Sunday, March 29, 2020
Introduction to the Organic Chemistry Tutor
Introduction to the Organic Chemistry TutorThe Organic Chemistry Tutor is a great deal to get if you want to be introduced to the subject of Organic Chemistry. Even if you are someone who already knows all of the prerequisites, the tutoring is still helpful. For someone who is not sure whether this is a subject they would enjoy studying or who have not been taking an interest in the subject, this program may be a good introduction to the subject. You will have the opportunity to learn about what type of elements are present in the Earth's crust, how chemical reactions occur, and other concepts that you need to know.The Organic Chemistry Tutor has seven one-hour classes each semester. All you have to do is sit down, find the dates of your classes, and sign up. This is a great way to get started with this course if you are serious about it and would like to take it more seriously in the future.The thing you need to understand about all these tutors is that they all try to be effective by providing supplementary materials and tutorials that will help you progress faster. These tutors have good knowledge about both organic chemistry and how to use a microscope. It is usually the supplements that will be useful to you most because they will help you understand how the chemical processes happen and also how the elements work as a collective whole.This course has a similar structure as the regular chemistry course. There are topics that you can opt to study, so that your instructor will be able to teach you everything that he/she has learned. Most of the tutors will ask you to come in for a lab every once in a while so that you can learn more about the methods used to create your chemical compounds. This is a really useful idea so that you learn the basic fundamentals of chemical reactions, because even if you know that these processes are important, there is nothing more to learn about them.Another thing you will notice about this Chemistry Tutor is that it has a muc h shorter list of courses than those of a regular Chemistry class. Usually, you will only have two or three sessions, which is the time it takes for them to teach you everything. Some of the topics that you will learn will be more advanced since you will be making more of a research project with your tutor. This is something you should look out for if you are a student who wants to focus more on the theoretical aspects of science.There are a few other advantages that come with getting this Organic Chemistry Tutor because of its very short duration. This course allows you to learn a lot in just a short period of time so that you can master the theory, application, and the application of the techniques.When you are looking for an organic chemistry tutor, you need to find one that has been a very successful student himself. Be sure that you only use people who have made an effort to learn the theory, as well as those who have been proven to be helpful.
Friday, March 6, 2020
How to Teach Your Kids About the Stars This Summer
How to Teach Your Kids About the Stars This Summer How to Teach Your Kids About the Stars This Summer Oh, summer nights! They bring us right back to memories of eating ice cream on the porch, watching a baseball game, or playing with friends. These are the carefree nights filled with experiences that you and your kids will remember for a lifetime. Summer is also the perfect time to teach your children about the stars. Treat your kids to a late night (they donât have to worry about waking up for school, after all!). Grab some blankets and head out to your backyard for a fun, educational evening gazing at the night sky. Here are some tips to make it the perfect night: Choose a Moonless Night A bright, full moon may be beautiful, but moonlight can make it more difficult to see the stars in the sky. Choose a clear night during the new moon when it is just a sliver in the sky and wonât obscure your view. You can take this opportunity to teach your kids about the phases of the moon. Discover Constellations Constellations are groups of stars that form a pattern when viewed from Earth. Many of the constellations we still look for today were discovered and named over 2,000 years ago by the Ancient Greeks. Explain to your kids that viewing constellations is just like playing connect the dotsâ"in the sky! Before you go stargazing, try these fun activity sheets from Ready Jet Go! on PBS Kids. Kumon is a proud sponsor of Ready Jet Go!, an animated series that teaches kids about science and astronomy. Your kids can âconnect the starsâ in several constellations on paper before they see them in the night sky. Bring the completed sheets with you on your stargazing adventure to help guide your experience. Start With the Big Dipper The Big Dipper is one of the easiest constellations to spot, and a great starting point to find others. Once you find the Big Dipper, follow the two stars at the end of the cup to see the North Star, Polaris. Polaris is the final star in the handle of the Little Dipper, also known as Ursa Minor. If thatâs all you spot in the night sky, youâve already learned a lot! Photo Credit: Jerry Lodriguss Did you know that the Big Dipper is actually just a small part of a larger constellation called Ursa Major? Like its smaller counterpart Ursa Minor, Ursa Major is in the shape of a bear. See if you can connect the stars for the entire Ursa Major constellation. Source: PBS Kids After youâve found Ursa Major, your options are endless. You can try to find more constellations, like Draco, which is most visible in July. Or you can look for planets, which may appear at first to be stars, but donât have the same twinkle. If youâre lucky, you might even be able to catch a meteor shower! Keep Learning The fun doesnât have to stop just because of a rainy or cloudy day. If you canât see the stars in the sky, watch an episode of Ready Jet Go! and get transported into the stars yourself! Jet and his friends Sydney, Sean, and Mindy will take you with them as they explore space. Learning opportunities are all around us, including in the sky! Summer is an exciting time to explore the world around us. Discover 6 more ways to make summer learning fun. You might also be interested in: 6 Practical Tips for Summer Parenting Meet Etash, a Kumon Program Completer Who is Using his Technology Skills to Teach Kids to Code What Could Your Kids Gain (or Lose) This Summer? Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumonâs Summer Learning Roundup How to Teach Your Kids About the Stars This Summer How to Teach Your Kids About the Stars This Summer Oh, summer nights! They bring us right back to memories of eating ice cream on the porch, watching a baseball game, or playing with friends. These are the carefree nights filled with experiences that you and your kids will remember for a lifetime. Summer is also the perfect time to teach your children about the stars. Treat your kids to a late night (they donât have to worry about waking up for school, after all!). Grab some blankets and head out to your backyard for a fun, educational evening gazing at the night sky. Here are some tips to make it the perfect night: Choose a Moonless Night A bright, full moon may be beautiful, but moonlight can make it more difficult to see the stars in the sky. Choose a clear night during the new moon when it is just a sliver in the sky and wonât obscure your view. You can take this opportunity to teach your kids about the phases of the moon. Discover Constellations Constellations are groups of stars that form a pattern when viewed from Earth. Many of the constellations we still look for today were discovered and named over 2,000 years ago by the Ancient Greeks. Explain to your kids that viewing constellations is just like playing connect the dotsâ"in the sky! Before you go stargazing, try these fun activity sheets from Ready Jet Go! on PBS Kids. Kumon is a proud sponsor of Ready Jet Go!, an animated series that teaches kids about science and astronomy. Your kids can âconnect the starsâ in several constellations on paper before they see them in the night sky. Bring the completed sheets with you on your stargazing adventure to help guide your experience. Start With the Big Dipper The Big Dipper is one of the easiest constellations to spot, and a great starting point to find others. Once you find the Big Dipper, follow the two stars at the end of the cup to see the North Star, Polaris. Polaris is the final star in the handle of the Little Dipper, also known as Ursa Minor. If thatâs all you spot in the night sky, youâve already learned a lot! Photo Credit: Jerry Lodriguss Did you know that the Big Dipper is actually just a small part of a larger constellation called Ursa Major? Like its smaller counterpart Ursa Minor, Ursa Major is in the shape of a bear. See if you can connect the stars for the entire Ursa Major constellation. Source: PBS Kids After youâve found Ursa Major, your options are endless. You can try to find more constellations, like Draco, which is most visible in July. Or you can look for planets, which may appear at first to be stars, but donât have the same twinkle. If youâre lucky, you might even be able to catch a meteor shower! Keep Learning The fun doesnât have to stop just because of a rainy or cloudy day. If you canât see the stars in the sky, watch an episode of Ready Jet Go! and get transported into the stars yourself! Jet and his friends Sydney, Sean, and Mindy will take you with them as they explore space. Learning opportunities are all around us, including in the sky! Summer is an exciting time to explore the world around us. Discover 6 more ways to make summer learning fun. You might also be interested in: 6 Practical Tips for Summer Parenting Meet Etash, a Kumon Program Completer Who is Using his Technology Skills to Teach Kids to Code What Could Your Kids Gain (or Lose) This Summer? Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumonâs Summer Learning Roundup
Online Tutoring To Do or Not To Do
Online Tutoring To Do or Not To Do Image via: www.pexels.com Pro: Itâs pretty convenient Online tutoring is pretty easy for your schedule and the schedule of the student youâre tutoring. You will both save gas money and time by simply meeting through a Skype call or a chat room service. Itâs also helpful if the student has a difficult schedule and can only have short sessions. With online tutoring, sessions can be pretty quick and easy. Also, with online tutoring, you have some pretty great resources on your side. With the Internet, you can use Google platforms, screen capture, and websites like Lynda or Khan Academy to find answers to the things you might not know off of the top of your head. You can even show your students how to store notes from your sessions on their computer for later access! By being an online tutor, you will have access to a lot more resources than you would if you were a traditional tutor. Con: It can be challenging Although the Internet has its fair share of positive resources, it definitely has some negative ones too. For instance, computers can be a source of distraction for students, especially if theyâre kids. It can be difficult for students to keep their attention on the lesson at hand instead of emails and Facebook messages. This can result in a huge waste of your time and theirs. Also, it could be difficult giving a student the attention they need from a tutor in a digital sense. For instance, if a student is more of a hands-on learner, they will not benefit from a PowerPoint presentation or digital whiteboard. It can be hard for a tutor to recognize issues a student could be having through a computer screen. At the same time, not all subjects are equal. It can be difficult to teach lessons in mathematics or science over the phone or computer, when these subjects typically need to be written out and solved physically. While online tutoring has its advantages, it also has its fair share of issues. Image via: www.pexels.com Pro: It pays well Depending on how successful your brand and business is, along with the platform you work for, online tutoring can be a seriously lucrative career choice. For instance, some services allow online tutors to make $9 to $13 per hour. Others allow them to make $30 or $40 per hour. Often, this depends on each individual tutor and the skills and experience theyâre bringing to the table. For instance, if you have your Bachelorâs or Masterâs in a certain subject, you are likely to be paid more in that subject than someone still in college or someone with only their high school diploma. If you begin your own services, you can charge as much or as little as you would like. Con: Itâs not always reliable As much as we all love technology, itâs no secret that itâs not the most reliable service out there. With online tutoring, unreliable technology can be a serious problem. Since Internet connections arenât always dependable, it can be a major pain and inconvenience to suddenly be kicked out of a session or suddenly lose connection from a student. With problems like this, you can find your Skype calls or sessions riddled with errors and issues, which can ultimately result in complete disconnection and a complete delay in productivity. If this is a recurring issue, it can result in a major blow to your business and your wallet. Image via: www.pexels.com Pro: It can be successful Being an online tutor allows you to spread your business to dimensions wider than your hometown. You can find yourself working with students in other cities, states, and even countries! Because of this, you will virtually never find yourself running out of business or out of students. Online tutoring is such a lucrative career because all students need help in a subject, but not all of them have time to seek a traditional tutor. As an online tutor, you can fill in the blanks. Online tutoring can be a lucrative and successful part-time and full-time career, but it comes with its fair share of issues. By taking these pros and cons into account, you will be able to make the decision of whether or not online tutoring works for you.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
How Kumon Can Help a Good Reader Become a Good Writer
How Kumon Can Help a Good Reader Become a Good Writer How Kumon Can Help a Good Reader Become a Good Writer With the widespread use of shorthand communication as a result of emerging technologies and societyâs reliance on spelling and grammar checking tools, emphasis on?writing?well is slowly declining. At the same time, excellent writing skills are becoming more essential for young people to have, as evidenced by the changes to public school education and inclusion of the Free Response portion in Advanced Placement exams. In order to become a good writer, your child must first become a good reader. Reading introduces your child to different genres, new vocabulary and different styles of writing. It also exposes him to better writing than his own in order to help him improve. Here are three ways in which the Kumon Program can help your child become a better reader and, thus, a better writer. Understanding the Mechanics of Writing In order to become a good writer, a student must first understand the basic mechanics of writing, from using the proper punctuation and capitalization to organizing sentences in paragraphs with a purpose and supporting details. By helping students view words as part of sentences and sentences as parts of paragraphs, the Kumon Reading Program helps to build a grammar-based reading fluency, which can ultimately help them to develop into a better writer. Building Reading Comprehension The Kumon Program aims to help students learn to read critically. The Kumon Program incorporates a diverse variety of literary works in order to broaden each studentâs academic horizons. This includes excerpts from fiction and nonfiction writing. As children progress through the Kumon Program, they will gradually build their reading comprehension skills, which in turn can transform them into better writers. The better a studentâs reading comprehension is, the more likely the child will want to read for their own enjoyment and understanding. The student who reads frequently will be exposed to elements of goodâ"and badâ"writing, and will be able to use these elements in their own work. Exploring Literature The?Kumon Recommended Reading List?is an excellent resource to explore literature and texts that your child may not study in their regular classroom. The Kumon Recommended Reading List includes an excellent selection of works from Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning authors like Harper Lee and John Steinbeck, and works by Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway and Jane Austen. In addition, the reading list is organized by Kumon Reading Level to help you easily identify the appropriate books for your children. The more a child is influenced by great writing, the more likely he or she will develop into a better writer. In that sense, it is important that children are exposed to a variety of literary texts to help them develop into better readers and writers. You might also be interested in: Why is Dual Enrollment in Kumon Math and Reading Important? Angel, age 10: Alison Mori, Kumon Instructor Common Core and School English Language Arts THIS AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS How Kumon Can Help a Good Reader Become a Good Writer How Kumon Can Help a Good Reader Become a Good Writer With the widespread use of shorthand communication as a result of emerging technologies and societyâs reliance on spelling and grammar checking tools, emphasis on?writing?well is slowly declining. At the same time, excellent writing skills are becoming more essential for young people to have, as evidenced by the changes to public school education and inclusion of the Free Response portion in Advanced Placement exams. In order to become a good writer, your child must first become a good reader. Reading introduces your child to different genres, new vocabulary and different styles of writing. It also exposes him to better writing than his own in order to help him improve. Here are three ways in which the Kumon Program can help your child become a better reader and, thus, a better writer. Understanding the Mechanics of Writing In order to become a good writer, a student must first understand the basic mechanics of writing, from using the proper punctuation and capitalization to organizing sentences in paragraphs with a purpose and supporting details. By helping students view words as part of sentences and sentences as parts of paragraphs, the Kumon Reading Program helps to build a grammar-based reading fluency, which can ultimately help them to develop into a better writer. Building Reading Comprehension The Kumon Program aims to help students learn to read critically. The Kumon Program incorporates a diverse variety of literary works in order to broaden each studentâs academic horizons. This includes excerpts from fiction and nonfiction writing. As children progress through the Kumon Program, they will gradually build their reading comprehension skills, which in turn can transform them into better writers. The better a studentâs reading comprehension is, the more likely the child will want to read for their own enjoyment and understanding. The student who reads frequently will be exposed to elements of goodâ"and badâ"writing, and will be able to use these elements in their own work. Exploring Literature The?Kumon Recommended Reading List?is an excellent resource to explore literature and texts that your child may not study in their regular classroom. The Kumon Recommended Reading List includes an excellent selection of works from Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning authors like Harper Lee and John Steinbeck, and works by Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway and Jane Austen. In addition, the reading list is organized by Kumon Reading Level to help you easily identify the appropriate books for your children. The more a child is influenced by great writing, the more likely he or she will develop into a better writer. In that sense, it is important that children are exposed to a variety of literary texts to help them develop into better readers and writers. You might also be interested in: Why is Dual Enrollment in Kumon Math and Reading Important? Angel, age 10: Alison Mori, Kumon Instructor Common Core and School English Language Arts THIS AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS
Finding a Tutor for Reading Can Improve Your Academic Success
Finding a Tutor for Reading Can Improve Your Academic SuccessThe speed with which a tutor can move at their own pace has been the subject of much debate. Whether or not it is possible to be tutored at an optimal speed to learn new and difficult subjects in their own time has been a hotly debated subject for years.Reading is a habit that builds in its own pace. It is always more exciting to learn at an accelerated pace than slow, so why should the speed of learning to be dictated by someone else? That is the issue that many students are concerned about, which is a good thing as it would mean that if you learn a skill at a different pace from that taught by other tutors then you have a greater chance of increasing your own success.If you find that you have a very slow rate of progress to reading, try switching to a more rapid, or quick pace of reading. This will allow you to learn the skill much more quickly, rather than just being left behind. Since so many students struggle with read ing comprehension it would be an excellent idea to consider this change.However, there are a few things to bear in mind when you are changing the pace of the reading. Reading speed can vary tremendously, from one individual to another, so you will want to find out exactly how fast you are reading. What you need to do is to record your reading speed, and then find a reading coach who will work with you to find out your actual speed.Once you have this figure, you will then need to find a tutor who will work with you to help you achieve your reading speed. You will also want to ensure that you are in a reading group, which will be teaching at a very rapid pace.Another factor to keep in mind when looking at your tutor speed is how long you take to read an item. In the words of Lionel Trilling 'What you remember is usually what you read'. Keep this in mind as the more you remember the more quickly you can actually read it.There are many ways that a tutor can be a valuable asset in your a cademic life. Using their advice and assistance to read books in a fast and effective way will provide you with a better chance of progressing at your own pace.
A Quick Look at Substrate Chemistry Definition
A Quick Look at Substrate Chemistry DefinitionIf you are new to substrate chemistry, you are likely interested in the subject but are uncertain about what this terminology means. In this article we'll take a look at some of the best places to find substrate chemistry information.Another great resource for substrate chemistry definitions is the internet. Many universities and research institutions offer online resources that can help you learn about the definition of this term. Some universities even offer special web-instructions that are based on this substrate chemistry definition.Other good sources for substrate chemistry definitions include peer reviewed journals. Journals dedicated to substrate chemistry usually require authors to submit their substrate chemistry definition to these journals first. This can make the submission process, a bit of a challenge as they only accept the definitions they think will improve their overall performance. However, if you have a good substrate chemistry definition, it might just save you a trip to the editor.Also try searching on Google or Yahoo! for the keywords 'substrate chemistry definitions' to see what comes up.You may also want to check with your local library. They should be able to give you a list of a few good books related to substrate chemistry. The actual physical substrate will probably be listed in the book but most books are likely to mention substrate chemistry definitions. Make sure you do your homework before buying a book though.Substrates are generally used in a number of applications. One of the most common uses of substrates in agriculture is in growing plants on the land that does not support them. Since this process requires some form of support, some plants grow well even on soil that does not have the nutrients needed to sustain them.In addition to using a soil level substrate for supporting plant growth, many farmers use lysine or sulfur as a controlling element. This helps keep the soil in a good state for crop production.
5 Easy Ways to Achieve Your Goals - Introvert Whisperer
Introvert Whisperer / 5 Easy Ways to Achieve Your Goals - Introvert Whisperer 5 Easy Ways to Achieve Your Goals Kayla Matthews February 23, 2018 Leadership, Problem-Solving 2 responses Go to top Whether youâre planning for the future or striving to make it through the next week, everyone has goals they can envision and define. But, because they arenât tangible until youâve obtained them, it may seem as though youâll never reach some of the goals youâve set for yourself â" youâll just keep working toward them in perpetuity. That sentiment, while common, just isnât true. The power lies in your hands to make sure you achieve all you want in life, and you can do it with these five methods primed for goal-getting. 1. Be Accountable to Yourself First Chances are, you do so much for everyone around you. It could be your boss, your beau or your brood, but you always show up and go above and beyond for those who need you. When it comes to your goals, though, youâre not as determined â" and that needs to change. The most important step in achieving your goals is to hold yourself accountable, and there are plenty of ways to do it. First and foremost, you need to get into the right state of mind: Why do you want to do this, anyway? A little bit of research can go a long way, too, steering you in the direction of your goal. Most of all, you need to make sure you follow through and take the time you need to accomplish whatever you envision for your life. 2. A Little Bit Goes a Long Way New Yearâs resolution-makers get a bad rap because they start the year in unyielding, near-constant pursuit of their goals. Quickly, though, that dedication fades as they grow tired of a packed schedule and benchmarks set too high. Thereâs no need to upend your life for the sake of your goals. In fact, youâll find pouring all your energy into one thing will make you burn out and give up. So, whether your goals relate to your work, personal life or even your health, regularly making small changes that lead you toward the finish line is one of the surefire ways to live without limitations â" and to achieve what you want. 3. Ask for Input The amount of advice you seek in your pursuit of a particular goal is, of course, up to you. You could tap the knowledge of someone who has what you want at the start of the process. Find out their methods, their setbacks and successes, and keep all that in mind as you formulate your plan. And, once you have that contact, you can reach out to the same person for feedback and further advice as you continue in your quest. Another form of friendly support? Enlisting a friend to be your goal-getting buddy. You might cross paths with someone in pursuit of a similar achievement, and the two of you can work together, provide tips to one another and hold each other accountable to what youâve set out to do. Thereâs a reason exercisers with workout buddies are more successful: They have someone to push them and support them throughout the process, and you can do the same. 4. Donât Let Setbacks Stop You Even with all your resolve, determination and optimism, you will undoubtedly face setbacks in your quest. Rather than let them deter you or steer you off course face them head-on. Youâll find it easier to confront obstacles because, with each one, youâll become stronger in your resolve. As you build your inner strength, youâll be more resilient, which will do nothing but spur you in the direction of the goals you wish to accomplish now and in the future. 5. Go for It â" and Stay the Course Youâre ready now: Youâve figured out what you want and why, youâre setting a reasonable pace, youâve asked an expert for help and youâve built yourself up against any lingering negativity. The last thing left for you is to start on your path toward your delineated goal(s) and continue to re-evaluate those objectives as you progress. Now, itâs up to you to see your visions through to the end. Doing so may mean you alter the plans you started with, or you leave behind a friend or mentor whose aspirations no longer match yours. Your adaptability will make it even more plausible that your goals will become reality, and thatâs why you started this in the first place. Stick to it â" you can hardly imagine everything you will achieve with this can-do mindset. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is? Many people donât. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer
Understanding the Common Application
Understanding the Common Application The following piece was written by Rachel Korn. Rachel has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is a former University of Pennsylvaniaadmissions officer, as well as the founder of her own admissions consulting firm. Your parents applied to colleges on paper: writing individual applications to each school, filling out the same kinds of forms over and over again, and then finally sending them by postal mail. Today, close to 500 schools use the Common Application, the online application that students can fill out just once and then send to multiple universities. Benefits: One of the primary goals of the Common Application is to assist with access schools want to help reduce environmental and emotional barriers that might prevent you from being able to apply. Therefore, they streamline the process for all, enabling the widest range of students to apply. A basic, easy application that can be sent to multiple schools at the click of a mouse encourages students with a smoother, faster process.It can feel a bit less intimidating. As a result, one of the achievements of the Common Application is that diversity, in every measurable way, has increased and that is a great thing. Moreover, application numbers have significantly risen for the schools, so they now have broader and larger applicant pools from which to select their incoming classes. Increasing the numbers and strength of these pools is a very top priority at every university. Challenges:On the other hand, that very rise in applications also makes it harder for the schools to predict if the students genuinely want to attend there. Admissions staffs want students who can potentially be recruited to attend. Therefore, schools may ask for additional supplemental essays to assess how much you have really researched them as well as to get to know you better. You see several versions of a why us? question in many supplemental essays, and it can be critical for you to answer it thoroughly in order to gain admission. The Common Application has also driven a more extensive use of waitlists. Schools waitlist more students these days since their old formulas of predicting how many admitted students would likely attend are no longer as accurate. Schools hold on to more students to make sure they can craft the classes they want with minimum offers of admission. You should also beware of the trap that you face of over-applying dont feel the need to apply to too many schools just because it is easy. A well-chosen, reasoned list of 5-8 schools should be plenty. You should have a strong passion for every application and complete each supplement with care. The Common Application is a terrific tool that has enabled wider, easier access to schools and in return, has helped the schools expand and enrich their applicant pools and student bodies. Overall, it is a strongwin-win. Visit RachelsAdmissions Consultingsite. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
The Disappearance Of Small Classes
The Disappearance Of Small Classes Most schools boast small, effective student to faculty ratios. Smaller classes give students more one-on-one time with faculty members, increasing the value of their education. But, the economic downturn is dramatically increasing the size of classes at all levels. Justin Snider, an undergraduate professor of writing at Columbia University, wrote a guest column in The Washington Post stating that schools can no longer afford small classes. Snider cited Californias 1996 decision to launch a state-wide, class-size reduction program that planned to reward districts and schools for capping classes in grades k-3 at 20 students. The measure is estimated to have cost the state at least $20 billion. California was not the only state to spend billions on decreasing class sizes. Funds were mostly irrelevant in the late 90s, only school improvements seemed to matter. States and districts could continually show small student improvement through these efforts. However, current students are beginning to pay the price for these hasty decisions. These efforts were based on the Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) project conducted in Tennessee. It compared low-income students achievement in classes of 13-17 students with similar students in classes of 22-25 students. This study showed miniscule academic achievements for low-income students in smaller classes. Politicians ran with this study, claiming that this could reduce the gap between low-income students and wealthy students. However, they could not mimic the exact circumstances of the Tennessee study. States most notably California went to desperate measures to decrease class sizes. The state hired nearly 21,000 teachers overnight, pulling teachers from wherever they could find them. California hired what they could get, and most of these teachers did not have the appropriate credentials. The number of uncertified teachers in the mid to late 90s dramatically increased from 1 in 50 to 1 in 7. Then, low-income students were much more likely to be taught by uncertified teachers than middle-class or affluent students were. Florida has experienced similar circumstances. It has spent an estimated $16 billion on class-size reduction since 2002. To continue this measure, Floridas taxpayers will have to pay an extra $353 million this year. Money is slowly fading from states budgets, and class sizes are beginning to slowly increase. Parents and administrators are still calling for smaller classes, but politicians are running out of options. Snider argues that teacher quality is much more important than class size. He states that class size can affect students learning at the extremes, but slight decreases of five students or so do not matter. Snider concludes his argument by stating that politicians need to invest more money in teacher quality than class size. Snider used Zeke Vanderhoek, the founder of The Equity Project Charter School in New York City, as an example. Vanderhoeks teachers are the highest paid public educators in the country, earning at least $125,000 per year. Vanderhoek is able to pay his teachers so well because he decided that it would be more beneficial for the students to have the best educators with 30-student class sizes instead of 20.
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