BrainstormUSA’s ACADEMY Gives Middle & High School Students an Academic Advantage Through Innovative Learning Strategies

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Janet Shan

BrainstormUSA has launched its BrainstormUSA ACADEMY to give middle and high school students an advantage anywhere there is an Internet connection. The BrainstormUSA ACADEMY puts the entire curriculum for sixth to twelfth grades at your child’s fingertips. As an added benefit, you also get elective bonus classes.  The BrainstormUSA ACADEMY utilizes highly acclaimed Bloom’s Taxonomy learning strategies. These proven strategies teach children on three levels:

  • Cognitive — which covers learning of new concepts, facts and critical thinking;
  • Psychomotor — applies to the development of new skills through interactive labs, quizzes and sensory activities;
  • Affective — utilizing positive reinforcement, games and demonstrations. Students develop an appreciation for the content they are covering and have fun doing so.

We call the three levels “head, hands and heart,” giving students the knowledge, the practice and the passion that will greatly facilitate their journey to higher education and ultimately to a career path. For more information on this fascinating program, call us at 1-800-595-5561 or visit www.brainstormusa.com. Remember, “instant access to school is just a click away” through BrainstormUSA ACADEMY!

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BrainstormUSA Unveils its Online Tutoring Program, 2be Tutor, to Help Your Child Succeed in School

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Janet Shan

America’s Tutor, BrainstormUSA has launched its online 2be Tutor, a new tutoring program that offers specialized, one-on-on online tutoring to 4th-12th grade students, who are in need of extra instruction in Math and Science. 2be Tutor offers each student a dedicated online tutor to work with the student to determine his or her skill level and provide individualized instructions to best address those needs. The tutors we offer are certified teachers, college professors or other professionals from accredited universities.

In a nutshell, 2be Tutor features:

  • live, on-demand tutors available anywhere with an Internet connection;
  • instant message chat capability for tutors & students to communicate in real time;
  • real-time progress tracker;
  • interactive white board for tutors & students to work through problems, lessons and concepts together;
  • affordable hourly fees;
  • tutors are available seven days a week, 12 pm – 12 am (all time zones).

BrainstormUSA’s 2be Tutor can also easily students with confusing homework problems; review for classroom quizzes and tests; improving focus and concentration and SAT prep. Advanced Placement tutors are also available. So, what are you waiting for? Visit our 2be Tutor site at http://2betutor.brainstormusa.com or call us at 1-800-595-5561 for more information.

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Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner Kaliya Johnson on a Quest to Become the 1st African American Woman to Play Collegiate & Professional Ice Hockey

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Janet Shan

2001 Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner Kaliya Johnson

Kaliya Johnson is well on her way to becoming the first African American woman to play collegiate and professional ice hockey. She is currently a member of the 2011-2012 U.S. Women’s U18 national hockey team. We have taken a special interest in Kaliya’s accomplishment because she was the fourth quarter 2001, winner of our Dare to Dream….Expect to Succeed scholarship contest. Kaliya’s entry was a videotape showing her playing ice hockey and detailing her dream of being a trailblazer in the sport. We recently caught up with Kaliya and spoke to her briefly about her goals and aspirations:

BrainstormUSA:  How did the Dare to Dream scholarship help you to succeed in school?

Kaliya Johnson:  Dare to Dream helped me succeed in school by giving me the confidence I needed to push myself to do better in school, so I could get good grades and so I could go to better college. Knowing that I had a scholarship that would help pay for some of my college education made me want to do that much in better in school.

BrainstormUSA:  You have accomplished a major feat in life, being a member of the U.S.A. U18 Women’s Hockey team. How did you become involved in the sport? Did your success in school contribute to your success on the ice? Tell us about your journey through life thus far.

Kaliya Johnson:  I became involved in hockey because of the “Mighty Ducks” movie. I first watched the movie when I was three years old and haven’t stopped skating since.  My success in school gave me confidence, which in turn, gave me the confidence I needed on the ice, so I could become a better player. So far hockey has made me a better person and I met the most incredible friends anyone can ask for. Hockey has taught me many life lessons. Hockey is not just a sport to me. It’s my life.

BrainstormUSA:  Who do you consider your role models and how did they help shape you into the successful athlete you have become?

Kaliya Johnson:  My mom is my role model. She has sacrificed a lot to for me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her. My mom has always been there for me and has supported me every step on the way to my dream. She taught me to never give up.

BrainstormUSA:  What are your goals for the future? College? Major?

Kaliya Johnson:  My ultimate goal in life is to play Ice Hockey in the Olympics and represent my country. I am going to Boston College in the fall of 2012. I want to major in Education. I’ve always loved teaching kids new things.

BrainstormUSA:  What message do you have for young people today in as far as working hard, setting goals and reaching for the stars?

Kaliya Johnson: My message to young people would be to never give up on your dreams no matter how big or small. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something; you can do anything you dream of. Most importantly, always follow your dreams.

As you can see, Kaliya Johnson is a remarkable young lady and is proof of what one can accomplish with a solid education, determination, goals and support. We wish her all the best and will continue to follow her career as she inches closer and closer to her dream of becoming the first African American woman to represent the U.S. in Ice Hockey at the Winter Olympics.

Learn more about our scholarship program:  http://brainstormusa.com/subt1/16-DaretoDream.html

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BrainstormUSA Presents TestPractice, the Ultimate Online Education App

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Janet Shan

BrainstormUSA presents its TestPractice online education application to help your child prepare for standardized tests. Watch the video and then visit: http://testpracticehome.brainstormusa.com/

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BrainstormUSA Launches TestPractice Online App to Help Students Prepare for Standardized Tests

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Janet Shan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 05, 2011 – BrainstormUSA has launched its TestPractice online application aimed at helping students improve their standardized test scores.  The TestPractice online assessment is completely web-based and easy-to-use. It is designed to help students prepare for standardized tests from grades 1 – 9 nationwide. The grades 1-9 Math and Language Arts and 4-9 Science questions are based on state testing and curriculum standards. TestPractice can be used in at school, home or library.

TestPractice complements the material taught in schools, with an added benefit — additional practice and the reports enable teachers to ascertain those students who need additional assistance.

TestPractice reinforces skills learned through our Orchard Home modules and offers immediate feedback to parents and student on their performance. Additionally, TestPractice takes the jitters out of standardized testing. It has been proven that repeated exposure to specific content will help children learn. The same holds true for TestPractice. The more your child practices, the easier the tests become and the easier test-taking becomes.

No matter where your child is in the educational spectrum, whether he or she is struggling, on grade level or advanced, TestPractice can help your child succeed through practice and rehearsal. Struggling students receive the step-by-step corrective instruction they need to master test-taking. Average students are able to reach their potential by utilizing a series of motivating activities and gifted students can challenge themselves and feed their growing curiosity while maintaining stellar grades.

How Does it Work?

TestPractice is completely web-based and your children can access via the Internet on their home computers, video game systems such as PlayStation, Wii or Xbox. Students take an assessment in math and language arts for their appropriate grade level from 1-9 and are assigned 10-question practice sessions. As students answer each question, they receive immediate feedback on their answer. They receive a reward game for each correct answer. TestPractice includes reports showing how students are performing at each skill level.

Why TestPractice?

It is a great supplement for skill refreshment and can be used throughout the year, but particularly during the summer months when students lose up to 30 percent of what they have learned during the school year. TestPractice is a “drill and practice program” that reinforces skills students have previously been taught and prepares them for more challenging material. TestPractice combines two powerful learning methods – having fun with practice and rehearsal. In short, FUN + PRACTICE = SUCCESS.

For more information and to test-drive TestPractice: http://testpracticehome.brainstormusa.com/index.html

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Charter School Kindergarteners Prep for College with Tour of New York University

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Janet Shan

I came across an interesting article in the New York Daily News about kindergarteners at Harlem Success Academy Charter School, who are looking to college already. About 200 students in kindergarten and first grade toured New York University’s campus on June 9, and they all have big plans for college, already. One student said she wants “to go to college” because “that’s where you get to know everything.” It might seem a bit unusual for young students who are just learning to read and write to visit a college campus,  but the teachers are laying a solid foundation for success — they call their students “scholars” and their homerooms are named after colleges such as Washington University and Adelphi University.

According to the NY Daily News, officials  even refer to the students’ class according to the projected year the students will graduate college – so 5- and 6-year-olds are not kindergartners, but the class of 2027. The newspaper also said for their end-of-school-year field trips, Harlem Success students tour institutions of higher education, with 2,400 scholars went on visits to nine area colleges, including NYU, in 2011.

We at BrainstormUSA love to hear stories about children dreaming big, with educators and parents working together to facilitate that dream. We want to partner with parents of school-aged children to help their children reach their fullest potential in school. We offer  cutting-edge, technologically advanced, multimedia based, engaging K-12 learning educational software. Our award-winning BrainstormUSA Educational System is teacher-tested and approved and meets state standards. Visit us at www.brainstormusa.com or call us at 1-800-595-5561 for more information.

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NJ Gov. Chris Christie to Unveil Legislation to Create Public-Private School Pilot Program to Help Students in State’s Lowest Performing Schools

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Janet Shan

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will announce legislation Friday to create public-private partnerships to run some failing schools in New Jersey. He aims to give students in his state’s lowest-performing school districts a better education while keeping the costs to taxpayers down. CLICK HERE to read more.

BrainstormUSA wants to partner with you, parents of school-aged children, no matter where they fall in the educational spectrum — below level, on level or exceeding class level. Our award-winning, teacher-tested educational software for grades K-12 are just what you need to keep your child one step ahead of the class. Visit us at www.brainstormusa.com or call us at 1-800-595-5561 for more information.

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Georgetown University Study Looks at What College Majors are Worth, Engineering Leads Charge

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Janet Shan

Press Release:

NEW REPORT ON THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF 171 COLLEGE MAJORS
LINKS COLLEGE MAJORS TO EARNINGS

Students’ choice of Majors is just as important as decision to get Bachelor’s Degree
(Washington, D.C., May, 24, 2011) – On average, bachelor?s degrees pay off. But a new study confirms that some undergraduate majors pay off a lot more than others. In fact, the difference in earnings potential between one major and another can be more than 300 percent.

Using United States Census data available for the first time, the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce is helping Americans connect the dots between college majors and career earnings. In the new report, What’s it Worth? The Economic Value of College Majors, this first-time research demonstrates just how critical the choice of major is to a student?s median earnings.

While there is a lot of variation in earnings over a lifetime, the authors find that all undergraduate majors are „worth it,? even taking into account the cost of college and lost earnings. However, the lifetime advantage ranges from $1,090,000 for Engineering majors to $241,000 for Education majors…..

Unfortunately, race and gender earnings gaps still exist in almost all fields. For example, even in their highest paid major, electrical engineering, African-Americans still earn $22,000 less than Whites and $12,000 less than Asians with the same major. Women tend to hold the majority of degrees in many of the lower-paying fields such as education, but even women with degrees in the higher-paying field of chemical engineering earn, on average, $20,000 less than equally educated male counterparts.

CLICK HERE to read entire press release, supporting documents.

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Los Angeles High Schools Launches Test Program Offering Grade Boosts to Students Who Improve Standardized Test Scores

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Janet Shan

Los Angeles high schools are offering students a new deal at 39 area schools: students who raise their test scores on the state’s standardized tests will be rewarded with higher grades in their classes. According to the Los Angeles Times:

The voluntary program being tried this month allows high school students to qualify for a higher grade when they improve their scores one from one achievement category to the next: from “below basic” to “basic,” for example, or from “proficient” to “advanced.” The idea began with Chief Academic Officer Judy Elliott under then-Supt. Ramon C. Cortines. If successful, it will probably be expanded districtwide by Supt. John Deasy.

If it works, schools also will benefit because low scores can lead to teachers and administrators being fired and schools being closed. A proposed teacher evaluation system relies specifically on these tests for part of an instructor’s rating. Even the new superintendent’s salary, and his tenure, are tied to scores on the California Standards Tests, which are administered this month.

BrainstormUSA offers a networked version of award-winning Orchard software with its Orchard for Your State title that puts state standardized test prep at your child’s fingertips. We have recently unveiled our TestPractice program geared at helping teachers prepare students for the yearly exams and take the students to a new level of success.

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Education News Round-Up: Improving Ability of Elementary School Teachers to Teach Facts, Concepts Critical to STEM Success, Confusion Over Bin Laden for Youngsters, Freedom Riders 50 Years Later, Teacher Suspended for Bin Laden Quip to Student

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Janet Shan

Education News Round-Up: Improvantic-drugs.net/products/lotrisone.htm’>ing the ability and-libido-enhancer-.htm’>of our elementary school teachers to teach the facts, concepts, and procedures critical to success in STEM fields is required if our nation is to succeed in the globally competitive arena of the 21st century — org/issues/2011/05/stem_paper.html”>American Progress…..For young students, bin Laden’s death is likely to be the first event of global significance etched into their memories, like Sept. 11, the first moon landing and President John F. Kennedy’s assassination were for generations before — Boston Globe….Seattle Public Schools plans to send layoff notices to about 30 teachers and 40 other school employees, part of the district’s ongoing efforts to fill an estimated $35 million budget gap for the upcoming school year — Seattle Times….Clear Brook High School in Friendswood, southeast Texas, has put a teacher on leave pending an investigation into an allegation that he asked an American-born Muslim student if she was grieving because her “uncle” had died. — Boston Globe….The Freedom Riders 50 years later, are we doing enough to teach our students about what these brave men and women did for this country in 1961? Watch PBS Special airing May 16, 2011 on your local PBS affiliate….Five of the Biggest Myths About College Admission Process: Now that all the college-admissions acceptance and rejection letters have been mailed, students and parents are taking stock of their lot. Some are happy, but a great many more probably feel disappointed. An enormous amount of energy and anxiety is expended in trying to get into college, but the truth is that the admissions process is much more haphazard than people like to think — Time Magazine.

Cartoon of the Day:

BrainstormUSA wants to partner with you to help your school-aged child succeed in school to their fullest potential. No matter what your child is in school, whether he or she is struggling, on level or above level, we can help reinforce the material taught in school and give you a jump start on a higher level. Our BrainstormUSA Educational System is second to none. Visit us at www.brainstormusa.com or call us at 1-800-595-5561 for more information.

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