Tax Day

April 15^th of each year is traditionally tax day in the United States.  Since the 15^th fell on a Sunday this year and the 16^th is a holiday in Washington, D.C., the tax day this year is April 17^th.  Regardless of the actual day, Americans from sea to shining sea are asked to account for their income during the prior calendar year and pay Uncle Sam their share. 

Whether it is due to the fact we are in an election year or our obsession with the economic woes of the United States, there are countless articles, blog and other editorials concerning taxes and tax rates.  Articles regarding how much the President paid versus his secretary, how much we all pay as a result of people cheating on their taxes, what effect the Buffett rule will have on all of us are littering the internet.

Taxes are necessary if we are going to live in operate in a civilized democracy.  It is necessary for each of us to pay our fair share to provide for many of the services we take for granted.  Tax dollars pay for schools, emergency services, military services, highways and street systems in addition to countless other programs and services.  The question becomes what is a “fair share”. 

In the United States we employ a progressive tax structure when it comes to individual income tax.  A progressive tax is based on a sliding scale that increases as your income increases.  While this may seem unfair to some, there are many offsets to personal income taxes available to individuals for various reasons.  As a result it is possible for someone with higher income to pay a lower percentage than others based on their exceptions or deductions.

What do you know about the federal income tax system?  What other taxes are you aware of?  How would you determine the “fair share” each family should pay?  

Hunger Games

You convinced me the Hunger Games was a worthy topic to dedicate to my blog.  It has not been unnoticed the number of Hunger Games books carried around the school by our middle school students.  If you are like me the recent release of the movie has inspired me to pick up the book. (Yes, I am reading it as well.)  Discussing the story in greater detail inspired me to spend Saturday reading.  I have about 80 pages left.    

In addition to being a good story, the topic is an interesting perspective on our culture and where we are potentially heading.  As I talked about with the 8^th grade class, there appears to be many elements described in the book which mirror the world we are living in, specifically our fascination with reality media.  Television, YouTube, and Facebook, amongst others, are driving our social awareness and perception of reality.  While we would like to think the Hunger Games is taking reality television to a whole new level, but how far is the stretch from what we watch today. 

“Survivor” takes some number of castaways each season, drops them in some sort of desolate area and forces them to find their own water, food, and shelter.  Although they are initially placed in tribes, eventually they have to pick each other off one by one.  They form alliances, cheat, steal, manipulate their way to victory.  Minus the killing, this sounds oddly familiar. 

We seem to have a fascination with watching “real” people.  It has created an entirely new genre in television and provides us all an opportunity to become famous.  Throw in the internet and if you film “Charlie” biting his brother finger, you can be the most watch video clip of all time with more than 442 million views. 

Why are we fascinated with watching reality media?  What do you watch and why?  What values and morals are promoted?  Where do you think the future of television is heading?

Continued Problems in the Middle East

For more than a year we have heard of continued troubles with governments, protests, civil war, and violations of human rights throughout the Middle East.  Whether it was the transitions of governments in Tunisia and Egypt, the death of Kaddafi in Libya, or now the brink of civil war in Syria, there seems to be no end in sight to the political, social, and economic unrest.

Below is a link to an interactive map from CNN which allows you to review the events of various Middle Eastern nations:

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2011/arab.unrest/index.html

Most recently we have been hearing constant reports from Syria.  For more than a year citizen protesters have been demanding improved economic conditions, protection of personal rights and political change.  Their demands include the removal of the President Bashar al-Assad.  As the conflict has escalated, both sides have committed many acts of violence against their opposition including kidnapping, torture and execution.  Unfortunately, many of the deaths or violence from the government has been committed against civilians.  To date the United Nations is claiming approximately 8,000 civilians have been killed during this conflict.  News reports are unable to confirm reports due to the Syrian government’s severe restrictions placed on journalists from around the world. 

Many members of the United Nations Security Council, including the United States, have been asking for the removal of President al-Assad.  Sadly, the entire United Nations has not been in agreement concerning the course of action.  Russia and China have been the dissenting votes of stronger action against the Syrian government until recently.  Over the weekend, a number of acts of violence including car bombings and a change to the proposal of action by the United Nations have loosened the Russian stance.

The United Nations has agreed to send former U.N. Secretary Kofi Annan into the region with other representatives to attempt to bring the groups together and end the violence and crimes against humanity.  While Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is please to see progress, she and others are not sure these actions will be enough to end the bloodshed.

How much do you know about the numerous events from the Middle East?  Do you think we should know more?  When do you think it is necessary for the United States to get involved?  And how should the United States be involved?

Women's History Month

March has been designated as Women’s History Month.  The Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives and Records Administration, the National Park Service and other government agencies have partnered in paying tribute to the past and present women who have done so much to shape and progress our world. 

This year’s theme is “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment”.  As we have talked in class, education is the key to all future success.  Whether it is developing a nation, building a community or empowering a group of people, with education anything is possible.  Without education life is not only difficult, but obstacles can be immoveable.  Education is the key to freedom from whatever holds you back.  This insight was not always so obvious. 

While women have always made significant contributions to our country, it is not surprising to me that as more women are entering and completing college that we are seeing more and more women in high profile positions.  This is the first generation with more women enrolled in college than men.  This is truly incredible when you consider social bias against higher education for women was dominant until the 1970’s.  Up through the 1970’s college majors and degrees were often limited to your gender, whether that be through actual college requirements or societal pressure.   Today, women are afforded the same opportunities as men. 

Much of the progress can be attributed to Title IX legislation.  Title IX prohibits gender discrimination by any institute receiving federal funds.  Title IX provides equal access to education, facilities, and scholarships to women.  In addition to academics, women’s participation in athletics has increase by 900% in high school and 450% in collegiate activities.  The impact has been incredible. 

What women stand out to you as making significant contributions to our country and why?  What do you think of Title IX and its impact?  In your lifetime, what “firsts” do you think you will see from women?

Dr. Seuss's Birthday

March 2^nd marks the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.  While it may seem trivial to celebrate an author of children’s books, it is hard to imagine what life would be like without the influence of The Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham.

Now that you are older I can imagine you may have lost an appreciation for the genius of Dr. Seuss and his work.  But as you watch the number of first graders and kindergarteners walking around looking like Thing 1 and Thing 2, it is difficult to deny the cultural and educational impact his work has had on society.

In addition to celebrating his birthday, this year they are releasing a movie “The Lorax”.  While it seems like a simple, enjoyable children’s story, it is also a political and social statement by Dr. Seuss concerning the over industrialization of our world and the fear of losing our natural resources.  Dr. Seuss often used his stories to not only entertain and engage children in reading, but provide insight into the world for the parents reading the books.  One of the most gifted books at high school graduation is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”  It’s not so subtle message about how to live your life, through the good times and the bad is extremely relevant to people entering into new phases of their lives.

Did you read or were you read Dr. Seuss stories when you were a child?  If so, what is your favorite and why?  What do you think about the younger kids at school celebrating his birthday?  

Smart Phones in the Classrooms

The Idaho Statesman published an article last week about the change in policy in the Meridian School District concerning the use of cell phones and smart phones during school hours.  While it is still left to the discretion of the teacher during class, students are allowed to use their phones in the hallways and common areas.  After years of trying to stop their use, the school district realized the ongoing disciplinary problems they were having with no clear solution.  Instead of trying to limit their use, they are choosing to embrace it.

Teachers are given the final say as to what and when the devices are used during class.  While no teachers are allowing texting or calls during class, many have decided to leverage the technology and incorporate the use in the curriculum.  For example students take pictures of chemistry experiments to use in Power Point presentations, they are able to use the calculator function for algebra or calculus, and translate foreign languages using the Google translator. 

What do you think of the new policy in Meridian?  How do you think it would be possible to incorporate smart phone technology in the classroom?  What problems would teachers and students need to overcome?

Black History Month - 2012

Since 1976, the United States and Canada have recognized February as Black History Month.  The idea to dedicate time to the contributions of African Americans was originated in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson.   His vision was to increase the awareness of people and communities to the significant additions African Americans have made to the overall history of the United States. 

His vision has grown since 1926 to include an entire month where elementary, junior high and high school students take time to learn about notable figures and accomplishments of African Americans.

Black History Month’s annual celebration has come with its fair share of criticism.  From questioning the need to dedicate an entire month to a single race to complaints about the month chosen being the shortest month of the year, the opinions are as varied as they can be outlandish.

Regardless, the idea to educate ourselves about the historical influence countless African Americans have had on our country and communities is with merit.  It is a time to dig past the dates and names to attempt to put you in the shoes of race of people who have struggled to gain an equal footing in the United States. 

Without Black History Month we may be familiar but not as cognizant of the incredible feats of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, or Maya Angelou.  The contributions African Americans have made to the fabric of the United States are without question. 

Throughout the history of the United States which African Americans have inspired you and why?  The person you choose can be as recent as Tiger Woods or as old as Frederick Douglas.  They person can be real or fictional.  Which stories resonate with you?  For example, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, or Ruby Bridges.