President Bush said Saturday [April 26, 2008] that the credit crunch is threatening the availability of student loans. He said his administration is doing what it can to help with emergency loans but prodded Congress for authority to do more.
"A slowdown in the economy shouldn't mean a downturn in educational opportunities," Bush said in his weekly radio address.
Go to the following link for more information.
http://www.finaid.org/loans/creditcrisis.phtml
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Vouchers are back, coming to ballot
The debate over school vouchers is about to make a roaring comeback in Florida.
On Friday [April 25, 2008], a powerful citizen commission voted to put a measure on the Novermber ballot that would provide legal protection for vouchers and could pave the way for the return of the Opportunity Scholarships championed by former Gov. Bush.
I suggest that you monitor what is happening in your state and take corrective action.
On Friday [April 25, 2008], a powerful citizen commission voted to put a measure on the Novermber ballot that would provide legal protection for vouchers and could pave the way for the return of the Opportunity Scholarships championed by former Gov. Bush.
I suggest that you monitor what is happening in your state and take corrective action.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Controlling Florida classrooms from the state Legislature
While you are focused on educating students, others at the state level, are focused on your classroom. Their intent is not about helping you, it's rather about controlling what you are teaching and how you teach.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
End of Course Testing
State level End of Course Test will become a reality in Florida. Florida now has FCAT. Passing that test is a high school graduation requirement. Soon there will be a state level End of Course Test [ECT]. Passing that test will determine if the student passes a course. The reasoning used to justify ECT is the same as was used to justify the FCAT.
The young male Republican promoting this legislation appeared to be in his 20’s. He is supported by a Republican male that appeared to be in his 50’s. Do you want more testing? There will be more testing if we passively accept a law that mandate state required end of course tests.
The young male Republican promoting this legislation appeared to be in his 20’s. He is supported by a Republican male that appeared to be in his 50’s. Do you want more testing? There will be more testing if we passively accept a law that mandate state required end of course tests.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Mags are making us dumber
April 15, 2008 -- JOAN Collins says we're turning into a world of idiots - and she thinks the celebrity magazines are partly to blame. "Our civilization has become extremely dumbed down, with shorter attention spans. All they want are sound bites," the 75-year-old diva, who famously played super-bitchy Alexis Carrington on "Dynasty," tells BlackBook's Steve Garbarino. "The tabloid magazines are the same every week. People has the same cover as InTouch, OK!, US Weekly and Star magazine. They're exactly the same! It must be 100 to 120 people you read about all the time." But why? "They are appealing to a young audience, or a rather dumb audience," Collins theorizes. She adds that the magazines "go after those girls who exhibit more outrageous behavior. And, believe me, those girls love it. They call in items themselves - that they were at Nobu, some nightclub in SoHo. I can't think of anything more horrible than that. Publicity can be a drug."
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Anti-bully bill SB790 sailed through Senate hearing
I have witnessed the behavior of bullies. I have been the victim of bullies. And, I abhor their unacceptable behavior. However, I don’t think that Florida SB 790 is appropriate because I do not want students stigmatized. That is the worse consequence of SB790.
It’s now, here in Florida, too late to modify student behavior that is within the scope of SB790 without the student becoming a criminal. Students get on the bus in the morning. Some, before they get home, become caught up in Florida’s criminal justice system. SB790 increases the probability that this will happen
It’s now, here in Florida, too late to modify student behavior that is within the scope of SB790 without the student becoming a criminal. Students get on the bus in the morning. Some, before they get home, become caught up in Florida’s criminal justice system. SB790 increases the probability that this will happen
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Martin Lee Anderson Boot Camp Verdict
The drill instructors and nurse were acquitted: not guilty in the death of Martin Lee Anderson. Humm ... I saw the event many times on my TV and if you watch the news, you saw it also.
When I was a college student, not one prof told us that we should modify a student's behavior using methods that military drill instructors use on recruits. I supplemented my education with psychology books that I bought from the college book store. There was nothing there that justified using book camp methods either.
External to the University environment I would occasionally hear some one say "Spare the rod and spoil the child," and "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
There must be thought leaders somewhere that are propagating a philosophy that condones the behavior that resulted in the death of Martin Lee Anderson. What is the supporting philosophy called? Who is the thought leader that is the source of this philosophy? What group is promoting the boot camp method of behavioral modification? Why is the community where this happened called the Redneck Riviera?
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071013/D8S8B38O0.html This is the link to the AP story about this case.
You can see this method of behavioral modification being applied by watching the Steve Wilkos show. http://www.stevewilkos.com/index.php
When I was a college student, not one prof told us that we should modify a student's behavior using methods that military drill instructors use on recruits. I supplemented my education with psychology books that I bought from the college book store. There was nothing there that justified using book camp methods either.
External to the University environment I would occasionally hear some one say "Spare the rod and spoil the child," and "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
There must be thought leaders somewhere that are propagating a philosophy that condones the behavior that resulted in the death of Martin Lee Anderson. What is the supporting philosophy called? Who is the thought leader that is the source of this philosophy? What group is promoting the boot camp method of behavioral modification? Why is the community where this happened called the Redneck Riviera?
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071013/D8S8B38O0.html This is the link to the AP story about this case.
You can see this method of behavioral modification being applied by watching the Steve Wilkos show. http://www.stevewilkos.com/index.php
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Kid Nation
I'm watching Kid Nation and loving every moment of it. I'm just now seeing behavior I've read about and now I'm seeing it for the first time.
It's important that you watch Kid Nation. If you do, I'll be sharing the experience with you.
This is the link to the Kid Nation website. http://www.cbs.com/primetime/kid_nation/
It's important that you watch Kid Nation. If you do, I'll be sharing the experience with you.
This is the link to the Kid Nation website. http://www.cbs.com/primetime/kid_nation/
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Jesus Camp
Maria deBorbon wrote the following after watching the Jesus Camp video.
This female preacher was disturbing to me on many levels. First of all, it is so easy to manipulate children because they accept what any adult says as the truth. They have sensitive feelings because they’re innocent and haven’t been hardened yet by harsh reality. To use these innocent children to spout her own extremist view of how everyone should conduct themselves as far as their spirituality is concerned is criminal.
The fact that parents who see what is happening and condone this manner of teaching is mind boggling. I can only reason that they have a very low intelligence or they have a very narrow and one-sided view of the world.
The fact that the female preacher is collecting money from conducting the camps also disturbs me. I get the feeling that she is trying to build a cult where she is the dominant leader and intends to have total power over her followers. I’m glad that this video was made in order to expose her....hopefully she will be stopped in time before she does any more harm.
The fact that parents who see what is happening and condone this manner of teaching is mind boggling. I can only reason that they have a very low intelligence or they have a very narrow and one-sided view of the world.
The fact that the female preacher is collecting money from conducting the camps also disturbs me. I get the feeling that she is trying to build a cult where she is the dominant leader and intends to have total power over her followers. I’m glad that this video was made in order to expose her....hopefully she will be stopped in time before she does any more harm.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Dancing In School To Shed the Pounds
Schools all over the U.S. have finally figured out that dancing make you happy and keeps you in shape! In an effort to help rein in our obesity epidemic and introduce non-competitive physical activities into shcool, some geniuses have brought the interactive video game Dance Dance Revolution into schools! The New York Times reports that DDR shoud be in over 1,500 schools by the year 2010! Will it be in yours? Source: DanceSprit.com
Friday, August 31, 2007
Who's More Fit? Dancers or Athletes
If you think athletes are more fit; you're wrong.
Here is the explanation.
Michael Leslie, physical therapist for the San Franciso Ballet, says that the specificity of dancer's training probably plays a big part in this adaptability. Athletes focus principally on their sport and train primarily with that in mind. Dancers, on the other hand, are taught a variety of skills. We have to balance on one leg while turning and go from moving very quickly to being completely still. This type of "cross-training" gives us, in Leslie's words, "the ability to do advanced things with a huge range of motion and extraordinary dexterity," which many athletes lack.
You can read more about this in September's issue of DanceSpirit; How Fit Are You? by Peter Brandenhoff.
Here is the explanation.
Michael Leslie, physical therapist for the San Franciso Ballet, says that the specificity of dancer's training probably plays a big part in this adaptability. Athletes focus principally on their sport and train primarily with that in mind. Dancers, on the other hand, are taught a variety of skills. We have to balance on one leg while turning and go from moving very quickly to being completely still. This type of "cross-training" gives us, in Leslie's words, "the ability to do advanced things with a huge range of motion and extraordinary dexterity," which many athletes lack.
You can read more about this in September's issue of DanceSpirit; How Fit Are You? by Peter Brandenhoff.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Your Student's Bring Their Home Life Style Into Your Classroom.
You can gain insight into your student’s lives by watching reality TV programs. Trading Spaces, Wife Swap and Nanny 911 will give you a window into their lives. You will not be able to change what is happening at home, but you certainly will gain insight that will help you understand your students.
Watch enough reality programs and you will eventually see students like yours preparing for school in the morning from being awaken to being dropped off at school. You may even see their nightly activities before they go to bed. And, see them doing their homework, if any is being done as well as how they interrelate with their parents.
This window into the lives of students like yours will not be open long. Audiences get bored and producers will create something different. So, I suggest that you make the most of this opportunity while you have it.
Watch enough reality programs and you will eventually see students like yours preparing for school in the morning from being awaken to being dropped off at school. You may even see their nightly activities before they go to bed. And, see them doing their homework, if any is being done as well as how they interrelate with their parents.
This window into the lives of students like yours will not be open long. Audiences get bored and producers will create something different. So, I suggest that you make the most of this opportunity while you have it.
Monday, August 27, 2007
South Park High
I got a note telling me that the Principal wanted to see me in his office. I had brought by class to assembly late and now I had to account for the error. His office had a large formal desk and windows facing the street that covered most of one wall. Mr. Burt was sitting behind his desk when I entered his office. He said, “You and your class were late for assembly.” I don’t recall much of what he had to say, perhaps because I was focused on the bullet hole in the window near his head. I wondered at the time if he had been sitting there when the shot was fired. Mr. Burt said, “My school doesn’t have any problems.” I didn’t ask, “How do you explain the bullet hole in your window?”
I watch only part of South Park High. It was too real and disturbing to watch all of it. I hope for your sake that you are not in a school like South Park High. If your are; well, then I wish you lots of luck and success in finding somewhere else to teach.
My first year teaching was in a school like South Park High. I did not return the following year.
I watch only part of South Park High. It was too real and disturbing to watch all of it. I hope for your sake that you are not in a school like South Park High. If your are; well, then I wish you lots of luck and success in finding somewhere else to teach.
My first year teaching was in a school like South Park High. I did not return the following year.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
This was written by Mitchell A Fleisher, MD and published in Vitamin Research News.
ADHD is a syndrome characterized by inability to focus attention and/or periods of hyperactivity, more commonly exhibited in children, but also affecting adults as well. The term "attention deficit" may be misleading, in that the current theories suggest ADHD patients actually have difficulty: 1) regulating their attention spans; 2) inhibiting their attention to non-relevant stimuli; and/or, 3) focusing too intensely on specific stimuli to the exclusion of what is relevant. Rather than diminished attention ability, many individuals with ADHD may focus their attention upon too many things at once, i.e., not "see the forest 'fore the trees," resulting in poor concentration, erratic thought processes and decreased intellectual productivity.
ADHD is a syndrome characterized by inability to focus attention and/or periods of hyperactivity, more commonly exhibited in children, but also affecting adults as well. The term "attention deficit" may be misleading, in that the current theories suggest ADHD patients actually have difficulty: 1) regulating their attention spans; 2) inhibiting their attention to non-relevant stimuli; and/or, 3) focusing too intensely on specific stimuli to the exclusion of what is relevant. Rather than diminished attention ability, many individuals with ADHD may focus their attention upon too many things at once, i.e., not "see the forest 'fore the trees," resulting in poor concentration, erratic thought processes and decreased intellectual productivity.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Our Shrinking Attention Span
Developing post .....
I've been asked not to write this, even though the site statistics indicate that the average time you visit this page is only 8 seconds [July there was 60 visits] ; hardly enough time to read what has been written or post a response. Could it be that you are like a fly at a picnic? I will continue to collect statistical evidence and will later draw conclusions based upon the statistics.
I've been asked not to write this, even though the site statistics indicate that the average time you visit this page is only 8 seconds [July there was 60 visits] ; hardly enough time to read what has been written or post a response. Could it be that you are like a fly at a picnic? I will continue to collect statistical evidence and will later draw conclusions based upon the statistics.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Teacher Baiting
Teacher baiting is when students create a situation that is intended to humiliate their teacher and then record it with a cell phone camera. The movie clip is then uploaded to YouTube for others to see the incriminating clip.
The consequence of this is that you will be evaluated by school administration and perhaps be disciplined. Even if you don’t get disciplined, the event will be in your record and used as part of your performance review. If you were being considered for the Teacher of the Year award, forget about it. It’s not going to happen.
What will your students be doing? They will be flocking to YouTube to see the movie clip, laughing and telling their friends to see the clip too. Some of these students will be doing the same thing to other teachers. I became aware of this about a year ago. I see now that it is proliferating.
The best way to prevent teacher baiting in your class is to stop students from having a cell phone in your classroom. Cell phones are not the only devices that have cameras. All recording that isn't authorized by the teacher must be stopped.
Remember, there isn’t any way to undo the damage after it has happened. So prevent it from happening.
The consequence of this is that you will be evaluated by school administration and perhaps be disciplined. Even if you don’t get disciplined, the event will be in your record and used as part of your performance review. If you were being considered for the Teacher of the Year award, forget about it. It’s not going to happen.
What will your students be doing? They will be flocking to YouTube to see the movie clip, laughing and telling their friends to see the clip too. Some of these students will be doing the same thing to other teachers. I became aware of this about a year ago. I see now that it is proliferating.
The best way to prevent teacher baiting in your class is to stop students from having a cell phone in your classroom. Cell phones are not the only devices that have cameras. All recording that isn't authorized by the teacher must be stopped.
Remember, there isn’t any way to undo the damage after it has happened. So prevent it from happening.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
No Bookstores at the Mall
I was surprised to discover that a large local mall that had 2 bookstores now has none and the Science Store had been replaced by Spencer's. This sadly indicates to me that we are buying fewer books, reading less and have a decreased interest in science. I recently completed reading World Of Pain by Lillian Rubin. There is no way other than by reading to learn what is in this book.
Reading books and magazines such as Scientific American are a major source of knowledge for me. This knowledge makes my life more interesting, helps me understand what is happening and the information is background for my decisions. I'm on the Internet many hours a day too. That is just another source of information, but it does not replace books and journals.
Think about the cost of replacing the bookstores that have been lost at your local mall. Do you think a business person will open a bookstore at the mall if they cannot pay expenses and earn a profit from the sale of books? You may never see another book seller in the mall.
I recall that there was a book written titled Dumber and Dumber. Hummm .... Could be the author's thesis is coming true?
Reading books and magazines such as Scientific American are a major source of knowledge for me. This knowledge makes my life more interesting, helps me understand what is happening and the information is background for my decisions. I'm on the Internet many hours a day too. That is just another source of information, but it does not replace books and journals.
Think about the cost of replacing the bookstores that have been lost at your local mall. Do you think a business person will open a bookstore at the mall if they cannot pay expenses and earn a profit from the sale of books? You may never see another book seller in the mall.
I recall that there was a book written titled Dumber and Dumber. Hummm .... Could be the author's thesis is coming true?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Dr. Winerman's Attempt to Teach Tampa, Fl High School Students Dance.
From: Stephen Lyons
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:54 AM
To: Dr. Arline Winerman
Subject: Your High School Teaching Experience.
Dear Arline,
Your description of your high school teaching experience is like what I've witnessed at the WT. I don't know why this is happening. It may indicate something negative about the [Tampa, FL] public school system.
Even if we could determine the cause, there's likely nothing that could be done if the problem is systemic.
Stephen
_____________________________________________________________
Dr. Winerman wrote:
The kids this year were very different from last year. There were more blacks last year. There did not seem to be as many in total attending this year. They had lots of choices of things to do, so were busy running around. Just seemed like they did not want to dance - not even free style etc. I hate to think that young people do not love to do some kind of dancing. Times are sure different from when I grew up! I am glad I do not have kids or grandkids!!!See you Thurs. Regards - Arline
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:54 AM
To: Dr. Arline Winerman
Subject: Your High School Teaching Experience.
Dear Arline,
Your description of your high school teaching experience is like what I've witnessed at the WT. I don't know why this is happening. It may indicate something negative about the [Tampa, FL] public school system.
Even if we could determine the cause, there's likely nothing that could be done if the problem is systemic.
Stephen
_____________________________________________________________
Dr. Winerman wrote:
The kids this year were very different from last year. There were more blacks last year. There did not seem to be as many in total attending this year. They had lots of choices of things to do, so were busy running around. Just seemed like they did not want to dance - not even free style etc. I hate to think that young people do not love to do some kind of dancing. Times are sure different from when I grew up! I am glad I do not have kids or grandkids!!!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Could These Be Your Boys?
Mi Maria,
This morning I encountered 3 boys about the age of your blond hair boy when on the bike ride. I was riding in the lane required by law and each of the other boys crossed their lane and acted as if they were effecting a head-on collision with me. This testosterone driven behavior is one of the many reasons I would not go back into the classroom.
Your blond haired boy is the most likely person who destroyed your tire and dented my hood. Since he was not caught in the act nor has he admitted to it and apologized, it will always cloud any relationship that I have with him. We do have a relationship and it is negative.
He knows if he did it. Josh, my nephew took all my money from my wallet. I know he did it. When boys like this get away with thing like this, they use it to prove to themselves that they are of superior intelligence to adults. They think of us as being stupid. That is what happens when we are passive and forgiving. The boys should be aggressively confronted, then there is a base for moving forward that is best for the boys. But, there is seldom any positive payback for the adult. So, I avoid and minimize any contact I have with them.
Any aggressive confrontation with these boys without authorization from their parents or the legal system is personally destructive. The only course of action left to me is to collect evidence, call 911 and avoid them.
I think life is much better without these boys.
Your Stephen
The Education Resource Group is dedicated to helping professional educators, student teachers, parents and tutors educate by providing lesson plans and access to education resources. We did this by creating Lessonplans.com.
Lessonplans.com has served over 3.43 million educators.
Mi Stephen,
It’s unfortunate that what should have been a pleasant bike ride was spoiled by the act of those 3 boys. When things like that happen to me I could do two things: Get angry about it.....or feel sorry for the boys who are going to have a lifetime of misery happen to them due to their aggressive behavior. They are possibly going to be the type of person who chooses to attain what they want in life through intimidation. In the end, they will elicit only fear and hate from the people they encounter throughout their life.
I’ve seen enough babies growing up to know that this is learned behavior. A person who grows up in a non-loving atmosphere with parents who don’t treat them with respect and kindness have a much more difficult time learning to give these two things to other people. Sometimes they can change if they encounter a role model that they respect who treats them well. I know that there are a lot of good role models in this world; it’s just that the media (newspapers and TV) tend to report only the stories that will sell newspapers. It would be wonderful if we could fix all the people who come from dysfunctional families, but there are only two of us. Maybe we should just try to make our own lives as serene and productive as we can.
I did send you a message earlier, hope you were able to bring it up. It was just my good morning note to you.
Su Maria
From: Stephen Lyons [mailto:Stephen@LessonPlans.com] Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:07 AMTo: Marie deBorbon RoundsSubject: Bicycle riding and blond hair boy.
This morning I encountered 3 boys about the age of your blond hair boy when on the bike ride. I was riding in the lane required by law and each of the other boys crossed their lane and acted as if they were effecting a head-on collision with me. This testosterone driven behavior is one of the many reasons I would not go back into the classroom.
Your blond haired boy is the most likely person who destroyed your tire and dented my hood. Since he was not caught in the act nor has he admitted to it and apologized, it will always cloud any relationship that I have with him. We do have a relationship and it is negative.
He knows if he did it. Josh, my nephew took all my money from my wallet. I know he did it. When boys like this get away with thing like this, they use it to prove to themselves that they are of superior intelligence to adults. They think of us as being stupid. That is what happens when we are passive and forgiving. The boys should be aggressively confronted, then there is a base for moving forward that is best for the boys. But, there is seldom any positive payback for the adult. So, I avoid and minimize any contact I have with them.
Any aggressive confrontation with these boys without authorization from their parents or the legal system is personally destructive. The only course of action left to me is to collect evidence, call 911 and avoid them.
I think life is much better without these boys.
Your Stephen
The Education Resource Group is dedicated to helping professional educators, student teachers, parents and tutors educate by providing lesson plans and access to education resources. We did this by creating Lessonplans.com.
Lessonplans.com has served over 3.43 million educators.
Mi Stephen,
It’s unfortunate that what should have been a pleasant bike ride was spoiled by the act of those 3 boys. When things like that happen to me I could do two things: Get angry about it.....or feel sorry for the boys who are going to have a lifetime of misery happen to them due to their aggressive behavior. They are possibly going to be the type of person who chooses to attain what they want in life through intimidation. In the end, they will elicit only fear and hate from the people they encounter throughout their life.
I’ve seen enough babies growing up to know that this is learned behavior. A person who grows up in a non-loving atmosphere with parents who don’t treat them with respect and kindness have a much more difficult time learning to give these two things to other people. Sometimes they can change if they encounter a role model that they respect who treats them well. I know that there are a lot of good role models in this world; it’s just that the media (newspapers and TV) tend to report only the stories that will sell newspapers. It would be wonderful if we could fix all the people who come from dysfunctional families, but there are only two of us. Maybe we should just try to make our own lives as serene and productive as we can.
I did send you a message earlier, hope you were able to bring it up. It was just my good morning note to you.
Su Maria
From: Stephen Lyons [mailto:Stephen@LessonPlans.com] Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 10:07 AMTo: Marie deBorbon RoundsSubject: Bicycle riding and blond hair boy.