If it's the autumn of an election year, it's time for POLITICS! Which, in this day and age of course, means that it's time to argue with each other over the internets....hence this blog. For you RLA kids, this is the place to go as we countdown to Election Day 2012 (Which, BTW, is Tuesday, November 6th)

Anyway, here's the plan. As we wade our way through the various issues and races, we'll be posting our thoughts on this blog. And yes, I will be reading them. And yes, I will be grading you based on your posts (passion, clarity of thought, knowledge of the issues, validity of your argument, etc.)

Got it?

Up first is the case study of the Keystone XL Pipeline from your "refresher" reading on the Federal Government.

Here's the question: Regarding the Obama administration's handling of the Keystone XL Pipeline, give them a letter grade and explain why you gave it to them?

Got it? Give Obama a grade on his handling of Keystone XL and explain your rationale in the comment section below this post.

-Ned-

p.s. If you're so inclined, please feel free to respectfully comment on the posts of your classmates.

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A Nation Among Nations

"A Nation Among Nations," by Thomas Bender

pp. 79 - 102: A Continuous War, 1754 - 1783; 1783; and The Age of Atlantic Revolutions

PPT Project: Due Tuesday, February 28th @ 11:00am - NO EXCEPTIONS; Presentations on Wednesday, February 29th.

Here's the plan...

Read pages 79 - 102 and take copious, detailed, and insightful notes. Either alone or with a partner (no trios!), compile a PPT demonstrating a clear understanding of the text in the context of teaching and learning American History in an international context.

Cool?

9th and 10th Graders:
15 - 20 Slides
One photo or map per slide
Your theis must start and finish your PPT
Two out of the three primary source documents (North & South Columbia, Simon Bolivar, and Jose Marti) must be incorporated. Don't panic, I'll pass these out later.
Your PPT must also include a definition of "The Bolton Thesis" and whether or not you think it's even worth considering. Don't sweat this either, I'll teach you all about it on Thursday.

11th and 12th Graders
20 - 25 Slides
All three primary source documents must be included
All other requirements are the same, but I'm expecting work that represents your (alleged) intellectual maturity.

Questions? Come see me ASAP.

Get started, now.

-Ned-

RLA goes to Olympia: 2012

First of all, relax. Despite what you might have heard about their reptilian nature, politicians are made of flesh and bone like the rest of us. Their hair and offices can be a little intimidating, but just remember that they work for you and LOVE talking to their constituents.

Here's the plan:

Tuesday Afternoon: Go over the two lessons provided by the WCAN organization and the Washington State Legislature (district, house, senate, committees, minority/majority, etc.)

Wednesday - Thursday: Background research on WCAN and issues related to educational funding in Washington State:

- Levy Equalization
- Charter Schools
- State Constitutional Crisis
- Spokane Medical School
- Cost of Higher Ed MORE INFO:
- Etc.

Friday: Compose letters and practice for meetings with Legislators, final preparation, etc.