Article of the Week #7 Teaching for America

I've heard the age old adage "Those who do-do, and those who don't teach" a few times in my teaching career and even in the education program when I was in college (you know, a million years ago) from people who didn't teach at all.  Needless to say it is an insult, because teaching is not just knowing a subject matter, but putting your whole heart and soul into your subject, kids, school and community. That's a TALL order to fill, but good teachers do it-even when they are complaining.  This weeks article: "Teaching for America" ( I know it's underlined, but it's a link so deal with it) discusses how education needs to change in this country in order for its young people (you) to compete with your international counter parts.

Please write an essay answering the following questions:

How can education be seen as a national security issue?

What can be done to lower the drop out rate in our nation’s schools?

What might happen in the future if our country is consistently outperformed?

How can we get parents to take their children’s education more seriously?
What do you think public education will look like in ten or fifteen years?

Your essay should be ONE page in length and you must include THREE, yes THREE quotes or citations from the article. Remember, just because you state your opinion doesn't make something true--use the article to back up what your saying.  Use personal experiences to help connect your opinions to the article or your thoughts about what the future of education will look like.

This is due on FRIDAY, January 21st. I will not take any late work so if you don't have access to a computer please make arrangements to go to the library (school or the city) this week after/before school. You may type or write the essay in blue or black ink. If you write your essay please know that neatness does indeed count.

We will have our class discussion on FRIDAY as well so be prepared to share your opinion or bring up questions. The more you participate the more points you earn. Discussions are part of your participation grade.

Good Luck!

Article of the Week #6 Does the Constitution have a heart for boobies?

This week's article is pretty interesting since we've actually seen these bracelets in our class. I won't mention any names,  but you know who you are. What do you think? Does the Constitution have a heart for boobies? 

Please write a one page (five paragraphs) response answering:  1. What is the thesis/main idea of this article? 2. Who is the intended audience? (Explain your answer) and 3. What is your opinion on this subject should we allow these bracelets and if so where do we draw the line?

As always I am looking for a five paragraph essay--Intro-Body (use the three questions above) and a conclusion. You may type or write your response in blue or black ink, but it MUST be in MLA format.

I look forward to hearing your arguments.