Ideas for an article

[okiemom]

I know quite a few people with kids around the same age as my youngest son. When I mention that he'll be graduating from high school with fifty college credit hours, most of them look at me like I'm out of my mind. I've tried to explain concurrent enrollment, clep test and so on and have been met with with strange looks and odd comments. The general attitude is their high school counceler takes care of that type of thing.

So, I contacted one of our local papers to see if they had considered running articles about alternate means of earning college credit for both high schools and adults. They're response was "If you'll write it, we've publish it."

I'm going for it. I'm trying to decide whether to write one article for both adults and high school students or whether to write two separate articles.

Any suggestions and ideas will be deeply appreciated.

[morfritz]

Write three. One for both, one for/on adults, and the third for/on teenagers. Awesome idea!!

[Levi]

I think this is great...Let me think about it, and I may get back with you about ideas.

[up2late]

Hi Okiemom,

Outstanding, I love proactivity... Just start writing the article as one piece, by the time you are done you will likely end up with enough information to split apart into the two groups you mentioned.
I often write pieces with several things in mind, I use character indicators to remind myself that a bit of information might be specific to a certain aspect of the piece. For instance, many times I will use an * (before and after a sentence) to indicate that I have written several versions of a sentence, and I will decide later on which one I like best. Once you start thinking that way it becomes easy. Very often I have a new idea while I'm writing a piece; I use the same kind of approach.
The most important thing is write it... you have your premise, don't get caught up in the mechanics... It's an excellent idea for an article something every parent and student should be thinking about; and by the way, most high schools and colleges might not like the article, as it disturbs the "educational business" model that is so prevalent now..

When you are done please post a link on this board, I would love to read the piece...

Thanks, Up2late (gotta go to bed....:p )

[P00057870]

Some great suggestions here, but why not write as suggested in general and breaking out.

First one would be general introduction to concept and sharing a little about your and your son's journey, with a "to be continued" type of link, leading into the other articles and saying what will be forthcoming.

Then pick whoever you think has the most priority. Perhaps high school students need to be planning now for next year or even some summer activities.

They also need to know about the AP tests. What I don't know about the AP tests, is: Can anyone take them or do they have to be high school students who are currently registered in AP classes at the time of taking the test. You probably know the answer to that question. Also, can self-studying adults choose to take AP tests for credit? Does anyone know the answer to this question? If so, perhaps some suggestions on how to go about this and who to contact to set up, etc.

Adults might be next.

Perhaps a wrap up article summarizing some experiences and those who have gone before. Perhaps some of the persons posting will let you use some direct quotes.

Who knows... Perhaps this might lead into some articles about specific colleges or universities, like EC and TESC, or others who allow for other opportunities. What about one directed at opportunities for those in the military or their spouses. For example, our technical school has just been approved by the military (US government) for our online medical records transcriptoin program to get all expenses paid for military spouses, enabling them to get skills in a career that is without borders and allowing them to work from anywhere in the world.

This could become a full-time job for you -- especially at a time where people need retraining but also need to save money.

GOOD LUCK!

Judy

[barcotta]

I know quite a few people with kids around the same age as my youngest son. When I mention that he'll be graduating from high school with fifty college credit hours, most of them look at me like I'm out of my mind. I've tried to explain concurrent enrollment, clep test and so on and have been met with with strange looks and odd comments. The general attitude is their high school counceler takes care of that type of thing.

So, I contacted one of our local papers to see if they had considered running articles about alternate means of earning college credit for both high schools and adults. They're response was "If you'll write it, we've publish it."

I'm going for it. I'm trying to decide whether to write one article for both adults and high school students or whether to write two separate articles.

Any suggestions and ideas will be deeply appreciated.

So...have you had an opportunity to write your article yet???