IncarcerNation

"The average annual operating cost per state inmate in 2001 was $22,650, or $62.05 per day; among facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, it was $22,632 per inmate, or $62.01 per day." "Expenditures/Employment". U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Retrieved 29 December 2009.

Amount spent per student in the Gresham Barlow School District: $8,696 via Open Books Project Oregon

"There is a great imbalance between how we invest in incarceration – and how we invest in education. And right now children are trapped on the losing end of that imbalance. It’s not right. It’s not fair. And most of all – it’s not smart." Former Governer Ted Kulongoski

 

Extra Credit: Create your own Infographic

For those of you who are looking for a challenge and want to switch up your workload you have an opportunity here.  Infographics are used more often to relay information to a wider audience.  If you would like to try to create your own with some of the course material, or find information on your own you can receive extra credit of up to 100 points in your Social Studies class.  This will be a time consuming assignment so if you are cutting into your normal class hours this project should be put on hold until you can find more time.  Please let me know if you want to pursue this project so we can work together to make it happen.  To get started check out this great site and post: Infographic Design Blog

High School Work Samples

In each of my classes this semester you will be asked to submit 2 work samples for your high school portfolio.  Each student is required by state law to complete multiple assignments before receiving a diploma.  Assignments for your classes are listed above in the Matrix and each is described in greater detail on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR WORK SAMPLE ASSIGNMENTS

Where do I find that?

A question raised more often than not in any one of my Social Studies courses is how to find information about any number of a wide range of subjects.  Most students default to a Wikipedia Search, or asking me to Google something for them.
One great resource is supplied by our very own Gresham Public Library (which boasts free Wifi and is a great place to study!)through the Multnomah County Library System.   You might do yourself a favor by checking it out through this wonderful Powerpoint brought to you by our very own Savannah Lehman.

And don't forget to cite your sources in APA!

Monthly Meeting

Attention Mentee students!
Great to have you back for the beginning of our spring semester here at the Web Academy! You should be enrolled in your Spring term classes as of today.  Make sure to get in contact with your new teachers with questions regarding new classes that you may have.  Some changes that you should be aware of are as follows:

• Deadlines will be complimented in all of my classes after every 6 week interval.  So all work has to be completed up to that date to get credit.  Students who have not completed work will receive a "0" for those assignments.
• Schedules and Syllabi will be located under a tab located on the left of each class page.  This will show up to date changes and students will be held accountable to check this document once a week (along with messages).
• High School students will be required to submit 2 work samples per core class.  High School students will need to complete this samples to qualify for graduation.
• Middle School Math classes now require keeping a notebook with all practice problems.  Please label your notes by section so I can recognize which chapters to give you credit.
• If you are enrolled in a Credit Recovery Course this semester the content is available under the Course Information/Orientation then Table of Contents.  To get to the quizzes and exams you have to check the "Mark as Reviewed" box next to the Section.  You also get 5 attempts at completing all assignments and exams, but many of the exams need passwords (so contact your instructor when you are ready).
• American History, Economics, and American Government Finals will continue to be held at the Web Academy and all work needs to be completed before you can set up an appointment to attempt the final.

I'm looking forward to our meeting. I am available for meetings after 9-4 Monday through Thursday. I can make off campus visits Wednesday 9am-4pm, though those fill up quickly. Please email me back ASAP so that I can put you on the calendar!Mr. Ellsberg