Prescott Valley, Arizona Correspondent I spent two decades in public schools writing letters of recommendation for students whose parents could not afford a test-prep course, let alone a bribe, and I want to say at the outset that nothing in the indictments unsealed in March surprised a single teacher I know. The surprise, the thing … Continue reading How has the college admissions scandal involving wealthy parents and coaches affected public trust in elite universities and the broader debate over merit and privilege?
Education
Will the rise of student activism after the Parkland, Florida school shooting help reduce mass shootings?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-Ah, the idealism of youth! I sometimes long for the days when I truly believed that walking out of class, painting signs and marching while singing protest songs could actually bring about change. Sadly, I have lived a half-century now and realize that our government has been completely bought and paid for by … Continue reading Will the rise of student activism after the Parkland, Florida school shooting help reduce mass shootings?
After the Parkland school shooting and the March for Our Lives movement, has the political debate over gun violence in the U.S. shifted in any lasting way?
Prescott Valley, Arizona Correspondent I taught in public schools for the better part of two decades, which means I have run lockdown drills with children who did not understand why and with teenagers who understood exactly why, and I have sat in faculty meetings where the question of what we would actually do if it … Continue reading After the Parkland school shooting and the March for Our Lives movement, has the political debate over gun violence in the U.S. shifted in any lasting way?
President Trump has called on the Congress to send him a bill that fixes the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Should this involve amnesty, a path to citizenship, or some other solution to immigration?
Myrtle Beach, SC Correspondent-The ONLY thing it should include is a path to citizenship. There is absolutely no reason to offer amnesty. I don’t want to sound heartless, but it’s not fair to grant amnesty for the sheer fact that their parents brought them over illegally. It’s NOT difficult to become an American citizen. There … Continue reading President Trump has called on the Congress to send him a bill that fixes the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Should this involve amnesty, a path to citizenship, or some other solution to immigration?
Should apprenticeship/vocational programs eventually replace four-year college degree programs in America?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-Apprenticeship is a concept that stretches back to the Middle Ages and before. Of course, back then it usually consisted of parents essentially consigning their male children to indentured servitude in hopes they’d be taught a trade that would eventually profit the family. These days, the system isn’t quite as abusive, and it … Continue reading Should apprenticeship/vocational programs eventually replace four-year college degree programs in America?
Will the constant use of emojis and emoticons lead to the downfall of communication skills?
Sheffield Jamaica Correspondent-I love expression. Like body gestures and sign language, emojis and emoticons are great ways to express oneself, especially in situations where the right words cannot be found to convey what is being expressed. To supplement, it’s quick, easy, and even an idiot can send one. You’ll agree, not all idiots possess proper … Continue reading Will the constant use of emojis and emoticons lead to the downfall of communication skills?
Do gender based reading materials damage boys and girls and should they be removed from elementary school classrooms?
Owatonna, MN Correspondent- Working from the assumption that the term gender-based reading material means books and other print media that feature characters who don't identify as heterosexual males or females, I'll say quite equivocally, "it depends." Too much gender-based reading material sends the message that students might be "abnormal" if they are a heterosexual male … Continue reading Do gender based reading materials damage boys and girls and should they be removed from elementary school classrooms?
Free speech on college campuses is turning into no free speech for anyone but protestors. Is free speech being compromised at the behest of protestors?
Owatonna, MN Correspondent-One of the most disheartening trends of the past fifty years is the increased intolerance of "non-mainstream" ideas on college campuses. In the 1960s, student radicals were heard loud and clear protesting war, big business, capitalism, right-wing politics, and advocating for communism, socialism, peace not war, sexual freedom, and liberalization of drug laws. … Continue reading Free speech on college campuses is turning into no free speech for anyone but protestors. Is free speech being compromised at the behest of protestors?
Should public schools in America be allowed to have Muslim prayer rooms?
Owatonna, MN Correspondent-Most opinions regarding Muslim prayer rooms in schools or other accommodations to religious groups in public places are centered around the Constitutional issue of separation of Church and State. And for a good reason, because if we don't adhere to the rule of law as a nation, we are doomed to chaos, anarchy, … Continue reading Should public schools in America be allowed to have Muslim prayer rooms?
Are schools teaching kids the skills they need to succeed?
Sheffield, Jamaica Correspondent-That's actually a good question. I'd like to think that I didn't turn out bad, but I wouldn't attribute my accomplishments to the skills I acquired at school. Success is viewed differently, depending on the individuals involved. Success, for me at least, is not dependent on the height of my bank account, the … Continue reading Are schools teaching kids the skills they need to succeed?
