Thinktank issues warning about single national formula to calculate funding for under-16 pupils in England

One in six schools could see their budgets cut by at least 10% under government plans to shake up education funding in England, economists have warned.

Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) thinktank shows secondary schools and some of the most deprived parts of the country stand to lose the most from the changes.

Ministers want to introduce a single national formula to calculate how much funding each school receives for pupils under the age of 16.

Local authorities currently decide how to allocate funds. Some prioritise schools with high numbers of children with special needs; others choose to allocate more to schools where many pupils do not speak fluent English.

The IFS report – School Funding Reform: an empirical analysis of options for a national funding formula – warns the coalition proposals could lead to “significant, sustained losses” for some state schools.

However, it found one in 10 schools could have their budgets increased by 10% or more under the changes, which could be phased in as early as 2013.

Schools, particularly secondaries in Liverpool, Wigan, Coventry, Wolverhampton and north-east Lincolnshire, could lose the most under a single formula, while Islington in north London, Derbyshire and Warwickshire could be among the biggest winners, the researchers say.

This is because the number of pupils in these areas may have risen or fallen dramatically since 2003, but the level of funding may not have been altered to address this. Little has changed in the way schools are funded since early in the new millennium.

The researchers said there was wide variation between schools across the country. Last year, some primary schools received £3,000 per pupil; others were awarded twice as much. Secondary school allocations ranged from £4,000-£7,000 per pupil.

Luke Sibieta, senior research economist at the IFS and co-author of the report, said the crucial question for the government was “whether the advantages of a national formula – simplicity, transparency and responsiveness of funding – exceed the costs that the adjustment process would entail”.

He said: “Maintaining the status quo is unlikely to be desirable … Without reform, school funding may become less transparent and less related to educational needs over time.”

Malcolm Trobe, policy director of the Association of School and College Leaders, said he favoured a single national funding formula and described the current system as “inequitable”.

A Department for Education spokesman said the report was based on “assumptions of what a funding formula might look like”.

He said: “No decisions have yet been made on a future school funding system and we will take our time to get the detail right, phasing in any reforms over a number of years.

“The introduction of a new formula would inevitably mean that some schools would receive more funding and some would receive less. We would however put in place transitional arrangements to ensure that schools do not experience sharp changes to their budgets.”

online school degrees

With customizable scheduling and at-your-desktop virtual classrooms, online degree programs have been able to offer college educations to students who might otherwise be unable to attend a college or university — whether you’re a stay-at-home parent who can’t make the commute or a full-time professional who can’t attend classes on a typical college schedule.

Considering an online education but concerned about how you’ll pay for it? In general, you have the same financial aid options at accredited online degree programs as at brick-and-mortar schools — from federal grants, student loans, and parent loans to private student loans.

Top Online Colleges of 2008

Last month, the Online Education Database released its second annual Online College Rankings of the top 41 undergraduate online degree programs in the country. The OEDb rated online programs in eight categories, including acceptance rate, student-faculty ratio, and availability of financial aid.

Upper Iowa University ranked number one on the OEDb’s list, followed by LeTourneau University at number two and Liberty University at number three.

Best Online Colleges for Availability of Financial Aid

In addition to its overall rankings, the OEDb provided rankings in each of the eight individual categories that make up the overall rankings. In the financial aid category, the OEDb ranked schools based on the percentage of the schools’ students who receive financial aid.

Of the top ten schools in the financial aid availability category, nine schools offer financial aid to at least 95 percent of their students, with three schools offering financial aid to a full 100 percent:

1.?? Salem International University 100%

2. Upper Iowa University 100%

3. Westwood College 100%

4. Fisher College 99%

5. LeTourneau University 99%

6. Liberty University 99%

7. Post University 97%

8. Tiffin University 96%

9. Florida National College 95%

10. Nova Southeastern University 94%

Financial Aid Options and Student Loans for Online Students

You can generally take advantage of the same federal financial aid options and student loans at most accredited online schools and programs as you would at a college with a physical campus. Like brick-and-mortar students, you’ll need to fill out a FAFSA each year and meet the standard eligibility requirements in order to qualify to receive federal financial aid.

Federal Pell Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and never have to be repaid.

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Federal Stafford Student Loans include both need-based subsidized student loans and non–need-based unsubsidized student loans. Both types of Stafford student loans carry a fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent.

Federal PLUS Loans are non–need-based college loans awarded to the parents of dependent undergraduate students, with a fixed interest rate of 8.5 percent.

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Institutional financial aid includes any scholarships, grants, or student loans your school may award out of its own endowment. These institutional awards may be merit-based, need-based or both.

Private student loans are credit-based student loans issued by private student loan lenders. Private student loans may be able to provide the additional financial assistance you need when the education-related costs of your online degree program exceed your available federal and institutional financial aid.

Private student loans typically have no application deadlines, so you can apply at any point throughout the year, even if you missed the deadline to apply for federal financial aid. Federal college loans typically offer more attractive terms than private student loans, so you should always look into your federal financing options first.

Student Loan Consolidation for Online Students

Once you graduate, you may still have student loan consolidation options available to you that could help you lower your monthly student loan payments or give you more time to repay.

Federal Consolidation Loans are available to consolidate your eligible federal parent or student loans.

If you have private student loans in addition to (or instead of) federal student loans, you may be able to consolidate your private student loans separately with a private student loan consolidation program.

Business

A bachelor of business in administration offers a variety of career paths. Many people are pursuing their online degree in business including business communications, information technology, e-business, accounting business management and much more, making it the single most popular undergraduate program in the nation.

Culinary Artist

If you have a love for food, then a culinary degree can lead to an exciting and fulfilling career.

Computers

A bachelors of science in Computer Science and Information Systems are both offered online and are usually flexible, offering students comprehensive education in computers in areas such as web development, databases and security among others.

Visual Communications

If you like working with graphics design, animation, illustration and drawing is truly passionate about communicating your ideas and concept through visual media, then this could be a career path for you.

Arts & Liberal Studies

Online Arts and Liberal studies degree programs will give you a wide ranging education covering everything from science to history to human nature, among others. An online major in liberal studies provides you with a wide range of knowledge of the broader world.

Health

Nurses (RN to BSN) are in high demand and is expected to grow at a fast pace due to the current shortage of nurses across the country. There are also medical-related programs such as: medical assisting, health administration, medical transcription, psychology, health care management to choose from.

Education

If you are already in the teaching profession an advanced degree from an accredited online institution can also increase your job opportunities, earnings and career advancements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, education is now one of the second largest industries in the United States, employing over 2.7 million.

Interior Design

Thinking of a career in Interior design? Interior designers work with clients and other design professionals to plan develop and design functional and attractive plans that will meet the needs of their clients.

Legal

Most of the top online colleges and universities offer associate and bachelor degrees in criminal justice, homeland security, criminal justice, forensic and much more. Criminal Justice is one of the most popular online undergraduate degree programs for students.

Engineering

Some of the most popular fields in engineering are: computer information systems, software development, game and simulation programming and networking. Engineers are always in demand.

I hope the top 10 most popular online college majors will give you an idea about what to major in. These are my personal selection of the top 10 most popular online college majors. If your pick is not listed, please feel free to let us know about them in the comments section below.

Why Electronics Engineering Technology?

All of today’s booming industrial sectors like telecommunications, medical equipment, control systems, automotive systems, navigational systems, and of course, the consumer appliances sector are bringing out everything from mobile phones to home theatres, and require expertise in Electronics Engineering more than anything else, which explains the demand for Electronics Engineering professionals.

However, to attempt the field through an Engineering Degree can be taxing to those students who are not interested in taking advanced level mathematics (calculus) courses that an Engineering Degree requires, or to endure its long 4-year time frame. For such students, Electronics Engineering Technology is a great option, with its stress on applied or hands-on Electronics Engineering rather than the mathematics-dense and research-oriented Electronics Engineering. The time frame also is much shorter, with an Electronics Engineering Technician requiring only a 2-year Associate Degree to enter the field.

The job opportunities too are tilted in favor of Electronics Engineering Technicians when compared with Electronics Engineers; there are 182,000 Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians working in USA, compared with only 143,000 Electronics Engineers. The only drawbacks – a lower level in the hierarchy and the lower starting salaries than Electronics Engineers – can be overcome in the long run, since interested Electronics Engineering Technicians can study further for a 4-year Bachelors Degree, thus qualifying for the senior position of Electronics Engineering Technologist, who enjoys a position and salary comparable to Electronics Engineers. Average salary for Electronics Engineering Senior Technicians / Technologists is US $46,000, very comparable to salaries for Electronics Engineers at US $52,000.

Why Electronics Engineering Technology Distance Learning?

It is estimated that job opportunities for Electronics Engineering Technicians and Technologists would grow at up to 17% every year, for nearly the next 10 years. The requirement of an Associate Degree for entering the field is a relatively recent phenomenon, and a significant percentage of working Electronics Engineering Technicians doesn’t have such a formal degree. The industry preference to degree holders is encouraging such working professionals to get an Associate Degree, and electronics engineering technology distance learning becomes the natural choice. Also, due to the boom in the sector, those already having an Associate Degree will go for a Bachelors Degree so that they can work as a Technologist. And, of course, the growth prospects in the sector are attracting working professionals from other fields to Electronics Engineering Technology. These three factors are driving the huge demand for electronics engineering technology distance learning courses.

Earlier, there were technological hindrances to deliver such a hands-on course through a distance or online model. However, with the development of state-of-the-art systems like National Instruments’ LabVIEW/ELVIS (Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite), which can be used by remote students through a web browser, to virtually perform any electronics experiment, the demand for Electronics Engineering Distance Learning courses are at an all-time high.

Universities and Colleges Offering Electronics Engineering Technology Distance Learning

Electronics engineering technology distance learning courses offer both 2-year Associate and 4-year Bachelors Degrees. While Community Colleges and Institutes dominate the Associate Degree scene, Universities and Polytechnics are the primary sources for Bachelors Degrees. While searching for electronics engineering technology distance learning courses, it should be kept in mind that many US institutions still call the subject Electrical Engineering Technology.

Associate Degrees

Many Community Colleges and Institutes offer 2-year Associate Degrees for electronics engineering technology distance learning, but fully accredited courses are fewer. Whether for employment as an Electronics Engineering Technician or for further pursuance of a Bachelors Degree, it is always better to go for an accredited course. Cleveland Institute of Electronics (CIE), Penn Foster Career School, and Grantham University are three institutions that offer accredited Associate Degrees in the subject.

CIE’s Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Electronics Engineering Technology boasts of many unique features. Designed from the ground up as a distance learning course, rather than an online adaptation of a regular course, the CIE A.A.S. provides everything that an electronics engineering technology distance learning student might require, in a packaged fashion – complete with printed courseware for over 250 self-paced lessons, videos, and detailed instructions for the over 300 hands-on lab experiments. The only thing missing will be access to an Oscilloscope, and the CIE Bookstore even sells Oscilloscopes at discounted prices to its students! One-to-one instructor support is always available for students. Even the exams can be taken online. A really unique feature of the course is that interested and capable students can complete the course in half or even quarter time, and need only pay for that!

Penn Foster Career School offers an Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) in Electronics Technology, that can be completed fully online, with access to an internet-connected computer being the only requirement. Tuition includes well-written and amply-illustrated printed courseware, tools and equipment for experiments, and unlimited instructor support through website, phone, email, and regular mail. Online open-book exams and end-of-semester proctored exams are other features of this course. The course is self-paced, with longer than 2-year durations allowed.

Grantham University offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Electronics Engineering Technology through the distance mode. The tuition package for the course includes textbooks, lesson guides, grading of all tests, mailing of materials and graded tests from the college, consultation with instructors, and required software. Proctored exams are conducted at the end of every semester, which lend more credibility to this course. Consultation with instructors is available through phone, fax, email, and regular mail. To better facilitate the distance mode of the course, Grantham University even provides a discounted option for its students to buy computers from Dell. However, the main advantage of this course is that full credit transfer is possible to Grantham’s Bachelors Degree in the subject. Grantham is especially popular with military students.

Bachelors Degrees

When it comes to Bachelors Degrees for electronics engineering technology distance learning, even courses with accreditation from the Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET) are available.

Old Dominion University offers its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering Technology, with Electrical Engineering Technology as Major, and Electrical Systems Technology as optional. The course name follows the earlier US convention of naming Electronics Engineering courses as Electrical Engineering courses. This B.S. indeed has significant stress on Electronics Engineering Technology. In-depth coverage of Electronics includes Linear Electronics, Digital Controls, Microprocessors, Communications, Control Systems etc. High-tech delivery methods like virtual laboratory, streaming video, and satellite broadcast for 1-way video and 2-way audio, are fully utilized. The course is accredited by TAC of ABET.

World College, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Cleveland Institute of Electronics (CIE), offers a Bachelor of Electronics Engineering Technology (BEET) through the distance mode. Features include over 300 lab experiments, online exams, and toll free phones and email for consultation with instructors. Subjects covered include Electronics, Computer Technology, Telecommunications, Electrical Power, and Control Systems. Access to a computer and an oscilloscope are necessary.

Grantham University (described above, under Associate Degrees) also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electronics Engineering Technology.

The only current limiting factor for electronics engineering technology distance learning seems to be the high costs for implementing virtual labs that can be simultaneously accessed by a large number of students, and once this is solved by better and economical hardware and software, electronics engineering technology distance learning will be provided by more and more Universities, Colleges, and Polytechnic Institutes.

Business

The economic climate have spurned a high interest in business related subjects as many students either want to have an understanding of the financial world to either capitalize on its offerings or prevent themselves from falling into the abyss of financial failure. This is a highly competitive field of study that requires constant upgrade to keep in tune with it trends and bends. This degree is offered at all levels of education such as the Associate, Bachelor, Master and PhD levels.

Criminal Justice

Graduates of an Online Criminal Justice Degree program have access to high paying jobs and a well-respected profession. This lures many students to pursue online degrees in criminal justice. In addition, the satisfaction of performing a service to the community by the pursuit of justice adds another dimension to the profession. Some of the areas included in this profession are law enforcement, security services and forensic science.

Art and Design

Despite the harsh economic climate, individuals still view public spaces, good architecture, graphic designs and animations as means of releasing the tension and stresses of everyday life. As a result, there is a steady demand for qualified artists, draftsmen and graphic designers who can create these products for public consumption. These individuals command credible salaries that attract many students to pursue online courses in this field.

Computer Science

The field of computer science has become so wide and diverse as we now include computers in every aspect of our lives. As a result, many students flock to online computer science degree programs to exploit the many job opportunities that the profession offers. Computer science offers job opportunities in industries such a manufacturing, tourism, finance, health, web development and communications.

Education

One positive spin off from the economic meltdown is the vast amounts of individuals who are upgrading their education and a form of retooling. This has created many job opportunities for online teachers who are required to teach this army of online students. As a result, many individuals, including working professionals pursue online teaching courses so that they can be qualified to teach in online institutions.

Engineering

Online engineering degree programs are a mainstay of online universities. No matter what type of hype is created about other online degree programs, the online degree in engineering remains a favorite. Surveys show that most of the demand however has shifted from bachelors programs to engineering programs at the postgraduate level as many working professionals seek to upgrade their qualification without interrupting their regular schedule.

Even traditional students and people who are pursuing tertiary education while at the same time working (part time students) prefer to complete their college degrees through the Internet.

Hector Milla Editor of the “Online Degrees In USA” website — http://www.OnlineDegreesUSA.org — pointed out;

“…This allure could be logically attributed to a mixture of cheaper costs, increase in prominence of online college degrees, and of course convenience. Online college degrees are perfect for working students and those who are already old and embarrassed to attend to traditional school…”

Almost all college degrees now are offered online. Of course, there are still several programs that could not be possibly taught through the internet. If you are considering taking an online diploma, you should first check out if your preferred program is offered online. Thus, online college degrees are classified into different categories and groups. What are the most popular and sought-after online college degrees?

In general, popular online college degree programs are those that are focusing on professional careers or practical discipline. They are more sought after than the more generalized college degrees like those that are often offered at traditional classroom based universities and colleges.

Associate degrees are also becoming popular among online students in comparison to bachelor’s degrees through Internet learning. This is because numerous students seek online college degrees as an entry into workforce as quickly as they possibly could. Some prefer online courses that could help them accelerate their own careers and promotion. Many students also intend to use associate degrees as stepping stones so they could land better jobs and then eventually go on or continue to pursue their bachelor’s degree while at the same time working in full time.

Specifically, the most popular among all online college degrees is Business Administration. The degree could easily and comfortably translate into any industry as it is purely based on basic business skills and important management techniques that are required by companies and business organizations. Lower level employees, administrative assistants, and secretaries often try hard to earn online college degrees in Business Management or Business Administration because they aim to be eventually perceived as ideal ‘promotion materials.’ Online degree in accounting is also popular in the same way as demand continues to rise for qualified bookkeepers and account managers. Accountants could also easily move across different industries.

“…Computer science courses are taking the second lead after business and accounting courses. Governments all over the world believe that skills in database management and computer programming would continue to rise indefinitely. Thus, online college degrees on such programs are often regarded as excellent investment into the future. Computer science programs are also easily facilitated online for obvious reasons…” added H. Milla.

Lastly, medicine is another field that is embracing online college degrees. Online students who want to earn degrees in healthcare, medical reimbursement, and health management programs are increasing in volume. This is logical as healthcare experts are fast establishing their importance in the job industry. Online college degrees in this specific area could easily take entry level and even management posts quickly.

Further information about how to get an online degree and financial aid by visiting; http://www.OnlineDegreesUSA.org

The most popular online college degrees tend to be those that focus on a particular professional career or practical discipline rather than more generalized degrees such as those offered by traditional campus-based colleges or universities. There are also a higher percentage of students pursuing associate degrees as opposed to bachelor’s degrees through online learning. Part of this is because many students seeking an online college degree are seeking to enter the workforce as quickly as possible or are already working and want to improve their chances of promotion. Another reason seems to be that online students prefer to obtain associate online college degrees so that they can take advantage of it in terms of a better job, and then continue with a bachelor’s degree while working full time.

Professional Online College Degrees are Industry Focused

Overall the most popular discipline at online colleges is Business Administration. This is a degree that can translate into any number of industries because it is based on business skills and management techniques that almost any type of company can benefit from. Secretaries and lower level employees often study for online college degrees in Business Administration or Business Management so that they are more likely to be perceived as “promotion material.” Another popular degree program is accounting; an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting is always in demand by companies that are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified account managers and bookkeepers.

Computer science degrees at all levels are second only to business administration with students pursuing online college degrees. Because the government predicts that the demand for employees with computer programming and database management skills will continue to increase indefinitely, these degrees are an excellent investment in anyone’s future.

Medicine is another industry that is desperately in need of qualified individuals with a degree or diploma in a healthcare related area such as medical reimbursement or healthcare management. With the healthcare crisis now facing the United States, experts in understanding how healthcare insurance works and who can manage facilities seamlessly are in short supply. Online college degrees in this area can take an individual from an entry-level position to management quickly.

Online College Degree Programs Keep Pace with Industry Changes

Online college degree programs keep pace with industry changes and shifts in professional demand because they have certain advantages over traditional colleges. Online colleges don’t need additional space or facilities to add new programs to their curriculum. When they notice an emerging trend, they can offer a new program as soon as they have located and hired the appropriate instructors. These instructors are usually industry leaders themselves, and they are able to provide instruction that covers the most recent innovations in their industry because many remain a part of the industry, something typical college professors aren’t able to do because of scheduling conflicts.

A perfect example of a program that was non-existent a decade ago is Criminal Justice. Students can pursue an online college degree in Criminal Justice from several excellent online colleges. In fact, criminal justice surpassed health care degrees in popularity at online colleges for the first time this past year.

To find out more about the new and evolving opportunities for an online education, contact admissions counselors to discuss your options. They will know the trends and statistics to help you choose the particular college degree program to carry you into a successful future.