NIE Home | Sponsors | E FAQs | Order Form | Contact Us |
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 DEC. 03, 2012 Egypt's tense transition to democracy: Mass protests fill capital's main squareRead a news article about Egypt's situation and tell if you see any similarities to current or past issues in America.
Now list or summarize reasons why Americans should care about what's happening in Egypt.
Look for an opinion column or editorial about Egypt's struggle. Share what you think is the strongest or most important point.
Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, capital of Egypt, is a loud, lively, crowded gathering spot again. For 18 days last year it was the focal point of mass demonstrations against President Hosni Mubarak, forced from office in February 2011 amid a push for democracy. Now it's the site, on different days, of rallies opposing and supporting Mubarak's successor – Mohammed Morsi, the country's first democratically elected president. "This is definitely a moment of high tension and high anxiety," says Michele Dunne, a Washington specialist on the region. Morsi temporarily gave himself near-absolute powers two weeks ago and proposed a new national constitution that his assembly supporters approved last Friday. The new governing document doesn't specifically protect women’s rights. Freedom of religion is protected specifically for Muslims, Christians and Jews, but not other religions. Some Egyptians believe their revolution is heading backward, while others say recent events reflect the strains of introducing democracy. Morsi scheduled a Dec. 15 national vote on the draft constitution. The U.S. government commented late last week on Egypt's increasingly tense showdown. The State Department expressed concern over the "apparent lack of consensus during the drafting process" by a 100-member assembly. Egyptian protester says: "I came down here (Tahrir Square) to say no to the constitution." -- Hanaa Sweries, former teacher, Nov. 30 Cairo lawyer says: "If Morsi doesn't get it, well, we have seen this movie before and all know where this is going to end.” – Salah Mustafa, age 35 U.S. government says: "We would urge all Egyptians to . . . review this [constitution] draft to ensure it meets the highest standards of their aspirations to live in a country that respects universal human rights, that ensures that Egyptians of all stripes are protected under the law." – Victoria Nuland, State Department spokeswoman Front Page Talking Points is written by
Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024
Front Page Talking Points Archive►Schools vs. phones: Bans surge to keep focus on learning rather than screens ►Election drama: Democratic convention will pick a nominee as Biden ends campaign against Trump ►President Biden, 81, resists calls to let a younger Democrat run against Donald Trump ►Turning point: Supreme Court says presidents have 'absolute immunity' for official acts ►First Biden-Trump debate of 2024 airs Thursday from Georgia ►Health experts monitor the jump of bird flu to cows and a few farm hands, but see no wide risk ►Negro Leagues stars from a bygone era gain new standing in Major League Baseball records ►Justice Samuel Alito adds two flags to Supreme Court ethics storms |
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.
Now you can register online to start getting replica e-editions in your classroom.
Even small donations make a big difference in a child's education.
If you are interested in becoming a Partner In Education, please call 970-256-4299 or e-mail nie@GJSentinel.com