State and Local Government, Day 2 - Class Recap

This is a picture of my mom reading her oath of office to become a Portland City Commissioner in January of 2009.

Dear class,

This is now the last weekend of the year for seniors and the second to last weekend for everyone else! Plenty to be working on here at the end of the year.

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.01: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Step in the Name of Love (Remix)" by R. Kelly. Selected because today was one step closer to the end of the year. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/29/14:
News Brief/Blog Recap
Activist Project Work

Homework: Continue working on final project - especially seniors! All late/missing/make up work due tomorrow (Friday, May 30)! Read the blog! Next news brief: anyone who has not already gone the first time.

News Brief/Blog Recap: Nobody remembered to do a news brief to present today, so we skipped on to the blog recap, which was showing everyone where to find the final project here.

Activist Project Work: Again, this is the final project for the semester, which is a group activist project on a state or local issue that you are passionate about. We will be conducting a "public hearing" in class next week with these. Seniors will present first on Wednesday, then take the final. Juniors will then present and study.

Here is the link to check out the final project online:

Google Drive - State/Local Government Final Project

And here is the worksheet that will help you and your group answer the questions (the second page has a bunch of options for state/local problems):

Google Drive - State/Local Government Final Project Research Guide

These are the groups we made in class:

1) Mel, Kenny, Chris
2) Emi, Rachel, and Anab
3) Marco, Micah, Austin
4) Reed, Olivia
5) Jesse, Cam, Hailey
6) Jonathan, Eddy, Kevin
7) James, Dawnte

Make sure you split up the work evenly! If your partner does not show up for the presentation, you will be assessed on your own work!

The rest of class was spent in the computer lab working. Next class, on Monday, we will also have lab time. Wednesday is the seniors last day, and will be project presentation time (followed by the final for seniors and studying for everyone else). Let me know if you have questions!

State and Local Government, Day 1 - Class Recap

The soundtrack for today was "Wonderwall" by Oasis, because because it reminded me of when the song played at London 2012 Summer Olympics, on August 12th. Not much time left in the year, especially for seniors!

Hi everyone,

Not much time left at all - only a week or so for our seniors! Today was the start of the last major assignment of the year! With that, here's the recap:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.01: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Wonderwall" by Oasis. See photo caption above for reasoning. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/27/14:
News Brief
Review Test
Finish State/Local
Final Project – Library Computers

Homework: Continue working on final project - especially seniors! All late/missing/make up work due by this Friday! Read the blog! Next news brief: anyone who has not already gone the first time.

News Brief: Rachel had the news brief today and chose this story to talk about: CNN.com - MH370: Is Inmarsat right? This related to the U.S. Government, because it is helping with the search for the missing plane.

Review Test: To start class, we went over the scantron results from the judicial branch test. For whatever reason, nobody got a 4 in the class on this - maybe because there were only 30 questions? Make sure to keep studying for the semester final, which will have questions from every test on it!

Finish State/Local: This was completing the questions from the last reading material of the course. Since State and Local issues are so relevant to everyone (especially with the Beaverton bond measure passing!), I hope this was interesting!

Final Project: To end the class, I introduced the final project for the semester, which is a group activist project on a state or local issue that you are passionate about. We will be conducting a "public hearing" in class next week with these. Seniors will present first on Wednesday, then take the final. Juniors will then present and study.

Here is the link to check out the final project online (there is a separate worksheet for in class with your group partners):

Google Drive - State/Local Government Final Project

Let me know if you have any questions I can answer before next class! Thanks!

The Judicial Branch, Day 7 - Class Recap

A photo from the in-service week at Westview last August, where Team Lower North won the Westview Staff Olympics.

Dear class,

Plenty ongoing until the end of the year! Today was a test day for the judicial branch and beginning look and the role of state and local governments. Here's what happened:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.01: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “I Ka Barra (Your Work)” by Habib Koite. Selected because today I went over how much work needs to be done for many students to pass the class.

AGENDA 5/21/14:
News Brief
Grades Talk
Judicial Branch Test
State/Local Overview

Homework: Read the blog. Work on missing/late/incomplete/make up work - due by next Friday, May 30. Next news brief: Rachel.

News Brief: Chris had the abbreviated news brief and selected this story to talk about: CNN.com - Warning shots fired at three North Korean ships crossing sea border. We talked in class about the two different forms of government here - South Korea has a democracy, while North Korea has a dictatorship/totalitarian state. Thanks, Chris!

I also wanted to talk about the Beaverton School District bond measure passing. Here is the Washington County Elections Results website. This is a look at what the bond passing might mean for Westview. I stressed how important voting is - this huge bond measure was decided by way less than half of registered Beaverton voters.

Finally, I shared that I will be back full time at Westview next year as a probationary/permanent Social Studies teacher - something that I have been working towards for five years. This is completely unrelated to the bond measure passing! Happy days.

Grades Talk: I wanted to give out updates on where your current grades stand. Many students have 1) not been coming to class, 2) neglecting to do assigned work, 3) not made up missing tests. Any one of those is a bad indicator - all three are a toxic combination. There is not much time left in the school year to make up work

Judicial Branch Test: As promised, we had the judicial branch test today in class. I hope this went well! We will go over the results and answers next class, as usual. Students that missed class today will have the opportunity to make it up at that point, but if both classes are missed, it will have to be done with me on your own time.

State/Local Overview: At the end of class, I passed out the last major introductory packet of the year - information about state and local governments. This should be especially relevant, due to the election results from last night! We went through the packet and answers together.

Make sure to keep working on any missing work and come see me about missing or make up tests! Have a great long weekend!

The Judicial Branch, Day 6 - Class Recap

Inside the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo taken in 2010.

Hi everyone,

Today we did a single day assignment in class about the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. Here's what happened:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.01: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Right As Rain" by Adele. Selected because the class was researching rights of citizens today and it was raining for parts of the day. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/19/14:
News Brief
5 Things About SCOTUS
Citizenship Paper
Computer Lab S220

Homework: Read the blog. Study judiciary branch for test next class (here is the study guide I passed out in class). Finish citizenship paper. Next news brief: Chris (abbreviated version).

News Brief: Olivia had the abbreviated news brief today and chose this story to talk about: ADN.com - Funding for police bulletproof vest program in question. A good look at the differences between the federal government funding something vs. the state or local governments. Thanks, Olivia!

I also wanted to mention that Oregon's existing ban on same sex marriage was decided in class at noon today. A historic day!

5 Things About SCOTUS: We talked about his article from the New York Times Upfront Magazine: 5 Things You Need To Know About The Supreme Court. It is especially relevant to our study of the judicial branch!

Citizenship Paper: This was to hit the learning target about citizens and the government for the class. Basically, it is a 1-2 page paper (with a minimum of three correctly cited sources) about the following four questions:

1) What are the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen?
2) Explain numerous practical applications of how citizens use their rights and responsibilities to actively participate and interact with different levels of government.
3) How can you apply what you have learned to your own live and future experiences? What will you do to be an effective citizen?

To earn a 4 on the assignment, you also need to respond to the following question:
4) What is the process to become a naturalized citizen? What problems exist within our current naturalization laws? What possible solutions could improve naturalization laws for the future?

Computer Lab S220: The rest of class was spent in the lab, working on the above assignment. If you did not finish in class, it is due at the start of next class. Be prepared for the judicial branch test, as well!

The Judicial Branch, Day 5 - Class Recap

The ceiling in the Library of Congress, which is right next to the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. Photo taken in 2010.

Dear class,

Another week in the books! Only three more weeks for seniors and four more weeks for everyone else! Here's what happened today in class:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Dance With Me" by 112. Selected because of the group name and the connection with the 12 jurors in the film we finished today. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/15/14:
News Brief
Finish 12 Angry Men
Review Landmark Cases
5 Things About SCOTUS

Homework: Read the blog. Study judiciary branch for upcoming test. Read article from class (see bottom). Next news brief: Olivia (just an article).

News Brief: Maria was absent today, so Jesse rescued the section with this article: NYTimes.com - F.C.C. Votes to Move Ahead on Net Neutrality Plan. A very interesting story about the intersection of government with the future of the internet!

Finish 12 Angry Men: We started this last class and finished it today. As I pointed out, this is one of the most critically acclaimed films ever, and is currently at #8 in the IMDb Top 250. If you missed class, here is a link to a version with subtitles in another language.

The questions the class answered with the film are:

1. What are the facts of the case?
2. What assumptions do the jurors make about the boy?
3. What biased perspectives or experiences influence the jury?
4. What was your reaction to the film?
5. What responsibilities to the jurors have?
6. How would you vote? Explain why.

Review Landmark Cases: This was a short, fill in the blank, sheet that was trying to help you become more familiar with the landmark cases we went over in previous classes.

5 Things About SCOTUS: To end class, I passed out this article from the New York Times Upfront Magazine: 5 Things You Need To Know About The Supreme Court. Please read it and come prepared for next class to discuss and know what it is about! Thanks!

The Judicial Branch, Day 4 - Class Recap

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the United States Constitution was debated and signed. Photo taken in 2008.

Hi everyone,

Welcome back to another week! Less than a month to go in the school year, now! Here's what we did today in class:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.

SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen. Selected because of the relation to the US government - this is a famous anti-war song. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/13/14:
News Brief/Lyrics
Presentation(s)
Finish the National Judiciary
12 Angry Men

Homework: Read the blog. Study judiciary branch for upcoming test. Next news brief: Maria (normal, write it out current event).

News Brief: Emi had the revised news brief today (just talking about an article, since she has already turned in a written out current event) and selected this story to talk about: ABCNews.com - Massachusetts: Pledge of Allegiance Not Religious. Very applicable to our study of the judicial branch!

Presentation(s): We had the opportunity in class for anyone that had not done the Executive Branch Cabinet presentation to do so.

Finish the National Judiciary: This was the last of our foundation knowledge for the judicial branch. If you missed class, you need to come see me in person for a make up packet with the questions to study.

12 Angry Men: This is the last film we will watch this year in class, I think. If you missed class, here it is to watch (with subtitles in a foreign language - I showed the DVD version in class). We got about 45:00 in.

The questions you are answering with the film are:

1. What are the facts of the case?
2. What assumptions do the jurors make about the boy?
3. What biased perspectives or experiences influence the jury?
4. What was your reaction to the film?
5. What responsibilities to the jurors have?
6. How would you vote? Explain why.

We will finish the film next class. Thanks for your focus and attention today! See you on Thursday.

The Judicial Branch, Day 3 - Class Recap

Another look at the front of the Supreme Court building in Washington, DC. This was taken in 2011.

Dear class,

We are getting right down to the end of the year! Not a whole lot of time left - especially if you are a senior! Here's what happened today in class:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang (Instrumental)" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Selected because Mel requested it last class and it's nothing but a "Government" thing in class.

AGENDA 5/9/14:
News Brief
Finish Landmark Cases
The National Judiciary
12 Angry Men

Homework: Read the blog! Next news brief: Emi

News Brief: Again, we are transitioning to a new way of doing the news briefs. If you have not already written one up for an assignment, you need to do that right away. Other than that, I will be assigning easier news briefs with no writing involved to students that have already completed this.

With that, Mel talked about this story today: NYTimes.com - Off the Record in a Chat App? Don’t Be Sure. This relates to the government because the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is cracking down on the way in which Snapchat operates. Thanks, Mel!

Finish Landmark Cases: We spent most of class going over these landmark Supreme Court cases that help decide various functions for the government. If you missed class, you need to pick up a packet in the room or from me. It is not available online and you need it to study for your test.

The National Judiciary: Next, I passed out a reading that has to do with the structure of the judicial branch, which had some questions along with it. We went over these in class. Again, if you missed today, you need to come to class and pick one up. Yes, I am intentionally making it so that you need to show up in order to get the materials - the amount of students missing class all semester has been unacceptably high.

The Judicial Branch, Day 2 - Class Recap

The Washington Monument in the National Mall. The Supreme Court is at one end of the Mall, past the Capitol Building.

Hi everyone,

Did you know that there are only 11 more B days in the school year - less, if you are a senior? So much to do during that short amount of time! Here's what happened today:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “I've Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra. Selected because getting under someone's skin could lead to a conflict, which could result in a court case. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/7/14:
News Brief
Presentations
Finish 10 Supreme Court Cases
More Landmark Cases

Homework: Read the blog! Next news brief: Mel.

News Brief/Presentations: Nobody was prepared for either of these, so we did not have these sections. I asked Mel to help us out with a current news story for next class. Since he has already done a news brief write up, I'm not going to ask him to do another write up - just know an article to talk about.

Finish 10 Supreme Court Cases: Here's the article, if you missed class, or lost the copy I gave you:

NYTimes.com - 10 Supreme Court Cases Every Teen Should Know

Again, what I wanted everyone to do was the following, for each case:

1) What was the case?

2) What happened, generally, in about a paragraph?

3) What was the verdict?

4) Do you agree or disagree with the verdict? Why?

This will help you prepare for the judicial branch test upcoming! We went over all the cases together.

More Landmark Cases: To end class, I passed out another packet of important Supreme Court cases to know and talk about. As I said multiple times in class, I know this could be a bit boring, if you aren't interested in law. I am, and I know many of you are as well, so it is interesting for me! I am thankful for your effort in following along. See you on Friday!

The Judicial Branch, Day 1 - Class Recap

The Supreme Court of the United States. Photo taken in 2010.

Hi everyone,

Did you know that there are only 11 more B days in the school year - less, if you are a senior? So much to do during that short amount of time! Here's what happened today:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Me and My Broken Heart" by Rixton. Selected for today because Emi asked for it last class and because it could potentially relate to the judicial branch, due to divorce courts. Or something like that. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/5/14:
News Brief
Presentations/Review Test
10 Supreme Court Cases
Current Events

Homework: Read the blog! Next news brief:

Current Events: Kenny had the news brief today, and he chose this article to talk about: WhiteHouse.gov - President Obama Supports High School Redesign to Ensure Educational Excellence. A very good topic, considering what we were talking about last class, with the presentations!

Presentations/Review Test: I wanted to check and see if there were any students now ready to present for the Cabinet meeting (there were not). Then, we went over the results of the Executive Branch test as a class (students that had not taken the test were outside at this point).

10 Supreme Court Cases: To start off the judicial branch, we finished the fill in the blank worksheet, checked out a little more overview information, then looked at some relevant Supreme Court decisions and what they mean for us. Here's the article, if you missed class, or lost the copy I gave you:

NYTimes.com - 10 Supreme Court Cases Every Teen Should Know

What I wanted everyone to do was the following, for each case:

1) What was the case?

2) What happened, generally, in about a paragraph?

3) What was the verdict?

4) Do you agree or disagree with the verdict? Why?

Current Events: For all students that were in class today but do not have a grade for a current event in class, I wanted to try and give an opportunity to work in class on finding one and completing the assignment that goes along with it. Hopefully, this helped a bit.

The Executive Branch, Day 5 - Class Recap

The White House at night, 2011.

Hi everyone,

Cabinet presentations day and a test - a big day! I hope you were prepared. Here's what happened:

Learning Targets:
SS.HS.CR.ALT.03: I can apply understanding of ideas and concepts to a new context or problem.
SS.HS.RE.ALT.05: I can effectively conduct and apply research.
SS.HS.KN.ALT.02: I can demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments in current issues.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: “Somebody to Die For” by Hurts. Selected because a student in my Period 1 class requested it via an anonymous comment here on the blog. I'm happy to look into any requests for soundtrack choices, as long as it can be related to what we are doing in class. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 5/1/14:
Current Events
Cabinet Presentations
Executive Branch Test
Judicial Branch Overview

Homework: Read the blog! Next news brief: Kenny

Current Events: Anab had an article for us today about the government trying to fight hunger: OregonLive.com - A tax credit that will help feed the hungry.

I wanted to talk more about some stuff currently happening in the country, to start class:

The reason the news brief was extended today was because of this story: FOXSports.com - Union: NBA players considered playoff boycott before Sterling ban. I wanted to talk about this for a number of reasons. First, we just did a lengthy unit on racism and Civil Rights in America. This is yet another case that shows we have not "solved" racism as a society. If an owner of an NBA franchise can be repeatedly accused for years of discrimination and not many people seem to take notice until an audio tape of racist comments is heard, that is a problem. It is a problem if we see society as totally equal now - that we have nothing to work on, when the evidence does not back that up.

Related to this, as some people try to argue that Donald Sterling has free speech rights, and thus can say whatever he wants and not face punishment: I wanted to make sure that we again addressed the protesters outside Westview this week. I would feel irresponsible as a Social Studies teacher to not at least have the conversation about what the First Amendment to the United States Constitution is all about, given the very obvious example of it in practice outside of our school. I want to be clear again that it is not my role to take a position in class on the issue the protesters are concerned with. It IS my role to try and inform the class about why they are allowed to, and why counter-protests and demonstrations are also allowed, as long as both sides do not come into open conflict.

Just because someone may not like your cause, does not mean that you cannot protest or demonstrate. The example I always use is Nazi Germany. If there was freedom of speech in Nazi Germany, guaranteeing Jewish people the right to speak up about the way they were being treated, without fear of being thrown into jail for their beliefs, then it is possible the Holocaust could have been avoided. Freedom of speech is only valid as a core of our democracy when we are able to express our views, however radical they may be, without fear of the government throwing us in jail.

Again, what the First Amendment does NOT guarantee is the right to say whatever you want with no consequences. If Donald Sterling wants to say racist garbage, he is allowed to without going to jail. He can still face all sorts of other consequences in private affairs, like the NBA banning him for life, fining him $2.5 million dollars, and people around him never wanting to associate with him again. Words do have incredible power.

Cabinet Presentations: These made me smile - thank you to the four groups who went today! I enjoyed and appreciated your recommendations!

Executive Branch Test: I will get these graded and back to you next class. I hope you studied and did well!

Judicial Branch Overview: At the end of class, we went over a bit of what the judicial branch is all about. We will pick back up with this next class. See you then! Thanks!