Sept. 28 Blog

President Obama is urging educators to re-evaluate the current set-up for schools and instruction time. He believes that kids in the U.S. spend too little time in school when compared to those students around the world who score better on tests. It is his contention that both the school day and the school calendar needs to be lengthened.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090927/ap_on_re_us/us_more_school

Do you agree with President Obama? Is this a necessary change? Would it make a difference in terms of learning / retention of information? (due 10/2)

Sept. 21 Blog

It has been reported that the Honda plant in Greensburg will be producing Civics that are intended to be sold in Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean and Guam.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009909220336

Should we take this as a sign that the American economy and automotive industry have recovered and are better able to compete worldwide, or is this just further proof that Americans are not confident about things? Are these vehicles being exported because there is a market for them abroad, or because they simply will not sell here in America? (due 9/25)

Sept. 14 Blog Question

The cities of Westfield and Martinsville are joining a growing list of places that have either enacted or are consdering smoking bans in public places. Many look at this as a public health issue, hence the bans. However, many see this as an example of the government overstepping it's bounds and taking freedoms away from citizens.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090915/LOCAL0103/909150326/Westfield+votes+to+snuff+out+smoking+in+workplaces+and+some+restaurants

What do you think about these types of policies? (due 9/18)

Sept. 7 Blog Question

President Obama is going to give a speech Tuesday that is intended to be shown to students in school. The White House contends that the speech is meant to be inspirational in nature and it's main point / purpose is to encourage students to work hard and to stay in school.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090907/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_school_speech

However, many people feel that this is not appropriate and is nothing more than an attempt to sway chldren's political views at a time when they are very impressionable.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/04/obama.schools/index.html

The actual text of the speech can be found here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Your question : Where do you stand on all of this? Is the president within his rights to make such an effort? Are the parents / administrators right in making a big deal out of this, or are they simply being guided by political paranoia? (due by 9/11)

August 31 Blog Question

During these difficult economic times, when many people are out of work, it is a fairly common thing to see families sacrificing. Many are sacrificing luxuries and wants, while others have to "tighten their belts" on things that are traditionally seen as needs as well. Because of this, a controversy has arisen over the cost of Catholic education. Many say that they are willing to sacrifice what they need to in order to give their children this type of faith-based education. However, others look at the situation and feel like these people are doing the wrong thing by sacrificing basic needs and paying for education when it is available through the public realm at no additional cost to the parent. The question, then, is this: where do you stand? Is the education that you are receiving a fair trade for the hardships that might be endured, or are the local public schools a better option when faced wth having to go without some things at home? (due by 9/4)

SPRING '09 GLOBAL ISSUES SITE

Go here to review what people did last year.