New Years Revolution

So its New Years Eve and I didn’t even get off work until 9:45.
I had plans, which weren’t set in stone, to go to my friend's parents' house and play a DVD game but by the time I got there most people were already involved in another game so I sat and watched the countdown shows with my friend.
After about a half an hour of snacking and watching these shows I realized that I didn’t even know who most of the bands or guests were so I felt out of place in more ways than one.
I decided to take a brief drive at 11:30 and planned to return to my apartment prior to midnight. However, as I drove around I began feeling ill and headed back sooner than planned. I made some hot chocolate and somehow got the idea to read the bible in the minutes leading up and into 2006. I found it relaxing and rejuvenating.
I had been looking for a New Years Resolution of sorts to help me remain on track throughout the next year. I did fairly well with last year’s goal but was looking for something stronger and less abstract this year. I decided that 2006 should be a year of growing closer to God through studying his word and trying to find peace.
This past year has brought both heartbreak and triumph which left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Even though I should be joyous and thankful, I feel frustrated throughout most of the week. I'm doing well professionally with my college courses and teaching development, but I feel as if I am neglecting my spiritual and emotional side.
Right now I feel confident that 2006 will be a very productive year for me spiritually, emotionally, financially and professionally.

When the going gets tough....

utilize spell check.

All of my classes have been writing intensive this semester. To any college student, be very very careful of what you sign up for. I have been very fortunate (a blessing) this semester in being able to produce high quality papers somehow. Since I have been able to keep the majority of my papers from college, I am actually going to add up all of the numbers of typed pages for actual assignments I have turned in for classes so far this semester.

Actions speak louder than typed words.
(unless you have a squeaky keyboard)

-3 part report on the No Child Left Behind Act
~Report stating problem (10)
~Position Paper (6)
~Proposal PowerPoint (4)
-Missouri History report on my hometown and family history (14)
-Blog (17)
-Context Analysis,3 (4)
-ENG2030 PowerPoint Presentation (2)
-Theory Presentation (3)
-Essay 1: Hysteria (6)
-Essay 2: Female Imperialism (6)
-Essay 3: Tradition vs. Modern (10)
-Theory Midterm (6)
-Dorlac Estate (2)
-Explorers Report (4)
-Mo. History Midterm Study Guide (8)
-Family History Outline (2)
-Jesse James Report (5)
-Mo. History Extra Credit (2)
-“Life in the Struggle” Ivory Perry Report (6)
-Resume & Cover Letter (3)
-NCLBA Outline (2)
-Lesson Plan 1 (3)
-Lesson Plan 2 (2)
-Lesson Plan 3 (2)
-Lesson Plan 4 (3)
-Lesson Plan 5 (3)
-Lesson Plan 6 (3)
-Lit. Review 1 (2)
-Lit. Review 2 (3)
-Lit. Review 3 (3)
-Field Reflection 1 (3)
-Field Reflection 2 (3)
-Field Reflection 3 (2)
-Peer Edits (4)
_______________________________________________________
Grand total of typed pages as of 12/5/05: 158

Getting Old... Part Two

Its time once again to continue one of my old posts from last September. (scroll way down this page to catch up by reading the old post)

Over Thanksgiving Break I was able to hang out with one of my best friends from my childhood, Mark. We used to hang out so much as kids that it wasnt unusual to see us doing overnights nearly every Saturday for the better part of 3 years. Its funny connecting with people you knew during your childhood but havent talked to in a long time. Its interesting to see how much people (including yourself) have changed or not changed.

This trip home was probabbly one of my best visits ever. I had a great time. I visited family, had an excellent food and had a really refreshing trip overall. It ends up that myself and Mark still get along great. We've kept little contact over the last few years, but it seems we will be hanging out alot from now on whenever I go home now. I lost contact with many people from my past the last several years, not all purposely, but I guess that is just part of growing up and moving on.

Again, overall, I had a great trip, but sadly, I was sick as a dog by the time I headed home late Friday evening. I had felt bad half the day Friday and by the time I headed home I was completly out of it. I was scared driving home because I wasnt sure if I was coherent enough to safely drive home. However, I had to work early on Saturday morning, so i forced myself home. Obviously, I did make it back but went home early from work the next day because I still didnt feel well. I had a refreshing trip home to where I was ready to get back into the groove of things and actually be happy to do so, but now that I am sick, I am sort of back to where I was when I left, tired and ready for a vacation.

Thanksgiving Break

This Message is brought to you by; The National Association Corporation of Advocates for Turkeys (a non-for-profit company).

Turkey #1345867
1313 Farmer John's Ln.
Countryside, MO 65777

Gobble Gobble:

Fellow Turkey, It has been brought to me attention that the humans are having that cursed Holiday in which our people are slaughtered like pigs at Christmas, gobble. Each year now since the settlement of those humans who landed on the rock, gobble, these people have killed millions of us; many of my own ancestors included.

In fact, just the other day I was gobbling through Wal-Mart and saw my own uncle, Gobble II, in the frozen foods section as I went for some ice cream, gobble! We must not allow them to oppress us any longer. I am calling, gobble gobble, for all of you to stand up for yourselves and refuse to be stuffed and thrown onto a table, gobble gobble, for unappreciatve humans to gobble (no pun intended).

Sincerely and with much hope, gobble gobble,


Turkey #1345867

22 Years in the Making: Part Two

(scroll down to read part one)

In May of 2004 I was searching for new career/academic major options and was open to just about anything that suited my “Holland Code” as I learned in the “Career Explorations” course. My “Holland Code” was S.A.E., which stood for social, artistic, and enterprising. According to my test results, this meant that my occupation should entail a high level of social interaction while utilizing my artistic and entrepreneur abilities. This did not come as much of a surprise to me as I enjoy being around people and enjoy being creative. I began to utilize techniques I learned about in the M.U. career course to see what my options were at the time. This set the stage for what I thought would be just another ordinary day which in fact, resulted in a life-altering experience.

One day I was on my way to an economics class and noticed the campus was more cramped then normal with students rushing to classes. I then noticed that there were bus-loads of middle school students exploring around campus like ants in an ant farm. I wondered why they were there and began to perform a mock newspaper interview with a teacher and a group of her students asking why they were there and if they were having a good time. After I interviewed the teacher I formed some questions to ask the students and as I asked them I felt a very satisfying feeling of having their attention and answering their questions. I decided to utilize some of the networking skills I acquired in the M.U. career course so after I completed the interviews and had enough notes for a report I decided to ask the teacher if I could email her and her class the article and get their opinions of what I wrote and how accurate it was. The teacher responded in a very welcoming fashion so I continued on and asked if I could job shadow her one day to see what her profession was like. She talked with me for a few minutes and said I had a good personality which her students liked so she accepted and I spent several days with her and her students. (The image above is from the mock article I wrote.)

22 Years in the Making: Part One

My road to becoming a middle-school educator has been 21 years in the making. I have had a fairly wide variety of interests which lead to a broad spectrum of possible career opportunities. My search for a fulfilling career has led me down a path of numerous changes in majors. Fortunately for me, one of my professors suggested I complete a battery of personality tests which proved invaluable in narrowing my focus of study. The tests results suggested I might enjoy teaching, and once I had the opportunity to observe the field, the idea of becoming a teacher fit like pieces of a well-cut puzzle falling into place. After comparing my personality traits such as outgoing social skills and a sincere desire to help others, with teacher requirements, I see the connection and feel I have finally found my purpose in life.

Throughout my 4 year college career I have had many academic goals which are constantly being modified. When I began college in June of 2001 I knew I had a strong interest in psychology. As a young teen, I took an interest in discovering why I felt the way and acted the way I did, so I began studying psychological theories and studies. As I progressed in age I quickly realized that I needed to capitalize on my interest by channeling it into a life-long career. Because I spent a lot of time in and out of various foster homes as a child, I figured I would be a good social-worker because I could relate to most situations in some way, shape, or form, so my first declared major was “social work”. Later, I decided to enter into adolescent counseling because I did not feel I could help as much as I wanted to in a government restricted social-work field. At the same time all of this was occurring, I also had a strong interest in history and writing. I had always enjoyed my history classes because I enjoy reflecting upon the past, including my own. Years passed and I eventually graduated from a community college with an Associates Degree in General Studies because I could not decide what I wanted to major in. After some advice from family and friends I moved to Columbia to attend Mizzou’s School of Journalism to further develop my interest in writing. However, after only a semester in the major I decided it wasn’t for me and I needed something else.

Inspiration in Unexpected Places

There are so many opinions concerning the art of professional wrestling. However, I will not discuss that in this post. No matter your thoughts concerning it, the athletes who are a part of this lively hood are as human as the person behind the eyes which are reading this.

Eduardo Guerrero, more commonly known as Eddie Guerrero, passed away Sunday morning at the age of 38. Eddie was born into a family of wrestling in which he grew up surrounded by it. His father, Gory, was a legendary wrestler and promoter, his brother, Chavo Sr. and nephew, Chavo Jr., are also wrestlers to this day. Eddie won many championships over his allustrious career, however, my memories of him have much deeper meaning than that.

For any wrestling fan, it is common knowledge that Eddie went through self-destructive periods in his life which consisted of various types of addiction. During this time he nearly alienated his family, lost his job, and almost died in a car accident. However, Eddie Guerrero's passion for his family, wrestling, and life in general eventually shined through. Eddie became a Christian as he turned his life around with the help of God and those who loved him. Eddie had been sober for 4 years and 3 days prior to the moment he passed away yesterday morning.

Not only World Wrestling Entertainment, but the world, lost a great human being in Eddie Guerrero. Eddie cared about people. He went out of his way to make sure fans were entertained and left happy, he spent time talking with people who stopped him on the street. His stellar in-ring performance will without doubt, lead him to be a future Hall of Fame inductee. However, my memories of him will reflect his inspirational story of overcomming semeningly insurmountable obstacles to reach a level of peace and happiness.

Hodgepodge Auto-Pilot

This post has no purpose other than to vent some feelings I don’t know how to categorize into a coherent title.

Hodgepodge means an unorganized jumble. This is my current state of mind after years of what I thought was progress in a productive direction.

I am usually a VERY focused person who does not get lead off track easily. I know what I want and I shoot for it. I may have weird ways of attaining my goals, but by the grace of God, I usually get where I want to be.

Recently however, I am off course.
I have lost direction.

A lot of things are currently going on in my life and I my direction has been pulled in so many directions that it is nearly impossible to keep up with everything.

A few weeks ago I realized that I am 22 years old, work 3 part-time jobs, attend college full time, have endless homework, tutor needy kids, volunteer at several schools, and am constantly striving to improve things around me. However, I am not getting anywhere, only spinning my "tires" in the mud and making a mess doing so. I am a senior but still have about 2 years left, I have put any and all relationship development on hold as I have focused all of my energy towards school and work. I am lonley and have no future outside of work and school at the moment.

Consequently, I am questioning my sanity for sacraficing so much and recieving nothing in return so far. I like teaching and am good at working with kids in helping them develop into happy, and successfull members of society. However, how successfull will I be in being a role model to them in the future if I am unhappy. I have not, nor will I ever desire to have the "average college life" of drinking and parties. But I would like to have something of a social life outside of work and school.

Anyone who is familiar with Everclear's song, "Everything to Everyone" could say it was written about me, as its lyrics describe me to a “t”. Well, after spreading myself too thin, I have reached a breaking point. I am unable to focus on much of anything. I am currently just running through the motions of my everyday life on auto-pilot.

I have almost always been self-motivated towards my goals, not needing anyone's approval to reach for my goals. However, after many unsuccessful attempts at pulling everything together, it seems humpty dumpty has fallen off the wall and can’t be put back together at the moment.

It's not to say that I wont ever be back in onc piece, but it looks to me as if the big bad wolf has finished consuming the pigs and is headed my way for dessert as I lay fragmented in so many directions.

Place thesis Statement here: In the name of all that is holy, how can weeks of agonizing planning and preparation lead to such a disappointing evening which results in a date not even showing up?

If Diversity if everywhere, than is anything REALLY diverse?

As an education major, I know that diversity is important in the classroom to help incorporate different perspectives. However, diversity in the workplace is also important because of the same reason. For example, politicians sometimes utilize a diverse cabinet to gain the minority vote. If the politician doesn’t appeal to as many people and groups as he can, he is less likely to succeed in an election.
Another aspect of diversity in the workplace is law. There are laws prohibiting discrimination based on differences such as physical disabilities and skin color. Companies are not required to have a diverse environment, however, if applicants of diverse background compared to everyone else at the job are not hired based upon their diversity, legal actions may be taken.
The final aspect on why diversity is important is that different people mixed together causes competition which leads to new ideas and productivity. For example, if everyone has the same degree and is the same age and has the same goals and past experiences, things will not be as interesting. However, if people who are from different backgrounds of education, goals and past experiences, this workplace would have a wide variety of new techniques which will be developed to compete with each other on a professional level.

So the "norm" now is that diversity is suppose to be everywhere. My question is then, if diversity is everywhere, is anything really diverse? Remember, we are ALL special.

Halloween-Seriously?

I found this pumpkin carving image on the internet today and felt it deserved attention. However, my blog does not reflect my feelings on the signifgance of the carving's meaning. In short, it is an incredible piece of art.
________________________________________________

I felt it was necessary to breeze through various other blogs from this class to see if anyone posted about Halloween. Well, I discovered most people did. I am now assured that I am the only person I know who is so disconnected from the outside world due to school and other responsibilities that I am oblivious to most holidays and even to my own birthday last week.

Many people I know attended parties last night or this past weekend.
Attend parties?! Who has time for THAT!?

I didnt even know it was Halloween until half way through the day. I spent most of my evening writing a report at home. Everytime I would think of someone knocking on the door, I would eat a piece of candy myself. :) I'm not a grinch or a hermit but I am to busy to acknowledge most social events, espicially most Holidays.

Missouri History

The picture is the Eastward view off a cliff in my hometown of Pacific, Missouri. Just over the hills in the background is Six Flags in Eureka, MO.

I am passionate about History.

Even though I also have a desire to teach, I may one day come back to M.U. and obtain a Masters Degree in History.

I am currently in a Missouri History class this semester with Professor Susan Flader. Anyone who enjoys history at all should take this class, even those who don’t enjoy history will at least walk away with eye-opening thoughts about the state they are currently residing in.

When the course began I was interested. However, one of the in-depth homework assignments was to read an estate-sale. i.e.) 1 cow: $252; 2 silver goblets: $52 etc. etc.

Needless to say, I was bored to death. However, after later hearing Prof. Flader's interpretation of the estate sale and its historic value, I re-read some of it and was enthralled!

For example, slaves were listed after the animals but before the housing structures if I remember correctly. Their price also rose over time. This tells of the "value" (or lack thereof) of slaves during this time period. Prof. Flader also explained that the estate document also explains (between the lines) how the minors who were the heirs to the estate sometimes disputed their guardian's opinions on how to handle the estate until the heirs were old enough to do it themselves. Consequently, after being taught how to not only read, but interprut historical documents, the rest of the class has been MUCH more intriguing.

I am currently working on a 5-6 week project for this class on my family history. I was given the option to research 3 generations of my family history, a town history, or a "borrowed" family history of someone. I conducted research on my family as well as my hometown and was so impressed by what I found, decided to continue research on both. Consequently, I am now writing a report on my family's history in my hometown, as it reflects to Missouri history as a whole. I've spent a lot of time in the Missouri State Historical Society (under Ellis Library, you SHOULD really check it out, VERY WORTH THE TIME), as well as time interviewing friends and family members. I've discovered so much in so little time that I am seriously considering getting a minor in history right now along with my major in education.

My hometown is Pacific, Missouri, just 40 minutes or so outside of St. Louis. I will be jotting some of my outline notes onto my blog most likely. So, I will keep anyone who is interested in the data I uncover posted.

Meaningful Melodies

Most of the things we hear out of people's mouths are usually not inspirational. However, after being invited to a concert by one of my friends, I felt strongly enough to post about an amazingly talented group based right here in Columbia.

The Hilary Scott Band is comprised of multi-skilled members, all having unique skills. For example, my friend & mentor, Michael Bielski, a teacher at a local Junior high, is the percussionist. His consistent up-beat energy is contagious not only in the classroom, but on the stage as well. Hillary, Michael's wife, can seemingly do it all. She can not only sing, but also play the guitar, piano, keyboard, & violin. Did I mention she could sing? Her passion for music clearly radiates throughout the room as even the venue employees can be caught tapping their feet.

On top of all of this, she is backed by a band of highly skilled musicians who range from an electric guitarist to the best harmonica player I have ever heard. The superb mix of instrumental harmony and thought-provoking lyrics will leave you with a positive vibe which you will come back again and again for. But who am I to tell you what you will like? Go and find out for yourself what the Hilary Scott Band is all about!

Writing while under the Influence

No, not the influence of any particular substance, but the influence of other writers who have made an impact upon your writing skills. Besides, I dont drink anyway.

Six Professional Writers I Admire

1.) Sigmund Freud at one time conducted detailed analysis of people he had continual discussions with. I admire his work because it was thought provoking and sticks with you a long time, two characteristics I try to place into my writing.

2.) Judy Trullijo, my education instructor here at M.U., and also the Social Studies Coordinator for Columbia Public Schools is an expert in writing curriculum and instructional techniques. I admire her work because she thoroughly explains here reasoning in a clear and efficient manner. As I am an education major, I enjoy reading her instructional method suggestions and try to utilize them whenever possible.

3.) I admire Mic Foley as a writer because he brings a wide variety of unique perspectives to the table. As a former professional wrestling star, he has traveled all over the world and has seen many different types of people and situations. As an accomplished New York Times Best Selling Author several times, Mic has published a two-part autobiography, several short novels, and two children’s books. I enjoy reading his work mainly because of his deep thought process, but also because he writes with a unique voice which is slightly sarcastic and humorous but also describes situations with such magnificent imagery that the reader feels like they are actually there. Despite the stereotype of how most people view professional wrestlers, Mic Foley shows that he is an intelligent individual who is capable of extraordinary things.

4.) My mother is an excellent example of someone who is a technically sound writer, but does not write as a profession any longer. Over the years I have noticed how my mother (a former teacher who had to produce professional documents) can express her thoughts in a very professional manner, which can convince any reader of anything she desires to get across to them. Whenever I need direction in writing an important document, I usually turn to her for tips on how to word something. Without a doubt, my mother has had a strong influence on building my writing skills.

5.) Finally, my last two professional writing influences are my current Missouri History instructor, Susan Flader and of course my professional writing instructor, Marcia Hansen. I have attended countless English classes over my educational career and have even been a former Journalism major. After all of the experience I have attained over the years, I have learned more about how to write a technically sound report from these two teachers in half a semester than I have from most of my English classes combined. Their instruction of how to utilize peer-editing and also how to turn constructive criticism into productive improvements has made me a better all-around writer which will certainly help me in my future professional writing endeavors as an educator.

Your Friend the Topic Sentence

When writing a paper from 5th grade through college, we are instructed to utilize our friend, the topic sentence.

A topic sentence is our guide to writing a successful paragraph, similar to how a good thesis statement will direct the body of an entire paper.

According to Hanover University, topic sentences are used to;

1.) "Introduce the topic of a particular paragraph"
2.) "Suggest how the particular paragraph advances the argument of the paper"

According to me, when preparing a topic sentence you should:

1.) Understand where the particular paragraph is located within your paper to help you decide what needs to be said to keep the paper “flowing”.
2.) Know what you wrote in the previous paragraph and know what the following paragraph will discuss and use the current paragraph and it’s topic sentence as a transition between the surrounding paragraphs.

Warning: If you do not follow the suggestions listed on this page, your paper WILL be a failure and you and your future generations will be banished as outcasts, and that....."thats not cool."

Mizzou Mid-Term Madness! Part Two

As a result of the chaos which comes during mid-terms and finals, I have nerly lost all mental facalities. I had to send my fellow group-members an email concerning a project for our education course. I decided to attach a copy of it here in my blog. Those who know me, know that I strive to be organized and efficent in completing school-work. However, when I get over-stressed I have the tendency to get anxious and overly-excited, frantic even, and that......"thats not cool!"

"After reviewing two out of three of our group member's (besides myself obviously), I have come to the conclusion that I appreciate the research/notes conducted/taken, however I am still REALLY REALLY confused as to what I am suppose to go up and say as our introduction. I thought we were suppose to be able to argue both sides, but the files I recieved from everyone seems to be one sided, and I thought we were defending the indian's side, so why did I write down in my agenda that we were suppose to be able to defend both sides. Did I write the assignment down incorrectly, or has mid-term week completly fried whats left of my "black and gold" brain?"

Mizzou Mid-Term Madness!

The heat is on! It's time for mid terms and here at M.U. we are all bundles of nerves and caffeine. I have mostly take-home mid terms and only one actual exam. This is very rare in my college career to have it this easy. However, don’t misunderstand me, this one exam was very stressful and the take-home exams are in-depth papers. This is by no means "easy", however it is "easier" than other semesters I have taken part in. As a senior in college, I have enough knowledge from past experience to know when signing up for classes prior to a new semester, to not sign up for courses which would cause conflicts in studying. For example, I know not to sign up for multiple history classes because trying to understand all of the interlocking concepts and memorizing dates would cause unnecessary problems which would in turn cause my 33 pound head to explode. As a result, this would unfortunately cause another mess for the M.U.P.D. to investigate and they seem busy enough this year with disenchanted pedestrians. :) :) :) :) :)

Aftermath GloatFest

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

After all the hours, after all the typing, after every interview, after every revision, and after all the bashing of my head onto my computer desk. Finally, I can say that my NCLBA Report is complete. At least until the instructor sends her revision suggestions for the final copy. That means, its time for a gloat fest!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Now I am not (am to!!) one to pat myself on the back, but I must say this. My No Child Left Behind Act Report has required an obscene amount of effort. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I've produced 24 page papers prior to this report, which required the same, if not less effort, this one is only 10.

It took 12+ documented hours to put all of my gathered data together into something that resembles a semi-professional report. I turn in the report today and begin waiting for the instructor's dreaded revision suggestions which will without doubt, tell me it sucks and resembles the work of a 4th grader(but not in those words of course). Nonetheless, I am VERY HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA proud of myself for placing so much effort into this product, which I am now considering publishing somewhere after the final revision has been made. Any suggestions?

Also, if you are a student in ENG2030 as I am, I invite you to join my Gloat Fest as I laugh and revel in pure joy as I am finished with this report.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the Future!

QVC was established in 1986 by Joseph Segel. Soon thereafter, QVC established record setting trends in American business history for their first year in sales. Their revenues reached well over $112 million. A mere seven years later in 1993, QVC was the number one televised shopping service in sales and profits within the United States. The QVC network now reaches over 80 million television viewers and in 2004, approximately 140 million units were shipped to customers all over the globe. In 2005, QVC is by far the world’s most unsurpassed electronic retailer.

In the world of online marketing, Ebay is the undisputed leader. Founded in 1995, by Pierre Omidyar, the original intent was to be an electronic marketplace for sellers to communicate with potential customers. The database has eventually accumulated unparallel success with its peers. The 49.7 million users registered with Ebay today will undoubtedly grow within the next few years. Even as online competitors continue to grow at a steady rate, Ebay remains the most popular shopping site to online consumers. The wide variety of merchandise offered by sellers and marketed by Ebay has taken off, as a new wave of the “New-Age” way of electronic life. The early Saturday mornings of waking up early to make it on time to the town’s estate auction or neighborhood garage sale are quickly becoming Passé.

I have unlimited respect for both companies as they are pioneers into a new frontier, the frontier of what I call the "New Age Shopping". I have even toured the QVC studio and have met with several of the hosts and was impressed by the company's overall professionalism. However, my question is how will these new forms of shopping influence our (as Americans) already declining social-structure. The internet provides us with unlimited information on any topic at any time. However, the price for this technology is that we spend less time interacting with other humans. As we will inevitablly enter into a cashless society, will we even want to leave the house at all?, or will the traditional weekly trip to Wally World prevail in motivating us out of our lazy-chairs.

Does this trend provide us with a glimpse into the future of sales?
	Yes
	No
	huh?
	I dont really care because my parents buy me everything I want
Free polls from Pollhost.com

NCLB Act: Report

As a requirement of my Professional Writing course, I am writing a report concerning the No Child Left Behind Act. Those who have read my previous posts know how I feel about the piece of legislature. Because this blog is a result of this course, I am going to discuss my progress on the development of this report thus far.

I. Define/Significance of Problem: The problems to be discussed are the negative implications which the NCLB act has placed upon the world of public education. This includes, but is not limited to; unfair assessment of individuals and groups within the school system, punishing schools that do not "meet par", and the belittlement of disciplines other than math and reading/writing such as social studies and science.

(part exposition/part argument)

Literature/Source Review: An annual publication concerning the NCLB which consists of facts, statistics and poll results will be included in the report along with various interviews from teachers and students at different levels within public education.

Background info on problem: This information will be gathered from the previously mentioned publication along with government websites and personal expeirence.

Causes- Effects: To create a better understanding for my readers I plan to explain how the NCLB act causes a domino effect which spirals downward, effecting multiple aspects of a learning environment, from the requirement of curriculum altering to "teaching the test".

II. Discuss Solutions- To explain potential solutions, I will include excerpts from the interviews I previously conducted on professional opinions of people within the industry on ways to improve the new educational standard. As directed, the least amount of time will be spent in the solutions portion of the report.


Official Outline:
Title: "Weapon of Math Instruction"
I. Introductory Paragraph
(composed after body is written)

II. Background data & statistics to define/explain signifigance of NCLB act
a.) The 37th Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of Public Attitudes Toward Public Schools
b.) Office Government Webpage concerning NCLB
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml?src=pb

III. Explain Causes and Effects as implications of the NCLB act
a.) Domino effect explanation of classroom/curriculum implications
-Teaching the test
-belittlement of various disciplines such as social studies & science
b.) Rating schools based on test scores
-Charter Act
c.) Interviews from various teachers of different disciplines
-Susan Flader (University of Missouri-Columbia History Professor)
-Laura Traffanstedt (4-5th Grade Science Teacher-Columbia Public Schools)
-Judy Trullijo (Columbia Public Schools Offical, Junior High Social Studies Teacher)
d.) Effect Upon Public School Students
-Student Interviews
-James Newkirk (5th Grade)
-Marshall McColgin (10th Grade)
-Personal experience (College Senior)


IV. Potential Solutions
a.) Address each before-mentioned problem in a separate paragraph
-Brief review of problem
-Quotes from interview concerning each problem
-Analysis of solutions

V. Closing Paragraph

Underground Orphans: Part 1

The Underground “Orphans”

For most of us, the life of an orphan is something we only see on the screen, or something we read about but have never experienced. It is always something we think of as part of another area, not in our own town that we wake, work, and sleep in; but the fact is, it is all around us. Just what is an “orphan”? An orphan can be defined as anyone without a parent or guardian to watch over them. The most well known is the classic play write “Annie,” about an orphan girl growing up in an orphanage and finding a home with an unlikely family. Little do residents of Missouri know that there is a program for those who have been “orphaned” in one form or another in their own state.

It is not a classic “orphanage” commonly portrayed from America’s past, but a program for troubled teens. Teens who have been “orphaned” in one form or another, having been moved from home to home, have come to the point where they are nearing adulthood, and need to acquire survival skills.This program, not only assists teens from the local area but from all over the state of Missouri who need to learn skills that they will use to become healthy adults. Outsiders could say it’s a modern-day orphanage, without the slum portrayed in Americana, but for those who have worked the program from the teen standpoint or staff viewpoint, it’s a miracle program that keeps troubled teens from becoming troubled adults.

Through this valuable program, funded by various agencies throughout the State such as the Division of Family Services (D.F.S.), this program has provided life asserting skills to those involved, and has brought about minimal attention in the mean time to its clients to help provide confidentiality to all involved. As more troubled teens find refuge it becomes more evident that the program is a success and is beneficial to society in producing well rounded citizens that have been given life-altering opportunities that will shape their life and the lives of those around them.

Sadly, for all of those success stories there are those who “slip through the cracks”, and do not succeed in this program, after several attempts at trying with each teen only so much priority can be given while still paying proper attention to other teens in the program. At this point an assessment is made on the individual’s progress, or in some cases decline, and appropriate actions are taken to continue working with the teen or to send them somewhere where they will learn the skills they need to become productive citizens in society. As these individuals go through this, they may bring negative attention to themselves and the program so it is of course kept low-key, to avoid possible harmful publicity to the program that may in the long run, cause those who are successfully completing the program to get a bad reputation, not to “hide” anything from the members of the community. (to be continued)

Underground Orphans: Part 2

To begin in the program, a state caseworker from an agency such as D.F.S. must recommend the client be placed in a residential care facility. Once arrangements have been made a “care-plan” is written by the client’s “care-team” which includes the client, their caseworker, an individual therapist, and the director and/or assistant director present. There is where goals that need to be reached are documented and from then until the time when the client leaves the program, they are focusing on reaching these “keys to success” with the help of staff & peers. After a plan has been drawn up, they are given a room & roommate at the residential house which usually has about a dozen same-sex teens living together with at least two staff at all time to assist them which things such as cooking, transportation and teaching skills that will help them in making it on their own once graduated from the program. The client from this point will be “charted” hourly and when all goals have been reached will be considered to be placed in an “semi-independent living” apartment where they will have to continue schooling and/or work. The client will then use the skills they learned at the residential house for activities such as cooking, cleaning, managing time & money to become a productive, successful adult.
Charting will still take place and with the help of “weekly schedule sheets”, various check-in times will take place to insure the client is being productive with their time. This charting will either be done by the “house parent” living in the house with them, or if they are in an apartment without a staff, will be charted by the check in staff. The client is given grocery money each week and has the option of being provided with or finding their own transportation to go shopping with. Receipts are turned in after shopping and are checked to make sure the individual is purchasing beneficial items for the week. The client is also responsible to be saving money during this time in the program and is monitored on finances.
Depending on how well the client does in the semi-independent living program, will help determine the individual’s release, or extended stay in the program. At any time, it can be decided by the client’s “care team” that the individual has made less then satisfactory progress in the time they have been in the program and may be restricted from privileges such as movies, or moved back to residential for the selected amount of time, to refocus on their goals. . Once the client has considerably progressed in all areas stated in the original care plan they will meet with their case team and decide where to go from there, independent living or reunification with their family. The program will have then been successfully completed and another teen will enter the world prepared with necessary skills for the task at hand.

Alexander: the Great Movie

After all of the negative feedback I’ve heard concerning “Alexander”, I was quite surprised as to how much I enjoyed the movie. Historically, I thought it was on the mark. I figured there would be quite a bit of “Hollywood” glamour mixed in with the facts but I felt it was at the minimum. I was searching for mistakes throughout the movie while referring to my memory of the notes I had taken on the subject. I found very few questionable scenes that contradicted what I had previously learned prior to the movie.
The movie directly portrayed someone killing Alexander’s father Phillip without any possible conspiracy on the part of Alexander himself. However, it was possible that Alexander might have played a role in the assassination of his father in real life, but nothing was for sure. In Oliver Stone’s version, he clearly laid out the issue as a strictly political one, having nothing to do with Alexander directly.
Secondly, towards the end of the movie, Alexander referred to uniting Asia and Europe. At the time, I didn’t think there was any “idea of Europe”. I imagine the directors of the movie just slipped in the term “Europe” instead of confusing the audience with a variety of names of countries that existed in what is “Europe” today that they probably wouldn’t be familiar with anyway.
The battles in the movies seemed accurate to me based upon what I had learned in class. One battle in particular comes into mind. The first major battle of the movie in which Alexander’s army is battling the Persian Empire with Darius in command. I recall learning in class how they surrounded the Persian army from the “left” and sandwiched them into defeat, thus forcing Darius to tuck his tail and run. The weapons used in the battle scene were accurate as well, such as the long spear and the battling positions in which the army stood. The two things that stands out in my mind that I didn’t recall learning in class concerned the battle in India which was so vividly violent and also the slaughter of the cattle and the importance of it’s organs before the first battle scene in the movie. I can’t seem to find any information concerning the organs of cattle being significant prior to a major battle.
I was very impressed with the overall power of the film to hold my attention for three hours. I didn’t get up and obtain any refills; I was glued to my seat. I’ve always had a deep fascination with history but now I have a desire to learn more about this great King and general we know as “Alexander the Great” of Macedonia.

"When the Bell Rings"

After being inspired by several sources, I decided to sit down and write my feelings about my journey to become a future educator of America's youth.
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When that bell rings, it’s nothing but 100% pure adrenaline.

I might as well be an addict because I’m hooked on it.

I’m hooked on standing in front of that class every single day and giving everything I have for those students.

To me, the whole business is “do your best”, and “let’s have a good time”.

It’s me at work, and if I’m at work, it’s going to be a good day.

These past 4 years in college have taught me that if you have the desire to do it, you can accomplish just about anything.

How bad do you want it?

What sacrifices are you willing to make?

6 years of nothing to do but study and train, gaining experience, living like a hermit.

Every second of it was worth it if I get my own classroom and get to do what I love to do.

To me, every late night, test, exam, up, down, everything was worth it.

The sacrifices as most people call them; I wouldn’t give any of them back to you, because I loved them all.

Please No!, Not again!

As Hurricane Rita grows stronger as it nears the coast, one has to wonder if they will be as catastrophic as Katrina. I certainly hope not. However, it seems to have the potential to be. All I can hope is that it doesnt take any lives or destroy any more property because the U.S. has had enough this season however, it seems the season has only just begun.

As a result of the last Hurricane, our politicans will be playing the "Blame Game" until the next election, so I really hope Rita won't be a continuation of it. I am so very tired of hearing everything blamed on the President. Is he perfect? NO. Do I believe he is trying his best? YES

Many of you may disagree with me but I plan to stand my ground and support President Bush on the majority of his decisions. To counter a few points of the media I have developed a brief list of lesser known points.

-The National Guard can only be called into a state upon request from the Governor, not the President.
-If the President would have overstepped his boundry and sent them in anyway, most people would trash him for overstepping a female-democratic Governor and a black democratic Mayor of New Orleans. Yes, lives were at stake and I still believe most people would still trash him anyway. Either way, people will blame everything on Bush and it's getting rather annoying.
-One of the levys that broke which the media claimed was Bush's fault was not. The fact was, alot of money was sent to funds designed specfically for prepartaion and repair of the levy, however, it was spent in other places. Therefore, funding was cut.

"TESTING..1..2...3.."

So far this semester I have been able to develop a fairly regular schedule in which I’ve been able to balance all of my classes pretty well. I need to maintain a high G.P.A. of at least 3.0 to continue in the college of Ed. and I’m sure I can do this however I need to maintain the balance I’ve developed so far this semester. I planed to do this by not getting overly-stressed but that’s my nature so it’s been hard. I take excellent notes and have study habits based off of 4 years of college experience in a wide variety of classes and teaching styles yet I always drain myself around test time because of the importance I place on everything.

I eat, sleep and breathe whatever subject the test is over and after the test I feel like passing out due to exhaustion. This is ironic because I know better than to stress that much over it because it doesn’t help me take the test most people say. However, I prepare for the test a lot during the semester so its not as hard the few days before the actual test yet I still probably over study for them. For example, I go through my notes and organize my own study guide or base one off of one provided by the instructor if provided. Then, I type it out the entire thing and over the course of a few days knock off anything I have down pat until there is very little or nothing left. Then I review the original guide I made with everything on it and also a condensed version of that the day before the test. During this process I have a friend quiz me over everything until I get almost perfect if not perfect. On the last day I study a well-prepared think sheet of my weaker areas of the test and then the original study guide once or twice and then I’m ready to play.

Like I said before, after the actual test I’m so exhausted mentally and physically I can’t do very much so I usually walk outside the class or building and just sit for awhile and maybe nap. I do place A LOT of stress on academics but I think it helps more than it hurts because it provides a driving force behind all of my studies. For the most part, I’m very self motivated and I believe that is reflected in my academics. I am most comfortable setting my own pace.

Back to the subject, I believe I am doing well academically this semester except for my physical health which is up and down for some reason unknown to me. If I can improve my health, I think I could do a lot better this semester.

"The customer is always disrespectful"

First off, I am an employee at an excellent retail store somewhere in Columbia.

There is a little something called closing time in most places with the exception of the all mighty Walmart. This is when all of the customers are suppose to GET OUT! Hence, the name "closing" time. However, there are always those lovable customers who enjoy coming in 5 minutes before you close and shop for a good 20-30 minutes for a $.92 item.

Now I understand that the customer provides the finances which allow my employer to cut my check, so please don't reply to this post with that info because I already understand. I too, have also been in a store late before but have only done it when a considerable amount of money was going to be spent and I knew other people in the store were going to take A LOT longer than I was. Plus, I usually left a nice tip for their time.

I get very frustrated when people take their sweat time shopping well after we are closed and have broadcasted numerous announcements over the intercom stating that we are closed. To make things even worse, these people aren't just "last minute emergency shoppers". These are the same people in almost every time. They must think that they will get better service if they come in late because we all want to get home. Well, its sad that they haven't figured out that it is just the opposite.

Those of you who have kept up with my posts know that I am on my way to being a very caring teacher one day. After reading my ranting and raving you may think I am not fit to be in a classroom with impressionable youth. I beg to differ. I seem to have unlimited patience with most children elderly citizens. However, when it comes to the inbetween things are different. Now I'm really not a mean guy, but I may come off that way when I'm frustrated. After all, I'm only frustrated on the evenings when I am kept late at work and have numerous hours of homework to complete later that evening. I don't go out and "party", so it's not like I am rushing home to destroy brain cells. Would you like it if I found out where you worked and stayed late every night you worked?

All I am asking for (for now) is for people to show respect when shopping in a store and crossing the street. Is that really too much to ask for?

9-11: Dont Forget...

Brown Trout Chicken

** WARNING ** This IS not for those with a weak stomach!

As this is a blog for local Columbia (especially M.U.) happenings, I strive to include everyone because no one likes to be left out. I will dedicate this post to those with less class.

Anyone who has visited K.F.C. as of late has discovered the new buffet layout they've developed. I enjoy their buffet as they are both economically efficient and very scrumptious. This post is in no way a slam on KFC.

I was on my lunch break recently and decided to run to KFC for a quick fill-up. As I stood in line to obtain plates I grew irritated at the unending sound of a baby screaming. I ignored it and gathered some of the colonel’s best onto my plate. As I proceeded to find a seat I walked past a fairly young couple with their baby. However, as I looked closer to see why the baby was so upset, I noticed that the poor kid was laying on his back, being changed and wiped in the booth with no towel or blanket down underneath. As I struggled not to drop my tray, it occurred to me that they were only 7 feet away from the buffet. I struggled to find a seat only to be overtaken by a disturbing stench which forced me to move further away. As I began to eat my meal I was quickly sidetracks by the great smell of fried bbq chicken. However, it wasn’t long before I was sidetracked by the thought of the classless people who were changing their baby in front of everyone, only 7 feet away from a buffet.

No matter how hard I tried, I could not get that picture out of my mind. Right then, a blessing from God himself came down and led to me an epiphany. These people would most likely go and gather food from the buffet again!!! :O

I quickly grabbed another plate and scurried to the buffet to construct a mountain of chicken and any sides I may want later on because I had NO INTENTION of going back for 3rd's after Mr. & Mrs. Pooperton made their way through the buffet. Fortunately, the mother went to the restroom and washed her hands, however she made he way through the restaurant along the way, touching who knows what.

I don’t consider myself to be obsessive compulsive over germs, however I like to be aware of my surroundings and the dangers they possess, it’s called being cautious (see "CAUTION!" post at the bottom of this page). Once again I have come to the conclusion that, even though this is a town centered around "higher education", there are still folks here who lack common reasoning skills. I have only two words for them....SICK FREAKS!!!!!

Oh, and should any of my readers go to KFC and see this couple again, please do all of us a favor and suggest that they leave their brown trout chicken at home.

Relief Efforts < Blame Game ??????????

By now everyone has somehow heard or even been effected by the national tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. There are endless ways to help, ranging from donations to contacting volunteer organizations to taking in or adopting a family. Most of us college students are unable to take anyone into our apartments or dorm rooms; however we can help by praying. Millions of people have been deeply affected by this tragedy and instead of using it for someone's political gain, let’s pull together as a nation and show why the United States is the greatest country in the world to live in.

After 9-11, I don’t remember the nation arguing over who’ fault it was, and why we were unprepared until well after the rescue efforts were completed. WHY then, do I hear the blame game being played everywhere I go? I think that if all of the people in high-places would focus more on spreading a message of compassion instead of blame, there would be more energy available to help those in need. For example, whenever I watch the news, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, or go on the internet, all I hear about is who to blame. Is it the President’s fault? Is it the Governor’s fault? Is it the Mayor’s fault? I’m tired of hearing it. Therefore, I turn it off or tune it out and gather my own research on the topic from un-biased sources. By choosing to ignore as much media as I can at the moment because of frustration, I miss hearing a lot of important news and seeing a lot of moving footage. As a future social studies teacher, I’m very interested in the situation. However, listening to the exact same argument everyday in print, on TV, and on the radio has really made me limit my media-intake and until someone puts the “political-blame-game” back in the toy-chest, I plan to continue ignoring it.

Getting Old...

As an education major, I spend ALOT of time in schools. Each week I walk down the halls and see new fads, most of which I don’t understand anymore. Maybe it is because I grew up in a smaller town and went to considerably small schools up until High School. Either way, each day I find myself wondering what has happened?

Did I sleep in the day the class on wearing your pants down to your knees was being taught?

When did MTV change from being about real rock music to being about rappers wearing gold worth more than a settlement from a Michael Jackson lawsuit?

When did 1500 different ribbons become popular to paste onto the back of vehicles? This was a cool way to support “the troops” and a cure for “breast cancer”, however, those yellow and pink ribbons have evolved (or degenerated) into countless different causes and have a wider variety of color than the stereotypical Irishman on the box of Lucky Charms. I’m not downing the causes. However, it seems to me its not about the causes anymore. It seems to be about supporting the support of support ribbons.

While we’re at it, lets go ahead and change our motto to “One Nation Under Ribbons”, and we can even come out with an exciting multi-colored ribbon with ALL of the colors on it and make it 5 feet by 3 feet so it covers up the whole backside of the car! Then we can have contests to see who has the biggest ribbon, the baggiest pants, and the loudest rap music video playing from the largest DVD player in their car, and whoever wins gets a lifetime supply of psychiatric medicine, because they obviously NEED IT!

But don’t worry; at 21 years of age, I'm not completely out of touch. Being around kids so much in a school setting is very demanding. However, it is also extremely rewarding in that you get to help educate the future leaders of this country, as well as being taught first hand, the "importance" of wearing the same shoe as the kid next to you in class. Yes, you know, the one whom the crowd gathers around in the hallway between classes forming a large zit like function which bottlenecks traffic worse than a bicyclist who blindly rides out into four lanes of traffic. :)

"QUOTES"- A Happy post?

FINALLY!
After all the rants, after all the sarcastic comments, after all the slams, and after all the controversial comments, there is finally a "happy" post.

Today I would like to enlighten you with some of my favorite insightful quotes I've collected over the years followed by a brief analysis of what they mean to me. Feel free to reply with quotes which are important to you.
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“There is a smile of love,
And there is a smile of deceit,
And there is a smile of smiles
In which these two smiles meet.”
-William Blake-

This quote is my personal favorite and just about sums up the real world.


"Great things are done when men and mountains meet"
"He whose face gives no light, shall never become a star."
"The fox condemns the trap, not himself."

These are all motivational quotes I enjoy pondering while struggling with something. They both take me out of the situation which enables me to re-assess where I'm at and where I want to eventually be.


"A termite is not likely to ask for a toothpick after dinner."

"A frog is likely to define 'croak' differently than you would."

"A fish does not know that it is wet."

These three summarize my thoughts about considering someone else's perspective before making decisions which affect other people.


"Genius without education is like silver in the mine."

"Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper."
-Robert Frost-

"An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don't."

These are EXCELLENT education related quotes which really summarize the point of education.


"The best thing for being sad," replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn." - T.S. White

The one thing my mind can never exhaust is this quote. I assure you I'll still be analyzing it as you read this.


Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.

Sounds like a fairly well thrown together philosophy to me.


"You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink."

This is true and any educator can tell you so. However, motivation and curiosity are the keys to that puzzle.


"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." [Proverbs 23:7]

"how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye." [Luke 6:41-42 NKJV]

Oh, its true, its true!

"College Students Left Behind" Act of M.U.

(WARNING: When you see the angry tiger...beware of a vicious rant near by!)

In the future, does this program encourage "well-rounded individuals"?

NO!!!

It seems to me it only focuses on math and reading literacy! which is great, however, what about the scientist and social studies experts needed to grow up and help with situations such as New Orlean's current natural disaster? 20 Years from now, if that happens again, who will help out with that? Probably not the students in schools right now, because their interest in science of social studies was held back to make way for "New & Improved Test Scores!!!!!" YAY!!!!!

[Just a thought....if something is new, how can it be improved. The word "improved" means it existed before but its just better now, and if it is improved, that means something was wrong with it to begin with so they should just give us a new one for free because the old one was defective?)]

I don’t have total distain for the current educational system. I have a much more positive outlook on its future than anyone else I know. However I am puzzled at how this "NO Child left behind Act" will end out in the future.
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Now on to more personal matters.

Since 7th grade I have struggled with math. However, struggle would be an understatement. While enrolled at a community college prior to comming to M.U. I was in three math classes, all which spewed chaos in my life. I wend to countless hours of tutoring:

My classes were twice a week, total of 3 hours a week in math class.
I was in tutoring for about 5 hours a week.
Plus I did homework for an ungodly amount of hours as well.

After all that work, my test scores looked like I was a 1st grader in a calculus class and it was only college algebra level courses and lower.

Point being: I'm not good at math.

After completing those classes by the grace of God himself, I went onto M.U. I spent a short time in the College of Ed. before being told I had to pass TWO standardized (yes the evil word again) tests. I then proceeded to take off work on Saturdays to take these exams. I paid at LEAST $55 EACH TIME to take these exams only to not even pass either one the first time. I took each test two times and finally passed after MANY, MANY hours of studying a topic I was supposedly finished with the year prior and wasn’t even relevant to my future desired profession.

In the course of all of this mess, I had my regular school obligations to handle along with a hefty work schedule of two jobs. I was packed with work however that builds character so I am not complaining about that.

My grievance is with whoever made the decision to force standardized testing on students which is irrelevant to their field of study. I'm sure their response would be, "Well, we need well-rounded individuals!"

I thought I was told I proved my math proficiency by completing the required math courses, why now, do I have to kill myself preparing for two standardized tests which made as much sense as washing a window with mud in 115 degree weather.

I spent so much time preparing and stressing over these ignorant standardized tests that I missed out on some IMPORTANT AND RELEVANT information which ACTUALLY pertained to my field of study! Yes!, I had important teaching related classes which were covering things such as classroom management but instead of reviewing those materials to better prepare myself to be a social studies teacher, I was at home bashing my head into my desk over a college algebra problem for a test that didn’t even cover the math I had learned in high school or college for that matter.

Someone please tell me, how knowing "which hole grain will fall out of fastest if it is placed in a 6 foot bird feeder with holes every two inches" will help me instruct my future social studies students in understanding how to become better citizens?


[Sadly, the Bird Feeder question is based on a real question on a standardized test.]

Fill in the blank?: "__ Child(ren) Left Behind"

Come to think of it, don’t bother filling in the blank at all. Rather, leave it the way I wrote it because it more accurately describes the current situation of standardized testing at the moment. I say at the moment because I have faith the program "NO Child Left Behind" has good intentions and has a long-term plan which may sway my opinion of the program's overall worth. However, currently I am very disappointed with the current testing situation in public schools.

At first glance, I supported a program which encourages MAJOR testing, analysis of test scores and demanded improvement. However, once I began speaking with teachers I work with and seeing, not only how standardized testing affects school-age children, but myself as well, I was no longer impressed what so ever.

If you are unfamiliar with the "No Child Left Behind Act" I strongly encourage you to research its strong points and weak points. However I will provide you with a brief run-down of how I interpret it so far.

This program forces schools to focus on math and reading skill building. That's a good thing!
This program forces schools that have REPETITIVE low test scores with little improvement to close their doors. That’s a bad thing.
(Wouldn’t it be a better idea to help fund a school develop new ways of instructing to reach their goals instead of closing a school down and building a new one in its place or transferring students to another school/district?, That would be cheaper too…)

This program forces teachers and principals to focus upon math and reading development to the point where students are challenged to improve. That's a good thing.
This program forces teachers and principals to focus semi-exclusively upon math and reading proficiency and seemingly sweep classes such as social studies, science, and non-core classes under the rug. This is because the principals (to no fault of their own, their job depends on it) are forced to interpret endless data on their school's progress and if the numbers aren’t satisfactory, the hammer WILL come down SOMEWHERE. That's a bad thing.

This program encourages teachers to incorporate reading and writing skills into nearly every assignment in every class which can lead to inter-disciplinary cross-teaching (teaching English skills in science for example). That's a good thing.
This program forces non-math & reading/writing teachers to write proposal like documents stating why they believe their subject is relevant to the school curriculum. That's a bad thing.

I think you get the idea that there are good and bad sides to it all, and from a student's perspective it’s probably a bad thing.
Will the student's math and reading skills excel? Yes, most likely. That’s a good thing.

In the future, does this program encourage "well-rounded individuals"?

TO BE CONTINUED!.......................

The Only True Constant is Change

"Transform" is the word of the day.

I'm sure you are all familiar with what it means so I will spare you the scroll down.

As my more observative readers may have noticed I have slightly altered the theme of this blog by expanding my base from just MU, to the community of Columbia as well. I made this decision based on wanting to provide a more interesting blog that keeps you coming back every week. From now on I will attempt to attach pictures to all of my blogs to provide a visual relating to what I am ranting about that day.

I digress; transform is a word we see in use everywhere. Here in Columbia there is endless construction of roads and apartment complexes. However, the type of transformation I will be referring to today concerns personal transformation. No, not like the "Transformers" or the "Power Rangers" but on a more personal level.

Here at M.U., we all undergo changes, usually involving growth in a positive direction as we mature. This post won’t be a rant as usual but instead a brief inside look at how my life has changed since arriving here at M.U. in Jan. of 2004.

I obtained an associates degree from East Central College, a community college, prior to moving here to attend the area's top "J" school. The classes and professors were top notch, however I didn’t feel the field of journalism was for me so I began looking for alternatives.

On my way to class one day in May of '04 I noticed bus-loads of kids all over campus. I decided to compose a mock newspaper article for a class and ask a teacher and her group of students what it was all about. I learned it was "Reading Club Day" in which 5th grade students from all over Columbia were rewarded for their extra-circular reading habits by having a field trip on campus to meet their favorite authors. This happens every April or May and I strongly suggest any M.U. student take the time to talk with a group of kids that day and show them around campus. I helped out this past May and discovered it’s a very rewarding experience. The attached picture is from my volunteering this past May at Reading Club Day here on campus.

After speaking with the teacher I interviewed the class as a whole and realized how much I enjoyed standing in front of the kids and answering their questions and teaching them about what journalism was all about. I enjoyed it so much, that I decided to job-shadow several teachers I had met that day and later one I had met at my church. By the end of the summer I had switched majors and have felt like a new person ever since.

After a year in the "College of Education" I feel like I have discovered my niche in life. Beforehand, I was searching for what the meaning of my life was and felt depressed/angry most of the time. In a year and a half's time I feel I have completely changed and become a stronger, happier person, but you might not be able to tell by some of my past and future rants.

My next post will consist of a very heart-felt rant also concerning transformation and something that SHOULD be changed.