Good News, Bad News

What a week this has been… State of the Union address, unrest in Tunisia, riots in Egypt and Yemen, lost school time due to Mother Nature, and a stock market that briefly topped 12,000 but fell sharply Friday in response to the turmoil overseas and lower than expected figures on US economic growth.

So what does this all mean to a student at MHS? First, a loss of school time means more time to study for the mid-term but it also means we may have school until July 4! (That’s hyperbole [exaggeration].) Riots in North Africa and South West Asia mean autocratic governments we have supported may fall, but what will replace them…conservative theocracies, as happened in Iran thirty years ago, or a move towards democracy? President Mubarak of Egypt, in power for over 30 years, has shut down the internet and cell phone service to block communication among protest organizers, but only time will tell if this and other measures, including heavy use of force (nonlethal so far), succeed. Let’s hope the people have a loud voice in whatever government emerges. And gas prices? Well, I only can see a significant rise in prices.

And finally, while the US economy seems to be improving with growth figures showing an annual rate of 3.2%, one rating service that advises investors on how creditworthy a country is has announced it may have to downgrade US bonds within a year or two. This means investors may be less ready to lend the US money, which would result in higher interest rates. The US budget deficit doesn’t show signs of narrowing, as tax cuts from the Bush era have been extended and reducing federal spending is difficult when so many people are out of work. As a student who may be looking for loans to help pay for college, or for employment in a sluggish job market, higher interest rates would have a direct impact on your future.

North and South Korea

This week you finished reading the UpFront article (“From one Korea to Two”) on North and South Korea. This peninsula has been divided since the end of the Korean Conflict in 1953. The North has been ruled by tyrants and has experienced great famine while the South has prospered in recent years under democratic rule. Our power point on the Koreas showed two different countries bound together by a common heritage. The North has been labeled a hot spot as an unstable ruler, Kim Jong Il, has access to nuclear weapons. We have urged China to act as a mediator in an effort to defuse the serious clashes that have recently occurred between North and South Korea, an effort that has apparently had some success.

We also viewed a power point presentation put together by Mr. Young on some of the key aspects of Japan. It is a country that has a fierce warrior history and a great respect for beauty and contemplation. I feel fortunate that I have had the opportunity to visit this country and to see firsthand many of its historical spots and to get to know some of its people. The New York Times had a front page story Friday about the lack of job opportunities for young Japanese professionals as many older workers stay on the job. We will talk more about Japan when we study World War II.

Study Guide

You have had the study guide for one week. The guide was originally posted on the blog on our snow day from last week. We went over the guide in class and clarified what was being asked so that you could fully prepare for the exam. You have your portfolio which contains all of your work for the first two quarters. This will be most helpful as you review the concepts we have covered. Of course, you also have the blog which has one entry for each week with live links…everything you need in one place. I will check the blog from time to time this weekend so if you have a question, please post it and I will respond ASAP.

Status of Assignment Sheets

This week you added up your points and divided by 260 or 270 (Period B) to figure out your raw score. This is an opportunity for the two of us to look over your work and come up with a corrective action plan if you have not met standard. A special congratulation to all who handed in their sheets correctly added and divided. I also want to thank the students who made that extra effort these past few days to hand in work that was being revised. As one student commented, “I really like this sheet…it has helped me stay organized.”

How creative

Did you see the story of the baby grand piano found on a sand bar off Miami? It was quite a mystery until a 16 year old student came forward and explained that he had placed the piano in the bay as the basis for a surreal video he was making as part of his college application. Now the young man is making plans to remove the piano before being charged with illegal dumping and a possible fine of $5,000. Better think twice before you start loading the family piano into your boat!

Special Posting: Study Guide 2011

CWI: Study Guide January 2011

Please note that the regular blog entry for the week of January 18 is the previous posting.

To prepare for the exam, you should review the sections of the text that we used (see unit syllabus), review your work in the portfolio, read the blog entries, and prepare answers for the study guide questions.

1. Identify the different types of maps, chief characteristics, and uses
2. Identify and describe the major religions of the world; design a chart that compares the religions of the world; what do they have in common?
3. Identify and describe the different forms of government in different regions of the world
4. Identify and describe the different types of economies in different regions of the world
5. Identification of key terms and people:
Infrastructure, GNP, per capita income, Nicolas Kristof, Tom Friedman, Greg Mortenson
6. Country identification: review the areas of the world and individual countries we have studied; be able to locate countries using an outline map
7. What are the major challenges facing Africa? Why are they challenges? What steps could be taken to tackle these challenges?
8. What are some of the “hot spots” around the world that the US must deal with? Why are they hot spots? What actions should the US take or not take dealing with them?
9. Question about China as posted on the blog…see “A Time for heroes”
10. Key elements of Confucianism
11. Editorial cartoon analysis

The mid-term exam is a mixture of open and closed questions. There are short answer questions, identification, matching, and substantial paragraph questions. The exam gives you the opportunity to integrate your understanding and interpretation of the world with objective knowledge. You are linking your thoughts using facts and evidence to support your ideas.

Hu's in Town

This has been an exciting week for us as President Obama welcomes President Hu Jintao of China. Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House was lined with the flags of China and the US as a visual welcome to the president of a growing economic super power. President Hu’s visit to the US coincides with our study of East Asia so watching the evening news or going on CNN was a reinforcement of the concepts and issues we have been talking about in class. In addition to the substantive agenda, the White House hosted a state dinner for President Hu. This was a most sought after invitation and the guest list celebrated many of our Chinese American citizens including Yo-Yo Ma and Michelle Kwan. The guest list also included the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, an organization that monitors the liberties and treatment of dissidents from around the world. They have had a special interest in the treatment of the Chinese Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Liu Xiaobo, who remains in prison.

The Most Influential Thinker

To better understand the people of China, you must know about Confucius. In an introduction to “The Analects” Dr. Rosmond described Confucius as the most influential thinker in the world as more people follow his teachings than any other belief system. Our reading on this belief system stressed the importance of relationships, education, hierarchy, and order. So much of what we value as Americans, particularly individual liberties, does not factor into the Confucian way of thinking and acting. Your fill in the blank activity and free writing activity will be a useful review sheet for you as you prepare for the midterm.

Tank Man

Our final lesson on China focused on the events of June 1989 in Tiananmen Square. Our PBS video told you the story of “Tank Man” and the impact he had on the downfall of the USSR and the communist countries of Eastern Europe. The video went on to describe the strict censorship of the internet in China, aided by many American companies including Google, Yahoo, and Cisco. These companies have made the decision that is it better to be in the China market place even if it is under less than ideal conditions. The UpFront article “Could Google Bring Freedom to China?” is a good review of the challenges American companies face when dealing with a country that employs over 30,000 internet police to monitor the searches and emails of its citizens.

As we get ready to leave China, I shared with at least one class a few photos from my recent trip there. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to see this fast changing country and to experience some of its culture and historical spots and I look forward to a return trip where I would like to see the countryside and see how the majority of Chinese live.

The Land of Samurais and Sony

For homework, you were asked to read the pages in your text on Japan. The page numbers are on your syllabus. When we meet next, we will use a power point presentation to review some of the key aspects of this small but densely populated country.

Status of Assignment Sheets

We updated our sheets this week and for homework you are to add up your points and divide by the number of points offered for your raw score (Periods A, C, D, and E could have earned up to 260; Period B could have earned up to 270). You must turn in your sheet to me next week. You may keep your portfolio work at home as this will be useful when it comes time to prepare for the midterm. Keep in mind the “checks” allow you to earn extra credit. The purpose of the “checks” is to reward students who have made the effort to do all of the assignments in a conscientious manner.

Midterm

It is time for midterms and next week we will have a review session. I am going to do a special blog posting that will contain the study guide. Since we are out today (January 21) due to snow, I wanted you to have the guide so you would have ample time to prepare for the exam.

Welcome Back Mr. Young

Mr. Young, our student teacher from Salve Regina University, has returned and will start working with you next week. This is a great learning opportunity for all of us. Let’s all welcome Mr. Young back to MHS!

A Time For Heroes

Reading about international and national events every day can sometimes cause us to be discouraged by the violence and senseless acts of cruelty to one another. This week we witnessed the deranged actions of one young man that ended in the death of 6 innocent people, including a federal judge and a 9 year old girl, and the wounding of 13 others, among them Representative Gabrielle Giffords. President Obama in a moving address to the nation called for a “new era of civility” in our political discussions. We must always be mindful of how our words can affect others. It seems fitting that after such a tragic event, we pause on Monday to remember a great American, Dr. Martin Luther King, who called for peaceful protest to move government in a direction that better serves all the people. We would all do well to take a moment this weekend and remember the powerful words and nonviolent strategy of Dr. King.

On the international front, there could be trouble brewing in Lebanon with the resignations of key members of the cabinet that threaten the coalition government. Will Lebanon turn towards Hezbollah or will it try to remain a stable, moderate force among the countries of South West Asia? Another country on the Mediterranean littoral, Tunisia, also experienced turmoil this week. Its President fled his country on Friday as protesters took to the streets in opposition to the past 23 years of authoritarian rule.

On January 19 the President of China, Hu Jintao will be visiting Washington DC to meet with President Obama on a variety of issues, but the top item on the agenda will be the economy. To understand the intensity of the economic competition between China and the US, you should read “A Better Offer from China,” an article in The New York Times that tells the story of a solar panel plant in Massachusetts that received over $43 million in government assistance but still decided to move its operation to central China, laying off 800 workers. The company, Evergreen Solar, said the Chinese government was offering even higher government support.

While reading about Hu Jintao’s upcoming visit, I came across an article about a Chinese artist whose new studio had been torn down by the government in retaliation for his political protests. As a great supporter of the arts, I was appalled by this news. What type of government tears down an artist’s studio as a way to quiet dissent? The article demonstrates that while China continues to advance economically, it remains far from embarking on the path toward democracy.

East Asia Unit

Even though we had a snow day on Wednesday, we continued working off our syllabus and completing activities focused on getting to know East Asia. Your current event was due this week. Many of you did a great job summarizing and commenting on a wide variety of events in this region. The good news is that many of you are exceeding the standard on this assignment. The discouraging news is that only about 55% of students are handing in the work. You have one week to do the assignment so time should not be a factor.

This week we continued to look at the economy of China. You had several handouts that gave you information about challenges, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses of China. We also looked at other countries in the region and tried to decide which countries were developed and which countries were still in the process of developing. You could quickly see that even though China has a fast growing economy, they still have several challenges ahead of them as they try to spread the wealth to all regions of the country. In the computer lab, you worked with a partner on the comparison sheet of the US and Chinese economies by using a variety of web sites that contained economic data. You used these sheets to write generalizations and comparisons. Stepping back and looking at the big picture is a skill you will use time and again. We also watched a short clip from News Hour that described China’s fast growing economy.

You also had the opportunity to read Nicholas Kristof’s latest Sunday opinion piece “China Rises, and Checkmates.” This column tells the story of a 16 year old Chinese girl who recently won a world chess championship. Your assignment was to markup the text, do a 3-2-1 (3 big ideas, 2 connections, and 1 question) and then locate vocabulary you were not familiar with and look up the meanings. Time and time again, teachers are told that increasing students’ vocabulary skills is the number one way to improve their thinking and writing. So look up those words and add them to your vocabulary!

We also started reading an UpFront article on “China, the Next Generation.” You have a worksheet with guiding questions. You should complete this assignment for homework.

Finally, we heard a video from Dr. Andrew Erickson, a professor at the Naval War College who answered the question: why do high school students need to know about China? After completing this unit that would be an interesting question for a mid-term exam (hint-hint).

After School Library Hours

Starting next week, the MHS library is going to be open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons until 3:15. This is especially good news for students who need access to computers, the internet and printers. So take advantage of some quiet study time and access to technology.

Congratulations

Great job to all of our athletes who have had so many great accomplishments the past few weeks. I have had the pleasure of reading about gymnasts, swimmers, basketball players and wrestlers. It is rewarding to see your hard work and dedication to your team paying off.

We have lost a hero

This week we lost one of our true World War II American heroes, Major Dick Winters. Major Winter’s courage and leadership became widely known through the book and mini-series “Band of Brothers,” which followed the experiences of Easy Company from boot camp through the D-Day invasion and the final months of fighting that led to Germany’s surrender in 1945. He was a modest man who remained devoted to his wartime comrades until his death at 92.

The Week of Winners

This week marked the beginning of the 112th Congress with the election of Representative John Boehner (R-Ohio) as Speaker of the House. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal), the former Speaker of the House and the first woman elected to that position, turned over the gavel to Boehner in a peaceful transfer of power. The election of November 2010 brought in 96 new members of Congress with 87 being Republicans and 9 Democrats. With this new surge of Republican members, they have now taken control of the leadership positions in the House. The Senate remains in the hands of the Democrats. While we may say “Oh, just another election,” many countries around the world hold us in awe as we transfer power from one party to the next with no violence or threat to life. While our country has many problems, we can rely on a stable, peaceful transition between elections. This political stability is one reason investors like to put their money in the USA. We will have to see if this international confidence in the U.S. holds up as Congress confronts the enormous deficit built up over the past 10 years. As an old-timer, it is hard for me to believe we are in such a situation ten years after President Clinton left office with a surplus and a plan to pay down our debt. How times change!

Closer to home, Governor Chafee was sworn into office in Providence this week along with the other new state officials. He is the first governor in Rhode Island elected as an independent. It appears many citizens were tired of old-time politics and looked to a familiar name, Chafee, that they associate with trust and confidence.

East Asia

This week you received your new syllabus for our unit on East Asia. The syllabus is your guide for the upcoming assignments. It is especially helpful to students who are absent as you can look at the syllabus and see what you have missed. Our first assignment was a text reading that gave you background on China. As you progress through your years of schooling and your careers, background knowledge is essential as it helps you learn new information. If you know nothing about a topic, it is more difficult for your brain to retain new information. This is why general reading, watching the news, and talking with friends about a variety of topics helps you build a store of knowledge that will help you learn new information. We also did a map of the region that you were expected to complete during class time. The region is large in size but has only six countries. The map and notes from your reading became the basis for your quiz. You were able to use your work to help you answer the quiz questions.

To help you see how this region has become known for its manufacturing prowess, we did a “geography of the house” activity. You were given a list of everyday items that you have at home and you had to identify the brand name and country of origin. When you reported back to the class, we quickly saw that much of the electronic equipment we own comes from China and Japan. A quick look at backpacks and sneakers also showed us that many of these items are made in East Asia.

You also worked on an “Is China Rich?” sheet that gave you a list of facts about the region and you had to decide if each aspect was a strength, weakness, threat or opportunity. We had a good discussion as we worked down the list and saw how your position in life affects the way you interpret information. Low wages could be seen as a strength if you own the company but a weakness if you are a worker. Point of view and perspective are especially important for us to recognize when studying Asia, as many Asian philosophies differ from Western perspectives. We will learn more about this as we look at the impact of Confucian thinking on Asia.

I also shared with you a power point on the Tianmen Mountains and the road leading to the summit. While the pictures gave you a sense of geography, they also illustrated the enormous engineering capabilities of China. Next week, I will share with you some of the photos I took on my own trip to China and you will see that this country has a history of accomplishing great things, ranging from the construction of The Great Wall to the 2008 Olympic Village.

On Friday our room was being painted so we had the opportunity to work in the library with Mr. Fontaine on editorial cartoons about this region. Cartoons are a popular and effective way of conveying information about a variety of topics, people, or events. Your assignment was to locate a cartoon that engaged you, write an analysis using your cartoon analysis sheet as a guide and then posting the information on Voicethread.com. After you posted your cartoon and commentary, you looked at the cartoons posted by your fellow students and wrote an additional comment. As Mr. Fontaine told you, collaboration, working together and using the internet to share tasks is what the real work world is all about. I have posted the cartoons on the blog by class period, so take a few minutes and review the postings…a fun way to learn more about this region.

Current Events

A current event from this region is due on Monday January 10 for periods C and D. Periods A, B and E will have their event due on January 11. You have been doing this assignment since September, you have clear expectations, and you have had examples of work meeting or exceeding the standard. By now you should be earning high grades for this assignment. If you are still struggling with it, please come by during Advisory or after school so we can get you on the right track.

We have a winner!

Congratulations to SS who was the 1,000th visitor to the blog. She followed the directions to claim her prize: a pass on the next current event and a guaranteed score of 10 for her status of assignment sheet!

Sullivan-Period C-3

sullivan-period B-2

sullivan-period A-1

sullivan D-5

sullivan-period E-6

Happy New Year!

This long winter break hopefully has given everyone the opportunity to rest, relax, and be rejuvenated for the New Year. It is also a natural time to reflect and to make positive changes for an even better 2011. While we are confronted with many challenges we also have many opportunities. Let’s decide to use each day in the most positive way possible.

MHS E-mail Accounts

In today’s work world, most employees have email accounts. Yes...I know you have an email account with Yahoo or Hotmail but those are personal accounts that you use with friends and family. As a student you need a business email and that is where the MHS email account comes into play. Efforts are underway for all MHS students to have an email account. The school will be using email to make announcements and to keep in touch with you on a variety of topics. I have begun using MHS email to students for individual announcements so make sure you check your account from time to time.

CWI

We have finished our unit on South Asia and will begin a new unit on East Asia on Monday. This area of the world includes China, Japan and the Koreas. If you have been watching the news, all of these countries have been featured as lead stories. We will start with our map and a current event will be due the following week.

Year in Review

Many papers and magazines print special end of the year editions with photos that tell the key stories of the year. The New York Times has a special slide show that you can view with many award winning photos.

A New Year…A Time for Resolutions

The beginning of a new year is a great time to pause and think about your goals and aspirations not only for the year 2011 but also for the long term. The work habits, skills, and knowledge that you are gathering in high school will be the foundation for your future success. If you learn to set goals, establish work plans, and practice good study and living habits now, you can be assured that future challenges will be met with success. I have never encountered a person who wished they had studied less, read fewer books, gotten lower grades, or ignored their friends and community. So take the time at the start of this fresh and exciting year to write down two or three goals for the year. Keep them handy, consult them often and strive to complete your tasks at hand. You will never regret taking the time to contemplate your future and to plan accordingly.

1,000

I will be monitoring the blog as we approach the 1,000 visitor. What exciting prizes will the 1,000 visitor encounter? If you are the one, post a comment that you want to claim the reward and email me using your MHS account to verify the visit. This is exciting!!!