of IEPs. The interventions always involve something like repetition, a multisensory approach (hearing and seeing it, and hands on), having directions read to them, and extended time limits. If you looked at a childs IEP goals and objectives, and didnt know their eligibility, you would have a very hard ti me figuring out what their eligibility (disability) was. What it really boils down to is we are bringing the material down to their level. If a learning disabled child is reading at a second grade level, he will have the same (or very similar) goals and objectives as a mentally impaired child reading at a second grade level. What needs to happen is that we need to teach kids at whatever level their at (remember the bell curve); but we have to stop pretending that all kids are the same, and hiding as many of the ones that we can get away with that arent at grade level or behaving in special education. This is malpractice and we have to stop doing it.

After special education legislation in the 70s it was common for schools to have self-contained classrooms. These are classrooms in which special education students spend most or all of their school day. The class size is small, with paraprofessionals to assist the teacher. As with many things in our society, there were more than enough researchers and experts to provide the proof demonstrating the reasons and benefits for these classrooms. Well in the 90s this all changed with self-contained classrooms being gutted from school districts. When I started in the field in 1990, I worked under a principal who had already been in education for about 25 years. He told me how they (people in education) had worked so hard to get these classrooms and now they were getting rid of them. And of course the experts had all the research to show why we needed to get rid of these classrooms. I guess they got it wrong the first time? I dont know, but maybe somebody should tell the taxpayer! The research and experts once again helped lead us on another humongous, costly wild goose chase, which only delayed the inevitable. For years the learning and progress of students who were learning and behavior problems were sheltered and protected from scrutiny and real accountability. Basically, as long as you had an IEP it was OK to be far behind all of your school years. And if your behavior was so bad that you werent learning, that was OK because you had an IEP. I know this sounds harsh and cruel, but dont misunderstand me. Teachers, schools, and districts were doing what they could, and trying to work within the rules they were given to try and educate these problem children. As more kids were becoming more problematic, the schools were expected to deal with them. So kids were often given a label, and any label would do. By the 90s it became obvious that there were too many kids in special education. After all, how could there be that many disabled children? So of co urse the research was provided to show that self-contained classrooms and labeling were actually detrimental to these children. Nevertheless, the reason the number of children in special education was growing is because there was a growing number of children that the regular education classrooms could not deal with. But that didnt matter, and we were pressured to reduce the number of kids in special education!

More to come on this topic.

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Is It Possible To Make Money Writing And Selling E-Books Online?

One of the most popular and sought after online money making methods is writing and selling E-books, and rightly so. E-book has become one of the hottest markets to make money in, but many people are skeptic on whether or not you can make money with the E-book publishing business, and the truth is that it is a legitimate concern. with all the scams scattered all over the internet, it is only smart to ask the question of whether or not one can make money with E-books. so if you are one of those skeptics and wondering if it's a good idea to start your own E-book publishing business, read ahead to find out for yourself, if it is possible or not to make money writing and selling E-books.

What Is An E-book?
E-book publishing can be linked to the more familiar traditional book publishing. which simply has evolved into a more friendly method, and adapted itself to meet the literature needs of our fast paced computerized 21st century lives. E-book is not a new invention of any sort, it's more of a an already invented invention that is opening up it's doors to the new possibilities. E-book is simply an electronic book! which has many benefits that the traditional books lack. it's is an easier and faster way to purchase a book without having to leave the comfort of your home. of course with the growing popularity of E-books, came along many devices that make reading an electronic book easier. it's the ease of use and instant availability of E-book that has made this product a favorite amongst many readers. and that brings up the possibility of making a new reliable income stream. so the question becomes- do people really make money with E-books? and if so, can it be counted as a reliable way of making enough money to sustain an average household?
Is E-book Publishing A Good Way To Make Money?
Well, the short answer is yes. in fact it can be a quite profitable business, if done right! in order to have a successful E-book publishing business, you need to do your homework. not all E-books are created equal, thus not any kind of E-book is going to make you loads of money. so finding a hot and in demand subject to base your E-book on, is your first and most important step, which thanks to our consumer based attitude society, on demand and hot selling topics number in thousands. so it will not be hard to find a profitable topic to write an E-book about, but choosing one that you already have some knowledge and expertise about, can dramatically speed up your research process and the actual writing of the E-book. also it can contribute on the quality of the E-book you are planning to publish, which gives you a higher chance of success in making a notable amount of money.

Writing an E-bo ok may seem quite impossible or difficult at first, but once started, you will notice a much easier and faster way to write, compare to the traditional book writing. and in some cases, the rewards can be far greater, not to mention instant. of course that depends highly on ones own abilities to write. but you will be surprised how much a 5 page E-book can contribute in your income!

As you can see, the answer to the question of whether or not E-book publishing business can be used to make money easy is quite obvious. yes, in fact it is much easier to make money with E-books than many other online money making methods. but as any other methods of making money, it requires a certain amount of effort and hard work combined with persistency, which if focused in the right direction, can lead you to make a notable sum of money, certainly more notable than working a traditional 9-5 job.

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Resolve Your Storage Hassles By Renting A Self-Storage Unit

Looking for ways to reclaim space in your rooms, office, or business settlement? A great way to retrieve the required space is by renting a self-storage unit. Whether you're looking for an RV storage, car storage, garage storage, boat storage, or old furniture storage, you can consider paying a small fee to a self-storage unit providing service and allow your mind to rest in peace that your items will remain safe and away from deterioration.

For those who do not know much about what self-storage is, a self-storage business helps provide space for customers, which can be used to store items that unnecessarily occupy space in their own property but cannot be considered a waste. Self-storage services charge a small monthly fee and in turn they take care of their customer's goods by storing them in an appropriate, full-proof environment. These days, there is a very strong demand for such units.

Significance Of Self-Storage Services

There can be a variety of reasons for which people need storage units. For example, small business owners who do not have much space for keeping tools, equipment, and manufactured products in proper condition may heir a small amount of space from a self-storage business in exchange for a small fee and ensure that their belongings, equipment, tools, and products remain safe. Large businesses also use storage services to store excess inventory. Self-storage is also used generally by those people for keeping their valuables and belongings safe, who move from one place to another.

Things To Consider

While selecting a self-storage option, consider how much you need to store, and the distance and convenience of the location. Only after taking these aspects into consideration, sign an agreement with a self-storage company.

Types Of Self-Storage

Portable Self-storage: You can ask a self-storage company to deliver a portable storage container directly at your doorstep and after you have packed the belongings, it is the company's responsibility to pick up the unit and take it to the store and make necessary arrangements for its storage.

Recreational Vehicle: If you own a trailer, RV, boat, or a TV, you may require space to store your recreational item. In such a case, you can always ask for a recreational storage facility.

Self-Storage Amenities

Self-storage units offer a number of amenities. There are several self-storage companies that offer 24-hour surveillance, climate-control units, and on-site staff. Self-storage companies typically have a fence or brick wall, or extra security. Additionally, such facilities only have one way for both entrance and exit. These units can provide storage units, ranging from small closet spaces to a large area that can even accommodate two cars.

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Define a Blog

What is a Blog?

Information sites are an additional kind of web site. The content is generally organized by date and category using the most current post/content displaying very first. Blogs are also easier to setup than websites, and due to this reason people are frequently lured into considering information sites are a better choice than websites. Get a godaddy coupon here for a discount.


It also doesn't appear as expert to use a weblog address like http://BLOGNAME.blogspot.com or http://BLOGNAME.wordpress.com. Hosting is so inexpensive these days that it's worth spending a couple of additional dollars to personal your content material and use a actual blog tackle. Having a self hosted blog, all your content sits on the hosting account that you personal. Your blog tackle is more expert and simple to keep in mind simply because you are able to use a true domain like http://yourblog.com.


How to Create a Weblog Site


The easiest method to create a weblog website is by utilizing a ready-made weblog tool. The blog application has built-in functionality such as posting articles, HTML editor, commenting, archive, and a lot more. The most popular weblog tools use a big supporting community. You is going to be capable to discover free themes for your weblog and customize it the way you like.

Utilizing the assist of a weblog application you needn't be a web designer or developer to share your views utilizing the world. In the following pages you will find brief instructions on how to construct your personal weblog by utilizing two of the most popular blog applications:

What's a weblog?


People produce blogs to share their thoughts using the globe. An individual writing in the journal is known as a blogger. Bloggers write about various topics: in the standard daily situations to the progress of some sci entific researches. The readers also can leave comments and therefore make the entire weblog more interesting and helpful.

How did Information sites Begin?

Blogs are component from the Globe Broad Web since its creation. In the beginning they did not use a defined name, but their purpose was a lot more or much less the exact same as that of contemporary information sites. Here is a checklist of the very first information sites. Dawn of Internet: Tim Berners-Lee at CERN starts maintaining a checklist of all new sites as they arrive online. June 1993: NCSA's oldest archived 'What's New' list of websites. June 1993: Netscape starts running it's 'What's New!' checklist of sites. January 1994: Justin Hall launches Justin's House Page which would become Links from the Underground. April 1997: Dave Winer launches Scripting News. December 1997: Jorn Barger coins the term 'weblog''.

Domain Registrar Info


A domain identify registrar is an organization or commercial entity, accredited by the web Corporation for Assigned Nam es and Numbers (ICANN) or by a national country code top-level domain (ccTLD) authority, to handle the reservation of Web domain names in accordance using the guidelines from the specified domain name registries and provide such services towards the public.

Until 1999, Network Solutions (NSI) operated the com, net, and org registries. It was the domain name registry operator for these domains as nicely as the sole registrar. Nevertheless, a number of organizations had developed independent registrar providers. One such organization, NetNames, invented the idea of the commercial standalone domain name registration service in 1996.
Thus, registrars introduced the concept of domain name sales and other associated providers, effectively introducing the retail model into the industry and assigning a wholesale role towards the registries. NSI assimilated this model, which ultimately led to the separation of registry and registrar functions.

What is really a Weblog?


Blogs are an additional type of website. The content is generally organized by date and category using the most current post/content displaying first. Information sites are also simpler to setup than web sites, and because of this cause individuals are often lured into thinking blogs are a better choice than websites.



Ways to Create a Blog


The easiest way to produce a blog site is by utilizing a ready-made blog tool. The weblog application has built-in functionality such as posting articles, HTML editor, commenting, archive, and a lot more. The most well-liked weblog resources use a large supporting community. You is going to be able to find free of charge themes for your blog and customize it the way you like.

With the assist of a weblog application you needn't be a internet designer or developer to share your thoughts with the world. In the following pages you 'll discover brief guidelines on how you can build your personal weblog by using two from the most well-liked weblog applications:

What's a blog?


There are various descriptions of that idea. According to most from the content articles on the internet 'blog' is short for 'weblog', a often updated publication of comments and views on the web. Generally it is reflecting the views from the blog's creator. Information sites consist of text and images and are sorted by date. The newest information is on the top and there is an archive of the old a single.


How did Blogs Start?

Blogs are part of the World Wide Internet because its creation. In the beginning they did not use a defined identify, but their purpose was more or less precisely the same as that of contemporary information sites. Here is a list of the very first blogs. Dawn of Web: Tim Berners-Lee at CERN starts keeping a checklist o f all new sites as they arrive online. June 1993: NCSA's oldest archived 'What's New' list of sites. June 1993: Netscape starts running it's 'What's New!' list of websites. January 1994: Justin Hall launches Justin's Home Page which would turn out to be Links in the Underground. April 1997: Dave Winer launches Scripting News. December 1997: Jorn Barger coins the term 'weblog''.

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Comparing the Top Four Personal Trainer Certifications

What Is a NCCA-Accredited Personal Trainer Certification?

These days, there are many different paths you can take to become a personal trainer. However, the most reliable and respected path you can take is to earn a certification from one of the organizations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA was the first institution to offer accreditation in the fitness industry as a means for ensuring the public's safety, health and welfare. NCCA-accreditation also guarantees that all certified personal trainers will be nationally recognized by most gyms and fitness establishments. For more than 30 years, the NCCA has been a global leader in providing education, networking and advocacy resources to the credentialing community. It's not surprising, then, that NCAA-accredited personal trainer certifications are the most well-known and widely accepted credentials in the industry. The purpose of this article is to compare the four major providers of NCAA-accredited personal trainer certifications:

American Council on Exercise (ACE) National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

Who Are the Top Providers of Personal Trainer Certification Programs?

Every personal trainer certification program has unique benefits to offer participants. In the following section, we'll discuss the important features and specific details of each of the four fitness organizations mentioned above. For your convenience, we've included a well-defined chart below so you can easily compare some of the major similarities and differences between each program.

ACE The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a nonprofit organization that was established back in 1985. As one of the largest fitness certification, education and training organizations in the world, ACE has more than 50,000 certified professionals, and four accredited certification programs: Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, and two advanced fitness certifications the Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist and Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach. To become a personal trainer through ACE, you must be at least 18 years of age and hold an Adult CPR/AED Certificate. Program participants can take the exam in one of two ways: 1) traditional pen and paper method, which costs $219; or 2) computer-based exam, which runs at about $249. Candidates preparing for the ACE personal trainer certification exam are offered a wide range of study materials including free study coach program, manuals, practice tests, study guides, online courses, flashc ards, consultations and more. Discounted study bundles are available between $199-$579. Exam participants are given three hours to complete 150 questions. Once the individual passes the exam and becomes an ACE-certified personal trainer, he/she must renew their certification every two years by completing 2.0 CECs (20 hours of continuing education) and paying a standard renewal fee of $79.

NASM The National Academy of Sports Medicine has been around since 1987, and they too offer an official CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) credential. Similar to the ACE personal trainer certification, NASM programs requires participants to be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid CPR/AED Certificate. However, NASM credentials are a bit more costly than other fitness certification programs. Certification packages run anywhere from $599-$799, with the exam itself costing about $549. After properly enrolling and preparing for the CPT exam, individuals are allotted 2 hours to complete 120 questions. The price of renewal is also more than other recertification fees (about $700), but the continuing education requirements are the same. Every two years, professionals must complete 2.0 CECs to maintain their personal trainer certification.

ACSM Established in 1954, the American College of Sports Medicine offers its own NCAA-accredited personal training certification. To become an ACSM certified personal trainer, you must be at least 18 years of age, and possess both a high school diploma and an adult CPR certificate. The basic CPT program is comparable to other personal trainer certifications in that it qualifies you to train healthy individuals, provide exercise recommendations and make fitness assessments. Test applicants must pay the $279 exam fee and then complete 125-150 questions over the course of 2.5 hours. Unlike the ACE and NASM personal training certifications, ACSM credential programs require fitness professionals to enroll in continuing education courses every three years instead of two.

NSCA Founded in 1978, the National Strength and Conditioning Association is an international nonprofit educational association that currently serves nearly 30,000 members across 52 countries. Besides the standard age requirement and essential CPR/AED Certificate, the NCSA insists that all program participants possess a high school diploma (or equivalent). The actual exam is widely viewed as a very difficult test consisting of 140 questions35 of which are based upon responses to a video presentation. Many believe it would be in their best interests to get hands-on, practical experience prior to taking the exam. After passing the exam, NCSA-certified personal trainers must renew their credentials every three years by earning continuing education credits and paying a recertification fee (approximately $185-$220 for members; $305-$340 for non-members).

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It Pays To Have High Quality Autoresponders

Since autoresponders are like bridges that connects you to your customers, it is an advantage that you have high quality autoresponders to represent you online. Autoresponders provide a personalized communication to your customers making your web site experience more meaningful. By having high quality autoresponders, you are implying to your customers that keeping in touch with them is a highly valued aspect of your online business.

It is every aim of serious business persons to not only achieve customer satisfaction but more so to achieve customer delight. High quality autoresponders can boost customer delight when executed efficiently. It will not only drive sales but also repeat business. Online marketers must realize the importance of a high quality autoresponder and not just settle to mediocre autoresponders.


Since there are too many autoresponder products available, it will be ideal that you go over the products' features meticulously and choose which one is the easiest and most cost effective autoresponder tool. Choose high quality autoresponders that are very trustworthy and will allow you to capture more visitor sign ups.
High quality autoresponders will give you the opportunity to share information to your prospective customers. It is essential that the information you share to them is also valuable and not trash. They might not open your next emails or newsletters if you fail to impress them with the information that you want them to read.


For maximum service, opt for unlimited autoresponders that will permit you to send unlimited follow-ups and newsletters. Remember that autoresponders can do many tasks for you. That is why if possible, the service must not be limited. Aside from sending regular updates, autoresponders can also do confirmation of a transaction or acknowledgment email when an internet user visits your site.

Autoresponders can also do after sales correspondence with your customers. This method will encourage more repeat sales as well. High quality autoresponders are needed if you want to do various tasks via an autoresponder. There may be man y very cheap autoresponders in the market, but be keen about the extent of features their tool can offer.

High quality autoresponders need not be expensive. With the tight competition among high quality autoresponders, you will surely find one that will suit your online business best. High quality autoresponders will enable you to set up things when it comes to customer servicing. You will be properly guided, thus, saving your time and effort from doing unnecessary mistakes.

Most, if not all, of these autoresponder tools will also provide easy-to-follow instructions in going about their tools. So, do not hesitate if you are not too knowledgeable about the technical side of the internet. Many online marketers have proven that by using high quality autoresponders, they were able to generate more subscribers for their ezines or newsletters.

With the convenience that a good autoresponder tool can provide, they are able to respond to their custome rs quickly and more efficiently. Utilize your creativity and imagination so that you will be able to maximize the benefits of autoresponders for your business. Using autoresponders is your way of thanking your customers or subscribers, so do not think twice of employing a high quality autoresponder.

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17 Powerful Ways to Use a Professional-grade Email Autoresponder to Build Your Business

Email autoresponders are extremely powerful indispensable marketing tools for any business on the Internet whether that business is an online business or an offline business with an Internet presence. There is no better marketing tool currently available for consistent controlled communications to your customers, potential customers, and even employees, partners, and suppliers. This article reveals 17 powerful ways to use your autoresponder; the primary focus is for business applications, but autoresponders can also be used for non-business applications as well.

Before we cover the various applications of email autoresponders, lets cover what an autoresponder is An autoresponder is a webserver-based software application that sends a pre-written sequence of emails (text or HTML) according to a pre-defined schedule when someone joins (or is added to) your email list.

Application #1 Sales Messages:
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The m ost obvious business use for your autoresponder is to provide a sequence of sales messages when a potential customer completes a form on your web page or clicks a link to join via email. The best way to get prospects to join your sales stream is to offer them something of value for signing up (e.g., a free report, newsletter, ebooks, or simply a link to a website).

Application #2 Training:
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A slightly less obvious application for your autoresponder is to provide a mini-course, or even a massive training course. For example, you can sign up to receive a free mini-course about how to use Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising and even get your PPC ads for 80% to 90% lower cost at www.Autopilot101.com/ads_PPC.htm. Or you can sign up for a free course with 101 lessons on marketing and how to get your web host to pay you.

Application #3 Steps To Use or Implement:
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The next form of training is a formal procedure on how to use a product or service purchased by your customer. If you sell a course on money-saving techniques, like the MONEY SECRETS Home Study Course for example (www.LifestylePublishing.com/money_secrets.htm), you could use your autoresponder to send them a fast-track course on specific steps to do each day for two weeks. If you sell above-ground swimming pools, you can have them join your autoresponder to get all the installation instructions.

Application #4 Duplication & Team Communications:
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If you are involved in Multi-Level-Marketing, Network Marketing, or referral marketing, you can publish your autoresponder campaigns so your downline can easily import your campaign for their recruiting and/or sales efforts.

Application #5 Banner Advertising:
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Some autoresponder services include free banner advertis ing services. You can upload your banners (or use the ones they provide), and they will display your banner ads.

Application #6 Free For All (FFA) Advertising:
====================================== FFA pages allow people to advertise their products and services with one-line ads that are displayed on your FFA page until it scrolls off the bottom of the list due to other ad submissions. The power of an FFA page is you get to send a single email advertisement of your own in exchange for letting your prospect post their ad. This can be a nice free form of advertising for you.

Application #7 Generating Traffic:
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Some professional autoresponder offer a quality guaranteed traffic service to further market your business. This is usually offered for an extra charge, but you earn a commission on your own ads (which means you are actually getting discount prices). Furthermore, you can advertise your guaranteed traffic website and earn a commission when someone places an order on your website.

Application #8 Capturing Leads:
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You can also use a sign-up form for y our autoresponder on a squeeze page to capture leads (i.e., to build your list). This is generally done by presenting a compelling offer if the prospect enters their name and email address. Then upon submitting their information, your form immediately takes the prospect to a web page and sends the first email in your campaign.

Application #9 Tracking Ads:
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On the Internet, there are lots of services that offer ad-tracking links where you enter the web address for the website you are advertising, and the service gives you an alternate web address. Then by advertising the alternate address (i.e., your ad-tracking address), it will register a hit every time someone clicks your ad-tracking link. Then the link automatically and immediately forwards your prospect to the target address. This is a great way to determine which advertising resources deliver and which dont thus saving you money when you cancel the ones that d ont produce. But why pay for this service if your autoresponder offers it for free?

Application #10 Product Delivery:
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You set up your autoresponder to deliver information products whether offered free or purchased. All you have to do is publish the product on the web, and pass the web address (and the UserID and password if applicable) to your customeryoure your autoresponder.

Application #11 Broadcasting:
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Broadcasting is the ability to send an email to everyone on your autoresponder list simultaneously anytime you wish; in other words, the email has not been pre-written or added to your campaign. Its just an impromptu email sent to your entire list. The next seven techniques all fall under the category of broadcasting.

*** ALERTS:
If you want to alert your customers to something unexpected, broadcast it.

*** NEWS:
Notif y your customers about a change in your business for example, new address, new email address, special holiday hours, etc.

*** SPECIAL OFFERS:
If you have a large email list of people who remember and like you and your products, you can announce a special price, a new product, or limited-quantity promotion, and generate a nice influx of cash. Make sure you make a limited-time offer.

*** REMINDERS:
Use your autoresponder broadcaster to remind your subscribers of an upcoming event, sales expiration, or whatever you want them to remember.

*** Keep You In Mind:
On average, most people must see you and your product seven times before they will buy, so use your autoresponder to keep you in the forefront of their mind. Be original; make them look forward to hearing from you again.

*** Publish a Newsletter:
Writing your own newsletter has many benefits. It establishes you as an expert in your niche; it reminds your pros pect you exist; it educates your customer; you can add your ads to your newsletter for free, and you can even sell advertising in your newsletter.

*** Conduct Surveys:
Send out surveys to your email list. Find out what your customers want, what they liked and disliked about your products or services, what they wish they could get (leads to new product ideas), reveals where they frequent on the Internet, The only limit is your creativity. Want to know something from your customers? Use your autoresponder broadcast feature to ask them.

Not all autoresponders offer all of these applications: you need a professional-grade autoresponder to get most of these applications, and there is only one autoresponder I have found that actually offers all of these applications and more.

This particular autoresponder also has the most important characteristic of a small fixed monthly fee no matter how big your subscriber list gets. In fact, you can hav e unlimited email campaigns (i.e., email sequences), unlimited emails per campaign, and unlimited subscribers per campaign, and the price stays fixed at $17.95. Plus you can get a 30-day free trial, and with just a little effort, you can even get your autoresponder service free for life within about 60 days (see the article list below). You can learn more about this autoresponder and request a free report at this web address: http://www.trafficwave.net/members/rbstoker/report.html

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Written By: Dr. Bryan Stoker, webmaster@LifestylePublishing.com
www.Autopilot101.com www.LifestylePublishing.com

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
* How To Determine The Best AutoResponder For Your Business
* The Most Important Features For Selecting Your AutoResponder
* How To Generate A 5-Figure Monthly Income Using Your AutoResponder

All these articles and more are available at www.LifestylePublishing.com/ar ticles-autoresponder/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recommended Best AutoResponder For Most Businesses:
http://www.trafficwave.net/members/rbstoker

Other Good AutoResponders:
GetResponse: http://www.GetResponse.com/index/rbstoker
Aweber: http://www.aweber.com/?291423
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Autoresponders for your Business

Autoresponders

In the internet world of business, an autoresponder can do a lot for your company. Also known as mailbots, email and on demand, and automatic email, these tools can help you put your internet business on autopilot and spend much more time doing other things. Autoresponders are designed to automatically responds to emails that they receive which makes it very helpful with your business.

Over the years, autoresponders have increased a lot in popularity. They are best recognized for their automatic e-mail responses, which will save you a lot of time. By using one of these programs, you won't have to spend countless hours answering emails again. You can feel free to accomplish other things and always know that your customers have access to the information they need anytime they want it.

To set your business on autopilot, all you have to do is get your copy ready and load it into your autoresponder. Once you receive message from potential buyers or current customers, the autoresponder will automatically deliver them a message. Autoresponders are quick- can e-mail details in seconds.
Various feature of autoresponders are delivering out free courses, articles and information, reports, information on your products and services , price lists, welcome and thank you letter, confirm purchases, and news about your advertising rates. You can preset information such as this into your autoresponder, so it will instantly deliver the information out when someone requests it.

Unlike large e-mail messages, email responders can be set up to your desired informations. You can also have personalized emails, addressing tour customers with their name, which will make them very comfortable. Autoresponders will even follow up with emails as well, to ensure that you get a sale. A good email autoresponder notify you when somebody send a message to your address, which increase your clients.

Autoresponder messages can be modify anytime you want. When you have new products or news for your clients, you can always update your log. When running a b usiness, it's very important that you maintain your customers up to date. It is really very important to your internet business to keep your customers up to date. This way, your customers will know that you have fresh products offered and ready for purchase. When you have a very good relationship with them, they'll be anticipating your new offers.

Autoresponders are big help when you are running an online business. When you have new products and information about your company, autoresponder will do the majority tasks for you. Nowadays, autoresponders are great tools for your online marketing business for they'll give you lots of time to do what you desire.

Learn more about autoresponders.
Productive Business with Autoresponders

Pro-senders. Let us deliver your emails.

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Special Education Schools- Help your Child Leading Normal Life

Special education schools are specially developed for children who are suffering with some health disorders. Special education helps them to lead normal life so that they can be part of social network around them.

There are enormous benefits being offered by special education schools, some of them are listed below:

Through special education being provided in such schools helps children to feel special. They and take part in various social activities like a normal child which is really encouraging for them. Parents should also treat their abnormal child specially, they should make child feel as if he is a part of the family. Behaviour modification skills are being dictated in these schools to change all the unwanted activities being done by your child. In order to accomplish this, you should reward your child with the things he likes so that he will be motivated to adapt all the good habits in him. Giving compliments to your child with pleasing praises is really effective way of teaching him; this is technique being followed by tutors in special education schools. Very important task to be done by parents and tutors is, identifying warning signs of the child so that you may recognize his needs and requirements. All the needed skills of the child are being provided in the special education schools with special childcare programs. Parents should know the special needs of his child so that you can tell tutors about the needs of your child. Needed knowledge and assistance should be provided to your child consistently by preparing special routine which is easily noticeable by your child. Schools departing special education to children have organized and well executed routines which could be easily followed by them. It is suggested by special education programs that you should make use of similar words every time your child is praised.

Very important thing to be considered is that you should find a support group in your community as this is the best possible way of providing ample motivation to your child with entire family. Parents can also join community or group of parents that have same case of children so that you may learn a lot with their reviews about their child. Above all love is most important factor to be considered in helping your child to learn and cope up with the environmental changes, so that he can live like a normal child.

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Career in Special Education Program

In the last few years the requirement for qualified educators has boomed rapidly. In fact, with the rise in education standards and the number of educational institutes and schools, the education industry expects to look for more qualified educators in the coming years. Today, we cannot deny the fact that education is an extremely rewarding career field but currently it demands more qualified teachers to educate children at the elementary school or college level.

Looking at the present scenario, educators or teachers require special skills that can be nurtured through intensive training. Addressing to meet this demand, special education degrees have increased its popularity in recent years. So, if you are already involved in this teaching profession and wish to advance your career in the education leadership, a special education degree is a necessity.

Today where teaching is considered as a highly noble profession, attaining a degree in special education can enhance your teaching career. A special education program can even help you learn special skills including understanding diversity, teaching reading literacy, counseling and special education. During this course, you will receive training and educational information that educates you how to translate the knowledge to the students. Once you complete this special education program, you will be able to make decisions and take a stand on political issues that affect education and learning.

Another good thing about this degree program is that it gives teachers more opportunities in private schools and universities. This special education course provides you with one of the most convenient ways to gain higher income and greater career opportunities in the field of education. Today, in fact many of the employed teaching professionals looking to advance their career to leadership roles like principal or dean are considering attaining a degree in special education.

There are lots of institutions and schools that offer degree programs in special education. They can vary from student behavior management, institutionalized learning methods, student-teacher supervision, specific areas and solutions for effective child education and more.

The acquisition on an online degree in special education can aid you in acquiring better career opportunities and going for well-paying jobs. But before enrolling in a college or university, make sure that it is accredi ted. If you can, try to get feedback from individuals who have completed the program.

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Education Jobs - How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Who is a special education teacher? A special education teacher is someone who is involved with teaching children with some disabilities varying from minor disabilities to major impairments. This job requires a lot of seriousness and background work.

But if you are here, then possibly you know all this already.

What you need to know is if you have what it takes to be a special education teacher. There are a few prerequisites for this job. It is expected that you have a strong sense of responsibility, are passionate about helping these children and ready to sacrifice petty issues for the greater cause.

If you think you have it in you, then here is how you can go on to fulfilling your dream.

Get Experience.

The moment you decide you are going for an education job with the special children, start getting experience. Working as a para-educator, that is working in a classroom side by side with a special education teacher as his or hr assistant is a good idea.

Get a Degree.
It is sad, but the truth is that there are few universities that offer courses in special education. Try and get into one of these if you will. Otherwise your only option is to get your bachelors' degree in a relevant subject. This subject might vary from Math, English to smarter options like Sociology, Psychology etc.

Pick a Specific Disability to Focus on.

There are a number of disabilities. Do your research and find out which one you think you want to work with, and more importantly you will be able to work with. Teaching jobs for special children might mean teaching ones with emotional disabilities or physical. Disabilities may very from minor to moderate to severe. Impairment of speech, hearing and vision are also included as disabilities which will mean that you will need to teach yourself their language in order to communicate better.

Take the Praxis.

The Praxis II teaching examination for special education is something you will have to clear with flying colors. Different states will demand different scores for a teaching job that they might have to offer you. So plan ahead and do well in the exam.

Do an Internship.

Doing an internship in other fields and doing one in special education are different ballgames altogether. Doing an internship in special education means you will have to work full time in some classroom and will be expected to take your classes at the same time. This may sound taxing, but consider having a 2 years worth of work experience when you finish your course and it might seem a good idea. Add to it a good pay packet and there is no reason why you shouldn't go for an internship.

Apply for a Job.

This will possibly be the easiest step yet. A teaching job in the field of special education is not hard to get provided you have followed the instructions well. Competition is less and opportunities are many. You are sure to be employ ed, and happily so with a very rewarding and noble profession.

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The Difference in Special Education Programs in the United States and the Third World Countries

The Department of Education in the Philippines is strengthening its policies for special education program in allowing special children who does not have the resources or access to a well deserved education because of financial disabilities of their parents. This is one good reason why people and the government should continue to support this program because the special children have the right to education equally as the normal children. Even though this group of people may not have the same skills that a normal child has, still they have a chance to experience school life which will nurture their skills and will make them capable of doing something good for themselves as well as for the people around them.

A lot of people with family members of a special child will keep them inside the house because of the fear that their child will be rejected in the society causing them more pain for them to see their family member being feared and being called names out in the streets by insensitive human beings. I can see a lot of difference when it comes to special children living in the first-world-countries. They usually have a good program for children with this kind of disability; they would even have social department visit their houses just to check on these kids, to ensure that they have been given the proper care by the parents. We know how it is in the US as well as other countries that has good budget for this departments that most of the third world countries point out as a reason why they sometimes will not be able to carry out this in their pursuit in helping these special set of people. The government of the 3rd -world-country blames it in their economic situation, but isn't the first-world-counties experiencing crisis as well? We could then conclude that it depends on the want of the government to really focus on this, unless if they find this less seriously as a social matter.

Teachers who specialize in special education program nowadays have a lot of job opportunities abroad because this will give them greener Pasteur. In Asian countries, this Major as a course was not widely known before the 20th century. Now, even the smaller countries in Asia Pacific gives a lot of emphasis in educating their special ones because we are now much open to the idea of giving life to a real life that was once often regarded as useless creatures or pain-in-the-butts for their parents. After all, they did not ask to be born as they are. We all know that there are factors where we blame the mothers for the food they eat, and the things they do when they were pregnant. We also blame the genes for this misfortune. We should keep in mind that these groups of people are alive and they should have the well deserved so-called-LIFE!

Educating them is the best way to make them feel that they belong and a teacher who specializes in this field could help a lot in molding a special child into a great special child when she/he grows up.

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Special Education Teacher – Instructor for the disabled children:

Special Education Teacher:

Special Education Teachers profession is a greatest service to the children with different disorders. It is highly respected and comes under the tree of educational department. The teachers are specially trained and formulated with special techniques to handle the students with different disorders and make them self sufficient to aid themselves. The Specialized teachers contribute their services to the society, which makes a meaningful satisfaction and constructive procedures are implemented on the students with different disorders which make them handle their own services. Special education teachers should be formalized with many interesting subjects, activities and measures for the development and progress of the students.

What type of skills required to be a Special education teacher?

They should be very professional in their means of work and able to adopt new skills and measures in the educational process, the main key skills required for Special education teacher is

Patience High level of understandability Development Skills Communication skills Knowledge of understanding phonetics

These are some of the most important and reliable skills to acquire in this profession to be the best in work.

Duties and Responsibilities of Special Education Teacher:

Special Education Teachers are well trained to attain the progress of students related to different disorders; there are many roles and responsibilities to be handled in the process of teaching these students. They should understand and estimate each children's mental behavior and physical strength and to be formulated with different methods of teaching techniques.

Special education teachers handles different responsibilities in enhancing children mental ability, some of the responsibilities include:

Monitoring and developing teaching procedures. Managing children's emotional and behavioral disorders. Modifying teaching methods and environmental. Managing inventory supplies. Attending staff meeting and describing and sharing mutual data. Teaching social acceptable behavior with different techniques. Developing and preparing class activities and work materials. Implementing understandable rules to maintain order among the students. Coordinating with other staff members of the school. Developing social environmental skills by using different modes and techniques for their understandability. Teaching independent involvements of achieving simple goals and self advocacy. Preparing charts for each and every single student about their mental development and accuracy in different attitudes. Testing students sign of action in different situations. Compliance nature and mental strength to handle any type of situations. Informing student's status to the head of the department and parents and guardians.

Special education teacher not only provide their services to mentally retarded or physically challenged students but also serves in educational institutions like Deaf and Dum schools. Special education teachers have more opportunities to work in different educational institutions, related to private and public sector.

Special education teacher have more patience and deliverance in handling students with different attitude and mental stability. They are well trained in the progress of student's behavior, they provide good training and uses different techniques depending upon each students mental balance and coops them up with strategic behavioral development.

Special education teacher job description as defined a confirmative job with strategic motivation and development in educating specialized students, there job is very challenging day by day with great patience and attitude.

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Master Online Special Education Degree - for Teachers Who Want to Make a Difference

How will the master online special education degree equip those teachers who want to make a difference? The answer is straightforward - in the USA, currently there are over 6 million students who have enrolled in these special programs.

While schools - public and private, preschool to secondary - struggle to identify and deploy qualified teachers to address these 6 million students, nobody knows for sure how many million students more need to be identified for special classes, so that they can better cope with their learning disabilities, or physical and mental handicaps.

At the same time, successive Federal and State Administrations since 1975 have sharpened their focus on creating complex systems for identifying, formulating, and delivering a highly-individualized education program to each eligible student. The cornerstone of these legislations, programs, and licensures is the highly qualified teacher.

A Master's degree in has thus become a must for aspiring teachers, and with many of them already employed as regular teachers, master online special education degree has become the most convenient route to this profession.

What It Involves

Master online special education degree involves distance or online learning that leads to graduate degrees like Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), or any of the specialized master's degrees in various sub-domains, such as dyslexia, attention-deficit, etc.

Master online special education degree courses will last upwards of one year, and might involve significant on-the-job training under an experienced special educator. Most states also require that aspiring teachers pass a licensure test, before starting their career.

Why Special Education?

On an average, teachers in this field don't earn much more than regular teachers. On the other hand, the job responsibilities of these teachers are more demanding - they can even include defending oneself and the school's program in court, if dissatisfied parents of challenged students opt for litigation, as has happened numerous times in various states!

Still, about 450,000 educators have opted for and currently work as special education teachers in the country. What must be the attraction?

Teachers in this field are very unlikely to encounter unemployment in the short-term or long-term. But that alone can't be the lure to enter this profession, where sheer hard work, difficult coordination between many, and uncertain outcomes from the part of students, make life stressful.

The answer can, hence, be only that there are hundreds of thousands of teachers out there who want to make a genuine difference to the lives of these challenged students. And it is indeed a huge difference. According to estimates, four in five challenged students used to be excluded from the US education system, as near as three decades back. Official figures, tabulated around 1975, put this at 1 million students, who missed the bus.

Why Master Special Education Degree?

Teachers in this specialty are still in significant short supply. Because of this, some states have still not made it mandatory for them to have a master's degree. In such states, bachelor's degree holders appear for professional licensure exams and work as special education teachers.
However, more and more states are opting for a master's degree as the minimum qualification, for a simple reason. A special ed. teacher should be capable of interacting effectively with professionals like psychologists, disability therapists, educational evaluators, educational lawyers, supervisors from the school district, regular teachers, and, of course parents of disabled students. It takes a master's degree holder with significant on-the-job training to confidently undertake this.

Master's degree holders in this field have also another booming avenue - they can work as instructors in colleges and universities that deliver specialized programs, and these institutions are rapidly increasing in number. They are also eligible to work as supervisors or administrators in the school districts.

A small but significant proportion of educators go for ' degree, so as to progress to doctoral degrees, which are also offered by more and more universities, these days.

Lastly, though special education teachers don't earn much more than regular teachers on an average, the highest salaries drawn by special educators exceed the highest salaries drawn by regular teachers by $3,000 to $8,000. It goes without saying that almost all of those highest paid special educators are master's degree holders.

Why Master Online Special Education Degree?

Those planning to take a master's degree in this field are almost always regular teachers who have developed a fascination for this field. Others include psychologists, counselors, learning disability therapists, etc. Since both teachers and these professionals already hold full time jobs, it is a master online special education degree that is more suitable to them.

Secondly, only an exceptionally good regular teacher can hope to be an effective teacher of special students. Because of this, aspirants enter the regular teaching profession to garner some years of experience before attempting to study special ed. Master online special education degree perfectly fits this scheme.

Thirdly, a significant component of any education master's degree is on-the-job training in a special school or a regular school's special education department. Those working teachers who opt for a master online degree can thus modify their school work itself for the on-the-job training part.

Where to Study Master Online Special Education Degree?

Hundreds of universities and colleges across the country offer master online degrees in special ed. They include state or public universities, and private or independent universities. Some of the courses have small components that require occasional campus visits, while almost all require on-the-job training at a school.

Working teachers who opt for master online special education degree generally prefer studying in their own state, if not their city. Another reason for local preference is that some universities incorporate that state's licensure requirements as part of the course. Due to strict licensure requirements, it is also important to go for an accredited course.

State or Public Universities Offering Master Online Special Education Degree

At least 12 state university systems offer master online degree in special ed. They include Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Aspirants in states like Alabama, Florida, and Kansas, are especially fortunate, with multiple public universities offering the course. Florida perhaps tops the nation with its three public universities offering this degree. Some of the prestigious state universities offering the course across the nation are:

ALABAMA: Auburn University, Auburn, University of South Alabama, Mobile
FLORIDA: Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of West Florida
INDIANA: Ball State University
KANSAS: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University
KENTUCKY: University of Louisville, Louisville
MICHIGAN: University of Michigan, Dearborn
MISSOURI: University of Missouri, Columbia
NEBRASKA: University of Nebraska, Lincoln
NEW JERSEY: New Jersey City University
NORTH CAROLINA: University of North Carolina
PENNSYLVANIA: Clarion University of Pennsylvania
TEXAS: Texas Tech University

Private or Independent Universities Offering Online Degrees

At least 10 well-known private or independent universities in 8 states offer master online special education degree. These states include Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. Arizona and Iowa top the list with two private universities each, offering the course. Florida and Pennsylvania are perhaps the only two states that have both public and private universities offering the course. Some of the well-known private schools offering online degrees are:

ARIZONA: Grand Canyon University, University of Phoenix
CALIFORNIA: La Sierra University
FLORIDA: Nova Southeastern University
IOWA: Graceland University, Kaplan University
MINNESOTA: Bethel University
VIRGINIA: Regent University
WASHINGTON: City University

What to Expect From Master Online Special Education Degree, in the Future?

The high performance expected from special edd teachers will ensure that a master's degree in this field becomes an absolute must in all states. As it is working teachers who are more likely to go for a master's degree in this subject, and because the course itself is dominated by on-the-job training, college degree master online might even upstage regular courses in the subject, in the near future.

Recent stricter regulations from the part of administrations regarding expected student performance, and better awareness about learning disabilities from the part of parents, will make sure that more and more students will be presented for evaluation. This scenario will drive the demand for qualified and trained special educators, giving further momentum to master online special ed. degree courses.

The most likely change in course content will be super-specializations in special education, with probably different master's degrees built around different learning disabilities or handicaps.

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What is special education and Remedial teaching ?

Special education has been put in place to provide services, programs and environments, to ensure that the educational needs of special needs children are provided for.

Special education is provided to qualifying students, at no greater cost, than to any other student, and the varying special learning of needs of student's are addressed through special education. Some children may need wheelchair accessibility, adaptive bathrooms, physio therapy,occupational therapy,or speech therapy, as part of their daily school routine, thus the need for special education school's came about when student's required support that goes beyond that which is normally offered or received in the regular school and classroom setting.

There are many schools educating specific special needs such as:

Autism Down's syndrome Deaf or blindness Developmental delays Emotional disturbances Hearing Impairment Mental Retardation Multiple disabilities Orthopaedic Impairments Specific Learning Disabilities Speech and Language Impairment Traumatic Brain Injury Visual Impairment

To find out more about Special Education, you can check with local school board or Education department. They will be able to provide you with a list of special needs schools in your area, which will qualify for the needs of your child.

STRATEGIES TO BOOST SUCCESS AT SCHOOL.

Wether your child is starting nursery, primary or high school, these little strategies can make a huge difference in your Childs enjoyment and progress during his schooling years:

A good nights sleep
If your child has been staying up late during the holidays, start enforcing an earlier bedtime about a week before they go back to school. Get them back into a set routine, as children need there rest to concentrate and follow what is going on in class. Check the school bag daily
make sure you check your child's school bag daily, for notes and permission slips from the teacher, rather than relying on your child to give them to you. It can be unpleasant for your little one to be the only student that didn't wear the right clothes for an outing or forgot to bring a snack or money for a Cake n' Candy sale. Teach your child to ask for what he needs
It is especially important for a special needs child to tell a teacher that he doesn't understand what she might be explaining, or if they need specific help. One way to teach your child this is to throw in some words during reading time that you know he will not understand. Let your child know that you are going to do this and, explain to them that need to stop you when they don't understand the word and ask you to explain. Make sure he knows that teachers like it when children ask them questions, about new words or anything they don't understand. Always go to parents evening
Even if you know the teacher and speak to them when you pick your child up from school, make the effort to attend parent evenings in any case. You may miss out on key information that the special education teacher may not want to discuss in front of your child. Your child may also be upset or disappointed that you skipped. Teach social skills and manners
Teach your child to be expected to say "please", "thankyou" and "excuse me!". If this is the first time they are going to school, start teaching them how to share, take turns and stand in a line. This is very important for special needs children, especially if they have a learning disability. You may have to repeat and enforce this behaviour for quite a while before they go to school, for it to become a habit to them and they fully understand what it means. Know your child's timetable
Ask your child's special needs educator for a weekly schedule of what your child will be doing. This way you can prepare your child for what is happening daily, and you can ask more specific questions about happened at school that day. Go on family outings
Special education needs to be continued by you, during school holidays and over weekends. This will help your child to go back to school after a weekend or a holiday with fewer problems. Take them to museums and the library, show and explain things to them, and later on ask them questions. This will keep their minds occupied and interested in the world around them. Play board games
Board games are fun, but can be very educational for a special needs child. It will get them use to following specific rules. Start by reading the rules out loud at the beginning of the game, and ask your child to repeat them. If they are not sure wether something is allowed, let your child know that they must ask you, then go back to the rules and double-check. Get organised
Find a specific place for all your child's supplies like paper, scissors, crayons etc. and help them get into the habit of putting them back where they belong, the way they do at school. This also goes for shoes, jackets and school bags; when you cannot find these things in the morning the day gets off to a bad start, and for a special needs child, this can lead to the rest of the day also not going well. Talk to other parents
Your child's perception of what's happening in the classroom may not always be accurate, so keep intouch with other parents whom you can call to touch base with. Practise at home
Your child may find it difficult to certain activities at school, practise them at home with him until he feels comfortable, and this will make it easier for him to perform these tasks at school. Volunteer at school
Be a special education volunteer at your child's school. Go on class outings and help with parties or school concerts. With special needs children an extra set of hands is always welcome and your presence and involvement at your child's school will be a comfort to them. Reading routine
Your child can benefit enormously from you reading out aloud to them, at home everyday. Also, read the books with them that they are reading in school. Let them know, when they are reading a good book to let you know, as you would like to read it to. Show you care
Always let your child know that you are interested in what they are learning and doing at school, no matter how busy you are.

TIPS FROM A TEACER.

Tips from a special education teacher:

Always check your child's homework, everyday and ask them to explain to you what they did. This will help to reinforce the concepts they have learnt. Give your child age appropriate books about subjects and topics they are most interested in. Celebrate your child's successes. This will give them a personal feeling of accomplishment, and they will want to learn and progress further. Children thrive on positive reinforcement.



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Special Education Degree Programs

Special education teachers work with children and youths who have a variety of disabilities. A small number of special education teachers work with students with severe cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities, primarily teaching them life skills and basic literacy. However, the majority of special education teachers work with children with mild to moderate disabilities, using or modifying the general education curriculum to meet the child's individual needs and providing required remedial instruction. Most special education teachers instruct students at the preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school level, although some work with infants and toddlers.

The Department of Special Education has distinguished itself in preparing professionals to work in an increasingly pluralistic and technological society. Our department ranks consistently among the top 10 departments nationally that offer graduate programs in Special Education according to the annual U.S. News & World Report (U.S. News and World Report, 2008). Our graduates have gone on to assume a variety of professional roles including teacher, counselor, administrator, researcher, policy maker, analyst, and advocate.Online colleges provided innumerable degree programs. some undergraduate online degree programs, such as an Associate of Arts Degree is a general education course that is designed for the ambitious student whose intentions are to managed to acquire their first portion of a post-secondary education, have the opportunity to enroll into one of numerous online colleges Master Degree programs. one in particular, the Master of Science in Special Education.Educ ation Administration:

This specialization will prepare you for a career in educational leadership or administration or supervisory positions. Special Education: A specialization in special education is a great choice for those ... Many distance learning programs also offers an accelerated program where you can earn your online degree even faster. However the time needed to complete an online education degree also depends on how much time and effort you .To be a special education teacher one needs to have both the innate interest and desire to work with students. People with a good deal of patience and understand would find a good career in a special education degree. They will train to work with students with special physical, mental, and emotional needs. Special needs range from physical, mental, behavioral, or psychological.

Special education is always important because all humans need to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their intelligence and capability level. People with a strong constitution and unlimited determination do well in the field of special education. Without people who are willing to work with the intellectually or physically challenged, some of these people would fall by the wayside, uncared for. This cannot be accepted in our modern times.

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Important Components of Special Ed Schools that Make them Effective Mediums of Special Education

The case of learning impairments among students in colleges and universities is an extremely important mental health issue that should be given appropriate attention. Parents also suffer firsthand the constant aftermath of such impairments on their students. And as such, they are the primary responsible in looking after their students by providing them only the best choices of special ed schools. Since learning impairment has several different types, students diagnosed suffering from it show varying symptoms as well as their specific academic weaknesses. Because of this, not all special ed schools are well prepared in handling all the academic needs of every learning disabled student. Therefore, it is extremely crucial for every parent to be more mindful on the important factors that should compose the very institution that will handle the learning disability case of their students.

Number of Students inside the Campus

Because of the high prevalence of learning disability cases on college students, a lot of special ed schools have been established. But not all of these campuses are fully functional and dependable when it comes to providing the needed remedy for each of these learning impaired individuals. There can be lots of ways to conduct one's special homework and personal investigation and one of which is by looking into the LD or Learning Disability population of the schools. A higher number of enrolled special students indicate that the school has already been known by the public as a reliable institution. A smaller one just shows that parents might have to think twice before getting into these schools.

System of Special Education Programs

A spectrum of special education programs is required for each school specialized in handling students with learning disability cases. The system must be designed in high accordance with the varying needs of students in academics and must be composed of multifunctional special education programs that can work favorably on the weaknesses of the students on their studies. A good special education system helps students forget about their disabilities and greatly improves their performances in school at the same time.

Dependable Special Education Staff

In some cases, a wide variety of programs are implemented on certain special ed schools. However, these programs are at times difficult to acquire as well as the personnel and staff that compose the special education department in the said schools. Having a learning disability is already a heavy burden for the students. And it is even a heavier and more difficult task to affirm their present mental situation to other people. People that empower these special education programs should find effective ways that will help encourage learning disabled individuals to disclose their impairments and acquire the needed assistive programs.

Accessibility on the worldwide web

The internet technology has already become an essential component on almost all successful transactions. It provides high accessibility on a long array of useful tools that help deliver fast, accurate, and hassle free transactions. Incorporating this technology unto the special education system implemented by special ed schools greatly improve their effectiveness.

Teachers

Teachers serve as the bloodline of special ed schools and the building blocks of the said institution. It is therefore important to give much importance on the skills and general capability of teachers when it comes to handling a class of learning impaired students. How students improve in school also directly depends on how well their teachers handle them in school.

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