Review: FMU: Florida Metroplitan University: Melbourne Campus, Brevard County

Florida Metropolitan University: Melbourne Campus, Brevard County 

 

  P.S.~ FMU is now Everest University

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Aug 21, 2007

Recently, "I think" I remember Associated Content asking for information about colleges. And since I am a college student, and a Mother, and also forty two years old, I thought my insight might help someone. This is about Florida Metropolitan University in Brevard County Florida. FMU is a division of Corinthian Colleges.

 

 

I am a student at Florida Metropolitan University. I am studying Criminal Justice. I attend the Melbourne Campus, to which there are two. One on Sarno Blvd and the other on US Highway 1.
I have not done any classes online, however one of my new best friends there, has. She says it is a bit more private, that you still submit work, but everyone in the online class can view it. And she says she hates that part, because she can't spell so swell. I told her to use spell check, but she also is not very computer literate. However, she is learning.
 
I truly enjoy the environment at FMU, the people are very one on one, and will help you. No one is any certain age, however yes- there are many students younger than me, a good majority. But there are also students older then me. I don't feel uncomfortable with my age, I truly thought I would. Actually, because I do not act my age, the students thought I was quite a bit younger, the average guess was in my mid thirties. I'm not trying to brag though.

They have several Dean's here, if you have problems, need counseling or what not. And the teachers, also will listen. The teachers and administrators are willing give you their email address, and expect to hear from you! The teachers give you their home phone numbers, cell phone numbers, and email addresses. You can also leave messages for them at the School, if you loose everything.

FMU, the head office, even designs their own college teaching materials, however some of it is- normal college items, such as algebra for example. You do have to take a test to enter, and a credit score is done on you. They speak with you one on one, and have day time, afternoon and evening hours, even week ends, to better suit whatever your scheduling needs may be.
There are tutors, mainly for algebra, as more people do not grasp that than do. Unfortunately, they have very few tutors, and the scheduling for that is limited to said tutors availability, not yours. That was where my complication lied. I was working and going to School, and decided to take algebra because a girl friend told me we could take it at the same time, and be study buddies. Unfortunately, low and behold, she didn't do what she promised. I ended up struggling through algebra on my own. My husband does not know algebra, and everyone who claimed they would help me, suddenly became unavailable and unwilling. But, thankfully, I passed it. I did all of the homework, and the extra credit, and that is what saved my butt.

I have been on the Deans list, which is A's and B's, and also the Presidents list, which is straight A's many of times. I am quite proud of that because I did lousy in School as a kid. I tutored many students in Computer class, because I am computer literate. I also learned a few new things in my computer class. I took several students home from time to time, and also helped a few study for tests, and gave them my notes when they were absent. I hardly ever missed a day of School. I also took my own Children to School with me, to show them, and to encourage them to learn. They are old enough, they sat through classes and listened and learned with me. My daughter even participated, and impressed several of my instructors, because she was literate in my field. (She helps me study, is why and how-in case you are wondering!)

I don't think college is for everyone. I had to get student aid, and had a co-payment. Nothing was free, like my family assumes and makes fun of me for. No, we paid and are paying for my education. My husband and I are firm believers in education. And because my education was took from me, yes took. I missed out on my entire senior year, and didn't get a real diploma. I tried to re-enroll, and get an education for many years, but the way I was wronged, was by expulsion. So, preaching get an education to my children, I felt I needed to set an example. I don't want to be one of those parents that say: "Do as I say, not as I do!" I went and took, and paid for my GED. It was a lot easier then I thought, and now my children know- education first, play time and goofing around next. Since then, I so far have raised two graduates and have the other three still in School, and heading there way through School.

I have spoke at my conferences, and meetings about education, and children. Because of FMU, they teach you to speak in public, write your own speeches, and what not. I used to fear speaking in public, and wouldn't do it. Now I will do it without question! And as far as education, my husband and I are firm believers it is the way to a brighter future. I truly hate seeing and knowing how Schools will just pass you along, to get rid of you. I had a friend I went to School with. He spent four years in the seventh grade, they tried and tried to teach him, they learned he couldn't read, and no one could teach him. Finally the Schools gave up. He can barely read now, sad to say.

Florida Metropolitan University is a good School. There is a woman who does the signing you up, her name is Simone Sembler, she is very good, and has made many peoples lives better by leading them into the right path of education. She has won awards for doing this too! The head of the CJ field is Helen Scrivner and she is point blank open and honest. She will help you in any way she can, and keep on you to keep up with your work, and not to slack off. She can also spot who will go far, and who is faking it, from the get go.

There was only one time where FMU disappointed me, it was during the Holidays, when they knew my family and I were without power. They get together and do gift baskets and help their own. Everyone asked them to help me, and they told all of my friends and family, that I was already on their list to help. They never helped. But after wards, they told everyone they did help us and for both Holidays, which was a bold face lie. I found that ordeal upsetting. But I of course lived through it, and moved on.

They also have a CJ club. So once you sign up for Criminal Justice you instantly become a member. At orientation, they have contests and things, and prizes with the FMU logo and are awarded. They try to make you feel like you truly are getting more for your money, and a whole new family that will love and help you!

Mind you, FMU offers other fields, like Business Management, and Film and Video, and nursing, and many more. I am not sure what all they offer, I know there is a lot though. Business Management is the only field that you can get a Masters in thus far. You can get both an Associate and Bachelors in everything else though. They are currently trying to change that, as we speak.

Also FMU has an Orlando campus, and I am not totally sure, but there may be others. So if you want to try or join a school that will make you feel like you belong, and help you learn and maintain your education, work around your schedule, give FMU a try. Look them up online, I know they have an online page. Trust me, you will be glad you did. This is where I belong!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

A Few Opinions on FCAT!

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Sep 10, 2009

The FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) is a test that is issued to Students throughout the state of Florida, except for private scholars. Students that are tested are in grades three through eleven.

 

Students within the public school system are tested, the grades of all students are compiled, and then the School is listed and graded as such. Grades are A through F. And the higher the Schools score, the more funding the School gets.

A student who fails the tenth grade FCAT has the risk of not graduating. However, the student can retake the test five different times.

The FCAT is given to students in separate parts. During said FCAT testing, class schedules are rearranged, and no other activities "usually" go on so as not to "stress" the students. Teachers, during the testing time frame often are known to bring in snacks that give energy. Sometimes they also bring in drinks or healthy foods, in order to keep the children focused.

Students hate the FCAT, I have interviewed many, and the results are always the same. I interviewed students that get good grades, and ones that struggle. I wanted fair answers; and found the answers were always the same.

"I hate FCAT, and I think it sucks that we have to compete with other Schools. Who cares, all we need and want is an education. Comparing us, isn't fair at all, not every teacher is alike, and the teachers teach differently." From a sixth grader.

"All the teachers care about is FCAT. They don't care if we learn anything else!" From an eleventh grader.

"The school stresses pass the test. I hate tests. And I get good grades. But when it comes time to test, I freak out. I don't find this fair, let alone logical." Student grade twelve.

After listening to the complaints from students, I went to teachers. And they had no problems answering, especially since their names wouldn't be used. Here is what several said:

"As you may hear, FCAT is what the board of education makes us focus on. Not learning, not teaching. It's a numbers game, and they want to make it look like they are doing something." This was from a high school teacher.

"The FCAT puts the kids under a lot of unnecessary stress. You get to hear how the kids hate FCAT, well so do the teachers." From a fourth grade teacher.

As a parent, I know that I hate it. My kids get attitudes during FCAT. They are drained, and in terrible moods. And so I thought, well why not ask a few parents too. I mean, my idea when I started writing this, is to make you the public, open up your eyes, and help. Maybe if there are more people who see, do and know, maybe we can do something.

Anyway, here is what the parents are saying:

"FCAT is a fraud. All it is, is a competition, a numbers game. Something to use, to give rewards to Schools, to make the School feel worthy." A mother to three kids, ages: eleven, thirteen and fifteen.
"FCAT stresses my kids out like you would not believe. My daughter gets straight A's and on honor roll. The FCAT makes her angry, and she doesn't score very high. I don't understand the scoring, other than the fact they compare the students against one another, and their school. Then they compare them to other Schools. I don't think it is a good kind of competition." From a Mother to two, a daughter age seventeen, and son age twelve.

"I can't stand FCAT; it is too much stress on everyone." From a mother to six kids.

I decided to research FCAT online, and my favorite source for learning anything is: Wikipedia. And I read through the article, and then scrolled down to criticism. This was my favorite:

Though the system is designed to reward public schools for excellence in teaching, many educators and community members have criticized the program, claiming that the program takes funding from schools which need it most. It has also been criticized by many students and teachers because the schools put too much emphasis on the FCAT and not enough on preparing students for the real world.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FCAT

That section on criticism is very true. And I am glad that Wikipedia knows and posted that section on criticism, the truth from the public's eye.

Something needs done about FCAT. I'm not exactly saying it needs to go, but the teachers and the School, need to realize- there are many other things to learn, not just the FCAT!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

Poem Guessing Game: What Am I? #8

What Am I? #8

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Sep 1, 2007

This is a guessing game poem. I give the clues, you figure out what it is I am describing. After you have read it, in the comments section, tell us what line you figured it out by, if you in fact did!


CLUES: 

I am a place where you learn,

A place where people can be taught-

An education you will earn...

An education is what is sought.

Children attend me, sometimes adults too,

I can be any color choice, but usually am two-

I have a mascot, someone to support you,

I have many kinds of teams too!

There are many grade levels for me,

Sometimes many floors within me too,

I often have desks and chalk boards to see-

And of course there is seating too!

Once you have completed the years with me,

You should have something to show for it!

You should have some sort of degree,

But if you don't I'd sure be having a fit!

Teachers teach within me, helping you learn-

There's nothing more to say here,

But remember the degree you can earn!

Just know there are many of me, far and near!




What am I?




A School!

This is "Old Stone School" A historical Land Mark in Akron, Ohio LOOK IT UP!

Published by Deneale K. Williams

How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
May 5, 2009

When you have kids, you love them, and protect them. They are your life, and everything that you live for. You keep them innocent for as long as you can.....

 

That is until they have to go to Public School!!

The first day of Kindergarten is stressful for both the Child and the adult. And believe it or not, the child can tell, if you are upset too.

The first thing you need to do, is be strong, and try not to show that you will miss your child. Be happy and proud for your child, they are growing up!

And don't think just because you cried, or were upset with the first child, that it won't happen with the second child, because I have had 5, and it upset me each and every time!

It is scary for both the child and you......

Why?

You have to worry about the "real" World changing your child, teaching him or her bad things, and then you will worry about how you can unteach the corruption from the other children. With you, you could choose what your child learned and knew. In School, it's not just the other children, it's the teachers as well.

Your child is going to worry, if it is safe without you. After all, most of us taught our children not to talk to strangers, yet here you are throwing your child right into a group of them! Your child is going to worry about making friends, and will he or she be as smart as the other children, to say the least.
It is best to prepare your child. Have a sit down every few days before School starts. And not in the format of a lecture. Pull up a chair, and a coloring book, and color together. Nonchalantly as the two of you are talking, bring up the subject of School.

"You're so lucky, Timmy. When I was in School, I loved it! I had so many friends! My favorite class was gym. I wonder what yours will be?"

This opens a door for discussion, and then it eases the pain. Your child thinks about your times, what you did, and how you want him or her to go, and how you miss it.

Do not sit there, reminiscing about the bad times, when you were in the Principals office getting swats or what not! This is not going to be a positive affect if you do this!

Children love to hear stories of our own Childhood. It makes us as the Parents seem more realistic. Not just a Mommy and Daddy figure. And if you can make the transition from being a baby, and a toddler to a School kid any easier, you will not regret it in the long run.

Once you take your child to School the first day, do not get emotional. Simply take him or her in, introduce them to the teacher, (thus resolving the "stranger" issue) and ask the teacher where your child should sit. Hopefully there will be another child there sitting too, so once you sit your child down- maybe it can make a friend right off. If no one is there, or you are even too early, maybe the teacher will let you sit down a few minutes with your child and wait. Show no fear, don't cry, and don't act like you are in a rush, and can't wait to get away. You too, need to relax. If your child starts talking to someone else, let them. Don't interfere. Once your child gets wrapped up in another conversation, try to sneak away. Hopefully your child won't even notice.

If your child is a crier, and insists that you stay, chances have it, your child will not be the only one. Most kindergarten teachers will allow the parents to stay, to make the transition easier on everyone, including the teacher. Remember to relax, and most of all, act proud that your child is going to School. Smile, and be patient. There will be a time when the time is right, to leave, you will know.
If the crying and not wanting you to leave lasts more then two days, there are some serious issues that need resolved. You need to put your foot down, you need to enforce that it is time for your child to grow up, that he or she cannot be a baby any longer. Keep using the word baby. No, it is not 'name calling!" You are simply pointing out that once you are no longer a baby, there are things you are expected to do. Point out things that babies do, they get baby bottles, breast fed, and diapers. Now point out that your child no longer needs these things. But instead, your child now needs Schooling.
Explain intensely the purpose of School. To educate and grow up and maybe become a Doctor or Nurse. Or how about a fireman? Build ideas in your child's head, things that he or she can do and be when they grow up. Talk about recess, friends, and gym class. If you have a neighbor friend that attends School, remind your child of this. Even a relative who attends School. Point out how much fun they have, and how they get to play and do things. While you're at it, if your child can spell his or her name, or even count and say its ABC's. remind them, they might need to help their friends learn that. Point out to your child that you educated them a little in advance before School started to help them out. Make it seem interesting that they will be able to share what they have already learned, and maybe even help the teacher! Keeping positive is always a good way to get what you want or need as a Parent in most any case.

A friend of mine, had problems with her Child, and became so fed up, that she put her five year old back into the diaper and made a bottle and put her to bed, without TV. Then when company came, she pointed out that her daughter could not come out and play or visit, that she was choosing to be a baby, and refusing to go to School. Her child whimpered and cried in the bed, and eventually fell to sleep. When the Mothers alarm went off for School the next morning, she walked into her daughters room and asked, "So what's it going to be Baby?" Her daughter answered with, "I want to go to School Mommy, I'm a big girl!"

As with anything, each Child is different, just like you and I. It also depends, because we all have different rules, and how we raise our Children. Everyone has different techniques and we could sit here all day reminiscing and discussing them. You simply have to find your niche, and learn from it. And if you have more then one child, remember this: no two are alike. If you think you have it mastered, trust me-- you don't!

Published by Deneale K. Williams