Friday, October 28, 2011

American Government 10/28/11

In Class - Continue to work on education reform proposal.  First Draft is due on Monday.

Homework - First Draft of Education Proposal.  Be sure to include survey results (analysis) in your proposal.  Peer editing on Monday - DON'T BE ABSENT.

World History 10/28/11

In Class - Attend the performance of The Diary of Anne Frank.

Homework - None.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY - TEST CORRECTIONS MONDAY MORNING BEFORE SCHOOL.

US History 10/28/11

In Class - 1st Period: Attend the drama performance of The Diary of Anne Frank.  4th Period: Begin watching the video on immigration.  Write down the guided questions.

Homework - Chapter 3, Section 2-4 Quiz and Short Answer Questions is due on Monday.  Chapter 3 Test next Friday.

American Government 10/27/11

In Class - Continue to work on education reform proposal.  First Draft is due on Monday.

Homework - First Draft of Education Proposal.  Be sure to include survey results (analysis) in your proposal.  Peer editing on Monday - DON'T BE ABSENT.

World History 10/27/11

In Class - Grade Chapter 3 Test.

Homework - None.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY - TEST CORRECTIONS FRIDAY AND MONDAY BEFORE SCHOOL.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

US History 10/27/11

In Class - 1st Period: Begin watching video on immigration.  See how the some of the same issues regarding immigration in the United States during the Industrial Era translate into present day.  Look for examples from the video that were similar to immigration issues prior to and during the early 20th century.  4th Period: RCC Presentation.

Homework - Chapter 3, Section 2, 3, 4 Quizzes and Short Answer Questions are due tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

American Government 10/26/11

In Class - Group Work: Discuss Mission Statements and Introductory paragraph for proposals.

Homework - 1st Draft of proposal is due on Friday.

World History 10/26/11

In Class - Chapter 3 Test.  Staple your review sheet (if completed) to your answer sheet and turn in for extra credit.

Homework - None.

US History 10/26/11

In Class - 1st Period: RCC Presentation.  4th Period: Mental Health Day.

Homework - Chapter 3 Handout is due on Friday.

American Government 10/25/11

In Class - Continue research on education reform proposals.  Turn in Mission Statement and Introductory Paragraph.

Homework - 1st Draft of proposal is due on Friday.

US History 10/25/11

In Class - Read through Chapter 3, Section 1.  Class notes: Shaping of Modern America.  Handout Chapter 3, Sections 2, 3, and 4 Quiz with short answer questions.  This is due on Friday.

Homework - Chapter 3 Handout due on Friday.

American Government 10/24/11

In Class - Continue to research education reform proposals. 

Homework - Mission Statement and Introduction due tomorrow at the end of class.

World History 10/24/11

In Class - Continue to work on FR Picturegram assignment.  This is due before you leave.

Homework - Chapter 3 Test on Wednesday.  Complete review sheet for EC.

US History 10/24/11

In Class - Short ten minute review.  SSC #2.  Turn in Chapter 2 Take Home Test.

Homework - Complete Chapter 3, Section 1 Handout for tomorrow.

Monday, October 24, 2011

American Government 10/21/11

In Class - Discuss in groups your proposal ideas as to reform education in the classroom.  What is your plan going to look like?  Turn in Works Cited (MLA, 15 sources).

Homework - Keep researching and brainstorming ideas for your proposal.  1st Draft of proposal is due Friday, October 28.

World History 10/21/11

In Class - Group Work: Continue working on the FR picturegrams.  Hand out Chapter 3 Review Sheet (extra credit if completed).

Homework - Test on Monday over Chapter 3.

US History 10/21/11

In Class - Work Day: Work on Chapter 2 Take Home Test and Chapter 3, Section 1 Handout.

Homework - Take Home Test due on Monday.  Complete and finish Chapter 3 Handout.

American Government 10/20/11

In Class - Continue to research your education reform proposal. 

Homework - Works Cited is due tomorrow (15 Sources).

World History 10/20/11

In Class - Continue Group Work: French Revolution Picturegrams.

Homework - Review Chapter 3.  Test on Monday.

US History 10/20/11

In Class - Preview Chapter 3, the Industrial Era.  Hand out Chapter 3 Quiz, Primary Source, and Charts.  Work on this for Monday.

Homework - Read Chapter 3, Section 1 and 2.  Take Home Test (Chapter 2) is due on Monday.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

American Government 10/19/11

In Class - Continue researching.

Homework - Research.

World History 10/19/11

In Class - Group Work: Hand out French Revolution Picturegram assignment. 

Homework - Chapter 3 French Revolution Test is on Monday.

US History 10/19/11

In Class - Hand out Chapter 3 Outline of key concepts/ideas.  Start reading Chapter 3, Section 1.

Homework - Read Chapter 3, Section 1 and 2 for tomorrow.  Chapter 2 Take Home Test due Friday.

American Government 10/18/11

In Class - Continue researching educational reform ideas and concepts for your proposals.

Homework - Continue researching.  Works Cited due on Friday, October 21.

World History 10/18/11

In Class - Discuss Monday's homework (Chapter 3, Section 4 Guided Notes).  Turn in before you leave.

Homework - Review French Revolution concepts and ideas.

US History 10/18/11

In Class - Finish notes on Reconstruction.  Hand out Chapter 2 Take-Home Test.  This is due on Friday, October 21.

Homework - Chapter 2 Take Home Test is due on Friday.

American Government 10/17/11

In Class - Begin researching ideas for your educational reform proposals. 

Homework - Works Cited due Friday, October 21.

World History 10/17/11

In Class - Classwork: Begin reading Chapter 3, Section 4.  Complete the guided notes, section 4 quiz, and primary source.

Homework - Complete handout for tomorrow.

US History 10/17/19

In Class - Turn in homework (Chapter 2 Test - Handout).  Notes on Civil War/Reconstruction. 

Homework - Read Chapter 3, Section 1 for tomorrow.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

American Government 10/14/11`

In Class - Class presentations on teacher interview questions and write-up.  Turn in before you leave.

Homework - Continue to update your blog.

World History 10/14/11

In Class - Present French Revolution Art Assignment.  Short Quiz on the French Revolution.

Homework - Review French Revolution key terms.

US History 10/14/11

In Class - Turn in Civil War Internet Assignment.  Class notes: The Civil War.  Hand out Chapter 2 Test.

Homework - Chapter 2 Test is due on Monday. 

American Government 10/13/11

In Class - Short video clip: "Occupy Wall Street."  Short discussion on the topic.  Continue to work on Teacher Interview Questions and Write-Up.  This is due tomorrow.

Homework - Complete teacher interview and write-up.  Discussion tomorrow in class.

World History 10/13/11

In Class - If you were absent yesterday, then you need to turn in the homework: Chapter 3, Section 3 Quiz and Primary Source.  Continue review of French Revolution.

Homework - Art Project: French Revolution Propaganda is due tomorrow at the beginning of class.

US History 10/13/11

In Class - Turn in Civil War Internet Assignment (I will accept these tomorrow as well) and Chapter 2, Section 3 and 4 Quiz.  Short video clip, "Occupy Wall Street."  Short class discussion on this current event.

Homework - Continue Civil War Review.  Civil War Internet Assignment due tomorrow if not turned in today.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Education Nation

Tom Brokaw discusses the issues of our country's educational systems. 

American Government 10/12/11

In Class - Short video clips: "Occupy Wall Street."  Brief discussion.  Use the remainder of class to work on your teacher interview, which is due on Friday.

Homework - Teacher Interview Questions and Write Up is due on Friday.  Be prepared to present and discuss on Friday.

World History 10/12/11

In Class - Discuss Benchmark Exam #1.

Homework - Review key concepts of the French Revolution.

US History 10/12/11

In Class - Discuss Benchmark Exam #1.  Turn in Chapter 2, Section 3 and 4 Quiz. 

Homework - Review for Chapter 2 Test.  Be sure to look at your Chapter 2 Outline for key concepts and ideas.

American Government 10/11/11

In Class - Complete the documentary 2 Million Minutes.  Discuss as a class.  Use the remainder of the class period to work on your teacher interview questions.  This is due on Friday.

Homework - Teacher Interview Questions and Write Up is due this Friday.

World History 10/11/11

In Class - Review of the French Revolution.  Continue class notes on the French Revolution.  Turn in Chapter 3, Section 3 Quiz and Primary Source.  Discuss French Revolution Art Assignment: construct a poster trying to persuade Parisians to join in the revolution.  This is due on Friday.

Homework - Review key concepts of the French Revolution.  French Revolution Art Assignment is due on Friday.

US History 10/11/11

In Class - Class notes: The Civil War.  Hang on to yesterday's homework.

Homework - Finish Chapter 2, Section 3 and 4 Quiz.

American Government 10/10/11

In Class - Begin watching 2 Million Minutes, a look at education from three very different countries: the United States, India, and China.  If you feel like writing down some notes/ideas that may help you with your teacher interview, then feel free to do so. 

Homework - Teacher Interview Questions and Write Up is due on Friday.  You will present your write up on Friday to the class.

World History 10/10/11

In Class - Complete and finish video on the French Revolution.  Take notes while you watch.  Be sure to summarize your notes, then turn it in.  Hand out homework for tomorrow: Chapter 3, Section 3 Quiz and Primary Source. 

Homework - Chapter 3, Section 3 Quiz and Primary Source.

US History 10/10/11

In Class - Library Group Work: Civil War Internet Assignment.  Complete the chart from history.com.  Select topics that interest you.  Hand out homework: Chapter 2, Section 3 and 4 Quiz.

Homework - Ch. 2, Sec. 3 and 4 Quiz due tomorrow.  Civil War Internet Assignment is due on Thursday, October 13.

Friday, October 7, 2011

The Weekend Begins

It's 5:00, and I am still sitting in my classroom.  I had this plan to do some grading during the carnival after school today, but I found myself making the rounds throughout campus and even made two unexpected visits to jail on crimes that I did not commit.  The real crime was making me sing to get out of jail although my renditions of Elvis and Garth Brooks were rather quite good in my opinion.  I am very fortunate I had the opportunity to see my students and former students in a casual setting, outside of the classroom.  I had the opportunity to see people with their friends, laughing with their friends and ultimately enjoying this beautiful October day.  Overall, it was a good turnout, and I had fun as I always do at the carnival.

As I am doing some work to prepare for my classes next week, I thought I would take a moment to share my thoughts about life and education.  To me, those two words, life and education, go together like peanut butter and jelly.  They are relevant words that have extraordinary meanings and when combined, they create a new frame of thinking and learning.  Life is full of educational opportunities.  We learn from our mistakes, and learn from our successes to the point where we grow and foster new meanings to those words.  Life without education, in my opinion, is meaningless.  We encounter educational opportunities on a daily basis that impact our life or the life of somebody else whether we know it at the time or not.  I have had several of those "life lessons" where at the time, I didn't want to accept or even acknowledge the fact that the poor decisions I made would have an impact on my life.  Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger is what I have always believed.

As I reflect upon the last couple of weeks of school, I worked on grades and grading, analyzed class scores and data to the point where I question my ability and my effectiveness as an educator.  I am always trying to find new, exciting, and intriguing ways to educate my students.  Sometimes these ideas work and sometimes they blow up in my face.  But, these challenges in my own profession also fosters new ways of thinking and teaching.  I have always made it a point to comment on the fact that I am doing exactly what I was put on this earth to do.  I love my career, and there is nothing on this earth that I would rather be doing.  I know that for five days a week, I have some of the most interesting kids that have different abilities and talents that go beyond the classroom.  I know that I have some of the most selfless and giving students because they volunteer their time and energy to help those that are less fortunate.  I know I have students that will be famous one day for their contributions to the world and making it a better place to live.  Knowing what I know, it is a privilege for me to be a part, although a small part, in my students' lives.  That's what keeps me coming back day after day to La Sierra: knowing that I have some of the greatest students in the world.

Now that I have built you up, now it's time to bring you back down to the real world.  Even though I have the greatest students in the world, I also know that many of you are achieving below your potential.  Some of you are making decisions that may not affect you currently, but down the road they could have some serious adverse effects.  For a majority of you, I only see you for five hours a week.  What you do outside of the classroom is your business, but when your decisions start to hinder your academic potential and performance, then that's where it becomes personal for me.  I believe in second chances, but I also believe that meeting high expectations and standards are signficant to a quality education.  Sure, our educational system isn't perfect.  In fact, it's far from perfect.  But, this is not an excuse.  We have to find the drive and motivation to succeed in everything we do.  This may require us to go outside of our comfort zone, but we owe it to ourselves to give our best in everything we do.  Otherwise, we are wasting our time. 

I was a high school student once before many years ago and looking back, I know that I had some classes that I felt were boring, didn't apply to me, or I asked myself repeatedly, when am I ever going to need this in the real world?  I know many of you have the same questions.  I have answers for you.  First of all, you will never get along with all of your teachers, truly love every class you take, enjoy doing homework, writing essays, or taking tests.  But, think of your education as an opportunity to explore your own personal interests and passions.  Your education is a gateway to your future and no matter what road you take, you write your own destiny.  Your future begins with your education.  Your life begins with education.  The more skills you have in life, the more problems you will be able to solve, and that's what this world is in desperate need of: talented people.  We all have our talents and passions.  Some of you have no idea what those are, but after time and after working on your own education, you will find those talents and passions and make them a part of your life.

In close, I know I can be longwinded at times and this blog post is no different.  I truly love what I do.  I have the opportunity to teach and learn from some of the most gifted students in the world.  I truly believe this.  But, think of  your education as an opportunity to write your own desinty in which your passions and talents are used on a daily basis to benefit not only yourself but also the world.  Your life is what you make it, and it all starts with your education.

If you have made it this far, then I applaud you.  Thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.  Have a great weekend.  Leave me a comment on this post, and I will give you some extra credit. 

Park 51

Interesting PBS documentary concerning the "Ground Zero Mosque."  Only about 35 minutes long, but very eye opening to say the least.

American Government 10/7/11

In Class - Library: work on your QOW response (due by Saturday, October 8 by 11:59 pm).  Work on your teacher interview questions (due Thursday, October 13).

Homework - Keep updating your blog on educational reform resources.  QOW response due tomorrow.  Teacher interview and write-up due on October 13.

World History 10/7/11

In Class - Benchmark Exam #1.  Turn in homework (Chapter 3, Section 1 and 2 Quiz, Primary Sources, Standards Check).

Homework - None.

US History 10/7/11

In Class - Benchmark Exam #1. 

Homework - Test over the Civil War next week (Thursday?).

Thursday, October 6, 2011

American Government 10/6/11

In Class - Continue discussion on education reform.  Discuss teacher interview: come up with a minimum of ten questions to ask any teacher or administrator (this school or other schools).  Ask a variety of questions concerning the topics we have been discussing in class.  Your write-up (questions and responses) along with a short reaction to the teacher responses is due on Thursday, October 13.

Homework - Update your blog.  QOW due by Saturday.

World History 10/6/11

In Class - Continue watching video on the French Revolution.  Answer discussion questions while you watch.

Homework - Chapter 3 Packet due tomorrow.  Benchmark tomorrow (Review Chapters 1-3).

US History 10/6/11

In Class - Continue and finish video on Battle of Antietam. 

Homework - Read Chapter 3, Section 4.  Benchmark tomorrow.

American Government 10/5/11

In Class - Completion check for homework (article on education reform).  Continue our discussion on education reform.  Hand out articles: A Call to Action for Public Schools and Should Children be Bribed to Perform Better in School? 

Homework - Read the articles given to you today in class.  Update your blog.  QOW due by Saturday. 

World History 10/5/11

In Class - Turn in signed progress report.  Continue watching video on the French Revolution and answering the video discussion questions.

Homework - Read Chapter 3, Section 3.  Packet due on Friday (Chapter 3, Section 1 and 2 Quiz, Primary Sources, and Standards Check).

US History 10/5/11

In Class - Turn in signed progress report and Civil War Writing Assignment.  Begin watching video 10 Days that Changed America: Battle of Antietam.  Take notes over the video.

Homework - Read Chapter 2, Sections 3 and 4.  Benchmark on Friday.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

American Government 10/4/11

In Class - Continue and finish Stupid in America

Homework - Bring a current event tomorrow to class concerning the issue of education reform in the United States.

QOW - Considering what you have read, seen, or discussed in class, what is the biggest flaw in the American public education system?  Be sure to use complete sentences and thoughts.  Include a minimum of two outside sources and an MLA citation.  This is due by Saturday, October 8 by 11:59 pm.

Note - This is not an opportunity for you to criticize teachers and call them out by name.  Remember, this is the Internet and anyone can see your writing.

World History 10/4/11

In Class - Short quiz: write down everything you know concerning the French Revolution.  Staple this to the political cartoon analysis and turn in.  Begin watching video over the French Revolution.  Answer the discussion questions while you watch.  Hand out Chapter 3, Section 1 and 2 Quizzes, Standards Check, and Primary Sources (due Friday).

Homework - Packet due on Friday.

US History 10/4/11

In Class - Use class time to work on your writing assignment (due tomorrow).

Homework - Signed progress report and writing assignment due at the beginning of class tomorrow.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY TOMORROW BEFORE SCHOOL.  SHOW UP BY 6:40.

American Government 10/3/11

In Class - Continue with our discussion on the topic of education in the United States.  Begin watching the documentary Stupid in America: How American Education is Cheating our Kids.  Take a few minutes to write a prediction as to what will be discussed in the video.  Take any notes over major topics/ideas that are discussed.

Homework - Keep updating your blog on education reform resources.

World History 10/3/11

In Class - Class notes: Causes of the French Revolution.  Hand out political cartoon concerning one cause of the French Revolution.  Hand out progress report.

Homework - Political cartoon analysis is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.  Signed progress report is due by Wednesday.

US History 10/3/11

In Class - Short review of Causes of the Civil War.  Discuss writing assignment: As a critical thinking exercise, you are to write a letter (to the editor of a newspaper, a family member, President Lincoln, or to whomever you decide) from two different points of view: 1) Pro South 2) Pro North.  In these letters you are to actually become a person that is living during the era leading up to the Civil War.  Focusing on the major causes, you are to write a letter persuading the reader of your point of view.  The topics are endless (focus on the causes of the Civil War), but I want you to be creative, historically accurate, and be sure to include the thoughts and perspectives of someone from the South and North as to why they believe in the things they do.  Also, you are to create some sort of visual representation to coincide with your letters.

Hand out Progress Report. 

Homework - Writing assignment and signed progress report are due on Wednesday.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY TOMORROW BEFORE SCHOOL.  SHOW UP BY 6:40.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

American Government 9/30/11

In Class - Short video clip: Easy A - Stephen Colbert; Following Finland - Brian Williams.  Discusses the issue of state educational standards and how Finland is leading the way by ranking first in both math and science world wide.  Continue class analysis on education in the United States.

Homework - Email me your blog URL.  Update your blog on education reform resources.

Easy A -
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/183029/june-11-2007/the-word---easy-a

Following Finland -
http://www.educationnation.com/index.cfm?objectid=D802BA36-CC33-11DF-8853000C296BA163

World History 9/30/11

In Class - Short quiz over Chapter 3, Section 1.  Introduction to the French Revolution.

Homework - Read Chapter 3, Section 1 and 2 for Monday.

US History 9/30/11

In Class - Continue and finish class notes: Causes of the Civil War.  Hand out PPT notes discussing the presidency of Andrew Jackson.

Homework - Review Chapter 2.