IB Program Under Scrutiny Again

I wanted to point your attention over to the Senate Site blog where a lively discussion is occurring on the merits of the IB Program. The IB Program first came to my attention when a bill allocating funding was killed in committee after Sen. Dayton stated the program was un-American. Here's my original post: http://utahmomscare.blogspot.com/2008/02/ib-program-anti-american.html

Since that time the IB Program gained $100,000 in ongoing funding through the Education Omnibus Bill. Sen. Dayton has again raised her concerns over the program, and presented them in the Education Interim Committee yesterday. She also has been writing and encouraging discussion on the Senate Site. Her case in point seems to be this: the program is receiving state funding, therefore needs state scrutiny. She has also said:

"I have been accused of not wanting our students to be world citizens. That is correct. At least, it is correct in the following sense: I don't want to create 'world citizens' nearly as much as I want to help cultivate American citizens who function well in the world." (The Senate Site)

I have only a basic understanding of the program from the little research I have done. If you have students who have participated with the program or if you are more familiar with the curriculum that is involved you may want to comment here or over on the Senate Site.

The Education Interim Committee yesterday agreed only to look into the constitutionality of the program. The one thing that is clear is that this discussion is far from over.

What is happening in your neighborhood?

Ever wonder what type of calls the police respond to in your neighborhood? Wonder if there are any sex offenders close by? The website: http://www.crimereports.com/ lists all the crimes the police have reported to in your city and also includes the sex offender registry. Though the web site has been around for about 6 months, I waited to post it here until they had more complete data. The city where I live now seems to be reporting regularly, and other local cities have joined in as well. Hope you find the site worthwhile.

$$$

I don't know if I believe in the theory behind it, but I sure didn't mind seeing an extra $1800 pop up in my bank account this week. Thank you Uncle Sam.

Did you get yours yet? Where will you spend it?

What Teachers/Parents Want

Months ago I read an op ed piece in the Salt Lake Tribune on what teachers really want. Here are the seven requests made by this specific teacher:

1. Manageable class sizes
2. Adequate resources (supplies, aides, tutors, etc.)
3. Supportive disciplinary policy
4. Fair pay
5. To be treated with respect by parents
6. Good moral in the school
7. Physical safety

All these 'demands' seen perfectly reasonable.

Because my children are young, I have limited experience with the schools. But as a parent, I think I would like to make a list of what I really want from the schools/teachers.

1. Physical safety for my child (I can't believe our elementary school does not have a fence!)
2. To not be treated like I don't know my own child by a teacher
3. Adequate updates on how my child is doing, and suggestions on how I can help him at home
4. Good communication
5. A teacher skilled in class room management

I am sure there are many more that could be added to the list, both lists in fact. As a teacher or parent what would you add to these two lists?