Joseph M. Jamison: May 2008 Archives

As an educator, new instructional strategies and classroom initiatives are thrown my way pretty much on a weekly basis. Some of these curriculum ideas are recycled from fads in years past with different jargon being the only new thing, really. Others are, in fact, new and innovative, even having the research on their side to prove their worth. The problem is that once educators are settled and happy with their new curriculum based on district initiatives, it gets thrown to the wayside for something new and better (or in some cases, not better). The cycle continues infinitely.

An article intended for my students in the April 28th edition of Time for Kids caught my eye and just may forever change they way I teach.

Update: Arizona State University, at 5:50 pm on May 23, 2008, has reinstated its wrestling program after receiving financial support from local civic leadership. I'm not sure if this makes me look really smart or really stupid. Arizona State is able to keep in line with Title IX requirements because women's swimming and diving fall under the same budget, although the men only have diving. The men now have 9 sponsored sports and the women 11 (technically 12, but if it helps keep a sport, I'll call it 11), preserving a ratio comparable to the student body. jmj

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal assistance."

Manny the Person

Manny Ramirez is widely known for his antics on the field. Some receive praise, but most receive negative feedback. Often criticized for his laissez-faire attitude and 'showing up the opposing pitcher', all of which widely publicized, Manny is always smiling at the plate or in left field. He talks to the media a heck of a lot more than he should (although half of what he says makes absolutely no sense), ultimately resulting in Manny shrugging off the backlash of his comments while reporters wonder what is going on in his head. But the Boston Red Sox know one thing: they'll get more good than bad with Manny Ramirez.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

My girlfriend and I have decided to go organic. There are a variety of reasons for the decision, but mainly, we are doing it for our overall well-being. She and I are both pretty stingy about what we put into our bodies, and with recent discoveries about the statuses of our personal health in relation to our desired professions, the shift only made sense. Sure, the price tag is a little higher than we're used to, but the benefits we seek are worth the few extra bucks. And I have to tell you; it's been about one month since we made the decision, and both of us feel great about it. We've turned food shopping from a tiresome chore into an event, making every Sunday into a field trip with visits to Whole Foods and the local farmer's market.