American Government 1/31/11

In Class - WHIPS.  Discuss Friday's discussion on health care reform and showcase the MVP's for each class.  Discuss project on the SOTU address (due Friday, February 11).  New topic of discussion: 1st Amendment rights and the Mosque Controversy in New York City.

Homework - Continue to update your blog.  Also, your reflection on the health care discussion is due by Tuesday, February 1 by 11:59 pm.  This needs to be posted on your blog.

World History 1/31/11

In Class - Test (Multiple Choice) over World War I.  Turn in Packet (PC Analysis (2), classwork (Treaty of Versailles), and Content Area Reading Index). 

Homework - Study for short answer portion of the test tomorrow.  Complete review sheet for extra credit.

TEST REVIEW TOMORROW MORNING!

Wordle Problems

I have received some emails regarding some issues with Wordle.  It doesn't seem that you are able to save it as a picture file, but rather you save yours to a public gallery.  I will continue to troubleshoot some of these problems.  If you are already working on it, good, but until some of these problems are solved, you might want to hold back on this.  If you have any solutions to any problems, please post a comment and let everyone know.  Thanks.

SOTU Project

For this project, you must first watch or read President Obama's State of the Union Address.  While listening or reading, you are to write down 50 words or themes President Obama talks about in his address.  These words can be emotions (happy or sad) or themes (education or jobs).  You must arrange these words in terms of its significance and relevance to you.  For instance, you might feel that education is important, so it is displayed in large letters.  The most important terms should be easily read whereas some of the words will remain smaller.  For each word selected, you must write a short one to two sentence description of what that word means to you in relationship to the State of the Union Address.  Be creative in your visual representation and also in your writing. 

The purpose of this is to display your thoughts, ideas, arguments, emotions, or how the speech relates to you personally.  Every project will be unique.

Go to http://www.wordle.net/ and create your masterpiece.  You will then save this picture and post it on your blog along with your writing. 

This project is due on Friday, February 11.  Each person will present their project to the class (very short 1-2 minute presentation) highlighting the key components of their project.

This project is worth 100 points - 80 points for the display, 20 points for the presentation.  Don't be absent on this day, and if you are going to be absent, please let me know prior to your absence.  Also, I do accept late work on projects, but it will be two letter grades for every day late.

Click on the title for examples of this project.

Health Care Discussion Reflection

I must admit I am always a bit apprehensive as to how the first class discussion will always turn out.  How prepared are the students?  Do they understand the topic or at least the basics?  Will more than the same two or three people talk?  Will they think?  Will they participate and share their ideas, thoughts, and arguments?  What have they learned?  Overall, I believe the discussions turned out well.  Students from all three classes were engaged, interesting points and arguments were presented, and there seemed to be a constant discussion.  It was a positive experience, and I am excited to read the reflections in the coming days.  Although there were many excellent arguments and quality points, there were a few students in every class that were well prepared, participated in the conversation with excellent and original arguments, and it was evident that they had done some outside work (ie. blogging).  I will award those in class on Monday.

I know many of you were unfamiliar with this type of class setting.  It's not often that you have the chance to sit and talk about current issues with your peers.  I know some of you are shy and will have to really challenge yourself to make yourself be heard.  Talking in front of your peers is a necessary skill that you will all need to learn.  I guarantee you will use it at some point in your future.  The way I see it, your failure to share your ideas, thoughts, and arguments is cheating the entire class.  Who knows, your statement could be the most brilliant and original argument every made about the topic of discussion.  But we will never know because you decided to hold onto that gem of knowledge for yourself.  Have confidence in your abilities.  This confidence starts with being prepared.  Do your homework, read on your own, blog!!!, and come to these discussions with a sense of confidence that no matter what direction the discussion goes, you will have something to contribute. 

In lieu of the upcoming Super Bowl next weekend, I will leave you with a quote from the great Vince Lombardi:
    
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary."

Have a great weekend, carpe diem.

American Government 1/28/11

In Class - Class discussion over health care reform.  You must participate in order to receive points (see syllabus).  Turn in health care packet.

Homework - Reflection over class discussion (posted on your blog) is due by Tuesday, February 1.

World History 1/28/11

In Class - Discuss the significance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.  Short video clip and discussion.  Hand out review sheet for the test on Monday.  Completion of this is worth extra credit towards your test score.

Homework - Study for your test.  Packet is due on Monday.

TEST REVIEW MONDAY MORNING!!!

American Government 1/27/11

In Class - In groups, work on the "Deal or No Deal" concerning health care reform in the United States.  Discuss the plans and answer the questions in groups (one paper per group) and this will be turned in tomorrow with your health care packet.

Homework - Complete Health Care packet (2 sets of video questions, group work "Deal or No Deal," Political Cartoon Analysis, and K-W-L chart).  Prepare for tomorrow's class discussion.

NOTE - If you are going to be absent tomorrow, then you must let me know before class either via email or post something on my blog.  If this is not done, then you will receive a zero for the discussion.

World History 1/27/11

In Class - Continue to discuss the Treaty of Versailles and the end of World War I.  In groups, discuss the two political cartoons concerning the League of Nations.

Homework - Packet on World War I is due on Tuesday, February 1.

NOTE - Test over World War I has been moved to Monday.  Test review tomorrow morning.

Republican Response to SOTU

Representative Paul Ryan (R) Wisconsin.  CBS News.  January 25, 2011.

Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union Address.

President Obama's SOTU Address

State of the Union Address.  President Obama.  CBS news.  January 25, 2011.

Full video of the President's speech.

Michelle Bachmann's Tea Party Response to the SOTU

"Transcript: Bachmann's response to State of the Union."  Michelle Bachmann (R) Minnesota.  CNN.com.  January 25, 2011.

In her Tea Party Response to the SOTU, Michelle Bachmann reiterates the problem of unemployment, deficit spending, and the need to repearl "Obamacare."

So, What's Next???

"Obama gave a good speech; now for the hard part."  Ed Rollins.  CNN.com.  January 26, 2011.

Opinion from Ed Rollins commentating on the SOTU.  Rollins believes that most of the themes mapped out are possible 2012 election topics that either political party could make.  The clear nature of how President Obama will enact these new ideas will come to fruition in the days and weeks to come.

SOTU: Do people watch?

"State of the Union address: Do Americans even watch it?"  Gloria Goodale.  Christian Science Monitor.  January 25, 2011.

In today's 24/7 media frenzy, do Americans acutally take the time to watch the president's speech outlining the objectives for the coming year? 

American Government 1/26/11

In Class - WHIP.  Finish "Obama's Deal."  Discuss President Obama's State of the Union Address.

Homework - Continue to update your blog.  Health care reform discussion is on Friday.

World History 1/26/11

In Class - Turn in signed progress report (due by Thursday).  Discuss the role of education in President Obama's State of the Union Address.

Homework - Continue to work on the Content Area Reading Instruction for WWI.  Test on Friday.

TEST REVIEW AND MAKE UP TESTS AND QUESTS ARE AVAILABLE BEFORE SCHOOL.  IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT THEN, PLEASE SEE ME AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.

American Government 1/25/11

In Class - Continue to watch and discuss "Obama's Deal" and the role of health care reform in this country.  Continue to answer video questions as you watch.

Homework - Continue to update your blog.  Class discussion on Friday (packet due then).

State of the Union Address is on tonight at 6 pm.  If you get a chance, watch it and bring your thoughts and ideas to class.

World History 1/25/11

In Class - Hand back papers.  Hand out progress report (this needs to be signed and returned by Thursday).  Discuss the provisions and significance of the Treaty of Versailles and the role of the League of Nations. 

Homework - Content Area Reading Instruction (handout from Monday).  Signed progress report is due on Thursday.  Test on Friday over World War I.

Previewing the State of the Union

"Obama's speech will expose partisan divide on spending."  CNN Wire Staff.  CNN.com.  January 24, 2011.

Analysts preview the top issues President Obama will be outlining at tomorrow's State of the Union Address. 

Rahm Emanuel's Bid for Chicago Mayor May Not Happen

"Trending: Emanuel files papers for a stay." CNN political unit.  CNN.com.  January 24, 2011.

Rahm Emanuel is filing papers to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court because his name was not going to be printed on the ballot in the upcoming mayoral election in Chicago.  Apparently, Emanuel does not meet the residency requirements to run for the city's top office.

American Government 1/24/11

In Class - WHIP presentations.  Hand  out political cartoon analysis (due on Friday).  Begin watching the documentary "Obama's Deal" regarding the passing of the Affordable Health Care Act.  Complete the discussion questions as you watch.

Homework - Class discussion on Friday over health care.  Packet (2 discussion questions, K-W-L chart, and political cartoon analysis) is due on Friday.  Keep updating your blog!!!

No QOW for this week, but there will be a reflection for the class discussion.

World History 1/24/11

In Class - Hand back Quest (Chapter 11, Sections 1-3).  If you are not satisfied with your grade, then you may retake this as many times as you need to improve your score.  Before or after school are when these retakes are available.  Hand out Chapter 11, Section 4 handouts (2 political cartoons, guided notes, chapter questions).  Read Chapter 11, Section 4 and begin filling out the guided notes.

Homework - Test over World War I is on Friday.

American Government 1/21/11

In Class - Discuss and assign WHIPS. 

YOU WILL POST THESE ON YOUR PERSONAL BLOG.  Closer to your presentation day, within a maximum of one week from assigned date, select an article, post the URL on your blog along with an MLA citation.  Be sure you post the URL!!!  Include a short summary of the article (6-8 solid sentences).  You will access your blog in class, and present your article to the class (short 3-4 minutes).  I will probably ask you some questions during your presentation, so be prepared. 

These cannot be made up if absent unless you notify me via email or blog prior to your absence.  I realize life happens, but it is your responsibility to contact me if you will be absent.  Failing to notify me prior to your absence and missing the day of your presentation will result in a zero.  If you are having problems, please see me early!!!

Homework - QOW #2 response due by 11:59 pm tonight.  Analyze website (see Got Health Care post) for Monday (class discussion over health care next Friday.  Update your blog.

World History 1/21/11

In Class - Turn in homework (Standards Check Packet: WWI).  Briefly discuss quest from yesterday (overall, not impressed at all).  America in the 20th Century: WWI - watch the video and take notes concerning unknown pieces of information and key concepts.  Most of this is review.  Summarize your notes and/or video and turn in.

Homework - None. 

WWI Test next week.  Some of you need to step it up.

Got Health Care?

Website from healthcare.gov regarding information about the new legislation passed on March 23, 2010: The Affordable Care Act.  This is a great resource that offers an abundance of information and answers questions that you might have.

American Government 1/20/11

In Class - Complete documentary "Sick Around the World."  Work in small groups to discuss the questions and answers.

Homework - Update your blog.  QOW due by 11:59 on Friday, January 21.

World History 1/20/11

In Class - Hand back papers.  Review on your own for Quest.  Take Quest: Chapter 11, Sections 1-3.  Turn in when complete.  Grab the Standards handout and work on this quietly until the end of class.

Homework - Standards Check Packet due at the beginning of class tomorrow.

Sick Around the World

In case you missed something from the documentary we watched or were absent, the link to the documentary is above.  Also, check out some of the resources from this site.

Critical Education

"45% Of Students Don't Learn Much In College." Erik Gorski.  Huffington Post Online. January 18, 2011.

Students in higher education simply aren't learning much in college because of the memorization of facts in high school is the basis of their education.  NCLB is deteriorating critical thinking skills, which may impact the reason why college students do not have the ability to perform in the next stage of their education.

Tonal Recall

"Tonal Recall." Jon Stewart, The Daily Show. Comedy Central.  January 17, 2011.

Despite the arguments of toning down political rhetoric after the shootings in Tucson, the Republicans first act as the majority in the House is to repeal the Health Care legislation.  The official resolution is "to repeal the job-killing health care law."  I'm all for toning it down, but do we really need to spend time on the official name of this resolution?

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Angriness

"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Angriness." The Word, Stephen Colbert. Colbert Report, Comedy Central. January 12, 2011.

In the wake of Tucson, should politicians tone down the rhetoric?  Colbert believes the rhetoric isn't related to the tragedy in Tucson.  What do you think???

There Goes The Neighborhood

"House Democrat compares Republican 'lies' to Nazi propagandist." Dana Bash. CNN Senior Congressional Correspondant. January 19, 2011.

House Democrat Steve Cohen of Tennessee used a late night floor speech to categorize the Republicans as "Goebbels" for inciting propaganda against the Health Care legislation.  So much for toning down political rhetoric.

House Set To Vote on Health Care Repeal

"House set to vote on health care repeal."  CNN Wire Staff.  CNN.com.  January 19, 2011.

The republican controlled House of Representatives is nearing a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, President Obama's signature domestic legislation.  The Department of Health and Human Services argues that repealing this act would affect 130 million nonelderly citizens' would lose their coverage without the protection of the current legislation.

Substitute Accoused of Hitting 2nd Grader

"Teacher Punches 2nd Graders?" Prime News, Vinnie Politan.  CNN.com. January 19, 2011.

Florida substitute teacher is accused of punching a second grader so hard that the student threw up.  A veteran substitute teacher in Florida, William Amory, alleged became enraged when he was unable to operate the classroom's Smart Board.  Interesting story.

American Government 1/19/11

In Class - Continue to watch "Sick Around the World."  Complete the discussion questions as you watch the documentary.

Homework - Continue to update your blog.  If you have questions about this, then let me know soon.  QOW response needs to be posted on the American Government 1/18 post. 

World History 1/19/11

In Class - Turn in homework (Chapter 11, Section 3 Packet from last Thursday).  Word scramble: what do the three terms have in common???  Discuss primary sources and their relationship to why the US entered World War I.  Group work: Political cartoon analysis.

Homework - Quest tomorrow over Chapter 11, Section 3.

REVIEW TOMORROW MORNING.

Article Regarding Tucson Shooting

"The Real Lesson of the Tucson Tragedy," David Von Drehle, TIME.  January 13, 2011.

"What is government if words have no meaning?"  An inside look on the events leading up to the shooting in Tucson, the man behind the gun, and the future of political discourse.

TIME Magazine Cover

TIME Magazine Cover, January 24, 2011.

American Government 1/18/11

In Class - Discuss rubric regarding your blog (see 1/14 post).  Turn in Double Entry Web Journal (health care).  K-W-L chart regarding health care (this is due on the day of the discussion).  Hand out health care packet (Discussion Questions: "Sick Around the World" and "Obama's Deal."  Answer these questions while the video progresses.

Homework - Update your blog (I will start grading your blog this week!!!).  QOW Response due by Friday, January 21 by 11:59 pm.

QOW - Read through a series of responses regarding the previous QOW.  As you read through other student comments, I want you to select a few responses and respond to these responses.  In other words, read through your fellow classmates' post, agree with this person, disagree with this person, highlight some interesting points, ask a critical question, share your arguments, respond to their arguments...This is an opportunity for you to critically analyze another response. 

Agree to disagree, however, be sure your statements and arguments are clearly worded and organized, be sure to use civility in your online discussion, and use this as an opportunity to gain perspective in someone else's point of view.  Again, use civility if you disagree.  Remember, attempting to "call someone out" on their way of thinking is not acceptable.  This is an extension of the classroom and civil discourse must be displayed at all times.  If I feel you are attacking someone instead of their arguments, then I will give you a zero (0) for this QOW. 

This response must include a works cited page and is due by 11:59 on Friday, January 21.

World History 1/18/11

In Class - Continue with class notes and disucssing the role of propaganda during World War I and reasons for US involvement during the war. 

Homework - Chapter 11, Section 3 Packet (Analysis, Crossword Puzzle, Standard Check Questions) due tomorrow.  Quest (quiz/test) over Chapter 11, Sections 1-3 on Thursday.

American Government 1/14/11

In Class - Short video clip: Rahm Emanuel (President Obama's former Chief of Staff) interview regarding his role in the health care legislation.  Discuss as a class.  Work day: 1) QOW 2) Update blog 3) Double Entry Web Journal (Health Care).  Turn in Reaction/Reflection from Wednesday.

Homework - QOW comment post due by 11:59 tonight.  Double Entry Web Journal is due on Tuesday. 

NOTE - If you haven't done so already, then start blogging.  I check these every week on Friday and give you points for them.  Here is how I will grade your blogs:

25 points per week:

25 POINTS - Student updates blog on a daily basis (minimum of 5 posts per week) with no less than posts on at least 4 days during the week.  Blog posts contain titles, links to resources, title of the article, author, publication, date of access.  Blog posts contain a solid, two to three sentence summary of the resource.

20 POINTS - Student updates blog on a regular basis.  May have less than 5 posts per week and posts on at least 2-3 different days of the week.  Blog post contains titles, links to resources, title of the article, author, publication, date of access.  Blog posts contain an average written, two to three sentence summary of the article.

15 POINTS - Student updates blog infrequently.  Has less than 5 posts per week and only posts resources 1 or 2 days per week.  Blog post may be missing any of the following: title, links to resources, title of the article, author, publication , or date of access.  Blog posts contain short summaries but not well written. 

10 POINTS - Student updates blog very infrequently.  Has less than 3 posts per week and posts resources 1 or 2 days per week.  Blog post may be missing more than one of the following: titles, links to resources, title of the article, author, publication, date of access, or short summaries. 

World History 1/14/11

In Class - Short video: World War I reviewed and the mystery of who actually brought down the Red Baron.  Discuss the use of propaganda and its importance to World War I.

Homework - Chapter 11, Section 3 Packet (Section Analysis p. 365-369, Crossword Puzzle, and Standard Check Questions.  This is due on Tuesday, January 18.

5 Truths About Health Care in America

Good visual interpretation of health care costs in the United States.  Time.com.

Videos on Healthcare

Department of Health and Human Services: videos concerning questions and answers regarding the new healthcare legislation.

Healthcare Myths vs. Facts

"Myths vs. Facts: Repeal Would Be Bad for Americans’ Health," Richard Sorian, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.  January 7, 2011.

The Department of Health and Human Services.  Information regarding the myths and the facts of the new healthcare legislation.

American Government 1/13/11

In Class - Short presentation from Principal Craig Shiflett.  Turn in homework (current event on healthcare).  Hand out Double Entry Web Journal.  Complete the chart: need three different sources, include the web address (URL), MLA citation, and 2-3 paragraph synthesis.  This is due on Tuesday, January 18.

Homework - Reflection/reaction from Wednesday is due at the beginning of class.  QOW response is due by Friday at 11:59 pm.  Continue to update blog (checked tomorrow).  Double Entry Web Journal due on Tuesday, January 18.

World History 1/13/11

In Class - Short quiz.  Grade and turn in.  Hand out World War I packet (Chapter 11, Section 3 definitions and question analysis, and crossword puzzle/standard check questions).  This is due on Tuesday, January 18.

Homework - Chapter 11, Section 3 packet is due on Tuesday, January 18.

President Obama's Tucson Memorial Speech

This is truly an excellent speech.  Some say that this speech has revitalized the Obama of old who is capable of capturing a crowd and inspiring the message of hope and love.

Hello

I keep telling you guys that blogging is a liberating experience.  Some thoughts of mine that I wanted to share with you. 

The information highway holds your audience.  Your audience is a mystery in some instances.  You have no idea who will read your words.  You do not know how many will read your words and thoughts.  You haven't the slightest notion of what some people may think of your thoughts and ideas.  Do they agree?  Disagree?  Don't care?  In essence, none of this matters.  The only thing that matters is that you are writing the thoughts and ideas for an audience of one: yourself. 

I just completed watching the speech President Obama just gave at the University of Arizona.  I must say, there is so much agreement on this: Mr. Obama delivered a message that all Americans can be proud of.  He pays respect to those people that lost their lives this past Saturday.  In times of tragedy, the good is hardly ever talked about.  But, in times of tragedy, we are all united.  We sometimes hurt, mourn, pray, and question the very reasons behind senseless acts of violence.  However, none of this will change the past.  We can only live in the moment to pave a better future.

I'll be honest; I miss my wife.  I enjoy the "me" time, but I can't sleep or get up in the morning without her.  It's funny.  When you have been in a long relationship with a person, you tend to forget about the little things, those little moments you share together that really are yours.  I can't wait for her to get home.

I miss my dog.  Whenever my wife would travel, I knew I had my second best friend waiting for me when I got home.  Tail wagging, so excited to see you, taking her on short little walks around the neighborhood in order to get into something that she found interesting.  She was my second alarm clock in the morning, but when my wife traveled, she always found herself sleeping in the bed.

President Obama's words gave me hope and inspiration.  His words made me feel a little better about life and how precious it truly is.  Although sorrow and sadness may take time to heal, we have to realize the countless good deeds taking place daily throughout our country and world that only reaffirms faith in humanity.  We all have the capability to learn, reflect, grow, inspire, motivate, question, think, act, listen, contemplate, and communicate.  However, in order for our future to be like "jumping in rain puddles in heaven," we must first take care of one another and "make sure we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds" (Obama, 2011).

Thanks for reading.  Carpe Diem!!!

Why Does It Take a Tragedy to Unify Us???

"Why does it take tragedy to unify us?," Bob Greene, CNN Contributor.  January 12, 2011.

American Government 1/12/11

In Class - Short video clips relating to the topic of the QOW.  Write down some information and write a reflection/reaction (1-2 paragraphs) to the arguments proposed concerning the shooting in Tuscon, AZ.

Homework - Bring a current event to class tomorrow regarding the topic of health care.  Also, QOW response is due by Friday at 11:59 pm.

World History 1/12/10

In Class - Turn in homework (packet from Monday).  WWI Simulation.  With a partner, take a look at the following scenarios and choose the course of action.  See how well you do.

Homework - Study for short quiz tomorrow over Chapter 11 Sections 1 and 2 and class notes.

World War I - Great Resource for World History

World history students:  This is an excellent resource for the study of WWI.

Class Videos

Check out CNN.com for the videos we watched today in class.  Check out a few on your own.

Arizona Law and Fred Phelps

"Arizona enacts funeral protest legislation," CNN Wire Staff.  CNN.com.  January 11, 2011.

Emergency legislation was passed in Arizona barring protest against funerals from within 300 feet and within one hour before or after the service.  This could be an interesting legal avenue by the Fred Phelps law team.  FYI, Phelps has eleven adult children and all are lawyers.

American Government 1/11/11

In Class - Continue to discuss current events (Tucson), the role of the media in current issues, Westboro Baptist Church (Topeka, KS; Fred Phelps), political rhetoric in Washington.  Short video clips discussing these topics.

Homework - Continue to update blog.  QOW due by Friday.

World History 1/11/11

In Class - Review MANIA (causes of World War I).  Class notes: key background information pertaining to the years prior to WWI.  Short, open note quiz tomorrow.

Homework - Packet (Chapter 11, Sections 1 and 2 Quiz, Map, Primary Source) due at the beginning of class.  Review chapter readings and notes for quiz tomorrow.

American Government 1/10/11

In Class - Discuss recent political/governmental issues.  Mini class discussion.  Group Work: get into groups to discuss the political cartoons (2).  Answer the questions for each political cartoon.  Turn in before you leave.

Homework - Start blogging.

QOW - Include an MLA works cited at the end of your post, be sure to proofread your work before submitting, and I want to see quality arguments in your response.  See the syllabus for QOW rubric.

On Saturday, a horrific event occurred that left six people dead, an Arizona Congresswoman fighting for her life, and has developed into a political assassination.  Currently, Repbulicans and Democrats are using this tragedy to perhaps point fingers and assign blame.  Do you think that the inflammatory political rhetoric between Republicans and Democrats on issues such as immigration, health care, and the economy should be toned down?  Use specific evidence to support your claims.

World History 1/10/11

In Class - Introduction to World War I: Five causes (MANIA).  Hand out homework packet (Chapter 11, Sections 1/2 Quiz, Map, and Kaethe Kollwitz primary source.  Use the remainder of the class to work on this assignment.  Hand back answer sheet from last Friday's test.

Homework - World War I packet due on Wednesday.

NOTE - IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH YOUR TEST SCORE, THEN YOU MAY RETAKE IT ANYTIME BEFORE SCHOOL.  NO LIMIT AS TO HOW MANY TIMES YOU CAN TAKE IT.

Health Care Reform: What's In the Bill?

"Health Care Reform Bill Summary: A Look At What's in the Bill," Jill Jackson and John Nolan.  CBS News.  March 21, 2010.

Article explains what exactly will change in the Health Care Reform Bill.  Have questions?  Good article to check out.

The Health Care Law Explained

"Health Care Reform Explained Video: "Health Reform Hits Main Street."  The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.  September 17, 2010.

Good overview of the new health care legislation.  Helps identify the problems and the solutions while summarizing the main points of the 1,000 page bill into a nine minute video.

Glenn Beck

"Beck: Obamacare Will Destroy America," Bill O'Reilly interview with Glenn Beck.  The O'Reilly Factor.  January 7, 2011.

Talk show host Bill O'Reilly interviews Glenn Beck on his views concerning Obamacare.  Beck feels that this will bankrupt the country and is also unconstitutional.  Believes that President Obama is a political coward and doesn't take responsibility for solving problems.  Interesting perspective from the other side.

The Daily Show

"Lame as f#@% Congress," John Stewart, the Daily Show.  December 13, 2010.

Jon Stewart provides an interesting perspective about Senate Republicans trying to use the filibuster to delay a vote on  the 9/11 First Responder Bill.  The 111th Lame Duck Congress is trying to pass a series of measures including the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the Dream Act.  However, Republicans in the Senate will do nothing until discussion over the Bush Era Tax Cuts is finalized.  These tax cuts are to expire at the end of the year.

Republican Controlled House Gains Victory

"House approves rule for repeal vote; clears the way for Wednesday action," Kaiser Health News.  January 7, 2011.

Republicans approved a measure to repeal last year's health care legislation.  Debate to repeal the law will begin in the house on Wednesday, however, the Democratic majority in the Senate and the veto power of President Obama will make this difficult to achieve.

Shooting in Tucson

"Police 'actively pursuing' second person in Tucson shooting," CNN Wire Staff. January 8, 2011.

A 22 year old man opens fire outside a Tucson supermarket attempting to assassinate Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.  Six were killed and twelve were wounded.  Authorities are looking for a second suspect in connection with the shooting. 

Viewpoint of Obamacare

"A sign at a Denver Tea Party Protest," Michael Schaus.  Examiner.com.  March 19, 2010.

EXAMPLE OF YOUR BLOG POSTS

(ARTICLE TITLE) "Oklahoma to challenge health care law," (AUTHOR) CNN Wire Staff.  (DATE OF ARTICLE) January 7, 2011.

(SHORT 2-3 SENTENCE SUMMARY OF ARTICLE)
According to the state of Oklahoma's Attorney General Elect Scott Pruit, he will file a lawsuit within the next few weeks concerning the constitutionality of President Obama's health care law.  The state feels that this law will be bad for the nation's economy and believes that this law is an attempt for the federal government to grab power.

American Government 1/7/11

In Class - San Joaquin Valley College presentation. 

Homework - Blog URL due to me via email by 11:59 tonight.  Remember, your blog URL should look something like this: http://mikepalo.blogspot.com/.

Over the weekend, start looking online and through other media outlets concerning the topic of health care.  Start blogging.  Look for resources concerning the health care topic and begin posting them on your blog.  Remember, you need to provide the article title, author, source (publication), date of article, and a short 2-3 sentence summary of the resource.

World History 1/7/11

In Class - Semester One Final Exam. 

Homework - Watch the news over the weekend.

American Government 1/6/11

In Class - Continue discussion of the classroom syllabus.  Discuss questions that you may have regarding the Question of the Week Responses, blog creation, classroom discussions, and your e-portfolios.  Group work: discuss possible discussion topics for the semester and develop a list of topics.  Turn in signed syllabus.

Homework - Continue to watch the news.  Your blog URL (http://mikepalo.blogspot.com/) must be emailed to me by 11:59 on Friday, January 7.

NOTE - IF YOU HAVE AN ECON TEXTBOOK, THEN RETURN IT TO THE LIBRARY ASAP!!!

World History 1/6/11

In Class - Turn in homework (workbook pages 78 and 80).  Continue to review and discuss the questions and answers from the first semester final. 

Homework - Study for tomorrow's test.

TEST REVIEW TOMORROW MORNING

New Congress Takes Office

"New Congress: Symbolism early, sizzle to come," by Ed Hornick, CNN.  January 5, 2011.

New Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) states that the newly elected and controlled Republican House of Representatives will be considered "the people's House."  Boehner and Republicans will be looking to repeal President Obama's health care legislation as their first major emphasis in the 112th Congress.

American Government 1/5/11

In Class - Brief discussion: significant political/governmental issues.  Continue to discuss the syllabus: class discussions, E-Portfolio (blog), and Question of the Week Responses.

Homework - Signed syllabus due tomorrow at the beginning of class.  Watch the news.  Your blog must be created by Friday and an email sent to me containing your blog web address (Example: http://mikepalo.blogspot.com/).  The email must be received by Friday, January 7 by 11:59 pm.

World History 1/5/11

In Class - Turn in homework (page 72 and 74 from workbook).  Continue to discuss the questions and answers from 1st semester final.  You will be retaking this exam on Friday.  This will be your first major test of the semester. 

Homework - Page 78 and 80 from workbook.  Due at the beginning of class tomorrow.

TEST REVIEW THURSDAY AND FRIDAY MORNING.

Mexican-American Studies

"Arizona education chief moves to ban ethnic studies in Tucson schools," by Michael Martinez. January 4, 2011.

Arizona school district in Tucson is being told by superintendent John Huppenthal to stop teaching Mexican-American studies or face losing $15 million in annual state aid.

Prop 8 in California takes an interesting turn

"Court defers ruling on California same-sex marriage", CNN Wire Staff.  January 4, 2011.

A federal appeals court in San Francisco, California, decided Tuesday to indefinitely delay consideration of a controversial case regarding the constitutionality of that state's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.

American Government 1/4/11

In Class - Seating charts.  ICW (In Class Writing): What is the purpose of government?  Share responses and discuss as a class.  Hand out and discuss syllabus.

Homework - Signed syllabus (page 3) is due by Thursday.

World History 1/4/11

In Class - Handout workbooks.  These are yours to keep.  Group work: review last semester's final exam.  Each group will be responsible for 7-8 questions to answer.  We will discuss these when complete.

Homework - Workbook pages 72 and 74 are due at the beginning of class tomorrow (Chapter 9, Sections 1 and 2).  Pages 78 and 80 (Chapter 9, Sections 4 and 5) are due on Thursday.

American Government 1/3/11

In Class - Classroom introductions and preview of class.  I will hand out the syllabus tomorrow in class.

Homework - None.

World History 1/3/11

In Class - Discuss first semester grades and benchmark scores.  Come up with classroom goals for the second semester.

Homework - Watch the news.