Northern Zone MEA Web-Based College Classes For Teachers

SPECIAL ESEA INFORMATION

(For more Parapro resources, click to our Parapro Page.)

ESEA: New Federal and State guidelines are changing for all Title I parapros, and, perhaps, for all parapros. Information on the Pre-Professional Skills Tests, as well as samples of these tests, can be accessed by CLICKING HERE. The following tests - PPST: Reading -PPST: Mathematics - PPST: Writing - and Listening Skills Test are the links you should view. The FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view these documents.

ACT WORK KEYS: WorkKeys^® offers an innovative approach to bridge the gap between levels of job skills needed in the workplace and the actual skill levels of prospective employees. WorkKeys gives students and workers alike reliable information about their workplace skill levels and the skill levels required for jobs, enabling them to make better career and educational decisions. The WorkKeys system currently measures eight workplace skills. Each skill is described by a distinct skill scale.

KeyTrain™ is a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use system for improving the basic skills measured by the WorkKeys® Employment System. Using KeyTrain, you can assess your potential WorkKeys score, review topics in each WorkKeys skill area, and practice problems similar to those on an actual WorkKeys assessment.

PRAXIS INFORMATION

There is also online access to the PRAXIS SERIES: PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENTS FOR BEGINNING TEACHERS from Educational Testing Services (ETS). Of particular interest to beginning teachers is the PRAXIS I: Listening Skills Test. (Click on the #20740 - Listening Skills Test link on the Test List and Fees page.

One of the exciting developments on the World Wide Web is the availability of Web-based College Classes (i.e. "distance learning"). For teachers, this means the ability to earn State Board-Continuing Education Units and/or degree credits over the Internet (a much less expensive alternative to traditional campus-based classes). Some of these classes require some minimum days at a campus, but many are totally online experiences. Basically, if you can negotiate the Web and send e-mail you have the skills needed to enroll in these classes. The Distance Learning Channel also has a great site called Ed-X which provides information from over 1,500 universities and learning institutions worldwide.

World Wide Learn is a directory of online colleges, degrees, tutorials, workshops, and training programs.

All of the sites listed here have information about costs, registration, hardware and software required, skills needed, and course descriptions.

In northwestern lower Michigan the University Center at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City is a good place to start. The site lists all of the universities that offer courses from the NMC campus. Most of these are distance learning courses requiring minimal time in TC.

One of the biggest players at NMC is Eastern Michigan University. For a list of their academic programs, go to EMU Online. EMU employs a cool program called "WebCaucus" that lets you get your assignments, chat with professors and classmates, and post your work. You can also get on a free Continuing Education NetClass Update Newsletter that will keep you informed about new class offerings. Or call 734-487-0407 for details.

Michigan State University runs programs from the NMC campus, but they also have one of the most impressive Web-based university operations on the Net. Virtual MSU offers a full range of classes in an array of degree programs, including Education. There is also an Educational Technology Certificate Program. Call 1-800-500-1554 for more information.

Central Michigan University is a popular place for teachers who want to take college classes, but they've also added online courses. Go to the CMU Academics Page for a complete list of classes (both on the Net and correspondence). You can also call 517-774-7884.

Ferris State University has masters programs through its University Center for Extended Learning. Classes meet on weekends and evenings in Traverse City. Call 1-866-857-1954.

You can also check on a specific university by finding their home page via any search engine. GOOGLE'S UNIVERSITY SEARCH is excellent for this.