Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 September 2000 — Page 11

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1,2000

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PA0EA11

In' H

In the year2020—looking back edueatlon

Twenty years ago, in 2000, Indianapolis Public School officers, and public school officers across the country, were allowed to carry firearms inside the school during school hours. Some of the results are now in about its practicality. Approximately 400 students have been shot dead by school officers, 300 wounded, and 175 permanently disabled. The number of innocent victims caught in the crossfire between gangs, mentally disturbed student shooters, and school police are unavailable at this time, but the numbers are between 100-300. Since the increase in school violence in the late 1990s, many school districts had to increase their security and create emergency procedures dealing with the threat of bombs, guns, and hostage situations. After the anthrax scare and many other threats of sabotage towards public and private schools, the overall make up of the educational environment looks more like a structure fortified for national security concerns. Upon entering the school building, which is monitored by state-of-the-art surveillance cameras, students have to pass through metal detectors and sniffing dogs. They are no longer allowed to carry book bags or wear oversized clothing. Most public schools require all students to wear a uniform, which does not include pockets in the pants, shirts, jackets, or coats. And the school police patrol the hallways during the entire school day. After two teachers were shot and killed by students during this same deadly era in the late ‘90s, the very powerful National Teachers Union lobbied on behalf of the teachers. They proposed that since the teachers are often the targets of most kids’ frustrations, they too need to be armed. Because they are the ones who see the kids each day,

more on a one-on-one basis, they are easier targets for these disgruntled, frustrated, and mentally disturbed students. Now teachers are allowed to carry firearms to school, however, they must be kept in a locked drawer. Unfortunately, there have been numerous instances where teachers have shot other teachers, and a few recorded cases of students being shot by teachers. After the protest rallies in Indianapolis for the rehiring of a fired wrestling coach, the relationship between teachers and students has been a source of constant confusion. Even though students cannot rent cars or hotel rooms, or buy alcohol and cigarettes, teachers are now allowed to intervene and assist those students who are in need. After the parents protested, saying that it was okay for the coach to rent the hotekoom for their underage child, some changes have taken place. It is now okay for a teacher to participate in an illegal transaction by purchasing or renting something in their name and passing it on to any underage student, if the parents approve. Over the last 20 years, politicians, parents, and special interest groups have continued to demand teacher accountability and higher test scores. This has resulted in adding more days to the school year, from 180 school days, to currently 280, and longer hours during the school day, which average 9 hours of class time per day.

Brave kindergartener

Heather Hills Elementary kindergartener Candis Anderson musters her courage as Rasa Hayes of People’s Health Center administers one of three vaccination shots. Candis was taking part In the “Back to School Shots Campaign.” (Photo/Mikal Saahir)

Vouchers may help Black students, study indicates

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A study that measured the effect of school vouchers on student performance found that Black students performed better on standardized tests after switching to private schools. The study found no similar improvements among other ethnic groups, however. The voucher system, which provides money to help parents pay for private schooling, has become a key issue in the presidential election and in California, vhere voters face a voucher initiative on the November ballot. The study, led by Paul Peterson, a government professor at Harvard and a fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, examined three privately funded experimental programs in New York, Washington, D.C., and Dayluu in

Researchers found that between 1997 and 1999, Black children on vouchers raised their percentile rankings on standardized math and reading tests on average by 6.3 points. Their scores were compared with a control group of students who were not awarded vouchers by lottery and remained in public schools. The gains were deemed statistically significant by researchers, who said they equal a third of the nationwide gap in test scores between Blacks and whites. The scores of white and Hispanic children taking part in >1 voucher program, however, showed no statistically significant change. One theory for the difference is that the Black students praviuosly attended worse schools and may have bene fitted the most from a private education, Peterson said.

And testing is consuming so much of the students lives, that they now have to pass a state mandatory standardized test to graduate from elementary school, middle school, and high school. All, which has resulted in the highest dropout rates in public school history. Rates that also include a very large number of those who have not reached

the age of 13.

We have to keep in mind the effect that every single experience, incident, or new policy has on the psyche of our children. They see what we do and they hear what we say. They hear about the new procedures and they hear us saying that all these changes are for the benefit and protection of them. They hear us saying that we want to help them be successful. They hear us saying that their p6licies are always made in the best interest of the students. They also see their peers being searched, sniffed, watched by video cameras, monitored, questioned, paddled, suspended, expelled, flunked, failed, shot at, harassed, yelled at, talked down too, mistreated, manipulated, and molested. All of this by the very ones who say they are there to help them suc-

ceed.

Are we sending our “future,” our little bundles of joy, our children, our students, a mixed message? Or do we really think that students should do as we say, not as we <Jo? Their eyes are watching. “Setting a good example for our students is twice as good as giving them good advice.”

families of all types; retired couples, single parent or childless to open their home to a fine young ambassador. To learn more about hosting a student without any obligation call toU-free: (877) 846-5848.

Send questions or comments to me at: [email protected]. Or write me at 9701 E. 63rd St., Indianapolis, IN. 45236. Call (317)393-2188

MAC grants McDonald’s Restaurants of Central Indiana are offering MAC grants, an educational initiative to assist area teachers with their important job of educating young people. MAC grants offer financial support to help teachers “Make Activities Count” for their students. The grants program provides $500 to middle school teachers for interesting and educational projects. Any teacher of sixth, seventy and eighth grade students who is interested in applying for a MAC grant should submit a one-page letter describing the hands-on activity along with a MAC grants application. All activities must take place on school property and applications must be postmarked by Sept. 29. A limited number of grants will be chosen on or before Oct. 31. Letters should be submitted on school letterhead and include: the school’s name; district; address; phone number; number of students involved; brief overview of the project; and budget. All applicants must submit an official MAC grants application. Teachers working together should note the name of one project manager. Letters should be mailed to MAC Grants, do Bandy, Carroll, Hellige Advertising, 111 Monument Circle, Ste. 882, Indianapolis, IN 46204. For an application or more information, call (317) 684-7711.

2000

graduates

achieve

t V !

double-digit gains on SAT

Belzer Back-to-School

Night

Belzer Middle School, 7555 E. 56th St., will host its annual Back-to-School Night for the parents of Belzer students on Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 7-9 p.m. for 6th grade and Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 7 - 9 p.m. for 7th and 8th grades. The staff will

Call for participation The Black Cultural Center Library at Purdue University invites applications from graduate students for participation in its fall program, “African Americans and the Case for Reparations: Positioning the Debate,” will beheld at the center on Saturda^Nov. 11, at 1 p.tn. The vidtos “Black Reparations” (an interview with Randall Robinson, TransAfrica) and “Case for Black Reparations,” will be shown during the event. Applicants should be doctoral students with evidence of completed research, work-in-progress or teaching experience relating to the topic. The selected applicant will lead an audience of Purdue students, staff and faculty and members of the community in a discussion on reparations for African Americans within a historical and socio-economic context. ' Submit a letter of application, CV, abstract of paper (250 words) and a review (650 words) of the “Debt: What America Owes to Blacks” by Randall Robinson: Dorothy Ann Washington Black Cultural Center Library Purdue University 11003rd St West Lafayette, IN 47906 (765)494-3093 E-mail: [email protected] The chosen applicant’s review will be published in the “Focus on the Library” section of the Black Cultural Center Newsletter. The center will pay for travel and lodging as well as a small honorarium. Deadline for submission is Sept. 18.

the academic adnevement of African-American schoU^ who have a demonstrated coamfit- • ment to our community. ; Applications are due Ndv. 20 and awards will be announped during a Dec.l 1 Chapter nteet-ing/Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration. One award will be made fqr the first Dr. Gayle J. Cox Schdlar-. ship. j >> If you have any questions for the rules of eligibility, call the • Chapter’s voicemail (317)7675502.

Ron Brown Scholarship Program The Ron Brown Scholarship is open to African-American high school seniors who are academically talented and highly motivated. Applicants must be able to demonstrate excellent academics, exceptional leadership potential, financial need and impact their communities through activities and service to others. Candidates must be pursuing full-time undergraduate degrees. Awards are $10,000 per ydar for four years. For more information contact the sponsor by e-mail: [email protected] or log on to www.RonBrown.org.

Minority Teacher anil Special Education Services Scholarship

Program

The Minority Teacher aid Special Education Services . Scholarship Program 2000-2001

is offering scholarships fov

efined

explain curricular plans and daily

Three IPS high schools boasted policy/procedures for each class,

double-digit gains and one

maintained its lead over state and national averages on the Scholastic Assessment Test completed by seniors graduating in 2000. The test measures skills in mathematics and language arts among college-bound students. The highest score possible in each discipline is 800 for a possible combined score of 1,600. The IPS district average for 2000 is 445 in math skills and 452 in verbal skills for a combined average of 897, 26 points more than last

year.

Superintendent Duncan “Pat” Pritchett said he is pleased with the progress but remains mindful that the district can’t rest on its laurels. He credits programs, such as the district’s IPS/NUA Reading Initiative, a multi-year professional development program, with increases in student achievement. “Our goal remains the preparation of all students for the challenges of the 21st century,” he

said.

Emmerich Manual High School led the gains with a combined 69-point increase. Northwest High School, which last year lost 25 points, made an impressive comeback by gaining 56 points. Broad Ripple High School, which exceeded the district average of 897, gained four points. Arsenal Technical High Sfchool’s 50-point gain allowed it to maintain its lead in SAT scores in the IPS district. In addition. Tech’s math score of 543 and verbal score of 531 exceeded both the state math score of 501 and verbal score of 498. Tech also exceeded the national average of 514 in math and 505 verbal. ’ Arlington High School lost a combined 18 points. While the number of students who took the SAT declined by 120 in 2000, the number of students taking the ACT increased by 138. The ACT measures skills in English, math, reading and science reasoning.

Join the adventure! With school started, this may be the last opportunity for families to be a part of a cultural experience that will last a lifetime. Hosting a high school aged foreign exchange student for the academic year will allow you to do this without having to leave our home. Cultural Academic Student Exchange (CASE) is accepting applications from

Shortridge class of 1961 seeks classmates In preparation for its 40th reunion activities in June 2001, the reunion committee for the Shortridge High School class of 1961 is actively seeking lost members. Addresses and contacts are missing for about 200 classmates. Members of the class of . 1961 are urged to contact Ellen Brodey Simon at (317) 257-6968 or by e-mail: [email protected].

NABSW announces 2000 scholarships The Indianapolis Chapter, NABSW is pleased to announce the 2000 scholarships to support

minority students (del Black or Hispanic) teaching certification,

education teaching certifii

or occupational or ph;

therapy certification. The cation deadline is set by

institution. For more i

scholarship guidelines or application, call the State Assistance Commission Indiana (SSACD at (317) 2350. | Autumn Break CoUefe:

Tours

We’re Helping Youth! |nc. (WHY!) and R. E. Patriek'& Associates announce. Break College Tours, 27. Seating is available reservations are $185. Florida A&M Universi

Savannah State Univi

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Tour 3: Kentucky State' sity, Fisk University ami,

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Use the SQ3R Method to improve study skills

By HERBERT HARRIS

One of the first, and most important skills you must develop on your success journey is the skill of effective study. Without this skill, some otherwise dedicated students who are on the path become discouraged as a result of the difficulty they have in reading, studying and retaining information. One very effective technique to improve your study skills is the SQ3R Study Method. The SQ3R Study Method may be applied to any subject matter with excellent results. It may be used in reeding an article, a book, or applied in learning the content of an entire course. The first step in applying this method is SURVEY (S). Survey the material to be learned. Scan it in its entirety. Note the way the information is organized and its format. Pay special attention to the table of contents and chapter or topic headings. Look for any outlines or summaries of the material covered. Read them carefully. Familiarize yourself with the style of writing and the way information is organized. This survey should be done thoroughly and quickly. Make brief notes. After surveying the material,

write down QUESTIONS (Q)

you expect to be answered by the

material. These questions represent what you expect to leam. The main purpose of surveying the material and writing

relevant questions is to stimulate

your mind and call forth that which you already know about the material being studied. As you survey the material, silently instruct your mind to recall all that you know about the subject. “That which I know about (this subject) comes to the forefront of my thinking.”

learned from your studies.

Anything you can’t recall during this recitation exercise, yqu probably won’t be able t65ecall at a later time. Recite the important points over and overuntil

they are etched in your i Once you can recite I

important points withotif^poking

at the material, or at youtvotes, ‘

! rtjkntion

all.

you have mastered the

of this material once and for

Even if you do not totally

understand some portioajwf the material, you will, at theory

least, be able to recall it for

Next, READ (RI) the material future examination. Te^jjburself

thoroughly. As you read the material, think about the ques-

tions you expect to be answered. But, don’t get sidetracked from

your reading. Complete this

reading from beginning to end.

Make brief, concise notes of

important information covered in

your reading. Once you have completed the material, deter-

mine if all your questions have been answered. If not, why not?

If so, write the answers down. Now, REVIEW (R2) the material thoroughly. Focus on your notes and markings throughout the text. Make additional notes if necessary.

Review the important points and

concentrate on learning them. Finally, test yourself. RE-

CITE (R3) orally what you have

that the information you incite is stored forever in your miiid, and you have ready access tott in the

future.

Use this method as yo^ pursue

s.’fhe

your success objectives.

results will astound youx

Herbert Harris is the+pthor of The Golden 12: Univefial Rules For Achieving Smtjess, published by Marlowe 4£Co. It is available either at Bam& A Noble and most local ai&online

bookstores, or by callin^fSOO)

77M712,

788-3123. Call(800) \

ext 8140 for FREE 12 A&rma-

tion Poster. E-mail: mailtodifeskill @pr