High School Talks on Online Learning, Education System Basics Planned

Madison High School's guidance department has added two programs to its popular Conversations with Counselors lineup—"Understanding the American Education System" and "MOOC's: All you Need to Know," the department announced Friday.

“Our aim is to educate, inform and enlighten the community about a range of topics so that together we can help our students be successful," director of guidance Brett Levine said. "Responding to the needs of the families we serve and our desire to address ‘hot’ topics in education led us to develop these two new offerings.”

"Understanding the American Education System" will be held in the school’s Library Media Center 7p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. A simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided by an interpreter. Guidance counselor Brooke Mascia recognized a need for this session after speaking to several parents.

“I realized that for parents who were educated outside of the United States, even the most basic aspects of our system can be quite confusing,” she said.

Topics covered will include:

• How American schools are organized, managed, and funded

• Understanding terms such as GPA, CCC, AP, SAT, IEP, HSPA

On March 20 at 5 p.m., also in the Library Media Center, the department will present an informative session about MOOCs—Massive Open Online Courses.

The discussion will explore whether the online courses are a major shift in higher education, how MOOCs can be used as a cost-effective way to supplement one’s education, and some of the other online resources available to high school students.

"Come take part in what is bound to be a lively discussion about these virtual learning communities," the announcement says.

There is no need to RSVP for either session. For more information call Levine at 973-593-3117 ext. 3129