Standards-Based Assessment (SBA) is a comprehensive battery of tests that focuses on accepted standards for each level from pre-school to high school based on national norms and international standards. It covers the core subject areas of:  Math, Science, English, Language Arts, and Social Studies

SBA is a standards-based evaluation of performance and competencies. With clear and simple directions, it measures against national norms and international standards. The test items include the areas of retention, comprehension, critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and application. The scoring is computerized.

The SBA interpretation is designed for individual students, parents, teachers, and schools. Quality assessment covers both instructional and technical aspects. The school self-assessment is nationally and internationally benchmarked.

Schools that have opted to administer SBA tests have greatly benefited from them.  SBA provides an objective and relevant feedback to the school in terms of its quality and effectiveness of instruction measured against national norms and international standards.

Standards-based assessment identifies the areas of strength and the developmental areas of the institution’s curriculum. It pinpoints competencies of students and learning gaps which serve as basis for learning reinforcement or remediation. SBA also provides good feedback to the student on how well he has learned and on his readiness to move to a higher educational level.

Through the SBA, students will have individual profiles of their competencies and learning gaps. Parents can guide their children, provide opportunities to address learning gaps, and reinforce strengths and competencies of their children. Schools that desire to continuously upgrade the quality of their curriculum and instructional effectiveness are what the SBA has been designed for.

SBA is a potent tool towards continuous proficiency and excellence as defined by international standards.

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Via Kid’s College/greatschools

Katrina Kaif, the Bollywood actress has already won loads of accolades for her success in the Indian film industry. She turned out to be quite an entertainer in the closing ceremony of IPL series as well. Together with the R&B singer Akon, the dou managed to create an air of excitement amidst the dance and music.

Katrina danced to the Oscar winning tunes of Jai Ho, already an anthem for A.R Rahman fans. The dance represented the spirit of IPL. Dancing expert and choreographer Shiamak Davar did an excellent job as well. The infectious songs of Akon got the crowd excited. It was thoroughly enjoyed by Katrina too, when she performed with Akon.

Although, Katrina’s dance moves and spirit was well received by the audience, her team Royal Challengers lost to the Team Hyderabad. She appreciated all the players for their efforts and was impressed with the team’s performance throughout the IPL season. Looks like Katrina really has a gala time at the IPL closing ceremony. The hard work in the rehearsing sure did pay off. After all, it did capture the heart of the audience!

Via: Times of India

We have just discovered a cool electric cycle called “Gocycle”, which is apparently the world’s lightest production electric bicycle. Gocycle comes with great features. It weighs only 16.2kg, which is a lot lighter as compared to other normal bicycles that you might have seen so far.

Gocycle offers a range of up to 20 miles. It touches a top speed of 15 mph and a recharge time of 3.5 hours.The chain is sealed for lifetime. It looks really strong. Besides the suspension system, it also has three speed gearing. Gocycle comes with a whopping price tag of £1,158.00.You can maintain the battery in different ways. If you are concerned about performance then perhaps you must charge the battery continuously for 24 hours after any ride. This will be best for high performance. It’s almost equal to leaving a 40 watt light bulb on for 1 hour daily.

You can also charge the battery fully once a week immediately after every ride. Another way of maintaining the battery is to charge it fully and then unplug the controller. You can also leave the battery for up to one month before fully recharging it.

Via: RedFerret\GoCycle

Labor or human resources are very much a part of the value chain of a manufacturing firm which, in itself, is composed of many diverse, yet complementary, components. A manufacturing firm working on a production schedule and towards a given output will have to rely heavily on its employees. However, having a ‘common platform of participation is not sufficient for proper bonding of the membership.’

The systems view in employee relations present in a manufacturing firm cannot take the problem or the solution out of the context of production. In other words, the case of an erring worker is not simply a case of error. Contextually in systems thinking, the erring worker is only a part of a weak system. The manager who promptly lays all the blame on the erring worker is missing a vital opportunity to inspect a larger backdrop that is potentially erroneous, as well. The erring worker may have had problems with his co-workers, the system he is working in, or his tools of production.

A manufacturing firm is a complex system even if it exists on a rather linear sequence. Employee relations can cause a ripple effect in this sequence. If managers or superiors employ systems thinking, they will readily grasp the idea that this ripple effect can change the entire system, eventually producing a different result.

If something goes wrong, a systems view of the scenario will have the employer thinking that something is wrong with the system, not just the employee. And, in fact, the error in the system may have caused the employee to commit the error that he did. The end result, if seen through the linear sequence of work that is characteristic of a manufacturing firm, is high productivity and on-time performance.

While lean manufacturing systems employ standards of production, the fact remains that it is people who run the production.

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Via Lean Six Sigma Source

Leaders are always measured by their performance. The influence they have had on other people is the summary of their leadership. The best leaders are adders and multipliers as seen in their actions and decisions. They are unselfish and make the best of others. This means that a leader cannot exist with his or her followers. In this relationship, the leader either adds or subtracts from the life and worth of his followers. The leader’s impact on others’ lives is the test of leadership. To this, there are four kinds of leaders: Adders, Subtracters, Dividers, and Multipliers.

Adders always make a contribution to the lives of others. They add value and make the lives of people better. This is seen in the proof of service they render. They have vision, talent, and organizational skills. Adders create positive impact on their followers.

Subtracters make the lives of other people difficult. They unintentionally give burdens to their followers. Sadly, they do not know that adding value should be the goal of leadership. They give negative impact on people.

Dividers are the worst kind of leaders. They make even greater damage than subtracters do. They do everything possible just to keep their power and position. They wreck organizations and relationships.

Multipliers are the best leaders. They enhance people and make them reach their full potential. They head a winning team. By training and mentoring, as well as trusting people with responsibilities and giving opportunities, multipliers assure the success of the organizations which they lead.

Leadership is quite easy to understand. All it means is sense of responsibility in complying with the duties that a leader is expected to fulfill. Beyond that is an attitude of unselfishness. When a leader puts the interest of others over and above his personal interest, then he or she automatically becomes a true leader. A good leader, whether adder or multiplier, does not intend to be known as a leader. He or she only wants to be a servant. Did you ever wonder if one such does exist?

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It is an undeniable fact that a leader can make or break the group. Much of the group’s personality takes after the leader’s personality. Much of the group’s energy is a reflection of the leader’s stamina. A huge part of the group’s interest comes from the leader’s interest. Most importantly, the level of inspiration that a group has is a manifestation of the level of inspiration that its leader possesses and consequently imbues the membership with.

A great leader has passion – passion for the undertakings of the group. The group is nothing without its activities. A group exists for its endeavors. The leader should, first and foremost, measure up to the demands of these endeavors, and ultimately influence the members to be passionate along with him or her.

This passion eventually leads to pride – pride of achievement or, maybe, just pride of sheer working towards the goals. When passion meets pride, performance is not too far behind. Members will work on the group’s activities if they are proud of what they do, as well as couple this with the passion to do them. When these wheels get rolling, something is definitely being done, and that means performance.

A leader cannot do it alone. A well-oiled organizational machinery is fed on the constant and consistent motivational efforts of the leader. A good leader also enjoins the members with a sense of responsibility. Owning up to one’s actions makes a person a responsible individual and citizen.

The leader will make everyone feel that each has a responsibility to bring to the group, and that responsibility that is being owned by the member is an organic component of the entire group’s worth. A good leader inspires each and every member with this thought and concept. In the process, the member feels important upon knowing that what he or she does contributes to the entirety of the group. This feeling brings about self-pride.

Self-pride can be the single most important tool in building collective pride in the group. This is also the most effective way to motivate others towards the desired end of the group. A good leader knows this and uses it to the maximum.

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Via CED

The fashion industry seems to be dodging the aged old myth that a young aspiring model can’t be the poster girl for any brand endorsement. Bucking the trend Australian model Mlyssa Sutherland has recently bagged a fabulous assignment with world-renowned fashion designer Calvin Kleim alias CK, as he is known in the fraternity.

Alyssa is just 26 years old and is raring to go with an attitude that might give the likes of Naomi Campbell and Gemma Ward a run for the big bucks. She is being signed for the CK brands latest yoga line. Sutherland will be the face and body for the line “Performance’. This definitely comes as a shocker for the older model battalion when the big names such as Linda Evangelista (one of the oldest supermodel), Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi were making a comeback again to the world of fashion. Sutherland might not be a favourite among the biggie designers but she has been gracing the magazine covers and scorched the ramp.

Via: The Age

From the luxury flagship vehicle Range Rover, running grid Range Rover Sport SUV to a new generation multi-purpose recreational vehicles Discovery 3, showed once again Land Rover in LSUV a pivotal position in the market, but also to create a global sales growth of 135% Amazing performance.

And then back to the topic of Free Lander2, different from the past, is now steady style, replaced by the more streamlines Xilian dynamic design elements; consistent in the atmosphere has not changed, but added a bit run frame, making the Free Lander2 a very attractive appearance Attention.

Free Lander2 using the best materials and equipment to create a bright and spacious huge sense of space, including electric panoramic sunroof, the car room to add a sense of bright; two-zone automatic temperature air conditioning system, filter dust, humidity sensors and devices to keep vehicles Fresh air circulation inside the degree of air quality control systems, Zai Zai to ensure that all passengers have excellent ride comfort.

Free Lander2 with the highest safety and durability of the seat, the driver can enjoy the power to the six-driving and seat adjustment and memory function, all passengers can enjoy the best in the leg, head and shoulder space; close the command and control Enhance the design of the seat in front of vision, so that driving is more excellent sense of control. The theater-style seating configuration to allow the rear seat than in front of 50 mm, and all enjoy the natural beauty of the car! In addition, the flexibility of multi-functional space to loading, the luggage volume increased 38 percent, plus, 60/40 split folding seat and the floor of the material covered on both sides, even if the rear seats upright, can accommodate large cargo .

Actual road test, Free Lander2 imagined not as heavy, light and the impressive driving experience.

The essence of 3.2L straight-lightweight aluminum alloy six-cylinder petrol engine, the use of technology to provide drivers of manipulate fun performance.

Free Lander2 by the introduction of a new power plant, so that performance, smooth and fuel-efficient of the three reached the best balance, the essence of the 3.2L straight-lightweight aluminum alloy six-cylinder petrol engine, the use of technology, including variable cam conversion system And variable valve timing system in order to enhance the efficiency of the torque and power performance; CommandShift standard six-speed automatic transmission system can transform a variety of driving modes to choose movement patterns can provide drivers of manipulate fun performance.

Free Lander2 and the show’s excellent control of On-Road, from the IDDS (Integrated Dynamic Driving System) integration of dynamic driving control system, the best example of this IDDS system has been fully integrated in engine power, six-speed automatic, Solid body structure and chassis of the solid suspension, combined with an exclusive LAND ROVER with the HDC steep drop ease control system, GRC steep start control system, RSC anti-roll stability control system so that drivers in urban areas or rural roads , Or driving in the wet or dry pavement, able to ensure that the Freelander 2 can play excellent control of On-Road and driving pleasure, and to provide the most comfortable car crew and security Driving Experience.

IDDS (Integrated Dynamic Driving System) integration of dynamic driving control system to provide the most comfortable car crew and security Driving Experience.

In addition, the new Free Lander2 have wide variety of performance??? At any time to meet a variety of climate and conditions of the surface, Free Lander2 with LAND ROVER exclusive Terrain Response system and a new generation of HDC steep drop ease control system that can easily And little wonder to overcome the bad road conditions and at the same time enhancing driving in the steep slide on the slopes of the ability to control, and the HDC with the steep drop ease control system links the initial slope of the control system to ensure that more body in the downhill at the start to maintain smooth.

No matter the roads more dangerous, LAND ROVER exclusive Terrain Response ™ Terrain Response system, the road four different models, all through the electronic anti-skid control systems and tracking system in any different road conditions, to provide maximum grip, driving operation And comfort of the best, as if LAND ROVER off-road surrounded by experts in the side; Free Lander2 the configuration of the terrain response system, a total of four road mode – road conditions in general, grass / gravel / snow road conditions, muddy ditch with depression Trough the road surface, such as sand, as long as the food stalls by the rotation pole in front of the knob, you can easily get hold of the traffic demand.

Free Lander2 in the new on-the-art technologies can be a great leap forward in upgrading, including touch-button start button and two-zone automatic temperature air conditioning system, such as standard equipment, while the Chinese color-screen satellite navigation system, standard equipment, touch-interface to allow Owners can more quickly and efficiently use; also equipped with video cameras reversing when entering the reverse, the rear will be immediately apparent on the screen, reversing the safety and protection so that no cul de sac and color touch-screen satellite navigation Chinese System and reversing Free Lander2 video cameras are equipped with the standard.

Traction Control.) Tracking electronic anti-skid control system will effectively wheel to detect idle and use of the braking system to reduce idling, CBC (Corner Brake Control.) Turn the brake control system to enhance the corner when the brakes of the vehicle stability DSC (Dynamic Stability Control.) Vehicle dynamics system, the stability of the amendment to turn too much or less than turn the situation and control the engine and brakes to help maintain stability in the body, RSC (Roll Stability Control.) Anti-roll stability control system to be able to detect The risk of vehicles rolling, and to exert braking force, the amendment of vehicles turning point of view, to reduce the risk of vehicles rolling.

Solid body from the inside and outside the protection of the entire crew and the car’s airbag configuration for the crew together with a protective security measures

Free Lander2 single solid body structure by casting a special high-strength steel to build by, the tremendous impact force, beyond its class the best kind of anti-distortion of the top single-body structure of the body of its anti-distortion moment Up to 28000 Nm / degree, to show its class, more than double over the rigid body; and carefully designed into before and after the defeat to shrink the buffer zone to absorb impact energy, within the effective protection of the safety of the passengers, along with seven airbags standard equipment , For the entire crew of the vehicle together with a security protection measures. In addition, Free Lander2 had passed through European security body Euro NCAP crash tests of five stars the most stringent tests to obtain high 35 points-winning performance.

Professional audio players preferred the taste of the Freelander 2 to allow the journey is full of pleasant to listen to the banquet

Free Lander2 equipped with a new professional players by the appreciation of the Dolby ProLogic II 7.1-channel digital surround sound system, with 13 high-fidelity speakers and a subwoofer overweight, and advanced audio analysis software for the open car the size of the room , Sophisticated materials such as the parameters for the market to adjust the sound so that the whole car occupants can listen to the clear, bright treble, the tenor of the delicate and smooth and full of powerful bass, and stereo surround sound and moving the momentum, giving the music is like in person The site will be moved out of the ordinary; In addition to the professional-grade sound system, new top-level Free Lander2 sound system also includes the expansion of high-power, dual-band radios, 6 slot-loading CD-for-Adapter, as well as the importation of MP3 playback, With the latest digital broadcast software line, at the same time there is the back seat of an independent stereo headphone socket, so that each crew can ease Chen Jin in their own taste in music.