Monroe Boces 2 A+ Computer Program ripoff a scam! It's a waste of time and money. Rochester New York
Hello:
I attended the last A+ training class, and I can honestly say that if it were not for the fact that VESSID was paying for it, I would have left after the fifth day. I was not at all impressed with the way the class was taught.
First off; if anyone thinks that you can pass the A+ exam after five weeks of that class, you are delusional. The average person cannot memorize 1200 pages of highly technical material in the time frame that is given at the Boces "School". Add to the fact that if you buy five A+ training books, and five A+ practice tests; they will all have differences in the questions and the correct answers will differ from book to book!!
If that is not enough to make someone never want to take a class at Boces; the teacher is not what I would call an expert on the material. There was more then one occasion where he was lecturing about a subject, and it was later proven that it was not the right explanation.
The person who taught the class was ex-Kodak management. If any company trained a person to run time off the clock, and make it(FAKE IT) look like they were busy-it was Kodak. That man could kill a day of class like a pro. How he B.S'ed his way into that position is beyond me. He's funny, and has many good traits; none of which are teaching.
That is just a sample of what I had to deal with. I could go into further detail; but I have wasted enough of my time(five weeks to be exact).
Then the internship comes. My teacher waited till the last possible second to tell us where we would intern at. I requested Comp USA, and a few other places; I had little feedback about the matter.
I had given him rough draft for my final project with five days to look at it(I had wanted to obtain some guidance from him, so that I could revise it). He never even got back to me on it. I had asked him a few times about it, all I got was "OOP's, I forgot...AND...."GEEZE-I was busy last night"!! I gave up; "you can't get blood from a stone".
I found out on the very last day possible that I would work for Ken Corpus. That sounded good on paper(he was a very good sub for Ed-when Ed went on a WEEKS VACATION AFTER THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS!!). I was never told EXACTLY where I would work at. Had I known it would be in some of the worst areas of the City; as far as crime, drugs, hookers, and bums that like to spit on your window and clean it with a dirty sock for a dollar- I would have told Ed he could keep the certificate of completion.
I will never in my life take another class at Wemoco; nor would I advise anyone who hopes to land a job to go there. For the $2500 + they have raked in, I could have taken a full year at a REAL college. I went to MCC for a year and a half, and have rarely had a problem with a course - or the way it was taught(there was one time, I took a swimming class-under the impression that I would be taught the different swimming styles-so I could be a life guard. My teacher waited till the last day to tell me I was not good enough at all the strokes to pass the test!! Other then that, I give MCC a good grade).
I refuse to go to the internship. I do not feel safe in that area. I got lost in one of the worst areas in Rochester(besides Kodak Park-that was a joke). And I realize that I have not learned more then 15% extra over what I knew when I walked into the door.I would have been better off paying Mustafa $200 to teach me what he knows. And if I thought I was to blame for it, I would not be writing this. My family saw me every night hitting the books. Mustafa E. taught me more then the teacher did!!
Ed is not a bad person, he is just not a teacher. Some people are not football players; maybey they are good at something else. I hope he finds his calling beacause it's not teaching. Stand-up comedy is a possibility.
Thank you for your time:
Pete
Spencerport, New York
U.S.A.
9 Updates & Rebuttals
Pete
Spencerport,New York,
U.S.A.
The dust has cleared; all I want it my Comptia Vouchers..
#10Author of original report
Thu, May 27, 2004
I hope I'm not speaking too soon when I say Boces has taken their finger off the "Big Red Button"..
The first Amendment has prevailed; all I want now is my certificate and Comptia Test vouchers.. AND TO MOVE ON!!
Now that I'm not wasting 5 days a week in that class, I can teach myself the material.. I might have a chance to pass the A+ test; in a month or so...
Since they sent me out to Avenue D(crack-baby popping welfare land, where just about everyone has gold teeth and 9 mil's), and I did not feel safe in that situation(a circumstance I should have never been thrust into); I should be exonorated of the final two days I had to complete the internship-AND-be given not only my Comp Tia test coupons-I deserve the certificate...
I had an 89% in the class...
I had two days left of dodging bullets and bums...
They should make an exception-OR-find a way for me to make up the two days(by working it off in a job situation)...
If some kind of compromise is not made; I will return the call to the Att. General and my media contact.
I could be on TV by mid June explaining the situation.
Pete
Spencerport,New York,
U.S.A.
The ED-itor Saved my Bacon ..Thanks to The Rip Off Report!
#10Author of original report
Thu, May 20, 2004
*UPDATE*
Thanks to The Rip Off Report Boces has backed off.
I was contacted via the telephone by the main main himself(Ed). He was a very nice person that was concerned with my situation. He gave me advice on what actions to take + made a few phone calls for me.... AND BAMM....PROBLEM SOLVED!!
My Vesid counselor called me for a meeting. She told me that the word came back to Boces that I can not get in trouble for my opinion. The fact that I had someone that would back my basic claims(not to mention the Rip Off Report took a special interest in my case)help tip the scale.
This is not a third world country(Not yet anyway; If anymore jobs get out-sourced, we migh all have to move to China and live in grass huts); we have the right to speak our mind, so long as it is not slanderous or threatining.
If anyone has the chance to support this site with donations, please do so.
Check out the "Revenge" book at www.ripoffRevenge.com And who knows, you yourself may get a call from that masked man("The ED'itor-nater")!!!
Thank you Ed. It's nice to know good people still exist. Keep in touch. If you need my help, put me in coach!! I'm ready to kick a** and take names; I'm all out of ink-baby!!
Pete
Spenceport,New York,
U.S.A.
Prospective Students should be allowed to view the data pertaining to how many people pass the A+ Exam, after completing the course & land a job.
#10Consumer Comment
Thu, May 20, 2004
This is my goal:
Let the facts speak for themselves.
Data should be collected on students(their names withheld from the general public)that take these classes.
The data should consist of:
#1: The skill level before entering the course of the people that passed the Certification(I.E: Have they been working on computers; for example, for 6 years without being certified-or are they entry level??).
#2: Does their grade in the class come close to their Certification test grade(If they get a 90% average in the class and bomb the test, is the class structured to the level it needs to be? If across the board a pattern> is made that the vast majority of students either pass - or fail the actual Certification within a month of being done with the class; one could arrive to the conclusion that either
#1: The class is educating students to the point where they are ready to hit the work place in their desired occupation.
...OR...
#2: The students get done with the class and do not have the skills they need to preform the job).
If Boces collected this data, and made it available to prospective students, it could only help them improve their program.
I'm not asking that they give a 100% money back promise; that "If you don't find a job within a month of cmpleting our class-we will give you your money back"!!
I realize the job market is tough.
What they should be able to say is:
"Our students come out of the class with the skills they need, and the credentials(I.E.: Certifications, Diplomas etc.)that actual employers look for if and when they do hire a person for that job.
I think that there is room for improvement for many colleges, and training centers. The best institutions have the data handy for prospective students, to show that they are a cut above the rest.
My teacher was not a bad guy.. He is funny, has a good personality, and is a good person.
When I look for a teacher-"Yoda" is my choice over
"Ward Cleaver, Radar O'Riley, Jim Carrey, Tommy Chong, George Bush, or Fabio".
I was not happy with his teaching, or the program; thats all. I'm not saying "Fire the guy-Ex-Kodak Management should be forced to work at the China plant for 10 cents an hour"....
I'm saying:
"Rise to the level of knowledge where you can bring students to the level that they need to be in order to meet the requirements that the job demands".
I have a harsh way of putting it. I'm agitated that I would have to take the time to say it. As far as I am concerned, it should be the rule-rather then the expectation.
Take the exam every year. The teachers can take it for free!!
Did you pass??
If so; what changed over the last test?? Convey that to the students and work on it with them.
Did you fail? If that is the case; learn what you failed until you are an expert at it. Take the test again and again, until you pass it!!!!
"There is no try.. It's do -or- do not"..(YODA)
Change "Do not- to Do"; and I will recind my opinion.
Is this so much to ask????
Pete
Spencerport,New York,
U.S.A.
Now Boces is turning up the heat fora person with ad/hd!!
#10Author of original report
Wed, May 19, 2004
That's right folks:
I have a learning disability. Vesid has been getting phone calls off the hook about my report!!
Boces administration is furious over the fact that I spoke my mind about my experience there.
Now my Vesid counselor may throw me off the program.
It took me over a year to prove I have AD/HD, Seasonal Depression/Anxiety, and now - if Boces keeps it up, I could be in trouble with my counselor. I was getting help from the government to learn a skill. I feel like they have stolen my chance at gaining a skill that will land me a decent job; not to mention they are looting money from the government. Most people cannot pass the Comptia A+ Exam after 5 weeks of that class. It's "Fast Food" education. I hope I don't end up in jail. If I can keep just one person from spending their hard earned cash on that class, it was worth it. If they refund Vesid for the class, and re-vamp the course so that it meets the requirements of Comptia(meaning-NO MATTER HOW MANY WEEKS IT TAKES TO ADD TO THE CLASS, TO MAKE IT WORK-A person should be able to get an %80 or better on the two tests), I will UPDATE THIS REPORT and say that they are great and they are at the level they need to be for people to succeed. Thats all I want(for people to take the class and pass the Comptia A+ exam). They should also have tutors for people with disabilities
I wish they would stop making threats to me and leave me alone.
If it keeps up I may have to admit myself to the hospital.
I have been contacted by the media, and if they keep causing me grief-I may agree to talk with them next week.
Pete
Spencerport,New York,
U.S.A.
Mary Ellen Spennacchio-Wagner, the Coordinator at Boces 2 want's to sue me for my opinion of their program!! I need legal advice!! I will not step foot on Boces soil again.
#10Author of original report
Wed, May 19, 2004
*UPDATE*
--- Cathy Acunis Monroe Boces wrote:
> Pete--Mary Ellen Spennacchio-Wagner, the Coordinator of the Adult Education Program at BOCES #2 feels
> uncomfortable about having a phone conversation with
> you. Instead she wants to meet with you and I and
> your instructors from BOCES to discuss your
> criticism of the At certification training program.
> Please let me know if you agree to participate in such a meeting.
>
=======
Well if Mary Wagner does not feel comfortable talking to me over the phone, thats fine. I don't have much to say to her. I have already said my opinion. I will not step foot on Boces soil again. I talked to my Father, and if they want to sue me; let them have at it. I owe more on my KIA then it is worth(they would be doing me a favor taking it), and I have a mountain bike that is worth about $70. As far as jail goes; 3 meals and a roof is a step up from when I am now. I hear they have cable and a gym!!
I doubt it would come to that. If it does; I'm as low to rock bottom as a person can be. I feel hopeless/like an idiot for chosing the course. I fought like a dog to get some kind of help; and when I chose Boces-it was like flushing $2500 down the drain.
As far as I'm concerned, let them send me to the firing range. Put a cigar in my mouth, and let em rip.
Slander is making false statements. I have people that will back up my basic claims which are that the teacher was lousy, and that the program is not at the level that it needs to be for a person to come out of it A+ Certified.
They will get even worse press from throwing the book at me(a person with a disability, that can't afford meds-no job-no money--that was in their program-and put into situations that set off said persons anxiety.. I have one word "NEGLIGENCE"..A total lack of ethics on their part.. ). A kid fresh out of law school could make his name off of this episode.
I put all my "Chips"(metaphorically speaking)down on the fact that this class was what was going to catapult me into the pay level / skill set that I need to be in, in order to survive in this rat race world. I gave it my all. The fact that I gained 10-%15 more then I knew when I walked in the door(and that was mostly Mustafa helping me while Ed babbled on about the "Good old days- at Kodak") is not what I call education. I could have bought the books and done as good, or better.
And I apologize again for you being in the middle of this. I'm going to go survival job hunting Wed.
Wish me luck:
Pete
====================
Pete
Spencerport,New York,
U.S.A.
a letter to my Vesid Counselor-about this issue
#10Author of original report
Tue, May 18, 2004
Hello Cathy:
I hate the fact that you are in the middle of this. If I had had the money to take the class in the first place, I would not feel so bad about the situation(because this situation would fall entirely on my shoulders). I don't think the editor will remove the report, and if it were not for you, I would not remove it.
I do feel that the class is not what it is advertised. I may have had an extenuating circumstance above what others may experience(as far as being sent to intern in an area that most people would not feel safe in without Kevlar and Rambo's arsenal>>/having a teacher that never gets around to anything till the last minute-if at all).
If the head of Boces would like to confirm my opinion-I have talked to Mustafa Eturk, and he is more then willing to confirm what I am saying(with the exception of the internship; due to the fact that he was not present at the internship). Mustafa is currently taking the Net + class at Boces on Buffalo Road. Anytime he is needed for any verification of my claims, he is willing to do so.
The difference between a good program - and a teacher that supports it - is the difference between the Security Class I took, and the A+ class I was in.
John knew the material front-to-back/with his eyes closed. He was descriptive, offered explanations, and conveyed the material in an understandable manner. There was not one bit of information he was weak on, and thats what a teacher needs to be. And a program should be structured in a manner that is inductive to obtaining a goal. If the way in which that goal is not clearly defined, or it falls short in some way; then it needs to be changed to meet that goal-OR-the people that may want to take the class should be informed of what the class will or will not offer them.
Pete
Spencerport,New York,
U.S.A.
a letter to my Vesid Counselor-about this issue
#10Author of original report
Tue, May 18, 2004
Hello Cathy:
I hate the fact that you are in the middle of this. If I had had the money to take the class in the first place, I would not feel so bad about the situation(because this situation would fall entirely on my shoulders). I don't think the editor will remove the report, and if it were not for you, I would not remove it.
I do feel that the class is not what it is advertised. I may have had an extenuating circumstance above what others may experience(as far as being sent to intern in an area that most people would not feel safe in without Kevlar and Rambo's arsenal>>/having a teacher that never gets around to anything till the last minute-if at all).
If the head of Boces would like to confirm my opinion-I have talked to Mustafa Eturk, and he is more then willing to confirm what I am saying(with the exception of the internship; due to the fact that he was not present at the internship). Mustafa is currently taking the Net + class at Boces on Buffalo Road. Anytime he is needed for any verification of my claims, he is willing to do so.
The difference between a good program - and a teacher that supports it - is the difference between the Security Class I took, and the A+ class I was in.
John knew the material front-to-back/with his eyes closed. He was descriptive, offered explanations, and conveyed the material in an understandable manner. There was not one bit of information he was weak on, and thats what a teacher needs to be. And a program should be structured in a manner that is inductive to obtaining a goal. If the way in which that goal is not clearly defined, or it falls short in some way; then it needs to be changed to meet that goal-OR-the people that may want to take the class should be informed of what the class will or will not offer them.
Pete
Spencerport,New York,
U.S.A.
a letter to my Vesid Counselor-about this issue
#10Author of original report
Tue, May 18, 2004
Hello Cathy:
I hate the fact that you are in the middle of this. If I had had the money to take the class in the first place, I would not feel so bad about the situation(because this situation would fall entirely on my shoulders). I don't think the editor will remove the report, and if it were not for you, I would not remove it.
I do feel that the class is not what it is advertised. I may have had an extenuating circumstance above what others may experience(as far as being sent to intern in an area that most people would not feel safe in without Kevlar and Rambo's arsenal>>/having a teacher that never gets around to anything till the last minute-if at all).
If the head of Boces would like to confirm my opinion-I have talked to Mustafa Eturk, and he is more then willing to confirm what I am saying(with the exception of the internship; due to the fact that he was not present at the internship). Mustafa is currently taking the Net + class at Boces on Buffalo Road. Anytime he is needed for any verification of my claims, he is willing to do so.
The difference between a good program - and a teacher that supports it - is the difference between the Security Class I took, and the A+ class I was in.
John knew the material front-to-back/with his eyes closed. He was descriptive, offered explanations, and conveyed the material in an understandable manner. There was not one bit of information he was weak on, and thats what a teacher needs to be. And a program should be structured in a manner that is inductive to obtaining a goal. If the way in which that goal is not clearly defined, or it falls short in some way; then it needs to be changed to meet that goal-OR-the people that may want to take the class should be informed of what the class will or will not offer them.
Pete
Spencerport,New York,
U.S.A.
a letter to my Vesid Counselor-about this issue
#10Author of original report
Tue, May 18, 2004
Hello Cathy:
I hate the fact that you are in the middle of this. If I had had the money to take the class in the first place, I would not feel so bad about the situation(because this situation would fall entirely on my shoulders). I don't think the editor will remove the report, and if it were not for you, I would not remove it.
I do feel that the class is not what it is advertised. I may have had an extenuating circumstance above what others may experience(as far as being sent to intern in an area that most people would not feel safe in without Kevlar and Rambo's arsenal>>/having a teacher that never gets around to anything till the last minute-if at all).
If the head of Boces would like to confirm my opinion-I have talked to Mustafa Eturk, and he is more then willing to confirm what I am saying(with the exception of the internship; due to the fact that he was not present at the internship). Mustafa is currently taking the Net + class at Boces on Buffalo Road. Anytime he is needed for any verification of my claims, he is willing to do so.
The difference between a good program - and a teacher that supports it - is the difference between the Security Class I took, and the A+ class I was in.
John knew the material front-to-back/with his eyes closed. He was descriptive, offered explanations, and conveyed the material in an understandable manner. There was not one bit of information he was weak on, and thats what a teacher needs to be. And a program should be structured in a manner that is inductive to obtaining a goal. If the way in which that goal is not clearly defined, or it falls short in some way; then it needs to be changed to meet that goal-OR-the people that may want to take the class should be informed of what the class will or will not offer them.