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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support. FOR THE WEEK OF MAR. 28, 2011 Census results reshape election districts in 'game of musical chairs' that unseats some politiciansThe Census confirms a growing share of people with Hispanic heritage and Asian roots in many areas (see video below). Show an example of coverage reflecting the diversity of your city or state.
The 2010 count also delivers breakdowns of each community's age range. Pick any page or online section and identify at least one story of interest to students and one that probably appeals to parents.
Drawing new U.S. House districts will change Congress after 2012 elections. Find a report on what current members are talking about or working on now.
Now that our heads have been counted, a tough job is ahead for state legislatures. States will use 2010 Census results to redraw legislative districts and possibly U.S. House districts so that each has roughly the same number of people, upholding the U.S. Constitution's requirement for equal representation. Lawmakers or a nonpartisan committee will approve new district boundaries for 2012 ballots. Public meetings began last weekend in Massachusetts, Indiana, Ohio and elsewhere.
Michigan's population loss since 2010 means its congressional delegation shrinks from 15 to 14 seats. New York and Ohio lose two U.S. House seats each, while Massachusetts and Pennsylvania drop one apiece -- in all cases because their growth rates are below the nation's overall 9.7-percent expansion from 2000 to 2010. States gaining House seats include Texas, Florida, Nevada and South Carolina. "Redistricting becomes a game of musical chairs," says Professor Nathaniel Persily of Columbia University in New York, who advises some states on the process. Legislative Black Caucus members in Michigan hired lawyers "to ensure that all Michiganders receive fair treatment and representation," says Rep. David Nathan, a Detroit Democrat. Iowa and a few other states try to show the process is honest by releasing the computer software used to draw election boundaries so voters can see how it works. Legislator says: "When the music starts playing in that musical chairs, I'm taking my seat with me!" -- State Rep. Phillip Lowe of South Carolina, a Republican Editorial says: "State residents do not benefit from the kinds of lopsided districts that are sometimes drawn in Pennsylvania based on party politics. We already are losing one congressional district. Let's make sure all the rest -- on the state and federal level -- reflect residents' needs and not just those of politicians." -- The Patriot-News, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Political scientist says: "Even though some legislators may want to use redistricting to help their party cement control, voters can thwart their best-laid plans." -- Professor Joseph Aistrup, Kansas State University Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024
Front Page Talking Points Archive►U.S. government may challenge concert business dominance of Live Nation and Ticketmaster ►New book explores mental health impact of 'the phone-based childhood' ►Feds vs. Apple: Major case tests whether iPhone breaks a 19th century law against monopolies ►Beyoncé's 'historic' new album, 'Country Carter,' is 'breaking down barriers' ►Total solar eclipse next week will be a rare, memorable sight – and a vivid science lesson ►Tricky balance: Supreme Court tries to keep law and politics separate this election year ►Here's why SAT and ACT exams are back on more students' college paths ►Congress moves toward TikTok forced sale or ban for national security reasons ►Swift and sleek: Amtrak is closer to saying 'all aboard' for a new era of high-speed rail travel |
Step onto any school campus and you'll feel its energy. Each school is turbocharged with the power of young minds, bodies, hearts and spirits.
Here on the Western Slope, young citizens are honing and testing their skills to take on a rapidly changing world. Largely thanks to technology, they are in the midst of the most profound seismic shift the world has ever seen.
Perhaps no time in our history has it been more important to know what our youth are thinking, feeling and expressing.
The Sentinel is proud to spotlight some of their endeavors. Read on to see how some thoroughly modern students are helping learners of all ages connect with notable figures of the past.
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