Easiest Masters Degree of Education?

Precisely. Which reminds me: I have been more polite to you than you deserve. Your attempts to goad me are as transparent as they puerile.

Oh, please. Statements like these really make you look foolish.

Is your eyesight failing you or does your reading comprehension skills need work? I believe I already answered that, but for your sake, here it is again: All of them!

 

That above is why! You criticize and make fun of everyone who has a degree, or is associated with an unaccredited, or even DETC school. If you have the right to make fun of people then we have the right to know if you are qualified, or better yet superior to the ones you are making fun of. Otherwise keep your anonymity, and we will consider you an arrogant hypocrite.

How could it hurt you or your family to divulge your academic achievement? This is forum. We are not going to audit you. Sounds like smoke and mirrors to me. I was sure you had an RA degree, and had no reason to doubt you. Now I do not know, and look at it like you must be hiding something. You accuse many new posters of lying about whom they are, and yet you want to claim confidentiality. I took a lot of crap from you when I first come here for telling about myself, but you obviously do not have the nads to open yourself for criticism. If you are not willing to open up, then keep your criticism of others who do.

 

re: Bill's statement

"What you have just done is present an argument for eliminating educational incentive pay for teachers.

Given the current state deficits, that might save school districts a lot of money.

Is that what you wanted to argue? If not, how would you avoid that conclusion without conceding Gus' point?"


No, its not an arguement for removing incentive pay. I have a colleague who received her credential back when it was "lifetime" and no professional development coursework was required, no renewal of credential, etc. She makes much more than me, simply because of pay increases based on years of service alone. She never learned anything akin to mainstreaming or computer-based learning or any of the other courses the rest of us took. My contention with Gus was his lambasting of someone who wanted a quick and easy masters program for career advancement purposes. My point was that the coursework doesn't necessarily make him the best teacher- his methodology, compassion and knowledge of the course he teaches have a greater impact.
When I've completed my doctorate, I'll still be making less than my colleague, but as for being the best I can be, I choose to go as far as I can with higher education for personal fulfillment.

 

I do not think he at all asked us to denouce an accredited school. He simply wanted the easiest M ed. program that he could find. He was looking for information. He may not be sure what the term mill meant. He is new. I think we should give new people a little time before we judge them. Does this help this forum to jump on new people with both feet?

One of the idiots,

Scott

 

Show me where I have criticized everyone with a degree or those associated with a DETC school. More bunk.

Why? What’s the logic? Everybody (that includes me) has the right to make fun of whomever they please. Not everybody (that includes me) has to divulge the minute details of his or her life. Who said I was superior? Certainly not me (another reason for me not to reveal my credentials). Moreover, I don’t so much make fun of someone as point out the things that they are doing that are funny. If you don’t think it's funny, don’t laugh.

You bring up several unique points. First, I’m not anonymous. Gus Sainz is my real name, Mr., Mr., Mr… whatever your name is. Second, quite frankly, I don’t care what you (who’s this we you are referring to?) think. Third, I could only be deemed a hypocrite if I held an unaccredited or fraudulent degree. (Geez, you really didn’t like English and Literature, did you?)

Geez. Do I have to spell it out for you? Well, I guess you’re new and haven’t been around much, so here goes.
1. Degree mills are a multi-million dollar business owned by unsavory characters.
2. Degree mills have been known to have ties to organized crime.
3. I am publicly critical of substandard schools and actively participate in activities that put degree mill owners out of business (including some a only a few miles from where I live).
4. I am currently enrolled in an academic program.
5. Members of this and other forums have had documented experiences with people contacting the institutions they were involved with or graduated from and casting all manner of aspersions.

Do you need more?

Isn’t it interesting that only those whom I have been critical of in the past (or whom I believe lack integrity) want this information? Why do you think that is?

This from someone who has already threatened to physically harm me.

You are correct that this is a forum. Are you aware that most degree mill owners monitor this forum?

OK. I’ll call your bluff and raise you. First the call: Show me where I accused someone of lying about who they were. I recently investigated the claims of Dr. Regina Harris and didn’t post my preliminary results until I received corroborating evidence. Dr. Bear later confirmed the same information I had posted. Second, the raise: You are a liar; you have lied to the members of this forum about your academic background.

So, you want to criticize me for not being as stupid as you are? What's your point? You chose to reveal your fraudulent credentials. Nobody asked you or insisted that you do so. In fact, you went so far as to volunteer information that was not true.

Why? Is that some sort of rule you just made? Those who want to discuss the details of their personal lives on a public forum are free to do so. More than likely, they only want the attention and don’t care too much whether they receive approval or criticism (it’s all about them, anyway). Me, I prefer to discuss distance education.

Oh, and in case you missed it (as you are often wont to do), I did call you a bald-faced liar.

 

This thread represents the "pigs and bacon" theory associated with forums. If you can wade through the pig crap (90% of the time), you might just get yourself a decent slab of bacon ...or something to that effect...

I would think that one would establish some kind of provenance for their opinions, especially if they're corrective or controversial. Otherwise, (and I am assuming this) it is like passing gas in a swimming pool... fairly easy to cut loose and just as easily ignored...

 

Gee Gus, I had no idea you would be so upset at such a simple request

 

[

I never threatened you, but take it as you will. I simply said: If you were as rude in public as you are on this forum then I bet you would sport a raccoon look. I never threatened to give you the makeover. Some people are much more of a smartass sitting behind their computer terminal. I think if this were a bar, or pub about the third time you called someone an idiot, or stupid you would surely find someone willing to apply your make up.

Explain?

 

Gee Dennis, I don't recal having done so the first 9 or 10 times you made a big deal about it.

 

Haven't done it for a long time. Your self-rightousness must have been under control.

Final word from me. Give er another go if you must Gus.

 

Actually Gus, I think you are very funny. It is funny that you are always in arguments with people who think you are rude and obnoxious, but it is always others who are thin skinned and taking you wrong.

Oh, I will take your word for it just like you take others word for things.

The degree mill mob is after Gus. I think big Lou is outside of your house now. We put in CCTV if you are interested, but how do you know I am not a member of this mob.

Maybe because I (we) think you are a hypocrite. When you go around calling people idiots, scam artist, and accuse people of lacking integrity then expect them to want to know about your integrity. If your hand is so great then show it. If not then I see you as a bluff.

If you put forth near as much energy trying to help people as trying to diss people then you would be respected like a Dr. Bear, or Dr. Douglas. They are not ashamed of their credentials.

 

I believe we already covered this. Anyone who is interested in the entire contents of the private message you sent me entitled You are a Jerk can see it here.

Gladly. I'll start with this one.

On 06-20-2003, in defense of your Kennedy-Western degree and the rigor of K-W exams, you wrote the following:

Today, I posted some information I thought would be helpful to you concerning the CLEP examinations and asked you which CLEP exams you had taken. This was your reply:

This has always been one of my major objections to substandard schools. Sooner or later, regardless of the level of work required, in an attempt to defend the indefensible or simply enhance the utility of the degree, the temptation to stretch the truth or succumb to blatant dishonesty will rear its ugly head. It’s sad to live under this kind of threat all of your life.

 

I believe that I understand the point Gus has made in his original reply to Greg and basically, I agree. I've posted a similar message in the past myself. I also have no objection to the occasional harshness of Gus' postings. There's been times when I've not exactly been the poster boy for politeness myself. The issue of confidentiality is a red herring. I once fought the battle against member anonymity, lost that battle and wound up being converted to the other side. People may choose to disclose information about themselves but should not be required to do so. A valid argument is a valid argument regardless of the background of the person presenting that argument.
I sympathize with Greg's situation. After all, I'm in the same basic situation myself (although I won't get an automatic pay raise when I finally get my doctorate). It's a lot of work and sacrifice. The temptation is tremendous to go for the "easiest" program (whatever that means) and worry less about "quality" (whatever that means). It was incredibly ironic to read about the teacher who thinks their grad degree was useless. I think I would have shopped around more, found a program that had something to offer. Easy for me to say? Maybe, but it's what I did so I know it's possible. A teacher who thinks higher education is useless just seems too cynical (and a bit hypocritical) for my taste.
Finally, I'd point out that someone back in the thread asked a good question that never got answered . . . If Greg chooses an accredited program (RA, I guess) where's the complaint if it's an "easy" program? RA is RA is RA, right? You can't talk about RA as being the "gold standard" and then criticize someone for choosing an RA program (even if it is "easy"). Speaking of easy . . . Greg, if you want a better answer to your question, you're going to have to say something about what constitutes "easy" in your mind. You want fast? slow? intense? gradual? all multiple choice tests? all essay exams? project oriented? course-based? research-based? It's a "garbage in, garbage out" deal. Nobody here knows what is "easy" for you unless you tell us.
Jack

 

Well you have me there. I took credit by examination test, which may not be clep, but at the time I was not really sure what Clep stood for. I just knew it was some kind of credit by exam. I also did not know what IMHO, or IIRC stood for. I just learned one of those two days ago. The Credit Exam I had was in electronics by the instructor. So yea I am part of a conspiracy. When you lay yours out on the table I will give you the name and number of the instructor that gave me the exam. How is that?

 

You have used many big words here, words that you have used incorrectly in the past. Please back up your statements like I have mine.

Who have I called an idiot that isn’t?
Who have a I called a scam artist that isn’t?
Who have I accused of lacking integrity that doesn’t?

Exact quotes, please.

Once again, by the way you are employing the term, you demonstrate that you don’t understand the meaning of integrity. If I were to claim a degree I did not have, that would demonstrate a lack of integrity. How does not wishing to divulge the provenance of my degrees demonstrate a lack of integrity? I choose not to do so precisely so that my words and comments stand on their own. They are either correct or they are wrong, and need no bolstering from my credentials to be either. Moreover, I choose not to divulge my credentials precisely to avoid the kind of pissing contest in which you (and others) wish to engage.

Right. Why don’t you ask them how many kooks and stalkers they’ve had to deal with over the years. Since my name was recently mentioned on AED, over 44 viruses and Trojan horse (linked to the email I provided) have attempted to attack my computer.

 

Nice backpedaling, but read your words again. You said some (plural) CLEP exams.

 

Oh yea I am sure. Someone writes code to send to Gus just because he is a smartass. Why don't you call the FBI, and see they could trace those emails back to the source.

I am sure Big Lou from the degree mill mob does this in his spare time.

You said back when we were going at it in the past that you had more than 28 years of martial arts. I would think that if that were the case some little degree mill guys would not scare you away from being straight up.

You want to know why many here do not mind sharing their credentials. It is because they can have cordial discussions without getting personal, and starting fights. The reason you end up in so many of these arguments is because rather than state your case, and beliefs about degrees you get personal and attack people when it is not warranted. No matter how intelligent, or learned you are when you treat people disrespectful you come off as a jerk. I am sure there are many ways I need to improve, and I try to do that daily. I think you should think about trying to treat people with more respect. You do not have to take that advice, but it is given genuinely.

 

You can break down my post, and English as much as you like. Credit exams then. I had a 900-hour certificate in electronics from a vocational school. I then had many years of experience, so I ask to test out of some of the basic electronic courses. I probably could have tested out of most of the courses if I wanted too. In my microprocessors course, I took all seven tests in one day. I did the projects in a weekend, and had the rest of the semester to post the papers that had to be written. Same kind of thing in most of the courses. I will answer questions unlike you.

 

Unfortunately, unlike me, your answers cannot be believed.

 

And you accuse Henrik of not answering questions, and being evasive.