Posts Tagged ‘schools’
Thanks to the LA Times!
The list of problems for America’s schools just got a little heavier.
School systems across the country have implemented bans or restrictions on access to soda and other sweetened drinks in recent years. All in an effort to combat childhood obesity.
State laws that ban soda in schools — but not other sweetened beverages — have virtually no impact on the amount of sugary drinks middle school students buy and consume at school…”
Research published this week shows students across the country are drinking the same amount of sugary drinks, no matter the limitations.
Further complicating the issue is some schools’ reluctance to get rid of vending machines, which have become a source of funds when budgets are tight.
Any other ideas?
Image thanks to the Stir
Matt Damon is known for standing up to the bad guys in the movies, but last weekend, he took a different stand.
A stand for what? Teacher tenure!
In this viral video on Reason.TV the actor makes his case.
The video mostly might be best remembered for some verbal fisticuffs with a bullying camera operator. (Strong Language Advisory!; watch the video if you want to see more.).
While Damon’s colorful language was preceded by an impassioned defense of teachers (his teacher mom looking on proudly), this speech was only one of many last weekend.
Damon was in Washington D.C. speaking at the Save Our Schools March, and just a few hours earlier he had given another speech, one in which he explained that
I had incredible teachers. As I look at my life today, the things I value most about myself — my imagination, my love of acting, my passion for writing, my love of learning, my curiosity — all come from how I was parented and taught. And none of these qualities that I’ve just mentioned…none of these qualities that make me who I am can be tested.
Others speakers at the event included historians, teachers, activists, and comedians (what’s a D.C. rally nowadays without a Jon Stewart appearance – even if it is via video?).
The speakers spoke about their many different experiences in education, but they all had common themes:
- opposition to the country’s dependence on standardized test results.
- the scape-goating of teachers.
- A strong commitment to make the American education system effective and equitable.
We couldn’t agree more.
The National Park Service estimated that there were 8,000 attendants. The rally was organized not by either of the prominent teachers’ unions but by a grassroots coalition of teachers, parents, and activists.
It was preceded by a two day conference and a film festival featuring the new documentary “The Inconvenient Truth About Waiting For Superman.”
This march is only the most recent event in a long and heated debate about education reform. Michelle Rhee! Teacher tenure! Evaluations! Unions! Testing! Charter schools! School vouchers! What’s next?
And what do you think of Matt Damon’s speech and the Save Our Schools March? What should we be doing to save our schools?
Are U.S. students dumb?
According to the 2010 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), only 7% of eighth graders are able to correctly identify the three branches of government, and furthermore only 10% can describe their relationships to one another.
This test measures the educational progress of students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades. Many people are appalled by the civics scores released on Wednesday including Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who had two words to describe the results, “That’s pathetic.” She also added
the statistics in this latest study confirm that we have a terrible problem on our hands. It motivates me to work a lot harder
Are these students just not paying attention in school or are facts about the government unimportant? Should we be worried about the next generation?
Hands up all of you who want a free iPad?
This is not one of those internet scams… this is what schools around the country are increasing choosing to do. They are dishing out iPads as a replacement for schoolbooks.
It certainly seems to make sense. First, no more hassle of schlepping around mountains of textbooks. Then there’s the advantage of a powerful digital communication network at all the students’ and teachers’ fingertips.
St Andrews School in Georgia claims to be the first school to make the leap in the Fall of 2010.
Now schools in Texas, New York, a Medical School and a Law School in California are among those jumping on the hi-tech bandwagon. Other iPad-like devices are also getting in on the action.
And the trend is spreading… to schools in Singapore and Scotland.
The iPad-ization of schools seems cool to us… but there has to be some draw backs.
Any thoughts?
Budget problems? We ain’t got no stinkin’ budget problems! California unveils its brand new $578 million school complex.
D.C.: Prepare ye the way of Glenn Beck, et. al.! The Maine Tea Party has prepared a very helpful guide to navigating D.C. that’s worth your review.
It’ll cost you $80 to snap a pic with Blago. If you had a face like that, you’d charge too.
Money woes... Thanks to Flickr user Osvaldo_Zoom
We at USDemocrazy are pretty fond of our weekends.We particularly enjoy the occasional three day weekend.
And apparently so do poor school districts!
To save money, some schools are considering moving to a four-day school week. With one less day, schools could cut some serious dough from their budget. Hawaii has already done this to save money, and other districts may follow suit. …read more.
Pretty much all of our readers have spent some time of their youth in the classroom. It is the one experience that pretty much unites us as a nation… we have all shared a school experience (some of us more awake than others).
Schools certainly can be a source of unity… but also a cause of division (and we don’t mean the math kind…).
School lesson plans that include controversial subjects can spark rebellion among teachers, parents and pupils.
For example, celebrating Christmas (a religious holiday for many) in public schools has been a hotly debated issue.
Religion also was a source of controversy recently when an Ohio teacher caught flack for trying to teach creationism in school using Lego building blocks.
In San Francisco, there is currently a simmering debate on another hot button subject… …read more.
Have you ever been thrown out of school? (Editor: that question was not directed to the staff. Please put your hands down).
If you think School officials gave you or any of your friends a bad rap, check out these videos.
Today’s Film Festival features stories of school rulings under attack.
These rulings, ranging from haircuts to hugs to the Pledge of Allegiance are all curious and controversial.
The clip above documents the story of a 4-year-old boy in the Texas school system who is serving an in-school suspension for his long locks – until he or his parents decides to cut them.
In Virginia, a school administration found that hugs lasting over 2 seconds were a display of inappropriate behavior, leading to students holding small demonstrations after hours.
Finally, this clip takes us to Arkansas, where a 10-year-old boy has refused to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance until gays and lesbians are granted full rights. Unfortunately, this has led to him being called many harsh names.
What do you think? Are the school administrations justified? Or do you agree with the students? How does your middle or high school handle these sorts of controversies?
