One of my someday things on my blog is to tackle other topics that I have "drafted" previously for later development. So this morning I'll tackle SAT ESSAY.
Unfortunately, since the state has cancelled the SAT for April 14 due to Covid19, this particular topic is a little moot. Here's the deal, though, I really like the SAT ESSAY task, and I wish our school and staff would better embrace it. Essentially, the task is for students to read a passage, determine how the author is attempting to be influential, and then writing their own explanatory essay sharing their analysis of the author's efforts. This particular task is SO IMPORTANT, especially for today's students as they are consistently bombarded on social media with information that may or may not be accurate and/or from credible sources.
As students develop into adults, isn't an important life skill to show an ability to analyze how a person attempts to be influential in a message? When watching an infomercial, isn't it important to be able to recognize how a particular message is crafted to get audience members to buy? What about a radio commercial? How about a political campaign advertisement? What about a post-secondary path training rep?
I'm not suggesting that every message requires very careful critical analysis, but students should at least have the wherewithal and knowledge and ability to be able to analyze a message and the author's persuasive tactics woven into the message.
Here's my concern...I feel like I'm on an island of concern. At Rockridge, we require students to complete the essay, when it's actually optional. What do we do with those results, though? And if the students know that the essay doesn't factor into the composite score, and it's the last assessment at the end of the morning on test day, how much do they try? So there seems to be a disconnect between requiring the students to complete the assessment and how much importance that students and staff and school district place on it. It's all a bit confusing. I don't get it.
Sunday, April 5, 2020
4-5-20 - Palm Sunday
8:54 a.m - This morning has featured online Palm Sunday Service at RUMC. Paul, Tess, Gary, and Tami are doing a great job, and it's been interesting to see how they are adding something small each week as they learn and develop their presentation skills with the limited technology they have. I wonder if Paul will consider having each service videotaped and recorded now.
Today's weather should be good for completing some projects outside. I''d really like to get the riding mower started, and I'd like to push mow a little bit of the yard that is starting to need it. Behind our house needs some trimming. That part of the yard gets the most early spring sun and heat, so it grows the earliest and fastest. My body would also appreciate getting some extra activity in. I broke over the 220 pounds mark this morning...ugh. I keep trying to talk to myself, and so far the healthy Jay is losing to the unhealthy Jay. I need to get at least two exercise sessions during the day, and three is better. Usually morning exercise isn't a problem, and most days I can get two in like morning and evening. When I only get one session in, though, I tend to eat just as much and most times more. So I almost need to have a calorie limit pending how many exercise sessions I get. And not surprisingly, I am always hungrier when I exercise less.
Yesterday, I had another call from Chase. His perspective on his situation is troubling me. I prefer, though, not to talk about that too much here, though. I'm learning, though, that life in the Mercer County Jail isn't as difficult as I thought it might be. According to Chase, in his room, he has a bed, desk, shower, sink, and toilet. He's brought a meal to him three times a day, and there is a sort of lounge that has books and kiosks for inmates to have virtual visits. He's provided paper and writing utensils. It sounds like he's pretty much confided to his room, but that might have more to do with covid 19 than the usual process at the jail.
7:52 p.m. - I'm tired. I spent a lot of time outside working today. I finally got the dang tractor running! I was able to get the yard mowed, get the garage changed around with the picnic table out by the pool area with Amber's help, pulled weeds in the backyard, dug up the dirt in the flower bed, trimmed the roses, and raked leaves out of the landscaping areas. Amber and I also raked weeds and debris from the bottom of the ditch. Amber and I celebrated the accomplishments by picking up a to-go order from Texas Roadhouse. I pigged out, which is something I'll likely regret on the scale tomorrow. I had a full stack of ribs, backed potato, green beans, and bread....oh and some grilled shrimp. I also spent a little time on the truck, but it still needs some more work.
Things for today
Today's weather should be good for completing some projects outside. I''d really like to get the riding mower started, and I'd like to push mow a little bit of the yard that is starting to need it. Behind our house needs some trimming. That part of the yard gets the most early spring sun and heat, so it grows the earliest and fastest. My body would also appreciate getting some extra activity in. I broke over the 220 pounds mark this morning...ugh. I keep trying to talk to myself, and so far the healthy Jay is losing to the unhealthy Jay. I need to get at least two exercise sessions during the day, and three is better. Usually morning exercise isn't a problem, and most days I can get two in like morning and evening. When I only get one session in, though, I tend to eat just as much and most times more. So I almost need to have a calorie limit pending how many exercise sessions I get. And not surprisingly, I am always hungrier when I exercise less.
Yesterday, I had another call from Chase. His perspective on his situation is troubling me. I prefer, though, not to talk about that too much here, though. I'm learning, though, that life in the Mercer County Jail isn't as difficult as I thought it might be. According to Chase, in his room, he has a bed, desk, shower, sink, and toilet. He's brought a meal to him three times a day, and there is a sort of lounge that has books and kiosks for inmates to have virtual visits. He's provided paper and writing utensils. It sounds like he's pretty much confided to his room, but that might have more to do with covid 19 than the usual process at the jail.
7:52 p.m. - I'm tired. I spent a lot of time outside working today. I finally got the dang tractor running! I was able to get the yard mowed, get the garage changed around with the picnic table out by the pool area with Amber's help, pulled weeds in the backyard, dug up the dirt in the flower bed, trimmed the roses, and raked leaves out of the landscaping areas. Amber and I also raked weeds and debris from the bottom of the ditch. Amber and I celebrated the accomplishments by picking up a to-go order from Texas Roadhouse. I pigged out, which is something I'll likely regret on the scale tomorrow. I had a full stack of ribs, backed potato, green beans, and bread....oh and some grilled shrimp. I also spent a little time on the truck, but it still needs some more work.
Things for today
- Possible
- Send Carmen and Cole Easter cards and gift certificates.
- Scheduled
- Write recommendation letter for Kaitlyn Taylor (still waiting response from her)
- This week is suppose to be the worst week yet for the United States.
- Illinois Stats
- February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. It's just been over a month now since the first case.
- March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
- PREVIOUS DAY
- 48,048 tested; 8,904 positive; 210 deaths
- 18% of all tests recorded have tested positive
- 2.3% of all positive cases recorded have died
- YESTERDAY
- 53,581 tested; 10,357 positive; 243 deaths
- 19% of all tests recorded have tested positive
- 2.3% of all positive cases recorded have died
- TODAY
- 58,983 ttested; 11,256 positive; 274 deaths
- 19% of all tests recorded have tested positive
- 2.4% of all positive cases recorded have died
- The numbers are going the wrong way.
- Get the lawn tractor ready to go - sharpen the blades - DONE!
- Fill the crack in the driveway with extra gravel from the drainage sides of the road.
- Tackle some "someday" topics on my Blogger list.
- Move the picnic table to the pool, move the snowblower to the corner of the garage, and move my bike to the area by the car. - DONE
- Figure out if I'm going to get new stickers for the truck.
- Figure out how to get that oil tube piece in the HHR.
- Continue scoring research papers.
- Post a morning video clip and schedule in Google Classroom for 10 a.m.
- Finish course syllabus
Things For E-Learning
- Continue The Rest of the Story
- Still can update EnvisonMe sites
Prior to 10:00 a.m.
- wake-up, feed animals, make a cup of coffee, watch the morning news (usually around 6 a.m.)
- stretch and exercise (varies) and clean kitty litter
- weigh myself and enter weight in the Google spreadsheet
- check banking account online and make any changes needed to Google Spreadsheet
- shower, shave, and get dressed for the work day.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Saturday, 4/4/20 - Happy Anniversary Day
9:53 a.m. - Last night I spoke with Chase. It was good to hear his voice, and he was talking quickly. He called collect and had a limited about of time to talk. Unfortunately, the call ended when he was talking without warning, so I didn't have a chance to tell him I love him. He told me his room as a bed, desk, toilet, shower, and a phone that he can call out collect. He said his first week he didn't behave well, but now he is behaving better, and he said he is writing a lot down - ideas for a video game and stories and reflections. I've also heard that his mom took some of his prescribed medication to him, so I hope that is helpful to him. I'm going to try to schedule another video chat with him and see how that goes. As I write this, I'm holding back trying not to cry. I'm terrified for him, but I also am virtually helpless to help him. My son is in jail; I have a totally new perspective as a parent - a deeper understanding of the gut wrenching heartache that I'm sure many, many other parents are facing.
But as my title says, it's Anniversary Day today! Amber and I have now been married six years, and it's crazy strange how quickly it has gone. She and I are a good couple; we're very different in many ways which helps us help each other. On the other hand, we are similar in many ways, too, so we have a lot of fun and happiness with each other. Our marriage isn't perfect, but we fit very well together 95% of the time. I can't imagine going through all this shelter-in-home stuff in a sour marriage. That would be awful. So Happy Anniversary AL! We are going to have to be creative today and tonight to try to do something celebrate.
Things for today
But as my title says, it's Anniversary Day today! Amber and I have now been married six years, and it's crazy strange how quickly it has gone. She and I are a good couple; we're very different in many ways which helps us help each other. On the other hand, we are similar in many ways, too, so we have a lot of fun and happiness with each other. Our marriage isn't perfect, but we fit very well together 95% of the time. I can't imagine going through all this shelter-in-home stuff in a sour marriage. That would be awful. So Happy Anniversary AL! We are going to have to be creative today and tonight to try to do something celebrate.
Things for today
- Possible
- get a walk inside - weather sucks today
- try Jack's idea of spraying in carburetor with gas
- Send Carmen and Cole Easter cards and gift certificates.
- Scheduled
- Write recommendation letter for Kaitlyn Taylor (still waiting response from her)
- CDC is now recommending people wear face masks when they leave their homes...yikes.
- Illinois Stats
- February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois. It's just been over a month now since the first case.
- March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
- YESTERDAY
- 48,048 tested; 8,904 positive; 210 deaths
- 18% of all tests recorded have tested positive
- 2.3% of all positive cases recorded have died
- TODAY
- ____ of all tests recorded have tested positive
- ____ of all positive cases recorded have died
- The numbers are going the wrong way.
- Get the lawn tractor ready to go - sharpen the blades.
- Tackle some "someday" topics on my Blogger list.
- Move the picnic table to the pool, move the snowblower to the corner of the garage, and move my bike to the area by the car.
- Figure out if I'm going to get new stickers for the truck.
- Figure out how to get that oil tube piece in the HHR.
- Continue scoring research papers.
- Post a morning video clip and schedule in Google Classroom for 10 a.m.
- Finish course syllabus
Things For E-Learning
- Continue The Rest of the Story
- Still can update EnvisonMe sites
Prior to 10:00 a.m.- DONE FOR TODAY, but not quite before 10.
- wake-up, feed animals, make a cup of coffee, watch the morning news (usually around 6 a.m.)
- stretch and exercise (varies) and clean kitty litter
- weigh myself and enter weight in the Google spreadsheet
- check banking account online and make any changes needed to Google Spreadsheet
- shower, shave, and get dressed for the work day.
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