Education in Apple Valley, Part 3.5

What and Why

A while back, I decided to do a series on how education in Apple Valley works, especially with the forthcoming changes. I explored education from elementary school to obtaining an advanced degree as I wanted to move away from excessive skilling in my game and focus more on character development. The changes served two purposes, one, it allowed me to hone in on each sim's individual personality and preferences, two, it prevented excessive success. Right now, most sims are able to obtain a level 7 job without any trouble aside from making friends. This left very little room for variety in the game and most sims were financially well off. To ensure that I stayed focused on this, I decided to try and do away with most toddler skills-instead focusing on teaching them how to walk, talk, etc.

FSBS-Lingo
The primary ways of educating the sims in all levels of education are skills, hobbies and interests. I often refer to skills as scores on "skill exams" (the number of skill points they have in a certain skill) or "core skill evaluation"-CSE (the number of total skills they have). Hobbies and interests will also be referred to in a similar manner. Now that the background is out of the way, let's move on.

Vocational School

Today, we're discussing obtaining a vocational degree. In the original series, I didn't include a vocational school as I planned on sending my sims to a fellow simmer to utilize her technical school. However her game died :( and my simmies have a need for vocational education.

I wanted there to be some variety in education levels of the sims. Either you went to college or you didn't, according to MAXIS. Even if you didn't go to college, you could be a doctor...um, how about no.

Some sims do not attend university, graduate from university, or simply obtain an associate's degree in thier life. Now, some sims are content with that and their goal isn't to be a surgeon, so being a nurse or EMT is great for them. Other sims want to excel in their careers a bit more.

Any resident of Apple Valley may undertake vocational training course with WilTech at any time. Tuition varies according to the certificate. Bronze certificates are $1,000 in tuition, silver certificates are $2,000 in tuition and gold certificates are $3,000 in tuition. There are no entrance exams for WilTech and classes are available in both online, via Monique's computer, options and lecture options. Students must participate in some hand-on training, so 100% of the certificate program can not be online.

Students are able to chose one of seven vocational certificates:

• Cosmetology
• Flower Arranging
• Robotics
• Sales
• Toy Making
• Pottery
• Sewing

In summary,

Vocational Certificates
-bronze, silver or gold levels in each vocational area

Education in Apple Valley, Part 4.5

What and Why
A while back, I decided to do a series on how education in Apple Valley works, especially with the forthcoming changes. I explored education from elementary school to obtaining an advanced degree as I wanted to move away from excessive skilling in my game and focus more on character development. The changes served two purposes, one, it allowed me to hone in on each sim's individual personality and preferences, two, it prevented excessive success. Right now, most sims are able to obtain a level 7 job without any trouble aside from making friends. This left very little room for variety in the game and most sims were financially well off. To ensure that I stayed focused on this, I decided to try and do away with most toddler skills-instead focusing on teaching them how to walk, talk, etc.

FSBS-Lingo
The primary ways of educating the sims in all levels of education are skills, hobbies and interests. I often refer to skills as scores on "skill exams" (the number of skill points they have in a certain skill) or "core skill evaluation"-CSE (the number of total skills they have). Hobbies and interests will also be referred to in a similar manner. Now that the background is out of the way, let's move on.

Master's Degree
Today, we're discussing obtaining a master's degree. In the original series, I didn't include a master's degree as I didn't want to have too many levels to keep up with. However looking at Heredon Cove's notes and the careers, I noticed that some careers needed more than a bachelor's, but significantly less than an advanced degree (modeled after a PhD).

I wanted there to be some variety in education levels of the sims. Either you went to college or you didn't, according to MAXIS. Even if you didn't go to college, you could be a doctor...um, how about no.

Some sims do not attend university, graduate from university, or simply obtain an associate's degree in thier life.  Now, some sims are content with that and their goal isn't to be a surgeon, so being a nurse or EMT is great for them. Other sims want to excel in their careers a bit more.

Any resident of Apple Valley with a bachelors degree may undertake master's correspondence course with Pierce University at any time. Tuition is $10,000 for the entire degree program and students must have at least a score of 20 on their entrance exam (Score on Core Skills Evaluation + #simyears work experience).

To complete their degree, students must graduate with at least a score of 27 on their CSE. Assuming the lowest possible CSE score of 20 from graduation from university, the student will be required to earn 7 skill points throughout their coursework.

Students are able to chose one of seven master degrees. A student's degree choice determines which skill, interest, and hobby they will focus on maxing.

•Master's Degree in Fine Arts: creativity/Culture, Entertainment, Fashion/Arts & Craft, Film & Literature, Music & Dance

•Master's Degree in Culinary Arts: cooking/Food/ Cuisine

•Master's Degree in Business Administration: charisma/Money, Work /Film & Literature

•Master's Degree in Technology: mechanical/Weather/Tinkering, Science

•Master's Degree in Applied Science: logic/Animals, Environment, Paranormal / Science, Nature

•Master's Degree in General Studies: cleaning/School, Sci-Fi, Toys, Travel / Cuisine, Fitness, Games

•Master's Degree in Public Service: body/Crime, Health, Politics, Sports /Fitness, Sports

In level one, students must score a 8 on their skill exam correlated to their major and a 27 on their CSE (ie, a student focused on the Advanced Degree in Culinary Arts must have at least 8 cooking skills and at least 27 skill points total).

In level two, students focus on refining their studies. Students must earn at least a 8 on their CIE in their focused skill. Using the example above, our Culinary Arts student must have 8 interest points in food. If multiple interests are listed, students chose one interest to focus on. Students will use magazines and sharing interest conversations to earn interests.

In level three, students continue to focus on refining their studies. Students must earn at least a 4 on their CHE in their focused skill. Using the example above, our Culinary Arts student must have 4 points in cuisine hobby. If multiple hobbies are listed, students chose one hobby to focus on. Students will use any means available to develop their hobby.

In level four, students focus on perfecting their studies and finishing their thesis. Students will use the computer to write a novel, this novel is their thesis. Upon completing of thier thesis , students graduate with a Master's Degree and a dandy little diploma to hang on their walls. Their options have now opened to the purple sections on the career table.

In summary,

Master's Degree
-27+ CSE graduation
-degree focus skills via computer
-CSE score of 8 in focused skill
-CIE score of 8 in focused interest
-CHE score of 4 in focused hobby
-thesis

Education in Apple Valley, Part 5

What and Why
I decided to do a series on how education in Apple Valley works, especially with the forthcoming changes. We will explore education from elementary school to obtaining an advanced degree. I wanted to move away from excessive skilling in my game and focus more on character development. This serves two purposes, one, it allows me to hone in on each sim's individual personality and preferences, two, it prevents excessive success. Right now, most sims are able to obtain a level 7 job without any trouble aside from making friends. This leaves very little room for variety in the game and most sims are financially well off. To ensure that I stay focused on this, I have now decided to try and do away with most toddler skills-instead focusing on teaching them how to walk, talk, etc.

FSBS-Lingo
The primary ways of educating the sims in all levels of education are skills, hobbies and interests. I often refer to skills as scores on "skill exams" (the number of skill points they have in a certain skill) or "core skill evaluation"-CSE (the number of total skills they have). Hobbies and interests will also be referred to in a similar manner. Now that the background is out of the way, let's move on.

Advanced Degree
Today, we're discussing obtaining an advanced degree, a terminal degree. I wanted there to be some variety in education levels of the sims. Either you went to college or you didn't, according to MAXIS. Even if you didn't go to college, you could be a doctor...um, how about no.

Some sims do not attend university, graduate from university, or simply obtain an associate's degree in thier life.  Now, some sims are content with that and their goal isn't to be a surgeon, so being a nurse or EMT is great for them. Other sims want to excel in their careers a bit more, ok a lot more.

Any resident of Apple Valley with a bachelors degree may undertake an advanced correspondence course with Pierce University at any time. Tuition is $15,000 for the entire degree program and students must have at least a score of 20 on their entrance exam (Score on Core Skills Evaluation + #simyears work experience).

To complete their degree, students must graduate with at least a score of 35 on their CSE. Assuming the lowest possible CSE score of 20 from graduation from university, the student will be required to earn 15 skill points throughout their coursework.

Students are able to chose one of seven advanced degrees. A student's degree choice determines which skill, interest and hobby they will focus on maxing.

•Advanced Degree in Fine Arts: creativity/Culture, Entertainment, Fashion/Arts & Craft, Film & Literature, Music & Dance

•Advanced Degree in Culinary Arts: cooking/Food/ Cuisine

•Advanced Degree in Business Administration: charisma/Money, Work /Film & Literature

•Advanced Degree in Technology: mechanical/Weather/Tinkering, Science

•Advanced Degree in Applied Science: logic/Animals, Environment, Paranormal / Science, Nature

•Advanced Degree in General Studies: cleaning/School, Sci-Fi, Toys, Travel / Cuisine, Fitness, Games

•Advanced Degree in Public Service: body/Crime, Health, Politics, Sports /Fitness, Sports

In level one, students must score a 10 on their skill exam correlated to their major and a 35 on their CSE (ie, a student focused on the Advanced Degree in Culinary Arts must have at least 10 cooking skills and at least 35 skill points total).

In level two, students focus on refining their studies. Students must earn at least a 10 on their CIE in their focused skill. Using the example above, our Culinary Arts student must have 10 interest points in food. If multiple interests are listed, students chose one interest to focus on. Students will use magazines and sharing interest conversations to earn interests.

In level three, students continue to focus on refining their studies. Students must earn at least a 10 on their CHE in their focused skill. Using the example above, our Culinary Arts student must have 10 points in cuisine hobby. If multiple hobbies are listed, students chose one hobby to focus on. Students will use any means available to develop their hobby.

In level four, students focus on perfecting their studies and finishing their thesis. Students will use Monique's computer to write 3 research papers on their core skill (3 different articles on the their focus skill). After completing their research papers, students must write their thesis. Students will use the computer to write a novel, this novel is their thesis. Upon completing of thier thesis , students graduate with an Advanced Degree and a dandy little diploma to hang on their walls. Their options have now opened to the darkest green sections on the career table.

In summary,

Advanced Degree
-35+ CSE graduation
-degree focus skills via computer
-skill max in 1+ skill
-interest max in field
-hobby max in field
-3 research papers
-thesis

Education in Apple Valley, Part 4

What and Why
I decided to do a series on how education in Apple Valley works, especially with the forthcoming changes. We will explore education from elementary school to obtaining an advanced degree. I wanted to move away from excessive skilling in my game and focus more on character development. This serves two purposes, one, it allows me to hone in on each sim's individual personality and preferences, two, it prevents excessive success. Right now, most sims are able to obtain a level 7 job without any trouble aside from making friends. This leaves very little room for variety in the game and most sims are financially well off. To ensure that I stay focused on this, I have now decided to try and do away with most toddler skills-instead focusing on teaching them how to walk, talk, etc.

FSBS-Lingo
The primary ways of educating the sims in all levels of education are skills, hobbies and interests. I often refer to skills as scores on "skill exams" (the number of skill points they have in a certain skill) or "core skill evaluation"-CSE (the number of total skills they have). Hobbies and interests will also be referred to in a similar manner. Now that the background is out of the way, let's move on.

Bachelor's DegreeToday, we're discussing obtaining a bachelor's degree. Unlike in real life, students only get one chance to attend university for a bachelor's degree. If they decide not to attend university after high school, then there are no second chances.

Students attend Pierce University for their bachelor's degree. Currently the campus in within the hood which offers some options for students in terms of housing. Pierce University offers an array of extracurricular activities that students can get involved in. Students can join sports teams such as the championship soccer team, debate team, drama club, greek life and more! Pierce University also offers students chances to hold internship positions during summer breaks within thier major to explore career options. These internships are located both within the hood and in other nearby hoods.

I have limited access to Pierce University via three methods: entrance exams, cost, and space.

Entrance ExamsSims must have a certain score on their entrance exam (which consists of the summation of several scores, including skills, hobbies, etc) in order to qualify for entrance to the university.

High School GPA (3pts=A, 2pts=B, 1pt=C)
+ # Extracurriculars (1pt each)
+ # Skill points
+ # Hobby Points
+ # Years Work Experience
======
Entrance Score

Students must have a minimum of 15 on the entrance exam to qualify for admission to the university.

CostIf students meet the entrance exam requirements, , they must have funding for their
university degree-upfront. Yes, upfront. This forces my sims to really save and plan for university. This funding can come from savings, scholarships (MAXIS and
Apple Valley's) and/or loans. Currently tuition is §8000 for the entire degree.
Any grants earned during university are nullified either by making upgrades to
the campus or via family funds. Since the university is now within the hood,
students have more housing options. If they chose to stay on campus, the room
and board fee is §2000 for the entire duration.
- §8000 for tuition plus fees for private housing and board provided by the
student
-§10000 for tuition, room and board.
Students can earn the standard MAXIS scholarships and/or custom Apple Valley
scholarships. The Inter-hood Affiliate Scholarship is available for students from affiliate hoods and is a one time §1000. The Needy Sims Award is a renewable scholarship for §1000 a simyear. It is limited to students whose family pays Tier VI taxes (poverty level) or pay Tier III taxes (lower class) and their net worth is less than $10,000/sim. For example, the Doe family has a net worth of $40,000 however there are six sims in the family, which is less than $10,000 per sim. Their children would qualify for the scholarship until the financial circumstances change.

There are a few work-study options for students, including positions in the cafeteria, labs, gym, tutoring department and more. Finally there is a Military ROTC program (Verde Herendez took was the first to take this option). In exchange for a service commitment, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program provides the student with full tuition and a stipend of $2000 for room and board. Students must take all required military courses and training along with their other college courses
and, upon graduation, enter the service as a commissioned officer.

SpaceOnce a student has passed the entrance exam and secured funding, then we look at if there is space in the university. I only have room for three males and three females to reside in the dorm, then students must reside at home or in an apartment. If a student can pass the first few hurdles, then as long as they find housing (including going to class from home) they should be able to attend.

During university students must pass their CSE with a score of at least 20 and their CIE with a score of at least a 5 in the area associated with their major.
Interests and Majors
Animals = BIOLOGY /HISTORY /MATHEMATICS /PHYSICS /PHILOSOPHY
Crime = ECONOMICS /PHILOSOPHY/ POLITICAL SCIENCE /PSYCHOLOGY
Culture = ART /DRAMA /HISTORY/ LITERATURE
Entertainment = ART /DRAMA/ LITERATURE
Environment = BIOLOGY/ MATHEMATICS/ PHYSICS
Fashion = ART /DRAMA
Food = BIOLOGY /PHILOSOPHY/ PSYCHOLOGY
Health = BIOLOGY /MATHEMATICS /PHYSICS /PSYCHOLOGY
Money = ECONOMICS /PHYSICS /MATHEMATICS/ POLITICAL SCIENCE
Paranormal = DRAMA/ HISTORY MATHEMATICS /BIOLOGY /PHYSICS /PSYCHOLOGY
Politics = ECONOMICS/ POLITICAL SCIENCE /PSYCHOLOGY
School = PHILOSOPHY /PSYCHOLOGY
Sci-Fi = PHILOSOPHY /PSYCHOLOGY
Sports = PHILOSOPHY /PSYCHOLOGY
Toys = PHILOSOPHY
Travel = DRAMA /ECONOMICS /POLITICAL SCIENCE
Weather = BIOLOGY /HISTORY /MATHEMATICS /PHYSICS
Work = ECONOMICS /POLITICAL /SCIENCE
Study Aboard
Students also have the opportunity to study aboard in Kimikura. Students must apply for admissions to Kimikura University. Students must have a score of at least 15 on their entrance exam, at least a 3.0 GPA, and at least 15 skill points to enter.

+ # GPA points (4pts-4.0, 3.9 pts-3.9, etc)
+ # Extracurriculars (1pt each)
+ # Skill points (1pt each)
+ # Hobby Points

Each class is limited to two sims each.
Tuition for Kimkura University: §4000/year

Senior Year and Graduation
During a student's senior year they focus on perfecting their studies and finishing their senior project. Students are assigned a project depending on their major, for example art majors will need to present an art exhibit, science majors will need to publish a paper, etc. Senior projects have no effect on grades and serve to add more depth to game play. After completing their projects, students graduate with a Bachelors Degree and a dandy little diploma to hang on their walls. Their options have now opened to the darker green sections on the career table, but not the darkest green. Those options are reserved for those with an advanced degree.



In summary,

Bachelor's Degree
-20+ CSE on graduation
-MAXIS style
-senior year projects/internships
-interest generation 5+

Education in Apple Valley, Part 3

What and Why
I decided to do a series on how education in Apple Valley works, especially with the forthcoming changes. We will explore education from elementary school to obtaining an advanced degree. I wanted to move away from excessive skilling in my game and focus more on character development. This serves two purposes, one, it allows me to hone in on each sim's individual personality and preferences, two, it prevents excessive success. Right now, most sims are able to obtain a level 7 job without any trouble aside from making friends. This leaves very little room for variety in the game and most sims are financially well off. To ensure that I stay focused on this, I have now decided to try and do away with most toddler skills-instead focusing on teaching them how to walk, talk, etc.

FSBS-Lingo
The primary ways of educating the sims in all levels of education are skills, hobbies and interests. I often refer to skills as scores on "skill exams" (the number of skill points they have in a certain skill) or "core skill evaluation"-CSE (the number of total skills they have). Hobbies and interests will also be referred to in a similar manner. Now that the background is out of the way, let's move on.

Associate's Degree
Today, we're discussing obtaining an associates degree. I wanted there to be some variety in education levels of the sims. Either you went to college or you didn't, according to MAXIS. Even if you didn't go to college, you could be a doctor...um, how about no.

Sometimes sims are unable to attend university. Their options would be severely limited to only the jobs that are light green.

Now, some sims are content with that and their goal isn't to be a famous lawyer, so being the receptionist is great for them. Other sims want to excel in their careers a bit more. It could be that they had a life change later, or simply that they can't afford university, or in rare cases, are labeled "doofus" and are limited in the amount of skills they can earn.

Any resident of Apple Valley without a degree may undertake a correspondence course with Pierce University at any time. Tuition is $5,000 for the entire degree program and students must have at least a score of 15 on their entrance exam (Score on Core Skills Evaluation + #simyears work experience).

To complete their degree, students must graduate with at least a score of 17 on their CSE. Assuming the lowest possible CSE score of 13 from high school graduation, the student will be required to earn 4 skill points.

Students are able to chose one of seven associate degrees. A student's degree choice determines which skill and interest they will focus on increasing.

• Associate of Fine Arts: creativity/Culture, Entertainment, Fashion
• Associate of Culinary Arts: cooking/Food
• Associate of Business Administration: charisma/Money, Work
• Associate of Technology: mechanical/Weather
• Associate of Applied Science: logic/Animals, Environment, Paranormal
• Associate of General Studies: cleaning/School, Sci-Fi, Toys, Travel
• Associate of Public Service: body/Crime, Health, Politics, Sports

In level one, students must score at least a four on their skill exam correlated to their major and a 17 on their CSE (ie, a student focused on the Associate of Culinary Arts must have at least 4 cooking skills and at least 17 skill points total).

In level two, students focus on refining their studies. Students must earn at least a 5 on their CIE in their focused skill. Using the example above, our Culinary Arts student must have at least 5 interest points in food. If multiple interests are listed, students chose one interest to focus on. Students will use magazines and sharing interest conversations to earn interests.

In level three, students focus on perfecting their studies and finishing their senior project. Students will use Monique's computer to write 2 term papers on their core (2 different articles on the their focus skill). After completing their term papers, students graduate with a Associates Degree and a dandy little diploma to hang on their walls. Their options have now opened to the medium green sections on the career table.

In summary,

Associates Degree
-17+ CSE on graduation
-SE 4+ in focused skill
-CIE 5+ in focused interest

Education in Apple Valley, Part 2

What and Why
I decided to do a series on how education in Apple Valley works, especially with the forthcoming changes. We will explore education from elementary school to obtaining an advanced degree. I wanted to move away from excessive skilling in my game and focus more on character development. This serves two purposes, one, it allows me to hone in on each sim's individual personality and preferences, two, it prevents excessive success. Right now, most sims are able to obtain a level 7 job without any trouble aside from making friends. This leaves very little room for variety in the game and most sims are financially well off. To ensure that I stay focused on this, I have now decided to try and do away with most toddler skills-instead focusing on teaching them how to walk, talk, etc.

FSBS-Lingo
The primary ways of educating the sims in all levels of education are skills, hobbies and interests. I often refer to skills as scores on "skill exams" (the number of skill points they have in a certain skill) or "core skill evaluation"-CSE (the number of total skills they have). Hobbies and interests will also be referred to in a similar manner. Now that the background is out of the way, let's move on.

Secondary School

Today, we're discussing secondary school. All secondary students, grades 6-12 (ages 12-18), attend Apple Valley Academy and are taught by Jesse Kent.

The goal of secondary school is that each student graduates with at least a score of thirteen on their CSE (fifteen for honor students) , have an increase of 3 points on their CIE (core interest exam) and have an increase of 3 points on their CHE (Core Hobby Exam). Secondary school is the place where students will continue to explore their hobby and begin to focus on their post-secondary plans.

The typical day for an secondary school student is upon entering the school, their current score on the CSE is checked. If they are lacking any points, they are directed to skill or listen to a lecture on a skill. In cases where the skill can be combined with hobby exploration, then the student is directed to explore their hobby. This is done such that the student can increase their CSE and CHE scores at the same time. Students also spend their school days earning additional interest points in their top interest via reading magazines or sharing interests with other sims.

Since most secondary school students are beginning to think about post-secondary plans, the secondary school dismisses early so that students can hold part-time jobs or internships. In addition to focusing on relationships and building hobby interests, secondary school students continue to expand their extracurricular activities.

When students enter their senior year, they are responsible for a senior project, in addition to individual class projects. Students can chose from the following projects:

• Science and the Natural World=Collect a 15 insect specimen
• Art =Bring in 3 photographs displaying the theme of "Apple Valley's Best..."
• Music & Dance =Perform a 15 minute solo recital
• Home Economics=Participate in three regional cooking contests
• Simmish & History=Write a three page paper on Monique's Computer and prepare a 15 minute speech on life in the old dimension
• Simmish Literature=Read and discuss three books with teacher.

The projects must be completed prior to graduation. In addition to the senior project, students can receive assistance in making their post-secondary plans whether it be attending university locally or aboard, or entering the workforce.

In summary,

Secondary School
-13+ CSE on graduation/15 CSE honors
-CHE 3+
-CIE 3+
-Senior projects

Education in Apple Valley, Part 1

What and Why
I decided to do a series on how education in Apple Valley works, especially with the forthcoming changes. We will explore education from elementary school to obtaining an advanced degree. I wanted to move away from excessive skilling in my game and focus more on character development. This serves two purposes, one, it allows me to hone in on each sim's individual personality and preferences, two, it prevents excessive success. Right now, most sims are able to obtain a level 7 job without any trouble aside from making friends. This leaves very little room for variety in the game and most sims are financially well off. To ensure that I stay focused on this, I have now decided to try and do away with most toddler skills-instead focusing on teaching them how to walk, talk, etc.

FSBS-Lingo
The primary ways of educating the sims in all levels of education are skills, hobbies and interests. I often refer to skills as scores on "skill exams" (the number of skill points they have in a certain skill) or "core skill evaluation"-CSE (the number of total skills they have). Hobbies and interests will also be referred to in a similar manner. Now that the background is out of the way, let's move on.

Elementary School
Today, we're discussing elementary school. All elementary students, grades K-5 (ages 5-11), attend Apple Valley Academy. Currently they are being taught by Johan Shazad until they can find a primary school teacher to take his place.

The goal of elementary school is that each child graduates with at least a score of six on their CSE, and increase of 1 point on their CIE (core interest exam). Elementary school is also the place where students will begin to explore the world and perhaps find a hobby. Children can also be identified for the honors program starting in grade 3 (some exceptions allowed).

The honors program allows for more rigorous course work which results in higher scores on the CSE. In fact, students must have a score of eight on their CSE to remain in the honors program. Entrance into the honors program comes after a successful interview with the headmaster. The honors program requires an entrance fee of $1000, though some scholarships are available.

The typical day for an elementary school student is upon entering the school, their current score on the CSE is checked. If they are lacking any points, they are directed to skill or listen to a lecture on a skill. In cases where the skill can be combined with hobby exploration, then the student is directed to discover their hobby via music class, art class, dance class, PE, science lab or simply playing at recess. The academy has at least one opportunity for each hobby (exercise equiptment=fitness; cafeteria=cuisine; books/class movies=literature & film; ballet barres, musical equiptment=music & dance; basketball court/catch=sports; remote helicopter=tinkering; hunting for bugs=nature; art & pottery class=arts & crafts; ant farms=science; recess/computer lab=games). Students also spend their school days earning additional interest points in their top interest via reading magazines or sharing interests with other sims. During elementary school, the basic requirement is an interest increase of one in any interest. Students also focus on relationships and building hobby interests.

In summary,

Elementary School (K-5)
CSE=6/Honors CSE=8
CIE=+1 in any interest
Focus on Hobby Discovery

Education in Apple Valley: Post Secondary

With the start if another school year, I decided to share a little bit about how university works in Apple Valley.

The University

The university has the basic MAXIS majors and is located on a small island.

Entering University

It is not always required that teens have the want for university, as some teens will be forced to attend university by thier families if they do not have the want, but both parents have the want, money and relationship with the teen.

Teens must pass the entrance exam (since everyone that wishes to attend college can not) with at least a score of 15. They must also have a minimum of 15 skill points.

ENTRANCE SCORE=
GPA (3pts-A, 2pts-B, 1pt-C)
+ Extracurriculars (1pt each)
+ Job Experience (1 pt for each level)
+ # Skill points (1pt each)

Dishonorable Discharge from University

Students aren't allowed to gain skill points, do homework, go to class, attend group study sessions, or write term papers unless they have a want to do so, or have a want to make Dean's List.

If a student fails, then they just let me know that they're not interested in college. Depending on the situation the student either withdraws from university or is expelled.

Semesters & Seasons

Students are played in one year rounds of two simdays with one simday for each semester. The fall semester is focused on school and going to class to earn skill points, not MAXIS class (unless they don't need skill points), but an actual lot where the academic buildings are located. The buildings have skill objects to help with gaining skill points needed for that major. Thus, my art majors gain creativity points in art class, fitness buffs take athletic classes such as tai chi, yoga or ballet, etc.

During the spring semester, grades are randomly chosen and students have the option for a spring break. If they chose not to go anywhere for break, they spend thier free time building up hobbies, reading and generally having fun.

Whoopie!! Breaks!

University Students have spring break each academic year. One student plans a trip and invites a few friends to party it up! Students are also allowed to visit home on weekends and winter break.

Education in Apple Valley, Primary/Secondary

This is a little bit about how primary/secondary education work in Apple Valley.
Logisitics
Education in Apple Valley is very hands on. Currently, the education director owns the school. It is a community lot that stays closed. The director goes there whenever school is in session (he works in the education field as well, so right now we follow him to school M,W,F) and using Simlogical's Meeting Controller, calls the students and the other teacher to the school building.

The school day starts with the primary grades (K-5) working in a common room. They have to pass five skill exams with at least a one (have at least one skill point in five different skills, usually cleaning, cooking, mechanics, creativity and charisma). Since most of them come with the required skill points, they usually play and enjoy interacting with friends, drawing on the activity table or playing for recess. All students bring thier lunch from home (a single serving of a meal, usually lunch sandwiches, soups, or leftovers from dinner).

Junior high students work upstairs in thier room. They must pass seven skill exams with at least a one (at least one skill point in each skill). Any skill they are lacking they study on the computer, with lectures from the teacher (impart knowledge interaction) or interacting with different objects (painting for creativity, dancing for body, etc).

High school students must pass one skill exam with a score of six (six skill points in one skill), so most students chose an area to specialize in and then focus on building skills for that. Any skill they are lacking they study on the computer, with lectures from the teacher (impart knowledge interaction) or interacting with different objects (painting for creativity, dancing for body, etc). High school has two floors and a larger cafeteria with vending machines, for those who forgot thier lunch.

Grades and Skill Exams
Grades are assigned by rolls (11=A+, 10=A...3=C-, 2=D, 1=F), if a student doesn't pass a skill exam, then they fail by default. Students do not have to do homework, since there is no correlation to homework and grades. However, they are assigned projects thier last year of elementary/junior high/high school.

The skill exams are the bare minimum they need to pass to the next level. Of course, most high school students are going to try and have higher grades on thier skill exams in order to get into university (that's another post).

Classes and Field Trips
So what are the students doing if they're not working on skill points (since the requirements are so low) and are not doing assignments (like Simlogical's school hack). Well, they're exploring thier hobbies. Students take classes in different hobbies (painting, photography, pottery, etc) and even have field trips (the musuem for viewing art collections, the park for nature lessons and bird watching, etc).

I plan on having one of the play sessions being a field trip day, so that they can explore thier hobbies in more detail or get exposure. Some field trips planned include:

-Arts & Crafts: trip to the art musuem

-Film & Literature: Trip to the movies (an educational film of course), book discussions by local author

-Fitness: Trip to the park for a tai chi lesson or have a tai chi master come to the school for the lesson, trip to obstacle racing course for team building :P

-Music & Dance: Trip to the concert hall for behind the scenes of the dance company and orchestra

-Games: This is called recess :)

-Nature: Trip to the park for hiking, bird watching and bug collecting. Maybe even an overnight camping trip under the stars. Trip to the aquarium

-Cuisine: This is called lunch :)

-Science: Career Day at the medical center, trip to the observatory

-Sports: This is called recess :P

-Tinkering: Trip to the historical musuem

How does education work in your hood? Is it strictly MAXIS? MAXIS with a storytelling lot? Fully intergrated?