; Credit: /Jackie Ferrentino for NPR

A lot is at stake for students taking Advanced Placement exams, even in normal times. If you score high enough, you can earn college credit. It's also a big factor in college applications. But for some students, the idea of studying right now feels impossible.

"I'm constantly thinking about making sure my family doesn't get sick and I don't get sick," says Elise, a high school junior outside Boston. (We're not using her full name because she's worried about hurting her college applications.)

Concerns about the coronavirus have put most standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, on hold this spring. But AP exams are going forward with a new online format — and that's raising questions about fairness.

Elise, 17, says she spent months preparing for what is typically a three-hour, multiple-choice and essay-based exam; she was blindsided when she learned it will now be an online, 45-minute, open-response test.

"I have no idea what I'm going to get when I open that test," she says.

Elise was hoping the College Board, which administers AP exams, would cancel this year's exams, as it did the spring SATs. But since the tests are being offered, she says she feels she has to take them. She worries it would look bad on her college applications if she opted out.

For other students, just the idea of taking the exam at home is causing anxiety. Kayleen Guzman, 17, from Boston says it's hard to find peace and quiet in her house right now.

"Currently, it's me, my mom, my dog, my sister and my stepdad," she explains. "Sometimes I feel like it's too much chaos."

But Guzman is glad she still has the opportunity to take the AP exams at all this year. She says she worked hard in her two AP classes and she wants the chance to earn college credit.

However, it's still unclear how much credit colleges will give students for this year's exams.

"None of us would say that we are confident that a 3 or 4 or 5 on the AP exam this year means the exact same thing as a 3, 4 and 5 on the exam last year," says Harvard University's Andrew Ho, who studies the reliability of educational tests.

Ho says that because of the new format, this year's AP exams won't be measuring the same thing as previous years' exams. For one, the new tests will cover less material. And changing where kids take it — from a proctored classroom to their laptops at home — is a big deal. But Ho adds, "Just because it's not completely comparable doesn't mean the College Board and colleges, through their own policies, couldn't adjust."

Some colleges are already adjusting. The University of California system has come out explicitly to say it won't change the way it credits AP scores. Other colleges that didn't want to go on the record say they are planning to change their policies, but the details weren't ready to share just yet.

In a statement, College Board spokesperson Jerome White said the organization decided to move forward with AP testing to give motivated students the opportunity to earn college credit. He added that the organization is making "a significant financial investment" to make the exams available online, from cheating prevention software to helping students who may not have an Internet connection or access to a computer.

Still, some educators worry that those efforts won't be enough.

"This situation has created a lot of distraction," says Savannah Lodge-Scharff, an AP Physics teacher for Boston Public Schools. She argues that without in-person classes, many students won't be able to engage with the material in the same way. On top of that, financial stress means many of her students are juggling additional responsibilities, like taking care of siblings.

"I have some of my students who are working 40, 50, 60 hours a week at the grocery store right now in the fear their parents are going to be laid off," she explains.

And then there's the question of geographic equity. This year's exams will be administered at the same time worldwide, meaning students in Hong Kong will be up at midnight to take it.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Brad Bird accepts the Best Animated Feature Award for Incredibles 2 during The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 8, 2019 in New York City. ; Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for National Board

Brad Bird has made a name for himself as the director of new age, animated classics, like “The Iron Giant” and “The Incredibles”. Now he’s teaming up with Turner Classic Movies to share his picks for classic movie watching that will keep you busy and entertained while you’re stuck at home.

Bird has curated a list of his favorite films which will air on this season’s “The Essentials” with TCM Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz. Every Saturday from May up to January of next year, TCM will air one of twenty movies chosen by Bird. His list includes big-name classics that any movie buff will recognize, like “Casablanca” and “Dr. Strangelove”. But Bird throws in a few surprises, one being that there are no animated films on his list. Another surprising thing viewers will notice is that about a third of the films included are musicals, like “Singin’ In The Rain” and “Guys And Dolls”. With TCM’s seemingly infinite library of movie classics to choose from, Bird says narrowing it down to only twenty favorites was a challenge. According to Bird, his list comprises movies that are not only entertaining but “transcend time” and “speak in a language that is still in many ways current”.

“The Essentials” was filmed in early December, but Bird’s list is coming out during a time when movie-going is looking very different these days. The virus has put the entire film industry on pause, with studios halting production and theaters closing their doors indefinitely. In lieu of new movie releases and regular theater-going, many are taking the opportunity to revisit the classics and Bird’s list provides a starting guide for which ones should be on your watch-list.

Today on FilmWeek, Brad Bird joins us to talk about his favorite movies, what projects he has lined up, and his thoughts on how the film industry is adjusting to and getting through the pandemic.

TCM’s “The Essentials” will air on Saturdays at 8 p.m. beginning May 2. For the full list and schedule of films, click here.

Guest:

Brad Bird, animator, director and screenwriter whose directing credits include Pixar’s “Ratatouille” and “The Incredibles” films and Disney’s “The Iron Giant”; he tweets at @BradBirdA113

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

The median loss to fraudulent schemes that exploit the global health crisis is almost US$600

The post Americans report US$13 million in losses from coronavirus scams appeared first on WeLiveSecurity

Scams demanding bitcoin on pain of infecting you with the coronavirus gain their fair share of shine among schemes with a thin veneer of plausibility

The post Scams, lies, and coronavirus appeared first on WeLiveSecurity

Microsoft plugs a security hole that could have enabled attackers to weaponize a GIF in order to hijack Teams accounts and steal data

The post Microsoft Teams flaw could let attackers hijack accounts appeared first on WeLiveSecurity

As you rush to buy something for your mom, con artists will be trying to make a dent in your wallet. Here are some common types of fraud to look out for not only this Mother's Day.

The post Scams to watch out for not just this Mother’s Day appeared first on WeLiveSecurity

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: Hydroxychloroquine as a game-changer Winning a Pulitzer A logical back to work metric Yearly flu death numbers aren’t real Remdesivir does NOT change survival rate The FBI’s reputation If you would like my channel to have a wider audience and higher production quality, please donate […]

The post Episode 955 Scott Adams: Extra Cussing Tonight. Put the Kids to Bed. Close Your Windows, Get Under the Covers appeared first on Scott Adams' Blog.

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: The revised death model Reaching a new level of contempt for CNN coverage Sean Hannity wants armed protesters to reconsider Chinese drones being used by US law enforcement? Civil disobedience is coming and growing If you would like my channel to have a wider audience […]

The post Episode 956 Scott Adams: Come Sip the News appeared first on Scott Adams' Blog.

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: Watching Anderson Cooper CNN is like being on mushrooms Why state governments are best for reopening decisions Disbanding the task force, it’s time Moonface Ben Shapiro’s clear description of coronavirus situation If you would like my channel to have a wider audience and higher production […]

The post Episode 957 Scott Adams: Let Me Tell You About the Psychedelic Mushroom I Accidentally Ingested Called CNN appeared first on Scott Adams' Blog.

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: The coronavirus pandemic viewed through a Dilbert filter Victor David Hanson: “credentialed class” keeps getting it wrong My Twitter debate with a doctor, on testing feasibility Models function is to manipulate perception Paying to have airline middle seats empty If you would like my channel […]

The post Episode 958 Scott Adams: Grab Your Beverage and Buckle Up appeared first on Scott Adams' Blog.

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: Making the most of our lockdown opportunities The future of the coronavirus task force Testing our way out, versus reality The economy and recovery If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content from Scott Adams, including micro-lessons on lots of useful […]

The post Episode 959 Scott Adams: Join Me in My Fortress of Garagitude appeared first on Scott Adams' Blog.

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: Is the record unambiguous…it was a coup attempt? Mind-readers confirm, Schiff is panicked Tim Graham’s visual writing style Ahmaud Arbery shooting The Plandemic video If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content from Scott Adams, including micro-lessons on lots of useful […]

The post Episode 960 Scott Adams: Fake News, Bad Math, Bad Mind-Reading, Bad Behavior in the News appeared first on Scott Adams' Blog.

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: There WAS…a genuine coup attempt Governor Abbott’s Coronavirus strategy CNN promotes their choice for Biden’s VP Hoaxes, hoaxes and hoaxes Vitamin D and groups vulnerable to coronavirus If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content from Scott Adams, including micro-lessons on […]

The post Episode 961 Scott Adams: Flynn, Freedom, Vitamin D, Biden’s Brain and More appeared first on Scott Adams' Blog.

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: The Plague of Corruption video General Flynn San Antonio makes phrase “Chinese virus” hate speech Vitamin D deficiency and coronavirus Testing, flattening the curve, magical thinking If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content from Scott Adams, including micro-lessons on lots […]

The post Episode 962 Scott Adams: No One Knows Anything But We Still Have to Decide How to reopen Economy appeared first on Scott Adams' Blog.

My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: The Vitamin D potential for reducing risk of coronavirus Ted Cruz continues to impress and entertain General Flynn coverage contrast, FOX versus CNN Nate Silver’s coronavirus analysis insights Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany’s zingers If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content […]

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My new book LOSERTHINK, available now on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/rqmjc2a Content: Adam Schiff lied for years…but broke no laws We do NOT know if Russia hacked DNC? Law enforcement targeted/framed President Trump to take him out “Cheryl The Server” theory applied to the lockdown If you would like to enjoy this same content plus bonus content […]

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Both VMware and Citrix have partnered with Samsung around new Galaxy S8 smartphone through the integration of their enterprise mobility solutions with Samsung DeX platform

Human water consumption has increased the frequency and intensity of periods of abnormally low flow in streams, new research suggests. The frequency of these events increased by 30% globally, largely due to use of water for irrigation, the researchers conclude.

Moderate levels of nitrogen in streams and rivers can make it difficult to assess the effects of pesticides on aquatic wildlife, because nutrients mask the pesticides’ impacts, according to recent research. This highlights the importance of considering nutrient levels when developing measures to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Human activities are threatening river ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Recent research in south-east Spain has highlighted the need to assess biodiversity and the ecological condition of river ecosystems at both basin-wide and local scales. The researchers say this will provide a better assessment of river ecosystems, aiding management decisions.

Samsung has created an ecommerce platform in partnership with Benow.in along with mobile phone retailers across the country that will allow them to sell and deliver smartphones. Offline stores are also being used to fulfil orders placed on Samsung’s e-store for television and appliances.

RBL Bank’s focus on machine learning is helping it create new revenue streams that has already led to the creation of its first tech-based product--API Banking.

A recent study has developed a mapping system to show the impact on habitats and species caused by construction projects, such as dams, near Natura 2000 conservation areas. Using a Greek case study, the system was able to identify risks from a dam construction project to species including otters, toads and tortoises.

A recent study, which assessed 100 streams across Europe, reveals that a key ecosystem process, leaf litter breakdown, is slowed when nutrient concentrations in the water are either very low or very high, has the highest potential at moderate nutrient concentrations and is inhibited in heavily polluted waters, implying that the relationship between nutrient levels and ecosystem processes, such as leaf litter breakdown, is complex. The researchers suggest that including an assessment of the functioning of ecosystem processes can make an important contribution to the overall evaluation of stream health.

Nutrient pollution in The Netherlands is falling as a result of national and EU policies, new research has shown. However, many waters still routinely fail to meet environmental quality standards. The study, which focused on the headwaters of 167 rivers where agricultural fertilisers are the main cause of pollution, showed that up to 76% of these did not meet water quality standards.

Widespread use of antibiotics has led to pollution of waterways, potentially creating resistance among freshwater bacterial communities. A new study looked for antibiotic resistance genes in a river basin in Spain, revealing that wastewater discharges can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance in streams and small rivers.

Many toxic pesticides have been banned by the EU, however some can remain in the environment for many decades. Aquatic invertebrates are particularly vulnerable to pesticides, which can alter their feeding behaviour, growth and mobility. New research has found that persistent pesticides can increase toxicity in streams by up to 10 000 times compared to the residues of currently used pesticides. The researchers recommend these be taken into account when calculating overall toxicity.

Small streams are important refuges for biodiversity, yet knowledge of the effects of agricultural pesticides on these freshwater bodies is limited. Researchers have used national monitoring data to determine the number of small streams in Germany where regulatory acceptable concentrations (RACs) of pesticides are exceeded. An analysis of data covering almost 500 pesticides and over 2 000 small streams suggests that agricultural land use is a major contributor of pesticides to streams. Overall, RACs were exceeded at 26% of sampled streams, and exceedances were 3.7 times more likely if a stream was near agricultural land. This finding may have implications for environmental monitoring and agri-environmental measures.

Having a facial in a department store might not sound the most relaxing experience. However, once the door slides shut on Dior’s private spa room in Debenhams’ flagship store in intu Watford, it only takes a moment to tune out the voices from outside and tap into your inner zen.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 1 – 2pm

Online Event

If you want a career in healthcare, Pathways are a great place to start. Pathways are FREE 5-12 week training programs that will prepare you for specific occupations in the healthcare industry. Employer partnerships are a key part of the programs and will connect you with multiple job opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Current programs available include Nursing Assistant, Medical Administration, Pharmacy Tech, Medical Call Center and Medical Office Support.

Join us on May 13th from 1-2pm to learn about upcoming Pathways in the Twin Cities and how to apply!

Hosted by Minneapolis College in coordination with the City of Minneapolis Health Hire.

Event type: Job and Career Fairs
Filter by Location: Twin Cities Metro
Event Audience: For Job Seekers, For Veterans
Registration link: www.eventbrite.com…
Accommodation Request: 612-673-5187
CareerForce Sponsored Event: CareerForce sponsored event

Williams will provide offshore natural gas transportation services to the Anchor development, thanks to an agreement with co-owners Chevron and Total E&P USA, Inc.

Researchers are studying woodpecker brains, mantis shells and ram horns for clues that could help prevent concussions in sports.

Eco-architect-turned-full-time vintage aluminum trailer renovator Matthew Hofmann reveals an Airstream hotel in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara.

Following a gut rehab, an L.A. homeowner is selling the place where Freddy Krueger met his match for the first, but certainly not the last, time.

Narrator Daryl Hannah, filmmaker Leslie Iwerks and others discuss the Keystone XL pipeline battle in 'Pipe Dreams.'

Watch a hungry hamster and his furry friends devour a holiday feast made of miniature food.

Simultaneously burn calories, cut back on your utility bills and do the laundry with a conceptual washing machine-treadmill hybrid dubbed Wheel.