Today we began class by having a spirited discussion about something in the news lately that has quickly become a controversial issue: President Obama's upcoming speech to students regarding education. As you know, many school districts have refused to allow the speech to be aired, and many parents have opted not to allow their children to watch it. On the other hand, many schools have committed to allowing their student body watch this presidential address. View some articles and news stories by clicking the links below.Do you think that schools should allow their students to view the speech in school on Tuesday? Why or why not? Please post your comments here.
Next, we watched a video from the PBS' Wide Angle series about access to education across the globe. Despite some obvious flaws in our educational system here in the United States, often we take for granted the educational opportunity and resources we have available to us as American citizens. This is an important issue to consider as you begin drafting your essay for your college applications!! This documentary profiles the educational systems and access to education in Japan, Romania, India, Kenya, and Brazil. After viewing the video, I asked you to write an exit pass to turn in at the end of class (see below.)
If you were absent, please view the video in it's entirety and on a sheet of paper, answer the following questions and turn in to me no later than next Wednesday: 1) In a paragraph response, compare and contrast one of the profiles from the video with our own educational system and opportunity in the U.S. Include what you think are some of the reasons for the similarities or differences you describe. 2) List and describe three NEW things you learned from the video; 3) List one question you have; 4) Recall the Marva Collins Creed that we read and discussed in class last week. Do you believe that the statements in the Creed still apply and ring true in other areas of the world? Why or why not?
Have a great Labor Day weekend! No homework. =)
Links to articles about President Obama's upcoming address on education:
The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13257516
The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/us/04school.html
No comments:
Post a Comment