Who is to Blame?

Who's fault is it when schools don't do well? Teachers? Communities? Principals? Students and their parents? I haven't seen the new documentary Waiting for Superman, but almost every one involved in public education seems to have an opinion on the film.(Read a quick review of the film here). The California Teachers' Association (CTA), which represents teachers across the state, published an article that was critical of the film. The author of the article argued that people are playing "the blame game," blaming and bashing teachers when they should be looking at other solutions. 

I came across the following comment from a retired teacher, who offered her opinion on why schools and students are not performing as well as we would like. You can read the entire letter here, but check out the comment below. After you've read the quote, please leave a comment with your thoughts. Then head over to your own blog and write about this topic. Who is to blame when schools fail?

Here's the quote:

"I think the real problem lies in the apathy of the students. When so many students are concerned only with their appearance, their iPods, and their cellphones, it doesn't matter how good the teacher is."

Power Corrupts?

Dear English Answer Man:
You're always telling students to defend their opinions. I think it's high time for you to stick your neck out. That's an idiom, if you didn't catch it. So, what are your thoughts on power? Does it screw up the world like every one says? Or do you actually have something new to say on the topic?


-Anonymous

Dear Anonymous:
Your arrogance is stunning. However, I will not be outdone. OF COURSE I have something brilliant and innovative to add to the discussion of power and corruption. I used to believe that absolute power corrupts, and power corrupts absolutely--you may have heard the old cliche.

But does it really? Researchers have found that when people consider themselves to be more powerful, they are actually more productive and effective. They point out that it's not really that shocking--if people feel worthless and powerless, why should we be surprised that they don't perform well? (Go read the article--it's a bit brainy, but interesting.)

This is only one example in one setting, but the study definitely adds a new wrinkle to discussions about power and corruption. HOWEVER--Even if people are more effective when they have more power, that doesn't mean that they are not corrupt. Plenty of corrupt individuals are effective at what they do. That's what makes them so dangerous. Therefore, I must retain my believe that power corrupts, even if it does increase effectiveness.

Tough Topics

Attention student bloggers:

This week, we begin reading House of the Scorpion. To help us think critically about some of the issues in this book, I'd like you to consider one of the following topics, and create one post about the topic. Find at least one piece of outside support, and embed a hyperlink within your post.

I'll post an example shortly. For now, here is a list of the topics:

1. Is there a connection between scientific advancement and moral issues? Is it possible for science to go too far, to the point where it's "immoral?"
2. It's been said that power corrupts those who have it. To what extent do you think this is true?
3. Are there difficulties in defining what makes a human being? Do all human beings need or deserve the same level of legal protection?
4. Who is more important: the individual, or the group? Does it change depending on the circumstances? 
5. Some say your actions determine what kind of person you are. Others say that you should not judge a person by mistakes they make.What are your thoughts?
6. Consider the following statement: "Everyone has different roles to play in life, and we should accept the role we are given."