tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post2410479193285324368..comments2023-04-09T05:31:07.058-04:00Comments on A Place for Words: What do you think?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087374456804743885noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-57445994062975780192011-03-25T12:54:32.491-04:002011-03-25T12:54:32.491-04:00I'm going to bring Fran's idea back. Yes,...I'm going to bring Fran's idea back. Yes, Language Arts and Writing are important, but Foreign Language has to be one of the most important topics addressed in the article. Considering one of our country's nick-names is "The Melting Pot" I would imagine that knowing other languages besides English would help expand our industry immensely. Although it is a requirement for students to learn a foreign language in order to graduate, many students do not take this seriously. To avoid being a hypocrite, this is sometimes because the pupils are not particularly interested in those languages. By expanding the amount of languages a student can take a class in, children can find a language that appeals to their interests rather than just settling for Spanish or French. It is those students who pick foreign languages that they like, rather then feel they have to take, that score higher grades. Learning is much more fun when you actually have a desire for the information. Students who excel in their language classes can go on to be translators or traders in foreign countries, expanding our economy, one of the main topics in Obama's speech. Thus, expanding the way America teaches foreign language should have been added to the President's State of the Union Speech.<br />Katelynn A. Period 3Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07294284935624948185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-61313386470318753312011-02-06T21:34:06.821-05:002011-02-06T21:34:06.821-05:00I think that Obama's speech could have include...I think that Obama's speech could have included other subjects such as writing or reading. It is a shame that the United States has such low percentages in subjects being that the average proficiency is only in the twenty and thirty percents. Writing can be used in many aspects of life but many students lack the language abilities and creative thinking to be able to construct a well written essay. It may be that there is bad education, or simply that the children of this age are not motivated or encouraged to be high achievers in school. Some people have potential, but just take the easy way out and stay in regular classes where their full capabilities are not being used. At the same time though, Science and Math are used more in medical or engineering discoveries than reading or writing. This could be why Obama didn't address them in the speech.<br /><br />Kalie M.<br />Period 2kaliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13742689523405038105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-36402248701473762052011-02-06T16:41:57.486-05:002011-02-06T16:41:57.486-05:00Although i personally think that advances in math ...Although i personally think that advances in math and science are more important then language arts, Obama should not have forgotten to mention it as well. Sure inventions, technology, and medicine are all involved with math and science, but without reading writing, and languages how would we be able to transfer our findings and works to other countries or other scientists for improvement. Language Arts is very important for both math and science too work and for the information of that work to be sent.<br />Ricardo Hesse, First PeriodRicardohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06406730894174020440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-23298041754086701682011-02-06T15:54:28.186-05:002011-02-06T15:54:28.186-05:00The article makes a lot of sense and so does Frans...The article makes a lot of sense and so does Fransisco. Basically, Obama wants more people to learn math and science so that new discoveries can be made. Also, since these subjects are so important when talking about our nations jobs and top-paying professions, they need to be pushed harder in schools. The science fair scenario completely represents this. Not that many people want to participate in science fair and science related topics; however, our country needs scientists. This is probably just another reason why Obama mentioned math and science in his speech.Rnewmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12822169417032649606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-18276825903212537662011-02-06T11:58:46.729-05:002011-02-06T11:58:46.729-05:00a sales clerk focus's around the area of math....a sales clerk focus's around the area of math...thats what i meant!Taylor Fellmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03428452974919678540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-67499516446697695002011-02-06T11:07:12.626-05:002011-02-06T11:07:12.626-05:00Ummmm, Jake, I don't think most students are f...Ummmm, Jake, I don't think most students are fine with language arts. I remember in my FCAT testing center, I said the words "suitable testing environment," and got blank looks from a little more than half the class. Meaning that at least 10 kids in the eighth grade did not know what the word "suitable" meant. I personally find that ridiculous. Also, once you get to the point in which the word "like" is the most commonly-used word in a person's lexicon, you know you have some serious teaching to do.Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15789911338514323424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-90668249095901058682011-02-06T00:31:20.823-05:002011-02-06T00:31:20.823-05:00Camille De Jesus, Period 5
What do I think? I ag...Camille De Jesus, Period 5<br /> What do I think? I agree with the author of this article. Writing and reading is just as important as math and science. These subjects are each used EVERY SINGLE DAY and are equally important. You can't go throughout life without ANY of these subjects. People are even speaking in text form these days! Without writing and reading there would be no Shakespeare or Edgar Poe! Aren't they just as important as Einstein and Galileo? I don't think there should be an emphasis on any certain subjects. I think there should be an emphasis on school, education, and learning because i believe art such as: music, drama and painting are important also. These sort of classes help some people find their passions and help them use their individuality and creativity. P.E. is also important, but not as important as math, science, reading, writing...you know what I mean.<br /><br /> Everyone's saying that math and science are more important and other countries compete on this. This is true and the competition helps us get the will to discover, learn, improve, etc. But, as shown in the article, we're already doing great in the math and science department already and failing in Language Arts. It's time to start focusing on other subjects too. That doesn't mean stop the focus on math and science altogether, it just means evening up our skills in Language Arts.camihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11991861292634792172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-54747586414236957922011-02-05T18:03:29.287-05:002011-02-05T18:03:29.287-05:00I find it kind of funny the Cat and Francisco are ...I find it kind of funny the Cat and Francisco are having such a discussion simply on a yes or no question. I've spent at least ten minutes reading the dispute over one sentence that wasn't there. It does seem logical that President Obama would not include Language Arts. Language Arts is quite vital, but America is doing fine with that. The problem is with math and science. <br /><br />The world's advancements (no offense Mrs. Powers...) are happening because of the fields of math and science and not language arts. Electric cars, jet packs, and medical advancements rely on the intertwining fields. From my experience, and the long science video from Friday, minds such as Steven Hawking create marvelous developments not because of communication but because of the science. If we want to try to get America past the global economic depression, a major problem with U.S. citizens, then we have to try to beat the quickly developing countries, China and India, to getting such progress before us. They are rapidly developing because of their devotion into achieving progress in math and science. Another J.K. Rowling book would not bring America out of its problems (although another Harry Potter book would be nice =D ). Because of this, Obama found that his State of the Union speech should focus more in simply pleasing the public like any president would.<br /><br />Jake Ukleja Period 6Jakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07204604526484541984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-66513586069568000462011-02-05T17:42:28.851-05:002011-02-05T17:42:28.851-05:00I believe that here in the U.S we lack far behind ...I believe that here in the U.S we lack far behind other countries in not just math and science, but in every other important core subject as well. The main reason for this is that in our school system they are under the erroneous impression that every student should begin at regular classes and if adept enough be moved up to the advanced and A.P classes. Problem with this is that the general consensus of students is that such classes are for the "smart" or "geniuses" of the world, when in reality all students should be subjected from an early age to this advanced levels of schooling. This seems to me like the only chance that our educational system has of eventually coming to equal or pherhaps even superior terms to that of other countries.<br /><br /> Yumi Rivas<br /> P.2Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03122194949564489008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-47675748217096325582011-02-05T15:25:04.362-05:002011-02-05T15:25:04.362-05:00Since when is a sales clerk well-paid?Since when is a sales clerk well-paid?Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15789911338514323424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-52637268125865483552011-02-05T14:58:47.325-05:002011-02-05T14:58:47.325-05:00I completely understand why Obama focused on math ...I completely understand why Obama focused on math and science. Now, he is stating that we need to focus more on teachings of math and science in the younger years because we are falling behind other countries in those fields of learning. I do believe though, that he should also focus on reading and writing, but just not as much (just my opinion.) This is because most of the well educated and well paying jobs these days mostly focus around the areas of math and science. For example, becoming a vet, a doctor, and dentist ect. Even a scientist, or even a sales clerk! China and India and other countries are producing more people who are more highly educated in math and science then us. Even though we have fallen behind other countries, we still need to keep our country's citizens reading and writing skills up.<br /><br />Taylor Fellman P. 5Taylor Fellmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03428452974919678540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-90051334220850139332011-02-05T12:07:41.467-05:002011-02-05T12:07:41.467-05:00LOL. I read that exact same article this morning. ...LOL. I read that exact same article this morning. :) <br /><br />I found it funny that the article flew in the face of everything Obama said. I happen to disagree with the article on the basis that the were fewer participants in Science Fair because of less teacher involvement. That probably does have something to do with it, but it's also correlated to the students. I know that the only reason 95% of eight-grade kids (including myself) do Science Fair is because it is a mandatory project for middle school students. Once that obligation disappears, you're going to get a lot fewer people entering their experiments in for judging.Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15789911338514323424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-20684582455704108682011-02-05T09:49:47.846-05:002011-02-05T09:49:47.846-05:00In today's New York Times:
http://www.nytimes...In today's New York Times:<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/05/us/05science.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper<br /><br />Copy and paste the link. Totally related to this conversation.<br /><br />Carry on. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05087374456804743885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-16960920498290310452011-02-04T22:23:28.892-05:002011-02-04T22:23:28.892-05:00I actually was saying that adding Language Arts wo...I actually was saying that adding Language Arts would not have benefitted the speech.<br /><br />I actually do not think that many of the points above relating to the importance of Language Arts are important. When Obama says a subject, it is to urge people to further their knowledge in an advanced level. Therefore, just the use of English doesn't really demonstrate the importance of Language Arts in the context we are in. It is as if I would say that without studying math, we wouldn't be able to count, and without science, we would think the Earth is flat.<br /><br />We need to compare advanced uses of math and science (like college level) with college level Language Arts abilities.<br /><br />Francisco (NOT Sisco) Rivera<br />Pd. 5Francisco Riverahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09800177880575072468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-75604940214643185302011-02-04T21:59:15.483-05:002011-02-04T21:59:15.483-05:00@Lawrence
The whole fun of it IS arguing. :) Why d...@Lawrence<br />The whole fun of it IS arguing. :) Why do you think that's all Sisco and I did? :P Of course, we're both stubborn people, so that contributed to the bickering, as well. As for your theory as to why Obama did not mention LA: I think that it is a pretty good one. The only thing is, that when it comes to math and science, there is no "in between". Most people either love them or hate them, so there obviously are some people who believe that math and science aren't THE most important subjects. But yeah, I can see where you are coming from on that theory. <br /><br />I agree with you on the idea that you can't have a subject without the other because it is true. :)Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15789911338514323424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-87057774645186923572011-02-04T21:43:09.819-05:002011-02-04T21:43:09.819-05:00@Rachel- I'm pretty sure this is a typo, but I...@Rachel- I'm pretty sure this is a typo, but I do not understand your statement of how "language arts is more technology not language arts." Could you explain that?<br />Also, according to Merriam-Webster, this is the definition of language arts: the subjects (as reading, spelling, literature, and composition) that aim at developing the student's comprehension and capacity for use of written and oral language.<br />Thus, language arts does involve speaking and writing.<br /><br />My personal point of view is that Language Arts is equally as important as math and science. These subjects all work together to create the society that we live in now. If a scientist proposed a new revolutionary theory of a law of nature, then the only way to express it is through some form of Language Arts. Either by communicating with other scientists through speech or posting his theory on the Internet, all of these methods involve speaking or writing, and thus, they also involve Language Arts. Similarly, let's say that a writer wants to publish a new work online. In order to do that, they would have to use technology such as a computer. This technology could not have been invented without math and science. Even printing a work of literature on paper involves technology created by math and science. As such, no subject can be particularly successful without utilizing strategies of another subject. Although these strategies are categorized into different subjects, mixed together, they all play a part in how our lives are like, and how society came to be the way it is now.<br /><br />Just because Obama did not specifically mention Language Arts in his speech doesn't mean he believes it isn't as important. From previous blog posts, it seems that the popular belief is that math and science are more essential parts of education. Thus, in order to prove a point and persuade the common man, a speech should contain information that most of the people believe as more correct. Certainly, other subjects such as Language Arts, social studies, and foreign languages are extremely important. However, if the popular belief is indeed that math and science are more important, then I understand that President Obama would focus more on those subjects and try to appeal to as many people as possible.<br /><br />@Brett-I believe that discoveries in math and science are often more important, but that isn't to say there aren't new things being discovered about Language Arts. Oral and written language have constantly changed throughout history, and I believe that that pattern will still continue. New languages are being used and new information about popular languages are being discovered all the time. <br /><br />@Francisco and Cat- I do not believe that you guys have much to argue about. Both of you admit that math, science, Language Arts, and other subjects are all extremely important. The only thing you guys are trying to argue about is whether or not President Obama should have put Language Arts in his speech. Even then, I do not believe you two are arguing over the same thing. Francisco only said that he does not believe it was necessary for Obama to put Language Arts in his speech, while Cat was arguing that he should have. This does not necessarily mean that Francisco was saying that Obama should NOT have put Language Arts in his speech. He was only saying that it was not NEEDED. It is a good idea to mention Language Arts (and other subjects like history and foregin language) during his speech, but I also believe that it wasn't necessary to put Language Arts in his speech.<br /><br />Lawrence X.<br />Pd. 3Lawrencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07033661760142863235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-53364898690287719572011-02-04T19:53:33.452-05:002011-02-04T19:53:33.452-05:00@Mrs.Powers- I think language arts is more technol...@Mrs.Powers- I think language arts is more technology not language arts. If talking were language arts than everything involves language arts. I think I'm getting off topic I do think language arts is very important but I understand Obama's thinking. My final statement actually addressing the topic.Rnewmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12822169417032649606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-7777033534734854302011-02-04T09:49:35.280-05:002011-02-04T09:49:35.280-05:00@Rachel - Based on your own logic, studying langua...@Rachel - Based on your own logic, studying language arts does bring money into our country. Unless you think the movie/tv industry is not a money-maker...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05087374456804743885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-52571928524955194062011-02-03T21:52:11.970-05:002011-02-03T21:52:11.970-05:00@Cat- I think what Jen meant is that there aren...@Cat- I think what Jen meant is that there aren't really famous, as in like rich, poets. Ya, Shel Silverstein and some make lots of money with their books; however, most poets do die in poverty. (haha another s;sc,sentence)<br />@Brett- I agree with you. I feel that new discoveries definitely create the difference between Language Arts, and math and science. By the way, GO STEELERS.<br />@Mrs. Powers- It's not that an area of study has to lead to discoveries to be considered important. I do not agree with that. But, the new discoveries lead to more money for the U.S. That is why I think Obama mentioned math and science in his speech and not language arts because the new discoveries made in math and science bring more money to the country which is what we want. Furthermore, I think that TV and movies are new discoveries. I mean compare an old movie made in black and white to an up to date movie like Avatar. I mean special effects has changed tremendously throughout the years due to new discoveries in technology. However, I do agree that without language arts we would be no where in society.Rnewmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12822169417032649606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-36974307440237656342011-02-02T21:35:11.474-05:002011-02-02T21:35:11.474-05:00Hey, guys!
Everyone on this blog is too concern...Hey, guys!<br /> Everyone on this blog is too concerned with learning to talk and speech. It's quite possible to learn to talk without a class. I think that Obama should have included Language Arts and writing into his speech, not just Math and Science. This isn't because of the ability of speech but because of career opportunities. Sure, Math and Science are the "most important" subjects in school, but what if someone wants to be a writer or a journalist? Yeah, they'll come across Science and Math, (everyone does, obviously)but Language Arts will definitely dominate those subjects in their professional lives. I think as president, Obama should have covered everyone's future career. I think the focus has to drift away from being just Math and Science. Also, what about having a lot more focus on social studies and foreign languages? Because the United States is becoming more of a melting pot, don't you think that it's kind of important? We have a lot of scientists and engineers already. (Not saying that we have too many)The world could be a more peaceful place if more people expressed feelings into writing or art. Also, entertaining debate, Francisco and Cat. :)<br /> Gabi Shim-Francis P5Gabihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11183843968691633467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-52762449885148082972011-02-02T20:25:09.555-05:002011-02-02T20:25:09.555-05:00Sorry, I take that back. I know there are a lot of...Sorry, I take that back. I know there are a lot of famous poets and writers, and I can name a bunch too. I'm more interested in writing than math and science, but I feel like in school, most kids learn more about scientists and mathematicians than writers.<br />-Jen S. p 3 :)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00330173186100895211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-4416429732432544732011-02-02T20:07:01.286-05:002011-02-02T20:07:01.286-05:00Ummm, Jen? There are a BUNCH of famous poets. Fr...Ummm, Jen? There are a BUNCH of famous poets. Frost, Dickinson, Hughes? Shel Silverstein!?! I actually think that most people can name more famous poets and writers than they can scientists and mathematicians.Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15789911338514323424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-19005333126285904222011-02-02T19:38:41.638-05:002011-02-02T19:38:41.638-05:00Yeah, I understand why our country needs to focus ...Yeah, I understand why our country needs to focus on science and math. However, I disagree with anyone who thinks that Language Arts is unimportant. Writing and speaking skills and grammar ARE used in everyday life, including science and math. Successful scientist or mathematics knew how to be successful through their words. By the way, Rachel, its I *believe, not "I belief" (I only say that because I like to tease Rachel). But still, even though there aren't too many famous poets, the country should want to prosper with writing and reading skills as well as math and science.<br />-Jen Schonberger period 3Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00330173186100895211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-75451172124622870812011-02-02T19:01:33.912-05:002011-02-02T19:01:33.912-05:00Well, I definitely think that Language Arts and re...Well, I definitely think that Language Arts and reading are essential subjects to emphasize in schools. Communication, writing, speaking skills, and correct grammar is necessary for everyday life. However, it seems that more and more countries are competing in science and technology. Technology, inventions, and discoveries improve society, so that must be why President Obama is so intent on improving it. It's all about products and demands, so whatever invention is very popular will be good for the economy and can make everyday life better. I feel like Language Arts is the basic and obvious subject to study and master. But once that's accomplished, science and math should be the main two subjects to encourage. <br />Courtney E. pd 3Courtney Epsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16500316087658199299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384977627720422000.post-7595472376610893192011-02-02T18:55:49.631-05:002011-02-02T18:55:49.631-05:00NO!!!!!NO!!!!!Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15789911338514323424noreply@blogger.com