Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, 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.
04/11/2022
Will Smith banned from Oscars for a decade
The motion picture academy banned actor Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years as punishment for slapping Chris Rock at last month's ceremony. The academy also apologized for its handling of the situation and allowing Smith to stay and accept his best actor award for “King Richard.” Smith will keep that Oscar, and he will remain eligible to be nominated for and to win more of them in the 10-year period, though he can’t show up to accept them. “I accept and respect the academy’s decision,” said Smith.
■Class discussion: Was the motion picture academy’s punishment of Will Smith fair? Why or why not? Why did Smith slap Chris Rock? Should Smith keep his Oscar? Should he be eligible to get another? Do you think it's likely that Smith will be nominated for another Academy Award? What do you think would happen if you, or any other ordinary person, got up on a stage and slapped someone in front of hundreds of people? Would you get arrested, or at least thrown out of the building? Should famous or rich people be treated differently than the rest of us?