Back to School Student Success Story

By: Dr. Stephen Jones According to Indiana University the average American student only studies 3 hours each week. That amounts to 20 minutes a day. A total of 60,000 students responded to this study skills survey. Each year thousands of students enter college thinking they can use high school study habits and easily sail through a college degree. They have a rude awaking when they discover success in college requires a minimum of three to five hours studying each day. Some students say studying the night before their examination seemed so much easier in high school. Most students want to know the true seven secrets to better study skills and earning an A+. Is the answer studying all night before a major examination? Is it photographic memory you inherited from your parent? The answer to both questions is no. There are seven fundamental study habits that every student must master to get started on the right pathway to earning an A+. 1. Prepare for all Test Ahead of Schedule- Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your examination. Most students increase their level of test anxiety because they feel unsure that they have studied everything. 2. Start a Study Group-Get together with a group of students who are enrolled in your class. Set a date when you will meet and give out assignments so each person has a responsibility. 3. Don’t Procrastinate on Projects- Start all assignments in sufficient time to perform your best work. For example, if a science project is due in December you should start the project by October. Also, start all studying for examinations at least 4 days before the test will occur. If a term paper is due in November start your paper in September. Develop a plan that has cut off dates for each segment of your assignment. 4. Get the Energy you Need- Many students put off the first meal of the day. They are missing the most important meal of the day. Scientists have discovered that eating a good breakfast is better for your overall health. Feeding yourself with healthy foods and exercising have a positive effect on the brain. 5. Get organized. Purchase several three ring binders for all of your courses English, math, history and science. Keep copies of your homework, quizzes and examinations in your binders. Make a copy of your syllabus and put it in your binder. Use your binder each time you study for an examination. 6. Talk to Your Teacher- Often students are afraid to talk to their teacher - Meet with your teacher in their office at the beginning of the semester. Let them know that you want to understand every thing you must do to earn an A+. Always show interest in the subject they are teaching by sitting in the front of the class. Go to class with questions you’ve written on a sheet of paper. 7. Read your Textbook- Read your textbook assignment before every class. Reading early is beneficial because you will be prepared for your class. You will feel confident that you have knowledge of your subject and you can answer your teacher’s questions. To avoid the pitfalls of procrastination you must have an academic plan. An effective study skills plan starts with organizing all of your learning materials. Begin with the end in mind. Determine what you would like to learn from each course. Instead of making plans to study at the last minute follow a calendar. You will experience the freedom of knowing where to find information when you need it. The more that you uncover the habits that block you from maximizing your achievements leads you into greater accomplishments. When you follow these strategies you are on your way learning the Seven Secrets of How to Study. There is one more thing that is a vital factor in your success. You must have a positive attitude and expectation that you will earn a good grade. Approach each class with an expectation that you are going to earn an A+ and you will be half way down the road to a successful academic year. Launch into each study session with enthusiasm and excitement about the new information you are about to learn. It’s important to invest additional quality time studying to raise your confidence in each class. Remember the formula for success is to study 2 to 3 hours for every hour that you are in class. Practice the Seven Secrets of How to Study and you will prepare yourself for lifetime of excellent grades. Dr. Stephen Jones is author of the “Seven Secrets of How to Study”, the Parents Ultimate Education Guide, and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide on the internet at http://www.DrJonesbooks.com to order a book or to order by telephone call 610-842-3843.

8 Rules for Selecting a College

 By Dr. Stephen Jones

During the senior year parents engage in the annual ritual and conversation about selecting a college. Today college cost is frequently at the top of the list of issues that parent’s must confront. Even today money should not be the only reason that you select a college. Your student’s ability to live within the philosophy of a college can make a big difference in their success. Sure colleges can put up an advertisement and send you a mailing every week but there is nothing like visiting a campus and talking to the faculty and students who’ve made a commitment to a particular college. The truth is there are over 6,000 colleges that a student can select from and all change in size and mission. Some colleges are owned by their state, some private and others are community colleges.

There are eight rules that will help you to select a college that fits your needs. These are some simple rules that you can follow to reduce your stress. These practices will help you to make a reasonable decision about the top colleges that your student selects Here are the 8 rules:

1. When you go on a college tour always arrange a meeting with a faculty member and student.

2. Always talk to the financial aid office after you've received their financial aid package.

3. Attend a classroom lecture to get a sense of the class sizes.

4. Check out what students are saying about the college on the internet.

5. Ask if advising is mandatory or voluntary. Advisors can be a critical part of a student’s success.

6. Ask if their professors teach classes or mostly teaching assistants.

7. Ask how many students from your high school have attended the college. It could be a sign that your former classmates really liked the college.

8. Take several friends with you and go on a campus tour together. Sometimes it is good to get more than one perspective on the college you are visiting.

It is never too early to start your college search process. Colleges are putting out all kinds of information every day. You can go on some college websites and download videos and podcasts about the college. Some colleges also offer website recordings of several aspects of their college. Some colleges even offer a virtual tour of their campus.

You should find ways to creatively engage in conversations with their students and alumni. You want to know how happy they are about their college experience. It’s even better when you can talk with students who are in a particular major. They can share their success and also talk about their challenges with their major. The beauty of a campus is not the only thing to consider. You want your son/daughter to have an enjoyable experience. Take the time to compare the colleges you have selected and what they offer.

Another thing that you can do is pick up a few books that the faculty has written. These writings will reveal their opinions and thoughts. It is a great way to know if the faculty is keeping up with current trends. Get started to day and you will have an easier time making a college decision that you won’t regret.

Dr. Stephen Jones is a nationally recognized author who has written the “Seven Secrets of How to Study, the Ultimate Scholarship Guide and the “Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide.”  Get these books for your home right away.  You can contact him at 610-842-3843 and at stephenjoness@rcn.com or visit http://www.DrJonesbooks.com

 

 

 

How to Help your 9th Grade Students to Exel

By Dr Stephen Jones

The 9th grade can be one of the biggest adjustments of a students life. The expectations are so different from middle school that some students want to give up. An effective school principal and teachers must recognize the anxiety of a 9th grader and plan to reduce it. Believe in your students capability to have a passion for learning. Seek to create an excellent school environment. Here are some things you can do:

1.  Teach them how to study and to perform well

2. Give students one on one success meetings with the best teachers

3. Take them outside of school to see the world of work

4. Invite in interactive speakers to talk about their professions

5. Start an internship program for 9th graders

6. Specific tutors for graders in subjects where they frequently have problems 

7. Continuous information for 9th grade parents in a newsletter or blog

8. Show that you care and create class spirit

9. Tell them that you expect them to get a post secondary education and show them the way

10. Never, never, never give up on them

You can change your school by always seeking to innovate. Think inside the bust. What are the three most innovative things you can do for 9th. At a minimum have a suggestion box where they can anonymously share problems and suggest solutions. Each generation has its way of thinking. To get workshops for your students or parents contact Dr. Stephen Jones at Learn@DrStephenJones.net/books or http://www.DrStephenJones.net

610-842-3843.

How to Sponsor New App for a High School in Need

 If your college or company interested in helping high schools to thrive and get more students involved in volunteering and developing leadership skills help them launch the Student Life Club APP. Too many students do not know how that can get involved in clubs and this leads them to have a bad feeling about learning and completing high school. Your college or company get involved in this national cutting edge initiative to introduce more students to beneficial clubs and organizations at their school. Your college or company can reach out to the student clubs through the App. Having high school students more involved in their school clubs is one way to keep them coming every day and to pursue college or a trade school after their graduation. Get the http://StudentLife.club app to raise money for your student organizations. Available in at the Android and Apple Store.  Find out more at  http://bit.ly/2aE1Rqv Contact: Walter Pearson 301-377-2464

Test Taking Preparation Now

You Test Taking Preparation Now

In order to perform well on any test you must be organized and have a written plan of action. You must do these 5 thing:

1. Meet with your teacher to ask test prep questions 

2. Have a test preparation calendar 

3. Study five days before every test

4. Tell some what you have learned in preparation for the test.

5. Get a tutor early

6. Read each chapter more than once

I created a book to help students to get ready test. If you taking a college test, a test to become a police officer, hair stylist or into the military get the Seven Secrets of How to Study at http://www.DrStephenJones.net/books

Google Helpouts a Fantastic Way to Learn

Google has created another fantastic tool that just may be a wonderful tool for principals, teachers, parents and students.  The Google Helpout will help you to access professionals who are skilled and available to answer your questions.  The fantastic thing about Google Helpouts is that you are live by way of video and in real time.  You can also schedule a meeting where you can get your questions answered or access the coaching that you require.  This tool became available on November 5, 2013. The Helpout is a great way to get the solution that you need or to hear a different perspective on a problem that you are trying to solve.

What is Helpout about?

Google helpout offers live video that will give the user a one on one expert to help and offer advice anytime of the day. The expert can be an educator, businessperson, consultant or electrician.  That fact that this person is live is a relief for the person who needs help right away. This is a service that is not provided by other social media websites.  Google staff believe that people from all walks of life will appreciate the opportunity to get help any time of the day.

The Google Helpout can reach people who are too busy to attend a conference to get a unique perspective on their problem.  A principal or teacher could get advice on how to improve student learning or to discuss a professional development opportunities.  School districts that have a limited number of college counselors could get help for students.  A school could get information about ideas to improve parent participation. 

How can it benefit schools and colleges?

There are several unique ways that schools can benefit from the one-on-one support that a Google Helpout expert can offer. Here are some of the benefits

1.  Superintendents can get advice on how to manage multiple problems at a school district

2.  Principals will benefit from an adviser who can help with teacher training ideas

3.  Teachers can learn how to help students to learn students with

4.  Parents can learn how to help their student to earn better grades

5.  Students will learn how to get better grades and to prepare for college/trade school.

If you think Google Helpouts could help your school, Dr. Stephen Jones is honored to be one of the experts who were selected. You can get the help you need.  If you are interested in giving it a try go to http://bit.ly/16ZISPe. Don’t miss out on this great chance to get your critical questions answered.

College Visit Success Tips

How to Study for a College Test

How to Write a Winning College Essay

How to Apply to College

Stay Focused on your Dream

When others tell you that you can't reach your goal stay focused because your answer is near. Don't give up after you've tried several times the solution may be in the attempts. The only limitation on your success is your own thoughts about what you are capable of doing. Quitters don't win focused people do.

10 Ways Teachers Can Ignite Excitement About School

Did you know that a teacher’s excitement about school plays a great role in a child’s enthusiasm for school?  Students can tell when their teacher really cares about their success.  A teacher can ignite a student’s fire and passion for learning just by saying the right words.  One way to encourage a student is by brainstorming a list of 25 positive words that you can use to encourage your students daily.  You should think of ways that you can get each student to have great expectations for their future.  It is important to keep your classroom moving in a positive direction. Use words of encouragement whenever you can. Highlight the students accomplishments as a class and individually.  You can compete to be the best class in your school.  Always consider ways that you can implement innovative teaching techniques.  Your students will benefit from periodically seeing change in your approach to instruction.  View student test results as feedback regarding your student’s knowledge of your subject.  Make your review of past tests or quizzes fun and engaging and your students will remember the right answers.

There are some things that you can do and say to make this school year a success.  There are limitless learning possibilities during the school year and summer.  Consider how you can also coordinate your activities with parents.  Here are some other ways that you can create excitement about current and new school year:

1.  Plan an exciting trip to explore nature

2.  Get involved in a physical activity that will require you and your students to do it using math or science experiments.

3.  Plan a visit to library when they are having a special guest speaker.

4.  Purchase and use several board games that require your students to use a strategy to win.

5. Work together on a fun project where they can earn points to win.  Let your student select the project.

6.  Ensure that your students have breakfast in the morning and encourage them to have a great day.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Some students come to school hungry. 

7.  Visit the local community center, YMCA or YWCA to find out about their summer activities. Help your students to participate in projects where they will learn something new.

8.  Visit the local book store to find a list of age appropriate books that your students can read during the school year. 

9.  Make sure that you take time to talk to your child about what they are learning in school.  You can both search the internet for additional points to discuss.

10.  Allow your student to teach you something that they have learned during the school year.  Ask your student to share their knowledge with others.

Getting the off to a good start in any class is an important way to lay a good foundation for learning. One way to keep the child active is using the student’s prior knowledge as a chance to build their confidence. Build your foundation on the positive aspects of learning. You can have an exciting school year just by investing time to use innovative classroom techniques to encourage your student’s success.

Dr. Stephen Jones is an outstanding educator and consultant he is the author of “Seven Secrets of How to Study, the Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide. Get these books for your students right away at http://bit.ly/OOmCA0. He can be contacted at 610-842-3843

13 Education Dreams to Achieve During 2013

The best way to achieve your dream is by making a commitment to start today.  Determine that you will not let another year go by where you have not pushed the limits to achieve your dream.  Even if you get half way there during 2013 you will be closer than you have ever been.  The greatest thing that you should fear is procrastination.  It will be your greatest enemy on the days when you do not feel like working toward your dream.  There are many outstanding and creative ways to get started. I suggest that your start by keeping a weekly list of things to do.  It’s time to cast off the old and focus on new opportunities. The year 2013 is a chance to make a big difference in the way that you feel about yourself and others. So here are 13 things that you can do to achieve your dreams during 2013:


1.  Write your own mission statement for the year

2.  Identify a song that will be your theme for the year.

3. Start working on your dream today by putting a plan on paper

4  Get started an associate, bachelors, masters or a doctorate degree or attend a trade school

5. Get physically fit so that your can have a strong body and a clear mind

6. Start training on your job that you put off

7. Use a journal to record what you are accomplishing each week

8. Start writing that book that you have planed for several years

9. Break into a new career by upgrading your resume and submitting to different companies

10. Identify at least mentors and keep them informed of your progress

11. Start a community organization to have a positive impact on parents

12. Eat healthy meals that you did not eat last year

13.  Try something new that you have not done before.  You may uncover a skill that you did not know about.

Feel free to add to this list. The year 2013 is full of possibilities. It's time to think out of the box. Dr. Stephen Jones is an education expert, authors and keynote speaker at http://www.drstephenjones.blogspot.com or 

call 610-842-3843.

7 Ways to get the Most out of College

Attending college is one of the best ways to grow intellectually, emotionally, socially and personally. As you take classes and listen to lectures look for opportunities to do a self-assessment. You should uncover how much you do or don’t know about a topic. Then ask yourself how does this knowledge apply to your life? Active engagement with the learning process will be tremendously rewarding. Take time to talk to your advisor ansd visit the career center to talk about your career plans. It can help you to maintain the motivation do your best work in all of your classes. One of the best things that you can do is get to know your instructors and visit him/her. Don’t allow yourself to get nervous and talk yourself out of visiting your professor. Your professors are full of knowledge that you need. Research the articles and books that they have written. You should also show up when they ask you to listen to a guest speaker. It will enable you to have another type of conversation with your instructor. Many instructors never have a visitor during their office hours. You can be the first to visit and get personal help from your instructor. Make it your goal to take full advantage of all that college life has to offer. Here are seven important ways to get the best out of college: 1. Talk to a faculty member about doing undergraduate research 2. Join a club and take on a leadership role 3. Learn another language so that you can function in a global economy 4. Go on an international studies experience 5. Volunteer to represent your university on a service learning trip 6. Attend a student conference in your major 7. Serve a as a mentor/tutor for other high school students You should work to develop new skills while you are in college. It is extremely important to develop good speaking skills. It will take you a long way. It is also important to increase the quality of your writing and reading skills. College professors and corporate professionals are looking for students who have good communication skills. College will pay when you are able to get the job that you desire. In addition take time to learn how to network. Get to know professors and administrators who are not teaching your curriculum. You will have many more people who are available to help you throughout your college experience. Networking is a good way to form study groups and to get tutoring when you need it. One of the best aspects of college life is all of the students that you meet who are from diverse backgrounds. You can get the most out of college by taking it as an adventure and an early preparation for your future. Dr. Stephen Jones is an author, keynote speaker and educator. His books are the Seven Secrets of How to Study, the Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide. You can reach at http://www.studyskills2u.com.

How to Find Money and Resources for Your School

One of the biggest challenges facing schools today is how to maintain an effective level of resources for teachers and students. This is the time to get creative and think of alternative ways to obtain resources. Often people and companies just need to know your needs and they will get involved. It’s important to have a mindset that the resources are available so that you will be an active participant in the effort to locate resources. If everyone in the school gets creative, you can identify resources all throughout the school year. Here are twelve things you can do to find money and resources. 1. Contact new companies that are coming into your town. They want to find a way to get connected to the community. 2. Get students who have graduated from your school and are working to purchase specific items. 3. Get time on a radio program to talk about your needs 4. Have a carnival involving the students and parents 5. Create a list and get sororities and fraternities to have a campaign to get supplies for your school 6. Organize a school wide car wash on a specific Saturday 7. Offer a certain item (i.e shirt, cup) at a school sports event and let the participants know that it is a fund raiser 8. Purchase the chronicle of Philanthropy. It list foundations and corporations who have given to school. 9. Don’t limit your search for funding to local corporations. Go after funds from large corporations 10. Write a proposal and a separate executive summary for funding that you can send out at any time. 11. Join a crowd funding network (i.e. IndIegogo.com) that allows people from all walks of life to contribute to your needs 12. Use the internet to conduct your search for “free school resources.” The important aspect of getting these resources is active participation. You may have an alumni or PTA that will help you with your efforts. Ask others in your school to help to create a list of contacts who are ready to help your school. You will be surprised at who is really interested in helping schools to succeed. Know is the time to get started. To contact Dr. Stephen Jones visit http://www.studyskills2u.com or call 610-842-3843

10 Tips for Parents of Struggling College Freshmen

Too many college freshmen see the first semester as an experiment. They treat it like high school with greater freedom. During high school managing time was not important and it was easy to earn good grades. In fact some high school students regularly studied for their examination while on their way to school. College has been a rude awakening in terms of the amount of time that a student must devote to studying. The best thing that a second semester college freshman can do is develop a success plan and follow it. A parent can sit down and ask what the students biggest frustrations where during the first semester. Often the student will say that they had no one to be accountable to and the freedom through them off track. Listen first then work on a list of changes together. Recognize that your freshman may be frustrated and feel boxed in.

Some freshmen don’t know what to do when they run into a difficult class and they do not like an instructor. All of their high school instructors supported them because they were one of the brightest students. A freshman must adjust to the unique teaching styles of their instructor and ignore their personal emotions. Talk with your freshmen about their experiences and how they differed from high school. It will help them to identify the habits that they must change. Procrastination does not work in college because there is too much information. Here are ten tips to turn around a freshman’s second semester:

1. Get a time management daily planner and increase your study time in your daily schedule.
2. Don’t procrastinate and study for examinations at the last minute. (Study 5 days before each examination)
3. Purchase books for all classes and begin reading them right away. Follow your syllabus and stay ahead.
4. Meet every professor in their office throughout the semester. Go to their office with prepared questions.
5. Get tutoring where appropriate
6. Get involved in study groups where students are earning A+ grades.
7. Focus on maintaining a positive attitude by reading motivational books or listening to recordings.
8. Organize and review your notes daily.
9. Ask your instructor questions right after class.
10. Go to the library to study and avoid friends who area distraction.

The first year in college is difficult for many freshmen. They are making a lot of adjustments on their own for the first time in their lives. There are breaks in between classes that can easily become social time. You can help your student by letting them know that you are listening versus lecturing. Some freshmen are still maturing into the person that they will become as a young adult. Get your student to follow the tips in this article watch your freshmen’s grades improve. College will be the stepping stone to your child’s future.

Dr. Stephen Jones is a college coaching and study skills expert. You can get a copy of his book the “Seven Secrets of How to Study” at http://studyskills2u.com or to obtain college coaching for your son or daughter call 610-842-3843.

College Bound Students Flocking to Social Networks

College Bound Students Flocking to Social Networks
Dr. Stephen Jones

The road to college is paved with social networks. Thousands of students are racing to social networks to fulfill their thirst for information about college life. Students are all meeting their new roommates on line. They can share their high school experiences and discuss likes and dislikes before arriving on campus. It’s a boom for Facebook where students are able to share pictures and videos. The college roommate surprise will never be the same again. Today students can read what upper-class students are saying about their campus. There is no lack of information. These are great times to identify the college of your choice. Colleges are working feverishly to keep up with college student trends on social networks. There are a lot of social networks targeting the college bound student.

Some of the social networks that are getting the most activity are Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. Colleges are starting fun Fan Pages on Facebook that cater to high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students. These pages have become a gateway into college life. A student and parent can find out what’s happening on campus every day. The social networks make it easy to learn about guest lectures, theater, concerts and sports events. A student can also learn the best time to visit a college.

A student can get an idea of the type of college that they want to attend by taking advantage of information that students are posting. The college bound student can ask questions and add comments that were previously answered during campus tours. Every high school student wants to know how current students like the residence halls. College admission offices are also offering students an opportunity to register on an internal website that feels like a social network. It is a great way for students to stay in touch regarding admissions dates, open house and campus visits.

Some colleges are able to immediately answer questions regarding financial aid and other issues like international studies. The colleges get undergraduate students involved in taking videos that give a taste of college life. Some campus staffs hire a professional video person to do a video recording of the best aspects of campus life. The videos get a lot of hits from individuals who are seeking college information. Students are able to view the videos on their cell phones and they can make comments too. A very creative video can go viral and generate a lot of buzz and that’s what colleges want.

Many colleges are tweeting information on Twitter. Twitter allows that participant to make many short statements about a variety of campus topics. Twitter gives a college an opportunity to give a moment by moment time line of an event that’s happening on campus. You can learn about and event and receive a link to get further details. A college student can also make a follow up comment about the event on the page were the event is tweeted. Twitter provides a quick response since the person who is commenting can only use 140 characters. You can follow several comments that are made about an ongoing event and arrange to meet the person live. Students are getting on twitter to get news and to learn about topics that they are discussing in class. There is always someone who is willing to help by sharing information on twitter.

Although Linkedin is a social network that targets professionals there are undergraduate and graduate students who are connecting on Linkedin. They have uncovered the tremendous amount of career support that’s available through the professionals who participate. As a student expands their network on Linkedin they are able to meet professionals who are in their career. There may also be a college alumni association that offers valuable career information. Alumni can be a great resource in terms of their experience and many are willing to be a mentor. Linkedin is a great place to get noticed when a student is searching for a job. The professionals are willing to answer questions when individuals join groups. Most groups are named right after their college, for example the Villanova alumni network. You can get to know people by being consistent in your level of participation on social networks.

The trend toward the presence of colleges on social networks will only continue to grow. Students want as much information as they can obtain. The colleges want to increase interest and potential applicants and they are very motivated to be active in the social networks. You can count on colleges getting even more creative in terms of how they are using social networks. Students are benefiting from the boom in social networks and continue to fuel the internet in how college can meet them where they live on the internet. To get more information daily “Like” my fan page at http://on.fb.me/h9I9VT or contact me at 610-842-3843.

8 Rules for Selecting a college

During the senior year parents engage in the annual ritual and conversation about selecting a college. Today college cost is frequently at the top of the list of issues that parent’s must confront. Even today money should not be the only reason that you select a college. The ability of your student to live within the philosophy of a college can make a big difference in their success. Sure colleges can put up an advertisement and send you a mailing every week but there is nothing like visiting a campus and talking to the faculty and students who have made a commitment to a particular college. The truth is there are over 6,000 colleges that a student can select from and all; very in size and mission. Some colleges are owned by your state, some private and others are community colleges.
There are eight rules that will help you to select a college that fits your needs. There are some simple rules that you can follow to reduce your stress. These practices will help you to make a reasonable decision about the top colleges that you select. Here are the 8 rules:
1. When you go on a college tour always arrange a meeting with a faculty member and student.
2. Always talk to the financial aid office after you have received their financial aid package.
3. Attend a classroom lecture to get a sense of the class sizes.
4. Check out what students are saying about the college on the internet.
5. Ask if advising is mandatory or voluntary. Advisors can be a critical part of a student’s success.
6. Ask if their professors teach classes or mostly teaching assistants.
7. Ask how many students from your high school have attended the college. It could be a sign that your former classmates really liked the college.
8. Take several friends with you and go on a campus tour together. Sometimes it is good to get more than one perspective on the college you are visiting.

It is never too early to start your college search process. Colleges are putting out all kinds of information every day. You can go on some college websites and download videos and podcasts about the college. Some colleges also offer CD recordings of several aspects of the college. Some colleges even offer a virtual tour of their campus. Dr. Stephen Jones is an author, keynote speaker and educator. His books are the Seven Secrets of How to Study, the Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide. You can reach at http://www.studyskills2u.com.

Athletes Need Drop Out Prevention Help too

According to Dr. Stephen Jones each year more than 50 percent of African American students drop out of high school and college. This has a significant impact on athletes who play sports. The drop out rate is greatly affected by poor college preparation and study skills. The lack of academic preparation is evident in middle school and high school. Too often athletes are accepted into college without the preparation they need to graduate. The student athletes’ athletic prowess is valued more than their intellectual abilities. Some athletes are also blindsided when they uncover the huge academic deficits when they start college classes. This crisis will continue because of the abundance of athletes who can replace the athlete who is in academic difficulty.

This problem must be attacked head on. Athletes deserve to be prepared to succeed at all levels. The NCAA requires colleges to have an academic support center. Unfortunately often the academic gap is too large even for the tutors that are assigned to students. Although these students have graduated from high school these students arrive to college academically three and four years behind their peers. Middle schools and high school students must get academically caught up prior to enrolling in the college. Many of these students are coming from schools that are not making Adequate Yearly Progress according to the standards set by No Child Left Behind. There are some very basic elements of the education process that are critical for students to succeed in college and they include the ability to read and compute.

This crisis is not one that we can ignore. Too many extremely bright African Americans are ending up in prison. This includes former college athletes who do not have a degree. Every so many weeks it seems that there is an article about some athlete who is escorted into a court room and sent to jail. This is especially detrimental when they leave a stable wife and children to make it by themselves. This foretells a disastrous educational outcome for their children who cannot afford to attend the better schools.

Some organizations and colleges are tracking the exceptional student athlete as early as ten and twelve year old. Yet attention and devotion to ensuring that they maintain high levels of academic performance is given little attention. It seems that there is a viscous cycle of poor study skills and academic preparation that’s repeated in inner city communities throughout the country. A fundamental academic requirement must be established for athletes early in their K 12 experience. Colleges and school districts must make a greater commitment to these students. There must be a break in the pattern of the deepening despair that has become a viscous cycle for so many athletes who do not graduate. Too many families can point to athletes in their family who have never competed a high school diploma or college degree.

Dr. Stephen Jones is a nationally recognized author who has written the “Seven Secrets of How to Study and the “Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide.” You can contact him at 610-842-3843 and at stephenjoness@rcn.com or visit http://sevenbooks.net.
Posted by Dr. Stephen Jones at 3:09 PM 0 comments
Labels: Athletes, coach, College, counselor, education, high school
Monday, September 22, 2008
Time to Manage Your Money
We are living in a time of financial crisis. Corporations are laying off thousands of employees. According to the United States Department of Labor and Statistics, the number of unemployed persons rose by 592,000 to 9.4 million in August 2008. While banks and insurance companies like AIG are on the verge of bankruptcy. It seemed that no one knew exactly what to do. So the government is bailing them out. There are too many people talking about the crisis and too few that offer solutions for the common person. Panicking will only add to the confusion that is pervasive in the country. The financial crisis should force each family to review all personal bills, financial investments and family insurance plans. It’s time to manage your money.

A smart financial plan begins with your own research and study of your financial circumstances. If you have not heard from your retirement company give them a call. You want to maximize the amount of information that you use to make good financial decisions. Don’t feel pressured to move money around or to take your money out of the bank and hide it. Remember your money is insured up to $100,000 for each bank where your money is deposited. It is still a good idea to have a conversation with the bank manager about your money. Get everything in writing so that you know what your bank will and will not do if it fails.

This is one time when procrastinating does not work in your favor. Everyday you could be losing money. It’s time to have a plan of action that you will follow. Your job may offer a financial planning workshop. Make time to attend a session. Prepare a few questions prior to the meeting. Ask if there is some type of financial planning website that you can review.

Most adults have never attended any type of money management class. They do what their parents did with their money. Their bills were continuously behind and the house was loaded up with the things that they wanted. When a person who freely spends marries a thrifty person their can be conflicts over money. This type of conflict can strain any relationship. In fact financial management issues are one of the primary reasons that married couples break up. Agreeing to manage your money with some flexibility must be a priority. Each single person and married couple should have a financial plan.

One of the effective things that you can do at this time is cut back on unnecessary expenses. Eliminating fast food from your diet may be one way to save money. If you decide to make this change you will improve your health and financial situation at the same time. If you go to Dunkin Donuts in the morning, McDonald’s during the afternoon and to a restaurant at night you can easily spend $50.00 a day and by doing this several times each week you will spend hundreds of dollars. Taking control of your budget means looking at every aspect of your life and considering the changes you must make.


Your goal should be to pay off bills and cut up all credit cards. Did you know that if you are late paying one bill your interest rate on other credit cards can go up? Paying your bills on time is an important habit. When possible pay a little more money on each bill. Get a copy of your credit report and eliminate any statements that are not true. Remember that banks and credit unions will look at your credit report score when you want to make a loan or ask for a line of credit. Manage your money by putting yourself in a position to pay off your financial obligations.

We each have a free will to choose how to manage our individual financial obligations. Learn to be content with what you have rather than letting your friend influence your buying decisions. Purchasing a $4,000 flat screen television may not be in your budget. Remember you can enjoy freedom when you manage your money and plan to live a stress free life. While the country is in this financial crisis you can still have peace by following your financial plan. Dr. Stephen Jones is author of the "Ultimate Scholarship Guide "available at

How to Save Money on Text books

The rising cost of books is one expense that stands out in all college budgets. Technical science and math books are among the highest costing text books and English textbooks are not far behind. For years students and parents have complained as their book budgets are stressed. The science books can start at $150 and higher and other books are costing more than $100. Across the country students at four and two year colleges are feeling the pressure of paying for the cost of living on campus and books.

The cost of books has resulted in innovations in the way that students are paying for books. This year the Chegg.com is breaking into the book market with very favorable ratings from students. They are ushering in the age of book rentals and buying books online. The book rental service allows a student to walk up to an IPAD and search for their book and then make a purchase. Some of the rental books are less than half of the cost of the traditional books. Finding a bargain like this is what the students have been looking for. It seems that professors are not aware of the cost of books when they are identifying them for their classes. There is some new legislation that is designed to get professors to look more closely at their book decisions.

Some professors are creative in how they are allocating books and resources for their classes. They are putting special information on their courses in a web based system that is owned by their university. Students can access old lectures and important documents and review them online. Sharing the information online can make some books less important. Students can read the professors notes wherever they may be.

Another website to consider is book.ly. This website compares the prices of the various textbooks on all of the online book websites. Some of the websites include half.com, ecampus.com, biblio.com and Chegg.com. This website is a great change since students are going from website to website to find the cheapest books. This is important since some professors assign more than one book for their classes. I can foresee a time where some books are only available in an electronic format.

Many of the book stores like Barnes and Noble now run campus book stores. Colleges were looking for ways to cut their expenses and book companies were willing to manage the stores. The book companies have immediate access to the books that they keep in their inventory. The book stores are changing with the times as K12 schools are looking at ways to reduce their expenses. Some states like California are cutting their book expenses. Hey are estimating that they will save millions of dollars by encouraging schools to purchase electronic books that the large book stores are offering.

There is a lot that you can do to save on the cost of books. Take the time to search the internet or better yet rent a book. I recommend that students try to go the first class before purchasing every book. At most book stores you cannot return books that you’ve purchased. You do not want to be stuck with a book that you cannot return. Talk to other students who’ve completed the course last year. There may be a few books that you can borrow. I wish you a successful book savings experience.