WordCloud

Create a word cloud ( a visual word poster) at http://www.tagxedo.com.

Use words that pertain to anything related to High School or school in general.

Use the controls listed on the left hand side of the site to change the color, fonts and shape of the cloud.

• Save it as a jpg. (filename: your first name cloud)
• download it to your computer
• upload it to your blog. (Use either add a gadget for a side picture or new posting/add a picture for a larger graphic)

What do parents or students think of their school?

Two websites can be very helpful in giving you an insider's view about a school.

Inside Schools ( http:insideschools.org/high)
Great Schools (http://greatschools.org)

Among the rating shown - one is a score out of 10 on how the school did on the state tests.
Another review is how the community sees the school & it's services.
Also, Students & parents give reviews o what they think about the school.

Look up the reviews on the schools you are interested in and post your findings on your blog.
would this information help you decide to to go or not go to a particular school.

Schools I'm Interested in Post

Sample:

I would like to become a teacher.
Some of the high schools that have teacher prep programs:

High School for Teaching and the Professions
Program X32A
Humanities & Interdisciplinary
Bronx students are given priority
The school is small- about 465 students, however, the graduation rate is about than 67% and the school report card grade is a B.
Their webpage is http://hstnp.newvisionsk12.org/

Looking up & Recording High Schools

Record the important information for each high school you look up in new posts.

Click on the OnlineHigh SChool Directory Link (on my blog or yours).

This will take you to a page called: School Search

Locate on the left of the page Narrow Your Search and click that link

This extended page has sections for more sub-categories.

Click on Interest Areas

You will see the categories below:

• Animal Science
• Architecture
• Business
• Communications
• Computer Science & Technology
• Cosmetology
• Culinary Arts
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Film/Video
• Health Professions
• Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

• Humanities & Interdisciplinary
• JROTC
• Law & Government
• Performing Arts
• Performing Arts/Visual Art & Design
• Science & Math
• Teaching
• Visual Art & Design
• Zoned

Cancel

Click on a category that you are interested in. Select a borough to travel to for high school.

Click on the Apply button

A list of High Schools will appear on the left. The map on the right will be numbered for each high school listed.

Click on one school or map number at at time .

You will see links for that school that read Website, Statistics & Admissions

The Admissions link will take you to the school's high school directory page, where you can get more information pertaining to school programs, partners, application code & other important information.

Keep track of the:

Program name, Program Code and other information that you find important.

My Dream School

Which High School school would you like MOST to go to?

On the right of my page is a logo of HS of Art & Design, my alma mater, and to the left is a graphic of the school, located on Second Avenue, & 57th Street in Manhattan. I loved being in the city as a teenager.

My high school experience helped prepare me to decide to become an Art Teacher.

Task:

Select either Design (add gadget) or New Post (graphic icon on menu bar):

1. Search the Internet for a graphic or a logo of your dream school.

2. Isolate the image from it's background by selecting 'Full Size' and copy & paste the URL into the URL field.

3. Write a caption about the school and why you chose it.

What does this particular school have to offer you?

Personality & Career - Take the Career Tests

There are several sites where you can take free, online career tests. These tests are usually multiple choice questions that ask you to rate your likes and dislikes on different topics according to your interests and personality.

Take a test from at least two of the links below:

http://similarminds.com/career.html

http://www.colorwize.com/colorme.asp

http://www.kidzworld.com/quiz/2815-quiz-whats-your-job-personality

http://teenagesurvival.com/user/register ( you must register, Use your gmail username)

Write what you learned about yourself on a new post on your blog.

What type personality did the test reveal? How well do you recognize yourself?

What professions/careers did the test say you were suitable for?

Do you agree with the results?

My Interests Continued...

In addition to programs based on your interests, sports, or other school teams and activities.....

Would I do better in a large school or one of the new smaller ones?
How far away am I willing to travel for a school that has a program I'm interested in?
How safe is the school and the community it's located in?
Is a parochial, private or boarding school better for me?

Refer to the Student Interest Surveys on your desktop for complete Questionaire & Explanation:

Write a 2-3 paragraph post using questions 4, 5, and 6 to guide you.

Include your rationale as to the commitment you are making for your choices based on class discussion

Remember that these issues are for you to analyze what is important to YOU.

My Interests

Matching your interests and hobbies with programs that the schools have makes your high school experience more meaningful. Any dream, skill, talent, or ability you have can be nurtured in the right surroundings and lead the way to a future career.

1. What hobbies and interests do you have?
2. Do you like to participate in sports, cheerleading, chess or drama clubs?
3. Is writing, art, music, science, or other subjects important to you?

Refer to the Student Interest Surveys on your desktop for complete Questionaire & Explanation:

• Write a detailed post (2-3 paragraphs) based on the Student Interest Survey Items 1, 2, 3 & 7.
• Include hobbies, interests, strengths, self-assessment & future learning goals in your post.
• Explain why using your interests is a valuable component for choosing a high school.