Read this article about having armed guards in schools. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/17/us/arizona-sheriff-adds-school-patrols-to-posses-duties.html?_r=0Would you feel safer with armed guards at our school? Why or why not? Remember, you are going to be graded on content AND grammar, so it is best to type your response in Microsoft Word and spell/grammar check it before posting.
 
Read this article http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/03/education/school-districts-in-5-states-will-lengthen-their-calendars.html and do other research if necessary.  Craft a well-written response about whether adding time to the school year will improve learning, test scores, and/or student life.
 
Many states have already banned texting while driving and some also have laws that do not allow drivers to talk on cell phones while driving without the use of a hands-free device. There is currently a State Bill called "Kelsey's Law" that people are trying to get passed.  Read about it at this link. 
http://kelseyslaw.com/


What do you think about this?  Is it a good idea?  Should it apply just to new, young drivers or would it be better to have a law like California and several other states that prohibits handheld devices from being used while driving (Bluetooth headsets are OK)?  I am really interested in your thoughts on this one. 
 
The main character in this article created a soccer ball that can be used by children in even the poorest countries.  What might you be able to invent to make the world better?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/giving/the-one-world-futbol-promises-a-lasting-source-of-fun-in-poor-countries.html?_r=0
 
Two recent surveys reveal a widespread belief among teachers that students have shorter attention spans because of their constant use of digital technology.

Read this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/education/technology-is-changing-how-students-learn-teachers-say.html

What do you think? Are you distracted by technology? Are smartphones, texting, video games, iPads, Facebook, Web surfing and television getting in the way of your learning? Remember, support your answer with some facts.
 
Does texting have adverse effects on a person's ability to communicate in other manners (like speaking, writing, etc)? I want you to respond with a yes or no answer along with an explanation of how you came to that conclusion.
 
This week I am not giving you an article to read. Instead, I am asking for your opinion as students. The topic is homework.  Please answer the following questions, being honest and thorough in your answers.

1. In all of your classes combined, how much time do you have to spend doing homework on any given day?

2. Does that seem like too much, too little, or the right amount?

3. What is the purpose of homework, in your opinion?

4. Do your teachers assign the same homework to every student in a class, or do they individualize the homework based on the struggles each student is having?

5. Do you get points for "trying" to do your homework or is your homework actually graded for accuracy?

6. Anything else you want to add about homework in general, please feel free to elaborate.
 
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/19/nyregion/amid-hazing-at-binghamton-university-cries-for-help.html

Hazing rituals that incorporate some form of physical or emotional abuse are not unique to campus Greek life. Many groups, including athletic teams, military units and high school clubs, use some form of hazing to initiate new members. While 44 states have passed anti-hazing laws and many universities have outlawed hazing, the practice persists. Would you ever go through hazing to be part of a group?

 
Do you think public figures should expect to be ambushed by photographers, or should they be off limits when they aren’t in public?
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/17/should-the-private-lives-of-famous-people-be-off-limits/
 
Watch the Ted Ed video at this link: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/brian-gervase-why-the-shape-of-your-screen-matters

Do you want your full screen, or do you want to see the entire movie? Do you consider yourself an avid TV watcher or a movie buff? Do the notorious black bars necessary on typical televisions bother you, or is it a welcome compromise? Explain how you would ideally watch a movie on your television.

Remember, you are being graded on both content and grammar!