by California Casualty | Educators |
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
You’ve probably heard a lot about coding lately. It’s become a sort-of buzz word among the education community. But what is it, why should our students learn it, and how do we teach it?
What is coding?
Here’s the short version: Coding allows for the creation of computer software, apps, and websites. It is a sequential, set of instructions that computers understand. Anything you do on your digital devices is possible because of code. Operating systems, apps, browsers, and websites are all made using code. Anyone can learn to code.
Why is it important to teach students to code?
Coding will quickly become one of the most important job skills of the future. It should be taught as a basic academic skill in school, just like reading and math. Learning to code allows students to develop problem-solving strategies, creatively design projects, communicate ideas effectively, and helps lay a foundation for success in other academic areas. Students will learn vital skills that are essential for future job success. In the next decade, it is believed that there will be more jobs in computer sciences than there are qualified people to fill them.
How Do I Teach It?
Using the following FREE online resources, teaching code to your students will be cinch!
Google’s Made With Code – Geared toward girls and young women, Google’s Made With Code offers coding projects for all comfort levels.
Code.org – Try a one-hour tutorial designed for all ages in over 45 languages. Choose from a variety of fun, interactive, game-like coding activities for all grade and experience levels.
Scratch – Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations. Scratch targets students ages 8-16.
Thimble from Mozilla – Thimble is an online code editor that makes it easy to create and publish your own web pages while learning HTML, CSS & JavaScript.
Tynker Coding For Kids – Tynker is a complete learning system that teaches kids to code. Kids begin experimenting with visual blocks, then progress to JavaScript and Python as they design games, build apps, and make incredible projects.
Khan Academy Hour of Code – Hour of Drawing with Code. Learn how to program drawings using JavaScript by designing your very own snowman. Try it on your own or with your class!
We’d love to hear from you! What resources do you use to teach code to students? Leave your comment below.
by California Casualty | Educators |
Having students set their own academic and behavior goals allow students to take ownership and control of their accomplishments in the classroom. Students are more likely to succeed at a task or assignment if they have a self-created target in mind. Here are some tips to help students set their own goals.
- Set Attainable Goals: Setting attainable goals allows students to feel a sense of accomplishment when the goal is met. If the goal is too lofty, students may never reach it which can be a big hit to the student’s confidence. Students may need coaching in this area. Each goal can, and should be, challenging yet reachable.
- Write Goals In A Positive Way: Instead of “don’t get any wrong” the goal should be expressed as “score 100%.” It just sounds better.
- Be Specific: Focus on one task or assignment. My students like to use weekly spelling tests, vocabulary quizzes, math fact tests, and so forth. “Get better” won’t suffice. Students should provide an exact score or percentage and a date by which the goal should be completed. For example, a student might write a goal like this: I will score at least 90% on all weekly spelling tests during the 3rd quarter.
- Discuss How: Students should describe how they will meet their goal. Will they write their spelling words three times each night or study math flashcards for 15 minutes every other day?
- Document Goals in Writing: I have students keep their written goals in data folders. This way students “accidentally” see their goals at least twice a week when they record test and quiz scores. Written goals can also be posted in a visible place in the classroom.
At the beginning of each quarter, I have students set new math, reading, and behavior goals. If you feel like this might be too much work, start small, having students set just one goal per semester. Every other week, I conference with each student about their goals. If you can’t conference weekly, find time in your schedule when you can periodically discuss student progress toward goals.
Goal setting can help students be successful and build confidence in the classroom.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | News |
There is much debate about what millennials think and do. Many experts have predicted that they won’t stay with a company very long, and with their swift acceptance of the sharing economy, millennials are the generation that won’t buy homes or cars. That appears to be far from reality. In fact, it appears they are tremendously misunderstood.
“That doesn’t match my life at all,” said Sarah W. I’m in the process of buying a home and I see myself staying at this place for the duration. Sarah is in her second year as a customer service advisor with California Casualty.
Elizabeth C. shares Sarah’s enthusiasm. She and her husband have just bought their first home. She is flourishing as a sales consultant. “I just graduated college in December and California Casualty was one of my first picks,” she said. “It really helps knowing the average person here has been with the company 12 years and many have 20 to 30 years of experience. Most other companies have high turnovers and people aren’t happy. Here, people are happy and they enjoy their job.”
Elizabeth thinks she will be with the company for many 
years.
Sarah concurs, adding that she anticipates staying with California Casualty for decades. She loves working with quality people and doesn’t want to be “one of those who say I worked a year here and a year there.” She added, “People are happy working here and that’s why they stayed.”
California Casualty, provider of auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement professionals, firefighters and nurses, is also looking to prove the so-called “experts” wrong about the millennial generation. The company is now hiring in Leawood, Kansas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Phoenix, Arizona, looking for young, motivated people who yearn for a well-paying career with longevity and stability.
Longevity is the Norm
California Casualty is entering its 104th year as a family owned company. It is guided by the California Casualty Code, written more than 50 years ago, which spells out how clients should be treated. The Code has helped cement long-standing business relationships with the members of the affinity groups that California Casualty does business with.
“I love working for the company because I get to help first responders and American heroes protect their most valuable assets,” stressed Robert H. He can’t imagine working anywhere else, adding, “They treat employees right, and I plan on being one of the long-time veterans.”
Robert and others say it’s impressive how California Casualty values its employees, many who have 25 years or more years with the company.
Deana P. is in her 40th year with the company. What’s the secret to her longevity? “The great culture and so many people living up to the California Casualty Code,” she said. “That and how everyone chips in to help others when there is a coworker in need.”
Steve A., a veteran of more than 30 years, says the family atmosphere is the key. “I like the size of the organization because it allows for individual recognition and there is a sense that individual contributions truly do make a difference. As a privately held company the atmosphere seems less corporate and more personal, and the company is currently headed by a descendent of the founder of the company, who formed the company over 100 years ago. When Beau Brown, our CEO, visits with me, the conversation often involves our families and personal interests. The leadership is supportive, encouraging and professional with ethics being of utmost importance.”
Beau Brown is the fourth generation CEO from the Brown family. He makes it a point to meet and greet as many of the employees as possible. He can often be seen saying hello and catching up with each person, checking to see how their job is going. Providing a quality work/life balance is extremely important to the company, which also allows for casual dress and promotes employee social activities for team members at its service centers, located in Colorado, Kansas and Arizona. Employees are recognized every five years for work anniversaries, and Beau and other Operating Committee executives host and serve an annual lunch at each of the three service centers located in Colorado Springs; Glendale, Arizona; and Leawood, Kansas. Beau feels it’s important that every member of the California Casualty family is thanked and shown appreciation for the hard work they do. The employee-focused approach is resonating with younger workers.
Tiffany L. remarked, “I can’t wait to say that I have worked with this company for so many years. I feel proud to work for a company that lives with integrity and doesn’t just talk about it.” Tiffany, into her second year with the company, owns her own home and cringes at those throwing money away on rent each month.
California Casualty wants to share its promise of stable, rewarding employment with people who value helping those who serve our communities.
And, for members of the younger generation who want to buy a home and drive a vehicle they own, California Casualty is ready to offer a career that can span decades. Are you ready for a rewarding career with California Casualty? Check out opportunities and apply at https://www.calcas.com/careers.
by California Casualty | Educators |
According to Kidshealth.org, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for teens. Every day, about 12 young people across America take their own lives.
Educators play an important role in combating this epidemic: know the warning signs, be aware of the risk factors, and know what you can do to help.
Warning Signs
- talking about suicide or death in general
- talking about “going away”
- referring to things they “won’t be needing,” and giving away possessions
- talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
- pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out
- having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities
- having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- experiencing changes in eating habits (loss of appetite, weight loss, overeating)
- experiencing changes in sleeping habits (insomnia, oversleeping, nightmares)
- engaging in self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting, for example)
- changes in personality: sadness, withdrawal, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, indecision
- deterioration in school and/or work performance
- fear of losing control: erratic behavior, harming self or others
Risk Factors
- mental health disorders (depression, anxiety)
- previous suicide attempt(s)
- alcohol and other substance abuse
- feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, loneliness, worthlessness, low self-esteem
- loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or activities previously enjoyed
- aggressive behavior
- bullying or being a bully at school or in social settings
- disruptive behavior, including disciplinary problems at school or at home
- high risk behaviors (drinking and driving, poor decision-making)
- recent/serious loss (death, divorce, separation, broken romantic relationship,)
- family history of suicide
- family violence (domestic violence, child abuse or neglect)
- sexual orientation and identity confusion (lack of support or bullying during the coming out process)
- access to lethal means like firearms, pills, knives or illegal drugs
- stigma associated with seeking mental health services
- barriers to accessing mental health services (lack of bilingual service providers, unreliable transportation, financial costs)
What Can Teachers Do?
- build strong relationships with at-risk students
- create positive interactions with students through compliments and other positive feedback
- encourage student participation in positive, extracurricular activities
- communicate with parents/guardians frequently
- directly talk to at-risk students about your concern for them
When talking with a student about suicide, speak in a calm, non-accusatory manner. Show concern for the student and remain focused on their well-being. Express the importance the student has in your life and at school. Empathize with the student regarding triggers or stresses they may be experiencing. Encourage the student to seek help and provide them with resources. Most importantly, do not ignore warning signs!
Suicide Prevention Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8225
American Psychological Association
https://www.apa.org
Life Crisis Services 24/7 Hotline: 314-647-HELP (4357) / 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Mental Health Association
https://www.nmha.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://www.afsp.org
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov
by California Casualty | Safety |
On September 7, Equifax, a nationwide credit-reporting agency, reported that a giant cyber-security breach has compromised the personal data of up to 143 million Americans.
This information may include:
– Names
– Social Security Numbers
– Birth Dates
– Addresses
– Driver’s License Numbers
In addition, credit card numbers were compromised for about 209,000 customers. Overall, this is one of the largest data breaches ever, and many consumers financial information is at risk.
What should you do now?
- Visit https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com to determine if you may have been affected
- Keep a close watch on your credit report and credit card accounts
- Freeze your credit and set up fraud alerts
You can freeze your credit report and set up fraud alerts by calling the reporting agencies:
Equifax: 1-800-349-9960
Experian: 1‑888‑397‑3742
TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872
ALL California Casualty customers have ID Defense assistance available through CyberScout as part of their policy. Click this link to learn more.
