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May 25, 2012
Mark Clayton: Is Hillary's State Dept. hacking Al Qaeda? Not quite
Erika Bolstad: Temple cancels Wasserman Schultz speech
The Kosher Gourmet by Ethel G. Hofman: The former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with contemporary Shavous cuisine: Ruby Fruit Soup, Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cheese, Key Lime Curd, Calsone Casserole Frittata with Wild Mushrooms, Sun-dried tomatoes and Olives, Baked Tilapia with Pepper Cheese Cream and Brown Sugar Shortbread
May 24, 2012
Jeff Jacoby: The peace process battered Israel's reputation
Michael Muskal: 'Pro-choice' position hits record low, according to poll
Chris Farrell: Are We in a Tech Bubble?
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS --- hold the steak!
May 23, 2012
Tony Pugh: More private colleges offering tuition discounts
Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
Tina Susman: The wig wasn't enough: Man gets 13 years for posing as his dead mom
The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
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Jewish World Review
Sept. 21, 2011
/ 22 Elul, 5771
Is this the test DC students will pass with flying colors?
By Marybeth Hicks
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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
Here's a pop quiz:
What percentage of elementary school children in Washington DC public schools I sproficient in math? What about reading?
What is the proficiency of DC high school students in these areas?
The answer: less than half. Scores on the 2011 DC Comprehensive Assessment System exams showed only about forty-three percent of elementary students are proficient (read: just passing) in both reading and math; while about 44 percent of high schoolers are proficient in reading and just over forty-six percent are proficient in math.
These dismal figures are well known, more so because they came into question when allegations surfaced of cheating on the part of teachers (erasers, improved scores, celebratory press releases) in order to affect overall rates of improvement.
With reading and math scores such as these, there is only one logical thing to do: Implement a standardized test for sex education!
In the spring of 2012, children in DC's fifth, eighth, and tenth grades will take the nation's first standardized test to discern their proficiency in health and sex. This is so that the school system complies with a mandate on the part of its Office of State Superintendent of Education to evaluate the efficacy its comprehensive health and sex curriculum.
So the new 50-question test will measure progress in these areas. Apparently, scores won't be individualized but rather will be presented on a school-by-school basis.
Not surprisingly, folks on the left applaud this move as a means of legitimizing the notion of comprehensive sexuality education.
Some of us on the right think you can teach what must be taught about sex in biology class. But then some of us are dinosaurs who just want a population of citizens that can read and write and balance a checkbook and who are willing to educate our children at home about sexual morality and behavior.
To wit: Mr. Adam Tenner, executive director of MetroTeenAIDS, an organization that, among other things, provides contracted sexuality education programs for DC public schools.
Mr. Tenner was quoted as saying, "We are not preparing teachers or students to get good, high-quality sex and reproductive education."
Mr. Tenner's organization is out to change all that. Last year, at DC's Harvey Middle School, MetroTeenAIDS administered a "sex test" to seventh graders in an effort to assess their knowledge of sex and health issues. The survey began with a simple question, "What is your gender?" There were four possible answers: Male, female, transgender (male to female); transgender (female to male).
I gather "All of the above" was not an option.
The questions got harder from there, including:
How sure are you that you . . .
. . . Can name all four body fluids that can transmit HIV?
. . . Know the difference between oral, vaginal, and anal sex?
. . . Can correctly put a condom on yourself or your partner?
. . . Will avoid getting yourself or your partner pregnant if you have sex?
. . . Can convince a reluctant partner to use barrier protection (i.e. condoms, dental dams) during sex?
Presumably, the sex and health education exam slated for next spring is not akin to the graphic and intrusive "sex test" favored by the folks at MetroTeenAIDS to assess the knowledge and habits of youngsters.
But parents and citizens should be warned: This is most certainly the direction that leftist sex educators want to go.
If precious classroom time is going to be spent on sex education, by all means test kids to be sure they're learning something.
But the bigger question remains: When school systems fail in their principle missions — to instill basic literacy and numeracy in their pupils — perhaps they should consider shedding their social engineering agendas in favor of reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Radical, I know. Call me a dinosaur.
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JWR contributor Marybeth Hicks, a wife of more than 20 years and mother of four children, lives in the Midwest. She uses her column to share her perspective on issues and experiences that shape families nationwide.
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