Current+Events+Posting+Page

[|www.texasmonthly.com/2012-06-01/btl.php] jeffherr-currentevent#1 This commentary by Paul Burka ("The Party Never Ends!") from the June 2012 issue posits that because of the Latino population surge in Texas, Republican party dominance in the state will be overcome by the year 2040 (or before). According to trending data, Texas' population will be approximately 58% Latino by that year and the hardline party stances on immigration must soften in order to attract future Hispanic voters. Burka also suggests that Texas could become a major-election swing state in the years leading up to this majority shift. As a teacher in a district where a Latino majority has already become reality and where a strong conservative/Republican contingency still exists, I may be witness to a microcosm of political events on a local level that could in fact mirror the future changes of the state. Already the grumbles of Hispanic misrepresentation on the school board have surfaced as a result of the recent shift in ethnic majority within the school district. [|www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/men-dominate-discussion-womens-issues_n_1571757.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HP%2Fmedia+(Media+on+The+Huffington+Post)] jeffherr-currentevent#2 This report by John Mirkinson examines infographic group, the 4th Estate's, recent study showing that men outnumber women when it comes to who is quoted in the press. This media-trend research group's findings concluded that men are quoted more even about issues that primarily affect women. For example, in coverage about abortion, 81% of commentary was delivered by men compared to only 12% from women. Birth control: 75% men, 19% women. Planned parenthood: 67%-26%. These figures heightened my awareness and have caused me to reflect on my role as a moderator in the classroom. In terms of whole-class discussions and discourse, who tends to dominate the conversations -- boys or girls? If my topics angle more toward feminist issues, shouldn't I more cogently elicit the opinions of the girls in my classes? Food for thought.

[|Current Event 1]
 * Terrilyn Gray: Current Event 1**
 * Terrilyn Gray: Current Event 2**
 * [|Current Event 2]**

Katrina Schultz Current Event 1

Katrina Schultz Current Event 2

Jackie Gaffner [|Current Event 1]

Jackie Gaffner [|Current Event 2]

Erin Vader- current event http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/06/08/4019250/texas-republicans-say-theyre-working.html#my-headlines-default

This article examines the Texas Republican Party's attempt to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional white, middle-to-upper-class members. Republicans say they recognize the changing face of Texas politics, and want to better represent their constituents. While, admitting their recent GOP convention here in Texas was not a diverse representation, members cite ways their party is reaching out to members of other races and ethnicities, as well as noting the importance of including member of various religions. Specifically mentioned are the GOP's focus on Hispanic Republicans and the party's concentration on border protection and immigration issues. As a teacher of students from undocumented families, I know these issues will directly impact them, and by extension, our classroom and school. As a Catholic school teacher, I am very concerned regarding the social justice implications surrounding these issues.

Erin Vader- current event2 http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/06/09/4019745/texas-dem-congressional-delegation.html

This article is a sister article to the one above. With the changing demographics of Texas, both major political parties are seeking a stronger foothold with the growing Hispanic community. Democrats have historically been the party of choice for Hispanics, but as the article notes, Hispanic voter turnout has been low in past elections. By electing a Hispanic party head, the Democrats hope to motivate the Hispanic voters to participate in elections, ultimately changing the political landscape of the state. These demographic, and potential political, changes would impact every kind of education in Texas, from the public classroom, to the private sector, to the way education students are prepared for the classroom.

Morgan Valsin Current Events

Solomon Cross:Current Events S.Cross This article informs us of the first hispanic elected as chairman of the Texas Democratic party. This is an effort of the democratic party to play a greater role in the state that is Republican controlled. This correlates to the class by highlighting how race is connected with politics. Having a hispanic leader of the democratic party will influence a growing hispanic culture, that has historically voted democratic in the state. This political effort hopes to sustain political power by using race as a tool to enhance political power.

S.Cross This newspaper article deals with the political influences that race and diversity has in gaining votes for political parties. It explains how the Republican party voted for a state platform that supports a federal guest-worker card. This is a political move to swing the hispanic vote towards Republican favor. With the growing population of the state of Texas becoming more hispanic, the Republican party has taken notice and has begun to implement politics that support initiatives of the hispanic community. This correlates with the class regarding the ways in which race, and diversity influence politics that can change a cultural climate of state.

Julie Ledford: I previously posted two articles this weekend, but the link is no longer here. I am posting two more recent article links: []

This article is about the disparity of minority respresentation in the Republican party. More representatives are being elected who are minorities, particularly African Americans. Republicans are conscientiously making an effort to include this population in future decision-making forums. The article also addresses other disparities and the relunctance of some members to step forward or support the measure. Regardless, progress continues on equalizing the inequity present in political legislatures.

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The second article addresses the current success of students on the new STAAR test, but also notes the problems with the temporarily lower standards. Once the standards are increased, fewer students will be considered as passing. The lowest scores for Texas are in English and writing. Many schools which previously had access to waivers for low test scores will be expected to achieve the higher standards. Previous scores from the TAKS will remaing until next year for campuses.

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I have included a third article, since one article is apparently a duplicate from another posting. The district in increasing initiatives for students to stay in school and attend on a regular basis by offering free cars to students through a lottery style drawing. Several students won cars due to their perfect attendance in high school this year.

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This is the original article I posted this weekend. I did save and checked before leaving Wiki. This is a follow up to the Pizza Patron story from last week in class.