Iranian Murderer Is She Guilty Though?

SUMMARY: An Iranian woman by the name of Reyhaneh Jabbari, age 26, was hung last saturday. She was found guilty of murder for stabbing and killing Morteza Abdolali Sarbandi, a former employee of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security. This man had allegedly raped her and she killed him in self-defense. The U.N. reported that she wasn’t given a fair trial and that a death-sentence was unnecessary. The Iranians hanged her despite global outcries for mercy.

ANALYSIS: I feel that what Iranian’s did was wrong. In America a women who fought off a rapist wouldn’t be punished at all. She was clearly defending herself from this man and she did what she needed to do to survive. Clearly in Iran women’s rights doesn’t exist and this women at the very most should have gotten life in prison. Why the Iran wouldn't have listened to all the calls for mercy is beyond me.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Do you think Reyhaneh Jabbari deserved to die?

Why do you think she was sentenced to death?

Would you sentence Reyhaneh Jabbari to death?

LINK TO ARTICLE:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/25/world/meast/iranian-woman-execution/index.html?hpt=wo_c1

Parliament attacked, Canada under pressure.

https://www.newsela.com/articles/ottawa-attack/id/5726/

Summary:
In the article "Gunman killed as he attacks Canada parliament" published by Associated press on the 10.23.14, we learn that someone sneaked into the Canadian Parliament, and  killed 1 guard, corporal Nathan Cirillo. The gunman Michael Zehaf-Bibeau already had a long criminal history which explains why this happened. Per source he had just converted to the radical Islamic state. The ISIL terrorist, call this revenge against Canada for joining USA in the military air campaign against Iraq. The United Stated also said there word in this tragedy.. Barack Obama saying : "we will be very vigilant."These tragedy's might be a preparation for a other disaster like 2001, this is why there are vigilant.


Analysis:
I was very surprised the way Canada was unprepared for this kind of affaire.  I always thought that everybody should have the guarding in a parlement type of place, because really anything could happen... I think they should have extra guarding at the doors and inside to keep everyone safe. I think Canada should spend more money in decent militants that can guard and also camera's to always have an eye on the surroundings. I hope that this shows to the United States that they should highly guard the White House before similar events happens. It should also be a lesson for Canada, showing that they should never take anything for granted and always be ready for something big.





Discussion question:
1.How can Can/USA make sure nothing serious will happen?
2.Why do you think they decided to attack the parliament?
3. What new measures should Canada bring to protect their parliament?

When the peacemakers came to town

https://newsela.com/articles/ferguson-agency/id/5625/

Summary:

In Ferguson, Missouri Michael Brown an unarmed 18-year old was shot by a Ferguson police officer in August. This set off nightly protests by members of the black community, who argue that he wouldn’t have been killed if he were white. After Michael was killed Peacemakers, were the first federal officials to arrive in Ferguson. They were with a unit called the Community Relations Service to help both sides come to an agreement. The Justice Department started an investigation about a month later because of the nightly protests and violence the department began looking into the use of police force in ferguson and began analyzing police methods. The peace makers have held dozens of meetings with police, residents, and community leaders.

Its goal, said Director Grande H. Lum, is to give all sides a private place to talk, so hopefully, they will solve their own problems.

“Those are the longest-lasting solutions — when the people themselves resolve their own disputes,” Lum said. His unit, he said, allows “people to speak.”

Analysis:

I do not agree with steps that the peacemakers are taking in ferguson, Michael brown was killed in August and the most that they have done is hold meetings. The police are supposed to protect citizens not kill unarmed people. I think that the Ferguson police force needs to be closely evaluated and trained so that events like the shooting don’t happen again. I also  disagree with Director Grande H. Lum when he says that people need to solve their own disputes, because when someone dies from being shot at by a police officer, its the Justice department’s job to fix the situation. On the other hand I do agree with Director Grande H. Lum when he says that what he is doing allows people to speak because it does give them a voice and a way for citizens to speak out against what the police is doing.

Discussion questions:

1.Do you agree with what the Peace makers are doing about the situation?

2. What do you think the outcome of this situation will be?

3. Do you think that if Michael Brown was white he would still be alive?

Ebola Scare on Flight

Source: http://rt.com/usa/196696-ebola-newyork-vomiting-plane/

SUMMARY:  A recent ebola scare on a flight from Nigeria to New York has people questioning airports’ procedures when potentially dealing with passengers effected with ebola. The male passenger who was thought to have ebola complained of vomiting once the flight went airborn. He died sometime before the plane landed in New York which had many passengers questioning as to why he passed away. The medical officials investigated and came to the conclusion that the man was not effected with ebola. But Republican Congressman Peter King was so surprised with how the airport handled the situation with lack of security and protection from spreading the virus that he wrote a letter of complaint. Many question as to how the officials could tell so quickly that the man did not have ebola. Airports around the United States have placed ebola screenings with passengers arriving from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since that is where the virus is mostly located. Airports are also providing staff with temperature guns as well as requiring that staff ask passengers from affected areas to fill out questionnaires. Although airports are boosting their security, are they really making a difference in preventing the ebola virus?

ANALYSIS: I think that the officials handled the situation with the dead man very well. Since he did not have any of the serious symptoms that comes with ebola, it was probably very easy to tell that he was not infected with the virus. But I do not think that airports are taking the ebola virus very seriously. Although they are setting up all these procedures and requirements for those coming in from effected areas, I do not believe that it is actually making a difference. I think that these procedures are taking up unnecesary time and money that could potentially be used towards helping the ill in Africa.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Do you think the medical officials handled the situation well? If not, how could they have improved their actions?
• Do you think these procedures and requirements are making a difference? Why or why not?

LINK TO ARTICLE: http://rt.com/usa/196696-ebola-newyork-vomiting-plane/

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Apologizes for Making "Mistakes"

Summary:

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital

In the article, “Texas Hospital Apologizes for 'Mistakes' in Ebola Treatment in Full-Page Ad” explains that the two nurses, Nina Pham and Amber Vinson, who had caught Ebola wrote a letter apologizing for making “mistakes.” Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital admitted that they had made mistakes when handling the difficult challenge, but argues that their “training and education programs had not been fully deployed before the virus struck.” This proves the hospital was trying to cover up their mistakes with arguments, the letter even said, “Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is a safe place for employees and patients,” trying to insure that employees don’t quit, and patients still come for medical help.

      

Analysis:

I agree that it was the right thing to do to write a letter of apology, but I disagree with their excuses for why they messed up.The hospital should have taken more extreme measures to make sure the Ebola disease did not spread in the United States. This article reminded me of the Swine Flu because everyone freaked out and was scared of getting sick, which is what’s happening currently with Ebola. I feel that the right measures were taken to form an apology, but the wrong measures were taken to prevent an apology ever being needed.

Discussion Questions:

 

1. What do you think the hospital could have done to prevent the two nurses from getting infected?
2. Do you agree that the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital is a safe place for patients and employees? Why?
3. In your opinion, what is the best way doctors could prevent a total outbreak of Ebola?

Liberians in Texas say "Don't blame us" for Ebola

                                Hazardous material cleaners disinfect their protective equipment after cleaning out
                                Eric Duncan's apartment, where he stayed last week.
                                                     https://newsela-test-files-f331e.s3.amazonaws.com

SUMMERY: In the article, it states that many Texans are blaming Liberians for the first Ebola case to be diagnosed in the United States. Caroline Whoaloe, a registered nurse, and fellow Liberians have received endless amounts of whispers and taunts saying, "Go back to Liberia". On Wednesday night, Whoaloe and and several Liberian pastors and community leaders appeared to spread the word: Please don't blame Liberians. Several Liberian workers have been fired and told to leave the US, Caroline stood up for them and said, "This is not a Liberian problem this is a world problem". The community has reached out to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Dallas area over and over and they have not responded. The threats and judgments being made are causing Liberians who are possibly infected to resist coming forward, in order to dodge embarrassment. Caroline Whoaloe along with others from the Liberian community, continue to stand up and defend themselves in the fight against Ebola.

ANALYSIS: I disagree with the way Texans are treating Liberians, because it really isn't their fault at all. Just because Duncan, a Liberian, was infected with the disease does not mean that every single Liberian has it, and it is unfair that people are thinking that way. As it says in the article, "Every major disease... known to man starts somewhere, but it doesn't stay in one place," explains Jimmy Sando, a Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport worker. Just like how you can't blame any one nation for the diseases HIV and AIDS, which have spread everywhere, it is extremely unfair to place blame on the single nation of Liberia for spreading the horrible virus. I have so much respect for Caroline Wholoe for standing up to Texans, who used Liberia as their scapegoat in this situation, where Ebola isn't just one nation's problem, but it is a world problem. I believe that people should continue to stand up for Liberians, and teach Texans to stop watching and placing blame, but rather help and do something about it.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Do you think it is fair to blame Liberia for the spread of Ebola?
2. What do you believe we should do to help this situation?
3. Why do you think CDC is non-responsive towards Liberia's community?

Racial Injustices of the Past: Effects Today

To what extent do racial injustices in South Africa & United States’ past create an  unjust society today  and how similar or different is the United States from South Africa? 

Write your response to as a comment to this blog post keeping in mind the following instructions: 

In 1-2 sentences write your position on this question.

OPTIONAL SENTENCE STARTER:

·       Racial segregation/injustices of the past significantly/somewhat/minimally affect society today because ________. The effects on the United States and South Africa’s today are very similar/somewhat similar because  both countries have ______ but are different because _____

Then support your argument by identifying passages from BOTH the Long Shadow of Apartheid article and "The Whites Don't Get It" articles. Analyze the passages to support your position.  

OPTIONAL ANALYSIS SENTENCE STARTER:

·       For example/Similarly/In addition/In contrast, _____ states/said “ ________.” This shows/proves/demonstrates/means that _________ .

Feel free to disagree with the controversial articles we read! 

 Cannon green

4/6 Period

SUMMARY: In the Article, Dallas hospital stumbles in early response to Ebola published by USA Today; on 2014 October 14^th explains that the first U.S. citizen was infected with Ebola. The article argues that it might not be too contagious though because the nurse who was infected worked closely with 50 other doctors and nobody else was infected. The main idea of this article is that Ebola might not be too contagious.

ANALYSIS: I found it interesting that a lot of doctors/nurses helped treat the Ebola patient yet only one nurse ended up getting Ebola herself. I agree with how the article tells us Ebola is a hard thing to get because only two people have been infected so far. I Feel this article gave me a good understanding if Ebola will spread or not.

Discussion Questions:

1.       Do you think Ebola has a high chance of spreading worldwide?

2.       Why do you believe the nurse was infected with Ebola and others were not?

Do you agree that the nurse should have been more cautious so she didn't end up with Ebola?

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/14/ebola-dallas-hospital-mistakes/17204527/

Ebola Patient puts United States at Risk

OCTOBER

Joseph Glasby
Period 4/6

First patient diagnosed with Ebola in U.S. dies in Dallas hospital

Thomas Eric Duncan, 42 years of age, left Liberia on September 19th and arrived in Dallas to visit his fiancee on September 20th. Duncan visited the hospital with a fever, abdominal pain and a headache on September 25th. While in the hospital Duncan notified them that he had been in Africa. The result, was Duncan being sent home with antibiotics treating bacterial infections. Three days later Duncan’s conditions worsened. He returned by the hospital by ambulance and was isolated in a room where he would have no further contact with other patients. Duncan, the first patient diagnosed with Ebola in the United States, died in that hospital in Dallas.

http://theconservativetreehouse.com

I feel that, the hospital Duncan attended on September 25th should have taken this case more seriously. I highly disagree with sending Duncan home with simple antibiotics. This is ridiculous and unprofessional for any doctor. Everyone knows the symptoms of Ebola, doctor or not, because the disease is such a serious topic. These symptoms Duncan possesed should have been taken into affect and Duncan should have been tested and treated for Ebola immediately. I feel that the doctors in that hospital are lazy and put not only the United States at risk, but also the rest of the world at risk. Duncan had a full five days to come in contact with people before being isolated. That is improper and shows traits of an amatur. This article disgusts me and gets me angry. Not only did the doctors put the world at risk of contagion, but they also created an inconvenience to all people who came in contact with Duncan, because now all of those people have to be isolated for a period of 21 days. This takes 21 days away from their family, and work. These people can not provide for their family now. If a kid came into contact with Duncan, that’s three weeks of school missed. I am ashamed.

1. Do you agree or disagree with my analysis of the issue?

2. What is the best way to handle the situation created?

3. What would you have done if you were a doctor treating Duncan on September 25th?

https://www.newsela.com/articles/duncan-death/id/5533/

Local teen arrested for attempting to join ISIS

Where the teen had been arrested before trying to help terrorists.

SUMMARY: A local teen to the city of Bolingbrook, Il was recently arrested before boarding a plane at O’Hare international airport. The teen, Mohammed Hamzah Khan, had been planning on going to Turkey and take part in ISIS, or also known as  Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. ISIS is a terrorist group who, lately, has been cutting off . When Khan was at the airport, he was first approached by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, but later the Chicago FBI agents came to talk to him, and he had been arrested under account of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization. He carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

ANALYSIS: I agree with the Chicago FBI that they should charge Khan with 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 250,000 because if he hadn't been stopped, he would have been taking part in a terrorist group. In doing this, he would have been murdering innocent people for no reason.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Do you think this was the best way to handle with what the Chicago FBI did?

Do you believe this was the best possible thing they could have done? Why?

Link to article: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/17300/20141006/u-s-teen-wanted-to-join-isis-arrested-at-ohare.htm

Ebola in Spain

Summary:  Seven more people have been admitted into a Spanish hospital for possibly having Ebola after a nurse named Teresa Romeo was infected with the deadly virus and lies seriously ill.  The Prime Minister said it would very unlikely that the disease that killed over 4,000 in Western Africa would spread throughout Spain.  Over fourteen people are being observed as possible Ebola patients.

Analysis: I think that it is not very likely for Ebola to spread throughout Spain like it has spread through Western Africa.  It is not very likely to spread through Spain because they have much better healthcare than they do in Western Africa.  I do not that the people in Spain should be scared of an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.

1. Do you think Ebola will spread throughout Spain?
2. What do you think would happen if it spread through Spain?

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/10/us-health-ebola-spain-idUSKCN0HZ0U920141010

Underwater Archaeology

OCTOBER

SUMMARY: In the article, Underwater Archaeology, written by Cody Crane on September 26, 2014, archaeologists and scientists are trying to improve/create a new robotic diving suit. This suit will allow divers to dive in the ocean for a longer amount of time as well as deeper into the ocean. Scientists are creating this suit to allow archaeologists to discover more artifacts and details about the shipwreck in the 1900s right by the Greek Island of Antikythera, which was believed to be a transporting boat to Rome before it sank. The suit has cables and video cameras to allow the diver to communicate and take pictures with the people above sea level. With all the advantages of this new suit, archaeologists will be able to discover more information and treasurable items about the sunken ship of Antikythera.

http://magazines.scholastic.com/

ANALYSIS: I think it’s really interesting how much technology has improved studies and made our human life easier over the years. Without any of this diving gear such as cables, video cameras, oxygen tanks, etc., none of the diving or discoveries of the sunken ships would have taken place. History could be different if we didn’t have certain photographs or inventions to help us in our everyday life. Technology is a big part of our life and sometimes we don’t even recognize it.  

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. In the future, what advantages might scientists add to the new suit to make diving for archaeologists more easier?
2. What kinds of new objects will the archaeologists find on the ship? Will it be worth anything?
3. Since the ship sunk more than 2,000 years ago, how might these objects and bones not be ruined already by the ocean?

LINK TO ARTICLE: http://magazines.scholastic.com/news/2014/09/Underwater-Archaeology

Spanish Nurse Infected with Ebola

Summary: A Spanish nurse got infected with the Ebola virus after caring for an infected priest. So far the Ebola virus has sickened or killed more than 370 doctors working in the hardest-hit countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, where doctors and nurses were already in short supply.She was wearing hazmat suits both times she was in the room with the priest but Spanish authorities think she contracted the virus while changing the man’s diaper. So far none of the other nurses/doctors caring for the priest or any other people she had been in contact with have contracted Ebola virus. For extra precaution Spanish authorities had the nurse’s dog euthanized and then cremated without even testing it for Ebola first. The nurse is now in complete isolation so that the disease does not spread.

Photo of Ebola

Analysis: The major problem with this is the fact that a medical professional, working with other medical professionals and various patients has contracted the virus. That is the absolute worst thing that we can have happen. If this outbreak wasn’t contained as soon as it was who knows the number of other people in the hospital or in this nurse’s social life could’ve been infected. Although this is a serious matter, I do not believe that Spanish authorities needed to kill her dog without testing it first. We have not done studies on if dogs can spread the virus to humans or even how the virus affects dogs.

Discussion Questions:

Do you think doctors working with Ebola patients take enough precautions?

Was it necessary for Spanish authorities to euthanize the nurse’s dog?

Should ALL of the people she came in contact with be quarantined?

Link: http://www.aol.com

Ebola Current event

SUMMARY: In the article, “The White Man Created Ebola To Kill Black People, Says Noted Scientist Louis Farrakhan” it explains white people don’t get ebola and if you’re not white you do. For example you could put a weapon in a room with Black and White people, and it will only kill the Black people. This is because it is a genotype weapon that is designed for your genes, for your race, for your kind. The main idea of the article is that Black and White people respond to different dieseses because of their race and genes.

ANALYSIS: I disagree with this article because I believe that Black and White people may look different on the outside, but they are still the same on the inside. They are chemically the same so it should not matter what race you are and how that relates to if you get ebola or not. This article reminds me of during the times of slavery when people said that Black and White people were different inside. I feel that people still think Black people are different in the inside when they are not. People are not based on their race.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Do you agree with the idea that White people don’t get Ebola?

What do you think people could do to try to prove this idea?

Do you think people are based of their race?

LINK TO ARTICLE: http://dailycaller.com/2014/10/02/the-white-man-created-ebola-to-kill-black-people-says-noted-scientist-louis-farrakhan

Overall, was Imperialism positive or negative for Africa?

Using at least two documents, take a stance on the question: Overall, was Imperialism positive or negative for Africa?


Be sure you have a topic sentence that states your overall position and previews the categories (HINT: PERSIA) that will support your position.. Support this position with two different documents  that you introduce and cite in parentheses.

Post your brief paragraph as a comment below. 

Denver students fighting back?

SUMMARY: In the article “Student protests in Colorado gathering steam” Brennan Lindsley explains how several students in AP history classes from the Jefferson County school district protested because school officials decided to take out some mistakes made by the USA from their textbooks, for example students argued that they should learn of the US mistakes so the can learn from them.

ANALYSIS: I agree with the students of Jefferson County because they have the right to stick up for themselves and protect their education, you cannot pretend like the United States is a perfect nation because we are actually far from perfect. This article reminded me of the American revolution in the sense that a young group (The Americans and the students from Jefferson County) stood up against a more powerful group (Britain and the school Officials) for what they believed was right. I feel that pretending like we are so perfect is what angers so many countries and is why they don’t like us.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Do you agree that the students from Jefferson County have the right to protest even at their age?

What do you think the school officials should do, modify the school books or let history be told?

What is the best way to get a point across to the teachers here at hinsdale central?

LINK TO ARTICLE:

https://www.newsela.com/articles/costudent-protests/id/5367/

Not enough Black Male Teachers

Encouraging Young Black Men to become Teachers.

SUMMARY:
In the article, “Encouraging young black men to become teachers”, four colleges in Pennsylvania are working together to try and encourage many male black students to want to become teachers. They feel that the black students need black male role models they can look up to since there are very few black male teachers out there now a days. Also those four colleges feel that less black students want to go onto college or listen in class because they would rather have their own color teaching them.

ANALYSIS:
I agree that there do need to be more african male teachers out there to encourage even more people to be teachers. There is not a lot of black male teachers out there but, I don’t think it needs to be that big of a deal. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter what color our teachers are! If people will only pay attention to their teacher in class if they black, then that is kind of racist. It shouldn’t matter who teaches our students in the US. Yes, I agree that there should be more, but it doesn’t need to turn into a big deal.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Do you agree that the US needs more black male teachers? If so, why?
Does the word racism pop into your mind when the US is trying to get more black teachers to teach students so they will have more role models?

LINK TO ARTICLE:

https://www.newsela.com/articles/blackteachers-rolemodels/id/4710/

Students in Denver strike. kay. read it okay bye

SUMMARY: Students in Denver started a protest against the changes made to the history classes at their school. the protest started out small but turned into big groups. Most of them gathered on a busy intersection chanting “Education without limitations!” they were also waving signs around and American flags.

ANALYSIS: I agree with what the students did because they were fighting for their educational rights. They were fighting for what they thought was right. Those students went out on a busy intersection to protest what their school was doing. i think they did the right thing.

QUESTIONS: Do you agree/disagree with the protest they started? What other way do you think they could’ve handled fighting for their rights in school? Why do you think the school made changed to their classes?


LINK TO ARTICLE: https://www.newsela.com/articles/costudent-protests/id/5364/

ISIS Threatens Military Families

SUMMARY: In the video article “ISIS threatens military families” published by Fox News on October 4th, a news reporter speaks with the military spouse of the year (Reda Hicks) about her opinion on the situation. Reda says she is torn between two feelings, concern and bravery. She is terrified for military families because she doesn’t want any of them to be kidnapped or killed. She also knows she can’t stand to the sidelines and be frightened for then ISIS will have the upperhand hand and feel power over families. Reda suggests to make a fight and do something to stop the terror groups plans before they take action. The reporter in this video questioned Reda on many things like her solution to this problem, her thoughts, and how bad does she think ISIS can become.

ANALYSIS: I believe ISIS is a major threat and that the government needs to put a stop to their actions. The military families should never be faced with something like this and guards should be protecting the core families that are being targeted. Extra security should be placed in computers to protect house addresses and phone numbers so the terror group doesn’t find them and use it against families.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How can government protect families?
2. When do you think ISIS will make another threat?
3. How do you think Rita feels?

LINK TO ARTICLE:

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3820379021001/isis-threatens-to-target-military-families/?intcmp=us_hcu&playlist_id=921261890001#sp=news-clips

Troops to Fight Ebola, Not ISIS

Chris Birch

Background:

The article states the United States are going to send around 1,600 troops to Africa to combat against the Ebola outbreak that is affecting many Africans. They will be comprised of logistical units as well as engineers to help the African government. This is said to be another step in American involvement as 200 troops are already in Africa and more are planned to be sent. These troops will not be in direct contact with infected victims but authorities will still take the necessary precautions to keep American troops safe.

Analysis:

            I feel that the decision to send troops is a good cause and the safety of the troops will be a priority. The United States accomplish more objectives like this mission. To send humanitarian aid to countries in need. It’s not like we don’t send aid, we sent the Marines to The Philippines when a hurricane affected the whole country. But I feel the United States need to complete more objectives that are good for the and actually finish the job we started.

Link:
time.com

What kind of missions should America pursue and accomplish?

Do you agree with the decision to send troops to Africa even though it’s not violent?

Denver students strike

Current Event #1

SUMMARY:

According to the article Denver Area Students Protest Censoring History Lessons,  on September 23rd 2014 1,000 high school students in the Denver area began a protest because of the way the school was teaching history. Many students said that they were trying eliminate civil unrest, and only teach patriotism to the teens. The students organized and started a strike causing many schools to shut down. This whole idea spread through twitter and other social medias. In order to solve this problem the school board organized a meeting on Oct. 2. They hope to resolve this problem quickly to miss minimal days of school.

ANALYSIS:

I agree with the teachers in this article because I believe you should teach pride in your country, and not to disobey the law. Although if I was a student I would probably strike because I’d want to miss school. I think that only 10% of the people striking actually wanted to strike because it was spread through social media, and students saw it as a free day off. The people who believe in this strike are probably passionate in the idea to be yourself. Therefore I think this strike is silly and not mandatory.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. If you were a student at these schools would you miss school for a reason or miss because you want to miss?
2. Do you think the new teaching method is valid?

LINK TO ARTICLE:

https://www.newsela.com/articles/costudent-protests/id/5364/

Denver Student Protest

SUMMARY:   

The article Denver Area Students Protest Censoring History Lessons explained how over 1,000 students walked out of school on Wednesday to protest against a new set of history standards in nearby high schools.  This series of student demonstrations is the largest student protest to date. The kids stood on the curb chanting “Education without limitation!” Students held signs and waved american flags on a busy intersection for over three hours. The teachers have decided not punish the students who protested, allowing their concerns to be voiced.  Students from six different schools have participated in the protest planned over social media like Facebook and Twitter. Teachers disagreed with the newly set standards also.  The teachers arranged a “sick out” at the same time as the students protest forcing two schools to shut down.

ANALYSIS:

I think the teachers and students went overboard. Schools make decisions to benefit the kids. If the superintendent made that change in the curriculum standards then it must have been in the best interest of the students.  The students should be able to speak their concerns, but they don’t have to protest the school by standing on a corner making the school look bad. I believe the students could have gotten the same results without protesting.  I feel that high school students are still too young to fully understand the situation enough to try and overrule the school.  

Students protesting on the corner of a busy intersection.
www.blogcdn.com

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Do you agree with the decision the students made to protest the new history standards?
• How could the students have gotten their concerns across without going to that extent?
• Would this act of rebellion work at Hinsdale Central? Why? Why not?
• Why do you think the students felt so affected by the change?

LINK TO ARTICLE:

https://www.newsela.com/articles/costudent-protests/id/5364/