Enrollment at U of Phoenix Down 42%

It seems that the public is finally becoming educated about the University of Phoenix's mission of generating profits and not simply providing a quality education to its students.  Due to pressure from the federal government about Phoenix's recruiting practices and the fact that it pays its admissions counselors based on the number of students they enroll in classes, enrollment has dropped 42%.   The article states that students are scared away by the institution's low graduation rates and high student loan defaults.  It's about time the federal government took action on these "diploma mills."  As mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, the student loan situation rivals the home foreclosure crisis in terms of the sheer number of people who are mired in debt that they cannot repay.  I'm hoping that all this press and release of information will allow potential students to be more informed before making a very costly decision about pursuing a higher education.  Read about it yourself at http://www.collegescholarships.org/blog/2011/01/12/enrollment-at-the-university-of-phoenix-drops-42-percent/.  Check out the original article at University of Phoenix lays off 700 nationwide | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20101130/BUSINESS07/101130017/University-of-Phoenix-lays-off-700-nationwide#ixzz16mt92SUY .

What are your thoughts?  Know anyone who has a degree from a for-profit school that employers will not recognize?   Know anyone who has run up massive student loans?

Education Ability and Time Limits

In her article, "Education Ability Doesn't Have Time Limits", (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-woestehoff/education-accountability-time-limits_b_792090.html) author Julie Woestehoff has some intriguing ideas about promoting/flunking children and not placing them in a classroom based on their age.  Her proposal of moving students along to the next level when they have proven mastery of the current level is contrary to all public school systems in the U.S. and is an idea that should be tested.  Think about this -- kids wouldn't be stigmatized by the label of having "flunked" or "held back", they simply haven't achieved mastery yet.  If their friends have moved ahead, it might provide more impetus for them to work harder to do the same.  Of course, the entire standardized testing system would have to be scrapped, and who would be happier about that -- the students or the teachers?!!!!

Portable North Pole

This is the coolest thing I've seen in a while.  The website, Portable North Pole (http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/prepare-a-message/child) creates a personalized video from Santa for anyone (children, adults, lovers, co-workers).  You fill in personalized info, have the option to download a picture of the person,  and a very cute video of Santa speaking from the North Pole  is created.  I made one for my 17-year old son (saying that he was a good boy this year) and am going to do one for my college son (saying that he was naughty and needs to clean his room more!).    Hope you have fun with it!

NYC Set to Release Teacher Ratings

I just finished the Teacher Magazine article, "Showdown Nears on Release of NYC Teacher Ratings", http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2010/12/07/391410usteacherdata_ap.html?r=172937046, which details the efforts of the New York City teacher's union to stop the publication of teacher performance ratings.  The school board chancellor, Joel Klein, doesn't see a problem with releasing the ratings, stating "We aren't naive about the impact this release could have on our teachers, ... "which is why we hope that no one misuses the data or views it as an opportunity to scapegoat teachers."  Objectors state that if students see the ratings, they could use that information to harass teachers and that parents whose children are in the classrooms of low rated teachers will want to be transferred out.  Of course, the matter in Los Angeles where a teacher committed suicide when  his sub-par rating was released is weighing heavily on many minds.  What do you guys think?  Should what is basically your performance review be released to the public?  Should anyone's?  I don't mind the idea of school rankings and test results being made public knowledge, but I don't like the idea of individuals being subjected to public scrutiny. 

More Info on the Student Loan Crisis

Because I'm on the topic of the impending student loan debt crisis, here's a really informative, in-depth article on the details.  As usual, it seems like Congress is deeply involved.

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/gyrobase/top-ramen-for-life-the-student-loan-crisis/Content?oid=2186386&storyPage=1

Head Start Program for Kids of Incarcerated Moms

This is the type of article I like to read -- one in which people are being educated which contributes to a better society as a whole.  (http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/11/29/mich.headstart.prison/index.html)  In Pontiac, Michigan, a prison-based Head Start programs was launched for incarcerated mothers.  Lynn Crotty, the director of the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, knew that research showed that a stable home life and parental involvement in childrens' lives were key to a child's success in school.  She thought that combining the two and educating incarcerated women to be better, more involved parents could keep them out of future trouble with the law and prevent their children from becoming at-risk.  While in jail, the moms set personal goals, learn ways to get involved in their childrens' education.   Other subjects, such as mmedical needs and age-appropriate discipline are also covered.  Prisoners practice life and family skills they may not have known before.   Crotty said since the program was launched in 2004, "We've really seen incredible growth in our parents, and we've seen them rise above whatever their current situation is and become active, engaged and empowered individuals.  That hopefully will stick with them for good."  This aligns with my personal belief that all parents should be involved in some sort of parenting class.  Kudos to Lynn Crotty and her agency for thinking outside the box and making an impact on society.

For-Profit College Shake-Up

Today's Detroit Free Press has a story about the University of Phoenix laying off 700 people -- mostly admissions personnel -- in an attempt to "to better align our operations with our business strategy, refined business model and outlook."   This is of great interest to me because I work for CMU's Off-Campus Programs in one of the metro Detroit centers and Phoenix is considered one of our "competitors" (for lack of a better word).  There has been a lot in the press recently about how the federal government is starting to look more closely at for-profit schools in terms of their marketing and graduation rates.  The majority of these schools, Phoenix being the biggest offender, are targeting low-income people in depressed areas and are paying them a stipend to attend school.  Some also pay transportation costs and food money.  The goal is to get these people enrolled and signed up for financial aid, even though some do not even have a GED or high school diploma.  Most of these people drop out after the first semester because they are not equipped for the college experience.  By that time, the school has already received their financial aid money and moves on to new prospects.  The students are then liable to the federal government for their loans.  There is talk that this student loan crisis will rival the banking debacle.  My job is also to recruit new students; however, I don't get paid a bonus or have a quota for new enrollees, and my primary goal is to ensure a quality learning experience that will be recognized throughout the U.S. and other countries. 

Read more: University of Phoenix lays off 700 nationwide | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20101130/BUSINESS07/101130017/University-of-Phoenix-lays-off-700-nationwide#ixzz16mt92SUY