Oregon and History

Kimberly Melton
Do you know your Oregon history? The Oregonian's quiz reveals mixed results
http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2011/05/quiz_results_test_your_knowled.html
5/9/2011
Topic: History

Oregon senator thinks that students and other citizens will benefit if there was an increase in teaching Oregon history. The argument against is that there is no time, effort, money. The Oregonian offered a history quiz and people did not fair very well.

Key Points: Oregonians don’t know very much about Oregon History

Relevance: The quiz was fact based. How many times have we discussed in class about history, and that it is often thought of as a subject where you must memorize dates, locations, and people? This quiz only added to the stereotype (is it a stereotype if it’s true?) They offered a little bit of information about a pro-slavery governor, but as our Presidents and Slaves chapter in RSS, and in our day of Race Literacy, how much information about Oregon’s legal racism will, or is offered to be taught? Just an interesting read.

holes in school schedules

Betsy Hammond
Portland parents continue to question new high school schedule with empty periods
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/05/portland_parents_continue_to_q.html
5/9/2011
Topic: Portland School Budget

Basically, this school district is requesting for students to have 6 to 7 classes a day, instead of 8, leaving a 90min block in the day with no teaching, classes, NOTHING. The article did not provide much detail as to how they will supervise, or not supervise students during that block of time.

Key Points: this schedule is offered in efforts to decrease the amount of teachers that need to be cut, and decrease an increase of class sizes. What?

Relevance: You know this might not be a bad idea, if it is handled appropriately. I appreciate the fact that the board is taking risks and coming up with ways to work with their budget, but also keep problems to a minimum for everyone. But if this block goes unsupervised or structured…I don’t even know. Maybe if they get volunteers to help with instructional type activities to help with this block, such as students could: learn Tae Kwon Do! Help out on a farm! Work at a job that works with the school! Clean up the school! Clean up the community! Exercise! This block of free time could be beneficial if handled appropriately.

Oregon prepare for giant earthquake?

Richard Read
When -- not if -- a Japan-scale quake hits Oregon, experts expect deaths, destruction, blackouts and food shortages
http://www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2011/05/when_--_not_if_--_a_japan-scale_quake_hits_oregon_experts_expect_deaths_destruction_blackouts_and_fo.html
5/12/2011
Topic: Oregon Quakes

Interesting read about the future and actual state of earthquake risk of Oregon. Main motif here is that a quake about the size as the one that hit Japan WILL HAPPEN…one day. Read on for information on potential damage price, affected areas, and what it could mean for students….

Key Points: Oregon Cascadian fault line will cause a pretty big quake one day. We need to prepare.

Relevance: this brings up an interesting idea—how much money/time should we invest in education and preparation at school on what to do when an earthquake hits. Last earthquake drill I had was either hiding under the desk, or standing underneath a doorway. According to this article, experts are anticipating a big quake to hit Oregon eventually, how shall we prepare for that?

Hillsboro has a Mariachi Band. Sweet.

Casey Parks
Hillsboro School District mariachi band trumpets its success
http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2011/05/hillsboro_school_district_mariachi_band_trumpets_its_success.html
5/12/2011
Topic: Music and culture

Lincoln Street Elementary School has a mariachi band. How sweet is that!? Dan Bosshardt started this band a year ago, with the goal to get students involved in music, which are not necessarily part of the school band. The band is scheduled to play in front of the Hillsboro School Board on May 24th as a means to prove that the band is worth the districts investment. If they do not impress the Board, they will probably get cut. Pressure! Intended audience: everyone, musicians.

Key Poins: The band serves a few purposes: getting Latino students to connect with their cultural roots, brings families together, provides cultural insight and experience to those who wish to learn more about Latino culture, and provides musical education to those who are not normally interested in traditional marching band type music in schools.

Relevance: I’m not a big fan of mariachi music; it all sounds the same to me…though there are some songs that are pretty good. But I am a big fan of getting students interested in music! I just thought this was an awesome idea, to have a mariachi band. I’m sure there are a lot of students who hate the music, or parents who hate the idea, but it is awesome that it gets other children involved in afterschool activities who normally do not like what is already available.

Children react to Osama's Death

The Fine Bros
Kids React to Osama bin Laden’s Death
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pkKNPEU8oc
5/10/2011
Topic: kids and current events

This video has a few children watch President Obama’s speech on the death of Osama bin Laden. Afterwards, they are interviewed on their thoughts of the event, along with personal questions on what children really think about Osama, and America. Intended Audience: Everyone.

Key Points: Some children actually have their own (questionable?) opinions on current events, such as the death of Osama bin Laden, while others do not really know who Osama is or why we should or should not care about his death.

Relevance: We often speak about community, and the community of the parents. After watching this video, I wonder how these kids formed their opinion---by mimicking what the parents say? Their peers? This just goes to show you how influential kids can be, something to keep in mind in your own classrooms.

Run. Just Do It.

Casey Parks
Teacher at Hillsboro’s Liberty High inspires unlikely athletes to excel in Liberty Fit running club
http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2011/04/teacher_at_hillsboros_liberty_high_inspires_unlikely_athletes_to_excel_in_liberty_fit_running_club.html
Retrieved 4/18/2011
Topic: Student fitness

Laurie Jenkins, health teacher and leader of Liberty High’s Liberty Fit, inspires and pushes students who don’t normally exercise to train for the Helvetia Half Marathon in June. Students are training for the 13 mile run with the help from a few running techniques, and motivation provided by Jenkins

Key points: teacher is doing a good job in motivating students to run, providing them a goal of 13 miles, offering different options of participation

Relevance: It is neat that this health teacher is getting students involved in running. I think many students would rather lift weights than to go running. Getting students involved in a group activity, and providing a goal is a great way to motivate exercise.

Latino culture festival

Kelly House
Thousands flock to Hillsboro’s annual Latino festival for a lesson in community, culture
http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2011/04/thousands_flock_to_hillsboros_annual_latino_festival_for_a_lesson_in_community_culture.html
4/17/2011
Topic: Latino culture in Hillsboro

This Sunday was Hillsboro’s annual Latino Cultural Festival. The festival’s purpose is to educate those interested in Latino culture, about the customs, traditions and valued beliefs of the Latino Community. Food, shows, art and many “culture rich” activities were around for students, parents and children to experience.

Key points: Break the barrier, immerse yourself in Latino culture.

Relevance: We recently had our culture project. I had a tough time defining the meaning of the word culture. Or identifying the culture I relate to. I have never been to this culture festival, but I am curious as to what they identify as culture, or as to what kind of information is printed on the education pamphlets. I’m not going to lie, I think many times these kinds of things reinforce stereotypes. I wonder if the information printed on the pamphlets resembles false throwaway facts, much like “George Washington cut down the cherry tree”—BOOM! American culture. Much of the culture I see is of traditional past culture. I would like to see what Latino students of today define as culture, and what they think should be included in the festival.

High-performing teachers get more money

Betsy Hammond
Feds insist on giving Oregon millions more to pay for high-performing teachers
http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2011/04/feds_insist_on_giving_oregon_m.html
4/18/2011
Topic: Teacher salaries

A group called the Chalkboard Project was awarded $13 million to improve the quality of teacher for a few Oregon school districts. Federals have urged the group to apply for more money, and the group gained another $11 million to pay for high-performing educators.

Key point: each school district will design their own way of determining who qualifies as high-performing teacher,

Relevance: There is financial hope! (if you are deemed worthy of being a good teacher). What does high-performance mean? Teacher’s who get their student’s to score high on tests? Does that really mean they are worthy of the bonus? Sounds to me like this might cause more damage than good. But we shall see…

News at Pacific

Kelly House
Pacific University celebrates Earth Week with Chomsky lecture, free public activities
http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/index.ssf/2011/04/pacific_university_celebrates_earth_week_with_days_of_free_public_activities.html
4/18/2011
Topic: Pacific Earth week

Pacific University will be hosting events and activities that are free to the public, including battery recycling, art showcases, and video screenings. The main event is of course a public lecture by Noam Chomsky, held at noon on Wednesday. It is free. Intended audience: You.

Key point: Get involved with some things happening at Pacific. If you are a Noam Chomsky fan, you should come check this out.

Relevance: We had a big discussion on community today; do you know what goes on at Pacific? Do you know how Pacific gets involved with their community? If you want to find out more stuff about the different events that go on at Pacific, let me know. I can find out for you too. Also let me know if any one is interested in student video showcases. They are quite good.

Sink or Swim

Wendy Owen
Intel surprises Beaverton and Hillsboro schools with influx of Israeli families
http://www.oregonlive.com/beaverton/index.ssf/2011/04/intel_surprises_beaverton_and_hillsboro_schools_with_influx_of_israeli_families_sending_principals_and_teachers_scramb.html
4/16/2011
Topic: student influx

Intel has brought around 300 Israeli families as part of a training program to their campus, adding around 400 children to the area. Children are flooding the Beaverton and Hillsboro schools, and with little warning, teachers and administrators are scrambling to accommodate these kids into classes and with supplies. Intended audience: Beaverton and Hillsboro area parents and students

Key points: Intel is offering no amount of funding for the lack of supplies; schools are trying to figure out ESL classes for the kids,

Relevance: We were discussing the pros and cons of a track program and full immersion program for students who do not speak English. I feel like many of these students feel like they are being fully immersed in English speaking culture, it is time for sink or swim right? I am curious how this all turns out…

Beaverton School District librarians will not be shushed as they fight for their jobs in face of budget cuts

Article Author name(s): Wendy Owen Title of article: Beaverton School District librarians will not be shushed as they fight for their jobs in face of budget cuts Title of journal: The Oregonian Date of publication: Friday April 8th, 2011 http://www.oregonlive.com/beaverton/index.ssf/2011/04/beaverton_school_district_librarians_will_not_be_shushed_as_they_fight_for_their_jobs_in_face_of_bud.html Key Points: Half of Beaverton School Districts 50 librarians (who are all certified teachers, many with Master’s level education) may see job loss as a result of budget cuts. These teachers are very much “behind the scenes”, so they rarely get the support from community members and parents that they hope for because parents do not always understand the full scope of how these librarians help students. These days’ librarians are not just experts on written literature, but are experts on social media as well. They teach students how to do research, compile date, create projects and become tech savvy, which is a role that classroom teachers simply do not have to time take on. Internet safety, cyber bullying and book clubs are extracurricular activities that stand to be cut as a result of cutting librarian jobs. Upper education often suffers as a result of the lack of services that librarians provide. Students lack the skills necessary to do proper research, and many professors believe that plagiarism is often the result of not knowing how to properly cite sources. Amy Schuff is a teacher at the International School in Beaverton, and explains that this rigorous IB program requires a lot of research, technology and studying outside of the classroom. She states that, "when you have a librarian who will work with you" on the curriculum, Schuff said, "the richness of the work you can put together for the kids is that much better." Relevance: It’s interesting how as a whole, I think we sort of disregard the “lesser known” teachers and the very important although quiet role they play for students. It also seems interesting how the public seems to value the role of librarians, although they are just as educated as any other highly qualified teacher.

Aspiring sports journalists: Learn from the pros at The Oregonian's high school conference

Article Author name(s): No author name listed Title of article: Aspiring sports journalists: Learn from the pros at The Oregonian's high school conference Title of journal: The Oregonian Date of publication: Wednesday April 6th, 2011 http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2011/04/aspriring_sports_journalists_l.html Key Points: The High School Sports Journalism Conference is hosted by The Oregonian and aims to provide information and some real experience for students who may aspire to be involved in a journalism career. Students visit the newsroom and talk with professional journalists who cover professional sports, as well as collegiate and local sports, and range from written journalists to photo journalists. Students who participate in the conference are given a competitive opportunity to write an essay, the winners of which are given the chance to be acting “community reporters”. Relevance: I thought this was a great little blip because these small, infrequent opportunities may be the event that really sparks a child’s interest in a certain subject and puts them on a path to greatness. I feel like we just talked in class about how even the most well intentioned students do not have their needs met in public schools, so it becomes especially important to provide alternative learning scenarios that students can benefit from.

Milwaukie High student, 17, dies from apparent heroin overdose

Article Author name(s): Nichole Dungca Title of article: Milwaukie High student, 17, dies from apparent heroin overdose Title of journal: The Oregonian Date of publication: Monday April 4th, 2011 http://www.oregonlive.com/milwaukie/index.ssf/2011/04/milwaukie_high_student_17_dies_from_apparent_heroin_overdose.html Key Points: Well, here’s a quick eye opener to students, teachers, parents, family members and friends of kids who use drugs. Students these days are not simply experimenting with alcohol and marijuana, but rather are more and more frequently experiment with other drugs such as pill, cocaine, meth and heroin. A seventeen year old junior at Milwaukee High School was found dead at his home on Friday due to a heroin overdose. Compared to the 1990’s deaths due to heroin overdoses have gone way down, but Oregon still sees about ninety deaths annually. Of all deaths very few are minors, but the impact is still great when they tragically occur. Drug experts speculate that some reasons that heroin is becoming more popular among young people are because 1) Meth use and it’s production has been “cracked down on” by the government, 2) because heroin is much less expensive that popular prescription drugs and is often much more potent and 3) because there is so much pressure on kids to fit in with the older crowd. Relevance: This article indicates that fellow students were aware of this boys drug use and noticed a decline in his interests and behaviors. I must assume that teachers and other adults, his parents included, noticed also, but nobody thinks that children as young as 15, 16 and 17 would be experiencing such deep drug use. I think we prefer to believe that teen angst, depression or just growing pains are the culprit to much of the offbeat behavior we see, and really we need to be taking a closer look into these kids’ lives to ensure that we avoid scenarios like this one.

Lake Oswego School District Offering Retirement Incentives to Teachers

Nichole Dungca
Lake Oswego School District Offering Retirement Incentives to Teachers
The Oregonian
Thursday March 17th, 2011

http://www.oregonlive.com/lake-oswego/index.ssf/2011/03/lake_oswego_school_district_offering_early_retirement_incentives.html

I wanted to follow up on this issue because last round I posted an article about a Washington State Senator who was proposing incentives for older teachers to retire as well, and I was surprised to see that such steps have not only been proposed, but are moving into action here locally.

Intended audience: Administrators and pre-service teachers

Key Points: Those teachers who are at least 15 year veterans and are considering retirement can be offered severance payouts as well as free or reduced medical insurance until age 65 in an effort to meet the demands of budget cuts and staffing needs, according to the Lake Oswego School District. Details are listed below:
•Teachers between 62 and 65 years old who have at least 15 years of service will get a $10,000 payout as well as paid two-party medical and dental insurance coverage for up to 10 years or until age 65.
•Teachers between 52 and 61 years old with at least 15 years of service -- as well as teachers of any age who have 15 years of service in the district and 30 years of coverage under PERS -- will receive the same $10,000 payout.
•Teachers who are 58 years old with 10 to 15 years of service in the district will now be eligible for single-party medical and dental insurance until age 65.
Relevance: The fact that older more experienced teachers may slowly be coaxed into retirement makes me hopeful that sooner rather than later the job market for younger teachers will improve.

Hillsboro School District Allows Boy with Autism to Have His Dog in Class

Article Author name: Wendy Owen
Title of article: Hillsboro School District Allows Boy with Autism to Have His Dog in Class
Title of journal: The Oregonian
Date of publication: Friday March 4, 2011

http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2011/03/hillsboro_school_district_allows_boy_with_autism_to_have_his_dog_in_class.html

Intended audience: Policy makers, administrators, educators students and parents

After three years of petitioning the Hillsboro School District to allow 4th grade student Jordan “Scooter” Givens to have his German Shepard companion Madison in class, he has won the right. The Department of Justice formally “requested” that Scooter and Madison be given a trial period after the DOJ, along with Disability Rights Oregon, filed a lawsuit against the district. Scooter’s mom, Wendy, is grateful for the result but can’t help wonder how much Scooter could have accomplished during the last three years had they not had to wait for this result. Scooter often has violent and loud outbursts as a result of his autism which, the Givens insist, can be curbed by the calming presence of the family dog, which will be trained as a service dog. Scooter wears a belt that’s attached to Madison’s harness, and when a meltdown occurs, Madison is able to hunker down which prevents Scooter from flailing and becoming dangerous. Madison often calms Scooter by placing on a kind arm on his arm or leg, or if Scooter has a tantrum on the floor Madison is able to lay beside or on top of him to stop the panic attack. Ultimately, the school district and the Department of Justice agreed that it made more sense to compromise on a practical solution as opposed to spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the litigation of a rights violation.

Anytime a new precedent is set within the schools I think it becomes relevant to people within the community, especially the teachers, parents and students. This change will not only pave the way for other students with similar needs, but it affects the teachers facilitating the class as well as other students participating in the class. Is this going to distract other students, or will it work to advantage other students within special education classes? I’m really curious to see how this policy affects the classroom, and of course my hope is that the service dog will do a great service for the learning of those with disabilities, and prove that the benefit of this exception far outweighs any negative consequences.

Advanced Placement scores increase in Oregon

Kimberly Melton

More Oregon students get high marks on Advanced Placement tests

http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2011/02/more_oregon_students_get_high.html

Date Retrieved: 2/14/2011

Topic: Advanced Placement classes

2010 held a record high for Oregon student enrollment in Advanced Placement courses. The College Board’s AP Report to the Nation outlines a 6% increase in AP student performance from the previous 2009 year. The article focuses on the increase of performance and enrollment of students in low-income, ethnic and underrepresented communities. Intended Audience: Everyone.

Key Points:

-There has been a gradual increase in Oregon students participating in the AP program since 2001

-US History is outlined as the most popular AP exam, with English as second.

-Oregon has the highest passing rates in exams for Chinese Language & Culture, Studio Art, Calculus BC and Japanese Language and Culture.

Relevance: As future educators, I think it is important to encourage students to participate in AP courses, not to flaunt passing test scores, but to offer students richer and deeper education and subject content—assuming the classes are designed for these reasons. An important thing to keep in mind is that students who pass these exams with scores of 3 or higher are often given college credit, helping their chances in being accepted to colleges and universities, and preparing them for college level work. I am curious to see what kinds of programs schools are using to encourage students of low-income and underrepresented communities to take AP classes. I am also curious to see if these schools are following through completely—helping underrepresented students get accepted to colleges-- not just stopping the encouragement once the test scores come back.

Virtual Teaching of Chinese Language

Wendy Owen

Shortage of Chinese language teachers in Oregon prompts virtual classes with educators in China

http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2011/02/shortage_of_chinese_language_teachers_prompts_virtual_classes_with_educators_in_china.html

2/6/2011

Topic: Teaching Chinese through virtual classes

The Education Service District is planning to offer Mandarin Chinese language classes in Oregon taught by teachers in China, through online courses. The article discusses how Chinese is replacing other foreign languages in many Oregon schools, but since TSPC does not offer an endorsement in Chinese language, it is difficult to acquire licensed Chinese language teachers. Classes will cost $600 per semester, per student, with a maximum of 10 students per class. Intended Audience: the Beaverton school district, students wanting to learn Chinese.

Key Points:

-The program teachers are recent graduates, mostly working out of Beijing University

-State law does not require the teachers to be certified to teach in Oregon; however ESD will ensure all of their virtual teachers will hold a license.

-The Confucius Institute at PSU will provide teachers from China to schools who apply for the program. They will serve as full-time assistants to the Mandarin language teachers.

-myChinese360, the company providing the program, is planning on sending teachers to the United States in the near future.

Relevance: This article is relevant to some of the key ideas we have been talking about in class. The first is the idea of technology. I think this is a great example of how technology can be integrated with education. It is interesting to see how this program will influence the future of virtual classes and teachers. Also there is an interesting idea of cross cultural learning. In this instance, teachers from China will experience what it is like to teach to American students, and not only that, but a I feel a new “virtual culture” will spawn from this program—the idea of a virtual learning and virtual teaching, teaching while not being physically present amongst students.

Tuition Equity Bill

Kimberly Melton

Oregon Students, legislators announce bill to allow undocumented youth to pay in-state tuition at Oregon colleges

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/02/oregon_students_legislators_an.html

Date Retrieved: 2/14/2011

Topic: Tuition Equity Bill

Currently, if you are an undocumented student, you will pay out of state tuition if you wish to attend a college or university. This article discusses the “tuition equity” bill which, if it passes, would allow undocumented students who have attended an Oregon high school for three concurrent years to pay in-state tuition. Intended Audience: Teachers preparing student’s for higher education, undocumented students and their parents.

Key Points:

-In order to qualify for in-state tuition, the student must have attended an Oregon high school for three concurrent years, graduate from an Oregon high school, be admitted into an Oregon University System institution, and be actively working towards U.S. Citizenship.

-The bill will help increase Oregon income above the national average

-The bill stresses the difference between tuition equity and the immigration debate

Relevance: Even though our program is preparing us for teaching K-12 students, this is still relevant to us because we will have undocumented students in our classrooms. Most likely you will encounter a student who you will want to encourage them to pursue a higher education, but they will come across that financial obstacle. If this bill passes, it will help lower the tuition cost, even if by a little, but some help is better than none.