St. Cloud schools see mixture of spoken languages

http://www.sctimes.com/article/20110129/NEWS01/101290019/St-Cloud-schools-see-mixture-of-spoken-languages

The article talks about how the number of students who speak a language other than English has grown so quickly that the school district has had to rapidly add staff to work with them. I think that this is great to see that kids are beginning to be proficient in other languages other than just English. It is great to broaden one's horizon and explore the different languages that exist. One thing that I found to be very interesting is that schools receive additional money for students who speak another primary language and are not proficient in English. I also believe that international students who come to America should immediately be enrolled in an ELL program. Its a step in the right direction and it is good to see the number of different languages being spoken locally right here in St. Cloud.

International article- Internet Cheating Scandal Shakes Japan Universities

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/world/asia/02japan.html?ref=education

A student was soliciting help for answers to a series of difficult math and English questions over the internet. However, the questions were taken straight from an entrance exam to prestigious Kyoto University. And they were being posted — and being answered by other users — while the exam was still under way. This issue touches on the technological craze that is so evident today. With phones that have instant access to the internet, it only makes scenarios like this possible. This just shows that test administators need to be aware of all the possibilities that exist in internet communication world.

Freedom Writers

I found the Freedom writers to be a very inspirational movie for me as I aspire to be a teacher. While watching it, I found it astonishing that a teacher could play such a huge role in the lives of children.Erin Gruwell never gave on these children even though they were faced with obvious disadvantages. She had to dig deep inside of her and find a way to teach a group of racially divided teens and bring them together. She used her own methods to reach her students. She used journaling as a method for her students to express themselves and develop a connection with each other. Erin Gruwell gave her heart and soul to better her students in all aspects of life. I believe that she is what all teachers should strive to be.

alternative teacher licensure article

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=900178

The new bill that they are proposing would ease the restrictions on new college graduates who go through different training programs. They are discussing different ways to license teachers outside of the process already in place. They are doing this because they believe that new pathways are needed so that they can add diversity among teachers and fill specific shortages. Personally, I agree with finding alternatives to be licensed as a teacher. As long as they receive the proper training, I dont think it matters how they do it, as long as it gets done. We dont have to do everything by the textbook.

Why do I want to become a Special Education teacher?

I want to become a special education teacher for many different reasons. My older sister is a special ed teacher and I have had the privilege of shadowing her a couple times at work and it was great. The kids are so great and they have such big hearts despite their disability. It was great to interact with them the couple of times I was able to. I think it would be a great career choice for me to be able to do that on a regular basis. I am also a PCA for an autistic boy. It is such a privilege working with him on a regular basis. He really does bring a sense of joy to my life. Special ed kids in general are very fun and rewarding to work with.

Hi

My name is Jesse Rischer and I' am doing this blog for my SPED 200 class. I look forward to posting on this blog regularly.