We get a lot of questions in the counseling office from students and parents about when to start college planning and what steps they should be taking. For the most part, it's never too early to start looking at potential careers and postsecondary institutions that may align with those careers. Granted, most students will change their minds several times before they make their "final" decision (and even then they may change once they hit the college scene), but it's good to start somewhere. This might mean doing some research online on O'Net or I Have a Plan Iowa, it might mean talking to relatives or friend's parents about their careers, or it might just mean being more observant about all the different occupations that one can come into contact with on a daily basis- your doctor, nurse, mailman, police officer, teacher, etc.
In 2008, the state legislators mandated a student core curriculum plan be developed in 8th grade- meaning our junior high kids are identifying a career area of interest and mapping out their four years of high school to make sure they fulfill graduation requirements and electives to match with their career area of interest. Despite the panic that students and their parents can feel about making these choices, it's helpful to keep in mind that students revisit these plans every single year and are able to make changes based on their current plans. The state system also has students complete self-assessments each year to help them identify possible careers that align with their interests and abilities.
For the most part, we encourage students to actively start searching during their junior year. This is the year in which students will take the ACT test if a four year institution might be in their future, they will be taking the COMPASS test which is used by Iowa's two year community colleges, and they have the option of taking the ASVAB if they are interested in joining one of the nation's military branches.
College recruiters usually make two rounds to high schools- one in the fall geared towards seniors and one in the spring geared towards juniors. Students are able to sit down with the recruiters to learn more about the campus, programs, and activities available.
Most colleges also have junior visit days in the spring which are geared toward junior students. We allow juniors to take a college visit day that doesn't count against attendance. Getting on campus remains one of the most important ways a student can see if a particular college will be a good fit for them. It helps students get a feel for the size of campus, size of classes, and see where they would live while parents can get information about cost, safety, and completion and job placement rates (since kids sometimes forget to ask these things).
Keep in mind- not all students can/should/want/need to go to a four year school. About half of all available jobs today require education after high school, but NOT a four year degree. Check out vocational and apprenticeship programs as well.
The important thing is to not limit yourself too early on- keep your options open by taking challenging courses and a variety of electives to find things you like (or don't like).
During the fall of senior year, students and their parents have an individual meeting with their counselor to discuss the plan for after graduation and to walk through all the necessary steps to get there.
We're here to help, so please don't hesitate to call, email, or stop in with questions at any time!
Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Heidemann, High School Counselors
Monday, March 31, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
New Study Shows Impact of Violent Video Games Lasts for Years
First off, here is the link to the KCCI story about a new Iowa State University study talking about the impact of violent video games:
Study: Impact of Violent Video Games Lasts for Years
As I read the article, I didn't hear anything really new to me, just another new study that is showing the same thing other studies have: Violent video games can and do have effects on young people. Most of these studies are new because the realistic violence of today's video games is still very new. We are just now learning the true effects of long-term exposure to these games. These are not the games we grew up with. As a student of mine said, "When I play these games, I get lost in them. They are so real. I play them so long that even when I take a break, I sometimes can't tell what is real and what isn't". Trust me....that didn't happen when we played Pac-Man, Contra, or Double Dragon growing up!
But the part that stuck with me after reading this article were the comments. I thought I would read a lot of parent support and a call to action. Instead, comment after comment (article is pretty new, so comments can change) talks about how the study has to be false and violent video games are okay because we all grew up with them. That got me thinking and thinking more and getting a little defensive. Normally internet comments don't get to me, but the comments simply weren't understanding the big picture. So I decided I would post a blog about my thoughts and try to counter the comments left on the article in hopes that parents, and hopefully even teens, can see why we need to listen to experts and even when we disagree, take a moment to think: If there is even a chance that this could negatively affect my child and it isn't required for my child to live....does he/she really need it? So....here I go.....
Comment #1: "Just another study": The study was done by Iowa State University and the topic was video games. Iowa State University invented the computer and is still a leader in computer science. They also have a pretty amazing virtual reality program. And they are a major research university. In other words....this isn't just another study. Also, they followed 3000 kids (that is 3000!) for 3 years. They didn't let 10 kids play Black Ops for a Day and then try to pick a fight with them and see how they reacted. They followed these kids for over 1000 days and continued to test them all through the study. This isn't just another study. And even if it was....it is another study among many recent studies that are learning that the brain can easily be affected by any sort of negative media.
Comment #2: "Isn't this just like Cops and Robbers or Cowboys and Indians like we used to play". Simple answer? No. I admit, when I was little, I played these games and enjoyed them. I enjoyed "killing" my brother or capturing him and taking him to jail. But I played them for 20 minutes at a time and it was my brother....someone I loved (most of the time). A typical middle school or high school student will play Black Ops or Grand Theft Auto for 3-4 hours at a time without moving their body. The only body part really doing work are the eyes and brain. And they are really working....recording all of the media put in front and processing each and every step and reaction. And these young people are playing their "enemy" which is sometimes the system itself, sometimes a friend, and many times a random person online. And their goal is not just to kill or capture their enemy, their goal is to kill them over and over in the most creative way possible. The students I talk to talk about how they love the blood spatter on their screen and love "trash talking" their opponent even though they admit that they often swear while playing this game because "that is just what you do in these games...you say vulgar stuff to the person you are beating". That does not sound like a game of brother vs brother Cops and Robbers to me. And remember the goal of Cops and Robbers? Not to get caught...run from your enemy. In other words....avoid conflict. The goal in violent video games? Score points, get kills. The more kills you get and the more creative you kill someone? The more points you get. Think about that idea......the more violence you cause and create, the more rewards you get. Ever hear of "leveling up"? This is the ultimate thing for a young person to do in a video game. In our day and age...this would be like getting a raise in your allowance. How awesome was that day!! But today's kids want to constantly "level up" in their games. And in violent video games, you level up by killing (or sadly in some games by beating women, having sex with prostitutes, or killing cops). So, no, these games are not like Cops and Robbers or Cowboys and Indians.
Comment #3: "Have them put down these games and enjoy some family time with UFC fighting, WWE wrestling, Walking Dead, etc.". Since I went a little long on the last comment, I will make this one short. Mainly because it is an easy one. There are other options. There seriously are. We live in a world with over 1000 cable channels, over a million Apps on the AppStore, and cell phones full of pointless, mindless games. If your child has to have a screen in front on them (that is whole other blog.....), there are non-violent options. My kids find them just fine. I love The Walking Dead, but my brain is fully developed and I am prepared for what I see. My kids will be maybe ready for that too....when they are in high school....maybe later.
Comment #4: "This is just like Looney Tunes and dropping anvils on someone's head". Again, no. Looney tunes never used blood. Never. Also, it is "silly violence", not realistic violence. The most popular video games currently are what are known as "realistic violence" games, which are even different than Mortal Kombat that I grew up around. People killing people in bloody ways using real weapons is very different than a road runner dropping an anvil on a coyote or a mouse lighting a cat's tail on fire. Our kids brains are in development, but they are developed enough to tell the difference between those two types of violence. They are not always able to tell the difference between realistic violence and real life though.
Comment #5: "Gamers are not the ones shooting up these places, mentally disturbed people who happened to play games at some point in their life are shooting up these places". Well...not all gamers are shooting places up. In fact, most aren't. But the study didn't say video games cause teens to "shoot places up". It said it increases aggression and influence their future behavior. As mentioned earlier, teen gamers are now learning to not back down but to fight back. They are learning that violence isn't always bad, but many times can be rewarded with power and glory. And yes, without proper adult interaction and instruction, and with a brain that doesn't develop quite like the others, yes they might just be the next shooter. In fact, one of the most common factors in school shootings after mental health issues is exposure to violent video games and media. Several recent shooters even told police that they trained for these events by playing video games such as Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto. But even if you forget about the school shootings, aggression is still the cause of bullying, gang fighting and violence, school fights, and youth violence. And I dislike these just as much as the school shootings.
I could likely keep typing rebuttals to these comments, but I think you get the point. Good parenting and debriefing with a child after any violence, either video game, media, or real, can limit or even erase these effects. But as a full-time working parent with a wife who works full time as well, we can't debrief with our children all the time. We make the easiest decision of all: we try our best to not expose them to any violent media (not even the news at times) and when we do, we do it with purpose and we talk them through what they just saw. Parenting is tough and technology was supposed to make it easier, but for today's parent, it has actually made it tougher.
Bottom line is this: If we continue to ask the question "where did we go wrong? Why are our kids bullying each other? Why are kids so mean these days? Why are there so many school shootings and violence in young people?" And when studies come out simply stating that violent video games and violent media biologically can be altering the brain and behavior of our young people and this helps us answer at least a little piece of these complex questions, why do we immediately say "science is dumb, my kid's just fine playing whatever he/she wants."? Sometimes we ask questions we don't want the answers to. The question is....will we change?
Study: Impact of Violent Video Games Lasts for Years
As I read the article, I didn't hear anything really new to me, just another new study that is showing the same thing other studies have: Violent video games can and do have effects on young people. Most of these studies are new because the realistic violence of today's video games is still very new. We are just now learning the true effects of long-term exposure to these games. These are not the games we grew up with. As a student of mine said, "When I play these games, I get lost in them. They are so real. I play them so long that even when I take a break, I sometimes can't tell what is real and what isn't". Trust me....that didn't happen when we played Pac-Man, Contra, or Double Dragon growing up!
But the part that stuck with me after reading this article were the comments. I thought I would read a lot of parent support and a call to action. Instead, comment after comment (article is pretty new, so comments can change) talks about how the study has to be false and violent video games are okay because we all grew up with them. That got me thinking and thinking more and getting a little defensive. Normally internet comments don't get to me, but the comments simply weren't understanding the big picture. So I decided I would post a blog about my thoughts and try to counter the comments left on the article in hopes that parents, and hopefully even teens, can see why we need to listen to experts and even when we disagree, take a moment to think: If there is even a chance that this could negatively affect my child and it isn't required for my child to live....does he/she really need it? So....here I go.....
Comment #1: "Just another study": The study was done by Iowa State University and the topic was video games. Iowa State University invented the computer and is still a leader in computer science. They also have a pretty amazing virtual reality program. And they are a major research university. In other words....this isn't just another study. Also, they followed 3000 kids (that is 3000!) for 3 years. They didn't let 10 kids play Black Ops for a Day and then try to pick a fight with them and see how they reacted. They followed these kids for over 1000 days and continued to test them all through the study. This isn't just another study. And even if it was....it is another study among many recent studies that are learning that the brain can easily be affected by any sort of negative media.
Comment #2: "Isn't this just like Cops and Robbers or Cowboys and Indians like we used to play". Simple answer? No. I admit, when I was little, I played these games and enjoyed them. I enjoyed "killing" my brother or capturing him and taking him to jail. But I played them for 20 minutes at a time and it was my brother....someone I loved (most of the time). A typical middle school or high school student will play Black Ops or Grand Theft Auto for 3-4 hours at a time without moving their body. The only body part really doing work are the eyes and brain. And they are really working....recording all of the media put in front and processing each and every step and reaction. And these young people are playing their "enemy" which is sometimes the system itself, sometimes a friend, and many times a random person online. And their goal is not just to kill or capture their enemy, their goal is to kill them over and over in the most creative way possible. The students I talk to talk about how they love the blood spatter on their screen and love "trash talking" their opponent even though they admit that they often swear while playing this game because "that is just what you do in these games...you say vulgar stuff to the person you are beating". That does not sound like a game of brother vs brother Cops and Robbers to me. And remember the goal of Cops and Robbers? Not to get caught...run from your enemy. In other words....avoid conflict. The goal in violent video games? Score points, get kills. The more kills you get and the more creative you kill someone? The more points you get. Think about that idea......the more violence you cause and create, the more rewards you get. Ever hear of "leveling up"? This is the ultimate thing for a young person to do in a video game. In our day and age...this would be like getting a raise in your allowance. How awesome was that day!! But today's kids want to constantly "level up" in their games. And in violent video games, you level up by killing (or sadly in some games by beating women, having sex with prostitutes, or killing cops). So, no, these games are not like Cops and Robbers or Cowboys and Indians.
Comment #3: "Have them put down these games and enjoy some family time with UFC fighting, WWE wrestling, Walking Dead, etc.". Since I went a little long on the last comment, I will make this one short. Mainly because it is an easy one. There are other options. There seriously are. We live in a world with over 1000 cable channels, over a million Apps on the AppStore, and cell phones full of pointless, mindless games. If your child has to have a screen in front on them (that is whole other blog.....), there are non-violent options. My kids find them just fine. I love The Walking Dead, but my brain is fully developed and I am prepared for what I see. My kids will be maybe ready for that too....when they are in high school....maybe later.
Comment #4: "This is just like Looney Tunes and dropping anvils on someone's head". Again, no. Looney tunes never used blood. Never. Also, it is "silly violence", not realistic violence. The most popular video games currently are what are known as "realistic violence" games, which are even different than Mortal Kombat that I grew up around. People killing people in bloody ways using real weapons is very different than a road runner dropping an anvil on a coyote or a mouse lighting a cat's tail on fire. Our kids brains are in development, but they are developed enough to tell the difference between those two types of violence. They are not always able to tell the difference between realistic violence and real life though.
Comment #5: "Gamers are not the ones shooting up these places, mentally disturbed people who happened to play games at some point in their life are shooting up these places". Well...not all gamers are shooting places up. In fact, most aren't. But the study didn't say video games cause teens to "shoot places up". It said it increases aggression and influence their future behavior. As mentioned earlier, teen gamers are now learning to not back down but to fight back. They are learning that violence isn't always bad, but many times can be rewarded with power and glory. And yes, without proper adult interaction and instruction, and with a brain that doesn't develop quite like the others, yes they might just be the next shooter. In fact, one of the most common factors in school shootings after mental health issues is exposure to violent video games and media. Several recent shooters even told police that they trained for these events by playing video games such as Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto. But even if you forget about the school shootings, aggression is still the cause of bullying, gang fighting and violence, school fights, and youth violence. And I dislike these just as much as the school shootings.
I could likely keep typing rebuttals to these comments, but I think you get the point. Good parenting and debriefing with a child after any violence, either video game, media, or real, can limit or even erase these effects. But as a full-time working parent with a wife who works full time as well, we can't debrief with our children all the time. We make the easiest decision of all: we try our best to not expose them to any violent media (not even the news at times) and when we do, we do it with purpose and we talk them through what they just saw. Parenting is tough and technology was supposed to make it easier, but for today's parent, it has actually made it tougher.
Bottom line is this: If we continue to ask the question "where did we go wrong? Why are our kids bullying each other? Why are kids so mean these days? Why are there so many school shootings and violence in young people?" And when studies come out simply stating that violent video games and violent media biologically can be altering the brain and behavior of our young people and this helps us answer at least a little piece of these complex questions, why do we immediately say "science is dumb, my kid's just fine playing whatever he/she wants."? Sometimes we ask questions we don't want the answers to. The question is....will we change?
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Body Image and the Media
In many ways kids today have more than most people could have ever imagined. They have access to people, programs, and information from all over the world at the push of a button available 24/7. They have more choices: from what they wear, what music they listen to, activities, who they relate to and spend time with, occupations, where they'll live, what they do on the weekend...the list goes on and on.
In this time of more, however, there are some distinct drawbacks. Overload from being connected 24/7, commonplace violence in the news, games, and movies, the need for immediate gratification. What I'd like to focus on today though, is the bombardment of media and social pressures on our kids to look a certain way.
Historically speaking, "skinny" wasn't always the sought-after goal. In earlier centuries, being skinny was a sign that a family did not have enough food or that illness was wide-spread. In the mid 20th century women were marketed with products to make them more curvaceous. Even as close as 25 years ago, models typically weighed 8% less than the "average" American. Today, the disparity is 23%. In fact, only 5% of the population would be able to attain the current media ideal (From "Mirror, Mirror"- Social Issues Research Centre). And the really sad part is that even those people are photoshopped and airbrushed to look different.
On one hand, kids (and adults) are being shown advertisements that make it seem like eating out, and eating a lot, is the way to go- giant cheeseburgers or super sized fries and big gulps of soda. It's easy to go through drive through, pick up the processed quick and easy meals at the grocery store, or snack on whatever bag of chips or fast food we can get at our local convenience store.
On the other hand, we're being shown that to be happy, to fit in, to "make it" in life, we need to be super skinny, have clear skin, perfect teeth, and wear the right clothes. It's in our tv ads, shows, movies, magazines, advertisements on games, music, and our internet searches.
Just today, I read an article and watched a video about a new app that had been removed from the iTunes and google play called "Plastic Surgery & Plastic Doctor & Plastic Hospital Office for Barbie." The problem: it promoted the notion that women need to be thin and that plastic surgery is the way to achieve that goal. And add that the app was geared towards kids as young as 9. You can check out the article and video here. (I found it interesting that on the page with the article and video there was an article about "how to look as gorgeous as an NFL cheerleader" and an advertisement for the newest diet pill.)
Another video to get you thinking comes from Dove's Campaign for real beauty showing how we describe ourselves versus how others see us...
It made me think about the conflicting messages that our students receive and how many of them take those messages to heart. It makes me wonder who their role models are? If we've taught them how to distinguish the messages they see and hear to determine what's real? If we've provided good examples of being loving towards our own bodies? I certainly like to think so, but I also realize that I am not immune to societal pressures- agonizing over those 5 or 10 pounds I'd like to lose, going to McDonalds because I'm too tired when I get home from work to cook a meal, or complaining about the size of some body part.
I love that there are more and more people everyday making the choice to be a role model for a healthy, whole body and mind. Check out some videos...
In this time of more, however, there are some distinct drawbacks. Overload from being connected 24/7, commonplace violence in the news, games, and movies, the need for immediate gratification. What I'd like to focus on today though, is the bombardment of media and social pressures on our kids to look a certain way.
Historically speaking, "skinny" wasn't always the sought-after goal. In earlier centuries, being skinny was a sign that a family did not have enough food or that illness was wide-spread. In the mid 20th century women were marketed with products to make them more curvaceous. Even as close as 25 years ago, models typically weighed 8% less than the "average" American. Today, the disparity is 23%. In fact, only 5% of the population would be able to attain the current media ideal (From "Mirror, Mirror"- Social Issues Research Centre). And the really sad part is that even those people are photoshopped and airbrushed to look different.
On one hand, kids (and adults) are being shown advertisements that make it seem like eating out, and eating a lot, is the way to go- giant cheeseburgers or super sized fries and big gulps of soda. It's easy to go through drive through, pick up the processed quick and easy meals at the grocery store, or snack on whatever bag of chips or fast food we can get at our local convenience store.
On the other hand, we're being shown that to be happy, to fit in, to "make it" in life, we need to be super skinny, have clear skin, perfect teeth, and wear the right clothes. It's in our tv ads, shows, movies, magazines, advertisements on games, music, and our internet searches.
Just today, I read an article and watched a video about a new app that had been removed from the iTunes and google play called "Plastic Surgery & Plastic Doctor & Plastic Hospital Office for Barbie." The problem: it promoted the notion that women need to be thin and that plastic surgery is the way to achieve that goal. And add that the app was geared towards kids as young as 9. You can check out the article and video here. (I found it interesting that on the page with the article and video there was an article about "how to look as gorgeous as an NFL cheerleader" and an advertisement for the newest diet pill.)
Another video to get you thinking comes from Dove's Campaign for real beauty showing how we describe ourselves versus how others see us...
It made me think about the conflicting messages that our students receive and how many of them take those messages to heart. It makes me wonder who their role models are? If we've taught them how to distinguish the messages they see and hear to determine what's real? If we've provided good examples of being loving towards our own bodies? I certainly like to think so, but I also realize that I am not immune to societal pressures- agonizing over those 5 or 10 pounds I'd like to lose, going to McDonalds because I'm too tired when I get home from work to cook a meal, or complaining about the size of some body part.
I love that there are more and more people everyday making the choice to be a role model for a healthy, whole body and mind. Check out some videos...
- Here's a great video from a sorority that started a "fat talk free" week back in 2008
- A clip from one of Jennifer Lawrence's interviews
- Dove's Evolution video (using photoshop)
- "She said it" Celebrity quotes
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Giving Thanks!
As my 8th graders know, I am a huge Jon Gordon fan. We spend part of the year reading pieces of his best-selling book "The Energy Bus" to help us learn the rules and tips to live a positive and healthier life. But as we approach Thanksgiving, Jon Gordon has more great advice and information for us via his weekly newsletter/blog. Our 6th graders even read through an older version of this blog in class. I have placed a link to this blog post below, but a couple of most interesting pieces of information I liked....
*You cannot experience Gratitude and Stress at the same time. So if you are thinking of things you are thankful and grateful for, you cannot be stressed at that moment!
*Feelings of gratitude help your body to produce endorphins which, in turn, can help you experience more positive feelings and can help you fight off depression and sadness.
*And after reading about his idea of a Gratitude Walk, I challenged students to take a Gratitude Walk once a day when they go from one class to the next.
We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe and joyous Thanksgiving Break. Please read Jon Gordon's weekly newsletter entry this week about the Power of a Thank You (and if you have a Twitter account, follow Jon Gordon on Twitter...always great inspirational quotes and information from him on that platform1)
*You cannot experience Gratitude and Stress at the same time. So if you are thinking of things you are thankful and grateful for, you cannot be stressed at that moment!
*Feelings of gratitude help your body to produce endorphins which, in turn, can help you experience more positive feelings and can help you fight off depression and sadness.
*And after reading about his idea of a Gratitude Walk, I challenged students to take a Gratitude Walk once a day when they go from one class to the next.
We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe and joyous Thanksgiving Break. Please read Jon Gordon's weekly newsletter entry this week about the Power of a Thank You (and if you have a Twitter account, follow Jon Gordon on Twitter...always great inspirational quotes and information from him on that platform1)
Warren Buffet, Bill and Melinda Gates, and the Giving Pledge
My students know that I have followed Warren Buffet since I was little and that I am fascinated by his life story. I even own stock in his company Berkshire Hathaway! But a few years back, when Buffet and Mr. and Mrs. Gates announced the Giving Pledge, my admiration and appreciation for Buffet and Gates took another step up. Their plan? Their goal? To get the billionaires in the world to pledge half of their worth to charity. To show the Billionaires how easy this could be, Bill and Melinda Gates pledged 95% of their new worth and Buffet pledged 99%. Sure, these are rich people and even keeping just 1-5% of their money would still keep them in the multi-millionaire range, possibly still near a Billionaire, but that is still amazing to part with so much money. A recent episode of "60 minutes" highlighted their ongoing project. Take a look at this 12-minute video over the Holiday weekend and remember that there are some rich people out there trying to do the right thing as well.
Common Sense Media Reviews Two HUGE "Teen" Entertainment Options this Holiday Season
And guess what?? They are not necessarily appropriate for all teens and young people. If you have not used Common Sense Media, you need to. It is our family's go-to site before we watch a show, go to a movie, or buy a videogame. Even DirecTV now uses Common Sense Media as their source of "parental information". When you watch a show or movie on DirecTV and click on Parental Info, it takes you to the information that Common Sense Media provides. There detailed review gives a much better idea as to what age is the appropriate age to consume the media you are considering. Rated PG? PG-13? R? Doesn't matter. This site combines parent, kid, and expert reviews and gives you an actual age that is appropriate. But it also gives so much more. My favorite part is the question section where if you decide to let your child/teen watch the show or movie, you can help them process and debrief what they just saw. Helping a young person and their developing brain understand what they just saw and why the real world may or may not be just like what they saw is very important. So....long story short, check the site out at www.commonsensemedia.org
So....what did they say about Hunger Games: Catching Fire? Click here to find out, but here are some of the bullet points:
*Parents say age 13 is appropriate, kids say age 12 is appropriate
*It ranks really high in the Positive Messages and Role Models category, but also very high in the violence category
*While young readers have enjoyed the book series, the website has concerns that the movie violence may be "too dark" for some of the readers of the series.
And what about Grand Theft Auto V?? Again, click here to find out more, but here are some of the bullet points from their review. Hint....it is totally not appropriate for some teens!
*Parents say age 14 is appropriate, kids say age 15 is appropriate. (Did you catch that?? Kids actually have more concern than parents! That should tell you a lot about this game.)
*A huge "Not For Kids" tag is all over this review. You don't see that often on this site.
*It scored a "0" in positive messages and role models, but a 5/5 in Violence, Sex, Drugs, and Language.
There are some parent questions/talking points a parent could use if they decide to let their child play this game, but you can see from the three bullet points above, no matter what the age, you should proceed with caution if you plan on allowing this game in your home with your children/teens.
As you hit the Holiday season and decide which games to buy, which movies to take the family too, and which shows to catch on cable, please consider using this website. It is a great resource to families and kids. Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Student loans (AKA how most people have to pay for college)
A couple of articles recently came out about student loans, the rising cost of tuition, and the amount of debt facing our young adults and nation. Some of the most startling facts included:
What options are available? How can parents and students prepare to minimize their debt and promote financial responsibility?
- 12 million students (roughly 60%) use loans to the cover the cost of college annually
- Since 2008, there has been a 27% increase in tuition at four year colleges
- 8.8%- default rate for federal student loans in 2010 (Highest in a decade with over 600,000 former students defaulting)
- $26,600- average amount of student loan debt for 2011 graduates
- And finally-$1,000,000,000,000 (yes...that's 1 trillion dollars) total outstanding student loan debt in the U.S.
- From "Graduating Into Debt" by Edward Graham (Fall 2013 NEA Today)
What options are available? How can parents and students prepare to minimize their debt and promote financial responsibility?
- Talk with your kids about finances. Let them see you balance your checkbook, pay bills, reconcile your budget, save for big purchases, use credit wisely, etc. And if you need a little help with any of those things, call Consumer Credit of Des Moines or our Student/Family Assistance Program to get started.
- Start saving and have your kids save as well. Even its $5 or $10, it all adds up. If your kids have a job or receive an allowance, have them set 1/3 aside every week/month into their college savings account. Iowa also has the College Savings 529 plan as an option that may provide some tax breaks (www.collegesavingsiowa.com)
- Don't get your kid everything they want. Kids can be really good at nagging or rationalizing why they need (which usually means want) something. Make them work for it, barter for it, or pay for it themselves. Or even say no. This will teach them to prioritize, save, and also learn to delay gratification.
- Encourage family members to donate to savings accounts rather than buy gifts for birthdays or Christmas.
- Know what's out there for kids after high school. Not every student should go to a 4 year college. Check out other options- there are apprenticeship programs, specific diploma/certificate vocational programs, and 2 year degrees as well. Make sure you, along with your student, sit down and do a cost comparison.
- Don't pay for stuff that you can get for free- scholarship searches, career counseling, ACT/testing preparation materials, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Contact your student's counselor to get more information or check out the website at www.carlislehighschoolcounseling.weebly.com
- Have your student take the Financial Literacy or Adult Living course. They'll learn how to make a budget, get a loan, get insurance, find an apartment and other real-life skills.
- Encourage your students to do well in school. This will help them when it comes time to apply for scholarships.
- Have students fill out scholarships! During senior year, students should spend time applying for any and all scholarships they are eligible for. These could be from the college they are planning to attend, local businesses, or national searches. Scholarships are free money!
- Help your student with making decisions around borrowing for college. A lot of students see that they can get a loan for $5500 and take the whole amount, rather than calculating how much they really need and only borrowing that amount.
- Ask questions! Contact financial aid offices, use your school counselors, go to the Iowa College Access Network. Again- these things are all free and they are here to help you understand your options!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Personality/Career Interest Inventory Surveys
Students, please click on the link below and take the survey after some instruction from Mr. Barry. When finished with the survey, please print your results page. DO NOT CLOSE OUT YOUR RESULTS PAGE AS WE NEED TO COMPARE PRINT OUTS TO YOUR PAGE TO VERIFY RESULTS!
Take Quiz by Clicking Here!
Once you have the printout, please do the following:
1.Write your name at the top of the page.
2. Click on your favorite job or job that interests you most of your possible careers and read about your career choice.
3. Write down the following items on the back of your sheet:
a. Median Salary:
b. Degree needed:
c. What do they do (list a few items):
d. Job Growth %:
e. 1 Similar Occupation that interests you:
YEAH!! You are done!! Congrats! But remember, this is just ONE survey and you are still young. This survey is just meant to give you some guidance and some ideas. Some of you may truly end up doing the career you selected, others of you may go a completely different direction and that is okay. Good luck!
6th Grade Fall Bullying/Harassment Survey
Students, please take the following 10-question survey. These questions refer to any bullying or harassment that has occurred in the past 7 days towards you. The survey is anonymous but the answers and class data is important. Thank you for your time!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
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