http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/07/18/qt
Connecticut State Representative Selim Noujaim, a Republican, was a key player in amending a bill in June so that some state scholarship funds that would have been restricted to students at public and private nonprofit institutions would also be available to those at for-profit institutions. The Hartford Courant reported that Noujaim is a trustee of Post University, for which the for-profit institution pays him $4,500 a year. Connecticut law bars public officials from taking any action that creates a "direct monetary gain" to a business with which the official is associated. Noujaim said he would have recused himself if the bill helped only Post, but said that there was no need to do so since it helped other for-profit institutions. He also said he was not involved in Post for the money, telling the Courant that "I'm in it for the kids."
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Swedish Schools Are Benefiting From For-Profit Schools
The folks at Cato Institute have re-published a column written by one of their scholars on the benefits his country are seeing from for-profit schools
From a new piece at the Cato Institute’s website, Cato.org:
The central problem facing education systems around the world has not been a lack of excellent schools; it has been our inability to routinely replicate them. If you build a smarter cell phone or design a safer car, your sales increase, your company grows, and you spawn countless imitators. But education is different. If you find a better way to teach children, your innovations seldom reach beyond a single neighborhood.
These words were written by Andrew Coulson, the director of the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom in Washington D.C. Coulson also authored the book Market Education: The Unknown History. His article on the for-profit school industry in Sweden originally appeared the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. Coulson recounts how over the past two decades, Sweden and the United States have tried to address that problem in very different ways. Those very different ways have yielded, not surprisingly, very different results. In the United States, philanthropists have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to replicate what they consider to be the best charter schools. Sweden’s free schools system, by contrast, has allowed both for-profit and non-profit private schools to compete for the privilege of serving students.
To find out how well the U.S. approach is working, I recently studied the academic performance of California’s charter school networks (groups of two or more schools with the same management or teaching methods). I discovered that there is essentially no correlation between the performance of these networks and the amount of philanthropic funding they have received. That means philanthropists are indiscriminately replicating the bad and the mediocre networks as well as the good ones. On average, charter schools perform at about the same level as traditional government schools.
The Swedish private school experience is not uniform. While for-profit schools are growing substantially over time, bringing their higher quality services to more and more families every year, non-profit schools have experienced relatively little growth.
From a new piece at the Cato Institute’s website, Cato.org:
The central problem facing education systems around the world has not been a lack of excellent schools; it has been our inability to routinely replicate them. If you build a smarter cell phone or design a safer car, your sales increase, your company grows, and you spawn countless imitators. But education is different. If you find a better way to teach children, your innovations seldom reach beyond a single neighborhood.
These words were written by Andrew Coulson, the director of the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom in Washington D.C. Coulson also authored the book Market Education: The Unknown History. His article on the for-profit school industry in Sweden originally appeared the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. Coulson recounts how over the past two decades, Sweden and the United States have tried to address that problem in very different ways. Those very different ways have yielded, not surprisingly, very different results. In the United States, philanthropists have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to replicate what they consider to be the best charter schools. Sweden’s free schools system, by contrast, has allowed both for-profit and non-profit private schools to compete for the privilege of serving students.
To find out how well the U.S. approach is working, I recently studied the academic performance of California’s charter school networks (groups of two or more schools with the same management or teaching methods). I discovered that there is essentially no correlation between the performance of these networks and the amount of philanthropic funding they have received. That means philanthropists are indiscriminately replicating the bad and the mediocre networks as well as the good ones. On average, charter schools perform at about the same level as traditional government schools.
The Swedish private school experience is not uniform. While for-profit schools are growing substantially over time, bringing their higher quality services to more and more families every year, non-profit schools have experienced relatively little growth.
New Oriental's fiscal 4Q profit more than doubles
By The Associated Press
updated 7/18/2011 6:37:54 PM ET
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43801651/ns/business-personal_finance
New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. said Monday that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit more than doubled as it signed up more students for its language training and test prep courses.
The company, which is based in Beijing and provides private educational services, reported net income climbed to $14.3 million, or 37 cents per American depositary share, in the three months ended May 31.
That compares with net income of $5.8 million, or 15 cents per American depositary share, in the same period last year.
Excluding the impact of a $1.5 million loss related to the disposal of two subsidiaries during the quarter, New Oriental would have earned 49 cents per American depositary share, the company said.
Analysts were anticipating earnings of 26 cents per American depositary share, according to FactSet.
Quarterly revenue surged 59 percent to $137.4 million, up from $86.6 million in the prior-year quarter. Analysts were anticipating revenue of $119.7 million.
The company said enrollment during the fourth quarter grew 11.9 percent from a year earlier to 489,100.
For the full fiscal year, the company earned $101.8 million, or $2.61 per American depositary share, compared with net income of $77.9 million, or $2.01 per American depositary share, in fiscal 2010.
Revenue grew 44 percent to $557.9 million, up from $386.3 million in the prior fiscal year.
New Oriental said it expects that fiscal first-quarter revenue will range from $255.8 million to $265.4 million, representing year-over-year growth in the range of 33 percent to 38 percent. Analysts expect revenue of $255.4 million.
Advertise | AdChoices
Meanwhile, the company said that, starting Aug. 18, it will adjust the ratio of its American depositary shares representing common shares from one ADS to four common shares, to one ADS for one common share.
New Oriental ADS holders as of the close of business on Aug. 17 will receive three additional ADSs for each ADS then held, the company said.
The effect of this ratio change on the ADS price is expected to take place on Aug. 19.
The ratio change will have the same effect as a four-for-one stock split, the company said.
Shares rose 74 cents to $120.60 in aftermarket trading after ending the regular session down $3.16, or 2.6 percent, to $119.86.
updated 7/18/2011 6:37:54 PM ET
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43801651/ns/business-personal_finance
New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. said Monday that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit more than doubled as it signed up more students for its language training and test prep courses.
The company, which is based in Beijing and provides private educational services, reported net income climbed to $14.3 million, or 37 cents per American depositary share, in the three months ended May 31.
That compares with net income of $5.8 million, or 15 cents per American depositary share, in the same period last year.
Excluding the impact of a $1.5 million loss related to the disposal of two subsidiaries during the quarter, New Oriental would have earned 49 cents per American depositary share, the company said.
Analysts were anticipating earnings of 26 cents per American depositary share, according to FactSet.
Quarterly revenue surged 59 percent to $137.4 million, up from $86.6 million in the prior-year quarter. Analysts were anticipating revenue of $119.7 million.
The company said enrollment during the fourth quarter grew 11.9 percent from a year earlier to 489,100.
For the full fiscal year, the company earned $101.8 million, or $2.61 per American depositary share, compared with net income of $77.9 million, or $2.01 per American depositary share, in fiscal 2010.
Revenue grew 44 percent to $557.9 million, up from $386.3 million in the prior fiscal year.
New Oriental said it expects that fiscal first-quarter revenue will range from $255.8 million to $265.4 million, representing year-over-year growth in the range of 33 percent to 38 percent. Analysts expect revenue of $255.4 million.
Advertise | AdChoices
Meanwhile, the company said that, starting Aug. 18, it will adjust the ratio of its American depositary shares representing common shares from one ADS to four common shares, to one ADS for one common share.
New Oriental ADS holders as of the close of business on Aug. 17 will receive three additional ADSs for each ADS then held, the company said.
The effect of this ratio change on the ADS price is expected to take place on Aug. 19.
The ratio change will have the same effect as a four-for-one stock split, the company said.
Shares rose 74 cents to $120.60 in aftermarket trading after ending the regular session down $3.16, or 2.6 percent, to $119.86.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Hire Hopes
Hire Hopes
Jun 14th 2011, 16:13 by The Economist
Which countries are most optimistic about hiring?
THE outlook for employment in the third quarter of this year is positive in 35 of the 39 countries and territories covered by Manpower, an employment-services firm. The net balance of employers expecting to increase the size of their workforces in the next three months is highest in India and Brazil, at 47 and 37 percentage points respectively. In Italy and Spain employers have been mostly negative about job prospects since early 2008, and their outlook is getting gloomier. By contrast, German and Canadian companies have seen a quick recovery, and report their most positive hiring intentions since the downturn. Even with the opening of its borders to the European Union’s eastern workers in May, Germany's unemployment has been falling sharply. The central bank recently referred to its “extremely favourable labour market developments”.
shaun39 wrote:
What a depressing outlook - especially for Spain, with unemployment already touching on 21%.
Spain has open access to the whole of the EU market, has excellent assets and a well educated/ skilled workforce.
Why can't businesses employ Spain's labor and capital assets? Why do Spaniards not seek employment in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria or Sweden?
Depressed domestic demand doesn't explain the magnitude of Spanish unemployment.
While a combination factors are clearly in play, something is obviously in direct competition with employment: generous welfare payments, subsidized but badly located housing (whether through government or with parents, etc) and black market activity.
Possible solutions: cut benefits to a level significantly below an average starting salary. End all subsidies tied to specific accommodation. Cut all benefit payments to anybody living with (non-disabled) parents.
Do the above: people will move to parts of the EU with better employment prospects; people will leave their parents' homes to seek employment in parts of Spain with better employment prospects; people will accept lower paying jobs as an alternative to idleness.
Spain could go even further: it could replace all benefits (other than health, pensions and disability) with a right to 40 hours of work a week (at 4 euros/ hour).
Other required measures: deregulate employment contracts; cut corporate taxes and local business taxes; get tough on organized crime (it would help if consumption and supply of drugs were entirely legalized; the income tax system were simplified; and there were better use of modern information systems for tracking personal and business transactions).
The deficit would disappear; unemployment would collapse; exports would soar; standards of living would fall (in the short term); business investment would recover; productivity would resume an upwards trend (after the initial hit from incorporating less skilled workers); standards of living would resume an upwards trajectory.
Recommend (20)PermalinkReport abuse
Samkaie wrote: Jun 14th 2011 6:32 GMT
@Calm Incence,
Just out of curiosity,what was your major? And where are you from?
I hope you wouldn't find this personal.
Recommend (17)PermalinkReport abuse
Ed (Brazil) wrote: Jun 14th 2011 7:49 GMT
All countries in this chart can survave going bellow zero for some time, except one: China.
They don't let us, nor their people, to see it on TV, but protests are there... China is a gun powder barrel whose owner has to keep on moving away from the fire that get closer everyday.
Italy and Spain, don't you think the only way you will go back in black is to stop the easy short term solutions and leave the Euro ?
"The Economist", where is Brazil ? I bet Brazil is between Canada gemany and China. If its above, its a buble...
Britain, you are Japan tomorrow. Actuallly, old, earthquake tsunami hit Japan generated much more jobs than you !
India, you are the only hope the World has for the decade that is beggining. Chinese don't play fair with their currency, so the world will face them sometime in the near future. But in order to do that, the world needs to find a replacement. You are the one. Hope you accept the invitation. Otherwise, we might get ready for a period of constant financial turmoil...
"The age of leverage". It will end with unimaginable defaults (not now), some ex-rich countries (Argentina is the worst of examples - in 1900 they had the world's 5th GDP per person). US is no longer the Rome of economics, and the question is, will it be able to sustain its position as the Rome of military ?
Recommend (33)PermalinkReport abuse
Escha wrote: Jun 14th 2011 8:07 GMT
Apart from Brazil's data another important information is missing: The evolution of the workforce is quite different: shrinking populations in Japan and Germany make it increasingly difficult to hire enough skilled workers, i.e. engineers. However, immigration - as suggested by shaun39 - is not an easy solution, not least because of language difficulties. Have you ever tried to learn German (not to mention Japanese) to a level required by employers? In contrast growing populations in India, China and the US require much greater job growth.
Recommend (15)PermalinkReport abuse
vmoriz wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:00 GMT
@shaun39 I liked your macro review, and liked the proposals you made. I'm open to move to countries like Germany, Sweden or Austria. The question is, apart from all the good forecasts those countries report about labour market, are there companies really interested in hiring spaniards? At least from my experience it is not so easy, with the skills and seniority I'm looking for.
Feel free to connect via linkedIn:
http://linkd.in/connect2vfernandez
Recommend (17)PermalinkReport abuse
russelbertrand wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:00 GMT
Escha wrote "In contrast growing populations in India, China and the US require much greater job growth."
US is shrinking not growing i.e. baby boomers and greatest generation. Also, China has to many old people and to few young workers problem caused by mandatory 1 child laws. Which it seems most US families now practice.
Recommend (15)PermalinkReport abuse
An Drew wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:12 GMT
Britain's Confidence Fairy seems to be doing pretty well.
Recommend (16)PermalinkReport abuse
Murilo Assis wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:19 GMT
In Brazil there is a sharp shortage of engineers, technicians, researchers in the following areas: bulding, petrochemical, IT.
I strongly suggest those people that are unenployed in Europe/USA to have closer look in Brazil.
I am brazilian and according to some news I have lately read in newspapers and TV, some projects have been delayed due to lack of people with skills on the a.m. fields.
Due to Olimpic Games, World Cup, Pre-salt layer, the booming areas are as follow: Petrol (pre-salt layer), Buldings (house, dam, airports, ports, ethanol mills, agricultural research, transport and so on...)
For further information Google companies like: PETROBRÁS, EMBRAER, Norberto Odebrecht, EMBRAPA, CAMARGO CORREA, COSAN, COPERSUCAR (all World Class companies).
Needless to say it is necessary you guys know to communicate in portuguese or at least spanish as second language.
Good Luck you!
Murilo Assis
Recommend (14)PermalinkReport abuse
Steve Thompson wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:23 GMT
It's interesting to see that the prospects in for employment in the United States are on a very modest uptrend. That said, it is also interesting to note that the wages paid for many jobs in America have not grown in real terms for decades. Here's an article that shows how little incomes have risen in real terms in America over the past 30 years:
http://viableopposition.blogspot.com/2011/02/working-in-america-once-aga...
Recommend (13)PermalinkReport abuse
Cloudwarrior wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:25 GMT
I sure wish people would learn the difference between an ageing population and a shrinking population.
@(Ed) Brazil
"Britain, you are Japan tomorrow. Actually, old"
Two totally different countries other than the fact they are island kingdoms. Yes, Japan's population is going to start shrinking - it hasn't yet though but almost any day now. It's population is estimated to shrink by over 30 million in the next 40 years - not just through a low birthrate but pretty much zero immigration. It is ageing at a rapid rate.
Britain on the other hand, whilst ageing is expected to have an extra 10 million people in the same time.
Ageing yes, shrinking no! A very shallow comparison.
@russelbertrand
"US is shrinking not growing i.e. baby boomers and greatest generation. Also, China has to many old people and to few young workers problem caused by mandatory 1 child laws. Which it seems most US families now practice."
Again, the US population is NOT shrinking. Whilst it is getting older, it is not ageing at anywhere near the pace of other countries, especially places like Japan, South Korea and China.
It's population is expected to grow by about a third in the next 40 years to over 440 million. Hardly shrinking now. Please find me a rich, developed country that is expected to grow by nearly 30%.
As for China, that is a very shallow analysis of the country's population. At this stage, China does not have too many old people, though it is lacking in younger people.
But for at least the next five years, China will enjoy the economic dividend of having it's largest working age cohort ever. However, from about 2015 even this cohort will start to rapidly shrink and THEN China will have the burden of having too many old people. (for those that disagree on my claim, please don't attack the sentiment but attack the facts - they are there provided by the Chinese government for all to see).
Jun 14th 2011, 16:13 by The Economist
Which countries are most optimistic about hiring?
THE outlook for employment in the third quarter of this year is positive in 35 of the 39 countries and territories covered by Manpower, an employment-services firm. The net balance of employers expecting to increase the size of their workforces in the next three months is highest in India and Brazil, at 47 and 37 percentage points respectively. In Italy and Spain employers have been mostly negative about job prospects since early 2008, and their outlook is getting gloomier. By contrast, German and Canadian companies have seen a quick recovery, and report their most positive hiring intentions since the downturn. Even with the opening of its borders to the European Union’s eastern workers in May, Germany's unemployment has been falling sharply. The central bank recently referred to its “extremely favourable labour market developments”.
shaun39 wrote:
What a depressing outlook - especially for Spain, with unemployment already touching on 21%.
Spain has open access to the whole of the EU market, has excellent assets and a well educated/ skilled workforce.
Why can't businesses employ Spain's labor and capital assets? Why do Spaniards not seek employment in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria or Sweden?
Depressed domestic demand doesn't explain the magnitude of Spanish unemployment.
While a combination factors are clearly in play, something is obviously in direct competition with employment: generous welfare payments, subsidized but badly located housing (whether through government or with parents, etc) and black market activity.
Possible solutions: cut benefits to a level significantly below an average starting salary. End all subsidies tied to specific accommodation. Cut all benefit payments to anybody living with (non-disabled) parents.
Do the above: people will move to parts of the EU with better employment prospects; people will leave their parents' homes to seek employment in parts of Spain with better employment prospects; people will accept lower paying jobs as an alternative to idleness.
Spain could go even further: it could replace all benefits (other than health, pensions and disability) with a right to 40 hours of work a week (at 4 euros/ hour).
Other required measures: deregulate employment contracts; cut corporate taxes and local business taxes; get tough on organized crime (it would help if consumption and supply of drugs were entirely legalized; the income tax system were simplified; and there were better use of modern information systems for tracking personal and business transactions).
The deficit would disappear; unemployment would collapse; exports would soar; standards of living would fall (in the short term); business investment would recover; productivity would resume an upwards trend (after the initial hit from incorporating less skilled workers); standards of living would resume an upwards trajectory.
Recommend (20)PermalinkReport abuse
Samkaie wrote: Jun 14th 2011 6:32 GMT
@Calm Incence,
Just out of curiosity,what was your major? And where are you from?
I hope you wouldn't find this personal.
Recommend (17)PermalinkReport abuse
Ed (Brazil) wrote: Jun 14th 2011 7:49 GMT
All countries in this chart can survave going bellow zero for some time, except one: China.
They don't let us, nor their people, to see it on TV, but protests are there... China is a gun powder barrel whose owner has to keep on moving away from the fire that get closer everyday.
Italy and Spain, don't you think the only way you will go back in black is to stop the easy short term solutions and leave the Euro ?
"The Economist", where is Brazil ? I bet Brazil is between Canada gemany and China. If its above, its a buble...
Britain, you are Japan tomorrow. Actuallly, old, earthquake tsunami hit Japan generated much more jobs than you !
India, you are the only hope the World has for the decade that is beggining. Chinese don't play fair with their currency, so the world will face them sometime in the near future. But in order to do that, the world needs to find a replacement. You are the one. Hope you accept the invitation. Otherwise, we might get ready for a period of constant financial turmoil...
"The age of leverage". It will end with unimaginable defaults (not now), some ex-rich countries (Argentina is the worst of examples - in 1900 they had the world's 5th GDP per person). US is no longer the Rome of economics, and the question is, will it be able to sustain its position as the Rome of military ?
Recommend (33)PermalinkReport abuse
Escha wrote: Jun 14th 2011 8:07 GMT
Apart from Brazil's data another important information is missing: The evolution of the workforce is quite different: shrinking populations in Japan and Germany make it increasingly difficult to hire enough skilled workers, i.e. engineers. However, immigration - as suggested by shaun39 - is not an easy solution, not least because of language difficulties. Have you ever tried to learn German (not to mention Japanese) to a level required by employers? In contrast growing populations in India, China and the US require much greater job growth.
Recommend (15)PermalinkReport abuse
vmoriz wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:00 GMT
@shaun39 I liked your macro review, and liked the proposals you made. I'm open to move to countries like Germany, Sweden or Austria. The question is, apart from all the good forecasts those countries report about labour market, are there companies really interested in hiring spaniards? At least from my experience it is not so easy, with the skills and seniority I'm looking for.
Feel free to connect via linkedIn:
http://linkd.in/connect2vfernandez
Recommend (17)PermalinkReport abuse
russelbertrand wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:00 GMT
Escha wrote "In contrast growing populations in India, China and the US require much greater job growth."
US is shrinking not growing i.e. baby boomers and greatest generation. Also, China has to many old people and to few young workers problem caused by mandatory 1 child laws. Which it seems most US families now practice.
Recommend (15)PermalinkReport abuse
An Drew wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:12 GMT
Britain's Confidence Fairy seems to be doing pretty well.
Recommend (16)PermalinkReport abuse
Murilo Assis wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:19 GMT
In Brazil there is a sharp shortage of engineers, technicians, researchers in the following areas: bulding, petrochemical, IT.
I strongly suggest those people that are unenployed in Europe/USA to have closer look in Brazil.
I am brazilian and according to some news I have lately read in newspapers and TV, some projects have been delayed due to lack of people with skills on the a.m. fields.
Due to Olimpic Games, World Cup, Pre-salt layer, the booming areas are as follow: Petrol (pre-salt layer), Buldings (house, dam, airports, ports, ethanol mills, agricultural research, transport and so on...)
For further information Google companies like: PETROBRÁS, EMBRAER, Norberto Odebrecht, EMBRAPA, CAMARGO CORREA, COSAN, COPERSUCAR (all World Class companies).
Needless to say it is necessary you guys know to communicate in portuguese or at least spanish as second language.
Good Luck you!
Murilo Assis
Recommend (14)PermalinkReport abuse
Steve Thompson wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:23 GMT
It's interesting to see that the prospects in for employment in the United States are on a very modest uptrend. That said, it is also interesting to note that the wages paid for many jobs in America have not grown in real terms for decades. Here's an article that shows how little incomes have risen in real terms in America over the past 30 years:
http://viableopposition.blogspot.com/2011/02/working-in-america-once-aga...
Recommend (13)PermalinkReport abuse
Cloudwarrior wrote: Jun 14th 2011 10:25 GMT
I sure wish people would learn the difference between an ageing population and a shrinking population.
@(Ed) Brazil
"Britain, you are Japan tomorrow. Actually, old"
Two totally different countries other than the fact they are island kingdoms. Yes, Japan's population is going to start shrinking - it hasn't yet though but almost any day now. It's population is estimated to shrink by over 30 million in the next 40 years - not just through a low birthrate but pretty much zero immigration. It is ageing at a rapid rate.
Britain on the other hand, whilst ageing is expected to have an extra 10 million people in the same time.
Ageing yes, shrinking no! A very shallow comparison.
@russelbertrand
"US is shrinking not growing i.e. baby boomers and greatest generation. Also, China has to many old people and to few young workers problem caused by mandatory 1 child laws. Which it seems most US families now practice."
Again, the US population is NOT shrinking. Whilst it is getting older, it is not ageing at anywhere near the pace of other countries, especially places like Japan, South Korea and China.
It's population is expected to grow by about a third in the next 40 years to over 440 million. Hardly shrinking now. Please find me a rich, developed country that is expected to grow by nearly 30%.
As for China, that is a very shallow analysis of the country's population. At this stage, China does not have too many old people, though it is lacking in younger people.
But for at least the next five years, China will enjoy the economic dividend of having it's largest working age cohort ever. However, from about 2015 even this cohort will start to rapidly shrink and THEN China will have the burden of having too many old people. (for those that disagree on my claim, please don't attack the sentiment but attack the facts - they are there provided by the Chinese government for all to see).
Friday, June 3, 2011
APSCU on Gainful Employment: Trust but Verify
For more information:
Mary Gotschall Bob Cohen
202-336-6744 202-336-6836
mary.gotschall@apscu.org bob.cohen@apscu.org
APSCU on Gainful Employment: Trust but Verify
Question about Fundamental Legal Authority Remains
WASHINGTON, DC – June 1, 2011 – The Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities issued the following statement in response to the Department of Education’s release of the gainful employment rule:
We remain very concerned that the gainful employment regulation, while reflecting the fact that the Department has listened to the sector and made changes to its initial proposal, is still using the same ill-advised metric approach to this matter and is clearly outside of its statutory authority. Notwithstanding the changes, the real question is how the regulation will impact students, particularly non-traditional students served by our institutions. We will not know the answer to that until we have had the opportunity to run an independent analysis of the Department’s metric. Our concern is that the regulation will still penalize programs with great outcomes while allowing under-performing programs to continue. We need to trust but verify the impact of the new regulation. The APSCU Board will review the regulation’s impact on students carefully before deciding its next steps.
About APSCU
The Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities is a voluntary membership organization of accredited, private postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities that provide career-specific educational programs. APSCU has more than 1,900 members that educate and support approximately two million students each year for employment in over 200 occupational fields. APSCU member institutions provide the full range of higher education programs: Master's and doctoral degree programs, two- and four-year associate and baccalaureate degree programs, and short-term certificate and diploma programs. Visit APSCU at www.apscu.org. On September 22, 2010, APSCU changed its name from the Career College Association.
Mary Gotschall Bob Cohen
202-336-6744 202-336-6836
mary.gotschall@apscu.org bob.cohen@apscu.org
APSCU on Gainful Employment: Trust but Verify
Question about Fundamental Legal Authority Remains
WASHINGTON, DC – June 1, 2011 – The Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities issued the following statement in response to the Department of Education’s release of the gainful employment rule:
We remain very concerned that the gainful employment regulation, while reflecting the fact that the Department has listened to the sector and made changes to its initial proposal, is still using the same ill-advised metric approach to this matter and is clearly outside of its statutory authority. Notwithstanding the changes, the real question is how the regulation will impact students, particularly non-traditional students served by our institutions. We will not know the answer to that until we have had the opportunity to run an independent analysis of the Department’s metric. Our concern is that the regulation will still penalize programs with great outcomes while allowing under-performing programs to continue. We need to trust but verify the impact of the new regulation. The APSCU Board will review the regulation’s impact on students carefully before deciding its next steps.
About APSCU
The Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities is a voluntary membership organization of accredited, private postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities that provide career-specific educational programs. APSCU has more than 1,900 members that educate and support approximately two million students each year for employment in over 200 occupational fields. APSCU member institutions provide the full range of higher education programs: Master's and doctoral degree programs, two- and four-year associate and baccalaureate degree programs, and short-term certificate and diploma programs. Visit APSCU at www.apscu.org. On September 22, 2010, APSCU changed its name from the Career College Association.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Do’s of Writing a Spectacular Cover Letter
The old saying, "You only have one chance to make a first impression," is definitely true when meeting someone in person, and it is just as important when you are writing to someone regarding a potential job opportunity. Writing a stellar cover letter becomes even more important in today’s job market when there are so many applicants competing for the same position. You need to set yourself apart from the other applicants. Below are some ideas to consider when writing a cover letter so you can be the one that stands out!
Do be Specific: When possible, address the cover letter to a specific person rather than "To Whom it May Concern." Do your best to research the person responsible for hiring. If it is not listed in the job description, call Human Resources or the Department and find out to whom it should be addressed.
Do be Concise: Cover letter should be one page long and divided into 3-4 paragraphs.
The first paragraph should indicate the reason you are writing and how you heard about the position. Try to open with an attention grabbing, yet professional, sentence. For example, "A proven track record in managerial accounting makes me the perfect candidate for this position," or, "12 years of experience in corporate advertising is the expertise that Smith Company needs."
The second paragraph should be used to explain your qualifications and highlight with specific examples how your skills match what the employer is seeking. For example, saying, "I am an effective sales manager," doesn't actually convey anything to the reader. Instead, try saying, "Over the past year, I have increased sales by over 150% bringing in over $300,000 in sales." Employers love proof that supports what you are saying.
The third paragraph should be used as a closing paragraph to thank the reader for their consideration and to request an opportunity to meet to discuss the position further. You should also provide your contact information (phone number/email) so the employer knows how to reach you. Another option is to be more proactive and state a follow-up action on your part. For example, "I will contact you within the next several days to set-up a time to talk." Then, make sure you actually do what you said you were going to do!
Do Customize: Although you may be sending out cover letters and resumes to multiple companies, do not let the companies know this by creating a generic template letter. For example, instead of writing, "I am very interested in working for your company," customize it by replacing "your company" with the actual company name. Additionally, make sure you address the specific company’s needs with your talents. Employers can tell when you are using a "one size fits all" type cover letter and they don’t like it! By taking a few extra minutes to state the company’s name and addressing how you can benefit them, you could set yourself apart from a generic cover letter.
Do Proofread: If you have grammatical errors or misspellings, this can immediately disqualify you from being considered for a position. Employers often view this as being careless and an inability to write effectively. Always proofread and, when possible, have a friend proofread it as well.
The goal of the cover letter is to grab the reader’s attention by convincing him you are a great candidate, make her want to read your resume and, of course, call you in for an interview so you can brilliantly sell yourself in person just like you did on paper! Good luck!
http://www.higheredjobs.com/career/CoverLetterDos.cfm?utm_source=IU%2B5%2F4%2F11&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Job%2BTip
Do be Specific: When possible, address the cover letter to a specific person rather than "To Whom it May Concern." Do your best to research the person responsible for hiring. If it is not listed in the job description, call Human Resources or the Department and find out to whom it should be addressed.
Do be Concise: Cover letter should be one page long and divided into 3-4 paragraphs.
The first paragraph should indicate the reason you are writing and how you heard about the position. Try to open with an attention grabbing, yet professional, sentence. For example, "A proven track record in managerial accounting makes me the perfect candidate for this position," or, "12 years of experience in corporate advertising is the expertise that Smith Company needs."
The second paragraph should be used to explain your qualifications and highlight with specific examples how your skills match what the employer is seeking. For example, saying, "I am an effective sales manager," doesn't actually convey anything to the reader. Instead, try saying, "Over the past year, I have increased sales by over 150% bringing in over $300,000 in sales." Employers love proof that supports what you are saying.
The third paragraph should be used as a closing paragraph to thank the reader for their consideration and to request an opportunity to meet to discuss the position further. You should also provide your contact information (phone number/email) so the employer knows how to reach you. Another option is to be more proactive and state a follow-up action on your part. For example, "I will contact you within the next several days to set-up a time to talk." Then, make sure you actually do what you said you were going to do!
Do Customize: Although you may be sending out cover letters and resumes to multiple companies, do not let the companies know this by creating a generic template letter. For example, instead of writing, "I am very interested in working for your company," customize it by replacing "your company" with the actual company name. Additionally, make sure you address the specific company’s needs with your talents. Employers can tell when you are using a "one size fits all" type cover letter and they don’t like it! By taking a few extra minutes to state the company’s name and addressing how you can benefit them, you could set yourself apart from a generic cover letter.
Do Proofread: If you have grammatical errors or misspellings, this can immediately disqualify you from being considered for a position. Employers often view this as being careless and an inability to write effectively. Always proofread and, when possible, have a friend proofread it as well.
The goal of the cover letter is to grab the reader’s attention by convincing him you are a great candidate, make her want to read your resume and, of course, call you in for an interview so you can brilliantly sell yourself in person just like you did on paper! Good luck!
http://www.higheredjobs.com/career/CoverLetterDos.cfm?utm_source=IU%2B5%2F4%2F11&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Job%2BTip
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Alphabets for a cause
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article1025801.ece
Interview Troy Swanson aims to set up more schools in India to make education accessible to all
A for Amsterdam, B for building schools and C for charity and you have all the basic information about the AlphaBet Club, an NGO headquartered in Amsterdam that works towards building schools for charity. It was founded by Troy Swanson, an ex-techie, who worked with Microsoft before he abandoned his cushy corporate job to make a difference.
“I have been in and out of India several times in the past year, trying to understand the country better,” says Troy who was recently in Bangalore to set up a school.
For the past 10 months he had been raising money with his team for their project in India.
They recruit teachers who live in the area and the cooking and cleaning staff is hired from the slums. “Teachers who accept to work with slum children need to be passionate about teaching. We work around a unique concept which follows an American curriculum and the learning is more hands on.”
“Our goal is to get children of the streets and into classrooms, get them an education, at least one nutritious meal a day and access to medical attention,” says Troy.
According to Troy parents need to realise the importance of an education for their children and want for their children to continue being in school.
“If we have gotten through to the parents and have helped them understand how vital an education is for their children that is half the battle won."
"We give these parents a safe place for their children to learn and grow for four to five hours a day that also gives the parents a chance to go out and earn a living.”
Troy is now urging multinational companies to look into his cause as a part of their corporate social responsibility.
“Companies have the money, and are willing to give, all they ask for is transparency, and I will assure that to them.”
CATHERINE RHEA ROY
Interview Troy Swanson aims to set up more schools in India to make education accessible to all
A for Amsterdam, B for building schools and C for charity and you have all the basic information about the AlphaBet Club, an NGO headquartered in Amsterdam that works towards building schools for charity. It was founded by Troy Swanson, an ex-techie, who worked with Microsoft before he abandoned his cushy corporate job to make a difference.
“I have been in and out of India several times in the past year, trying to understand the country better,” says Troy who was recently in Bangalore to set up a school.
For the past 10 months he had been raising money with his team for their project in India.
They recruit teachers who live in the area and the cooking and cleaning staff is hired from the slums. “Teachers who accept to work with slum children need to be passionate about teaching. We work around a unique concept which follows an American curriculum and the learning is more hands on.”
“Our goal is to get children of the streets and into classrooms, get them an education, at least one nutritious meal a day and access to medical attention,” says Troy.
According to Troy parents need to realise the importance of an education for their children and want for their children to continue being in school.
“If we have gotten through to the parents and have helped them understand how vital an education is for their children that is half the battle won."
"We give these parents a safe place for their children to learn and grow for four to five hours a day that also gives the parents a chance to go out and earn a living.”
Troy is now urging multinational companies to look into his cause as a part of their corporate social responsibility.
“Companies have the money, and are willing to give, all they ask for is transparency, and I will assure that to them.”
CATHERINE RHEA ROY
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
