Product Description

Giving students the tools they need to succeed in college and work

College and Career Ready offers educators a blueprint for improving high school so that more students are able to excel in freshman-level college courses or entry-level jobs-laying a solid foundation for lifelong growth and success. The book is filled with detailed, practical guidelines and case descriptions of what the best high schools are doing.

• Includes clear guidelines for high school faculty to adapt their programs of instruction in the direction of enhanced college/career readiness
• Provides practical strategies for improving students' content knowledge and academic behaviors
• Offers examples of best practices andresearch-based recommendations for change

The book considers the impact of behavioral issues-such as time management and study habits-as well as academic skills on college readiness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Yet
In his newest book, David Conley's excellent research and deep thinking continue to enrich the conversation on creating college success.This book weaves together many of Conley's precepts and experience: the focus on developing cognitive strategies and imparting content knowledge to students; practical ideas that both parents and schools can implement to prepare students for college; and years of quantitative and qualitative research.This is a "must read" for all of us who are working to create educational equity. ... Read more

Product Description
College Is For Suckers -The First College Guide You Should Read is a frank and to-the-point "buyer beware" for anyone considering a college "vacation." This book offers insightful information that could save you thousands of dollars! While exposing the "hype" associated with a traditional college education, this book provides you with valuable options for higher education in your pursuit of a successful future.

Even if you are dead set on going to college, you can't afford to be without this book! Be aware of what you, as a college consumer, can realistically expect from a traditional four-year college. Don't be a sucker!

College Is For Suckers -The First College Guide You Should Read...

• Shatters myths about the need for a traditional liberal arts education.
• Compares the "hype" with the actual value of a four-year degree in today's market.
• Peels away the extra fluff associated with the "college experience" and shows how you can be a "well-rounded" party animal on your own while attending trade schools, vo-tech programs or apprenticeships that actually prepare you for a career.
• Provides thought-provoking points to help you decide if college is necessary for you, or at least necessary for you now.
• Explains how college has actually "dumbed-down" due to grade inflation, ridiculous requirements, and outdated curriculums.
• Offers creative alternatives for achieving a marketable education.
• Lists valuable resources for obtaining knowledge, credentials and experience (other than a four-year college) and shares the secrets of successful professionals who never graduated from college.
• Explains the dangers of student loans and how college is not always a good "investment."

Customer Reviews (6)

Tution rates soar...
In 1988 tution for UTA was $500.Today it is $4500-$5000.Tuition has increased about 5 times the rate of inflation.I speculate that this is due to supply and demand and limited seats.We are seeing a record number of students.People believe that a bachelor's degree is the only way to be.I've heard that in Germany there is no shame in skipping college.There is a shortage of work for graduates.And there is probably a shortage of non degree employees.

great book
Great book.Thank you for writing it.Like others, I wish I had read it before I went through the college thing.A must read for any parent and any young person.

VERY GOOD BOOK...BUY IT.

This book is for Suckers
This woman makes a valid point with a few citations to back it up....but that's all the book is.The woman just offers a few facts and valid points about why college is overrated, without offering any solid, substantially well thought out alternatives such as studying or working abroad, or putting better facts and figures about jobs that don't really need a degree.

Hell, she OVERRATES colleges as places to meet women ....when in reality there are better alternatives for that as well.

I mean, that would make a fine thesis paper and all but a lousy book, why is why this book isn't that long and uses big font.

Great thesis paper, piss poor book.

Interesting Read
well written and easy reading. Not altogether condeming school and worth the read especially if you are just coming out of high school or entering college for the first time.

Fun, Informative and Somewhat Controversial
Boy, talk about sacred cows...people question religion and politics, but not many people have the guts to question the value of College (with a capital "C".) Obviously the title is an attention-getting ploy, but the substance is spot on in many areas. While the author stops short of saying that a 4-year college is a total waste of time for most, she does point out that there are other, often overlooked, alternatives such as technical schools, self-study, etc. which would serve many just as well or better. Also, she demonstrates, quite effectively I think, that many general, non-specific degrees are pretty worthless. And the real value of the book is in its assertion that borrowing money for college is especially questionable.

Her behind-the-scenes look at how colleges operate, from her apparent personal experience and through research, is quite an eye opener.

It's also a fun read. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

college majors
Detailed and useful analysis of college majors available to prospective college students, including characteristics and interests a student of a specific major might embody.

Excellent source to help match colleges and their majors
This book is one of the most comprehensive guides to uncovering, organizing and simplifying the vast array of information on college majors available to the would-be college student. Though the number of pages is significant, it is organized in a logical, user-friendly manner. There is also a thorough, yet concise, summary on a wide selection of majors. This feature is a valuable resource, as it offers the reader a good sense of what each major is about, why it might be right for them, and possible career options available upon graduation.

Great Book
Purchased for my daughter who is a Junior in high school. Very informative book which will help her decide where to best apply her talents and then align all of it to a list of possible schools. ... Read more

Product Description
Formerly titled Gardner's Guide to Computer Graphics, Animation and Multimedia Schools. With over 5 years of researched information, the third edition profiles over 460 colleges and universities in the USA that offers computer graphics related degrees through the arts and science departments. The book details the programs of these schools along with information in the following categories: Degrees Offered in VFX; Facilities of the school including hardware and software; Student body; Faculty profile; Financial aid and deadlines; Expense of tuition; Contact information and more. This book comes highly recommended by several top producers at Pixar, PDI and others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The best book for finding Animation Colleges
This book is well worth the money. Good reference book.

A Useful Book for All College Seekers
his book is really a time saver.I got to see the facts on animation schools in BLACK and WHITE.This is a reliable source. It is great to see the TUITION of various schools and be able to compare this information.But the true value of this book is the equipment section. I was able to screen out CG schools from Design and film schools. And apply to the ones that relate to me.This is a Great Reference.

Don't bother.The internet is a better tool.
Don't bother. The internet is better.
I purchased this book expecting to get some useful information about 3D animation colleges (since I'm planning to finish getting my BFA soon). While the book does do a decent job in covering tution costs, fees, etc. It lacks in giving the reader useful information about the actual courses offered and what that school's particular cirriculum covers. The book was also missing several (established) art schools that I have located doing my own research on the internet. This book provides nothing more than what a simple search on the internet can provide through such sites as (name)list of schools. A very disappointing book.

The Best College Book
This book does an excellent job of outline the schools where one can receive an animation degree.I have used the book to find a college for studying animation. It is the only book of its kind on the market today.I have tried looking up animation schools on the Web and was confused by the various jargons that are used.Some colleges house their animation programs in various departments making it difficult for anyone to identify all the schools.It is great to have had this book.Five Stars all the way and it is well worth the money if time is important to you.

Very little information...
This book is simply a list of schools with contact information.It only has a short description of curriculum (which is not complete), a short section about facilities, and some other information about admissions and tuition.All this information can be obtained from the school's website and it will be more complete and up to date.If you want information on the best schools to go to for animation go the sites of the big F/X and animation companies like Pixar, Digital Domain, and Rythm + Hues.They have lists of schools that they frequently hire from. I was hoping for some more insight and recommendations for choosing a school based on what your field of interest is and where your talents lie.This book is worth about $5, simply because it can save some time in creating a list of possible schools.When you obtain that list or buy this book there is still a lot of research that you need to do, because this book provides very little additional information. ... Read more

Product Description
In recent years, colleges and universities have markedly increased their employment of adjunct professors.Unfortunately, many adjunct professors enter the classroom with little or no training in teaching and classroom management techniques and suffer frustrations which are painful to both themselves and their institutions!This book provides the guidance and addresses the issues imperative to the adjunct professor. Each chapter addresses classroom survival issues with appropriate context and bulleted lists of "Do's and Don'ts."The perspective of "Through the Adjunct's Eyes," near the end of each chapter, shares common classroom successes and challenges."Tips for Thriving," a bulleted review of key points and suggested additional readings, concludes each chapter.The book concludes with chapters on self-evaluation and techniques for building a part-time career in academe.Anyone who is interested in how to begin their approach to teaching. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

professor
I was looking for a book to recommend to new adjuncts coming into our department.Unfortunately this book will not do.I felt that it lack content and specifics for execution.Maybe there isn't enough real information to write a book on this topic.Much of the "information" seemed to be fluff.I also got the feeling that some of the positive reviews for this book were written by the authors or by their friends.The language was too similar to that of the language used in the book. (Forgive the suspicious mind of a linguist).

Useless
I am considering a position as an adjunct professor after I finish graduate school, and obtained this book in order to learn more about this career option.

Unfortunately, I was unable to finish this book, as it was almost completely devoid of useful content.It's not that the information presented is wrong; instead it's a combination of vague and obvious.For example on page 51 the authors state that a syllabus, "should be a thoroughly conceived, effective, and appopriate communication tool for the specific type of student your course is designed to serve".On page 91 we discover that, "Drinking with students is an especially thorny issue."This sort of non-information makes up the bulk of the book, and after making my way through a substantial portion of it, I was astonished to discover that I hadn't learned one new piece of information.

Aside from the absence of content, the book is quite good.The authors are on good terms with the English language, the writing flows well, and there are no grammatical or spelling errors.

Full of information, but it misses the mark
This book is organized very well and guides the reader from an interest in adjunct teaching through job interviews, class preparation, grading exams, to evaluation and assessment.

The first thing I noticed was that the authors assume that the reader is (a) coming from a corporate environment and/or (b) at least 35-40 years old and 'out of touch' with today's college students.Also there is no mention of online classrooms, which was a major disappointment for me (although understandable since the book was published in 1998).

Overall the information was valuable and helpful, although they really should come out with a second edition that includes more current issues in higher education, including distance learning issues.

Hooray for Directions
I'm about to have my first formal teaching experience at a local community college and was delighted to find a textbook written especially for part-time teachers.As a health care professional, I've had many opportunities to teach clients but this forum is brand new for me."The Adjunct Professor's Guide to Success:Surviving and Thriving in the College Classroom" provides clear, practical information written in a way that holds my interest throughout the book.Each chapter flows seamlessly into the next and provides specific methods ensuring the logical progression of thought.I don't have to re-invent the wheel.

The chapters also provide a variety of ways to make certain that the information is understood: Tips for Thriving, Focus Questions, Through the Adjuncts' Eyes and Review of Key Points reinforce specific ideas and concepts.This is an easy book to read.There is a clarity and conciseness which I found very appealing. It reads like a novel to me in that I am eager to read what is next!It truly is a step-by-step guide to a positive teaching experience.

I recommend this book to any and all who have a desire to share their expertise in a classroom setting.Just as "When the student is ready, the teacher appears, so too, when the teacher is ready the book appears."This is a book that ranks high on my list of favorites.

A Strategy for Success
"The Adjunct Professor's Guide to Success." It was interesting to find that this text has the same contemporary approach that is used in business today. I have just completed an MBA program, and much of what was presented in this text mirrors what I learned during the program. This is reassuring in that it compares the academic and business environments in a similar light and reinforces that successful business practices can be applied over multiple disciplines. I noticed that many of the suggested readings are those in which I have already been exposed to during the MBA program.

I will undoubtedly consider this text as an integral part of my instructor's toolkit. It is very easy to read, straight and to the point. It's methodical approach makes it easy for the adjunct professor to understand and apply the information provided. The format and content is arranged to provide for quick reference and gives additional reading sources for a more in-depth perspective on the topics covered. The information provided offers sound practices for the college professor, as well as, for teachers at all grade levels. As a part-time teacher, I have used the text on many an occassion and have found it to be valuable in developing a win-win learning environment for both the students and myself. I would most definitely recommend the"Adjunct Professor's Guide to Success" for those teachers who want to be more effective and successful at their trade. ... Read more

Product Description
What courses do you take as a communications major? How do you prepare for majoring in computer science? What kinds of jobs does a marketing major lead to? If you can't decide between math and theater should you do a double major? Can you change majors in midstream and still graduate in four years?

This book answers those and just about any other questions you have concerning 150 of the most popular bachelor's degree majors at four-year colleges. Leading professors from colleges across the country tell you what it's like to study the subjects they know best and teach with distinction. They give you insight into the course work involved in a particular field, the interests and skills asociated with success in that major, the graduate study and careers it leads to, and many more facts that will help you to understand and choose a major that's right for you.

The majors covered in this book are grouped into 17 fields of study ranging from the arts, business, and engineering to health sciences, humanities, and the physical sciences. Each entry describes the content of the major, including what's new in the field, what subjects you will study, and what related majors you may want to consider.

In addition to the detailed overview, each description tells you about:

interests and skills associated with success in the major

recommended high school preparation

typical courses in the major

what the major is like

specializations within the major

careers the major may lead to

An introductory chapter gives you sound advice on how to:

choose a major

keep your options open if you are undecided

connect majors to careers and further education

You also get firsthand information from students now in college about their experiences choosing a major.

The College Board Guide to 150 Popular College Majors offers up-to-date facts and expert advice to help you decide on a college major that is both challenging and rewarding.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very good reference
This book has explanations and anecdotes on 150 undergraduate majors; very useful reference book.

The College Board Guide to 150 Majors
I find the College Board Guide to 150 Popular Majors valuable in my work with college bound high school students.The information on each major includes interests and skills a student might possess, which are associated with success in this major.It recommends high school courses, which would be beneficial to a student considering a specific major, lists the college courses commonly required for the major, and careers associated with the degree.Alternative majors in the area are also suggested.We use this resource as a first step in our college selection process. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Black Issues in Higher Education, published by Cox, Matthews & Associates on April 7, 2005. The length of the article is 487 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Colleges have mixed reactions to workforce reforms.(Washington Update)
Author: Charles Pekow
Publication: Black Issues in Higher Education (Refereed)
Date: April 7, 2005
Publisher: Cox, Matthews & Associates
Volume: 22Issue: 4Page: 8(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Good Resource
I am a parent of high school musicians who are interested in pursuing their dream in college.There are very few comprehensive resources available to music students and their parents.The book provides some foundational information about what to expect and gives one a lead or two on places to begin the search. Its quite a different process than deciding between engineering schools.I would recommend the book to all parents of artistic students.

Indispensable College Reference Book
Unfortunately, creative people and students are a forgotton demographic in the grand scheme of college guides.As far as my child and I areconcerned, this is one of the best college guides out there, and certainly the essential book for high school students seeking entrance into a college fine arts program . It is full of detailed information regarding the colleges. The number of colleges profiled is just right; and for my child, presented in a such a way that it wasn't overwhelming. This book made the college search easier for my child and easier for me as a parent, by association.

Perhaps the biggest concern we had was picking the right program for her and going through the process.We relied on much of the research done by the author in the book to focus us on particular programs, rather than randomly searching the internet.In short, I would recommend this book for any aspiring creative student and their parents as a thorough research tool in their college search.

Good resource, but incomplete
There are very few resources for students wanting to find good schools for the arts, so this book is a welcome addition in the college search department. The problem is that it is not as comprehensive as it could or should be.

The process of applying to creative programs, which have different requirements for admissions than most standard college programs, is well-explained with lots of examples. That part of the book, along with profiles of several schools was very helpful.

However, upon doing my own research of art schools on the internet, I found much more useful information than what I found in this book. I cannot comment on the music, dance, writing and acting schools in the book, but I can say that I was somewhat disappointed in the small number of art programs that were profiled in this book. The indexed listings in the book offered some additional schools by name and region, but little more than that which one can find in the standard college review books.

I'm not sure what the criteria were for the schools that received the more serious profiles (versus the ones that were merely mentioned in the listings), but if you're going to write a book like this, with the intention of helping students find the right creative college, why not go all the way? Still, it's nice to see that someone is finally trying to help creative students find the right educational fit.

Very helpful
This is a great book for those seeking advice, suggestions and useful information on any performing arts major.It ofers suggestions, tips and a lot of very useful information for this specific area of study.

Finding Creative Colleges/Conservatories
This reference book helps in choosing creative type colleges or conservatories by providing the facts we need to know before we choose the school, such as how many apply/audition and how many are chosen each year.It lists the department activities, degree concentrations, number of full time faculty, prices, enrollment, scholarships, entry requirements, and prominent alumni.

While certain colleges have been chosen to have in-depth profiles as described above, most creative schools have been listed by state under their specialty(acting, artist, dancing, music, writing) without in- depth profile for you to further investigate on your own. The biggest down fall of the book is that not enough colleges have been chosen for in-depth profiles on their creative departments.

This book also provides examples of creativer resumes and audition / portfolio requirements.

So the book is a starting ground for creative school investigation but must be used in conjunction with other information sources and books that outline creative schools.Use this in conjuction with Peterson's College Guide for Performing Arts Majors. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1922.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An eye opener!!!
As Mr. Donovan points out in his book, before you hand over a check for thousands of dollars, a school should be prepared to follow up on its promises - i.e. job placement.Remember, if it sounds too good, it usually is.I especially liked the result section in chapter five; that one speaks for itself.Mr Donovan's guide is a "must" for anyone continuing their education by choosing a vocational school/college. ... Read more

Product Description
What is the current status of vocational and technical education programs?What are the current and projected sources of employment in various communities?How do these two questions influence each other?In order to keep up with the labor demands of an increasingly complex and technologically-oriented workplace, vocational and technical schools need to keep their programs on the cutting edge of contemporary work environments. This book offers useful information about how to plan, develop, implement, and succeed in vocational and technical programs.The twelve chapters take the reader through these programs from start to finish.Also included are numerous illustrations, forms, and descriptions of how to successfully work through the development process.Each chapter includes a set of references that assist in gathering additional related information. Instructors, administrators, curriculum specialists, and anyone involved in the vocational and technical education field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Top Notch information for Curriculum Development
I have taken several classes on curriculum development of my 12 years of teaching, but none of them, till now, used this book.This book provides a large quantity of information in a compressed amount of space.This book is very useful for amateurs and experts, alike.It steers you in the right direction to be able to great high quality, efficient, and useful curriculum.This book doesn't beat around the bush, it gets right to the point.

I would recommend this book to anyone attempting to write or rewrite curriculum.

The Only Game in Town
If you are searching for something to help you understand the world of curriculum development in vocational technical education, there is really no other choice than Crunkilton and Finch's fifth edition.These authors have defined the field for over twenty years.

Curriculum development is really different in vocational technical education.The instructional delivery method often requires that substantial time expires between introducing a topic and completing its study.It may require four years before a student is fully competent in preparing dinner entrees or troubleshooting an internal combustion engine.Classroom settings are simply one of a number of different ways that career and technical educators get their points across.Hence, curriculum planning is vital in the field.

Crunkilton and Finch explore the CTE Curriculum in four sections: perspective, planning, defining content, and implementing.Sections are well thought out and explained.There are areas of weakness, owing to the publication date.As an example, such topics as national program standards and 'all aspects of the industry' are either not mentioned or given transitory treatments since they were emerging issues in the late nineties.

In summary, Curriculum Development in Vocational and Technical Education does the basics of curriculum planning very well. Like all books, its value is diminished somewhat by time, but application of additional timely references can overcome that shortcoming. I recommend it highly.

An Excelent Investment For All Educators
Of all the curriculum books I have used and examined this is by far the best book out there. In discussions with vocational educators around the world, I have found this book to be one of the most highly regardedinformational sources on curriculum development. A great resource tool forall educators, a must have for vocational educators. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

"big book"
i found this book to be very helpful once i got past how big/thick it is. it was helpful in breaking down the actual majors, what they the are like and so forth. for a person not sure of what they want to go into...this gives them lots of insight. The listing of colleges that teach that major was very helpful. I will certainly share this with our youth.

Majors, Majors, and Just Majors
I really, really liked this book. It provided a detailed description of every major and even provided other majors you might like, prospective courses, and even what you should take in high school. In the back there's every major imaginable (seriously- if you want to study Reiki, it's in there) and every single institution that offers it. Community colleges, four-year, whatever. The best part is that it includes every level from Associates to Doctoral. This book doesn't try to rank colleges or even recommend them. Good job, College Board! ... Read more

Product Description
The Essential College Professor is about the "how" and "why" of being a faculty member today. Based on the author's series of highly successful faculty development workshops, each chapter deals concisely with the most important information college professors need at their fingertips when confronted by a particular challenge or faced with an exciting opportunity. Written both as a comprehensive guide to an academic career and as a ready reference to be consulted whenever needed, The Essential College Professor emphasizes proven solutions over untested theories and stresses what faculty members have to know now in order to be successful in their careers.

Each chapter is concluded by a short exercise that faculty members can perform to help them, for instance, completely revise a course by restructuring the syllabus and course materials, bring new life to a research project by reframing it as a book proposal or grant application, and so on. ... Read more