The Urban Intelligensia

Educational Perspective - A Field Trip for the Mind

Good morning, readers!

Let's catch up....first, I went on a field trip last wednesday to BuildBoston...we went to a conference geared towards youth for architecture, engineering, design and landscaping.  It was headed up by our math teacher who goes every year.  I went to assist in chaperoning the students and to find out about the different fields.  It's not my area of interest....but I was curious.  It was a great conference!  Men and women represented every field.  Some owned their own businesses...others worked for large companies...some worked out of their homes.  They all shared their personal stories...family photos...and advice for success.  I took away a new perspective and respect for their fields.

We were an all-girl group.  Many girls came but didn't seem very interested...but some paid attention and showed the proper respect.  It was a cold day!  Tell me why so many of my girls were dressed as if it were summer?!  Short jackets...short-sleeved shirts...no hats or gloves...tight jeans..shoes?! It was a sad sight to see...maybe our next field trip will be to the mall so that they can buy warm, weather-appropriate clothing.

Ciao.

This Writer's Life - Bubbling beneath the Surface

Hello readers!  For the last few days, a story (or stories) has been occupying space in my brain.  I see a title, even a subtitle and characters, conflict and plot.  It's even connected to that age-old writer's motto - "write what you know".  It's there...now I just have to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and make it come alive.

Do you have a story within you? 

Ciao for now.

Educational Perspective - What's in a Grade?

Hello readers!  It's been awhile, so it's time to catch up.

I just finished the first term grades for my freshmen students. Boy, was that a journey!  A journey from A to F...literally.  But every time I give a grade, I wonder, what does it really mean?  It means a lot to most students and it meant a lot to me when I was in high school...but does it really mean anything in the real world?  Sure, when you go to college...your grades determine what kind of student you might be at that college..but grades aren't the only factor...SAT scores?  They play a role...but do you have to have a high score to prove that you know your stuff?  As I reviewed my students' work, test scores and homework grades, I wondered,  what is a student's true measure?  What can I do differently in the new tern that can help my students show me what they can really do?  How can I challenge them?  I can I push them?  For all you educators out there, send me your ideas.

Ciao for now.

Educational Perspective - Some Real Educational Reform

Hello readers!

With Obama heading to the White House in January, maybe we can see the revamping or end of No Child Left Behind.  Maybe some real resources can be put into schools hands to help students - especially students of color.  We need to decrease the drop out rate for black and latino students.  We need more high education for middle and high school students. We need more job opportunities and job training skills for teens.  We need to help with college costs and quality college-level jobs. We need more money for after school programs, bring back art and creative classes in schools and partner with companies to support our schools.  I hope Obama puts some time on education.  We need to boost our brain power as a nation.

This Writer's Life - A New Era Begins

Hello readers!

I should have written this yesterday but I was exhausted from watching the election results.  Now that I've caught up on some rest and have some energy, I can gather my thoughts about the election.  My thoughts are this YES, WE DID!!!!!!!!  Barack Obama is the NEW president-elect of the United States. We have an African-American man in the White House.  I knew this day would come but I thought I'd be MUCH older when it happened.  I am too happy that America has taken a HUGE step forward in race relations.   I know Dr. King is probably crying in Heaven over what happened on Tuesday.  It's raining today...maybe those are his tears.  I know that his dream has become a reality...is racism still a problem?  Yes...but is America finally getting past it?  YES!!!  Who knows what could happen next?  We could have a woman president....a Latino president...an Asian president...anyone can be president...Barack made that possibility a reality.  I am sooo  proud of what he has accomplished.  I am so proud of this counrtry for choosing his leadership.  I am so proud to be an American and being a part of history.  I can't wait to see what happens next!  I can't wait for Inauguration Day!  I can't miss seeing Obama sworn in!

This Writer's Life - Election Day

Hello readers!

Well, today is E-Day - Election Day.  Barack Obama v. John McCain. Who will win?  Who will become our next president?  We shalll know tonight after 8 pm.  If you haven't already done so, please go out and vote!

Ciao for now!

Educational Perspective - The Power of Choice

Hello readers!

Tomorrow is Election Day.  By this time tomorrow night, a new president will have been chosen.  Will it be Barack Obama or John McCain?  Will it be a Democrat or a Republican?  Will the Bradley effect play a role at the voting booths?  Will there be voting scandal like the 2000 election between Bush and Gore?  Will people see past race and vote for a Black man?  Will the Republicans stage an upset? Will Palin forever be Tina Fey's career meal ticket?  Will riots break out if Obama is not elected>?  Will riots break out if he is elected?  Will skinheads and Neo-Nazis try to take Obama out?  Too many questions...too much worry...too much excitement...I can't waiit for tomorrow.  Tomorrow I have the power to choose the next president and i will use that power to the fullest extent.

This Writer's Life - National Novel Writing Month

Hello readers.

It's NaNo month and it's Day 3 and my behind hasn't even started.  We're supposed to write 1, 667 words at least a day.  I have stories in my head and I want to get started but I can't seem to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.  I want to write something but I can't move forward.  I feel like a car stuck in the mud, engine revving, wheels turning, but not going anywhere.  How can I call myself a writer if I'm afraid to write?!  Procrastination and fear of failure are plaguing me like a rash that won't go away. I need to do this...but...how can I get through this?