It’s time to take another vicarious vacation with a local adventurer as part of the Idaho Museum of Natural History’s Armchair Traveler lecture series. Join Carole McWilliam, Ph.D., for the third presentation as she recounts her life-changing expedition to Bhutan, a seldom-visited country nestled in the eastern Himalayas.
McWilliam’s free public talk entitled “The Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan” will be held Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Museum’s Classroom. One of the 10 biodiversity hot spots in the world, Bhutan’s government works hard to preserve its cultural and natural environments. McWilliam recalls, “People had told me that Bhutan was different but I did not expect to see the change so suddenly when we crossed the border from India. All of a sudden, things moved more slowly; there was less traffic; it was quieter.”
McWilliam graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia before moving to Idaho where she received an M.S. in Education Administration at ISU. She later completed a PhD in Education Administration at the University of Utah. Dr. McWilliam was the vice-principal and principal for a number of Pocatello schools before moving to the district office. She served first as the director of secondary education and then became the assistant superintendent. In addition, Dr. McWilliam served on the State Board of Education for five years.
A well-seasoned traveler, Dr. McWilliams will share her unique insights on this seldom visited corner of the world. She adds, “I have always loved to travel. Traveling to other continents opens your eyes to the fact that there is always other ways to view things. Travel makes you more aware of the world situations.”
For more information on the presentation, contact Kristin Fletcher at the Idaho Museum of Natural History at (208) 282-2262 or fletkris@isu.edu.
USA Today reports that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney probably should give a speech to declare he's not a captive of the Mormon church, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch said Tuesday.
"There's a concern that his religious beliefs might interfere with serving all people. There's no question they do not," said Hatch, also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "He needs to put that problem to bed."
The full story is at:
http://www.usatoday.com/new...
_____
This follows my earlier post:
A new survey shows Republican leaders want Mitt Romney to give a speech addressing his Mormonism, even as a prominent evangelical supporter is urging fellow Christian conservatives to look past the religion of the former governor.
In a National Journal survey of 83 GOP "insiders," who include lobbyists, party activists, and strategists, 59 percent said they wanted Romney to give a speech soon on his religion, like the one John F. Kennedy delivered in 1960 on his Catholicism before he was elected the nation's first Catholic president. When the Journal polled 79 Democratic insiders, 44 percent said they believed Romney should give such a speech.
Romney spokesman Kevin Madden said in a statement Thursday, "Governor Romney has previously said he was considering addressing the issue of faith and values, but he has not yet made that decision. The decision is a personal one that remains under consideration."
For the full story, see:
http://www.magicvalley.com/...
_____
That post created the following dialogue:
posted by marci4tony on Oct 26, 2007 at 11:08 AM
|
Its a shame there is so much emphasis on RELIGION and less emphasis on VALUES...
The two should NOT be confused at this time.
|
|
posted by nilseninc on Oct 26, 2007 at 04:45 PM
|
religion, such as mormonism determines and shapes your values. if you are a "true mormon" your values would be as the church teaches... therefore people wanting to know about your religion is a common thing, especially in mormonism because it is a newer religion and people do not know much about it. the things people do know are mostly wrong too.
|
|
posted by mbogo on Oct 28, 2007 at 09:55 PM
I think a candidate's values ought to be a major consideration as well as qualifications and past accomplishments. I am very familiar with Mitt Romneys values and am pretty comfortable with them. His personal accomplishments in business, in saving the Salt Lake City Olympic Games and as Governor, are more impressive than anything any of the Democratic candidates can claim. Rudy Giuliani is another candidate who has proven himself capable in tough or even crisis situations,but he isn't as conservative on some issues as I would have hoped. Fred Thompson sounds like he has a pretty good understanding of the qualifications nessassary for the job. I like John McCain also, but am not sure I would be comfortable with him as President.
It seems to me that if the Republican Party can produce Three or four candidates that really have some impressive qualifications and accomplishments as well as values most Americans believe in, the Democratic Party ought to be able to be able to do like wise. So, why don't they do so? Surly the Democratic Party has more qualified leaders than the ones who are currently campaining for their party's nomination.
What do you think Michael?
|
|
posted by MichaelStrickland on Nov 8, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Mbogo,
You are correct that the Republicans have a slate that clearly seems more presidential than the list of Democrats who seek the oval office.
The Guiliani's and Romney's of the world have shown that they have clear, battle tested credentials to lead the nation.
They can unify and make clear, tough decisions.
I can't say this about Obama or Hillary.
And talking about one's faith should be as integral to a person as talking about anything else in their life.
|
_____
There is also this story:
Romney's religion won't be spared in YouTube debate
Article Last Updated: 11/28/2007
If Mitt Romney is elected president, will he let the president of the LDS Church dictate what to do?
That is one of the several questions YouTube users have submitted for the first Republican presidential debate featuring questions from the online video site. CNN, which will air the debate today at 6 p.m. MDT, has yet to say what videos it will show during the forum but several user-produced questions have keyed in on Romney's Mormon faith and how it affects his race and his potential presidency.
David, of Las Vegas, sat in front of a camera and recorded his question wondering how Romney would deal with orders from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"If there were instruction or directive given to you from Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, if you took office, to say, ignore illegal alien issues or something else that you campaigned on, would your loyalty go toward your campaign promises or would it go toward the will of the prophet?" David asked.
The full story is at:
_____
As I alluded to in the earlier dialogue, my sentiments on the matter coincide with those of Senator Orrin Hatch. It is also very clear that David from Las Vegas (in the Salt Lake Tribune story above) asks a valid question. It will be interesting to hear Romney's answer.
-- Michael
_____
What do you think?
More than 100 community, industry and education representatives – including Tom Luna, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction – came together at a recent Pocatello Chamber of Commerce luncheon to support a new scholarship program for high school students enrolled in the Idaho State University Early College Program.
Luna, who has requested $3.5 million in the upcoming public schools budget to support concurrent enrollment programs throughout the state, expressed his belief in the value of these programs, not only in southeast Idaho, but across the state. He was the keynote speaker at a Chamber luncheon.
“We must ensure every Idaho student leaves high school prepared to live and work in the 21st century, no matter what path they choose – college, professional-technical school, directly into the work force or to join the military,” said Luna. “Offering concurrent credit opportunities to our students is a great way we can help prepare these students for the world that awaits them.”
At the local level, the Chamber’s Education Committee announced it will provide scholarships, through the receipt of generous donations by the Idaho National Laboratory and local businesses, for some of the students in the District 25 (Pocatello/Chubbuck) school district who are enrolled in the Early College Program and are taking classes at their high schools.
District 25 Superintendent Mary Vagner said the collaboration of the Chamber, the business community, the school district, and the university is “a win for everyone.” Early College teachers are given the opportunity to teach more challenging courses and collaborate with their university colleagues. But most significantly it is a win for the students who are helped through this program to earn college credits while still in high school, she said.
The Chamber’s scholarship program makes this program more accessible than ever, according to Steve Neiheisel, Ph.D., ISU associate provost for enrollment management. With nearly $12,000 to date, the scholarship fund is enough to support 60 students each for a typical three-credit course per academic school year. The Chamber’s scholarship program is a great model of collaboration for other communities to follow in support of an educational program that increases the opportunities for high school students to attend and succeed at college, he said.
Moving beyond the local community and recognizing the value of concurrent enrollment programs, ISU has in the past year signed Memorandums of Understanding to increase the offerings and opportunities for the program with school districts included in Regions V and VI.
Schools in Region V participating in the program include District 25 in Pocatello, along with schools from Soda Springs, Grace, North Gem, Malad, Marsh Valley, Aberdeen, American Falls, Sho-Ban, Snake River, Preston and West Side. Participating schools this academic year in Region VI include Bonneville, Hillcrest, Skyline, Rigby, Challis, Teton, West Jefferson, and Madison.
“With local efforts like the Chamber’s Education Scholarship program, regional efforts like the memorandums of understanding between ISU and the school districts,” Neiheisel said, “and with statewide efforts led by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, it’s a win for everyone involved.”
Students may access the application by visiting the District Foundation section of the District 25 Web site at web1.d25.k12.id.us/home/grant/index.htm and click on the “Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship Application” link listed on the left side of the page.
The major contributor to the District 25 Early College Scholarships was the INL along with generous donations from a variety of businesses, individuals and public agencies.
The ISU Early College Program, sometimes called concurrent or dual enrollment, provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credits at a significantly reduced rate while still in high school. College-level classes are taught in the high school by secondary teachers who have been approved, based upon their education and experience, as adjunct ISU instructors.
This fall 974 high school students are participating in classes for academic college credit in the ISU program in Idaho, while 464 students are registered in ISU Tech Prep Classes. At $65 credit for the Early College Program or $15 a credit for the Tech Prep program, rather than the on-campus rate of $221, this program gives students the chance to gain experience with the rigor of college courses and confidence in their ability to succeed in higher level study. Some students, who are ready for courses not available at their high school, enroll in classes held on the college campus at $169 per credit.
Just a quick reminder of this weeks TLC (True Loyal Connections) Meeting.
Tuesday, November 27th, at The Continental Bistro, 140 S. Main in Old Town Pocatello.
Time: 11:45 to 1:00 pm
Molly Proctor with Edward Jones will be presenting for us this week.
If you’re crunched for time there will be a soup and salad bar for $5.50 or you can call your lunch in ahead of time if you like. The phone number for The Bistro is 233-4433.
The sole purpose of this time is to meet with Business Owners, Managers and Leaders to network, pass referrals and have lunch.
There is nothing to join, and no cost other than your lunch and a $1.00 voluntary donation to support our group. Bring a new friend and your lunch could be free!
Remember, everyone who attends is eligible to win a free dinner courtesy of The Continental Bistro.
If you have any questions please call Troy Neu at 234-2679.
Troy Neu
Old Town Embroidery
208-234-2679
208-251-9910
Just a quick reminder of this weeks TLC (True Loyal Connections) Meeting.
Tuesday, November 20th, at The Continental Bistro, 140 S. Main in Old Town Pocatello.
Time: 11:45 to 1:00 pm
Rick Cheatum with ISU Federal Credit Union will be presenting for us this week.
If you’re crunched for time there will be a soup and salad bar for $5.50 or you can call your lunch in ahead of time if you like. The phone number for The Bistro is 233-4433.
The sole purpose of this time is to meet with Business Owners, Managers and Leaders to network, pass referrals and have lunch.
There is nothing to join, and no cost other than your lunch and a $1.00 voluntary donation to support our group. Bring a new friend and your lunch could be free!
Remember, everyone who attends is eligible to win a free dinner courtesy of The Continental Bistro.
If you have any questions please call Troy Neu at 234-2679.
Troy Neu
Old Town Embroidery
208-234-2679
208-251-9910
The Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health is offering free public regional children’s mental health trainings in Blackfoot, Twin Falls, Nampa and Post Falls in the spring of 2008.
The Better Todays. Better Tomorrows. and Youth Suicide Prevention courses are designed to help adult gatekeepers identify warnings signs of suicide and mental disorders and encourage families to seek timely and appropriate treatment for their children and youth.
The trainings are conducted with funding from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
“Too often, children with mental health concerns go unidentified,” said Ann Kirkwood, project director and senior research associate for the IRH. “Unidentified mental health concerns can lead to poor school performance, substance abuse and even suicide. This training explores the risk factors and warning signs for mental disorders and suicide.”
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Idaho young people. Idaho consistently ranks in the top ten states for the rate of suicide among that group. Studies indicate that up to 94 percent of youth who complete suicide have a mental health problem.
“In 2003, about 16 percent of Idaho’s youth seriously considered suicide, and 14 percent planned a suicide attempt,” Kirkwood said. “Between 2000 and 2004, 188 Idaho youth completed suicide.”
Free continuing education units are offered for social workers, counselors and nurses, who attend the trainings on both days. Other professionals are provided with certificates of attendance. Anyone who cares for or about Idaho children and youth is invited to attend, including parents, educators, foster parents, religious leaders, youth group leaders, psychosocial rehabilitation providers and college students and faculty.
The training calendar for 2008 is as follows:
• Jan. 23 - 24: Nampa, Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho, 315 Stampede Drive
* Jan. 23: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
* Jan. 24: 8 a.m. - noon
• Feb. 27 - 28: Twin Falls, College of Southern Idaho, Taylor Administration Building, 315 Falls Ave.
* Feb. 27: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
* Feb. 28: 8 a.m. - noon
• March 12 - 13: Blackfoot, Shilling House, 81 N. Shilling Ave.
* March 12: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
* March 13: 8 a.m. - noon
• April 8 - 9: Post Falls, Real Life Ministries, 1866 Cecil Road
* April 8: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
* April 9: 8 a.m. - Noon
Pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, contact Marsha Tracy at (208) 373-1799 or todays@isu.edu or Idaho State University, Institute of Rural Health, 12301 W. Explorer Dr. #102, Boise, ID 83713.
“From cradle to grave, from the molecule all the way to the device,” scientists at Idaho’s three largest public universities are working with itsy-bitsy pieces of matter – one-billionth-of-a-meter particles – in attempt to develop new materials for use in energy applications or in the semiconductor industry.
At Idaho State University, chemistry professors René Rodriguez, Ph.D., and Joshua Pak, Ph.D., and physics professor Alan Hunt, Ph.D., have found organic, carbon-based materials that have good prospects for use as solar cells.
Rodriguez will be the grant’s principal investigator. He and his colleagues are testing the efficiency of these materials for storing energy.
Researchers at the University of Idaho and Boise State University are attempting to make a new magnetic material that can be used as a base for the organic material being developed at ISU. The combined base and organic material could then be used in a similar manner as are silicon wafer boards.
The advantage of organic materials are that they are lightweight, inexpensive and easy to fabricate relative to silicon-based devices, which are expensive and tough to manufacture. The problem with the organic materials is that their efficiency is low relative to silicon. Researchers are trying to find materials that are efficient enough to be a viable alternative to current materials.
In this project chemists are working with physicists. The ISU, BSU and UI researchers, who are working in tandem, have received a $440,000 Department of Energy Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grant this year to continue their work. The institutions will receive a total of $1.3 million over the next three years. This funding is a continuation of a previous three-year $1.1 million grant the institutions received.
In all, there are nine researchers involved in the grant, four at the UI, three at ISU and two at BSU. The researchers at UI are physics professors You Qiang, Leah Bergman and Chris Berven and chemistry professor Pamela Shapiro. At BSU physics professors Alex Punnoose and Dmitri Tenne are involved.
“The EPSCoR grant is being used by researchers at all three universities for nano-particle materials development,” said René Rodriguez, Ph.D., ISU professor of chemistry and the grant’s principal investigator. “Several are trying to develop new materials for a ‘spintronic’ type of magnetic memory. Others are working to develop new materials for use in solar cells and for general use as a semiconductor.”
Overall, one of the main purposes of the grants is to enhance the research base in Idaho for materials development.
“It is our hope that we will perform research collaboration in such a way that in three years Idaho may develop a statewide center of excellence for materials development,” Rodriguez said.
During the last three years the researchers for the most part were building the capabilities to complete the research they will performing during the next three years.
“Each university has its own unique capability so we send each other materials for analysis or further processing,” Rodriguez said.
Contact: Dr. René Rodriguez, (208) 282-2613
The Division of Student Affairs at Idaho State University invites everyone to attend a special panel discussion with time for audience participation on the topic “Free Speech and the University Campus” from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, in the Pond Student Union Building Canoe Room.
ISU associate general counsel Roy Collins will moderate. Panelists will consist of students, staff members and David Adler, Ph.D., a constitutional scholar and ISU professor of political science.
The Canoe Room is located on the main level of the PSUB, adjacent to the main food-service area.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Many good things come out of Africa. Like the students who arrive from many of its 54 nations to study at Idaho State University…. great creators who remind the world where we all came from…. the irresistible music that inspired jazz, soul and rock, and still inspires musicians today…. the news of communities working to solve problems like AIDS, and serve their neighbors.
On Saturday, Dec. 1, people from all over eastern Idaho will have a special chance to travel “Into Africa” when the poet Frank Chipasula, Ph.D., will read his poetry and the Afro-beat group United Roots will perform from 6 to 10 p.m. in the ISU Rendezvous Complex Space Café. The rain site is the Bengal Café in the Pond Student Union Building. The reading and music are free and open to public. Food will also be available.
ISU’s African Students Association (ASA) arranged this free benefit event to honor global efforts to defeat AIDS. The event is co-sponsored by the Students Activities Board and Breaking Boundaries.
According to ASA president Moses Okeyo, “The Zulu maxim ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ (a person is a person through other persons) serves to show that we are all inter-connected: what affects one person in Timbuktu affects us all. Let’s come together, eat, dance, talk, laugh, cry, and remember those affected by the AIDS pandemic.”
Chipasula, a widely-published poet and teacher from Malawi, will travel from Southern Illinois to Pocatello. His poems depict visions of exile, hope, and cries for change. After a session with ISU’s English department, Chipasula will talk about his experiences and those of Africa. He will also present his poem, “Lament For a Teller of Tales Lost in the Season of AIDS,” which he wrote for Sony Labu Tansi, a fellow poet from Congo.
The crown of the evening will be United Roots, a group of African musicians from Boise; they will brighten the year’s end with their exciting repertoire of Afro-beat, reggae and hip-hop songs. The band’s mission is “to bring people together while celebrating the diversity that makes humanity so beautiful. Audiences can experience our art through a fusion of strings, drumming, chanting and dancing.” They plan to have a dance-off, with prizes for the winners.
The audience will also be treated to some traditional African food, served at a low cost, which will feature special dishes from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana.
All contributions from this event will go to the Women’s Initiative Network, a community program led by Catherine Chipembere. WIN helps Malawi communities in their fight against AIDS, with 12 pre-schools that serve more than 1,000 AIDS orphans. WIN also conducts workshops for women’s economic empowerment, water and sanitation, reproductive health, and youth development.
The whole community is invited to help celebrate the strength, beauty, and imagination of Africa.
Contact: John Couper, (208) 226-6154 or coupjohn@isu.edu, or Stephanie Benao, benastep@isu.edu
Slashdot points us to remarks the KISS frontman Gene Simmons made to Billboard, in which he blasted college students for free song downloading (unauthorized and other).
“The record industry is in such a mess,” he says. “I called for what it was when college kids first started download music for free — that they were crooks. I told every record label I spoke with that they just lit the fuse to their own bomb that was going to explode from under them and put them on the street.
“The record industry doesn’t have a f—-ing clue how to make money. It’s only their fault for letting foxes get into the henhouse and then wondering why there’s no eggs or chickens. Every little college kid, every freshly scrubbed little kid’s face should have been sued off the face of the earth. They should have taken their houses and cars and nipped it right there in the beginning. Those kids are putting 100,000 to a million people out of work.”
According to footnotes of academic blogs from the Chronicle of Higher Education, Simmons is working on two boxed sets — one of his material, one of KISS’s — and writing his third book, Ladies of the Night, a “personal and historical overview” on the profession of prostitution, which will be published by his own publishing company.
Unimpressed with Radiohead’s pay-what-you-want approach to its latest album release, Simmons told Billboard: “I open a store and say ‘Come on in and pay whatever you want.’ Are you on f—-ing crack? Do you really believe that’s a business model that works?”
__________
Michael's Thoughts:
This has been my best piece of Friday afternoon reading in a long time.
The thought of Gene Simmons harranguing anyone about ethics makes me giggle as if it’s time to take off for a wild weekend. The other person quoted in the article, expressing the same moral sentiments, is ... get this ... Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor.
Reality check: the music industry has been living in the past (didn't you just love the Jethro Tull song/album by that name)?
Instead of acting like crybabies, why don't music moguls utilize their collective, creative genius and start working toward solutions?
As an author, I am a firm believer in the value of protecting intellectual property rights. I know how it feels to have one's creative work stolen. And I feel more for those who actually create things than for middlemen who profit through the consumer.
Those artists I feel for include Simmons, who with his peers wrote/sang the Kiss anthem -- "Shout it Out Loud."
Among the lyrics is:
Don't let them tell you that it's too much noise/
They're too old to really understand/
We'll still get rowdy with the girls and boys/
'cause it's time for you to take a stand/
_____
Simmons, the dude with the extended bloody tongue, should remember back to when he was the younger generation sticking to the oldsters.
Maybe that would put him in the headspace necessary to outthink the downloaders.
Matt Gutierrez was the star quarterback of last year's Idaho State Bengal football team:
Photo and stats above courtesy of Idaho State University Sports Information.
____
Gutierrez was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2007. He made his NFL debut, taking the last snap of the Patriots' 38-14 victory over the New York Jets on September 9, 2007. He completed his first NFL pass, a 15-yarder to Donte' Stallworth in the Patriots' 49-28 win over the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 21, 2007.
A colleague of mine, who teaches in Idaho, requested feedback on how different professors handle it when students have poor spelling and bad basic grammar in their papers for advanced or graduate classes.
Here are some suggestions that I was able to derive after dialogues with several college instructors:
First, it really depends on the level of writing. For example, if the writing is okay and they just need a refresher - I'll refer them to the writing center and also help them individually. If they don't have the skills to progress successfully at the level of the class - I'll suggest that they take a lower level writing course.
*****
For grad student writing, I use a rubric that includes things like mechanics, APA style, grammar, and so on, in addition to how well a paper addresses the content. The rubric makes it clear if/when they fall down due to poor writing.
I also recommend they get a copy of Elements of Style and read it, since it is only something like 100 pages.
*****
Also, please stress to these students that to be taken seriously as an educated adult, spelling and grammar count. I think a lot of these folks came from high schools where content took precedence over style. Both are important.
To be successful in life, they'll need to be able to write well-reasoned arguments in proper grammatical style. Students complain that college doesn't prepare them for the "real world" ... well, here's one area where we can help them make that connection.
*****
Grad students usually submit their paper electronically in MS Word. When I find a student with multiple grammar and spelling problems, I point out that Word underlines grammar mistakes in green and spelling mistakes in red. When I get the paper, there should be no green or red underlines. Or to be precise, very few, since Word's grammar and spelling checkers are not flawless. But students need to review those underlines before submitting the paper.
*****
If advanced students hand me something riddled with errors I insist that they rewrite it and that it be error free before they proceed with the course. The act of rewriting is both a good and exercise and a lesson in the fact that I am serious.
That said, there is always a student or two who just doesn't belong in an advanced class and this usually manifests itself in continued poor writing. Them I give a C for the semester which puts them out of other advanced classes.
*****
It depends on the student. I get a lot of international students and I tend to be more forgiving for students whose first language is not English. I DO have to understand what the student is saying and I DO insist that there be no (or few) spelling errors (that's just learning how to use spell check). But I'd much rather have a student learn to write in her own voice, rather than copy and cite. I also insist that students use proper APA referencing... that's just learning how to follow instructions from the APA Handbook.
*****
A good/excellent academic writing style, spelling and grammar have always been on the marking criteria we have been given at uni. I'm not sure how much it counts towards the grade, but having a paper handed back with the word, 'English!' in the feedback is generally not a good sign of a decent mark.
*****
I refer students to this website:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet....
*****
Students who cannot use punctuation, good grammar, and correctly spelled words do not get good grades in my advanced classes. I expect a certain basic level of literacy; if punctuation, good grammar, spelling, and capitalization are missing, so are good grades.
*****
I have had a few grad students in English who were atrocious writers. It can be quite late in the quarter before such a deficiency comes to the light, usually sixth week in my classes due to the due date of the first extended out-of-class writing assignment. I try to do an "intervention" at that point, throwing the Writing Center and an early deadline for a draft of the final paper at the student. I've still had to give Cs to all of the students with poor writing as they just haven't been able to make the necessary improvements in a short period of time. Who could? Writing skills require intensive and extended attention in order to improve. They are like a flat tire--going slow or trying to add air while driving does little or nothing to change the fundamental problem. Students need to pull over and change the tire. This can mean up to six months in an intensive English skills program. A native speaker or experienced bilingual student could probably make do with much less, but it would have to be focused training.
*****
I'm in the social sciences and I have a very strict grammar rubric for all upper level and grad classes, all of which have three or four ten-fifteen page papers per semester or the equivalent number of pages in various formats. The rubric is pretty simple: A = no more than five grammatical, punctuation, etc., errors, B = no more than ten, and so on. This is separate from content, so the best paper I've ever read content wise can be a C or even an F if there are too many errors.
Interestingly, as soon as I introduced this rubric, the papers improved immensely. It was like the scales fell from their eyes. There's nothing like an F on the first paper because of stupid errors to make a student perk up and proofread.
To offset the strict rubric, I also (1) have writing workshops where both other students and I look at drafts, (2) let students who get lower than a B rewrite the paper (hoping that fixing the errors will help them learn) and then I average the original and the rewrite for the grade and (3) work individually with students who really don't know the rules. I have one or two students every semester who somehow managed to get to a senior level course without knowing the difference between a period and a comma.
Rubrics are magic.
Last year, I owed a babysitter $15. Lindsay was a bright, very responsible Idaho State University undergrad. A first-generation college-student, Lindsay spoke of how much she appreciated the opportunity to study and to create a better life for her future family.
While watching Lindsay play and joke, read stories, and change our daughter's diapers, I experienced the love, nurturing, and wonderful work ethic reflected in this young woman. My wife and I became excited as she taught them a few words in Spanish. Reaching into my wallet after Lindsay had finished the laborious chore of watching our two rambunctious rug rats, I noticed that I only had a $20 bill.
I handed it to Lindsay and said "just keep the other five."
Lindsay's eyes beamed. Her jaw dropped. She was so filled with gratitude and a positive sense of disbelief, at what I felt was a very minor action, that she tripped on her way out of the door.
"This had been a great year for ISU," said President Arthur Vailas. "We have raised more money for scholarships than ever before, and we have put more money and more focus into marketing."
Why is donating money to Idaho State University, for scholarships, so important?
In a recent dialogue with Communication and Rhetorical Studies Chair Jim DiSanza, we discussed how many of our students work two and three jobs to make ends meet. We talked about how we both know too many students who have to work that graveyard or other awful shifts, and then get up for a day of classes beginning at 8 o'clock. Corporate schedules, managers, and environments can be toxic. Sore feet and joints are common. Many people are still harassed in the workplace. It is not hard to see how such problems could negatively impact the academic performance and retention of even some of the very best students.
There are several ways that you can help. My favorite is a scholarship fund recently created for a student of color to study Communication and Rhetorical Studies at ISU. The last time I checked in, the fund was up to $300.
The timing couldn't be better. Something like 50 percent of ISU students are married, most of that group has children, and that number does not even take into account our many struggling single parents. The Lindsays of Idaho State face an amazing array of barriers and complications to earning the education necessary to enter the social and economic mainstream.
Gas prices have skyrocketed. And while ISU distance learning is on the rise, I still regularly meet students who simply can't get their course requirements completed because they live in places like Arimo, Idaho Falls, or Blackfoot.
Said William James, "The best use of life is to invest it in something which will outlast life." According to Vice President for University Advancement Kent Tingey, that is why your investment in Idaho State University is appreciated so much.
"Your assistance ensures a continuation of the legacy, generosity and commitment that built this outstanding institution," Kent said. "Your gift to Idaho State University of any size to any program or department makes a difference. This kindness is critical as we provide high quality education to
those who desire, seek and need it. The recipient benefits not only himself or herself individually, but all society. Education offers opportunity, equality and richness to those engaged in such a quest."
Fortunately, ISU First Lady Laura Vailas is cut from this same giving mold. She said that her biggest accomplishment while Associate Dean for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston, was writing proposals for minority student support. Laura brought in $9 million in two years.
When you finish reading this article, please sit down and write a check to the ISU Foundation, Campus Box 8050 921 S. 8th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83209. On the check and in your correspondence, note that it is earmarked for the scholarship fund for students of color to study Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Idaho State University.
Lindsay beamed and stumbled out of our door because I simply slipped her an extra $5. Kent summarized why: "your investment in education and this university which will pay rich dividends to you and to those who benefit from your kindness."
Diversity is on the frontburner of the Vailas administration, as they lead Idaho State to its inevitable position as a top-tier international research university. When you donate, envision the impact that your generosity will have on deserving students such as Lindsay.
Teaching for 19 years has allowed me to experience, first hand, the fact that children who have not developed good reading skills by the third grade will struggle through the remainder of their schooling and are at risk for dropping out.
"More of Idaho’s youngest pupils are reading at grade level this year, continuing a trend of improvements," the Post Register reports. "But for the first time since a special assessment program began in 2001, second- graders and third-graders failed to meet state benchmarks."
"The Legislature launched the statewide reading initiative with a set of escalating annual targets pinned to pupils’ scores on a quick 10-minute reading test," the story continues. "The goal: to catch youngsters who are not reading well and help them improve. Since 2001, the reading skills of Idaho’s youngest schoolchildren have been tracked by the Idaho Reading Indicator, a short test that increases in difficulty each year."
High stakes testing and increasing calls for accountability have caused the public to be more questioning of the schools. At the elementary level, most questions are directed toward the reading program. By using a newsletter, schools can offset misunderstandings and public criticism by answering some of those questions before they are asked.
School and classroom newsletters can be published monthly. Although contributions from all grades may be included, the teachers at different grades can share responsibility each month.
They should be written in language that is accessible to people other than educators with examples given whenever possible. For example: Research shows that small-group instruction promotes children's learning. At Sunnyside Elementary, we involve students in varied kinds of groupings as well as some whole-class and individualized instruction. At least two or three times a week, your child participates in small group guided reading. He or she also works in literature circles, where books are read, responded to, and
discussed. Research groups in social studies and science involve students in
reading and writing as well. The groups vary according to our purposes.
One or two suggestions for informal activities that parents can do with their children are helpful.
A parent's question box with frequently asked questions can be included. For example: Is their a homework policy at Theresa Bunker School? Are those workbooks in thedepartment store useful? How much television should I allow my children to watch? Very specific answers may not be suitable in all cases. However, parents welcome guidelines. Also, you might want to query some parents and have them offer their solutions to some questions.
Other suggestions for inclusion are children's work, a calendar of activities, and suggestions for community resources.
Such home/school connections must be enhanced if we really want to achieve
the concept of "no child left behind."
"Why can't most children's books be like this?" my wife asked while reading a copy of "Working Horses" by Mary Packard to our daughter, Neala. The narrative details how these muscular animals have played a role in almost every part of our work lives.
Last year, it was reported that students who took the Idaho Standards Achievement Test faced higher standards in reading, math and language arts set by federal No Child Left Behind legislation.
"For me, student learning remains the focus," Meridian Middle School Principal Lisa Austin said. "Eventually, the rest is going to take care of itself."
What types of books help keep that focus on student learning?
I have been receiving several samples to review for my children's book column in "The Reading Teacher," a journal of the International Reading Association. So now is a good time to ponder how Idaho educators can better utilize primary, narrative and high-interest nonfiction books. What types of texts and strategies are particularly effective for eastern Idaho teachers who regularly deal with reluctant readers?
To begin with, many publishers make their titles available on Accelerated Reader. Reading practice quizzes are the foundation of the Accelerated Reader program. Teachers measure students' comprehension of books they read independently, with an adult or have read to them. The objective is to help teachers motivate and monitor reading practice. They ensure a successful, positive experience if the student has read a book at the proper reading level.
One of my favorite books listed on Accelerated Reader is "Working Horses," which is from a series called "Horse Power." In the series, young children learn how these proud animals provide a valuable resource for people.
Children can appreciate horses' intelligence and gentle personalities as they learn how different breeds are trained to work alongside people. The texts reinforce the long-standing bond between horses and human beings.
Young learners need to enjoy, experience, explore and grow in knowledge of a text. Reading is a transactional process through which humans relate, construct and negotiate meaning.
For example, while cuddling on the living room couch between my wife and me, Neala especially enjoyed the book "Therapy Horses" by Catherine Nichols. It helped the three of us discover how horses help people live with such disabilities as cerebral palsy, blindness, down syndrome and autism. The book explains the different breeds best suited to become therapy animals and discusses how the animals are trained to carry riders with special needs.
Listening to children's responses is also vital. My wife and I received one of the best signs that a book has engaged a young reader: Neala asked for "Therapy Horses" to be read to her over and over again.
Brooke Anderson is doing a good job of finding diversity in Pocatello and weaving it into stories that highlight the beautiful tapestry that is this city.
-- Michael
________________
From the Tuesday, November 13, Idaho State Journal:
FACES OF IDAHO
Nepalese sisterhood
Trio seeking degrees at Idaho State University are all living together
BY BROOKE ANDERSON For the Journal
POCATELLO — The Sharma sisters came from Nepal to Pocatello one at a time, and now they live together. Rishika, 24, came here a year and a-half ago. Ritika, 20, has been here for one year. And Bhawika, 17, has been here for three months.
Shortly after Rishika arrived, she says, “I liked it so much here, I encouraged my sisters to apply (to Idaho State University).”
All three are now science students at ISU. They say a degree at an American university gives them an advantage when they start looking for jobs in their home country.
But for these three women, being here means they have parents who have faith in their children to get educated, work and live in a foreign country.
“In Nepal, most families want their daughters to get married. Our parents wanted us to be independent and study,” says Rishika, who is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental engineering. Their parents would probably be pleased to see that all three of their daughters are working part time at ISU while pursuing their degrees. Although Rishika was content to be on her own, she was happy when her younger sister joined her. “I came here because I heard that the microbiology program at ISU was good,” says Ritika. “I want to be a microbiologist and own my own lab. I want to do work for my country because microbiology is still developing in Nepal. We want to fulfill our dreams and our parents’ dreams.”
Bhawika studies biochemistry. When she joined her two sisters here three months ago, that left their 12-year-old brother, Tihar, as the only remaining child in their parents’ house.
But even with all three of their daughters living away from home in another continent, the Sharma sisters say their parents — father Arjun and mother Bhawani — are still happy.
“Our parents are protective. But it was easy for them to send us here. ISU is a secure environment, and it’s a quiet and safe place to study,” says Bhawika.
Further, their parents can take comfort that there’s a growing Nepalese community at ISU to keep them company.
Nepalese, who number 45 at ISU, represent the second largest group of international students after Indians, who total 65.
Rishika says when she first arrived here fewer than two years ago, she was just one of 15 Nepalese students at ISU. And even though the trio say they like it here, Nepal is still home.
“I realized after I came here how beautiful my country is. We’re from a valley surrounded by mountains that have snow year-round. It’s an area known for hanggliding and hiking,” says Ritika.
Rishika said, “We miss our food. I’ve been here for one and a-half years, and I’m still not used to sandwiches and pizza. There are certain spices and vegetables we eat in Nepal that can’t be found here.”
Ritika adds, “Sometimes when festivals happen back home, we miss Nepal. There was a festival on Nov. 11 to worship siblings and we missed our brother. But we still had fun because we were able to celebrate with friends in Pocatello this year.”
The sisters say they want to return to Nepal to their hometown of Poknara after completing their studies here. They also look forward to helping their home country.
“We want to go back to Nepal and contribute to the development of our country and prove that women can be as powerful as men,” says Bhawika.
But first, the sisters hope their parents can visit them in Pocatello.
Ritika says, “We’re proud of our parents. We want them to come here and see how we’re living and how we’ve become independent.”
Just a quick reminder of this weeks TLC (True Loyal Connections) Meeting.
Tuesday, November 13th, at The Continental Bistro, 140 S. Main in Old Town Pocatello.
Time: 11:45 to 1:00 pm
The United Way will be presenting for us this week.
If you’re crunched for time there will be a soup and salad bar for $5.50 or you can call your lunch in ahead of time if you like. The phone number for The Bistro is 233-4433.
The sole purpose of this time is to meet with Business Owners, Managers and Leaders to network, pass referrals and have lunch.
There is nothing to join, and no cost other than your lunch and a $1.00 voluntary donation to support our group. Bring a new friend and your lunch could be free!
Remember, everyone who attends is eligible to win a free dinner courtesy of The Continental Bistro.
If you have any questions please call Troy Neu at 234-2679.
Troy Neu
Old Town Embroidery
208-234-2679
208-251-9910
Excerpts from the official website of the International Reading Association:
Through numerous programs, IRA celebrates excellence in children’s and young adult literature and highlights ways that high-quality books can be used to help children grow into lifelong readers.
Recommended reading
 Books and articles
“Choices” booklists
|
