Category: education

education

Hawk Tuah Schools: A Breeding Ground for ExcellenceHawk Tuah Schools: A Breeding Ground for Excellence

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Have you ever wondered what the secret is to raising champions — not just on the field, but in life? Well, let me introduce you to the ‘Hawk Tuah Schools‘, a chain of institutions that may have cracked the code! They believe in molding kids into disciplined, hard-working individuals while fostering an environment that enables growth and fun. Intrigued yet? Well, let’s dive into the world of Hawk Tuah!

A Unique Approach to Learning: The Hawk Tuah Way

You might be asking, what really sets Hawk Tuah Schools apart from the rest? Is it just another school with a fancy name or is there more? The difference is in their unique approach to learning! Hawk Tuah schools, much like the hawk from which it derives its name, promotes strength, vigilance, and precision. No detail is too small, no challenge too great! Well-rounded development is the name of the game here and it’s represented in their comprehensive program that focuses not only on academics but also on sports and other extracurricular activities.

The Impact of a Leader: Haliey Welch at the Helm

You must be wondering now, how does a school achieve such goals, right? The answer to that lies with one name – Haliey Welch. As the driving force behind the Hawk Tuah schools, Welch is a visionary who understands that each student is unique and needs to be nurtured individually. She believes in the power of discipline, teamwork, and integrity, and it’s these values that she instills into the curriculum and ethos of the school. In her own words, “The Hawk Tuah Schools aim to create not just successful students but great human beings”.

Learning Beyond Textbooks

What makes learning at a Hawk Tuah school different and more exciting? It’s the aspect of not having to stick to conventional ways of learning. The team understands that real-life experiences often teach more valuable lessons than a textbook ever could. Hence, they constantly strive to provide students with opportunities that take them beyond the four walls of the classroom. outdoor activities, practical experiments, and cultural immersion programs are just a few ways they keep the learning process engaging and fun!

Join the Hawk Tuah Family

If you’re seeking an enriching and wholesome learning environment for your child, look no further than Hawk Tuah schools. It’s at places like these that children don’t just pass but excel in tests, don’t just participate but win in sports, and don’t just become educated but become learned individuals. So, why not give your child the Hawk Tuah advantage and watch them soar?

Medicare 2024 IRMAA Brackets: Amounts and HowMedicare 2024 IRMAA Brackets: Amounts and How

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With the announcement of the August CPI-U, the 2024 Brackets are official and they will increase by over 5.00% to start at $103, 000 for an individual.

Now please keep in mind that at any point between now and the beginning of the 2024 Congress or the current Presidential Administration can alter these Medicare IRMAA Brackets, but if they do not then there will be at least a little bit of good news for seniors.

Official IRMAA 2024 Brackets

Single Couple MAGI Part B Part D
< $103, 000 < $206, 000 $174.70 Premium (varies)
$103, 000 to $129, 000 $206, 000 to $258, 000 $244.60 $12.90
$129, 000 to $161, 000 $258, 000 to $322, 000 $349.40 $33.30
$161, 000 to $193, 000 $322, 000 to $386, 000 $454.20 $53.80
$193, 000 to $500, 000 $386, 000 to $750, 000 $559.00 $74.20
> $500, 000 > $750, 000 $594.00 $81.00

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How the IRMAA Brackets adjust:

When Congress created Medicare IRMAA back in 2003 through the passing of the Medicare Moderniztion Act, they ruled that the IRMAA Brackets would adjust by

“The percentage (if any) by which the average of the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (United States city average) for the 12-month period ending with August of the preceding calendar year exceeds such average for the 12-month period.”

So, if the CPI-U at the end of August of the current year is greater than the previous August then the IRMAA Brackets will increase. Note the inflation rate does not determine IRMAA costs.

By the way there is no language that would stop the IRMAA Brackets from going down if the CPI-U would actually deflate from year to year.

In terms of the all the Thresholds within the IRMAA Brackets, due to the passing of the Bi-Partisan Budget Act of 2018 the 5th Threshold in the IRMAA Brackets will not adjust for inflation until 2028.

What is IRMAA:

IRMAA is short for Medicare’s Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount which is according to the Code of Federal Regulations:

“An amount that you will pay for your Medicare Part B and D coverage when your modified adjusted gross income is above the certain thresholds.”

IRMAA is a tax on your income through Medicare Part B and Part D coverage if you have too much income while in retirement.

IRMAA - Medicare Logo

Will you actually enter IRMAA:

According to the 2022 Medicare Board of Trustees Report, currently, there are over 6.8 million people in IRMAA. These people in IRMAA make up 16.63% of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

By 2031, according to recent reports the number of people in IRMAA will double to 13.8 million eligible people in IRMAA.

IRMAA is a revenue generator for both the Medicare and social Security Programs.

For the Medicare program, IRMAA is an added cost that the person in it must pay. This added cost provides more money each year for the program.

As for Social Security, according to Congress, all IRMAA costs are automatically deducted from any Social Security benefit a person is receiving. Thus, for those who enter IRMAA, Social Security has to pay out less to them which reduces that program’s obligation to pay benefits.

2024 IRMAA Brackets: Amounts and How to Forecast for Retirement2024 IRMAA Brackets: Amounts and How to Forecast for Retirement

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What is IRMAA:

IRMAA is short for Medicare’s Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount which is according to the Code of Federal Regulations:

“An amount that you will pay for your Medicare Part B and D coverage when your modified adjusted gross income is above the certain thresholds.”

IRMAA is a tax on your income through Medicare Part B and Part D coverage if you have too much income while in retirement.

IRMAA - Medicare Logo

Will you actually enter IRMAA:

According to the 2022 Medicare Board of Trustees Report, currently, there are over 6.8 million people in IRMAA. These people in IRMAA make up 16.63% of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

By 2031, according to recent reports the number of people in IRMAA will double to 13.8 million eligible people in IRMAA.

IRMAA is a revenue generator for both the Medicare and Social Security programs.

For the Medicare program, IRMAA is an added cost that the person in it must pay. This added cost provides more money each year for the program.

As for Social Security, according to Congress, all IRMAA costs are automatically deducted from any Social Security benefit a person is receiving. Thus, for those who enter IRMAA, Social Security has to pay out less to them which reduces that program’s obligation to pay benefits.

With both Medicare and Social Security projected by the government to be insolvent (unable to pay) in less than 8 years the easiest way to save these programs is to make sure more people are in IRMAA.

How do you reach an IRMAA bracket:

IRMAA is all about your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).

The more of it you have the higher the chances that you have to reaching IRMAA while having less of an MAGI reduces the chance of you reaching IRMAA.

What counts towards your MAGI:

According to Social Security your MAGI is the total of your adjusted gross income (AGI) and any tax-exempt interest you may have.

Both of these can be found on lines 2a and 11 of your 2022 IRS tax form 1040.

Some examples of where your MAGI will come from are:

Taxable Social Security benefits traditional 401(k) Withdrawals
Wages Traditional IRA Withdrawals
Pension & Rental Income Traditional 403(b) Withdrawals
Capital Gains Qualified Annuities
Dividends Interest

If you want to avoid IRMAA all together then the goal is to generate an income from financial instruments that do not count towards your MAGI and they are:

Roth Account Withdrawals
Life Insurance Loans
Non-Qualified Annuities*
health Saving Account Withdrawals
401(h) Plans
Home Loans or Reverse Mortgages

*Non-Qualified Annuities – depending on certain factors a certain portion of all income you will receive from them can be completely tax free. Please see an IRMAA Certified Professional for more information on which Annuity is best for you.

For a complete list of what does and does not count towards IRMAA please click here.

How to File an Appeal

If you feel you shouldn’t be subject to IRMAA, you can file an appeal.  What you do comes down to how you want to appeal.

For Medicare enrollees with a qualifying life changing event:

All that needs to be done is for you to fill out the SSA-44 form by competing the first 3 pages and then submit it with your corresponding proof of your life changing event to your local SSA office.

You can find your local SSA office here.

Once the paperwork is submitted all correspondence about your appeal will be mailed to you from the SSA. If the result is not satisfactory you can request a hearing which can also be done through your local SSA office.

For Medicare enrollees without a qualifying life changing event but who want to appeal based on an updated tax-return or income discrepancy:

Appealing IRMAA is even simpler than have a qualifying life changing event as all that is needed to be done is for you to request an appeal at your local SSA office.

Explain to the local Field Representative that you have a received an IRMAA notification and that you like to appeal based on updated tax information.

A case number will be assigned to you as well as Field Agent, which could be the person at your local office, so always be nice and any correspondence about your case ill be mailed to you by the SSA.

If the IRMAA result is not satisfactory you can always request a hearing at your local SSA office too.

At the point of request your local agent will be able to submit your appeal and a case number at that moment should be assigned to you. As your case is evolving you will have to provide documentation that disproves the information that the IRS has provided which can be a corrected or amended tax-return or even a more update one

Conclusion:

The 2024 IRMAA Brackets are, by law, going to increase, but the odds of you or someone you know reaching IRMAA at some point are also increasing.

Good Agency: Your Strategic Partner for Company GrowthGood Agency: Your Strategic Partner for Company Growth

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In today’s affordable service landscape, accomplishing continual development needs more than a top quality Services or product; it demands calculated marketing, a Clear message, and a reliable Companion. [dcl= 3021] embodies this suitable, providing a comprehensive suite of marketing services designed to help companies grow. Improved concepts of excellence and honesty, [dcl= 3021] differentiates itself as a trustworthy guide for companies aiming to elevate their market existence and attain significant development.

The Good Agency Advantage

Good Agency’s objective is to equip magnate with the confidence and support necessary to browse the congested market successfully. Their commitment to quality and stability permeates every facet of their work, transforming thousands of services from feeling uncertain to confident in their marketing strategies.

Why Choose Good Agency?

Strategic, Results-Driven Marketing

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A business’s website typically functions as the very first factor of call for possible consumers. Good Agency specializes in developing responsive, mobile-friendly web sites that are aesthetically appealing and enhanced for efficiency, making certain a robust online visibility that converts site visitors right into customers.

Award-Winning Video Production

Video content is an effective device for engaging audiences and properly sharing messages. Good Agency’s award-winning video manufacturing services aid companies produce engaging advertising video clips and website content that catch attention and drive action.

StoryBrand Messaging

Quality in advertising is essential, and Good Agency masters aiding companies improve their message with the StoryBrand structure. This method makes sure that advertising messages are clear, engaging, and optimized for distribution throughout various networks.

Professional Photography

High-quality images are crucial for creating a specialist and trustworthy brand image. Good Agency uses specialist digital photography solutions that record the essence of a firm much better than supply photos, including a personal touch to advertising products.

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Reaching the ideal audience at the right time is crucial for reliable advertising and marketing. Good Agency’s electronic marketing solutions, consisting of Amazon Ads, Google Ads, retargeting advertisements, and social media sites ads, are created to make the most of reach and interaction.

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Email advertising continues to be an extremely effective network for supporting leads and maintaining client connections. Good Agency gives automated e-mail campaigns that capture customers and drive recurring engagement.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Presence in internet search engine is critical for attracting organic web traffic. Good Agency’s SEO solutions enhance a site’s search choice, making sure organizations are easily located by prospective consumers.

Graphic Design.

A strong brand identity is foundational to successful advertising and marketing. Good Agency’s visuals design services, including brand identity overviews, logos, and lead generator layouts, aid organizations produce a cohesive and impactful brand name image.

Depend on and Excellence in Marketing.

Good Agency thinks that every company is worthy of a dependable marketing companion who operates with honesty and excellence. Their commitment to these values, combined with their thorough solution offerings and proven track record, makes them an excellent companion for services wanting to enhance their advertising and marketing initiatives and accomplish lasting growth.

In a market filled with advertising firms, Good Agency stands out by concentrating on what absolutely matters: supplying results with strategic, client-centered marketing. Whether you need a brand-new website, engaging video clip content, or a clear and reliable advertising and marketing message, Good Agency is geared up to direct your service to success.

What are Micro-Credentials? Unveiling the Significance in EducationWhat are Micro-Credentials? Unveiling the Significance in Education

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Exploring the Concept of Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials, called ‘micro certificates’, encompass concise and targeted week-long courses. Employees primarily utilize them to acquire precise skill sets. These courses result in stacked credentials, forming a portfolio of digital badges or certificates.

Distinguished by their specificity, micro-credential courses bridge skill gaps often unincluded by traditional degrees due to the novelty of required expertise. Unlike conventional degrees or formal certificates, micro-credentials are compact, time-efficient, and hyper-focused, offering a more cost-effective and specialized learning experience.

These courses are in various educational institutes, including universities, industry organizations, and accredited online platforms.

Benefits of Micro-Credentials for Educators

Micro-credentials enhance teaching strategies and methods. It is efficient with its specificity, making its courses engaging and doable for learners. Here are the other benefits educators can receive by creating micro-credential courses.

Meeting the Demand for Skills-Based Hiring

According to a report from Coursera, 90% of graduates and students believe industry micro-credentials will make them more likely to be hired. Even 88% of employers believe that professional certificates strengthen a candidate’s application, as 77% already use Skills-based hiring.

With the staggering statistics for micro-credentials, educators would be wise to meet its demand. 

Enhancing Teaching Strategies Through Micro-Credentialing

Micro-credential courses typically comprise 4-8 lessons. They are designed to accommodate learners who are most likely employed. Because of the “chunking” of the lessons, learners can dedicate a few weekly hours to acquiring new expertise. Tailored for rapid up-skilling, these courses prioritize evidence-based resources to ensure the delivery of high-quality knowledge. Each lesson is followed by short quizzes, facilitating continual learning tracking and retention of acquired insights.

Micro-Credentials: A Tool for Continuing Education to Adopt

Micro-credentials can assist educators in creating better-continuing education (CE) courses. Due to innovations constantly changing the industries, Sheila LeBlanc, associate vice-president for CE at the University of Calgary, states in an interview:

Micro-credentials and continuous learning are critical for almost every worker’s future. It doesn’t matter if you are a nurse, an engineer, a scientist, or an artist. When I finished my undergraduate degree in marketing, social media, and digital marketing didn’t exist. Today’s need to continuously learn new skills and competencies, too, or they won’t be employed for long!”

She agrees that learners and employers must become Partners in creating accessible, research-based, and work-related learning opportunities, a mentality required for micro-credentialing.

“Continuing Education teams have the tools, technology, and processes in place to act as a launching point for micro-credential Practices across the academy.”

Utilizing SimpleCert®: Streamlining Micro-Credential Management

Micro-credential courses allow educators to create efficient, evidence-based, and engaging lessons for many learners who wish to be employed immediately. These learners would often look for accredited courses online that they can access at home or on their smartphones to complete at their convenience. 

You may benefit from automated micro-credential management if you’re an online educator. SimpleCert® is a systemic tool for digital certificate management. By linking your SimpleCert® account to your website or test-taker platform, your students can automatically receive their digital certificates as soon as they are done.

Because SimpleCert® is a comprehensive Certificate Management System, it can manage all aspects of your certification program. All certificates you award are automatically stored within your account, allowing for effortless management and retrieval. Your students can access their stacked credentials anytime via a direct download link, or for Monthly SimpleCart® subscribers via individual recipient portals.

See our digital credentials features to learn more

SimpleCert | Unveiling the Significance in Education

Essential Workplace Skills for South African JobsEssential Workplace Skills for South African Jobs

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, continuous skills development is crucial for success. To thrive in today’s competitive job market in South Africa, individuals need to possess a diverse set of workplace skills that encompass both professional and soft skills. These job skills are essential for securing employment, advancing in one’s career, and thriving in a dynamic work environment.

Professional skills, also known as hard skills, refer to the technical expertise and knowledge required for a specific job role. These skills are usually gained through formal education, certifications, or specialized training. In South Africa, there is a growing demand for professionals with specialized workplace skills, such as coding, digital marketing, data analysis, and project management.

While hard skills are important, employers also value soft skills that are crucial for effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These include skills such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and time management. Soft skills are applicable across various industries and are highly sought after by employers across South Africa.

Developing a well-rounded skill set that encompasses both professional skills and soft skills is essential for individuals looking to excel in their careers. Organizations recognize the value of employees who possess a diverse range of workplace skills, as they are better equipped to handle challenges, adapt to changes, and drive innovation.

Benefits of a Workplace Skills Plan:

  • Identifies and addresses skills gaps
  • Enhances individual and organizational performance
  • Boosts employee engagement and job satisfaction
  • Supports sustained growth and competitiveness

Benefits of a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP)
Identifies and addresses skills gaps
Enhances individual and organizational performance
Boosts employee engagement and job satisfaction
Supports sustained growth and competitiveness

The SETA Environment: Navigating Complex Requirements

In the South African skills development landscape, compliance with SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) requirements is essential. Guest Resource Services has extensive experience in working within the SETA environment and can guide you through the intricate process with ease. services seta qualifications

They understand the intricacies of submitting a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and can assist you in completing the necessary documentation accurately and efficiently. Additionally, they have the expertise to help your organization secure funding for your training initiatives, ensuring that you can provide your employees with the skills they need to excel. skills training

With Guest Resource Services as your partner, you can rest assured that your skills development plans will be in line with the latest industry standards and regulations. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to delivering high-quality training Solutions sets them apart as a leading facilitator in South Africa.

Partnering with Guest Resource Services gives your business the advantage of their expertise and industry knowledge. They take the time to understand your organization’s unique requirements and develop a customized skills development plan that aligns with your vision and goals.

Don’t let skills gaps hinder your company’s growth and success. Choose Guest Resource Services as your partner in skills development and unlock the full potential of your workforce.

Investing in Continuous Workplace Skills Development

In today’s dynamic business environment, investing in continuous workplace skills development is vital for sustained growth and competitiveness. As organizations evolve and adapt to changing market demands, it is crucial to equip employees with the necessary skills to thrive. A culture of continuous learning and improvement not only enhances individual performance but also positions companies for long-term success.

Guest Resource Services, with over 20 years of experience in skills development facilitation, is your trusted partner in bridging skills gaps and driving workplace excellence. By partnering with Guest Resource Services, businesses can unlock their full potential by investing in customized training solutions tailored to their specific needs. Through a comprehensive needs analysis, they identify the key areas for improvement and design targeted interventions that result in tangible outcomes.

By embracing continuous workplace skills development with Guest Resources Services, organizations can achieve enhanced productivity, improved employee engagement, and a competitive edge in their respective industries. Their expertise in the ever-changing SETA environment ensures that companies meet compliance requirements and secure funding opportunities that support their skills development initiatives.

Source Links

  • https://guestresources.co.za/navigating-the-path-to-effective-workplace-skills-development-with-guest-resource-Services/