Issue of the Week

Okay – here they are.  Please follow these rules when blogging on weekly topics. (Updated 9/19/10 – Grading Assessment Rubric)

1. Use appropriate language and be sure that anything you write you are proud of and are prepared to take responsibility for!!
2. Never EVER EVER give out or record personal information.
3. Never disrespect anyone or anything in your blog posts.
4. Don’t write about other people without permission; if you can’t get their permission, use a fictitious name.
5. Always check over your post for spelling errors, grammar errors, and your use of words. (HINT: Try pasting your post in a word processor first and using the spell checker or use an internet spellchecker before posting on your blog.)
6. Keep it education-oriented.
7. Blogging_Assessment_Rubric

Mr. Lenz

This is our Social Issues classroom blog.  Every week, I am going to post a question pertaining to a social issue.  You are expected to post an original comment.  Then as the other comments come in from your fellow classmates, you will be required to post a follow up comment to at least one of them.  The goal of this blog is to provide an alternate environment for you to discuss the issue of the week.  This is NOT a place for you to be critical of others and their comments.  Hopefully we can have some fun with this.

Thanks – Mr. Lenz

You are to post comments each week - at least one on the Weekly Topic Question and then comments on what others are saying.

You may begin posting comments now.

In this final week of class, I am opening up the WTQ to one of your choice.  You are to each post a question related to any Social Issue and then comment on someone else’s by Friday.

Enjoy,

Mr. Lenz

You are to post comments each week - at least one on the Weekly Topic Question and then comments on what others are saying.

 You may begin posting comments on Monday.

Even though our government conducts its business in English, at no point in the US Constitution is there any mention or even contemplation of an official language.  Dating back to 1795, the House of Representatives defeated a bill to print 3000 copies of federal laws in German solely to accommodate German-speaking immigrants.  Today there are at least 32 million Americans that speak another language in their homes other than English and roughly 7 million of them are English-illiterate.  Recently, federal, state and local governments began mandating language assistance in such areas as education, social services and consumer rights.

Should English become the official language of the United States of America?

You are to post comments each week - at least one on the Weekly Topic Question and then comments on what others are saying.

 You may begin posting comments on Monday.

 The following is taken from the City of Waupun Municipal Code.

 (5)   CURFEW

(a)   No person under the age of 18 years shall be on the streets or alleys or other public places in the City between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. for the 5 nights commencing with Sunday on any given week, and between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings of any given week, unless accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian.

(b)   No parent or guardian shall permit any person under his or her control who is under the age of 18 years, to be on the streets, alleys or other public places in the City between the above stated hours, unless accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian.

(c)   Violation of this subsection shall be punishable by the provisions of §18.04 of this Municipal Code, except that any provisions of that section which cannot apply to minors under Ch. 48, Wis. Stats. shall not apply.

Should the government have the right to mandate curfews for children and teenagers?

You are to post comments each week - at least one on the Weekly Topic Question and then comments on what others are saying.

You may begin posting comments on Monday.

According to recent research, about 2.5 million adults in America are pathological gamblers and another 3 million of them should be considered problem gamblers, 15 million adults are at a risk for problem gambling and about 148 million are low-risk gamblers.

With the US population slightly over 300 million people, and roughly half of them gambling (168.5 million low risk or worse), should the governments next attempt at prohibition be against legalized gambling?

You are to post comments each week - at least one on the Weekly Topic Question and then comments on what others are saying.

You may begin posting comments on Monday.

In the 1970′s there were about 15,000 students that were home-schooled.  The number now exceeds 1.5 million or roughly 3% of those in traditional schooling.  There are some national organizations that believe the conditions regarding parent/teacher qualifications are too loose – with many states not requiring a teaching certificate.  Other national organizations contend the test scores from home-schooled children exceed those in traditional schooling.  While some on both sides of the question, even home-schooled children, wonder whether home-schoolers are socially prepared for life after school.

Is home-schooling a fair alternative to traditional schooling?

You are to post comments each week - at least one on the Weekly Topic Question and then comment on what someone else has posted.  You should notice that I have updated the blog to allow replies to previous comments.  This is how you should make your secondary comments from now on. 

You may begin posting comments on Monday.

This is Homecoming week.  It is defined as returning home or celebrations hosted by school for returning graduates.  Homecoming week at WAJSHS is a week long event that is also celebrated by the underclassmen and is usually centered around the fall season Varsity sports.  Very little emphasis is placed on the lower level sports teams (JV, Frosh) or on any of the other extra-curriculars or co-curriculars.

Do we at WAJSHS place too much emphasis on sports?

You are to post 2 comments each week - one on the Weekly Topic Question and then comment on what someone else has posted.  You should notice that I have updated the blog to allow replies to previous comments.  This is how you should make your 2nd comment from now on.  You may begin posting comments on Monday.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2008, nine teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash. Fortunately, teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable, and proven strategies can improve the safety of young drivers on the road.  http://www.cdc.gov/MotorVehicleSafety/Teen_Drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html

Are we doing enough to protect teenage drivers and their passengers?

You are to post 2 comments each week - one on the Weekly Topic Question and then comment on what someone else has posted.

Beginning on July 5, 2010, smoking is now generally prohibited in public places and workplaces, including taverns and restaurants.

Is smoking a right or a privilege?

Your first task is to help me establish what the rules for this blog will be.  You can begin posting anytime, but I am looking for everyone to participate by the end of the week.  I will post the “official” rules later and we will begin blogging next week.