dask
12-09 03:42 PM
Hey Dask, I am a 31 JAN 2002 PD too! Did not not receive any FP notice recently.
Sent u a private mail
Sent u a private mail
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EndlessWait
12-07 03:09 PM
databases for CSC and NSC are aligned and then notices are sent automatically. Unless that happens one has to wait to get the FP notice.
its so weird, Oh USCIS have mercy on us. go IV
its so weird, Oh USCIS have mercy on us. go IV
like_watching_paint_dry
07-13 09:56 PM
Regardless of the nature of the outcome from USCIS, I think we should all take 5-10 minutes out of our busy lives and all the "predicting" and dash off a quick note of thanks to Congresswoman Lofgren for taking our cause to heart and using her position to ask the right questions that has led USCIS to consider some action to alleviate the pain they caused us by creating this mess. I figured we could show our appreciation for what she did to help us out.
Just a thought.....
Just a thought.....
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namm80
04-07 10:18 PM
H1B extension beyond 6 yrs is possible under 2 circumstances:
a) Labor was filed atleast 365 days before H1B expiry date - which makes you eligible for 1 year extension (NOTE: this does not depend on priority date being current/retrogressed).
b) I-140 has been approved and priority dates are retrogressed. This makes you eligible for 3 yr extension.
So CADude should get 1 yr extension is worst case.
Coming back to your scenario, i don't think you neccessarily need copies of I-140/LC to get H1B xfr. If you have receipt #s of either, you attorney should be able to file H1B xfr case. I know of people who did that in my company. Take a printout of DOL/USCIS case status information if you have receipt # available. If you don't have receipt # as well, then i am afraid, you are out of luck and AC-21 is the only option.
ok gurus here's my situation..
1) Employer A filed my green card and I140 is approved and its been more than 180 days since 485 is filed.. no issue here... recently got my 3-year H1 extension from employer A till 2011. this extension is for 7th, 8th and 9th year... so have already crossed 6 year limit.
2) got an offer and accepted the offer from employer B and employer A does not provide any info regaring labor or I-140...
3) Since H1 extension is based on my green card application, to do a transfer or renewal, copies of I140 and labor is required (according to company B's lawyer)
4) So in this case i'm forced to use EAD and company B's lawyer are evaluating if old and new job description are same or similar...
so now my question is, is it true that transfer/renew of H1 after 6 years without the copy of I140 or labor from employer other than the one filed for your green card, not allowed? is there anything that can be done in this case?
thanks guys..
a) Labor was filed atleast 365 days before H1B expiry date - which makes you eligible for 1 year extension (NOTE: this does not depend on priority date being current/retrogressed).
b) I-140 has been approved and priority dates are retrogressed. This makes you eligible for 3 yr extension.
So CADude should get 1 yr extension is worst case.
Coming back to your scenario, i don't think you neccessarily need copies of I-140/LC to get H1B xfr. If you have receipt #s of either, you attorney should be able to file H1B xfr case. I know of people who did that in my company. Take a printout of DOL/USCIS case status information if you have receipt # available. If you don't have receipt # as well, then i am afraid, you are out of luck and AC-21 is the only option.
ok gurus here's my situation..
1) Employer A filed my green card and I140 is approved and its been more than 180 days since 485 is filed.. no issue here... recently got my 3-year H1 extension from employer A till 2011. this extension is for 7th, 8th and 9th year... so have already crossed 6 year limit.
2) got an offer and accepted the offer from employer B and employer A does not provide any info regaring labor or I-140...
3) Since H1 extension is based on my green card application, to do a transfer or renewal, copies of I140 and labor is required (according to company B's lawyer)
4) So in this case i'm forced to use EAD and company B's lawyer are evaluating if old and new job description are same or similar...
so now my question is, is it true that transfer/renew of H1 after 6 years without the copy of I140 or labor from employer other than the one filed for your green card, not allowed? is there anything that can be done in this case?
thanks guys..
more...
milind70
07-24 02:39 PM
Hello Guys,
My attorney send I485,AP, EAD application to USCIS with my present passport. This passport expires on August 08, 2007. Will there be any problems for this? Please let me know. Thanks......
I think you are okay ,please apply for a new passport as soon as possible.
My attorney send I485,AP, EAD application to USCIS with my present passport. This passport expires on August 08, 2007. Will there be any problems for this? Please let me know. Thanks......
I think you are okay ,please apply for a new passport as soon as possible.
purgan
12-08 03:47 PM
Mike Huckabee is fast emerging as the leading Republican Presidential Candidate, and has a commanding lead in Iowa.
While all other leading Repub contenders: McCain, Guiliani, Romney and Thompson, have expressed support for strengthening and increasing high skilled immigration, not much was known about Huckabee as he was in State Government previously.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Newsroom.PressRelease&ID=412
Modernize the Process of Legal Immigration:
Increase visas for highly-skilled and highly-educated applicants.
Improve our immigration process so that those patiently and responsibly seeking to come here legally will not have to wait decades to share in the American dream.
Mark Krikorian's entry on Huckabee's plan. Naturally he's not happy with Any increase on immigration even if there are cuts in other areas...but who cares....every one of the likely Repub Presidential Candidates support increasing High Skill Immigration.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YzI5MjhhNmQwZjhjMTNlOTgyNGQxN2NkNjQ3ZmIzNzM=
The leading Democrats - Clinton, Obama and Edwards- also support increasing High Skill Immigration. I hope the Congressional leaders take note of what their future Chief Executives are saying...and ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING!!!
While all other leading Repub contenders: McCain, Guiliani, Romney and Thompson, have expressed support for strengthening and increasing high skilled immigration, not much was known about Huckabee as he was in State Government previously.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Newsroom.PressRelease&ID=412
Modernize the Process of Legal Immigration:
Increase visas for highly-skilled and highly-educated applicants.
Improve our immigration process so that those patiently and responsibly seeking to come here legally will not have to wait decades to share in the American dream.
Mark Krikorian's entry on Huckabee's plan. Naturally he's not happy with Any increase on immigration even if there are cuts in other areas...but who cares....every one of the likely Repub Presidential Candidates support increasing High Skill Immigration.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YzI5MjhhNmQwZjhjMTNlOTgyNGQxN2NkNjQ3ZmIzNzM=
The leading Democrats - Clinton, Obama and Edwards- also support increasing High Skill Immigration. I hope the Congressional leaders take note of what their future Chief Executives are saying...and ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING!!!
more...
Sakthisagar
11-17 09:16 AM
The President is once again giving Political KULFI to all Legal immigrants.
See below
In an Oval Office meeting today, the President and leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) � U.S. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, U.S. Representative Nydia Velazquez of New York, and U.S. Representative Luis Gutierrez of Illinois � discussed the options on immigration reform immediately facing the Congress. He thanked them for their constant efforts on this issue. The President and the CHC leaders believe that, before adjourning, Congress should approve the DREAM Act. This legislation has traditionally enjoyed support from Democratic and Republican lawmakers and would give young people who were brought as minors to the United States by their parents the opportunity to earn their citizenship by pursuing a college degree or through military service.The President reiterated his support for fixing the broken immigration system and urged the CHC leaders to work to restore the bipartisan coalition backing comprehensive immigration reform. The President repeated his hope that, with the election season�s pressures past, Congressional Republicans would work with their Democratic colleagues not only to strengthen security at the nation�s borders, but also to restore responsibility and accountability to what everyone agrees is a broken immigration system. The President reiterated his strong support for bipartisan Congressional action on immigration reform at the earliest opportunity, noting that the American people expect both parties to work together to tackle the challenges confronting our nation.
Readout of the President's Meeting with Representatives of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Today | The White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/11/16/readout-presidents-meeting-with-representatives-congressional-hispanic-c)
See below
In an Oval Office meeting today, the President and leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) � U.S. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, U.S. Representative Nydia Velazquez of New York, and U.S. Representative Luis Gutierrez of Illinois � discussed the options on immigration reform immediately facing the Congress. He thanked them for their constant efforts on this issue. The President and the CHC leaders believe that, before adjourning, Congress should approve the DREAM Act. This legislation has traditionally enjoyed support from Democratic and Republican lawmakers and would give young people who were brought as minors to the United States by their parents the opportunity to earn their citizenship by pursuing a college degree or through military service.The President reiterated his support for fixing the broken immigration system and urged the CHC leaders to work to restore the bipartisan coalition backing comprehensive immigration reform. The President repeated his hope that, with the election season�s pressures past, Congressional Republicans would work with their Democratic colleagues not only to strengthen security at the nation�s borders, but also to restore responsibility and accountability to what everyone agrees is a broken immigration system. The President reiterated his strong support for bipartisan Congressional action on immigration reform at the earliest opportunity, noting that the American people expect both parties to work together to tackle the challenges confronting our nation.
Readout of the President's Meeting with Representatives of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Today | The White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/11/16/readout-presidents-meeting-with-representatives-congressional-hispanic-c)
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my2cents
10-12 03:41 PM
There is no timelimit on sick leave or maternity leave but there should be a reasoable time period.
As long as employee/employer relationship exists there should be no problem. but extending the leave beyond 6 month would be put some doubt on bonafide employment.
it's all about how your solid documentation about your extended vacation.
As long as employee/employer relationship exists there should be no problem. but extending the leave beyond 6 month would be put some doubt on bonafide employment.
it's all about how your solid documentation about your extended vacation.
more...
tammman
10-06 09:34 PM
I totally agree with you...recently I moved to CA and it took me close to 2 months before I had 3 offers...I can see it can be frustating, distracting but keep +ve and it will be rewaded.
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Queen Josephine
October 24th, 2005, 01:33 PM
Speaking of QJ I haven't seen much activity from her lately, you still out there Queen?
I'm still here, checking in once in a while. Unfortunately, got very busy doing some other things and haven't been doing much shooting. Just dropped Michael a note. I'd love to do a short get together. I haven't done much urban shooting, so it would be challenging for me. (although I've been having an urge to hit the Gold Country lately) I'll be back east 11/20-11/30 visiting family in NY and Georgia and pretty much incommunicado during that time.
Great shots of the bridge from Conzelman Road, and although I've never been able to bring myself to go down the one way section of Conzelman, there's suppose to be great shots from that section also. There's so many great places to see and things to do. Maybe we should start a list of possibilitites? I'll off to run the later starters around (I know Michael hit's the road really early.... 4 or 5 am?)
But I'm definitely open to planning something. I'll try to create a list of possible sites and post it here with in the next week or so for everyone to add to / subtract from. How's that sound?
I'm still here, checking in once in a while. Unfortunately, got very busy doing some other things and haven't been doing much shooting. Just dropped Michael a note. I'd love to do a short get together. I haven't done much urban shooting, so it would be challenging for me. (although I've been having an urge to hit the Gold Country lately) I'll be back east 11/20-11/30 visiting family in NY and Georgia and pretty much incommunicado during that time.
Great shots of the bridge from Conzelman Road, and although I've never been able to bring myself to go down the one way section of Conzelman, there's suppose to be great shots from that section also. There's so many great places to see and things to do. Maybe we should start a list of possibilitites? I'll off to run the later starters around (I know Michael hit's the road really early.... 4 or 5 am?)
But I'm definitely open to planning something. I'll try to create a list of possible sites and post it here with in the next week or so for everyone to add to / subtract from. How's that sound?
more...
Sunx_2004
10-05 02:28 PM
bumping it up
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abhishek101
05-28 07:28 PM
It does not matter who you are working for what matters is where you are living. Let's say there is a theft at your home while living in US, will you call Canadian police or US cops?
If the answer is US cops then the answer is very straight forward, you have to play by the rule of the land where you are living,
there is only one exception
If you work in a Embassy then you are on the autonomous land of the respective country, so if you are planning to work for Canadian Embassy then you will not need any US visa.
If the answer is US cops then the answer is very straight forward, you have to play by the rule of the land where you are living,
there is only one exception
If you work in a Embassy then you are on the autonomous land of the respective country, so if you are planning to work for Canadian Embassy then you will not need any US visa.
more...
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dc2007
08-04 06:57 PM
I think lot of people here might be having similar issue, which I am having. As a consultant I have stayed at lot of addresses but my on my salary slip I try to keep the same address.
Here is the one scenario out of many:
Scenario 1:
1. My I-140 is cleared 2-3 days back (Thank GOD) and trying to file I-485 by myself (fed up with lawyers). Labor was of 2004 and applied 140 PP in May 2007. Got RFE but finally cleared.
2. I am on H1 and that H1 labor (which says the state where I can work) is of NJ. And hence my employer always puts NJ address as my address (my company address only) on my salary slips.
3. But I am staying in Virginia from Jan 2007 and I have VA license only. Apt. Lease is also on my name and all my bank addresses etc. are also of VA address. I mean if anybody wants to check my residency status, they will come to know easily that I am in VA.
4. Filed I-140 in May 2007 and cleared in July 2007. Used my Virginia address only while filing my I-140
Question 1
So, From Jan 2007 till July 2007, which address should I show - NJ or VA ?
Note: my H1 labor has NJ address only for this duration.
Scenario 2:
In 2003 and 2004 also, I stayed at lot of states but in my tax return I have shown only NJ address (one of my friend's).
Question 2
Should I use NJ address only for these 2 years - 2003 and 2004 ?
Scenario 3:
Between 2002 and 2003, I was in India for 10-11 months (but I was having valid H1 and was still employer of my H1 sponsoring company). And for the year 2002, I used NJ address (of my friend) in my tax return only.
Question 3
Which address should I use for 2002 in g-325a ? Should I mention India address as its a long period - 10 months ?
My main concern is, Is g-325 has anything to do with tax return ?
Should I make sure that my H1 labor state should match my residence address?
In general, should I put addresses as per my previous tax return or should I put the actual addresses where I have resided ?
Thanks in advance
Here is the one scenario out of many:
Scenario 1:
1. My I-140 is cleared 2-3 days back (Thank GOD) and trying to file I-485 by myself (fed up with lawyers). Labor was of 2004 and applied 140 PP in May 2007. Got RFE but finally cleared.
2. I am on H1 and that H1 labor (which says the state where I can work) is of NJ. And hence my employer always puts NJ address as my address (my company address only) on my salary slips.
3. But I am staying in Virginia from Jan 2007 and I have VA license only. Apt. Lease is also on my name and all my bank addresses etc. are also of VA address. I mean if anybody wants to check my residency status, they will come to know easily that I am in VA.
4. Filed I-140 in May 2007 and cleared in July 2007. Used my Virginia address only while filing my I-140
Question 1
So, From Jan 2007 till July 2007, which address should I show - NJ or VA ?
Note: my H1 labor has NJ address only for this duration.
Scenario 2:
In 2003 and 2004 also, I stayed at lot of states but in my tax return I have shown only NJ address (one of my friend's).
Question 2
Should I use NJ address only for these 2 years - 2003 and 2004 ?
Scenario 3:
Between 2002 and 2003, I was in India for 10-11 months (but I was having valid H1 and was still employer of my H1 sponsoring company). And for the year 2002, I used NJ address (of my friend) in my tax return only.
Question 3
Which address should I use for 2002 in g-325a ? Should I mention India address as its a long period - 10 months ?
My main concern is, Is g-325 has anything to do with tax return ?
Should I make sure that my H1 labor state should match my residence address?
In general, should I put addresses as per my previous tax return or should I put the actual addresses where I have resided ?
Thanks in advance
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sairam
09-17 03:32 AM
In the same boat guys. Signed by J.Barret 10:25am. No receipts yet. Called USCIS twice last week. Still not in system.
No news yet. No checks cashed. I'm getting really worried now. Anyone else with similar delivery info please post any updates on the status of your application here.
Thanx!
No news yet. No checks cashed. I'm getting really worried now. Anyone else with similar delivery info please post any updates on the status of your application here.
Thanx!
more...
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GCwaitforever
09-19 09:43 AM
You can start Greencard application in EB2 after receiving the MS degree in December 2006. H-1B and GC are two separate entities.
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mlk
10-20 02:12 PM
but you had a chick.
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belmontboy
10-06 09:35 PM
I totally agree with you...recently I moved to CA and it took me close to 2 months before I had 3 offers...I can see it can be frustating, distracting but keep +ve and it will be rewaded.
Not sure what you mean by 2 months before I had 3 offers??
if you are talking about jobs, then all you need is one!!
Not sure what you mean by 2 months before I had 3 offers??
if you are talking about jobs, then all you need is one!!
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dixie
07-03 10:18 AM
Can a Canadian Citizen work in the USA without a visa ? How easy is that ?
NOPE. Canadian citizen can visit the USA without a visa.But to work, you need either a TN visa or plain old H1-B and go through the whole EB drama as usual.
NOPE. Canadian citizen can visit the USA without a visa.But to work, you need either a TN visa or plain old H1-B and go through the whole EB drama as usual.
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enqueued
06-21 06:00 PM
Ask her to talk to her attorney. That is the right thing to do.
Prashanthi
08-21 01:54 PM
I received an RFE from USCIS 10 days after the date on the letter and need to respond in 33 days.
I came to US through Company A in June 2007 and was with them until Dec 2006. This Company A had applied for my labor and I140 and both of them were approved through them. I joined Company B in Jan of 2007(change of H1) and was with them until April of 2007. I joined Company C in April 2007(change of H1) and been with them since. Company C would not do my GC.
During the July 2007 fiasco, Company A agreed to give me an offer letter that I submitted with my 485 application and my attorney (a good reputed one) mentioned in the application that I was working for company C.
I got an RFE now stating that I did not send my sealed medical exam which I had done and we have a scan of what was sent. They also want �a current letter of employment attesting to your offer of proposed employment. This letter should be written on the company�s official letterhead and cite the date you will begin working, whether the position is temporary or permanent , a description of the position, a description of the position that you currently hold for the company (if any), and offered salary�
Is this RFE bad? What might have triggered this RFW? Now my attorney suggests that since I had filed 485 through company A and I did not really invoke AC21 that I should give a new offer letter from Company A (they are willing to give one). My question is if I do that will there be further questions? The company I work for is a bigger one and Company A is really a body shopper, so I want to go with the letter from the current company. Also since it more than 2 years since I applied for 485 can I say I invoked AC 21? When can I disassociate myself from company A as I do not want to lose my current job.
I would like the attorneys or the members valuable help. Please do offer your opinions. Thank you all in advance.
__________________
The RFE is not unusual, they are sending RFE's on all pending I-485 applications in an attempt to pre-process the applications and have them ready before the priority date becomes available.
Even though the beneficiary does not have to be working for the GC sponsoring company and the offer of employment can be a future offer, i always advice my clients to work for the sponsoring employer, if possible, otherwise the USCIS might raise the issue of the validity of the job offer, they have done this in the past. I also always advice clients to do AC-21 whenever they can, rather than depend on future employment.
It is difficult to predict what the Officers decision will be and what factors he will look at, and your attorney is not wrong in his response, however if you were my client i would advice you to use AC-21. The USCIS has not indicated that AC-21 has to be invoked as soon as you join the new employer, no deadline for invoking AC-21. However, you should have a GC sponsor at all times to keep your GC alive. In your case, company A was your sponsor until the time that company C has agreed to be your sponsor and invoke AC-21.
It is also good to invoke AC-21 because at the time of filing for citizenship they will see if you worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 6 months after getting the GC and if you did not, they will ask why dint you.
I came to US through Company A in June 2007 and was with them until Dec 2006. This Company A had applied for my labor and I140 and both of them were approved through them. I joined Company B in Jan of 2007(change of H1) and was with them until April of 2007. I joined Company C in April 2007(change of H1) and been with them since. Company C would not do my GC.
During the July 2007 fiasco, Company A agreed to give me an offer letter that I submitted with my 485 application and my attorney (a good reputed one) mentioned in the application that I was working for company C.
I got an RFE now stating that I did not send my sealed medical exam which I had done and we have a scan of what was sent. They also want �a current letter of employment attesting to your offer of proposed employment. This letter should be written on the company�s official letterhead and cite the date you will begin working, whether the position is temporary or permanent , a description of the position, a description of the position that you currently hold for the company (if any), and offered salary�
Is this RFE bad? What might have triggered this RFW? Now my attorney suggests that since I had filed 485 through company A and I did not really invoke AC21 that I should give a new offer letter from Company A (they are willing to give one). My question is if I do that will there be further questions? The company I work for is a bigger one and Company A is really a body shopper, so I want to go with the letter from the current company. Also since it more than 2 years since I applied for 485 can I say I invoked AC 21? When can I disassociate myself from company A as I do not want to lose my current job.
I would like the attorneys or the members valuable help. Please do offer your opinions. Thank you all in advance.
__________________
The RFE is not unusual, they are sending RFE's on all pending I-485 applications in an attempt to pre-process the applications and have them ready before the priority date becomes available.
Even though the beneficiary does not have to be working for the GC sponsoring company and the offer of employment can be a future offer, i always advice my clients to work for the sponsoring employer, if possible, otherwise the USCIS might raise the issue of the validity of the job offer, they have done this in the past. I also always advice clients to do AC-21 whenever they can, rather than depend on future employment.
It is difficult to predict what the Officers decision will be and what factors he will look at, and your attorney is not wrong in his response, however if you were my client i would advice you to use AC-21. The USCIS has not indicated that AC-21 has to be invoked as soon as you join the new employer, no deadline for invoking AC-21. However, you should have a GC sponsor at all times to keep your GC alive. In your case, company A was your sponsor until the time that company C has agreed to be your sponsor and invoke AC-21.
It is also good to invoke AC-21 because at the time of filing for citizenship they will see if you worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 6 months after getting the GC and if you did not, they will ask why dint you.
purgan
03-14 01:28 AM
So now we have it....an official National panel has declared it.
Immigration restrictionists are US schools have been doing just fine and so the country doesn't need scientists and engineers from abroad. Well, this just proves they have been llying all along...just because they don't like immigrants and don't want any competiton.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/13/AR2008031301492_pf.html
===
Panel Urges Schools to Emphasize Core Math Skills
By Maria Glod
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 14, 2008; A06
A presidential panel declared math education in the United States "broken" yesterday and called on schools to focus on ensuring that children master fundamental skills that provide the underpinnings for success in higher math and, ultimately, in high-tech jobs.[/B]
The National Mathematics Advisory Panel convened in April 2006 to address concerns that many students lack the know-how to become engineers and scientists. The 24-member panel of mathematicians, education experts and psychologists said yesterday that students need a deeper understanding of basic skills, including fluency with whole numbers and fractions. It urged more training and support for teachers and called on researchers to find ways to combat "mathematics anxiety."
Larry R. Faulkner, chairman of the panel and former president of the University of Texas at Austin, [B]said the country needs to make changes to stay competitive in an increasingly global economy. He noted that many U.S. companies draw skilled workers from overseas, a pool that he said is drying as opportunities abroad improve.
"Math education isn't just about a school subject," Faulkner said as the panel released its final report at Fairfax County's Longfellow Middle School. "It's fundamentally about the chances that real people all across this country will have in life. And it's about the well-being and safety of the nation."
Scores from the 2006 Program for International Student Assessment showed 15-year-olds in the United States trailed peers from 23 industrialized countries in math.
The panel stressed that many students are simply befuddled by fractions. And one panel member noted that a recent survey of middle school students found that 84 percent would rather clean their room or take out the garbage than tackle math homework.
President Bush charged the panel with examining ways to ensure that students have a strong grasp of the building blocks needed for algebra, a gateway to higher math. Students who complete Algebra II are more likely to attend and graduate from college.
Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said the report's release was a "seminal moment" in math education and urged teachers, school boards, colleges, interest groups and parents to use it as a guidepost to refine instruction.
"I want every stakeholder in the equation of education to look at all of this and act on it," Spellings said. "I think there are very actionable steps right now. Teachers, starting today, can pay more attention to fractions."
The panel concluded that the math curricula and textbooks in elementary and middle schools typically cover too many topics without enough depth. It noted that countries in which children do best at math, including Singapore and Japan, emphasize core topics.
The panel identified benchmark skills that students need for a strong math foundation -- for example, that students be able to add and subtract whole numbers by the end of third grade. By the time students leave fifth grade, the panel said, they should be able to add and subtract fractions and decimals.
"I think the main message of this report is simple -- content is king," said Tom Loveless, panel member and director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution.
It's not just lessons that need to change, the panel said, but also the nation's attitudes about math. In a culture in which parents say they "weren't good at math either," children assume they don't have the talent for numbers. The panel said that research shows that practice pays off and that adults need to give students that message.
The panel also weighed in on the long-running battle between traditionalists, who favor a focus on memorization and drilling, and those who prefer stressing concepts and letting students make connections on their own. Students need to know math facts and have automatic recall, Faulkner said, but they also need "some element of discovery."
"I think this panel has gradually evolved to the view that most members believe that most effective teachers draw from both philosophies at different times," he said.
The panel met a dozen times, heard testimony from groups and individuals and reviewed thousands of research papers. The panel said that it is "self-evident" that teachers need to have strong math skills but that more research must be done to find the best ways to prepare them.
Local educators, business leaders and interest groups were delving into the report yesterday afternoon. School officials in Montgomery and Fairfax counties said the recommendations mirror efforts underway to help more children successfully complete an algebra course by the end of eighth grade.
Roy Romer, former governor of Colorado and chairman of Strong American Schools, said the report illustrates a need for states to voluntarily agree on standards that are "uniform for all of America and benchmarked against the rest of the world." The nonpartisan group seeks to make education a priority in the 2008 presidential election.
"We include too much, we're much too broad and we don't go deep enough," said Romer, who also served as Los Angeles school superintendent. "We put out these textbooks with 750 pages, and if you're a fourth-grade teacher, you can't teach 750 pages. You have to be selective."
Immigration restrictionists are US schools have been doing just fine and so the country doesn't need scientists and engineers from abroad. Well, this just proves they have been llying all along...just because they don't like immigrants and don't want any competiton.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/13/AR2008031301492_pf.html
===
Panel Urges Schools to Emphasize Core Math Skills
By Maria Glod
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 14, 2008; A06
A presidential panel declared math education in the United States "broken" yesterday and called on schools to focus on ensuring that children master fundamental skills that provide the underpinnings for success in higher math and, ultimately, in high-tech jobs.[/B]
The National Mathematics Advisory Panel convened in April 2006 to address concerns that many students lack the know-how to become engineers and scientists. The 24-member panel of mathematicians, education experts and psychologists said yesterday that students need a deeper understanding of basic skills, including fluency with whole numbers and fractions. It urged more training and support for teachers and called on researchers to find ways to combat "mathematics anxiety."
Larry R. Faulkner, chairman of the panel and former president of the University of Texas at Austin, [B]said the country needs to make changes to stay competitive in an increasingly global economy. He noted that many U.S. companies draw skilled workers from overseas, a pool that he said is drying as opportunities abroad improve.
"Math education isn't just about a school subject," Faulkner said as the panel released its final report at Fairfax County's Longfellow Middle School. "It's fundamentally about the chances that real people all across this country will have in life. And it's about the well-being and safety of the nation."
Scores from the 2006 Program for International Student Assessment showed 15-year-olds in the United States trailed peers from 23 industrialized countries in math.
The panel stressed that many students are simply befuddled by fractions. And one panel member noted that a recent survey of middle school students found that 84 percent would rather clean their room or take out the garbage than tackle math homework.
President Bush charged the panel with examining ways to ensure that students have a strong grasp of the building blocks needed for algebra, a gateway to higher math. Students who complete Algebra II are more likely to attend and graduate from college.
Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said the report's release was a "seminal moment" in math education and urged teachers, school boards, colleges, interest groups and parents to use it as a guidepost to refine instruction.
"I want every stakeholder in the equation of education to look at all of this and act on it," Spellings said. "I think there are very actionable steps right now. Teachers, starting today, can pay more attention to fractions."
The panel concluded that the math curricula and textbooks in elementary and middle schools typically cover too many topics without enough depth. It noted that countries in which children do best at math, including Singapore and Japan, emphasize core topics.
The panel identified benchmark skills that students need for a strong math foundation -- for example, that students be able to add and subtract whole numbers by the end of third grade. By the time students leave fifth grade, the panel said, they should be able to add and subtract fractions and decimals.
"I think the main message of this report is simple -- content is king," said Tom Loveless, panel member and director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution.
It's not just lessons that need to change, the panel said, but also the nation's attitudes about math. In a culture in which parents say they "weren't good at math either," children assume they don't have the talent for numbers. The panel said that research shows that practice pays off and that adults need to give students that message.
The panel also weighed in on the long-running battle between traditionalists, who favor a focus on memorization and drilling, and those who prefer stressing concepts and letting students make connections on their own. Students need to know math facts and have automatic recall, Faulkner said, but they also need "some element of discovery."
"I think this panel has gradually evolved to the view that most members believe that most effective teachers draw from both philosophies at different times," he said.
The panel met a dozen times, heard testimony from groups and individuals and reviewed thousands of research papers. The panel said that it is "self-evident" that teachers need to have strong math skills but that more research must be done to find the best ways to prepare them.
Local educators, business leaders and interest groups were delving into the report yesterday afternoon. School officials in Montgomery and Fairfax counties said the recommendations mirror efforts underway to help more children successfully complete an algebra course by the end of eighth grade.
Roy Romer, former governor of Colorado and chairman of Strong American Schools, said the report illustrates a need for states to voluntarily agree on standards that are "uniform for all of America and benchmarked against the rest of the world." The nonpartisan group seeks to make education a priority in the 2008 presidential election.
"We include too much, we're much too broad and we don't go deep enough," said Romer, who also served as Los Angeles school superintendent. "We put out these textbooks with 750 pages, and if you're a fourth-grade teacher, you can't teach 750 pages. You have to be selective."