I'm on my way back from our trip to New York. The weather was wonderful, nothing to complain about really. The trip got me thinking about the need to escape and explore.
We had set directions and usual places to stop. The planning and lack of adventure fanned the flames of discovery deep within me. It awakened the urge to set out on an uncharted course in the hopes of stumbling upon something unknown and exciting. Who cares about getting lost? This is really just rambling about the desire to escape from the everyday, to participate in something you didn't plan or expect. The urge to have no schedule and embrace wherever you are and whatever you're doing with open eyes and an open heart.
I crave a real adventure.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Leaving education behind.
No Child Left Behind is getting tougher on schools... and faculty are trying to compensate to avoid consequences like layoffs and school-funded tutoring. NCLB states that by the 2013-14 school year all students must pass tests in math and reading. For those of you who aren't math savvy, that's 100 percent. Every student must pass in order for schools to avoid strict consequences. Yet districts aren't being allotted the funding to accommodate the increasing need for faculty in order to accomplish these goals. As a result, corners could be cut as far as the type of education America's children are getting.
Supporters of NCLB say that by pushing schools and educators to ensure students pass standardized testing, the country ensures a brighter generation. However, dissidents insist that by forcing every child to pass a standardized test hinders a proper education. Teachers are forced -- especially on a tight budget -- to lower the caliber of the material they teach in order to get everyone through. Or they are forced to lecture on only what will be on a standardized test, leaving out many other important subjects like art and music -- which are both losing massive funding because of the focus on math and reading as a result of NCLB.
Currently, scores are up across the country. Is this because our children are getting a better education? Are they getting brighter? Or is it because everyone gets an award regardless of actual merit?
There's a disturbing "laissez-faire" parenting movement happening that is teaching children that they have no restrictions. By giving no restrictions and letting a child "figure it out" alone, it instills no drive and presents an idea that everyone is just as special as the next. There is no authority, no drive for excellence or competitive initiative. If Johnny shows up and gets an award, then why should Timmy put forth the effort to receive the exact same award, or even one a bit better? Timmy is shown through example that just being there is enough to garner some sort of recognition. Where's the motivation for success?
Supporters of NCLB say that by pushing schools and educators to ensure students pass standardized testing, the country ensures a brighter generation. However, dissidents insist that by forcing every child to pass a standardized test hinders a proper education. Teachers are forced -- especially on a tight budget -- to lower the caliber of the material they teach in order to get everyone through. Or they are forced to lecture on only what will be on a standardized test, leaving out many other important subjects like art and music -- which are both losing massive funding because of the focus on math and reading as a result of NCLB.
Currently, scores are up across the country. Is this because our children are getting a better education? Are they getting brighter? Or is it because everyone gets an award regardless of actual merit?
There's a disturbing "laissez-faire" parenting movement happening that is teaching children that they have no restrictions. By giving no restrictions and letting a child "figure it out" alone, it instills no drive and presents an idea that everyone is just as special as the next. There is no authority, no drive for excellence or competitive initiative. If Johnny shows up and gets an award, then why should Timmy put forth the effort to receive the exact same award, or even one a bit better? Timmy is shown through example that just being there is enough to garner some sort of recognition. Where's the motivation for success?
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Meet the precedent.
Let me start here by saying that everyone makes mistakes. People misspeak. I am guilty of said action quite often. However, there are certain expectations that go along with holding a public office or running for the highest office in this country. I won't get into my political views or the situation of the upcoming election. That isn't the point here.
Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama appeared on Meet the Press this evening. In 27 minutes, he misused "a" three times. Meaning he used "a" when it should've been "an." Now many would say it's a bit nitpicky. But have we been conditioned by our current Commander in Chief to accept butchery of the English language? It's just another example of how our society is losing the grasp of proper English and eloquent speaking. Not to say that Obama isn't very charismatic, or that he doesn't generally speak well. The question here is how many people watching tonight even picked up on it? Or care?
Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama appeared on Meet the Press this evening. In 27 minutes, he misused "a" three times. Meaning he used "a" when it should've been "an." Now many would say it's a bit nitpicky. But have we been conditioned by our current Commander in Chief to accept butchery of the English language? It's just another example of how our society is losing the grasp of proper English and eloquent speaking. Not to say that Obama isn't very charismatic, or that he doesn't generally speak well. The question here is how many people watching tonight even picked up on it? Or care?
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