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Beckett's Table
- Address:
3717 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018Neighborhood:
- Cuisine:
AmericanPrice: $30 and under
Beckett's Table
- Dining Style: Casual Dining
- Website: http://www.beckettstable.com/
- Phone: 6029541700x
- Hours of Operation:
Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Closed: Monday
- Payment Options: AMEX,Diners Club,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Contemporary American
- Executive Chef: Justin Beckett
- Dress Code: Casual Dress
- Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
- Additional Details: Bar Dining, Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Smoking Area, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
- Private Party Contact: Justin Beckett 6029541700x
A word from Beckett's Table
Chef Justin Beckett brings together what matters to him most: family, friends and honest, incredible food. With considerable help from his partners and longtime friends Scott and Katie Stephens and his wife Michelle, Beckett has created an irresistible hangout for his discerning Arcadia/Biltmore neighbors, people who expect comfort and sophistication in equal measure and get it here.Continued
The same grounded approach is evident on the menu, which emphasizes Seasonal American Cooking in dishes such as Creamy Grits and Spicy Andouille Sausage with mustard jus, Pork Osso Buco Confit with spinach pancetta spaetzle , or Fork Tender Short Ribs with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed veggies, red wine reduction.
Factor in the inviting bar, roomy patio and community table, and it gets even easier to follow the Beckett's Table mandate: Come Together.
The same grounded approach is evident on the menu, which emphasizes Seasonal American Cooking in dishes such as Creamy Grits and Spicy Andouille Sausage with mustard jus, Pork Osso Buco Confit with spinach pancetta spaetzle , or Fork Tender Short Ribs with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed veggies, red wine reduction.
Factor in the inviting bar, roomy patio and community table, and it gets even easier to follow the Beckett's Table mandate: Come Together.
Foodspotting photosSee all photos
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
- Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies
Beckett's Table - Best Restaurants in Phoenix ›
Beckett's Table reviews from OpenTable diners
149 reviews since May 26, 2014
- Food4.3Service4.5
- Ambiance4.2Noise LevelModerate
fit for foodies (106)neighborhood gem (96)notable wine list (54)good for groups (51)special occasion (48)hot spot (29)great for outdoor dining (26)romantic (19)kid-friendly (16)vibrant bar scene (13)great for lunch (11)great for brunch (8)late-night find (7)scenic view (1)Show More
- Arizona Restaurant WeekLove2dineDined on 9/21/2014We love Beckett's Table however the offerings for the special were rather skimpy. We especially thought the desert offerings were not up to their standards. $5:00 for a glass of iced tea, really.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- great restaurant week findJuanDined on 9/19/2014Great food, variety of choices and the included glass of wine was unexpected and very drinkable.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Must Try Salmon with SauerkrautKimberleeDined on 9/18/2014Food fabulous - must try heirloom tomato salad and salmon. Wine selection more than sufficient and the service superb.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Did not like!HundearsDined on 9/14/2014An average resturant, offering nothing in food, ambiance or service to draw us back!
- It was a lovely experience!CynthiaivetteDined on 9/13/2014Love the food, super service and great ambience. Will come back.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Awesome Anniversary DinnerMrandMrsOhioDined on 9/13/2014We made reservations to dine here on our anniversary. When we entered the establishment, we were warmly welcomed by the staff. Everyone wished us a happy anniversary. Mr. Beckett's head chef (when he is not there) came out and wished us a happy anniversary and even gave us food suggestions. He was very nice and warm to us. We really appreciate that touch. Our waiter, Mr. Jared, was very knowledgeable about the food and the food flavors. He also did a wonderful job recommending wines to pair with the meal. The food was outstanding. The chef made sure high-quality food left the kitchen. All in all, they did an amazing job with our dinner and really made our special occasion one to remember. Thank you all at Beckett's Table.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Great food and serviceOpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 9/12/2014First visit to Beckett's and we enjoyed our meal. Great tomato red pepper soup and chopped salad--all fresh ingredients. Then short ribs that were tender and full of flavor. Also, had roasted chicked with cheddar bacon stuffing. Great wine, drink, and beer list. A definite must experience.Special Features:
- SeatingOpenTable Diner Since 2014Dined on 9/12/2014Just because there was two of us, doesn't mean we wanted a lame two top in the back near the bus station... Fail becketts table.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Amazing Gourmet Comfort FoodHeatherDined on 9/6/2014My husband and I went here for our 10 year anniversary. It was the first time we had ever been. It was fabulous! Great drinks, amazing food and a fun atmosphere. The pork osso buco confit was delicious! We will definitely be going back soon!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- A New Traditionerob1Dined on 9/6/2014My family is pretty big on traditions. At Thanksgiving, we share what we're thankful for, and on birthdays, we always call and sing. Having moved here from Ohio, I don't have any family in the area, but I have a few friends. Every single one of them raved after my birthday dinner at Beckett's Table in 2013, so much so that we had to come back for 2014. I think I have a new tradition.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Our "Go to" placeOpenTable Diner Since 2009Dined on 9/6/2014Last weekend's visit to Beckett's didn't disappoint once again. Whenever special guests arrive from out of town, this is usually one spot we go to. So far they excel and return visits are always on the horizon. My only slightly negative comment might be the over zealous "waterboy". A nice guy with possibly too much time on his hands. Needless to say everyone at our table had a topped off glass of water at all times. Other than that, we're still going back.Special Features:
- ServiceReviewVIPDined on 9/6/2014Even though we requested a specific table/booth near window, it was not given to us because another group was going to be coming in at 8 PM. This was outrageous. We were there ta 6:20PM. The girl who seated us did not care how we felt. Took us to the back of the restaurant. Turns out there were no more than 3 people at the table we wanted and those people cam late. What bothers me is that they are more caring about someone who was coming later even though we made reservations exactly like others but earlier. Did not appreciate the selectiveness of the woman at the front who did not care to seat us even though there was availability. Will not return to this place nor will it be recommended by us.
- Good Stuff!gwozmanVIPDined on 9/5/2014We've only dined there occasionally, however it has always been terrific. The food is delicious and imaginative. I have no hesitation to recommendSpecial Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- New Favorite SpotHatesToCookDined on 9/5/2014We had a fabulous meal! The cheddar/bacon biscuits are a must. The are absolutely wonderful! Whatever you have for your meal, be sure to save room for dessert!Special Features:
- Just right.gofunoutDined on 9/4/2014Great ambience, super wine & beer menu. Adventurous appetizers. Outstanding selection and quality of entrees. First class, knowledgeable service.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- top notch servicelocalchasDined on 8/30/2014Coming from Charleston, SC we are very spoiled, but this was a real treat. The food was superb and the waiter very helpful ( I hate it when they say " everything is good!) and the recommendations from the waiter were just right. We even tried the pork cheeks....very attentive service,and yet not too much. Found out from the waiter that our very own Sean Brock from Husk is coming to AZ to "share" with their chef! We were a little surprised at the neighborhood at first; just a strip mall, but don't be put off by that, this was a great evening.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Good food, great serviceLove2eatDined on 8/30/2014Loved the ambience, wine list, & service but just liked the food. We ordered the chicken & the short ribs for dinner, my husband liked the short ribs, which was a good portion, but we both agreed that it didn't taste like it had any seasoning. We then ordered their "famous fig pecan pie" the lemon zest gelato on top was way to overpowering so we tried a bite of the pie without the gelato & it had no flavor, we were very disappointed in our dessert selection.Special Features:
- What a gem!wanderingk8Dined on 8/27/2014In Phoenix for business, and staying at an airport hotel before an early morning flight. With dismal selection in the immediate area, I turned to Yelp. This place deserves every fantastic rating. Service was attentive, but not overly so. Food was delicious and had surprisingly innovate flavors. Oh, and there was bacon. Lots of bacon. I hope to have more business in Phoenix just to come back here!Special Features:
- FantasticdineoutersDined on 8/24/2014Food is always delicious. Bacon, cheese biscuits are to die for. Spinach spaetzle is wonderful. Every item is awesome from appetizers, kids items, entrees to desserts. The staff are great. We love this place!!Special Features:
- Cute place. Ok foodLuvbeingveganDined on 8/23/2014Expected more vegan selections for this type of restaurant, but it's cute although loud. For you vegetarians out there, there is bacon in their deviled eggs...not listed on menu and would never have thought to ask as Bacon does not need to be in everything!!!Special Features:
- lucky findSDFlashDined on 8/19/2014Just happened across Beckett and was pleasantly surprised. Nice ambiance, service was great. Decent wine list and waiters suggestion was liked by all. Osso bucco was good, though the green spatzle were a bit salty. Salad was very fresh and tasty, not overdressed like seems to be the norm now.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Always consistent/greatAZgalVIPDined on 8/19/2014Comfort, tasty fare can always be found at Beckett's Table.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Becketts Table is our "go to" placeBillDined on 8/16/2014We discovered Beckett's Table several years ago and found the food and service to be the great. It is now our "go to" place for a special evening. They just do not disappoint. We live on the west side and are excited about discovering the Southern Rail.Special Features:
- Just okayRachelDined on 8/16/2014We were excited to try Beckett's Table because we read great reviews and the menu looked great! When we sat down, our waters were filled immediately (and consistently throughout the night thanks to the water boy!) Our server greeted us in a timely matter and was overall a good server. However, when we did order our food, no joke, it was out within 4 minutes. 4 minutes!! That's unheard of. I did order a salad, which takes no time but a shortrib in 4 minutes. When the server brought it we said "Whoa! That was fast!" Her response,"we don't mess around." No kidding. If you know someone is trying to have a nice night out and food takes a while, put it on a hold. That was way too fast for our liking.Special Features:
- Very creative menu!!!EricDDined on 8/15/2014We had a very difficult time narrowing our choices. Our waitress Rachel took excellent care of us and was spot on with her recommendations. We definitely will need to come back so we can try things we were not able to this time. My personal favorites were the Pork Osso buco with the spinach spitzle. The deconstructed smores with chocolate covered bacon and peanut butter, so crazy it is good!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Great Upscale Comfort Food!PaultyDined on 8/13/2014We decided to try Beckett's Table to celebrate a friends birthday. None of us had been there before. The entrees we had were, a flat iron steak, and short ribs. Both were great, the ribs were amazing. We also ordered some bacon biscuits that were mouthwateringly good! We had a bit of a wait for the food, which ended up being worth the wait. Our waiter (John, I think) was very pleasant and helpful regarding items on the menu. We purchased a t shirt for our son "Porknography" which was delivered in a take out gift box, by the manager, in a very first class gesture. We definitely plan on returning with friends.Special Features:
- MojooVIPDined on 8/13/2014Delicious red pepper/tomato soup and tender short ribs. Would not order the fried deviled eggs. Too salty. Great service!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Do not get the fishOpenTable Diner Since 2008Dined on 8/10/2014My wife got the steamed whitefish and it was pretty bad; she could not stomach more than a few bites. She is the second person I've been with at Beckett's who said that the fish was terrible. I know this is strictly a matter of taste but steamed fish is just not appealing. Grilled, baked, sauteed...anything but steamed. My Osso Buco was terrific as always though.Special Features:
- YUM YUM YUMMY!ProfessorLuLuDined on 8/9/2014Beckett's Table emphasizes local ingredients and has a deep local wine list (along with many other great options from further afield too). The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. It seems they always have another vegetarian and vegan option that's not posted on the menu, so be sure to ask your waiter (we got a delightful drilled tofu steak with chimicurri sauce along with the exquisite vegetable sides--fingerling potatoes, roasted mushrooms, creamed corn) that was much more interesting than the "local vegetables plate" noted on the menu as the vegetarian option.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Nice dinner for twoDaG2Dined on 8/9/2014Great concept and great service, with a staff paying attention and rushing to clean the table or fill your glass. The Salmon Ceviche was perfect with a good mix of flavors and bite. The Cod was a real gem, both innovative and elegant, while a feast to the palate. The Steamed Sea Bass was also creative, but was slightly overcooked and borderline mushy and watery, which sort of took the whole dish a serious level down. Our waiter did a great job discussing our wine selections, and our choices did actually match his descriptions perfectly. We will return and try something new.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- First timerMadisonDined on 8/9/2014We received a referral from a previous guest of the restaurant who now lives in Denver. She suggested we try Becketts Table. We were not disappointed. The food was amazing! The service spectacular! We went with some suggestions from our server and everything was incredible! We will be back and have already shared with some friends how awesome the restaurant was!Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Great service & great food!Kristine92109Dined on 8/7/2014Everything was awesome! Enjoyed the decor, service, and overall atmosphere. Would definitely come back when in the area again.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- SO GOOOODLocalFoodieDined on 8/7/2014So great! Had dinner with my mom and sister as a double birthday celebration and everything was superb. Great service, great food, and everything in between! Fantastic neighborhood "hole in the wall". I live a block away and already can't wait to go back.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- OpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 8/6/2014Our waiter was wonderful, he made sure we were well taken care of and offered me a free dessert to celebrate my birthday. Food was delicious, will definitely be back.Special Features:
- AmazingCherylDined on 8/6/2014Love it!! Food, ambiance, and staff all are standouts.Special Features:
- Loved, loved, loved!!foodieDined on 8/6/2014I recently enjoyed the community table experience. Awesome atmosphere, company and food. Would highly recommend.Special Features:
- IS THAT ALL THERE IS??OpenTable Diner Since 2012Dined on 7/31/2014Went with high expectations...foodies...awards...etc. Very disappointing. Burger was bland, fish was salty, Osso Bucco unremarkable...at about $60 per person we expected excellence and got meh.
- Outstanding!ConnerVIPDined on 7/26/2014The food is excellent at Beckett's Table. We had great service. A very nice place.Special Features:I would recommend this to a friend.
- Loud - Not a quiet eveningSWDiningDined on 7/26/2014Very loud. The ambiance of a high school cafeteria. The tables are configured such that I sat closer to the tables next to me than my wife. Communication with her was an occasional shout. Just too many people to enjoy dinner celebrating her 50th birthday.
- Not so impressedDGinAZDined on 7/26/2014After reading so many positive reviews, I really expected more than I experienced. The food was good, but not great. Those I dined with enjoyed their meals, mine was sub-par. I had the St. Louis Ribs and they were the worst ribs I have ever had. They were extremely fatty, like 70% fat. I expect more from a place of this supposed caliber. The service was sub-par as well. I had to ask three times (three different people, including the manager) over nearly 10 minutes to get something to wipe my grease covered hands with (from the fatty ribs). The place was busy, but is not so large that they cannot care better for their customers. They just seemed somewhat disorganized. This will not be on my list of places to return to.


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What Outer Space's Inner Circle is Wearing RIGHT NOW
As we all know, I am from outer space.
And lately, I'm getting a lot of fashion inspirationz from former Egyptian king and long-suspected alien Akhenaten. (He is also possibly our current president.) If you thought Akhenaten was totally revolutionary on earth, you should see what he's doing in fashion.
See, the dude has the hourglass of power, particularly in the hips region:
And I can't help but find that ToTalLy InsPiRiNG.
For a space garden party. Shoes. Skirt by Tsumori Chisato. Tshirt by my brother's old band, The Madison Square Gardeners. My mom got me that necklace in Costa Rica. What? She didn't get you one? That's really sad—she must like me more.
For your next business meeting in space. Dries Van Noten hologram shoes. Trench dress by Ever (here's a similarly spaced-out frock.) Vintage necklace also from my mawm. (Gotta love those moms.)
For space clubbing. These shoes are cooler than mine. Dress by Mirit Weinstock from Pixie Market. Necklace from a children's toy store in Cannes, just an irreverent something I picked up irreverently on an irreverent summer jaunt to Provence.
One outer space, three ways to look totally Akhenaten—and Pizza—approved.
(I mean, OK, I guess these are sort of peplums or whatever but I don't listen to trends, what's a trend? Are you a trend? Aren't we all just trends? I just keep my grind going and do what I gusta and that's taken me far, farther than any peplum or PS1 or shoes that look like rockets could hope to carry me, yes folks, it's carried me all the way from my apartment to really big things.)
So grab your Soviet space dog and throw caution to the solar wind and get out there, up and away, my darling astronauts!
Special shout out to my roommate who is pretty cool but will never be good enough!

subset: commoncrawl


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Pictures: UCF Knights vs.UConn Huskies
Check out pictures from the 2013 NCAA football game between the UCF Knights and the Connecticut Huskies at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Image 1 of 68
UCF vs. UConn( Joshua C. Cruey / Orlando Sentinel / October 26, 2013 )
UCF linebacker Terrance Plummer (41) pressures UConn quarterback Tim Boyle (14) to throw causing an interception by Troy Gray (57) during second quarter action of an NCAA football game against the University of Connecticut at Bright house Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla. on Saturday, October 26, 2013. (Joshua C. Cruey\Orlando Sentinel)


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Map It
Map City Services
LouisvilleKY.gov Links
Tuesday December 6, 2011
Low-Income Heating Assistance Program faces possible budget cutsCitizens urged to prepare by weatherizing, reducing energy use, budgeting
Federal funding for the Crisis Phase of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be significantly reduced this heating season. As a result, many Louisville households that were helped by the program last year may not be able to receive assistance this winter. Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership (CAP) -- which administers the program locally -- is encouraging residents to take steps such as weatherizing their home, conserving energy and adjusting their budgets.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to low income households, at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, to help offset heating costs. LIHEAP funding for Kentucky flows through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services which contracts with Community Action Agencies across the state. LIHEAP is divided into two phases – the Subsidy Phase which began November 7 and Crisis Phase due to begin January 4.
The Subsidy Phase received comparable funding as in previous years and will continue to operate through December 16. Income eligible residents of Jefferson County need only to bring their photo ID with their most rent heating bill, or verification from landlord stating heating expenses are included in rent, to one of the three CAP offices to make an appointment. To date, more than 7000 households have received subsidy assistance this season. Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/CAP or call 502.574.1157 for dates, times, and documentation required to apply.
The LIHEAP Crisis Phase, which begins Jan. 2012, may experience significant reductions in funding. Funding for the Crisis Phase was increased during the last two winters to provide additional assistance during the current economic recession, allowing a record number of Louisville residents to be assisted. This year's level of funding is still uncertain but a substantial reduction is expected. The crisis component is designed to help residents experiencing a home heating crisis such as disconnection of their utility services or eviction if their utilities are included in their rent.
Community Action Kentucky currently plans to allocate approximately $6.4 million statewide for the 2012 crisis program compared to the total of $41 million allocated to the crisis component last year. This number could change if Congress increases current funding levels for LIHEAP, as has happened in previous years, or more clients take advantage of the subsidy component and funds are moved from the crisis component to the subsidy component.
To help Louisville residents prepare for potential cuts – especially households with vulnerable members such as the elderly or those with disabilities or small children – the following steps are recommended:
Community Action Partnership has also been working with area agencies, such as the Community Ministries, the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, Affordable Energy and Winterhelp to help spread the word to clients.
For more information about CAP, the LIHEAP program and for a list of other Community Resources that offer assistance during the winter months, visit our website at www.louisvilleky.gov/cap or call CAP at 502.574.1157 (TDD available at Metro Call – 574.5000; or the Kentucky Association for Community Action (KACA) at 1.800.456.3452.


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It was a great Festive Friday as 'Copper & Glass' performed in Studio B.
"Clear Black Skies," "One-Way Ticket" and "Come Around" were just some of the songs the Great Day crew and viewers enjoyed.
You can catch the band in person at its CD release party on Saturday, October 20 at Audie's Olympic in Fresno's Tower District.
The event kicks off at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $7.
For more information about the group, visit www.facebook.com/copperandglassmusic.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2014 WorldNow and KMPH. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.


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My mother has always detested the habit of spitting. It remains her primary objection (just inching out cup adjustment) to watching the sport of baseball. It never failed that she would pose this question when attending one of my games as a youth: "Why is it that you will swallow your saliva in every other area of life, but when you put on that uniform you just can't help yourself?" I never did have an answer for her. Scratch that…I never did have a good answer for her. But as it turns out, perhaps we all should expectorate more often – heck, even right there on the kitchen floor. Sort of.
Winter in
Time to break out the mouthwash!
That's right, the antiseptic rinse we employ as a part of our daily oral regimen is a great cleaner of tile, linoleum, and your bathroom sink and toilet, as well. Just dissolve a capful of mouthwash per gallon of water and get to wipin'. Or heck…rinse your mouth and unload on the kitchen floor - two birds with a single stone!. At least that's a good reason to spit somewhere other than the baseball diamond. Sort of.
Tease Image: By Britta Gustafson (Flickr: P1100238) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons


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At Pinnacle Automotive Protection our vision started in 1998 to help solve the rising costs of repairs for the consumer. Our Pinnacle family of dedicated employees have seen many changes and met many challenges in the automotive repair industry. We added customer friendly services and expanded coverage protection plans to meet our customer demands. Our daily commitment to service and value has kept our loyal customers coming back for new or renewal coverage plans and they frequently refer us to their family and friends. We remain committed to offering peace of mind coverage at competitive pricing, nationwide.
Pinnacle Automotive Protection was a founding member of the Vehicle Protection Association ( VPA ) and was one of the first companies to pass the certification process. The VPA was founded to assure regulatory compliance, consumer education and customer satisfaction.
The Vehicle Protection Association (VPA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing firms that are active in the automotive service contract industry. Members include service contract marketers, administrators, payment processing companies, insurers, and software providers.
VPA currently has more than 50 members. The organization is committed to advocating regulatory compliance among member companies, educating consumers on their rights, protecting consumers, and otherwise ensuring the integrity of the automotive service contract industry


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Licensure & Certification
Check out our new page on Certificates with the CLIA Certification.
What is a public health laboratory? Watch this animated video to learn how public health laboratories protect the public against diseases and other health hazards.
Provide support for three separate and distinct programs that monitor and evaluate, license and enforce the regulation of laboratory testing services in Arizona and nationwide and offer technical resources and training.
- Clinical Laboratory Certification Section
Certify and regulate laboratories that perform clinical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment of disease and health screening services of all certified clinical laboratories in Arizona. Investigate complaints and insure compliance with state and federal laws to assure that high quality standards are maintained.
- Environmental Lab Licensing & Certification
Nationwide licensing and regulation of laboratories that perform environmental testing of drinking water, waste water, soil, hazardous waste and air for Arizona. Investigate complaints and insure compliance with state and federal laws to assure that high quality standards are maintained.
- Technical Resources
Consult and provide technical assistance to environmental specialists and laboratory analysts. Provide prompt "Information Updates" of technical and regulatory changes to licensed labs and environmental community.


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Career Exploration Hotlist
Click here to get a list of military links.
The TDCJ has correctional officer and non-correctional employment opportunities through the state. Opportunities are available for individuals with a high school diploma.
eDiscover Discover is a computer-delivered career exploration and planning system. It includes assessments to evaluate your interests, abilities, job values, etc. You will need to see your counselor to obtain a user ID.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook Online is a nationally recognized source of career information.It contains thousands of job descriptions.
Find out if the military is right for you and search military careers.
Search jobs, company profiles, and college links.
Overview of military educational career benefit, with links to each service.
Helps high school students with careers, jobs, and college preparation, and peer issues.
Monster.com - includes job search, career advice, and information regarding major employers.


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Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO AM) – When the City of Sioux Falls threw the dice and provided the federal government money for levee upgrades, chances were good that money would not be seen again. Last week, word came down the line that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be repaying 10-million dollars to the City of Sioux Falls for the project.
"This is a testament of how governments at federal and city level can work together," Said Mike Huether, Sioux Falls Mayor. "This is one example where the federal government did work. We had to borrow some money to make our people safer, the federal government said they would pay us back and they soon will."
Huether said, he expects the money this week and is entertaining ideas of how to use it. His preference is to pay off the bonds, but the issue is, there is a call protection on these bonds and we can't pre-pay them early. So now we can invest the money to do other things with the interest, we could spend it on quality of life investments such as roads, but the great news is, we are in no emergency to just spend it.
"Another bit of good news, we were honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as one of seven cities recognized for our growth and low unemployment numbers," said Huether. "We have recently been seen in the national media such as Fox, CNN, the Atlantic and now this recent honor. We were selected on how our city is run, how fiscally sound we are and how we partner with other organizations to raise the money we need."
Huether said that the crux of this award was how Sioux Falls and the other seven cities can help ailing cities in America get themselves back into prosperity. The other seven cities named are very strong and prosperous and do a lot of thing right.
"The questions we were ask, were what we are doing for other cities to benchmark and replicate to get them strong again," said Huether. "It was a lot of fun to be a part of the conference and an honor to represent Sioux Falls."
Mayor Mike Huether was a guest on the Greg Belfrage Show, September 24, 2013.
The podcast for this interview can be heard at: http://kelo.com/podcasts/greg-belfrage-show/935/mayor-huether-optimistic-10-million-dollar-federal-repayment-may-arrive-this-week/


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|HAL: in2p3-00710931, version 1
|arXiv: 1202.5317
|DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevC.85.064318
|Detailed view
|Export this paper
|Physical Review C 85 (2012) 064318
|A comparison of forward and backward pp pair knockout in 3He(e,e'pp)n
|H. BaghdasaryanL.B. WeinsteinJ.M. LagetK.P. AdhikariM. AghasyanM.J. AmaryanM. AnghinolfiJ. BallM. BattaglieriA.S. BiselliW.J. BriscoeW.K. BrooksV.D. BurkertD.S. CarmanA. CelentanoS. ChandavarG. CharlesP.L. ColeM. ContalbrigoV. CredeA. D'AngeloA. DanielN. DashyanE. De SanctisR. De VitaC. DjalaliG.E. DodgeD. DoughtyR. DupreH. EgiyanA. El AlaouiL. El FassiL. ElouadrhiriG. FedotovM.Y. GabrielyanN. GevorgyanG.P. GilfoyleK.L. GiovanettiF.X. GirodW. GohnR.W. GotheK.A. GriffioenB. Guegan1M. Guidal1K. HafidiK. HicksC.E. HydeD.G. IrelandB.S. IshkhanovD. JenkinsH.S. JoK. JooM. KhandakerP. KhetarpalA. KimW. KimA. KubarovskyV. KubarovskyS.E. KuhnS.V. KuleshovN.D. KvaltineH.Y. LuI.J.D. MacgregorB. MckinnonM. MirazitaV. MokeevH. MoutardeE. MunevarS. Niccolai1G. NiculescuI. NiculescuM. OsipenkoM. PaoloneL.L. PappalardoR. ParemuzyanK. ParkS. ParkS. PisanoS. PozdniakovS. ProcureurB.A. RaueG. RiccoD. RimalM. RipaniG. RosnerP. RossiM.S. SainiN.A. SaylorD. SchottR.A. SchumacherH. SeraydaryanE.S. SmithD.I. SoberD. Sokan1S.S. StepanyanS. StepanyanS. StrauchM. TaiutiW. TangS. TkachenkoH. VoskanyanE. Voutier2M.H. WoodL. ZanaB. Zhao
|For the CLAS collaboration(s)
|Measuring nucleon-nucleon Short Range Correlations (SRC) has been a goal of the nuclear physics community for many years. They are an important part of the nuclear wavefunction, accounting for almost all of the high-momentum strength. They are closely related to the EMC effect. While their overall probability has been measured, measuring their momentum distributions is more difficult. In order to determine the best configuration for studying SRC momentum distributions, we measured the $^3$He$(e,e'pp)n$ reaction, looking at events with high momentum protons ($p_p > 0.35$ GeV/c) and a low momentum neutron ($p_n< 0.2$ GeV/c). We examined two angular configurations: either both protons emitted forward or one proton emitted forward and one backward (with respect to the momentum transfer, $\vec q$). The measured relative momentum distribution of the events with one forward and one backward proton was much closer to the calculated initial-state $pp$ relative momentum distribution, indicating that this is the preferred configuration for measuring SRC.
|IPNO - Institut de Physique Nucléaire d'Orsay
|LPSC - Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie
|Physics/Nuclear Experiment
|Fulltext link:
|in2p3-00710931, version 1
|From: Emmanuelle Vernay
|Submitted on: Friday, 22 June 2012 09:01:33
|Updated on: Friday, 17 August 2012 14:44:54


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Top Master's Level Employers
Following are the Top Master's Level Employers for 2008. For further information on each employer, including a company description and links to the company home page, careers page and college page, click on the employer name. Please also see our lists of the Top Entry Level Employers for 2008 and the Top Intern Employers for 2008.
If you are a master's level employer and would like to be included in this listing, please complete the online survey here at our site.
If you need to update your information, you can either call our office at 262-375-6700 or complete a new survey.
The information on this page and associate pages is updated on an ongoing basis as new information becomes available.
We also have our related press release available for your further review.
All of the above data is confidential copyrighted material and is the sole property of CollegeGrad.com, Inc. This information may not be used in any way outside of our site unless specifically authorized by CollegeGrad.com, Inc. For further information on use of this material, please consult our copyright information or contact us.


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WARRANTY: One (1) year warranty against material and workmanship's defects.
This small space dinette features a striking white marble top with beveled edge. As marble is a natural material, variation in veining and coloration will occur, ensuring each table is unique.
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In a faraway land lies the World of Paddle Pop, ruled by a young king named Paddle Pop. After a great struggle, he defeated his enemy, the evil shadow Master.
But now a mysterious eclipse is covering the land in darkness, and it's up to Paddle Pop and friends to find out why.
Enter World of Paddle Pop to become a hero with fellow warriors from around the world.
Follow Paddle Pop's journey & join the quest now!
Sign In|Register
Start your own adventure and meet thousands of other players in the World of Paddle Pop.
Get creative and help Paddle Pop design a poster for World of Paddle Pop, and you might win an in-game reward!
Play games made by our Paddle Pop fans, then make the game of your dreams to share with the world!


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Kwikee® Kompound 3 - arrow Quiver, Black
Item # WX2-217227
- Google+
This item cannot ship via any of our Next Day or Second Day express delivery methods.
- Details & Specs
Kwikee® 3 - arrow Quiver. A favorite of treestand hunters!
Kwikee Kwivers have been a favorite of sportsmen and women for over 50 years, just recently being inducted into the Field and Stream's "Gear Hall of Fame". Made out of super durable injection-molded plastic, in black or your favorite camo pattern. Kwik-Loc bracket lets you attach and remove Quiver in a flash! 3 arrow capacity. Weighs 6 ozs. 12" overall length.
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Daily News.
Homo sapiens sapiens
The Darwin Awards: In Search Of Smart.
LIVING DARWIN AWARD! The Thing Ring(May 2014, England) In the interest of public safety, the Darwin Awards editors are releasing this ribald and unsavory event to the public to serve as a warning to adventurous amorous males. EYEWITNESS: "Being part of the emergency services, upon one occasion we were called to the A&E Department of a central London hospital to assist in removing a thing ring... (more)
ANOTHER DOUBLE DARWIN! Sports Training(2 March 2014, Rotterdam, Netherlands) Two apparently intoxicated men dared each other to test their courage against an intercity train at a Rotterdam train station. At 1800 hours on a Sunday night, the station was crowded with more than 300 fans returning from a soccer-match pitting Feyenoord against Ajax at De Kuip, the most beautiful soccer stadium in Holland... (more)
NO DARWIN AWARD: "No Bull, No Bullets!"3 August 2014, Chicago | NOT a Darwin Award winner: the accidental shooting death of a man who failed to prove that his gun had no bullets, when he pointed the gun at his head and pulled the trigger. Moderators have ruled this recent Illinois shooting death "too common" and lacking the creativity of a true Darwin Award. Sorry, Mr. Zyzanski (rawstory.com)
HEPTAMER DARWIN AWARD: Pool Party17 July 2014, Poland | In a small town in Poland tragedy struck as seven people accidentally drowned in a cesspool, one after another. The first death was that of a tractor driver whose job was to empty the septic tank; he succumbed to highly toxic hydrogen sulfide fumes and lost consciousness, falling into the pool. Following him were six "rescuers"... (polskieradio.pl)
DOUBLE DARWIN AWARD: Selfie With Elephant(30 April 2014) Found-on-the-Internet photo in honor of the deadly "selfie" photo. On May 1 two men in Kenya were capturing selfies with a wild elephant when they were trampled to death by the irate pachyderm who proceeded to bury the corpses with brush. The two men were actually touching the elephant's face while taking the photos. Charles Darwin cautions, "When taking sensational selfies, remember the Photoshop option." (www.nation.co.ke)
HONORABLE MENTION: Jack In The Box(30 April 2014) Honorable Mention. Alive without a brain? Six days before his scheduled release, a convict broke out of a Portland jail and enjoyed twelve hours of freedom before being apprehended at a nearby Jack in the Box. The math genius had served 97% of his sentence.
Out of the Box, back into the Box, a classic Jack in the Box.
APOLOGIES: Author Slack Attack.Hi! I'm Wendy, the author of the Darwin Awards and of late, a major slacker. The updates have been spotty to nonexistent and there are cobwebs and spiders lurking all over this website. While I'm getting the news up to date, please enjoy a browse in our Slush Pile.
The Slush Pile has been moderated by volunteers for years, and the fans and I owe them a round of drinks and free popcorn. So check out the Slush Pile archives, the fountain from which the Darwin Awards are fished.
Thanks for waiting--Wendy is back!
FAVORITE DIY DEATHSFrom the archives, some beloved "do it yourself" handymen and innovators.
2007 Darwin Award: Fatal a-Traction
Human Intelligence is MIA,
HomeRulesFAQsAwardsSlushSite Map


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Home > Model Trains > Blair Line
Find low prices on 237 blair-line model trains. Buy now and save up to 16%. Buildings ranks as the most popular of the five blair-line model trains categories, then Trackside accessories, Roadway, Railroad scenery, and Bridge-trestle-girder.
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Narrow your search
Lomo cameras are known to produce quirky effects such as oversaturated hues, out-of-focus shots, and vignetting. Now a matchbox-size digicam produces Lomo-ish shots.
Mozilla is getting serious about mobile Linux. About time.
Mozilla's mobile browser, Fennec, may well define the mobile experience for everyone, including Apple.
Mozilla has finally decided to enter the mobile market, and none too soon. With Fennec it offers the world a community-based browser capable of solving device incompatibility, among other things.
This is Mozilla's most far-reaching mobile move yet, and for the most part, the browser-maker does its Firefox brand proud.
Mozilla is making a mistake in supporting only a niche (moribund?) device, Nokia's N810 Internet Tablet, with its nascent Fennec mobile browser.
Google is going mobile, but why does it need to create its own browser to do this?
What's the future of Mozilla? The chairman, Mitchell Baker, knows.


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The former home of a local Catholic school in Cooksville could soon become an Islamic community center, but some area residents say the plans could change the rural face of western Howard County.
The Dar-us-Salaam Muslim community is considering a move from College Park to the Woodmont Academy property as early as August, according to Minhaj Hasan, a member of the community's board of trustees.
Dar-us-Salaam officials have an agreement in place to purchase the Woodmont property, located at 2000 Woodmont Drive, for about $8 million, he said.
Stephen Ferrandi, a principal at KLNB commercial real estate, confirmed that a contract was in place and said Dar-us-Salaam is in its "due diligence period" which includes performing any feasibility studies to determine if the property fits their needs.
Dar-us-Salaam, a nearly 800-family Muslim community, is planning to relocate its pre-kindergarten through 12th grade Al-Huda school and its community center activities to the Cooksville area.
Located in College Park for the past 14 years, Hasan said the community and school has outgrown its current facilities, with about 600 students enrolled this year.
Dar-us-Salaam has a 10- to 15-year plan to develop the Cooksville property to include more educational buildings and a mosque among other features, Hasan said.
An original concept plan for the property included three seven-story buildings, a large five-sided mosque, walking and bike paths, and underground parking, but Hasan said those plans have long since been changed.
"Everything is initial and in flux," he said.
'Tremendous opposition'
But while the plans are not set in stone, area residents already are concerned about the scope of Dar-us-Salaam's proposal.
"It's an absurd amount of development on a property that is surrounded by farms, is served by country roads and is on well and septic," said David Yungmann, a member of the Carriage Mill Homeowners Association.
A Carriage Mill HOA meeting held about two weeks ago to discuss Dar-us-Salaam's plans attracted about 300 residents, Yungmann said — about 30 times more than the group's typical meeting.
He said there was "tremendous opposition" to Dar-us-Salaam's plans at the HOA meeting.
"They were strongly, strongly opposed and looking for information," he said of community members who attended.
Residents believe projects like the one planned ignore the fact that western Howard County is intended to remain rural through the rural conservation or rural residential zoning that blankets that portion of the county, Yungmann said.
Marsha McLaughlin, director of the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning, said the county has met with Dar-us-Salaam officials to explain the county zoning process to them. If they want to expand school facilities or construct a mosque, she said, they would have to apply for conditional use zoning.
The first step of the conditional use process requires Dar-us-Salaam to hold a pre-submission community meeting, she said.
Hasan said the project is in the "very preliminary stages" with Dar-us-Salaam working through engineering and feasibility studies.
"Right now we are about a month or two away from filing paperwork with the county," Hasan said.


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Share your comments
Demons and druids
James Patterson and Adam Sadler
Teen Fiction PATTERS
James Patterson and Adam Sadler
Teen Fiction PATTERS
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Daniel X
Age: 15
Has the power to create; able to manipulate objects and animals with his mind or re-create himself in any shape he chooses; witnessed his parents' murders when he was three; determined to hunt down their assassin; took his father's job as an alien bounty hunter; tracking down an alien that takes the form of fire; must save his best friends by traveling back in time through a hole in time.
Bounty hunter


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A Parke County man who fired shots at police while barricaded in a Rosedale home last July was sentenced in court Friday.
The judge said he found inconsistencies between Buza's testimony and what he told police during the investigation. Buza faced 74 years on all counts, but was sentenced to 40-year sentence, with 6 years suspended and credit for time served.
He was initially facing charges of attempted murder and criminal recklessness.
Buza said that he plans to appeal.


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By Topic
By Document Type
The 2003 Top 10 Technologies tabulation was one of exceptional change. Six new items broke into the final listing, including Business Information Management, Application Integration, Wireless Technologies, Intrusion Detection, Customer Relationship Management, and Privacy. Not surprisingly, Information Security moved to the number one slot.
2003 Top Technology Initiatives
Emerging Technologies 2003
Following is a watch list of technologies that may not have current financial viability, but show significant future promise for business owners. The four emerging technologies that were identified as having the most future promise are:


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Ener-G Gym Rockets - NDS
by Ubisoft | Item #: 715192 |
ESRB Rating E for Everyone
Live the life of an up-and-coming female gymnast bound for the Olympic games in Ener-G Gym Rockets. A realistic and fun representation of all the aspects of actual gymnastics, Gym Rockets features training for and competition in five gymnastic events such as uneven bars, balance beam, vault and floor exercise. In addition, it also contains extensive character customization options reflecting the fun, feminine side of gymnastics including variations in outfits, hairstyles, hair ribbons and performance music.
Assembled Country
Component Country
Ask & Answer
Warranty InformationComputer and video game software must be returned in the original and unopened packaging with a receipt to receive a refund. Defective software must be returned within 90 days of the original purchase with a receipt to receive an exchange of merchandise.
There is no additional information available for this item.


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Police shoot at home invasion suspects in Tioga
One of two suspects was taken into custody after he was found hiding under a vehicle parked in the area.
Brooklyn shooting suspect charged with attempted murder, assault
The suspect who allegedly shot three people on Sunday and fired at police officers has been arrested, police said.
Police shoot, kill man after taxi fare dispute
Police shot and killed a man who allegedly pulled a gun on officers following a dispute with a taxi driver over his fare in Northeast Philadelphia Sunday.


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Breastfeeding vs. Bottle
Breast or bottle?
Though there are strong arguments in favor of breastfeeding it still doesn't mean it's right for all women. But part of winning a motherhood contest means making everyone do things the right way—meaning your way. Explains Long, "Everybody has the idea that
the way they do something is the only way. They're often not open to other viewpoints." Problems arise when women who are perceived to be doing things
"wrong" are made to feel guilty and defensive. "I noticed that when I was bottle-feeding I got much more of a reaction than I did for nursing," says
Messing. "People would look at me as if to say, 'Why are you giving your baby a bottle. You're right here, why don't you nurse her?' I often felt as if I
had to give an explanation of why I was bottle-feeding my child."
Mothers are particularly vulnerable to negative comments because they're so anxious to do what's best for their child. "New mothers especially are
riddled with self-doubts," believes Long. "You're so concerned about doing the absolute best for your baby that you're easy prey to any suggestions that
you're not doing things correctly." Plus, anxiety about motherhood often causes common sense and self-esteem to go on the fritz. That's why implied
or stated criticism can be so devastating, especially for women who have unsuccessfully tried nursing. They often feel like failures. Explains one
mother, "Everybody talked about how natural breastfeeding is. I don't think
that's true, I think it's a learned skill. I gave it up because it was so difficult for me, and I'm still guilty about it."
The Guilt Factor
Guilt may pressure women into nursing even if it makes them uncomfortable. "I breastfed my baby for
all the wrong reasons," explains one Sudbury, Massachusetts mother. "My husband really wanted me to breast-feed and so I did. Not surprisingly, I had
a very rough time with it. I ended up not only resenting my husband, but my baby as well."
Even when women are doing it "right" and opting to breast-feed, they may still be caught up in the motherhood competition. Some women boast about the length of time they nursed their kids, or about the
richness or profusion of their milk. "I had all these born-again breast-feeders bragging to me about their milk supplies," says Long. "They'd say things like, 'My milk was so rich my baby only had to feed for five minutes on each side. It's too bad your baby needs to nurse for forty minutes. Your milk must be thin.'" Unfortunately, women like this feel compelled to bolster their own egos at the expense of everyone else's.
Finding Common Ground
It's time for mothers to put aside their differences and unite. After all, we're sure more alike than we are different in the dreams, desires and love we have for our children. Adds Hill-Walker, "In our society mothers of young children already receive too
little support. There's no extended family around and we're a transient
society. Frequently the only support a mother gets is from other mothers.
That's why it's so tragic. If a woman is made to feel guilty by other parents
that often means she's not receiving any support at all." Let's focus on
what we really want for our world. We want a healthy baby and a healthy
mother, not only physically but emotionally as well. Whatever feeding method
a couple selects to achieve this goal is the best way for that particular
family. So, lady in the grocery store, I'm sorry. Now if you can only give up
smoking . . .
- <
- 4
- of
- 4
- >


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Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder in which the body can't process part of a protein called phenylalanine (Phe). Phe is in almost all foods. If the Phe level gets too high, it can damage the brain and cause severe mental retardation. Today, all babies born in US hospitals must be screened for PKU. (This makes it easier for pediatricians to diagnose and treat the problem early.)
There are special formulas for newborns with PKU. Older children and adults should focus on a diet composed of many fruits, vegetables, and some low-protein breads, pastas, and cereals. There are several nutritional formulas which provide the vitamins and minerals people with PKU are missing.
Babies who get on this special diet soon after they are born develop normally. And although many of them won't have symptoms of PKU, it is important that they stay on the diet for the rest of their lives.


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Industry Panels
In Santa Barbara International Film Festival's highly acclaimed Panel Series, several current and highly acclaimed industry professionals and celebrities come together for lively, informative and revealing panel discussions. Occurring on the two weekends of the festival, the Lobero Theatre will fill with 600+ attendees to hear straight from the mouths of the greatest filmmakers of the year. Panels will run at least an hour and a half and be moderated by an experienced industry media talent. Regularly panelists will take questions directly from the audience. Ever wonder what it took to make this year's greatest films? Come to these panels and find out!
Directors on Directing (Directors' Panel)
"Directors on Directing" is a part of SBIFF's highly praised Panel Series, where notable industry professionals come together for informative and revealing discussions. Come join some of the world's most renowned directors as they discuss their films,their craft, and their challenges.
It Starts With the Script (Screenwriters' Panel)
"It Starts With the Script" brings together some of today's most talented and innovative writing professionals as they discuss the process for giving life to film. In this panel, top writers converse about what it takes to write a script and their journey to the big screen. Hear some of the most gifted writers in Hollywood talk about the challenges in their craft.
Movers and Shakers (Producers' Panel)
"Movers and Shakers" brings together some of today's most established producers to share their insights in sparkling conversation. The Producer's Panel allows some of the industry's leading professionals to discuss their current projects and what they hope to see for the future of filmmaking. This panel can provide insight into the business as well creative sides of producers.
Creative Forces: Women in the Business (Women's Panel)
The "Creative Forces: Women in the Biz" panel debuted in 2005 and celebrates influential women in film. Women from all stages of film production including editing, directing, costuming, casting, production design, and producing come together to discuss the unique challenges and successes they have faced in the film industry.
VFX Technology Panel
New for 2014, the VFX Technology Panel features some of the leaders in visual effects technology discussing the latest advancements in VFX world and the influence that technology has on filmmaking. Panelists will show clips of their visually stunning work.


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Programme Guests
Tom Holland is joined in the Making History studio by:
Dr Katy Layton Jones from the University of Leicester
Dr Jonathan Andrews from the University of Newcastle
Mental Health
Listener Sarah Gall tells how her great grandfather brought a more liberal regime to a lunatic asylum on the Isle of Man in the final years of the nineteenth century. Dr Jonathan Andrews puts this experience into its wider context, revealing how our treatment of people with mental illnesses was changing before the end of the eighteenth century.
BBC Historic Figures, William Tuke
A listener in Wales wants to know why, when the rest of Europe was swept by war and revolution, Victorian Britons were busy creating municipal parks?
History of green space and parks
Fever Hospitals
Jane Philips in south London wants to know about 'fever hospitals'. What they were and whether there is any truth that they were built near gas-works as the smell helped patients with infectious diseases. Helen Castor met up with Dr Deborah Brunton from the Open University close to St Thomas' Hospital in London to find out more.
Dr Sam Newton
This week's "Making Historians" features the Anglo-Saxon historian Dr Sam Newton and his love affair with the language and landscape of Sutton Hoo in Suffolk.
BBC Radio 4 Tue 12 Feb 2013 15:00 BBC Radio 4
Making History
Making History explores ordinary people's links with the past. The programme is presented by Helen…


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Eat Healthier: 4 Smart Food Moves
Drink to Your Health
The average American consumes more than 53 gallons of sugary soft drinks a year, even though this may raise the risk for hypertension, pancreatic cancer, and tooth decay. Soda is the worst offender; each can ups your risk of becoming overweight. Diet sodas may be only the lesser of two evils, since there's evidence that their artificial sweeteners mess with the body's ability to regulate calorie intake. To hydrate the healthier way:Wean Yourself Off Soda
First, limit the damage by switching to diet. When you're ready to give it up altogether, try substituting your own homemade carbonated drink by mixing equal parts orange juice and sparkling water, suggests Jackie Newgent, RD, a New York City?based culinary nutritionist. "You still get the fizz, but with some vitamin C -- naturally," she says.Get Your Buzz from Coffee or Tea
These caffeinated beverages do count toward your hydration needs; they're virtually calorie-free and pack loads of healthy antioxidants, unlike soda. If you add milk, make it skim. And get your fix between, rather than with, meals -- compounds called tannins in coffee and tea block iron absorption from food by up to 94 percent.Squeeze More out of Fruit
Juice gets a bad rap for being sugary and high in calories. But it can also be a great source of antioxidants, as long as you choose 100 percent juice and stick to an 8-ounce serving. Try a mug of warm cider, which contains cholesterol-lowering phenols.Make It a Virgin
Alcohol has seven calories per gram, almost as much as pure fat. When you want a fun, fancy drink and not a hangover, try blending mango, pineapple, lemon juice, and rum extract for a virgin daiquiri that's packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C.
What do you think of this story? Leave a Comment.


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Rarity and exclusivity are just two of the adjectives used to describe this spectacular 1989 Pontiac Trans-Am 20th Anniversary Indy 500 Pace Car. Pontiac... More
This 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Pace Car is a car that you can buy today keep it well maintained and in a few years... More
If you're a Trans Am enthusiast the 1989 Turbo Trans Am pace car really is the one to own. It's still the fastest-accelerating T/A... More
2nd generation baby boomers, feast your eyes on this 1980 Pontiac Trans Am. This amazing find is truly a time capsule, one owner elderly... More
A 1982 Pontiac Trans AM with 6467 actual original miles is truly and extraordinary find. This Beautiful 30 plus year old 1982 Trans Am is... More
1981 Pontiac Trans AM, Y-84 Bandit Edition ORIGINAL SURVIVOR CAR 100 % original car, untouched Time capsule Same owner for 33 years! It is an original Survivor... More
*1980 Pontiac Trans Am, freshly rebuilt 4.9 and automatic transmission. Fresh frame off restoration, new paint, suspension, motor rebuilt with small cam and Flowmaster... More
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This trans am is from the western part of south dakota and is a very dry car. If you are looking for a Trans... More
This is a California car with no rust and drives great. The interior is in good shape and will make a good driver. It... More


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A Clayton State University education professor says the recipe has been in place for a while for CRCT cheating with the main ingredient being the pressure on schools to reach artificial and questionable goals.
Here is an opinion piece by Mari Ann Roberts, assistant professor in Clayton State University's department of teacher education:
I like to cook so I'm going to share a recipe with you.
• Take one flawed underfunded federal education improvement act, like NCLB,
• add increasing pressure on individual schools to meet "Adequate Yearly Progress,"
• include some inane expectations that teachers can work miracles,
• sprinkle liberally with furlough days, suspended raises, and budget cuts dating back to 2003 that will total more than $2.8 billion through the fiscal year ending next June.
And what do you get? Whatever it is, it can't be good.
There is no excuse for cheating. Let me be clear about that. Furthermore, there is no proof that the schools under question did actually falsify test results. Nevertheless, if the Georgia schools currently under question by the Professional Standards Commission felt like they had to do something to ease the inordinate amount of pressure placed on them to increase the outcomes of their CRCT test results in 2008, then, as comedian Chris Rock often says, "I understand."
Individual schools, principals, teachers and students are placed under bone-crushing pressure to meet "adequate yearly progress" standards. This "progress" is expected to manifest despite the condition of schools, the morale of teachers, or the amount of funding each individual school receives. An educational philosopher, Nel Noddings states, "All children can learn." Maybe – if they are not sick, suffering from a toothache, hungry, squinting to see the chalkboard, abused at home, breathing air contaminated with lead, worried about a parent in prison, or serving as a caretaker for younger children. Schools cannot, by themselves, provide equal opportunity. Neither can schools, by themselves, ensure "adequate yearly progress." Yet, schools, and those in them, are the only ones who suffer if they do not.
And how is this "adequate progress" measured? By testing, and re-testing our children, often to the exclusion of things we all remember enjoying in school like recess, art, and music. We must ask ourselves; what, after all, does a standardized test measure? Do we want our children to learn to be critical, conscious thinkers or rote memorization machines? Do we want them to recognize the value of knowledge or, instead, to believe that the purpose of learning is to regurgitate what's been crammed in their heads for the CRCT or the Georgia High School Graduation Test? Does a random evaluation of memorized facts teach our students how to be active, thoughtful, and productive citizens? Does spitting out the date of the Civil War on cue help a child negotiate a contract, hold a conversation, keep a job, or determine right from wrong?
I believe not.
Our children are being cheated. Cheated out of the chance to love learning for the sake of learning, the joy of personal achievement, and the excitement of discovery. They are also being cheated out of the opportunity to think critically and problem solve. Our teachers are being cheated; cheated out of the opportunity to teach, not teach to a test, or teach about a test, but to educate our youth and teach them to think about things that matter. Principals are also being cheated. Instead of being out and about in the community communicating with parents, at a football game, or in the hallway greeting and supporting students, they are, instead, burrowed away in small "war rooms" with reams of test data taped to all four walls, trying to come up with ways to increase standardized test scores so they can find equitable ways to implement a law that is very underfunded. If their schools do not make AYP there is a great chance they may lose their jobs.
Teachers and principals are often vilified in the media and made scapegoats by politicians and pundits who do not want to commit to the costly measures of real, education reform. Those who do not want to pay the high cost of things that actually increase student achievement, like smaller class sizes, extracurricular activities, parental involvement programs, or teacher aides. Instead we give tests; then place the blame for poor school performance on principals, teachers, and students instead of looking at the actual culprit, which is, in part, the year-long test prep our students are receiving in lieu of an education.
And now, with the punitive "pay for performance" suggestion by Gov. Perdue, the amount of pay a teacher receives could be influenced by these same standardized test scores. This in itself could be cause for even more widespread cheating! The very thought is ludicrous. What if we insisted that doctors be paid based upon the relative health of their patients regardless of whether those same patients smoke, are overweight, or have a prior illness?
This recent testing scandal, whether valid or not, alerts us to the enormous pressure that schools are under thanks to NCLB. Hopefully, this questionable situation will serve as a wake-up call; give us an opportunity to re-evaluate what our children are learning and re-think how we evaluate teachers and schools. A great deal of pressure either creates a diamond or crushes the life out of something. If we care enough to put forth the effort, perhaps we can stop crushing the life out of education and relieve some of the stress in the pressure cooker currently known as school.
February 15th, 2010
2:44 pm
I challenge anyone to watch this video about the crazy Kathy Cox curriculum and than you will see why we have a cheating scandal!
Math Education: An Inconvenient Truth
February 15th, 2010
2:55 pm
On the one hand, I do think some children are burned out by testing and all these learning requirements at the state level. On the other, articles like these make me wonder if having kids spend more time in school focused on testing isn't a bad thing…
February 15th, 2010
3:03 pm
Great comments from Dr. Roberts. This gets at the heart of the discourse, folks – what are teachers to do when they aren't 1)provided with adequate resources, 2)not free to develop meaningful pedagogical approaches to teaching and are 3)forced to facilitate (not teach) a failed gauntlet of standardized tests?
As a college professor I can tell you that freshmen are walking into the college classroom ill-prepared for actual "work." They are largely incapable of critical thought or innovation when posed with problems that deviate from the perscribed script. It is time for educators to regain intellectual ownership of the education system. Good ol' boys like Perdue and his support staff are running this state's education system further into the ground.
As educators, it is OUR responsibility to develop some real answers to these issues and take our plan to the legislature – by whatever means necessary. We must be heard. Let's kick NCLB out of this state, develop new, progressive funding options and lead the way in education as opposed to following a increasingly harrowing path. Our children are worth it. Our state is worth it. Our careers are worth it.
February 15th, 2010
3:04 pm
Well said.
Now the big question looms: What do we do about all of this? What do we do about testing mania, about an unproven math curriculum, about inaprropriate, one-size fits all graduation requirements that try to make all students college bound?
The legislature is in sessiion. We need to call, write and email our legislators and urge them to step into this mess created by NCLB and the GA DOE. All standardized testing, other than the bare bones minimum needed for federal fiunding should be halted immediately. Graduation requirements for the class of 2012 and beyond need to be revised in a bill similar to HB 215 proposed last year, or we WILL have a dropout crisis start to rear it's ugly head in the next 12-24 months. Reform math needs to end with this current school year, and our students need to be provided with the proper math education that they deserve. This state is letting down a generation of children and it just plain stinks.
February 15th, 2010
3:22 pm
Kennesaw Mom, how is that even relevant. Furthermore, why should they be in school focused on testing? Why not have them in school focused on service learning, developing projects that allow them to use the skills they learn in school for practical applications? We need to start thinking about what "education" means. AND, why is it the school's responsibility to "keep" students occupied. The parents need to start being parents. Children aren't accessories. They are YOUR children. Why not take them to the museum after school? Why not do an activity at home to help illuminate their understanding on a particular subject? You need to be active in the life of your child and stop passing that buck to teachers and extracurricular activities.
February 15th, 2010
3:27 pm
Every time I read about this new Math curiculum my blood boils, my children are stuck in it right now and the schools keeps telling me; "we don't know what will be in Math III or Math IV, because DOE has not finished the GPS on it". Furthermore, it will not be until 2012 when GA DOE (Kathy Cox) will have it aligned with local colleges and GOD forbid what if a student did not go to a GA college. What are out of state colleges going to do with this new GA math?
Does anyone know if students can be dual enrolled at a Junior College or College to take their College Algebra classes to count for Math III and Math IV?
Kids will be reg. for next years classes and need to know soon.
February 15th, 2010
3:29 pm
Right on Roberts- What you get are unlearned people.
February 15th, 2010
3:32 pm
How many hours or complete school days are consumed in actual test taking by students [per student]? Like how many actual hours minimum are set aside for the two standardized tests that kids take every year?
February 15th, 2010
3:53 pm
Fantastic. Thank you so much, Dr. Roberts!
February 15th, 2010
3:56 pm
I agree with pretty much everything the article said. Get rid of NCLB, go back to breaking kids out by ability level! Everyone benefits that way. But, umm…it is LOSE not loose their jobs. She should know that. Ughh, that rubs me so wrong, like let me "axe" you something.
February 15th, 2010
4:08 pm
James, the CRCT lasts one week (five days) and takes up about 3 to 4 hours each day. The ITBS, I'm not sure, but it's shorter. What's really the mind blower is the days upon days upon days of pre-testing, post-testing, test analysis, test pep rallies (yes, time taken out of instructional days to "Pump Up" the kids for the test). And no, the kids don't care. I think it's something the principals are required to do?
The test is the only thing that gets any attention, in my experience. Kids are assigned "projects" that usually consist of articles printed out from Wikipedia and turned in with the cite references on them – And teachers can't fail these kids.
I teach kids who literally cannot read. They should not be in my class. I have expressed conern, complained, talked to the parents, but to no avail. I have to give a C or higher to these kids. We are not allowed to give grades below a C. If I hadn't been a teacher for so long I would not believe it. How does a kid who is not just not on grade level for reading but LITERALLY cannot read wind up in a low-level reading class and get C's? How is that fair to those children?
February 15th, 2010
4:12 pm
Mari Ann Roberts has said all that needs to be said! Here! Here!
February 15th, 2010
4:15 pm
DAVID POYTHRESS closing statement from last gubernatorial debate….hear his statement regarding teachers and education here:
In contrast, hear what Roy Barnes has to say about his education policy during that same debate here: http://www.youtube.com/user/DavidPoythress#p/a/u/0/ir-ER2q-kIg
February 15th, 2010
4:24 pm
How long until the NCLB scapegoat cannot be used? Eventually you'll have to admit some kids are either dumb, and/or lazy.
February 15th, 2010
4:24 pm
The idea behind all this testing was to prevent the schools from graduating kids who are functionally illiterate. Looks like all the testing hasn't really solved that problem at all. Maybe save the money and ditch the tests.
February 15th, 2010
4:26 pm
What happen to the art of liberal education and flexibility in the education system? What happen to molding well-rounded kids? This ed system is a way to robot-a-tize children. The average student knows nothing about the Harlem Renaissance. West Indian culture. Indian culture. Ask a random 12th grader about Gandhi. Ask them about all the famous black authors e.g. Chinua Achebe. But they can, maybe, complete an Algebra equation. How many us use higher mathematics day to day? Addition, Subtraction, Division, and Multiplication is all most need. But yet, geometry is on a pass/fail test. Asinine!
February 15th, 2010
4:35 pm
Teachers at my school are congratulated when they spend a significant amount of their "teaching time" preparing students for standardized tests. In essence, they are not teaching students; they are giving them practice tests over and over. Is that an effective learning method?
February 15th, 2010
5:30 pm
The points presented by Dr. Roberts should be heeded by our leaders and politicians. The testing frenzy is getting worse and is destroying the real learning that should be taking place in our schools.
Since the politicians are so concerned about cheating, perhaps they should also examine their own ethical issues: unpaid taxes, accepting gifts from lobbyists (even if it is through the mile-wide loophole), and passing legislation that grants special, retroactive tax breaks for certain land purchases.
February 15th, 2010
5:55 pm
The ridiculous state of the educational system in Georgia is summarized well in this article. I hope everyone forwards this article to every Georgia legislator. Anyone with a rational thought process should realize that merit pay is flawed to its core. There are dozens more reasons not even mentioned in this article that indicates it is ineffective, unfair and holds teacher solely accountable for matters beyond their control. I urge everyone to write or call all the Georgia legislators today! Say No to merit pay!
February 15th, 2010
6:22 pm
Maureen….What I would like to see is a blog or Facebook page for people who see the idiocy in thinking all children, regardless of IQ or native language, can pass a test on grade level by 2014.
I will never know what the drafters of NCLB were thinking when they put forth the idea that kids with IQ's in the 50's could ever achieve at grade level.
February 15th, 2010
6:23 pm
Amen! We educators are degreed and trained to teach students, not to jump hoops for special interest groups who have no idea about what goes on in a classroom nor what it takes to be a teacher. PAGE? GEA? NEA? Where are you now? We have enough theory and rhetoric; we need common sense action. Public schools are being undermined by vouchers and charter schools. We need reasonable help, not more unattainable demands.
February 15th, 2010
6:34 pm
Two years ago, at my daughter's elementary school (Henry co.), there was a contest to help out with attendance on the CRCT. The students had to be on time to school, take the CRCT test, have no behavior referrals, and their name was entered into a contest. The week following the CRCT one student's name would be drawn for each grade level. My daughter won the 4th grade prize…all of the students were driven in a limo to Brewster's ice cream and then back in the limo. This was a major waste of money, and also my daughter's teacher disliked her. My younger daughter has this same nasty 4th grade teacher, and yes, the bias continues.
February 15th, 2010
7:45 pm
I have read every article in the AJC and on any blog I can find over the past few days on this subject. I have read every single comment posted on every single blog entry. This by far is the BEST written piece on the "how" and "why" we are in this crisis. The good Dr. doesn't make excuses for the failures, but provides a phenomenal backdrop that shows how every single person is responsible for this madness at some level.
When this scandal either a.) boils over and ends with jobs being lost or charges being filed or b.) blows over with a moderate amount of impact on the reputation of Georgia's schools, we will still be left with all of the questions above. What ARE we going to do moving forward? How WILL we ensure that our children and our neighbor's children get a quality education without selling out their souls to testing? When WILL we realize that teaching to the whole child trumps teaching to bits and pieces of him or her?
This is a phenomenal moment for so many of us to ACT and make a difference. School reform just went from being a wish and a dream to a CHARGE with this scandal as our call to action. Enough excuses and enough complaints, let's figure out how to actually give our kids the absolute best education possible…no excuses allowed.
February 15th, 2010
8:39 pm
This is all making my stomach churn. What a mess.
Question – how much of the problem has to do with money? Is there really not enough money or is the money not spent well?
We live in Decatur and own a rental property in Atlanta so we pay property taxes in both cities. Taxes in both cities are painfully high (though I feel we get much more from our Decatur taxes).
As a family, we are handicapped by the taxes we pay. And the schools just seem to get sooo much money. Do they really, legitimately need more or are they spending too much on administration, construction, etc.?
Maureen – Decatur publishes pie charts of how the revenue is spent among schools. Does APS do the same? Is there any analysis about how well money is being spent? Any way to compare to states who have "great school systems" (don't know how to define that).
Please please don't tell me we need to pay out more money to get an education system that works. If so, I give up.
February 15th, 2010
8:50 pm
And the saga in Georgia education continues… What's next?
February 15th, 2010
9:13 pm
Decatur mom, as a homeowner, educator, and parent, I must say I understand your feelings. However, education is an ever increasing cost. As long as families continue to grow, the cost of living increases, and the cost of competing with other countries increases, then the cost of education will rise. Now, does this mean that school officials should have salaries of over $300,000? Of course not! It does mean however, that new and updated schools will need to be constructed. It also means that additional teachers may need to be hired…unless you want class sizes 30+ (which they currently are).
February 15th, 2010
9:17 pm
Overly involved mom, I agree with your comments. I too, have followed many of the blogs on this topic and this is by far the best. It captures a clear picture of our educational crisis.
February 15th, 2010
9:20 pm
By the year 2012, the children who started kindergarten 1999 will graduate from high school. If testing laws remain unchanged, they will have taken at least 80 standardized tests during their schooling. Many will have have attended testing pep rallies, special tutoring sessions and 13 years of lessons aligned to tested material. Their elementary school teachers will have focused on the three R's, many at the expense of social studies, science, art, music and physical education and daily recess.
The educational system in the US is clearly failing – failing the students, failing the teachers and failing to create people who can join the workforce or create their own companies. In most factors the US ranks well down the list in terms of educational achievement. Only greater demand and political pressure will encourage more experimentation and more innovation. At this point we need disruptive innovation – a complete rethinking of the pedagogy, curriculum, technology and intent of education, followed by a restructing of how education is offered and consumed. Standardized testing's focus on rote memorization over critical thinking will make students good at regurgitating material, but lousy at applying their skills and knowledge in varied situations.
This could kill innovation. Company executives bred on bubble answers would stick closely to what they know and what's been done, possibly latching on to a new idea here and there but rarely having their own. Medical research would stall; advances in technology would stumble. Poems and novels would languish undiscovered in the brains of our young people.
The average graduate under this system wouldn't be able to lead the country, let alone intelligently analyze the issues for voting or writing their representatives. Graduates would be ready for low-ranking military service but unable to devise battle strategies. They wouldn't have the communication skills needed to hammer out the compromises and treaties that prevent wars. They wouldn't have the background in history and cultural studies needed to comprehend different points of view.
Many researchers have examined how testing affects student motivation. People are motivated by both intrinsic things — interest, curiosity, enjoyment — and extrinsic things — grades, test scores, the promise of a larger paycheck. Extrinsic motivation works in the short-term, but doesn't encourage life-long learning. Good teachers encourage intrinsic motivation by connecting lessons to the things students care about and turning tangents into teachable moments. But pressure to cover everything that might be on the state tests cuts into time for this.
We, as a community, state and nation need to rethink the effects of high stakes testing.
February 15th, 2010
9:37 pm
Maureen, Suggestion: Ask teachers in schools currently receiving GaDOE "assistance" as NI schools what they think about those who cheated to make AYP. The "interventions" in this program reflect the incompetence of many of the system-level administrators who don't seem to understand teaching. These may include scripted lessons (i.e., teachers literally READ their lessons from a script, with no deviations or clarifications), recitation of the GPS addressed (NOT asking the students what they're studying, but the teacher naming the standard), recommendations for multiple choice over essay tests, etc. These teachers didn't cheat, and are being treated as IDIOTS, no matter their previous experiences (or successes) in the classroom, because they work in that NI school. THOSE students are definitely being cheated as teaching to the test overwhelmingly supersedes opportunities for a teacher to lead children to love learning and think critically.
February 15th, 2010
9:42 pm
Change, et al… Maybe we should call for reinstatement of the REQUIREMENT that a nationally normed test be given at 3 grade levels and that CRCTs NOT be administered next year! Oh, and follow HB 1187 and eliminate GHSGTs as EOCTs have been implemented… Use the money you save there to avoid raising class sizes.
February 15th, 2010
9:42 pm
I understand that all things have a cost attached. But the environment of trusting our elected officials is over.
If they want/need more money from us they need to treat us like shareholders (which we are!) and present an analysis of how much they need, item by item, and why.
Let me help them anticipate our questions:
– What do they think they need per student to effectively educate? This means committing to that number and knowing there is no tolerance for excuses if they are granted their wish.
– How does this compare to private school tuitions per student? How does this compare to systems in other states that are successful?
– How much does it cost to run a classroom with no extra challenges? How much more needs to be spent to effectively deal with the extra challenges? That additional cost should be transparent and directed to those dealing with language barriers, abuse, neglect, etc.
– What are the benchmarks for success? What is the timeline for meeting the benchmarks?
This really is not unreasonable. These are what companies go through every time they present to their Boards. And, all this work makes them a better company. I've been there.
I'm just saying, I hope nobody thinks they can just come to us and say the problem is a lack of funding. I'm calling BS on that.
You want money, you spell out a brilliant plan on how it should be spent and EXACTLY what results we should expect, and when. And, if you are making $300K+, don't you dare hire a consultant to do it for you.
February 15th, 2010
9:47 pm
Contact your legislators! Ask your friends and neighbors to contact theirs!
Find your legislator: http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/polllocator/PollLocator.aspx
House Education Committee http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/house/Committees/education/gahed.htm
Senate Education and Youth Committee http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/senate/education.php
February 15th, 2010
9:58 pm
Check out this interesting perspective piece on merit pay. It really puts a different slant on what is important to teachers and why they do the work they do. Ties in nicely with the Dr. Roberts POV on schools and testing:
February 15th, 2010
10:16 pm
Interesting article MS Man, thanks for the link. I like that it focuses on improvements to the current system, which are undoubtedly out there, especially as far as recruiting more ualified applicants to the field.
I think that's the exciting part that is being missed by too many people…that we have an opportunity to craft a system that will work for georgia. Instead, everyone just wants to assume that merit pay will equal passing more kids on the CRCT and so they just start shouting…
Again, thanks for the link.
February 15th, 2010
10:54 pm
Focus, you bring out some very good points…well, in reality, you reiterate the things which cannot be hammered home fast enough. However, I feel that a little modification, to your views, may be warranted.
There is no denying that developing (not teaching, but developing) skills in critical thinking should be the primary focus of education. However, the mental discipline required in order to develop these skills can, in my humble non-educator view, only be attained by rote activities in the earlier years. Learning to regurgitate the multiplication tables with staccato accuracy, learning to recall, and to spit out facts, figures, and minutiae on command is the only way I know of to develop the mental "inter-twinnings" necessary to learn to formulate ideas and concepts later in life.
As it is now, it seems that grown adults want kids to think as adults, to jump right into "critical thinking" with no preparation. This is precisely like an unconditioned, untrained "usetabee" athlete jumping into a marathon run…pretty damn stupid, I'm sure you'll agree.
February 15th, 2010
11:03 pm
MS Man: Great link!!
Ole Guy: You speak the truth!
February 15th, 2010
11:12 pm
DecaturMom, Start with what your district earns vs what it pays for central office administration. You can find system allotment sheets at http://app.doe.k12.ga.us/ows-bin/owa/qbe_reports.public_menu?p_fy=2000 – basically for what positions the state pays the school system. (It's also how teachers, counselors, asst principals, etc. are "earned" by a school and why increasing class size means you lose teachers.) Any positions above this are paid for with local property taxes, which can also be used to "buy" extra teachers (keep class sizes down) and support staff in schools, for curricular programs (e.g., music or foreign language in elementary schools). In Decatur City, you "earn" 1 superintendent and 2 asst superintendents, a secretary, an accountant, two special ed leaders, a social worker and a psychologist. Above that, all positions are fully funded by local funds (and NOT available to be used in local schools). Oh, and if you know the names of central office staff (or other faculty or administrators, you can find their 2009 salaries at Open Georgia http://www.open.georgia.gov/sta/viewMain.aud
February 16th, 2010
12:02 am
Dr. Roberts' article is well written and correct on many levels. Except she does not offer a single solution. I am very disappointed that as a professor of education she did not set forth a solution.
I am a parent (very involved) but I am not a professional educator or an expert in educational policy. The need to assess student learning or progress is not going away just because we all complain about over reliance on standardized testing and how unfair it is to judge students, schools and teachers on these tests.
Maureen, would you please ask Dr. Roberts to please write part two?
February 16th, 2010
12:30 am
That's because educators cannot solve this problem. It is really a social problem, and must be addressed outside the educational realm by the larger society. We cannot fix sickness, toothaches, hunger, squinting to see the chalkboard, abuse at home, breathing air contaminated with lead, worried about a parent in prison, or serving as a caretaker for younger children. That is above our pay grade. We're like the little Dutch kid with our finger in the dyke.
February 16th, 2010
2:56 am
[...] more from the original source: Education professor: Schools are pressure cookers ready to explode … Share and [...]
February 16th, 2010
7:42 am
MS Man, very thought-provoking link!
February 16th, 2010
8:32 am
[...] the original here: Education professor: Schools are pressure cookers ready to explode … Share and [...]
February 16th, 2010
9:19 am
I do believe that the desire for funding has indeed created an atmosphere to cheat, but did the analysis of the CRCT assess how many or which classes had children begin bubbling answers on the wrong section of the answer sheet and were stopped, erased and started over? I have proctored many tests and it seems that in some classes- a few kids always start on the wrong section. In classes that are low functioning, verbal instructions, worded by the booklet, can frustrate some kids.. I have seen it happen too many times. Once you catch it, you help the kid erase, and get started with time remaining.
February 16th, 2010
9:42 am
You are so right, Proctored. Despite careful instructions, it is not uncommon for this to happen. This could accout for a spike in erasures in a given class. When we see this happen, it has to be corrected and the child can then continue with the test.
February 16th, 2010
9:48 am
I still say a pay for performance program is a great idea as long as it applies to ALL professions. Politicians should be held to the same standards as teachers. Let's see them try that for a while. Politicians always pick on teachers because by and large we're sheep that just take it all the time. I'm just as guilty I'll admit, but enough already with picking on us. Perdue may be a lame duck, but he's trying to do as much damage as he possibly can to the teaching profession before he leaves. Wasn't his mother or grandmother a teacher at one point? Shame on you Perdue, shame on you!
February 16th, 2010
9:59 am
This was an excellent piece written by a professor of education which seems to give it some creedence. It is ironic that public school teachers have been saying the same things for several years but to no avail. I guess it has simply taken this long for this failed system of standardized testing to reach higher education.
What employers want are intelligent people with the ability to reason and develop new ideas. Students should be taught to think independently and creatively in order to function in an increasingly complex global community. There is simply no place for that type of teaching in a system which rewards filling in the correct bubble on a standardized test. What happens when these young people step into the global market place and find that there is no correct bubble, or that some bubbles are better than others (but not perfect), or worse yet, that there is currently no correct bubble and they are charged with the task of developing it?
How many of us have faced a situation in our jobs when we simply didn't know what to do? I would venture to say that everyone has at one time or another. Creative thinking allows to improvise during those difficult times, and the results sometimes become innovations which alter the methods used to accomplish the task at hand for the better. If students are not allowed to think critically and develop the creativity which is inherent in our species, they are doomed to repeat the same mistakes which have resulted in a failed banking system, corrupt government officials, and yes, an educational system teetering on collapse.
Standardized tests are nonsense, and it's about time that people outside of the educational community realized it. If you want well rounded, creative, thoughtful people graduating from public high schools, let good teachers focus on what they do well: teach young minds to be curious and to love learning. Focus on what matters, developing intellectual curiosity, not memorizing some obscure data which will allow them to "think inside the bubble."
February 16th, 2010
10:04 am
Maureen, please check the filter. This verbose teacher over did it again.
February 16th, 2010
10:10 am
Dbow- do we really want teachers to be held to a vote every 2, 4, or 6 years? That to me seems the ultimate pay-for-performance plan.
February 16th, 2010
10:45 am
JAT – Did I miss the part where Georgia schools were cranking out "well rounded, creative, thoughtful people graduating from public high schools" before standardized testing?
I value critical thinking skills as much as anyone, but the fact remains that students need a base of skills and common cultural knowledge before critical thinking skills can be successfully taught. And it seems to me that the CRCT just measures those basic things. If students can't pass THAT test, critical thinking is still a ways away for them.