IN Norwin Fall 2019 | Page 27

SPECIAL SECTION: as you go. Extended plans may be made in a fixed amount or a graduated amount and ensure payment in full within 25 years. Income-based plans take 10-15 percent of your discretionary income and are recalculated each year. Once you are married, your spouse’s income will also be considered, if filing jointly on tax returns. Any outstanding balance on the loan will be forgiven after 20-25 years. • Consolidate for ease – If you have multiple federal loans, consolidating them into one can make repayment easier. But there may be fees or other conditions associated with consolidating, so be sure to do your research. • Is forgiveness an option? Some programs offer loan forgiveness if you meet certain criteria or work in a particular field. People in government, nonprofit, and other public service jobs may have the remainder of their loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Additional forgiveness options are available for nurses, teachers, AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers, and some state and private programs. PRE-K – HIGH SCHOOL The first public school opened in the United States in 1635, and the Boston Latin School remains the nation’s oldest public school. Early education didn’t focus on math or science, but on the virtues of family, religion and community. Nearly 400 years later, schools are harnessing EDUCATION the fundamental principles of community, and although it may look very different in this day and age, a strong focus is being put on the importance of creating a safe school culture and tapping into technology for limitless learning. In 2019, students, parents, teachers, and administrators are seeing changes both inside and outside of the classroom. One of the biggest changes in recent years comes in the form of technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to change education tools and is expected to increase in implementation in U.S. classrooms by 47.5% in the next three years, according to the Artificial Intelligence Market in the U.S. Education Sector report. In addition to AI, other technologies are providing students with the opportunity to connect with classmates in other countries, giving teachers the ability to educate a virtual classroom from the comfort of their own home, and expanding access to applications that were once inaccessible. Another key focus in education this year is on ensuring that students feel safe, connected, supported, and challenged through a variety of different ways. School culture and safety are being addressed and adapted based on recent school safety concerns across the country. Teachers, administrators, families, and community groups are putting a critical focus on social-emotional learning activities to facilitate a better look into dealing with Continued on next page > NORWIN ❘ FALL 2019 25