Minimum Grade Policy

There is a movement in the education world to change teacher grading policies so that students can't make below a 50 - even if they don't do any work or don't come to school. Please read this article from Las Vegas Sun and look at the arguments from both sides. What you think about this concept? How might it affect your education? Give specific reasons for your position.

Aphorisms

Benjamin Franklin coined so many witty and wise aphorisms that it is pretty hard to choose just one to discuss.  However, I will try.  One of my favorites is, "Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing."  For many of you, friends are one of the most important things in life right now - as they should be.  They are there for you in ways that your parents can't be sometimes.  I talked with Ashley Z and Rachel Y for a minute today about how important their friendship is to them. They seem to have taken this aphorism to heart.  Though you may not want to admit it now, you will most likely only keep in touch with a handful of your present friends after high school.  I would have never thought that would be the case, but I can attest to that now.  My two best friends are girls that I met in kindergarten and grew up with.  We weren't necessarily best friends each year along the way; naturally, we had ebbs and flows in our relationships.  But now, we have a strong friendship because we are all committed to being there for one another.  Sometimes it is not easy.  You have to be active in your friendship.  Call them to ask about that test; take them their favorite potato soup when they have just had surgery.  But most importantly, realize that once you have found that person that feels like a soul mate, you should hold on to that relationship for life.

Discuss one of Benjamin Franklin's aphorisms and how it relates to your life.  You can choose one from the textbook or go to The Quotable Franklin for other ideas.  

Favorite Word II

This was one of the most popular posts from last semester, so I thought I would let you all respond to this one as well.

My two favorite words are cacophony and patina. Cacophony means a harsh combination of sounds. You could use it to describe the sounds in the hallway during class change! I think I just like this word because it is fun to say. The word patina describes the look that an object with age often develops. So, instead of an object appearing bright, shiny, and new, it has become worn and weathered with age. I enjoy this word because I prefer to decorate with things that have developed character and patina over time instead of something that looks freshly purchased from the store. For example, I have a dresser in my house that was my great great grandmother's. It may not be in the best condition, but that is exactly why it has so much meaning.

Your turn. What is your favorite word and why?