Reading Sage

"The Dyslexic Reading Teacher Sean Taylor" Literacy for me was almost an unrealized unattainable dream! As a dyslexic learner I was unable to read, write, or decode words as a child, p,d,b and q were all the same letter. Many classroom teachers assumed I would never read or write due to the severity of my dyslexia and this made me feel worthless. I am a dyslexic reading teacher that has built a reputation for finding innovative ways "FREE" to teach reading to all students!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Singapore Math Model Drawing

Using the Singapore Math Model Drawing

Singapore Math is sweeping the US and the world with its right brain approach to teaching visual thinking students. Students that may struggle with traditional algorithms may find a new way to look at Math that frees them from the fear of failure. Singapore Math Modeling is a visual way for students to break down word problems into easy workable pieces.

Why Does Singapore Math Succeed or Fail in US Schools?

Introduction

Singapore Math has become an increasingly popular pedagogical approach in the United States over the past two decades. Originally developed in Singapore in the 1980s, Singapore Math emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem solving, and mathematical modeling over rote memorization. Proponents argue Singapore Math helps students develop deeper, lifelong math skills compared to conventional US math instruction. However, the approach has also faced criticism and implementation challenges. This paper examines the key features of Singapore Math and evidence behind its effectiveness. It then analyzes why Singapore Math succeeds or fails when adopted in US schools.

Singapore Math Pedagogy

Singapore Math instruction differs from conventional US math teaching in several key ways:

- Emphasis on problem solving - Singapore Math focuses on word problems and mathematical modeling to develop conceptual understanding. Students learn math concepts by solving problems in context, not just doing repetitive drills.

- Spiral progression - Singapore Math revisits concepts each year, building on prior knowledge in an expanding spiral. This allows students to master fundamentals through repeated exposure over time.

- Concrete to pictorial to abstract - Singapore Math uses a concrete-pictorial-abstract learning progression. Students first use concrete objects like blocks, then draw pictorial representations, then solve abstractly. This allows deep conceptual understanding before abstraction.

- Metacognition - Singapore Math explicitly teaches metacognitive problem-solving heuristics. Students learn techniques like drawing diagrams, looking for patterns, and working backwards. This develops strong problem-solving habits.

- Streamlined curriculum - Singapore Math focuses in-depth on essential math skills and concepts. The curriculum is focused and coherent compared to US standards that cover many topics without enough depth.

These techniques aim to develop students' conceptual understanding, mental math and visualization skills, and adaptive problem-solving strategies. Proponents contend these skills provide greater mathematical insight compared to conventional procedural math instruction.

Evidence of Effectiveness

Several studies have found Singapore Math promotes better conceptual understanding and problem solving compared to traditional US math curricula:

- A 2010 study published in Science compared US and Singapore textbooks. It found Singapore texts have more word problems and diagrams, emphasizing problem solving skills. US texts focus more on formulas and definitions.

- A 2018 study in the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education assessed 4th grade students in schools using Singapore Math and conventional curricula. The Singapore Math students showed greater competency at conceptual understanding, problem representation, and explanations.

- A 2015 review in the Elementary School Journal synthesized findings from dozens of studies on Singapore Math in the US. It concluded Singapore-based instruction led to improved conceptual knowledge, problem solving skills, and student attitudes toward math.

Singapore students consistently score at or near the top on international math assessments like PISA and TIMSS. While this success has multiple factors, research indicates Singapore Math pedagogy plays a significant role. These positive results have prompted interest in adopting Singapore Math in US schools.

Reasons for Success in US Schools

There are several key reasons Singapore Math can be effective when thoughtfully implemented in US schools:

- Aligns with math best practices - Singapore Math exemplifies research-based best practices. These include using manipulatives, focusing on problem solving, and promoting conceptual understanding. This approach fits well with successful reform efforts in US math instruction.

- Coherent curriculum - The streamlined Singapore Math curriculum provides more focused, sequential mastery compared to US standards. This coherent curriculum allows more in-depth learning.

- Scaffolded approach - Singapore Math's concrete-pictorial-abstract approach provides needed math scaffolds for struggling students. The emphasis on visual models helps students develop mental math, estimation, and comprehension skills.

- Metacognition - Singapore Math's explicit instruction in problem-solving heuristics helps students develop strong mathematical thinking and self-monitoring skills. These metacognitive practices are often overlooked in conventional US math teaching.

- Ongoing professional development - Schools providing extensive Singapore Math professional development see better results. Teacher training is essential to shift instruction toward Singapore Math principles.

When used with a well-aligned curriculum and effective professional development, research shows Singapore Math can improve students' conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and enjoyment of mathematics.

Challenges and Reasons for Failure

However, Singapore Math also faces difficulties and limitations as schools adopt the approach:

- Requires major instructional shifts - Singapore Math requires significant pedagogical changes from traditional math teaching. Teachers may struggle without sufficient training and experience with the approach.

- Textbooks alone insufficient - Simply adopting Singapore textbooks is not enough. The concrete-pictorial-abstract methods must be used in instruction. Teachers can revert to conventional procedural teaching without deliberate implementation.

- Hard to integrate - Singapore Math is designed as a coherent curriculum. Integrating it piecemeal into US standards can disrupt sequencing. Important concepts may get lost between disparate curricula.

- Assessment conflicts - Standardized assessments often focus on computation - conflicting with Singapore Math's emphasis on problem solving. Teachers may feel pressured to "teach to the test", reverting to procedural instruction.

- Cultural differences - Singapore Math was developed for Singaporean classrooms which emphasize effort over innate talent. US students may struggle without sufficient motivation and persistence skills.

- English learner challenges - The word problem focus can be difficult for US English learners. Singapore Math texts often lack needed linguistic scaffolds.

Without a robust commitment to implementation and alignment across the system, the benefits of Singapore Math may fail to materialize in US schools.

Conclusion

Singapore Math has shown promise in developing students' conceptual math understanding and problem-solving skills. However, it requires a systemic commitment to new instructional approaches and professional development to avoid the pitfalls seen in ineffective adoptions. At its best, Singapore Math exemplifies research-based principles of effective math instruction. But like any curriculum, it must be implemented with fidelity and aligned to desired learning outcomes to succeed. When thoughtfully integrated into schools, Singapore Math can be a powerful lever for improving students' mathematical achievement and mindset. But without deliberate efforts to transform underlying pedagogy, Singapore Math risks simply being a trend that comes and goes without fulfilling its potential.

INTRODUCTION TO SINGAPORE MATH
Singapore Math Model Drawing All Levels
Free PDF Samples of Sigapore Math Modeling

Singapore Math is a teaching method based on the primary textbooks and syllabus from the national curriculum of Singapore. These textbooks have a consistent and strong emphasis on problem solving and model drawing, with a focus on in-depth understanding of the essential math skills recommended in the NCTM Curriculum Focal Points (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics),the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, and the proposed Common Core State Standards.
Explanations of math concepts are exceptionally clear and simple (often just a few words in a cartoon balloon), so that students (Singapore is a cosmopolitan nation) can read it easily. The method has become more popular since the release of scores from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in 2003 showed Singapore at the top of the world in 4th and 8th grade mathematics. This was the third study by the NCES, and the 2007 TIMSS was released in December 2008. WIKI

Free Pdf Samples of Sigapore Math Modeling
The links below are for teachers and students for education purposes!

4th Grade Singapore Math Model Drawing Online Tutorials

Short introduction to Singapore's model drawing in a fourth grade classroom!

Math Play Ground is the best SMARTBoard website to use and model

Singapore Math Modeling with your class!

http://www.mathplayground.com/thinkingblocks.html

Great Free Singapore Math Model Drawing Resources and Test Online

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Easy Origami For Kids

Simple Easy Origami for Teachers and Students.
Origami teaches students focus, concentration, attention to details, complex problem solving, and a joy of learning. Teaching students Origami will help students that struggle with math and other academic areas that follow a set of patterns and rules. Students learning Origami must be precise and follow a set of directions to be successful. Please share your best origami video tutorials for teachers and students with reading Sage!

Origami (折り紙?, from ori meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper"; kami changes to gami due to rendaku) is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which started in the 17th century AD at the latest and was popularized outside Japan in the mid-1900s. It has since then evolved into a modern art form. The goal of this art is to transform a flat sheet of material into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques, and as such the use of cuts or glue are not considered to be origami. Wiki

Origami Star Box

Origami Bento Box

Origami Bowl

Origami Flexicube

Origami Paper Hat

Big Origami Box

Origami Flexagon

Origami Butterfly

Origami Crane

Origami for kids blog and video

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Amazing Kids, Gifted Kids Videos

These kids are amazing and truly gifted and talented!

Inspirational Kids videos!

Please share your YouTube Videos of amazing and gifted kids!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Wisdom for Children and Students

The Universal Laws of Success by Napoleon Hill

The Law of Success (originally The Law of Success in 16 Lessons) is the title of Napoleon Hill’s first book set, published initially in 1928 as an multi-volume correspondence course and later more compact formats in recent years. The work was originally commissioned at the request of Andrew Carnegie at the conclusion of a multi-day interview with Hill, and was based upon interviews of over 500 American millionaires across nearly 20 years, including such self-made industrial giants as Henry Ford, J. P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, Alexander Graham Bell, and Thomas Edison. The original edition featured the eponymous 16 lessons, with the updated 21st-Century Edition featuring an additional 17th lesson drawn from later notes and lecture materials.

Contents

Synopsis

The Master Mind

Lesson One introduces the concept of The Master Mind, which Dr. Hill defines "as a mind that is developed through the harmonious cooperation of two or more people who ally themselves for the purpose of accomplishing any given task." Hill uses ideas from physics to illustrate the synergy that occurs between like-minded individuals. He also warns of the danger to the master mind group of any single member who thinks negatively. Another key insight from Hill is that knowledge is not power – it is only potential power. He defines power as "...organized knowledge, expressed through intelligent efforts." The master mind group makes this happen.

A Definite Chief Aim

Lesson Two, titled A Definite Chief Aim, urges the reader to discover his or her natural talents, then organize, coordinate and put into use the knowledge gained from experience. According to Hill, the main cause of failure is having no definitive chief aim in life — or failure to set clear and attainable goals — and plans to accomplish these goals. The keynote of this lesson is having a definite objective toward which to strive — never drift aimlessly. Having this definite chief aim will affect the subconscious mind, thus leading toward the attainment of the objective. Hill also emphasizes the importance of writing down your definite chief aim and goals to achieve it in a clear, concise way.

Self-Confidence

Lesson Three is Self-Confidence: "You can do it if you believe you can." Hill states that fear is the chief reason for poverty and failure. Therefore, the person who masters fear will succeed. The development of self-confidence begins with the elimination of fear. Hill discusses the origins of fear in great detail and lists the six basic fears: poverty, old age, criticism, loss of love, ill health, and death.

Hill teaches that the most effective way to fight these fears is organized knowledge. Ignorance and fear are twins that are found together. To eliminate fear, eliminate ignorance. Hill provides a formula for developing self-confidence using autosuggestion, along with persistence, the development of good habits and having a clearly stated definite purpose. He provides several unique and original examples from the animal world of how fearful behavior can be passed down quickly.

"Believe in yourself but do not tell the world. Show it!"

The Habit of Saving

Lesson Four is The Habit of Saving. Hill states that the saving of money is solely a matter of habit. Millions of people go through life in poverty because they have developed bad habits. The habit of saving increases ones' earning capacity, Hill tells us, by the following method: First, through your definite chief aim, define an exact description of what you want — including the amount of money you intend to earn. Then, your subconscious mind takes over, resulting in a blueprint. This molds your thoughts and actions into practical plans for attaining your purpose. As income increases, savings will increase as well. Hill repeatedly emphasizes that we are victims of our habits — under any and all circumstances, good or bad. However, the choice of our habits is totally within our control — and good habits can and will result from sheer determination and willpower. Hill warns of "the slavery of debt" by using examples of how being in debt is like being imprisoned. To sum up: Hill strongly cautions against living beyond your means.

Initiative and Leadership

Lesson Five is Initiative and Leadership. Both of these qualities are necessary for the attainment of success. Hill defines initiative as "that exceedingly rare quality which impels a person to do what ought to be done without being told to do it." Once this habit is acquired, leadership develops naturally.

Leaders exercise initiative, have a definite purpose in mind, and possess self-confidence. This emphasizes Hill's main point: successful people make use of all 17 lessons. In this lesson, Hill warns of the dangers of procrastination, and gives a detailed formula for using autosuggestion to overcome this initiative killer.

Hill states that to become a person of initiative, you must form the habit of aggressively and persistently following the objective of your definite chief aim until you achieve it — regardless of how long it takes.

Imagination

Lesson Six is Imagination. Hill states that imagination is the key to mastering all of the other lessons in the course (i.e., Definite Chief Aim, Self-confidence, Leadership, etc.). He debunks the notion that daydreaming is useless, and gives several examples of how daydreaming led directly to concrete actions and results.

After reading this lesson, it appears that virtually all great accomplishments began in someone's imagination-imagination can do the impossible. The key idea of this lesson is this-use your imagination to rearrange old ideas into new combinations. For maximum achievement, you must mix effort with imagination. This is an area where your master mind group is especially helpful.

Enthusiasm

Lesson Seven is Enthusiasm. Hill defines enthusiasm as "a state of mind that inspires and arouses one to put action into the task at hand." According to Hill, enthusiasm is the most important factor in sales and public speaking. Enthusiasm will make work far less difficult and boring. Hill states that enthusiasm is a vital force that can be developed and used. The procedure to develop it is simple – do the kind of work you like and make sure your actions are leading toward the achievement of your definite chief aim.

According to Hill, the main power of enthusiasm is that it is contagious – which magnifies its power. Hill mentions a sales insight: it is not so much what you say as it is the tone and manner in which you say it that makes a lasting impression. In this example, enthusiasm makes all the difference in the world.

To sell others, you must first sell yourself. Quoting Napoleon Hill: "No one can afford to express, through words or acts, anything that is not in harmony with their own belief-and if they do, they must pay by their loss of their ability to influence others."

He illustrates this by describing a lucrative opportunity presented to him by a foreign government to visit their country and write favorable impressions and opinions about their political system. The money offered was more than he could ever hope to spend in his lifetime – yet he refused because he did not believe in the political system of the country. Therefore, he knew his writing would be ineffective.

Hill tells us to write out our definite chief aim, in clear, simple language and read it nightly before retiring. This allows enthusiasm to build. Hill states that "enthusiasm is the mainspring of the mind that urges one to put knowledge into action".

The author continues this lesson with a discussion of the psychology of clothing. Being well-dressed makes a great impression on all current and potential business associates, as well as increasing the wearer's enthusiasm and self-confidence.

Hill concludes this lesson with a discussion of what he calls "the seven deadly horsemen": intolerance, greed, revenge, egotism, suspicion, jealousy and "?". Hill describes the destructive effects of the six "horsemen" listed and challenges the reader to ask how many of these destructive influences affect him or her.

He then asks the reader to take inventory and give the seventh "horseman ("?") a name that fits whatever they find in their own mind (i.e., dishonesty, procrastination, uncontrolled sex drive, etc.). The purpose here is to see yourself as you are-and as others see you-then work on correcting these character flaws.

Self-Control

Lesson Eight is Self-Control. Hill states that without self-control, the enthusiasm in the previous lesson "resembles the unharnessed lightning of an electrical storm – it may strike anywhere; it may destroy life and property. Enthusiasm arouses action, and self-control directs that action in a constructive way.

Hill states that the overwhelming percentage of prison inmates are incarcerated because they lacked the necessary self-control to channel their energies constructively. Conversely, the one common quality of successful people is self-control. No one can control others unless they first control themselves. Lack of self-control is the average salesperson's most damaging weakness.

One method the author mentions to prevent a loss of self-control is not forming an opinion before knowing the facts. Too many folks form their opinions based upon what they believe are the facts-not the true facts themselves. Spending beyond one's means is another lack of self-control to be aware of.

The key to this lesson is this: self-control will enable you to control your appetite and the tendency to spend more than you earn... and the habit of "striking back" at those who offend you, as well as other destructive habits which result in a waste of energy through non-productive efforts.

Hill's powerful summation of this lesson is this: "You have the power to control your thoughts and direct them to do your bidding." Self-control is solely a matter of thought control-and we have complete control over our own thoughts. That is Hill's method of mastering self-control. Do not allow outside forces to unduly influence you – think for yourself, but think with rock-solid precision.

All successful people grade high of self-control. All "failures" grade low, generally zero, on this most important law of human conduct.

The Habit Of Doing More Than Paid For

Lesson Nine is "The Habit Of Doing More Than Paid For." Hill tells us that some people love their work, but many hate what they do for a living. Therefore, "you are most efficient and will more quickly and easily succeed when engaged in work that you love, or work that you perform on behalf of some person you love." Hill states that if you are doing the type of work you love, it is no hardship to do more and better work than you are paid for.

He uses himself as an example. His passion and true calling in life was discovering and sharing the secrets of success, and therefore he had no problem overcoming any obstacles that could have prevented him from doing that. Hill mentions two benefits of doing what you love: happiness (which is priceless) and earning far more money. Hill also states that family and friends may disapprove of following your passion, but you must push on, regardless of the opinions of others.

A Pleasing Personality

Lesson Ten is "A Pleasing Personality." Hill defines a pleasing personality as "a personality that attracts" and devotes this lesson to looking at and creating the causes of attraction. Taking a genuine interest in other people is important in attraction, and he uses an example of a very effective saleswoman who focused her initial meeting with Hill on him – his work and accomplishments – not on her product. This simple idea is all too often forgotten by many salesmen who use the pronoun "I" far more than "you". Hill's point is that forming a relationship with a potential customer should always come before the actual sale. If this is done, there is no need to sale-the customer will insist on buying. Hill warns us that cheap flattery will not replace genuine heart interest.

Another point brought out in this lesson sums up Hill's entire philosophy and purpose: Do not look at successful people with envy. Instead, objectively analyze their methods and appreciate the price they had to pay in their careful and well-organized preparation and efforts.

Hill concludes this lesson with a formula for building character. First, imagine people who have the type of character you wish to possess, then proceed to take on those qualities through autosuggestion. Create in your imagination a meeting with them and write out a detailed statement of the qualities you wish to assume from them with their council. Actually see these figures seated around an imaginary table.

Then keep your thoughts focused in a positive manner as you listen to their advice and guidance, and keep in mind the kind of person you would like to be, relying on the advice and examples of those sitting at that table. Also, never forget to give praise to the genuine good qualities you see in others. Hill promises this will bring the law of attraction into play-almost magically.

To sum this lesson up: the seven key factors of a pleasing personality are:

Form the habit of interesting yourself in other people, and make it your business to find their good qualities and speak of them in terms of praise.

Develop the ability to speak with force and conviction, both in your ordinary conversational tones and before public gatherings, where you must use more volume.

Dress in a style that is becoming to you and appropriate to the work in which you are engaged.

Develop a positive character, through the aid of the methods outlined in this lesson.

Learn how to shake hands so that you will express warmth and enthusiasm through this form of greeting.

Attract other people to you by first "attracting yourself" to them.

Remember that your only limitation, within reason, is the one that you set up in your own mind.

Accurate Thinking

Lesson 11 is Accurate Thinking. According to Hill, this is the most important, the most interesting, and the most difficult-to-present lesson of the entire course. Hill states that Accurate Thinking involves two things: Separating fact from information and separating fact into two classes: important/unimportant or relevant/irrelevant. The ability to make this distinction is so important, Hill tells us, because the accurate thinker will not believe anything he hears. Instead, he will arrive at a conclusion only after careful, thoughtful analysis.

Hill cautions us to beware of any self-interest from the provider of evidence, since this may have a huge impact on what they are saying and seeing. If we don't have hard facts, Hill instructs us to "form your own judgment on the part of the evidence before you that furthers your own interest without working any hardship on others... and is based on facts."

Hill states that the key to accurate thinking is what he calls "creative thought", which allows us to tap into "infinite intelligence." The first step to creative thought is autosuggestion – suggestions you make to yourself. The subconscious mind records the suggestions we send it, and invokes the aid of infinite intelligence to turn these suggestions into action.

Hill reminds us that the subconscious mind accepts any and all suggestions, constructive or destructive – and cautions us to be careful what we suggest – facts only, no slander, for slander is poisonous to the subconscious mind and ruins creative thought.

Hill concludes this lesson by reminding us that the subconscious mind does not question the source from which it receives orders, but will direct the body to carry out any order it receives. Therefore, it is vitally important we are careful about how and from where we receive suggestions.

Concentration

Lesson 12 is Concentration. Hill defines concentration as "the act of focusing the mind on a given desire until ways and means for its realization have been worked out and successfully put into operation." Two important laws enter into this principal: The Law of Autosuggestion (covered extensively in previous lessons) and The Law of Habit. Hill states that habit grows out of environment, and out of doing the same thing the same way, over and over again, out of repetition – and thinking the same thoughts. Therefore, Hill reminds us of the importance of selecting our environment with great care.

Hill states that bad habits can be turned into good ones. Habits are created by repetition, and the best way to break old bad habits is to replace them by forming new good ones. Form new mental paths, and the old ones will become weaker.

Hill tells us to out enthusiasm into forming a new habit, concentrate on it and travel the new path as often as possible. Also, resist the temptation to go down the old path. According to Hill, the first step in creating a good environment is to consider your Definite Chief Aim, and design your environment to best help you achieve it. This begins with your close associates-make sure they support your goals.

Concentration is the ability to keep your mind focused on one subject until you have mastered it. Also, the ability to control your attention, and solve any problem, the ability to throw off bad habits and attain self-mastery are also included in the definition of concentration. These abilities are helped by constantly keeping your Definite Chief Aim in mind.

The most important part of this lesson is this: When two or more people ally themselves for the purpose of attaining a goal, their power is greatly increased. Hill calls this the power of organized effort. Hill describes several examples of powerful and successful alliances.

Hill describes a third subject relating to concentration: memory. Hill provides a detailed formula to retain, recall and recognize information (using association), and using it effectively. Hill then provides fascinating examples of crowd psychology, which serve to further illustrate the power of the master group.

Hill concludes this lesson by saying it is possible for anyone to develop the ability to "tune in" and understand the thoughts of others through what he calls "the universal mind," which is very similar to what psychologist Carl Jung called "the collective unconscious". The author then uses more examples to emphasize the important idea of the master mind – cooperation between like-minded individuals.

Cooperation

Lesson 13 is Cooperation. Hill defines cooperation as "the beginning of all organized effort." He discussed two forms of cooperation. The first is cooperation between people who group themselves together or form alliances for the purpose of attaining a given end (the mastermind group). The second form of cooperation he discusses is between the conscious and the subconscious minds of an individual, or what he calls Infinite Intelligence.

Hill describes how the conscious and subconscious minds work together, and gives suggestion on how to direct this process to help us attain the goals of our Definite Chief Aim. Next, Hill discusses group cooperation. He mentions that nearly all successful businesses are conducted under some form of cooperation, and cooperation is the foundation of all successful leadership. The key point Hill emphasizes here is this: It is vitally important for individuals to surround themselves with people who have the talents and skills which they themselves lack. No one succeeds alone. Hill finishes this lesson with a discussion of the importance of taking action, and gives a detailed plan on how to become active.

Profiting by Failure

Lesson 14 is Profiting by Failure. Hill gives a different slant on the word failure. He states that failure is normally a negative word, but he distinguishes failure from temporary defeat, and temporary defeat can be a blessing in disguise. Hill also tells us that sound character is often the product of reversals and setbacks, and temporary defeat should be looked upon as a teacher of some needed lesson.

Hill lists several examples from his personal life about succeeding then experiencing setbacks-and describes the correct mindset for overcoming these setbacks. In retrospect, he was thankful for experiencing so much defeat, since it had the effect of giving him the courage to attempt things he wouldn't have tried if his early life would have been easier. Quoting Hill: "Defeat is a destructive force only when it is accepted as failure. When accepted as teaching some needed lesson, it is always a blessing."

The message of this lesson can be summed up as follows: There ultimately is no failure. What appears to be failure is usually a minor setback in disguise. Ensure you do not accept it as permanent!

Tolerance

Lesson 15 is Tolerance. Hill begins by describing the destructive effects of intolerance. According to Hill, intolerance clouds the mind of the individual and stops his moral, mental and spiritual development. He urges us to question the foundation of our beliefs – make sure the foundation is sound, and based on reality and truth.

Hill outlines a plan for the abolition of war. In hindsight, Hill was overly idealistic. However, these ideas lead him into a discussion of the principal of organized effort. Simply put, regardless of the business one is engaged in, cooperation and tolerance can be of tremendous help in achieving one's Definite Chief Aim.

The Golden Rule

Lesson 16 is The Golden Rule. Hill begins this lesson by stating that this principal is "the guiding star that will enable you to profitably and constructively use the knowledge assembled in the previous lessons". Hill states that following this law is the only way to apply the power that the preceding lessons provide.

The Golden Rule essentially means to do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you if your positions were reversed. Hill stresses the fact that all of your actions and thoughts will come back to you, for better or worse. Hill tells us that it is not enough to merely believe in the philosophy of the Golden Rule; one must apply it. The key to this lesson is this: the Golden Rule, when understood and applied, makes dishonesty, selfishness, greed, envy, hatred and malice impossible. One must be scrupulously honest, and realize you are punishing yourself by every wrong you commit, and rewarding yourself by every act of constructive conduct.

Hill further states that we benefit by applying the Golden Rule, even if it is not reciprocated. How? Because of the positive effect on our subconscious mind, and the development of stronger, more positive character.

Hill concludes this lesson by stating that labor and capital have a mutual and common interest. Neither can permanently prosper without the prosperity of the other. They are parts of one body. If labor is the arm, capital is the blood – and each must care for the other – by using the Golden Rule as a guide.

The Universal law of Cosmic Habitforce

Lesson 17 is The Universal law of Cosmic Habitforce, which may be interpreted as an early conceptualization of the Law of Attraction. A somewhat obtuse concept to modern readers, Dr. Hill defines Cosmic Habitforce as "the universal law through which nature affixes all habits so that they may carry on automatically once they have been put into motion". Hill states that Cosmic Habitforce is the reason why success attracts success, and failure attracts failure. The law of Cosmic Habitforce transmits the "success consciousness" from the mind of the successful person to the mind of the unsuccessful one when they are closely associated in daily life.

The key to this lesson is this: Whenever two minds connect, a third mind is created, patterned after the stronger of the two – for better or for worse. Many successful people can trace their success directly to the time they began a close association with someone who possessed the positive mental attitude that they were able to copy.

Even though Cosmic Habitforce is silent and unseen, it is the basis of everything tangible and concrete. As with all of Hill's preceding lessons, Cosmic Habitforce begins with thoughts, which become habits. A fascinating example of Cosmic Habitforce is this: most successful people have usually experienced severe challenges and failures, which forced them to change their habits. Habits that led them to failure are replaced with habits that led them to success.

Hill concludes this lesson with a review of the previous lessons, and reminds us that these lessons constitute an army – and if any one "soldier" is removed or one lesson underdeveloped, the entire army is weakened.

You must watch for every opportunity to apply and empower the law of the Master Mind.

Before you can have power, you must have a Definite Chief Aim-a definite purpose.

You must have self-confidence with which to back up your purpose.

You must have initiative and leadership with which to exercise your self-confidence.

You must have imagination in creating your definite purpose and in building the plans with which to transform that purpose into reality and put your plans into action.

You must mix enthusiasm with your action or it will be bland and weak.

You must exercise firm self-control.

You must form the habit of doing more than paid for.

You must cultivate a pleasing personality.

You must acquire the habit of saving.

You must use accurate thinking, remembering, as you develop this quality, that accurate thought is based upon identifiable facts and not upon hearsay evidence or mere information.

You must form the habit of concentration by giving your undivided attention to but one task at a time.

You must acquire the habit of cooperation and practice it in all your plans.

You must profit by failure, your own and that of others.

You must cultivate the habit of tolerance.

You must make the Golden rule the foundation of all you do that affects other people.

You must make use of The Universal law of Cosmic Habitforce, through which all of these principals can be applied to transform not only your thoughts but also your habits.

All efficient armies are disciplined. Likewise, the army you are building in your own mind must also be disciplined. It must obey your command at every step. From Wiki

Saturday, October 15, 2011

The Nation's Report Card: Reading

The Nation's Report Card: Reading
Reading 2009 State Snapshot Reports for Grade 4

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

March 2010

Select from the list or click on the map to view a jurisdiction's Snapshot report as a PDF file.

Clickable map of the U.S. and jurisdictions participating in the NAEP 2009 Reading State Assessment

State-level results in reading are available for eight assessment years (at grade 4 in 1992 and 1994, and at both grades 4 and 8 in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009), although not all states may have participated or met the criteria for reporting in every year. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools (DoDEA) participated in the 2009 reading assessment at grades 4 and 8. For the first time in 2009, grade 12 reading results are also available at the state level. Eleven states volunteered for the assessment and all 11 met the reporting criteria. Grade 12 results follow the grade 4 and 8 results in the NAEP reporting schedule.
The state snapshot reports and their companion, The Nation's Report Card: Reading 2009, provide a look at the main results of the NAEP 2009 reading assessment. Each participating jurisdiction receives its own customized state report, as seen here. The Nation's Report Card: Reading 2009 offers data for all participating states and additional national data. The NAEP Data Explorer provides information for all jurisdictions for which results are reported in 2009 and allows the user not only to develop custom data tables, but also to perform appropriate tests of statistical significance for within- or across-state data comparisons.
Within each state report, the overall scale score and achievement-level results are provided, in addition to student group results. The information is presented on a single page for each grade assessed in the particular state or jurisdiction.

Reading Topics