Thursday, July 22

In Class - Group Analyses Presentations. Take down some notes from the presentations and look for the similarities and differences between your analysis compared to other groups. Complete group member evaluations. Briefly discuss education reform.

Overall this was a great learning experience for me. To have a class that is focused on learning, which I hope all of you learned something, is fantastic. I also hope that you guys from Novi will keep in touch. It will be an interesting next school year for both schools with all of the changes in Administration and teaching staff, but remember, you owe it to yourself to make the best of every learning environment. "You may not click with every teacher; you may not think that every assignment is relative to your life. However, there is no excuse for not trying." - President Barack Obama.

If you want to know your final grade, email me and let me know. Thanks again for a great summer school class!!!

Wednesday, July 21

In Class - I will update this later.

Question of the Day - See yesterday's posting. Due by 11:59 tonight.

Homework - Final question of the day is due by 11:59 tonight. Group Public Opinion Analyses (I have confirmed this is the correct spelling) due by 11:59 tonight. Begin preparing for your presentation (final), which will start tomorrow morning at 8:00 am. I will give you a half hour tomorrow morning.

I will also collect all of your written responses tomorrow morning. You will also evaluate your group members (individual aspect of this project) tomorrow morning.

We will also have our final discussion tomorrow afternoon. This will be the last grade in the gradebook.

Articles to check out: You are on your own for this. Subjects to consider researching:
-No Child Left Behind (2002)
-Race to the Top
-Teacher's Unions
-More money for education? Will it work?
-Teacher Evaluations (Tenure)
-Budget deficits (state)
-Merit Pay
-State standards
-State testing (STAR tests in April)

Last day tomorrow. Finish strong!!

Tuesday, July 20

In Class - Turn in homework ("News War" handout). In your groups, work on your public opinion analysis. Although I will give you class time to work on this, you may need to work on this outside of class. You will present your information on Thursday (final exam) and your analysis (one per group) will be due on Wednesday, July 21 by 11:59 pm via email. Each group is responsible for completing their analysis. I will collect the written work on Thursday morning. Begin new topic of education. Individually, rate your education on a scale from 1-10. Discuss this as a class. Watch President Barack Obama's back to school speech from September 2009. Write down anything that catches your attention in his speech. We will continue to work on this tomorrow and the discussion will be Thursday afternoon. This will be one of the last grades in the grade book and participation is vital.

Question of the Day: Using some of the resources below, respond to the following prompt: In a perfect world, what and how would you change the educational system in our country? You may want to research some of these questins to help you in your response. What is the purpose of your education? Do schools need more money per pupil? Should standardized testing be the only way to measure a school? a district? or a student? Should No Child Left Behind be renewed by the federal government?

You do not have to answer these questions, but it may help you when you write. Be sure to write a minimum of two solid paragraphs that are well organized and contain some specific information. Although you do not have to cite your sources, you may want to look at some of the articles below.

Homework - Keep working on your group analysis. Final question of the day is due on Wednesday, July 21 by 11:59 pm.

Articles/Videos to check out:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/President-Obamas-Message-for-Americas-Students - POTUS back to school speech (we watched this in class today)
http://www.2mminutes.com/news/pdfs/The%20Forgotten%20Man%20Blog%2012_10_09.pdf - Economic policy - good introduction to the topic of education reform
http://www.projo.com/news/content/central_falls_teachers_02-10-10_INHDDCD_v28.3b40f6e.html - Rhode Island High School shut down
http://www.times-standard.com/othervoices/ci_14424958 - Race to the Top
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/02/17/are-unions-blocking-school-reform/ - teacher unions
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education - White House views on education
http://www.ed.gov/ - US Department of Education - some interesting articles on this site
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/State_of_the_Union/obama-overhaul-no-child-left-behind/story?id=9725517 - Obama to overhaul NCLB
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1972820,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1978589,00.html - should kids be bribed to do well in school

Monday, July 19

In Class - Copy down the five questions concerning the political cartoon analysis. In your groups, discuss the political cartoons while answering the questions for each cartoon. Discuss as a class. Hand out background information concerning the documentary "News War." In this documentary, the statement of whoever controls the media controls the national agenda is analyzed through a variety of cases involving the relationship between national security and the role of the press. Continue to watch "News War." As you watch, be sure to look for evidence responding to the questions on the bottom of the handout. For homework, be sure that you have completed the five Acts/Cases by writing some background information on them (library last Thursday). You will also need to answer questions 1-3, 5. I will collect this first thing tomorrow. Also, take a look at the article regarding specific events where the government and media have clashed. This may help you answer some of the questions. Group Work: In your groups, each will focus on their own questions and responses (100 responses on the five questions from last week). Discuss how you received your responses, any surprising responses, and interesting responses. Preapare and write a detailed analysis that pertains to public opinion. Separate your responses based on gender, occupation, age, and political party. You may have to create some sub groups for each of these to limit the number of categories. In your analysis, include statistics (percentages) and evidence to support your arguments. If there are people that did not include their age, gender, occupation, or political party, then these people will become the +/- percentage. Finally, include in your analysis what surprised you, the overall experience of what you learned, and do factors such as age, gender, occupation, or political party influence public opinion.

Question of the Day: None today. You will have one more assigned tomorrow and due on Wednesday.

Homework - "News War" handout. Be sure to have information regarding the five Acts/Cases and how they relate to the media including the answers to the four questions (1-3, 5) on the bottom of the handout. I will collect this first thing tomorrow morning.

Sunday, July 18

I know I promised you guys an email with your grades. However, I will have these done for you first thing tomorrow morning. It was an interesting weekend, and I will share with you tomorrow.

Also, be sure to have your responses for tomorrow! Enjoy your Sunday.

Thursday, July 15

In Class - As today is sort of a transition day between discussion topics, we will briefly discuss your current events that you brought in today for homework (turn in for points). Watch video clips regarding the issue of race between the NAACP and the Tea Party. Discuss the political implications of this. Group work: discuss and share summaries of your article with your groups. Pass out handout regarding the influence of media on public opinion and on public policy. Library research: Begin looking at the handout (2 government acts, 3 Supreme Court cases) and while you go to the websites listed, write down some key information regarding anything involoving the media. For example, what can the press publish? Are reporters protected from keeping their sources confidential? If you do not finish this today, then it will be homework for Monday. Begin watching the documentary "News War." This documentary is focused on the role of the media and how it relates to public opinion. We will continue and finish this on Monday. Your article regarding public opinion, hang onto this. I will collect on Monday.

Question of the Day - None. Enjoy your weekend.

Homework - Group Project: Your 100 responses to your five questions are due on Monday. Be sure that each of you has one another's contact information in case something should come up over the weekend. Be sure to do your part. Also, follow the guidelines from yesterday's post. You will be using this information on Monday in class, so it is imperative you have this completed. If you have any questions, be sure to contact me via email over the weekend. Also, be sure to complete the handout regarding the documentary (information regarding the websites) by Monday.

Note - We have four days of class left. My goal is to have your grades completed by this Sunday. I will email all of you over the weekend with your current grade.

Wednesday, July 14

In Class - Discuss current events. Short video clips: Taliban training monkeys to kill US soldiers?; Obama's election and commemorative plates; SB 1070. Group Work: Work in groups to discuss political cartoons regarding SB 1070. Be sure to generate information concerning the main argument of the cartoonist as well as its meaning and point of view. Discuss as a class. Continue to formulate your arguments. Small group discussion highlighting your key arguments. Class Discussion: In order to receive credit, you must participate and bring meaningful, intelligent, and original arguments concerning Arizona SB 1070. Before the discussion, respond to the following prompt: Based on your small group discussion, predict how the class discussion on this topic will be. When complete, respond to the overall class discussion. What are your thoughts/feelings? What was presented? How did the conversation go? What surprised/interested you? Hand out article: "Real Education."

Question of the Day - None for today.

Homework - 1) Group project responses. Begin getting your questions to people soon. These are due on Monday, July 19 (all 100 responses). 2) Article summary ("Real Education") and reaction. Write two solid paragraphs (or more!) about what you have read. 3) Bring in one current event about a current world/domestic topic. You will need this for class tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 13

In Class - In Class Writing: Before viewing the documentary, respond to the following question: What does it mean to be an American? After documentary: Have any of your thoughts changed? Watch the documentary "Becoming American" (Link is below). Discuss your writing before and after documentary. Turn in. Group Work: Discuss definition of public opinion and how different factors (age, gender, the media, political party, family, religion) truly shape and persuade the view points of Americans. Why do certain factors have more influence in public opinion? Assign group project: Each group will develop five solid questions concerning Arizona SB 1070. These must be approved by Mr. Palo before you begin the rest of the work. As a group, you will ask people to participate in a public opinion poll. Each group will gather evidence from one hundred people. The questions for each person should be written by the person. Utilize technology, put a link to a website, email, or text people. Each group member is required to do their part. Everyone will be evaluated individually and as a group for this assignment. Upon handing these questions out, be sure to have the participant include the following information: Name, Age (develop an age group: 18-25, 26-35...), Gender, Occupation, and Political Party. Inform the participant that this information is for analysis only, and it is all optional. Library Research: You/your group will find an article regarding the public opinion polls of Arizona SB 1070. Each person must have their own article, however, each group member may use the same article. Print this out before you leave, you will use this later on for this project. Classwork: Hang onto yesterday's homework as some of you may use these resources for the QOD #3. I will collect this first thing tomorrow morning. Continue to develop your arguments in preparation for tomorrow's class discussion.

Question of the Day - Complete QOD #3 (July 12 Post) by 11:59 tonight.

Homework - 1) Class discussion tomorrow morning regarding Arizona SB 1070. Continue to develop your arguments. Remember, an opinion without evidence is simply that, an opinion. Arguments need evidence! 2) QOD #3: For or against SB 1070. Remember to cite your sources and include a works cited (MLA format).

Citation example: In 2008, Arizona's tourism brought in $18.5 billion in revenues into the state. Even a slight dent in that could be dentrimental to an already fragile state economy (Kohn, 2008).

MLA citation:
Sally Kohn. "Arizona immigration law: painful lessons from Oklahoma. " The Christian Science Monitor 28 Apr. 2010,US National Newspapers, ProQuest. Web. 13 Jul. 2010.

3) Start beginning to gather you responses for your group project. All 100 responses to the five questions are due on Monday, July 19. 4) If there is anything I am forgetting, let me know. I feel as I am leaving something out?

Articles/Videos to check out:
http://www.colbertnation.com/home?xrs=sem_col_colbert_report
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128090688
http://www.takeourjobs.org/
http://www.gallup.com/poll/124922/Presidential-Approval-Center.aspx - Gallup Polls - leader in public opinion polls in the United States. Interesting information to check out.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=86bd6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=86bd6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD - US Citizenship and Immigration Services
http://www.fairus.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=16663&security=1601&news_iv_ctrl=1007 - Federation for American Immigration Reform
http://www.fairus.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=16641&security=1601&news_iv_ctrl=1017 - Good information from FAIR
http://www.fairus.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=16963&security=1601&news_iv_ctrl=1010 - Good information from FAIR
http://www.fairus.org/site/PageNavigator/facts/poll_CA - Public Opinion Polls for CA
http://www.fairus.org/site/PageNavigator/facts/poll_AZ - Public Opinion Polls for AZ

Monday, July 12

In Class - Discuss current events throughout the United States and the world. In class writing: What is significant about January 12, 2010? Discuss the significance of the earthquake in Haiti. Watch a short video on the earthquake and the devastation that was created. Write down any new facts, interesting ideas, or questions you might have. Write a short reaction to this documentary. Turn in. Discuss the chart (attachment from the weekend). Discuss the inquiry process and how you should implement this when beginning a new course of study. Group work: Hand out articles concerning the economic implications of SB 1070. Read in groups and discuss, writing down the arguments and any questions you may have regarding this topic. Library Research: Find two articles regarding the economic implications of the nation or Arizona as a result of this bill. Classwork: watch video clips concerning SB 1070.

Question of the Day (due by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, July 13) - Considering the arguments for and against Arizona SB 1070, write a minimum of two organized paragraphs complete with citations and works cited. I will count off points if information is not cited or your works cited is incomplete and not to MLA format (see handout I gave you concerning this). Respond to the following question: Using specific evidence to support your arguments, are you for or against Arizona SB 1070? Provide a minimum of one argument for and one argument against. Be sure that your arguments are original. I don't want to read thirty responses that make the same claim. Be original, do the research, and defend your arguments. Be sure you proofread your work before submitting.

Homework - Question of the Day #2 from last Thursday is due by 11:59 tonight. The two articles you printed out in the library need to be summarized and must include three things you learned, three things that interested you, and three questions you still have. Also, start formulating your arguments for our class discussion tomorrow afternoon (tentative, may be scheduled to change). Question of the Day #3 is due on Tuesday, July 13.

Articles/videos to check out:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1451035544403625746 video on illegal immigration
http://vimeo.com/12499332 - short inteview regarding illegal immigration
http://www.examiner.com/x-53781-US-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m7d10-Arizona-Gov-Brewer-says-that-she-knows-America-supports-the-illegal-immigration-law-photos
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/immigration-law-cost-arizona-star-game-push-boycott/story?id=10511724
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2010/06/14/20100614arizona-immigration-real-estate-foreclosures.html
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0610/Hispanics-abandon-Arizona-fleeing-economy-immigration-law
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/us/27arizona.html?_r=2
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/26/arizona.governor.immigration/index.html
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2010/07/unexpected-economic-consequences-in-arizonas-immigration-law.html
http://www.fairus.org/site/DocServer/USCostStudy_2010.pdf?docID=4921 - think illegal immigrants don't pay taxes? check this out.

PLEASE READ THIS POST!

I need all of you to email me over the weekend. My email addresses are:
michael.palo@alvord.k12.ca.us or
thepalos@hotmail.com

Please submit the following information:

Your Blog URL: Example: http://14baseball21.blogspot.com/. I forgot your signed syllabi in my classroom, so I need this information again to give you your comments concerning the first QOD.

Also, I need to forward you a handout that needs to be completed as homework for Monday. Copy the chart on a separate sheet of paper or find a way to print it out. Complete using the articles/videos from my blog (see posting July 8) concerning the topic of SB 1070. I want you guys to come prepared on Monday.

Wednesday, July 8

In Class - Watch video clip of John Oliver's views of the World Cup, interviews. Discuss relationship to yesterday's homework (article concerning competitive soccer sales market: Adidas and Nike). Turn in homework. If you have this work on the same page with notes regarding Afghanistan, then hang onto it and turn it with the rest of your work at the end of the day. Discuss QOD; video clip on unemployment benefits (John Stewart). I am still working on the grades for these but should have these done soon. Watch video: "The War Briefing," October 28, 2008. Take some notes (or don't, but I highly recommend it), jot down some questions, or write down any interesting new pieces of information or arguments. Continue group work: discuss each of your five arguments and write down your top three arguments representing each side of the issue. Begin preparing for the afternoon class discussion on Afghanistan. Go over your arguments and prepare. Class discussion - in order to receive your points, you must participate. Points are received from both quantity and quality of your oral statements throughout the discussion. Turn in all of your work from the week: Written response: What is economics?; How does the study of economics relate to you?; Article written work: "Forget the Grandkids, Why US Debt Matters to You." Homework from yesterday: summarize each article (one paragraph of 6-8 sentences), four (4) article analysis - three things you learned, three things you found interesting, and three questions you still have. Finally, turn in your written reaction to the class discussion.

Links of websites shown in class:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/warbriefing/view/?utm_campaign=viewpage&utm_medium=grid&utm_source=grid Video: The War Briefing
http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/epub/pdf/placemat.pdf - NATO, troop numbers
http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org/section.php?id=106 - US Labor Against the War

Question of the Day (due by Monday, July 12, 11:59 pm) - Per our conversation at the end of class today, I want you to have a conversation with someone (parent, sibling, relative, friend, or peer). After you have your conversation, write a reaction to your conversation. For instance, what arguments were presented? Who presented them? Were their thoughts and arguments well defended and presented? What was your overall impression of the conversation? Any surprises? You don't necessarily have to respond to these questions, but they are just to get you started. Organize your thoughts and post a minimum of two solid paragraphs.

Homework - Start preparing for our next topic: Arizona SB 1070. Check out the articles/videos listed below. We will only spend a maximum of two days on this topic with our discussion scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. QOD #2 due on Monday, July 12.

Have a good weekend!!!

Articles/Videos to check out:
Stephen Colbert -
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/308060/april-26-2010/the-word---docu-drama
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/281867/april-21-2010/the-word---no-problemo

Arizona SB 1070 - You will have to copy and paste these links to your Internet browser.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/24/arizona.immigration.reaction/index.html?hpt=T2 - check out all the videos from this page - "Reaction to Arizona immigration law"; " Arizona immigration fight not over"; "Will Arizona's new law hold up?"http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/23/obama.immigration/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/04/22/jones.arizona.immigration/index.html -scroll down and check out all the videos from this page - "Lawmaker defends immigration bill"; "Arizona's immigration bill uproar"; "Arizona's illegal immigration crackdown"http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/21/arizona.immigration.bill/index.html - scroll down and check out all the videos from this page - "Bill makes illegal status a crime"; "Arizona immigration law sparks debate"
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/21/fremont.immigration.ballot/index.html - Nebraska facing immigration issues?
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/06/21/dnt.va.county.immigration.push.WUSA?iref=allsearch - Virginia Senator wants immigration reform
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2010/06/21/am.feds.suing.arizona.cnn?iref=allsearch - Feds to sue Arizona over immigration law
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/17/arizona.immigration.law/index.html?iref=allsearch - article, Government prepared to challenge immigration law
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/06/arizona.immigration.law.sponsor/index.html?hpt=Sbin - Arizona immigration law sponsor blasts feds over 'political' lawsuit
http://www.cnn.com/search/?query=Arizona&primaryType=mixed&sortBy=date&intl=false - Barbara Boxer Talks Immigration
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/07/08/navarrette.obama.promise/index.html?iref=allsearch - Did Obama break promise to Latinos?
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2010/07/07/tsr.blitzer.villaraigosa.intv.cnn?iref=allsearch - Los Angeles Mayor Talking Immigration
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/07/immigration.faq/index.html?iref=allsearch - Five questions about federal challenge to Arizona immigration law
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/07/05/ricks.az.immigration.law.video.cnn?iref=allsearch - Immigration Training Video Released *Check this out!!!

Wednesday, July 7

In Class - Turn in signed syllabus and current event regarding the war in Afghanistan. Group Work: On the paper provided for you, make a list (prior knowledge) concerning what you already know about the war in Afghanistan. Examples: important people, events, dates, media analysis. On a sheet of paper, respond to the following question: Why isn't there more media coverage concerning the longest war in US history? Watch video clips concerning different arguments concerning Afghanistan: 1) Stephen Colbert's view on Afghanistan - http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/267525/march-15-2010/the-word---afghanistan 2) Stephen Colbert: The Word - Who War It's Best - http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/313509/june-24-2010/the-word---who-war-it-best- 3) Michael Steele's comments on Afghanistan (John Stewart) - http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-july-5-2010/steele-crazy-after-all-these-years
4) Rachel Maddow live from Afghanistan - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show/#38118507
5) Keith Olbermann interview with Barney Frank concerning cuts in military spending
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/ns/msnbc_tv-countdown_with_keith_olbermann/#38118275
6) NATO forces PDF - http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/epub/pdf/placemat.pdf
7) Stephen Colbert -$tay the Cour$e - http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/312643/june-16-2010/the-word----tay-the-cour-e
Hand out article: "Ready for Kickoff." On the back, write down the corporate sponsors that you see advertised in the game. For homework, select five of the corporate sponsors and find out how much they are paying to advertise in the World Cup. Also, hand out articles (4) concerning the Afghanistan war from various publications: "What Should We Do Now," "A Tale of Soldiers and a School," Taking it to the Taliban," "The Surprising Lessons of Vietnam."

Question of the Day - None for today. We will pick this up tomorrow.

Articles/Videos to check out:

Homework - (5) corporate sponsors from the article "Ready to Kickoff." The four articles concerning Afghanistan: summarize each article (one paragraph 6-8 sentences); detailed analysis of each article: What did you learn? What was interesting? What questions do you still have? You need to write three items for each of the questions listed above. Do this for all of these articles. Finally, come up with five (5) arguments that support a continued effort in Afghanistan and five (5) stating we should get out.

Articles/Videos to check out:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/07/07/what.is.wikileaks/index.html - interesting story regarding the posting of classified information
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/07/06/iraq.soldier.leak.charge/index.html?npt=NP1 - US soldier indicted after leaking information to wikileak
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/07/07/uk.afghanistan.troops/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/27/panetta.interview/index.html - Serious problems in Afghanistan

Tuesday, July 6

In Class - Introductions. Discuss syllabus, classroom goals, and expectations. Group Work: Article Analysis - "Why US Debt Matters to You." Discuss the significance of this article and more importantly, how it relates to you. Library: Create your blog for Question of the Day writing assignments.

Homework - Question of the Day due by 11:59 pm tonight!!! Signed syllabus due tomorrow at the beginning of class. Bring one current event regarding the economic implications of the war in Afghanistan.

Question of the Day - In your opinion, what is the most important economical issue facing the United States right now? Be sure to follow the guidelines from the syllabus; also, make sure you familiarize yourself with the grading rubric. I expect quality work using specific details to defend your arguments.

Articles/videos to check out: This is your reading for preparation for our class discussion on this topic. You are to look through all of these articles/videos. Write down any questions you may have regarding this topic and bring them with you to class tomorrow.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/06/28/zelizer.afghanistan.ignored.war/index.html?iref=allsearch - Afghanistan is today's Korean War
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/04/republicans.steele/index.html?iref=storysearch - RNC Chairperson Michael Steele's comments on Afghanistan
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/06/27/lothian.obama.cameron.cnn?iref=allsearch - Obama and British PM on economy, Iraq, Afghanistan
http://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/29/can-petraeus-succeed-in-afghanistan/ - can Petraeus succeed in Afghanistan?
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/war.casualties/index.html - Casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan
http://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/02/fighting-corruption-in-afghanistan-2/
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128321983
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128328818
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103363131
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127864639
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127955934

June 29

In Class - On the eve upon our final day of class, we will hopefully recessitate our conversation from yesterday concerning education reform and the economy. As a bit of review, I have a few short video clips we watched in class regarding SB 1070. In case you missed it, they are listed below:


http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/308060/april-26-2010/the-word---docu-drama

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/281867/april-21-2010/the-word---no-problemo


Group Work: Get out your research and classwork concerning education. In groups, respond to the following six questions: 1) If you could have any resource (money is no option) available to you for your education in high school, what would you want (ie. technology, class options, programs)? 2) How would each item listed above benefit your learning? 3) List several aspects of public education you would change. 4) Should adminstrators evaluate teachers more frequently? 5) Should teachers be paid based on the test results of their students (merit pay)? 6) What actions do you need to take in order to make a change happen? Discuss these answers in groups and then as an entire class. Continue discussion on education reform with the answers to these questions as the focus of the discussion. Focus more efforts on question six. Discuss final exam (see homework below). Begin watching "Capitalism: A Love Story." This documentary is based on the economic collapse of the late 1970's early 1980's to the most recent collapse in 2008. We will continue this tomorrow.





Homework - You have two things due for me. 1) Question of the Day response due by 11:59 tonight.


2) First draft of letter. In this first draft, include your name, the name of your school, your year in school, and the reason behind your letter. Keep it short, but make specific points. Do some research on their views of education. Have they supported any educational bills, serve on any educational committees, or financial committees? Are they campaigning or up for reelection? Don't worry about the format (business letter), but I do want the content completed for peer editing tomorrow in class.


People you may write to:

Riverside County Superintendent of Schools - Kenneth M. Young
http://www.rcoe.k12.ca.us/
Alvord Unified School District Superintendent - Dr. Wendall Tucker
http://www.alvord.k12.ca.us/superintendent.html
Alvord Unified School District Board of Education President - Mr. Ben Johnson II http://www.alvord.k12.ca.us/board_of_education.html
California State Department of Education Superintendent - Mr. Jack O'Connell
http://www.cde.ca.gov/index.asp
United States Senators (CA) - Barbara Boxer (D); Dianne Feinstein (D)
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=CA
US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
http://help.senate.gov/ Legislation: http://help.senate.gov/legislation/
US Representative (44th District) - Representative Ken Calvert (R)
http://calvert.house.gov/
Secretary of Education - Arne Duncan
http://www.ed.gov/
President Barack Obama
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education
Meg Whitman (R) Running for California Governor
http://www.megwhitman.com/
Jerry Brown (D) Running for California Governor
http://jerrybrown.org/

June 28

In Class - Discuss current events: BP oil spill, General Stanley McCrystal, Afghanistan, SB 1070, education. Small group discussion: Discuss one teacher (positive or negative) that has made an impact on you. Share with the class. Continue our discussion on education. Watch "2 Million Minutes," a documentary discussing the comparisons and contrasts of education systems in the United States, India, and China. On a sheet of paper, divide it into three columns and write observations you notice concerning the differences and similarities between the three countries. Why is the United States behind in terms of global education? What separates our culture of academia to other nations? What are the economic implications of global education. Class discussion: education. Continue to present arguments and research based on the articles given to you and the articles you have researched in class. Ask yourself, evaluate your education, why is it this way, and what can you do to change it? We will continue this discussion tomorrow. I highly suggest that some of you come prepared to participate.

Question of the Day: Considering what we have studied in our short time together, I would like for you to choose a topic that has some relevant significance to you. After you select this topic, do some research, and write two solid paragraphs with citations and works cited that responds to the following prompt: How does your topic relate to the study of economics? Be sure to include specific evidence to support your arguments. I am not going to give you any suggestions for topics because I really want for you to make this your own. This is due by Tuesday, June 29 by 11:59 pm. This is the last question of the day, so make it count!

Homework - Tomorrow, bring in a stamp and an envelope. We will take care of the rest in class. Finish strong!!!

June 24

In Class - Continue topic discussion of education. Begin watching video clips concerning SB 1070 and California Budget Crisis (Review). Write down in one or two sentences the main arguments from these clips. Discuss as a class the rating of your public education on a scale from 1-10 (1 being low, 10 being the highest). Discuss the implication of the factors that may have contributed to your rating. Watch the back to school speech from President Obama from September of 2009. Take notes during this speech indicating pieces of the speech that caught your attention, was interesting, or personally related to you in some way. Write a brief summary of your feelings, thoughts, emotions after listening to his speech. Group work: Discuss the following in your groups - 1) share your responses 2) discuss statements from the speech you agree or disagree with 3) what was the overall tone of the speech? 4) were there any statements from the speech that may have been politically motivated? Discuss these in your groups and then as a class, discuss your answers. Hand out article "Conservatives enraged over Obama school speech." Read the article and discuss how people may have viewed this speech as political propaganda. Group Work - Hand out examples of quality Question of the Day responses, edit, and grade these responses based on the rubric from your syllabus. Hand out a series of articles concerning education reform in the United States. Use these articles to help you answer the Question of the Day. Also, read these articles for Monday for our class discussion concerning education.

Question of the Day - Nothing for today.

Homework - Question of the Day from June 23 is due by 11:59 tonight. Begin preparing arguments for Monday's class discussion on education.

NOTE - I will try to email everyone this weekend an updated grade, so you know where you sit before entering the home stretch of summer school. Have a good weekend!

June 23

In Class - Turn in articles (homework) concerning education. Short tour of campus. When we get back to the classroom, write your first reaction as to what it is you see in terms of how this effects funding for education. Group work: Political Cartoon Analysis (Education). Talk in your groups about the overall message behind the cartoon and any symbols that are significant to that meaning. Discuss as a class. Library Research: Find two more articles concerning how the economy and the recession effects education either K-12 or higher education. One needs to be about economics of education and the other can just be about education in general. Watch "Stupid in America." This is a look at public education in the United States. While you watch, write down any scenarios, facts, or anything that you find interesting. This video may shock you. Hang onto this for tomorrow.

Question of the Day: This response is due on Thursday, June 24 by 11:59 pm. Concerning education in the United States, how is our current economic situation hurting public education? Be sure to write at least two solid paragraphs with specific details to support your arguments. You will also need to cite your information and include a works cited in your post. Questions to consider answering in your response: Will more money improve education? What factors contribute to low graduation rates and poor test scores? Is No Child Left Behind working? What is the "Race to the Top" and how will this improve state standards of education? Should teachers be more accountable for student performance? What impact do teachers' unions have on politics and education? How are other countries performing in the classroom? What does this say about our society and our views on education?

Homework - Question of the Day. Also, plan to have a class discussion concerning education tomorrow afternoon in class concerning education.

Articles to check out:
http://www.2mminutes.com/news/pdfs/The%20Forgotten%20Man%20Blog%2012_10_09.pdf
http://www.projo.com/news/content/central_falls_teachers_02-10-10_INHDDCD_v28.3b40f6e.html
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/02/22/evening-buzz-fire-teachers-for-failing-school/ - Be sure to read the blog postings from this article.
http://www.times-standard.com/othervoices/ci_14424958 - Race to the Top
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/02/17/are-unions-blocking-school-reform/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education - White House views on education
http://www.ed.gov/ - Department of Education homepage
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/State_of_the_Union/obama-overhaul-no-child-left-behind/story?id=9725517
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1993877,00.html - KC school closings
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1972820,00.html
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1976724,00.html - Europe's education crisis
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1978589,00.html - Should kids be bribed to do well in school?
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1967580,00.html - The case against a college education
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/education/05protests.html - California students protest increased tuition

June 22

In Class - Group Work: Begin to prepare arguments and evidence from your research concerning Arizona SB 1070 for the class discussion. Class Discussion: Participation and originality of arguments will earn you your points for this discussion. Topic is Arizona SB 1070 and the financial implications of this bill as well as other issues, such as illegal immigration, racial profiling, educcation, employment, 4th Amendment, and foreign policy. Begin watching documentary "A Day Without a Mexican." In this "mock"umentary, issues such as racial stereotypes and illegal immigration. As you watch this, you are to write down as you see them, examples of racial stereotypes.

Question of the Day - Nothing for today.

Homework - Our next topic of study will be education and the financial background to public education in California and the United States. Your homework is two bring in two (2) current articles discussing education. I would like these to relate to economics, but any two articles will do for tomorrow. Bring these to class and receive points.

June 21

In Class - Turn in article (homework from Thursday) regarding the economic impact of the World Cup. Group Work: Hand out articles regarding the economic impact of the World Cup on South Africa and other nations around the world. In your groups, read the article, discuss the main topics/points, then write down three important details, three interesting facts, and three questions you have. Each group will share their article with the rest of the class. Discuss. Turn in written work. Library Research: Before going to the library, turn in the article (homework from Thursday) concerning Arizona SB 1070. Continue to focus your research on the economic implications of SB 1070 in Arizona. Start preparing yourself for tomorrow's class discussion. I will still be looking for participation, but I want you to dig deeper and find some original arguments for and against this bill. Class brainstorming schedule: begin listing arguments for and against SB 1070.

Question of the Day: None for today.

Homework - Begin preparing for tomorrow's class discussion on the economic implications of Arizona SB 1070. Start preparing your arguments and evidence to bring in orginal arguments based on the research you have done in the library and from home. Remember, you must participate in order to receive any credit. Also, bring all of your articles tomorrow to turn in; I will give you points for this. Finally, Question of the Day (See Thursday, June 17 posting) is due by 11:59 tonight. You must post a comment on my blog and also on your own blog.

Articles/Videos to Check out:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/21/fremont.immigration.ballot/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/06/21/dnt.va.county.immigration.push.WUSA?iref=allsearch
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2010/06/21/am.feds.suing.arizona.cnn?iref=allsearch
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/17/arizona.immigration.law/index.html?iref=allsearch

June 17

In Class - Turn in: Classroom notes from Monday, June 14 (scarcity, economic principles, wants vs. needs); four articles: one you brought from home, two you printed in the library, and the one I gave you in class; evidence/argument sheet with your reaction to the class discussion. Continue to explore and analyze the Gulf Oil Spill. Finish watching "When the Levees Broke." Discuss scarcity handout from the movie. Written response: Compare and contrast the Gulf Oil Spill and Hurricane Katrina. What examples connect these two incidents? Slow government response? The economic impact? Staple this to the handout and turn in. Group work: Brainstorming/pre-writing - what do you know about SB 1070? Library research: Look for two articles concerning the issue of immigration in this country, especially in Arizona. Look for one article that supports this bill and another that does not. Video clips concerning immigration and SB 1070. Briefly discuss the global economic impact of the World Cup (bring article for Monday).

Question of the Day (due Monday, June 21 by 11:59 pm): By analyzing the evidence you have found, I want you to write two paragraphs with solid evidence and details concerning this prompt: What are the main arguments that support SB 1070? What are the main arguments that oppose SB 1070? Provide specific and detailed information (including citations and a bibliography in MLA style) that support your answers. Also, provide your thoughts and opinions regarding this controversial bill.

Homework - For Monday, bring in one current event focusing on the World Cup and its impact on the global economy. Also, bring in at least one additional article (for a total of three: two from the library today). Be prepared to have a class discussion on this topic on Tuesday morning. Question of the day due by Monday, June 21 by 11:59 pm.

Articles/Videos to check out:
World Cup
http://www2.goldmansachs.com/ideas/global-economic-outlook/the-world-cup-2010-doc.pdf - you want every aspect of how the global economy is being affected by the World Cup? Look no further!!!
Arizona SB 1070
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/24/arizona.immigration.reaction/index.html?hpt=T2 - check out all the videos from this page - "Reaction to Arizona immigration law"; " Arizona immigration fight not over"; "Will Arizona's new law hold up?"
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/23/obama.immigration/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/04/22/jones.arizona.immigration/index.html -scroll down and check out all the videos from this page - "Lawmaker defends immigration bill"; "Arizona's immigration bill uproar"; "Arizona's illegal immigration crackdown"
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/21/arizona.immigration.bill/index.html - scroll down and check out all the videos from this page - "Bill makes illegal status a crime"; "Arizona immigration law sparks debate"

June 16

In Class - Continue discussion on Gulf Oil Spill including analyzing President Obama's Oval Office Address and the economic impact to the Gulf Coast. Small group work: Take out a sheet of paper and begin writing arguments or talking points for the class discussion with their evidence. Class Discussion: In order to receive full credit, you must participate at least five times within the discussion. Silence is not an option. After the discussion, write a reaction to the class discussion: What did you learn? What was interesting? What questions do you still have?

The mainstream media has made connections with the Gulf Spill as "Obama's Katrina." With this in mind, begin watching "When the Levees Broke," a documentary discussing the issues of economics, politics, the roles of government in times of natural disasters, race, and human emotions. Pass out handout concerning the role of scarcity before and after Hurricane Katrina. Complete and discuss while watching the documentary.

Question of the Day: None for Today.

Homework - Question of the Day Posting (See June 15) is due by 11:59 tonight.

June 15

In Class - Turn in signed syllabus. Begin reading article brought from home. Highlight and underline the main points, interesting points. On the back of your article, write down three important details from your article or from your small group discussion; write down three interesting points of information regarding your article or small group discussion. Write down three questions you have after your reading and small group discussion. Watch video clips (Anderson Cooper/Kevin Costner; Matt Lauer interview with President Obama; Rachel Maddow and oil spills in the last decade). Hand out article "The Spreading Stain." Begin reading in groups and discussing important pieces of information from the article. Library Research: Continue to research resources and articles concerning the economic implications of the recent Gulf Oil Spill. Continue small group discussion. Class discussion.

Question of the Day: After viewing President Obama's national address concerning the BP Oil Spill, looking over the articles you have printed out, and remembering information discussed in class, write a solid, well defended (including specific evidence from your articles) response to the following prompt: What are the economical and political implications resulting from the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill? Be sure to provide specific evidence to support your answers.

Homework - First Question of the Day writing response is due by 11:59 tonight. You need to post these comments on your blog and also on mine. Secondly, you are to watch the Presidential Address tonight at 5 pm. If you do not see it live, then I will provide a link for you to access Mr. Obama's speech. You are required to include specific references from the president's speech in your Question of the Day response (due on Wednesday, June 16 by 11:59).

Articles/Videos to check out:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/president-obama-s-oval-office-address-bp-oil-spill-energy - President Obama's White House Address
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/15/oil.spill.disaster/index.html?hpt=T1
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/15/oil.disaster.bromwich/index.html?hpt=T1
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/15/stephen-colbert-v-stephen-prothero-on-religious-truthiness/?hpt=C2 - Steven Colbert Interview - Topic: Religion - interesting questions raised.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/15/louisiana.brown.pelican/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/video/ - Scroll down about half way. Video titles: BP ignores requests to appear on AC360 and 'Lord' of BP's safety sacrifices?

June 14

In Class - Introduction to the course. Short writing activity: What is economics and how does it relate to you. Class notes: economic principles: scarcity, wants vs. needs, factors of production.

Question of the Day: Writing Assignment due by 11:59 tomorrow evening (June 15) . Respond to the following statement: "There is no such thing as a free lunch." Do you agree? Why or why not?

Use the rubric from the syllabus to see what I am looking for in terms of your response. I will not focus too much on grammar, but the overall content. If you use any information other than what you already know, then you must cite that information and provide a bibliography. See the example from the syllabus.

Homework - Signed syllabus. Discussion Post to writing prompt is due by 11:59 tomorrow evening (June 15). Also, print out one article about an economical issue and bring to class. All you need is the article. To participate in tomorrow's group work, you must have this article. Also, begin watching the news and checking online for any economical issues we can tackle in class. I'm always open to suggestions.