PLN3 (Semester 2)

Ms. Lee,

                Your post, “The Power of Positive Thinking” really got me thinking.  Being more positive than negative is something many people, including me, struggle with.  As a student, I have witnessed the power of being positive for me personally, or through a teacher or a coach.  A time where positive thinking pulled through for me was when I got injured in seventh grade playing basketball.  It was a severe sprain in my shooting arm and I was discouraged that I wouldn’t be able to contribute to the team.  I thought to myself ways that I could contribute.  I came up with being able to contribute through a coaching standpoint, showing tips and suggestions to my teammates.  As a student, I know that a teacher that tends to be more positive is more liked and catches the focus of the students.  As a whole, I think the power of positivity can greatly affect the well-being of not only you, but on others as well.

PLN2 (semester 2)

Mr. Warlick,

                Your post, “Are We Wasting Children?” makes some very interesting points.  First off, the title really caught my attention, which made me want to read more.  Your basic idea of schooling administrations using students with good grades and test scores to boost their appearance, meanwhile almost discluding students that are having a harder time, does make sense.  I for one am not naïve enough to think that it is “all about the students” as most school-involved workers practically feed us.  I really do believe that a majority of high ranked school officials aim their focus on students, but I have some skepticism.  I am currently a freshman enrolled at Arapahoe High School and each of my fellow classmen is required to take two different forms of standardized testing,  one is MAPs testing, the other being CSAP.  Both forms of testing are used for either teacher or school/district purposes.  Basically a progress report that we (the students) take for the gain of school employed workers.  The idea of students being used for a better pay check is undoubtedly present.