Governor Rick Perry has been beating his chest about how well Texas is doing economically compared to other states, but at what cost---the education of our children? 9.3 billion dollars has been chopped from the state budget, and it was chiseled from the revenue for public education.
What are these legislators thinking? What is the impact of their decision?
Thousands of teachers and administrators will be fired. Teachers will lose a conference period during which they do their planning, tutoring and grading, suggesting that they will do even more work at home.
Schools will be closed and the classroom size will go from 30 (already too large for individual attention) to 40 (impossible for individual attention). Imagine, if you will, 40 nine year olds in a room with one teacher for six hours. Then take away her planning period, her assistant, freeze or reduce her salary, and raise the cost of her health care (all decisions for resolving the crisis). Who will want to do this important work going forward?
College students training to be teachers have been told to stay in school, to become certified in several subjects, and to be ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers. This advice is intended to make them more marketable if and when the possibility for a teaching job becomes a reality in the future, because there sure is no chance of it now. They have even been told to find new careers. Who will do this work in the future after we dissuade students from choosing the career now?
I have already written about how much trouble we are having with producing educated students who are well trained to contribute to society, who will become an effective and successful work force, and who will be the vehicle for moving America forward. Now, I fear we are solidifying my worst fears. What was a challenge because of all the problems in society and the family will now become an impossible task.
Make your voice heard, parents. Only you can stop our legislators from committing this crime against our children.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Spicing Up Your Life
The health benefits of cooking with spices are numerous. Research now suggests that they improve just about everything from the deadliest cancers to an ailing sex life.
For centuries, our ancestors considered spices and herbs to be the answer to many medical problems. Over time, however, spices became more respected for their culinary enhancements than for their medicinal value, but researchers are promoting them again for their healing properties.
Experts don’t suggest substituting spices (plant bark, root, bud or berry) or herbs (herbaceous plant leaves) for a healthy, well-balanced diet, and warn that consuming too much of any food additive can be risky, but advocate the use of spices for diet diversification and boosting the health value of a meal.
Use fresh instead of processed spices and herbs. They contain higher levels of antioxidants. Buy spices whole and grind them just before use, crush dried leaves or herbs, and use whole sprigs in long-cooking dishes for maximum benefit. Add sprigs of oregano or rosemary to vegetable, rice and pasta cooking water. Herbal teas (sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, peppermint, spearmint) retain antioxidant properties even after a 30-minute boiling time.
For many, peppermint treats gastric and digestive disorders, tension and insomnia. Mustard relieves respiratory problems. Cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce can increase metabolism and fat-burning ability up to 25%. Ginger inhibits nausea and vomiting often caused by morning or motion sickness. Allspice relieves indigestion and gas, and cinnamon combats diarrhea, boosts glucose metabolism, and kills bacteria and other micro-organisms. Turmeric neutralizes free radicals, protects against cancer, and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Cumin is a protective agent against carcinogenesis. Garlic can decrease blood pressure, is a natural antibiotic and beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Oregano has 3-20 times higher antioxidant activity than other herbs.
Consult your physician before making any dietary changes and don’t substitute spices or herbal supplements for prescribed medication. Read Spices of Life by Nina Simonds (Alfred A. Knopf) to learn recipes for a healthy lifestyle.
For centuries, our ancestors considered spices and herbs to be the answer to many medical problems. Over time, however, spices became more respected for their culinary enhancements than for their medicinal value, but researchers are promoting them again for their healing properties.
Experts don’t suggest substituting spices (plant bark, root, bud or berry) or herbs (herbaceous plant leaves) for a healthy, well-balanced diet, and warn that consuming too much of any food additive can be risky, but advocate the use of spices for diet diversification and boosting the health value of a meal.
Use fresh instead of processed spices and herbs. They contain higher levels of antioxidants. Buy spices whole and grind them just before use, crush dried leaves or herbs, and use whole sprigs in long-cooking dishes for maximum benefit. Add sprigs of oregano or rosemary to vegetable, rice and pasta cooking water. Herbal teas (sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, peppermint, spearmint) retain antioxidant properties even after a 30-minute boiling time.
For many, peppermint treats gastric and digestive disorders, tension and insomnia. Mustard relieves respiratory problems. Cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce can increase metabolism and fat-burning ability up to 25%. Ginger inhibits nausea and vomiting often caused by morning or motion sickness. Allspice relieves indigestion and gas, and cinnamon combats diarrhea, boosts glucose metabolism, and kills bacteria and other micro-organisms. Turmeric neutralizes free radicals, protects against cancer, and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Cumin is a protective agent against carcinogenesis. Garlic can decrease blood pressure, is a natural antibiotic and beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Oregano has 3-20 times higher antioxidant activity than other herbs.
Consult your physician before making any dietary changes and don’t substitute spices or herbal supplements for prescribed medication. Read Spices of Life by Nina Simonds (Alfred A. Knopf) to learn recipes for a healthy lifestyle.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A Perfect Storm
I am concerned that we have a perfect storm ravaging our children. What is a perfect storm—three components so powerful separately that when they merge, complete destruction is the final consequence.
What is America’s perfect storm–rampant problems in a decaying society, the decline of family unit, and now an ineffective educational system that cannot possibly compensate for the other two dilemmas.
According to the Alliance of Education, “As globalization has progressed, American educational progress has stagnated. The United States’ high school graduation rate ranks near the bottom among developed nations belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). And on virtually every international assessment of academic proficiency, American secondary school students’ performance varies from mediocre to poor. Given that human capital is a prerequisite for success in the global economy, U.S. economic competitiveness is unsustainable with poorly prepared students feeding into the workforce.”
The PISA is a triennial assessment that the OECD administers to students in its member countries and the world’s most comprehensive and rigorous comparison of international student achievement. The 2006 results indicate that the United States ranked 15th of 29 OECD countries in reading literacy, 21st of 30 in scientific literacy, 25th of 30 in mathematics literacy, and 24th of 29 countries in problem solving.
Our kids are in trouble and not just in our poorer regions. Who would have imagined that the school system in an affluent area in which I teach will be bankrupt in two years unless it fires its teachers and coaches, creates classes of 30 students at least, curtails fine arts programs, and minimizes services to children and parents.
Our governor in Texas has taken pride in the fact that, unlike other states, we are fiscally well off, but has it been at the expense of our educational system?
According to State Comptroller, Susan Coombs, the following are accurate statistics about our state:
•Texas is #49 in verbal SAT scores in the nation (493) and #46 in average math SAT scores (502).
•Texas is #36 in the nation in high school graduation rates (68%).
•Texas is #33 in the nation in teacher salaries. Teacher salaries in Texas are not keeping pace with the national average.
The question of whether Texas legislators should take pride in these statistics begs to be asked.
When are we going to recognize that if we do not adequately prepare our children, we are destined to failure nationally, and if we don’t prepare them to compete globally, that America will fail?
The education alliance says that “Over the past thirty years, the modern workplace has radically changed, and the demands on those making the transition from the classroom to the workforce continue to rise. Students from Birmingham and Boston no longer compete against each other for jobs; instead, their rivals are well-educated students from Sydney and Singapore.”
How do we stop this perfect storm? As a parent of adult children and a 20 year educator, I am finally at a loss for ideas. I do know that parents must become the advocates for their children—“tiger moms” who require the most from themselves and their children and who require the same from the representatives who make the laws that impact their children. We must all be accountable for saving our children and our country.
What is America’s perfect storm–rampant problems in a decaying society, the decline of family unit, and now an ineffective educational system that cannot possibly compensate for the other two dilemmas.
According to the Alliance of Education, “As globalization has progressed, American educational progress has stagnated. The United States’ high school graduation rate ranks near the bottom among developed nations belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). And on virtually every international assessment of academic proficiency, American secondary school students’ performance varies from mediocre to poor. Given that human capital is a prerequisite for success in the global economy, U.S. economic competitiveness is unsustainable with poorly prepared students feeding into the workforce.”
The PISA is a triennial assessment that the OECD administers to students in its member countries and the world’s most comprehensive and rigorous comparison of international student achievement. The 2006 results indicate that the United States ranked 15th of 29 OECD countries in reading literacy, 21st of 30 in scientific literacy, 25th of 30 in mathematics literacy, and 24th of 29 countries in problem solving.
Our kids are in trouble and not just in our poorer regions. Who would have imagined that the school system in an affluent area in which I teach will be bankrupt in two years unless it fires its teachers and coaches, creates classes of 30 students at least, curtails fine arts programs, and minimizes services to children and parents.
Our governor in Texas has taken pride in the fact that, unlike other states, we are fiscally well off, but has it been at the expense of our educational system?
According to State Comptroller, Susan Coombs, the following are accurate statistics about our state:
•Texas is #49 in verbal SAT scores in the nation (493) and #46 in average math SAT scores (502).
•Texas is #36 in the nation in high school graduation rates (68%).
•Texas is #33 in the nation in teacher salaries. Teacher salaries in Texas are not keeping pace with the national average.
The question of whether Texas legislators should take pride in these statistics begs to be asked.
When are we going to recognize that if we do not adequately prepare our children, we are destined to failure nationally, and if we don’t prepare them to compete globally, that America will fail?
The education alliance says that “Over the past thirty years, the modern workplace has radically changed, and the demands on those making the transition from the classroom to the workforce continue to rise. Students from Birmingham and Boston no longer compete against each other for jobs; instead, their rivals are well-educated students from Sydney and Singapore.”
How do we stop this perfect storm? As a parent of adult children and a 20 year educator, I am finally at a loss for ideas. I do know that parents must become the advocates for their children—“tiger moms” who require the most from themselves and their children and who require the same from the representatives who make the laws that impact their children. We must all be accountable for saving our children and our country.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Pretty Baby
I missed writing last Saturday because my grandchild came to visit. It's been six months since I've seen her, and it was such a joy. Now I know I'm just a little prejudiced but she is absolutely gorgeous and the most brilliant child I have ever known.
All exaggeration aside, she looks just like my daughter did at her age and so watching her rush from one activity to another, laugh constantly and cuddle sweetly took me back decades. There is truly nothing like the feel of a chubby face smashed into your neck or a soft little hand encased in yours.
My daughter began with a warning that Lily didn't sit still much so not to be disappointed if she didn't cuddle the way she once did with me, but that was not the case. She was content on my lap to read, play and even rest her head on my shoulder for long periods of time.
Like me with my grandmother, I believe I formed a real bond with my granddaughter when she was born and whenever we are together, I think she remembers on some level. She lights up when she sees me (possibly the most beautiful thing I've seen since my own did the same). She never hesitates to come to me, and she relaxes when I start singing her the songs I did when I rocked her to sleep after she was just born.
Grandparents....never underestimate the impact you have on your grandchildren. My bond with my grandmother was one of the strongest in my life. It was she who passed on to me the stories of my family and taught me the beauty of my heritage and culture. It was she who inspired in me a love of beautiful things and the absolute importance of family.
She taught us that friends are wonderful to have and that we all need them, but that the bond with family is critical and unparalleled. To deprive a child of that deep and unconditional love and that true sense of belonging and connection is to take away a great gift.
As for her brilliance, she is truly. Because she has lived in Egypt and Sudan, she understands much in both English and Arabic, and she speaks in both languages. My daughter is a great teacher.
Additionally, I bought her the program "Your Baby Can Read", and, if you can believe this, Lily can already read about 40 words and understands what they mean. I recommend the program highly to every grandparent and parent I know.
Being able to watch a sweet baby grow to be a darling toddler and then into an evolving child is a rare wonder. If you have grandchildren nearby, consider yourself blessed.
I don't think I have to tell you to cherish every moment with them, to whisper endearments at every turn, to share yourself with them in every way possible, and to give them a piece of your heart. It may hurt to have them take that piece away when they leave one day, but I believe you can take solace in the fact that no matter how far away they may be, they will never forget you or the love you shared with them.
All exaggeration aside, she looks just like my daughter did at her age and so watching her rush from one activity to another, laugh constantly and cuddle sweetly took me back decades. There is truly nothing like the feel of a chubby face smashed into your neck or a soft little hand encased in yours.
My daughter began with a warning that Lily didn't sit still much so not to be disappointed if she didn't cuddle the way she once did with me, but that was not the case. She was content on my lap to read, play and even rest her head on my shoulder for long periods of time.
Like me with my grandmother, I believe I formed a real bond with my granddaughter when she was born and whenever we are together, I think she remembers on some level. She lights up when she sees me (possibly the most beautiful thing I've seen since my own did the same). She never hesitates to come to me, and she relaxes when I start singing her the songs I did when I rocked her to sleep after she was just born.
Grandparents....never underestimate the impact you have on your grandchildren. My bond with my grandmother was one of the strongest in my life. It was she who passed on to me the stories of my family and taught me the beauty of my heritage and culture. It was she who inspired in me a love of beautiful things and the absolute importance of family.
She taught us that friends are wonderful to have and that we all need them, but that the bond with family is critical and unparalleled. To deprive a child of that deep and unconditional love and that true sense of belonging and connection is to take away a great gift.
As for her brilliance, she is truly. Because she has lived in Egypt and Sudan, she understands much in both English and Arabic, and she speaks in both languages. My daughter is a great teacher.
Additionally, I bought her the program "Your Baby Can Read", and, if you can believe this, Lily can already read about 40 words and understands what they mean. I recommend the program highly to every grandparent and parent I know.
Being able to watch a sweet baby grow to be a darling toddler and then into an evolving child is a rare wonder. If you have grandchildren nearby, consider yourself blessed.
I don't think I have to tell you to cherish every moment with them, to whisper endearments at every turn, to share yourself with them in every way possible, and to give them a piece of your heart. It may hurt to have them take that piece away when they leave one day, but I believe you can take solace in the fact that no matter how far away they may be, they will never forget you or the love you shared with them.
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