Nobody is a stranger to loans. Everyone needs to secure them in order to improve their credit score and boost their chances of getting bigger loans at better deals in the future. A debt is not something to be scared of as it is simply a tool for attaining your needs and certain wants.

But there is an increasing concern about securing student loans. We may know of somebody or may have heard of someone who found themselves struggling to pay for the debt they have secured to get a better education. They initially had high hopes when they entered college – finish the degree and get a high-paying job. After all, that is what a lot of for-profit colleges promised during the Great Recession. But life happens and they are now they are strapped for cash more than ever.

Student Loans: A Growing Economy

The past 11 years saw a cumulative growth of student loans by almost 157 percent. For the second quarter of this year, there is a staggering $1.5 trillion in student loans. This figure places this debt as the second-largest segment in the United States coming next to mortgages.

This is a beyond significant growth considering that the auto debt has grown by only 52 percent within the same period. Meanwhile, mortgages and credit card debt dropped by about 1 percent.

Securing a student loan is a double whammy. The loan rate is rising and the cost of college education is increasing. Thus, it does not sit well for students who are paying off loans.

Household Debt Delinquency Rate

If we compare all the household debts, student loans top the highest 90-day and more delinquency rate. For the academic year 2011-2012, the delinquencies skyrocketed to 11.73 percent. This number may have decreased at present but it is still quite high at 10.94 percent.

By comparison, the delinquency rate of credit card loans is currently at 7.88 percent while auto loans are at 4.17 percent. Mortgages garnered the lowest 90-day and more delinquency rate which is pegged at 1.11 percent.

Student Loans: A Class of Its Own

Unlike other debts, the student loan is a class of its own. It has a systematic problem that is non-existent in other types of debt. Those who have this type of debt needs to get a job that will permit them to pay off their obligation. Thus, the rate of delinquency will continue to increase for as long as they have not earned the degrees that will help them pay for what they owe.

But this presents another roadblock. Not all students who secure the loan are able to finish as there are some who eventually drop off from school. This leaves them working in a job that can barely hold up for their living expenses.

Also, not everyone who graduates from for-profit colleges gets the job that will pay them enough for the degrees they have attained. Many of these graduates are paid less than the minimum wage.  To make matters worse, minority graduates will also have to discrimination in labor markets.

SL Account Management is an Irvine, California based company that can help with student loan debt needs as the debt numbers continue to grow and students look for solutions. For more information visit: http://www.slaccountmgmt.com/

Alexandria, VA—ASCD, a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching, and leading, is pleased to announce the second edition of Rethinking Homework: Best Practices That Support Diverse Needs, by Cathy Vatterott. The original 2009 publication became pivotal in the national conversation, marrying research with classroom-based experiences.

The role of homework has historically played a large part in the culture of K-12 education in the United States. Yet, the discussion has only started to spark significant change over the last decade. Factors such as family life, the media, and academic stress have shifted the debate. In the years since the first edition was published,

• The economic divide in the U.S. has widened, leading to increasing awareness of homework challenges for students living in poverty, often without internet access.
• Research about the learning process has shown the importance of formative feedback, a growth mindset, and sleep and downtime.
• There has been an increase in the number of K-12 school policies limiting or eliminating homework.
• Many schools now implement homework policies outlining the purpose and amount, and sometimes banning weekend or holiday homework.
• The importance of balancing work, play, downtime, and sleep is essential to ensure efficient functionality of the learning brain and mental health of students.
• Parents are increasingly concerned about academic stress and work-life balance for students.

The homework debate shows no signs of stopping. In her new book, Vatterott puts forth a new paradigm to homework that works for all students at all levels, based on a more rounded approach.

“We have moved from blind acceptance of homework, to awareness and questioning of the practice, to understanding and advocacy for what is best for our students,” said Vatterott, an associate professor of education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. “May we continue to study, learn, reflect, and improve our practice of homework.”

Cathy Vatterott is available for comment. To schedule an interview, please contact Cameron Brenchley.

Rethinking Homework: Best Practices That Support Diverse Needs, 2^nd edition, is available for $28.95.

To learn more about our books or to read sample chapters from these and other publications, visit www.ascd.org/books. For more information about ASCD, visit www.ascd.org.