Many entry-level jobs require completion of a high school education. A high school diploma is also in many cases necessary in order to advance to higher positions as well as to advance in occupational training and post-secondary education. Modern culture is highly information-based and those who have not acquired the information granted through completing high school courses may be left far behind.
Those who do not have high school diplomas and are interested in exploring options for completing high school education would do well to look very closely into the academic standards and accreditations of the home schooling and other such programs that they are considering. Spending the time and money on programs that in the end do not result in recognized accreditation is far from worthwhile.
There are programs that enable students to earn a regionally accredited high school diploma, which is the most recognized form of high school education completion. These home schooling programs can be distinguished from the many home schooling programs that do not offer regional accreditation. There are also programs that have top academic standards that well prepare students for the competitive work force and for further educational endeavors.
Accredited high school diploma courses are designed by public-school instructors who are state-certified. It is highly reputable and among the top schools in fully-accredited (regionally, trans-regionally, nationally and internationally) home-study. It is also one of the most affordable regionally accredited distance education high school programs in America. Classes do not need physical attendance but can be taken online, from the convenience of home and at a pace that works best for each student.
For additional information about the superior home schooling high school education programs offered by Continental Academy and to fill out a brochure request, visit http://www.continentalacademy.com.
By: Karen Kirby
Archive for the ‘Articles’ category
High School Education Completion – Broadening Opportunities
March 19th, 2010Distance Learning, Online Education, Electronic Education, Electronic Learning.Call It What You Wa
March 18th, 2010
Whatever you want to label “learning at home” and however you want to define the latest buzz words for non-traditional education, you can find a program and method that suits your needs. Right now over 1.2 million people in the U.S. participate in some form of distance learning, with a projected expansion to 2.3 million in just a few years.
In looking at this rapidly expanding and viable form of education and training, there are a few basic things you need to consider and some decisions you need to make in order to create the environment that will best suit your needs. You need to know the what, the why, the benefits and the how of the various forms of distance learning.
Distance learning (correspondence courses) started in Europe in the 1800’s and has evolved into a multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some of the forms of distance learning are: correspondence courses, online education, internet based education, electronic education, e-education, electronic learning, and e-learning. How these terms differ will depend upon how the institution defines and labels the programs which they offer. To simplify the whole concept, let’s say that these terms represent ways of learning away from a “brick and mortar” facility. Some distance learning and/or online programs may or may not be connected to a university or college. There are many programs that are independent and are not affiliated with any institution.
Distance learning offers a variety of paths to personal goals which include: GED, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, graduate certificates, master degrees, doctoral degrees, non-credit training courses, and others. Whether a person is seeking a degree, keeping professional skills updated, or pursuing skills for an interest area or hobby, there is a program or offering that should work.
Why are so many people turning to distance learning? What are its advantages? On a personal level look at such pros as: maintaining privacy; provides convenience; enables a flexible schedule; allows for balancing job and family obligations; working at own pace, going slowly or accelerating learning; can be less expensive; great for homebound individuals; no unnecessary travel; no formal class attendance; and can “learn while you earn.” These are a few of the many things that are causing quite a number of people to take an entirely different approach to attaining knowledge/skills and/or earning a degree.
Those who advocate against an alternative of distance learning, often site the lack of socialization which is a part of a traditional type of education. However, not everyone is looking for the classroom activities, college events/parties, and the interactions that are a part of a school campus. Many of the classroom activities such as discussion and support can be achieved online. The other things that an online education will reinforce are: reading – ebooks, up to date
references, current research; listening – through audio lectures or clips; seeing- through graphic illustrations and demonstrations; doing – assignments, quizzes, exams, research papers; and speaking/communication – through email, chats, and electronic discussions. A distance learning program can be far more than just reading and writing.
What are the requirements for becoming a part of a distance learning program? Many programs require a minimum of a GED or taking an admissions test. Usually, the process for applying will include: an application; transcripts; test scores; an essay; and letters of recommendation. The less formal the program, the less formal the requirements. There is a wide range in answering this questions. However, what is necessary for an online program is the right computer equipment with the internet connection (high speed), word processing capability; email; and multimedia player. The program you choose will provide more specific details for recommendation about equipment and software.
In choosing a program there some questions to ask as you do your research and make your selection. Ask about the following: help/support is offered; qualifications of the instructors; number of years the institution has provided services; is it an accredited program; details about the curriculum; and multimedia elements of the program. By the way, accreditation is voluntary since there is no officially sanctioned entity in existence. However, most schools considered the six regional accrediting agencies listings to be legitimate agencies. Ask if it is regionally accredited.
The last thing you need to think about is your motivation and work ethic. If you are a good reader (good reading comprehension skills) who doesn’t procrastinate and can avoid distractions, you will be a good candidate for an alternative approach to education. In this age of global education and the need for current knowledge and skills, this is a fast delivery system that will bring all the technological advancement right into your living room instantaneously. It works for more than a million people, and it can work for you.
Visit our Resource Center on Distance Learning at: http://sbmag.org/distancelearning.html
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By: Barbara Snyder
Importance of Patient Education in the Hospital Setting
March 17th, 2010
Shorter hospital stays related to cost containment with managed care, make another area important. That is patient education.
In hospitals who set the highest standards and have the budgetary ability for its support,there is a patient education department or at least the ability to provide to patient educational material. In most hospitals the nursing standards includes the provision of education to patients and families along with the appropriate literature related to their illness and incorporates this into nursing care.
Budget cutting that excludes the process of patient education falls short in meeting the needs of patients and fails miserably in our health care system.
What does this mean to a patient? It means from the time you enter a hospital until and including their discharge, there should be ongoing information provided.
It begins with instruction on the use of your call bell, with essential confirmation that you understand by feedback to your nurse. All the questions you are asked provide healthcare staff of important information, such as any allergies you may have. A wrist band should include your name and allergies.
Every procedure that is done to you as a patient should be preceded by an explanation as to what it is evaluating and how it is done.
Everytime a medication is administered to you, its name and action should be explained along with the provision of printed educational material.
When there is a change in your condition requiring a new plan of care you and your family should have input into it.
If you or your family member needs additional support not available through the hospital such as your community or religious support, they can be notified. Patient confidentiality prevents the hospital from making your stay there public.
Do not fear the hospital environment, but be alert to anything unusual, if your medication looks different or if you are suddenly being whisked off for a test you have not been advised of, notify your nurse. Make sure the hospital staff uses your last name in your care with frequent checks of your ID band.
When your injury or illness causes you pain. It is best to request medication before it becomes too severe as it will take time for the nurse to visit you and then obtain it for you. They should be using a pain scale to assess your pain and to be sure your pain relief is adequate.
Remember your nurse and your doctor should also be your teachers.
It is critical that any sudden pain or distress, such as chest pain or shortness of breath,be addressed promptly and it is most appropriate to call out for help if there is a delay in answering your call bell.
At the time of your discharge from the hospital, which can be overnight or a day or two.You should be given in writing discharge instructions with a verbal review for you and your family It should include new medications how they are to be taken and matching literature for reinforcement. It should advise diet and activity level, as well as return visit with doctor. There should be phone numbers and instructions for contact in the event of any complications.
In this harried time in health care try to understand the hospital has to triage in the emergency room,that means that the most critically ill patient must be seen first and often that means you must wait your turn. For non emergency type health problems it is best to use the office visit.
Ask questions freely, the harried staff will appreciate this and will give you clarifications rather then having things come undone through misunderstandings.
We are all part of this system as it is today,those who care for you also get ill and experience the same frustrations as everyone else. But, with all its imperfections, we have made great advances in healthcare and most of us will have a better quality of life because of it.
By: Ruth Bredbenner
