Blog Feed

Create a Post

Lobbying Post #3: Test Optional

Posted by Kimberly Bush in American Government - Laufenberg on
As of the year 2010, I believe that that the topic, Standardized Testing, is having a some-what good year. It seems as though many people have been informed about the non-educational practices of standardized testing.

GOOD YEAR:

October 11, 2010: James S. LiebmanAccording to this Columbia Law School professor, New York City has come up with a new idea on how to evaluate schools based on their student’s knowledge at the end of the year. Instead of focusing on “a single, arbitrary line” it looks at the process of each student across the whole scale.October 12, 2010: Monty NeillAccording to the interim executive director of FairTest, “Parents, children and taxpayers would be far better served if politicians understood the well-documented limitations of standardized exams rather than continuing to pursue misguided high-stakes testing policies that undermine real learning.”

FairTest

What is it?

- The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) is working to end the “misuses and flaws of standardized testing” and to make sure that the assessment of students, teachers, and schools is fair and benefits the education.

Goals:
  • The Assessment Reform Network, aims to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas among teachers, parents, education reform and civil rights organizations seeking to improve student assessment practices in their communities.
  • Creating a new framework for assessment through dissemination of Principles and Indicators for Student Assessment Systems
  • Uncovering the bias, misuses and coach ability of the SAT, ACT and similar college entrance exams
  • Stopping the misuses of SAT/ACT scores to determine eligibility for college financial aid such as National Collegiate Athletic Association's initial eligibility rules (Propositions 48 and 16) and the National Merit Scholarship Competition
  • Promoting test score-optional policies for college admissions
  • Attacking the false notions that test scores equal merit

2010 College Bound Seniors Average SAT Scores

The Higher Ups:

Joe Biden

"A child is more then a test score. So how can you expect our students to build a new economy if all they are doing is filling out bubbles? How can you expect them to think critically if all we are doing is testing their ability to memorize things?"

- Joe Biden

   

According to Joe Biden,

“We know what we need to do, and its not No Child Left Behind. We have to stop focusing on test scores, a child is more than a test score.”

At the NEA (National Education Association) Convention, Biden spoke on Standardized Testing and Education in general. He believes that many things should be changed, such as:

  • Class sizes
  • Teacher Salary
  • No Child Left Behind
  • Focus on Test Scores
  • Availability to an Education
Barack Obama

“Creativity has been drained from classrooms, as too many teachers are forced to teach to fill-in-the-bubble tests...It just can’t dominate the curriculum to an extent where we are pushing aside those things that will actually allow children to improve and accurately assess the quality of the teaching that is taking place in the classroom.”

-Barack Obama

Obama doesn’t support the No Child Left Behind Law because he believes that it’s all talk but no action. The No Child Left Behind Law “leaves the money behind”. It takes away the creativity and the individuality of students and their teachers.

Obama states that teachers should be able to teach instead of spending majority of the year preparing students to fill out bubbles on a test. Instead of just standard testing on Math, Reading, and Writing he will fund states to apply a broader variety of assessments such as:

  • using technology
  • conducting research
  • engaging in scientific investigations
  • solving problems
  • presenting
  • defending their ideas.

Who Does This Problem Most Relate To?

Students:

The link above is a video of four high school students performing poetry about standardized testing. In it they state how standardized testing has conformed the minds of students and that it doesn’t educate you on “the things we need to know to live.”

I believe that students feel more singled out by standardized test than anyone else because they are the ones who are taking them and these tests “determine” their future. However, some colleges and universities are becoming test optional.

Upcoming Meetings on Education:

The Compact meets on the first Thursday of every month to share perspectives on reform initiatives in the Philadelphia schools, and to support policies and strategies that hold the best promise for improving the culture and outcomes of local schools.

Friday, December 3, 2010; 8:00 AM–10:00 AM

Thursday, January 6, 2011; 8:00 AM–10:00 AM

Thursday, February 3, 2011; 8:00 AM–10:00 AM

Thursday, March 3, 2011; 8:00 AM–10:00 AM

Thursday, April 7, 2011; 8:00 AM–10:00 AM

Thursday, May 5, 2011; 8:00 AM–10:00 AM

Thursday, June 2, 2011; 8:00 AM–10:00 AM

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/18/opinion/l18schools.html

http://www.fairtest.org/

http://www.fairtest.org/2010-collegebound-seniors-average-sat-scores

http://glassbooth.org/explore/index/joe-biden/2/education/14/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg4PbJs6N3k&feature=player_embedded#!

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Barack_Obama/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktC_C7Z-wWE&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9EkX_gX6R8&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4A6e8Rk8Oo

http://www.thedailyriff.com/2010/10/saying-no-to-standardized-testing-for-college-entry.php

http://philaedfund.org/programs/engaging-citizens/education-first-compact/upcoming-meetings

Lobbying Blog #2: Yes or No

Posted by Kimberly Bush in American Government - Laufenberg on
Kimberly BushOctober 22, 2010Joe Biden"A child is more then a test score. So how can you expect our students to build a new economy if all they are doing is filling out bubbles? How can you expect them to think critically if all we are doing is testing their ability to memorize things?"

- Joe Biden

   

According to Joe Biden,

“We know what we need to do, and its not No Child Left Behind. We have to stop focusing on test scores, a child is more than a test score.”

At the NEA (National Education Association) Convention, Biden spoke on Standardized Testing and Education in general. He believes that many things should be changed, such as:

  • Class sizes
  • Teacher Salary
  • No Child Left Behind
  • Focus on Test Scores
  • Availability to an Education
Barack Obama“Creativity has been drained from classrooms, as too many teachers are forced to teach to fill-in-the-bubble tests...It just can’t dominate the curriculum to an extent where we are pushing aside those things that will actually allow children to improve and accurately assess the quality of the teaching that is taking place in the classroom.”

-Barack Obama

Obama doesn’t support the No Child Left Behind Law because he believes that it’s all talk but no action. The No Child Left Behind Law “leaves the money behind”. It takes away the creativity and the individuality of students and their teachers. Obama states that teachers should be able to teach instead of spending majority of the year preparing students to fill out bubbles on a test. Instead of just standard testing on Math, Reading, and Writing he will fund states to apply a broader variety of assessments such as:
  • using technology
  • conducting research
  • engaging in scientific investigations
  • solving problems
  • presenting
  • defending their ideas.
Chaka FattahFattah, when asked if he supported standardized testing, gave two perspectives. He believed that tests were needed to “analyze how students were doing in relation to other students,” however, he also believes that, “students should not be merely taught to pass examinations or given tests prematurely before they have been taught the information.”

According to Chaka Fattah, the No Child Left Behind Law is, “intellectually dishonest because it holds children accountable for test scores when their schools lack resources.”

My Views:

I guess you could say that I agree with those who believe that standardized testing is needed in schools. However, it should not be heavily weighed as a resource to test a student’s intelligence. How can you measure someone’s mind and abilities through a test? You can’t because memorizing and learning are two different things. There’s a distinction between understanding and remembering what you are told. You can be told one thing but this doesn’t mean that you actually understand the meaning behind that thing. Being a Senior in high school, I have a biased view against the Scholastic Aptitude Test because my GPA shows a higher degree of learning than the scores on that test. To get into a college, you should not be based off of how many bubbles you’ve filled out correctly but by the actual grades you get in high school.  Either way, there needs to be a change on how we assess the future of our world.

If we don’t change today, than what will we learn tomorrow?

Sources:

http://glassbooth.org/explore/index/joe-biden/2/education/14/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg4PbJs6N3k&feature=player_embedded#!

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Barack_Obama/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktC_C7Z-wWE&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9EkX_gX6R8&feature=player_embedded

http://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=21850#Result

http://www.ucc.org/justice/public-education/transforming-no-child-left.html

Lobbying Post #1: Standardized Testing

Posted by Kimberly Bush in American Government - Laufenberg on

Kimberly Bush
October 6, 2010
Science Leadership Academy

I’m lobbying against any federal financial aid giving college that’s using Standardized Testing as criteria for admissions.

All throughout my childhood I’ve been told that I am a smart young woman who is capable of many things. However, it was brought to my attention that when taking tests, my intelligence wouldn’t really reveal itself on this piece of paper. Looking into it, I realized that in reality tests can’t be accountable for every young adults smartness because there are those who aren’t good at test taking, one of them being me. This is the main reason on why I wanted to go to Science Leadership Academy. After hearing about this project based school, I felt as though they understood that there are those who are very intellectual and therefore found a way to surface their creativity. As a Senior, I’m looking back at all the projects I did and wondering if I could have shown this type of creativity and individual uniqueness through tests. The answer would be no. However, now I’m trying to get prepared for college which involves finding the colleges, visiting them, and determining if my SAT scores are high enough for any of them. Not only are the SATs one of the things that can determine if you get the education you want but it also causes a lot of unnecessary stress that builds up until you’re done the whole college application process. This whole process made me wonder what SATs are really about and whether they determined how bright a person is based on the answers to a multiple choice question and their view on a topic. To me, a person can be very insightful and wise even if a test says otherwise because they may have different views and different knowledge that we have never been introduced to.

    The main supporters of my lobbying topic would probably be high school students, parents of those high school students, and those who took the SATs and didn’t get a good enough test score to get into their desired college. Those who probably would not support my lobbying topic would be the colleges with high expectations (i.e. Ivy League Colleges...), those who have very strong test taking skills, and possibly educators.      There is not any type of bill or legislation on my topic that I know of. If there was one to be made, I would like to see what both sides of the topic would propose for the benefit of our youth today. However, I would want to get the opinions of actual high school students too, to see their point of view on this topic. I feel as though you can’t really make a bill without actual concrete evidence. Therefore, if I were in charge of choosing whether or not financial aid giving colleges should use Standardized Testing as criteria for admissions, I would bring together high school students from all around the world with different views and have a big discussion about it. After gathering up data from that event, I would bring together different Representatives from colleges ranging from Ivy League Schools to Community Colleges and have the same discussion with them. Based on the information gathered and the points given I would from there conclude on whether or not Standardized Testing is a good way to represent the intellectual being of a student.

This article states many key factors and details on why Standardized Testing isn’t an effective way on judging the smartness of a student. The writer gives his opinion and backs up his statements with evidence from the actual test itself and those who judge the tests as well.

Here are a few things that he stated in his article:
  • “Rather than learning anything of consequence, students are taught how to beat the test.”
  • “The essays written on these tests are frequently not scored by educators, but by temp workers, who are paid minimum wage, and who generally spend no more than two minutes on each exam.  According to one former scorer, "There were times I'd be reading a paper every ten seconds.  I know this sounds very bizarre, but you could put a number on these things without actually reading the paper." Furthermore, the scorer added that he and his coworkers were offered a "two hundred dollar bonus that kicked in after eight thousand papers."’
  • “Quoting Roger Farr, a professor of education at Indiana University, "I don't think there's any way to build a multiple-choice question that allows students to show what they can do with what they know."’
These are just a few examples in this text that sheds light on the flaws of Standardized Testing.     In conclusion, as a high school senior, I view Standardized Testing as unnecessary and a defective way to represent the intelligence of our youth. Hopefully, later on, this topic will be brought to the attention of those higher up who will realize that there needs to be a change on how we assess our youth. These faulty assessments should not be the criteria that colleges base the future of this world on.

Sources:

http://www.standardizedtesting.net/worst.htm

lobbying post #2

Posted by Bethany Knibbe in American Government - Laufenberg on

Sunday, October 24, 2010

 

        So, part two of the lobbying project has come up. This time, I researched about specific legislators and/or bills that are involved with my topic. I spent a lot of time searching for bills that had been passed or are in the works, and came up empty. Well, except for the National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery month. So I decided to direct my research towards specific places that have holistic recovery programs and the people who run them.

        

        The first organization that I found is called the Public Health Management Corporation, or PHMC and, mainly through their affiliate organization, The Bridge, runs many recovery centers in the philadelphia area. The people who run these centers would be good contact points for me to find out what the needs of these programs are, and what the government can do to help promote the growth of these centers and the creation of new ones.

 

        Another organization I can contact is the Whosoever Gospel Mission in Philadelphia. This is a religious organization, so they don’t recieve federal or state funding, but it would be interesting to think about what the government can do to help out all recovery centers, for example, tax breaks. It’s something to think about.

Creative Freedom in the Classroom: Blog 3

Posted by Sky Kalfus in American Government - Laufenberg on
#3
Arlene Ackerman’s Imagine 2014 district improvement plan aims to “[revise] language arts, math, science, and social studies curricula to be more integrated, rigorous and relevant in preparing students for college and careers in the 21st century.” This past year, the district identified new literacy and math programs, and plans to institute new English and Math curriculums for 2010.
I haven’t been able to find the details of these new curriculums. A powerpoint presented to the School Reform Commission outlining the goals of Imagine 2014 lists raising test scores and increasing the number of “predicative assessments” as goals for 2011. A focus on test scores means that teachers have to spend more time teaching to the test and less time teaching creatively to the interests of their students. “Predicative assessments”, I believe, is just another term for more testing.
It’s clear that Arlene Ackerman holds the most power regarding my issue, but I think Larry Farnese has the power to approach her. He certainly is involved in getting education funding for the state.

Creative Freedom in the Classroom: Blog 2

Posted by Sky Kalfus in American Government - Laufenberg on
#2
In my district (the first senatorial district), senator Larry Farnese is most involved in education reform. He’s on the state senate education committee, and he’s working with State representative Curtis Thomas to establish five new technical and vocational schools in the next five years. He is also partly responsible for increasing education funding by 250 million dollars.
Larry Farnese is a democrat and advocate of public education. His grandfather served on the Philadelphia school board. He’s sponsored programs on behalf of the Sister Cities Young Artist Program at the Moore College of Art and Design, as well as Italica Arts and Education. He attended Villanova University for undergraduate school and Temple University for Law school.
I think Farnese will take interest in my cause. He’s clearly invested in public education, and he cares about art programs, which suggests that he values learning as an end to itself. (Maybe that’s wishful thinking, but it’s possible.) He’s also is willing to spend money on education.
My district representative is Babette Josephs is an advocate for public school, and for charter schools in particular. She strongly opposes giving tax money to religious schools. She’s voted for special education funding, and is strongly in favor of the public school system.

Violence In Philadelphia

Posted by Mckelly Timothy on
Pending Legislation On Violence

The state supreme court ruled on Philadelphia's gun ordinances on June 11, 2010.
These laws basically state:

• The city is allowed to force its citizens to report a lost or stolen gun within 24 hours.
• Police are allowed to seize guns from those “considered to pose a risk to themselves or others.”
• Those subject to a protection-from-abuse order may not own a firearm within the city.
• Need to purchase more than one gun a month then you can.


Things seem to be on hold with the law. Dwight Evans lost his title holding the positiong  of chairman of the Appropriations Committee, which he held for almost 20 years. Dwight evans has had a succesful outcome with his projects such as support are the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the creation of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corp. in West Oak Lane, shaping how Pennsylvania’s share of the stimulus package was spent, school reform, education funding and creating the Fresh Food Financing Initiative. With someone taking his title, it seems like all his work will be put on hold or won't be acknowledged.

Others Working on this

The law is still pending. Much hasn't changed since June.This is an article that is an overview of what is going on with the pending law.There are several elected officials working on this issue, such as Mayor Nutter, Dwight Evans, Donna Reed Miller, Walter M. Phillips Jr, Babette Josephs and many more. This is one of the first laws I have ever seen with almost every official coming to an agreement. Considering this there aren't people opposing this law.

     Who can you influence?



Can you help me find a job? Can you get me an internship?' " This shows that children and or teens are the main target for influence. They are the ones who are pressed to get jobs and internships. If they understand that supporting Dwigh, joseph, Miller, and the others who are working to stop gun violence could help then get jobs and internships, I am sure they would be all for it.

                                                Key Date

December 2, 2010
“We will suffer,” said Council Majority Leader Marian Tasco. “It is truly a sad time for Philadelphians to lose their strongest voice,” she said, pointing out work Evans had done to bring money for grocery stores, museums, arts and recreation to the city. There will be a meeting on December 2, 2010, this meeting isn't completely on the Law about violence, but the conditions Philadelphia is in now that we have " lost our strongest voice. This meeting will be used to discuss issues tax increases, no union contracts and health care spending emergencies. There hasn't been anything that happened with the gun laws since June 11, 2010. 2010 was a good year for this law. It made a lot of progress in the beginning of the year but towards the end nothing productive has been done. Hopefully after the scheduled meeting on December 2 the gun law will get back on the right track.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.llr.state.sc.us/images/teenworkers.jpg&imgrefurl
http://blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/phillynow/2010/11/18/council-mad-as-hell-about-dwight-evans/
http://tonypayton.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11:forums-at-city-hall-take-on-philas-gun-violence&catid=2:news&Itemid=5

Creative Freedom in the Classroom: Blog 1

Posted by Sky Kalfus in American Government - Laufenberg on
#1
I’m advocating for a flexible curriculum that gives teachers more creative freedom in the classroom. Currently, teachers are hindered by a restrictive curriculum that directs not only the content of each class, but how the content should be taught. Teachers aren’t able to tailor their classes to the individual needs and interests of their students, and they aren’t able to experiment with teaching methods. I’ve heard stories about dozens of teachers who would be willing to teach at public schools if only they could teach without the guiding hand of the school district. Instead, they go to private schools.
In public school, teachers often receive “Routine Cards” that dictate the details of each lesson. Students are frequently given standardized Benchmark tests designed to make sure that teachers remain on track.

Violence In Philadelphia

Posted by Mckelly Timothy on
Dwight Evans

Evans stated that “legislators should move beyond boundary lines and party labels to take action on gun control.”


    It is not hidden that violence is on the rise in Philadelphia. Many people notice it, and do nothing about it. One person who is fighting to change the increasing numbers of murders/ attacks in Philadelphia is Dwight Evans. Dwight Evans is a Pennsylvania State Representative. He runs the 203rd district which is in in Northwest Philadelphia. Dwight Evans entered the Pennsylvania House of Representatives  in 1980.  Since he has held the position, Dwight Evan has several goals for improving the safety and lifestyles for members of our community and always worked to support them. While holding the position as the PA State Rep, Dwight Evans has been successful in creating legislations for increasing job opportunities and economic development, improving education opportunities and conditions, and working to reduce violence  in the City Of Philadelphia.

    He focuses on reaching out to children and discussing violence and violence prevention. He has conducted several presentations to Philadelphia students about violence. Unlike many politicians that just discuss the issues to other politicians he speaks to the people being effected by the issue and gives them useful information on the issue.

    Dwight Evans strategies for reducing violence are similar to mine. We both grew up in Philadelphia, so we know what it is like to be surrounding by violence. We both want to focus on children. If children learn about other ways to solve issues without violence it will be reduced. Providing children with education and activities will allow them to stay occupied. Without an education there is a low chance in becoming successful because with no education, there will be no jobs and with no jobs comes along poverty and at the end of the chain poverty leads to violence.

Video

Summarizes Dwights intentions as a State Rep and for his district.

                                                People Against Dwight Evans

PENNSYLVANIA
"This month, all gun owners in Pennsylvania need to stand up and be heard. Anti-gun legislators, led by Representative Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia), are pushing new gun control measures in Harrisburg. Pointing to data from a recent Democratic Party funded poll that indicates suburban residents are concerned about gun violence, Evans stated that “legislators should move beyond boundary lines and party labels to take action on gun control.” Gun-control legislation has been dead on arrival in Harrisburg for more than a decade, because the balance of the General Assembly supports the rights of gun owners. However, if Representative Evans and his supporters are successful this could change overnight. With your help, we can again stop this from happening. Pennsylvania gun owners have two important dates to remember:

September 25th - Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing: Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-12) schedules final hearing in Harrisburg - On Sept. 25, the Senate Judiciary Committee will be holding a final hearing to receive testimony relating to urban violence. The hearing will be held 10:00 a.m., in Room 8E-B of the East Wing. During the past several months, the committee has heard testimony from public officials and anti-gun zealots insisting on new gun control legislation to combat urban crime. This will be the final opportunity for NRA members to voice their discontent regarding the lack of enforcement and prosecution of federal and state firearm laws which has fueled violent crime over the past year. If you’re planning on testifying or need additional information, contact Gregg Warner of Sen. Greenleaf's office, (717) 787-6599 or gwarner@pasen.gov. "

This is a website posted by the Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association

Violence In Philadelphia

Posted by Mckelly Timothy in American Government - Laufenberg on
"It's nothing you can do. It's never gonna change, that's the way life is in Philadelphia."- A.J., Masterman High School student who was attacked.

    I am lobbying to change the amount of violence in the Philadelphia community.  I am interested in trying to change the way that violent events in Philadelphia are handled. There isn’t many things being done to reduce violence in Philadelphia, besides the occasional events to turn in illegal or old guns for money. These events normally receive a positive turnout. There should be more events like this more often. Innocent children lives are cut too short due to guns being in the hands of the wrong people and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We need more things for the youth to do and more events for them o be a part of that your average teenager in Philadelphia would enjoy. To solve violence in Philadelphia, it would take a very long time simply because such a drastic change could not happen over night. I would like to attempt to remove guns from the streets of Philadelphia. Right now my solution is undecided.

 

    As a teenager growing up in south west Philadelphia. I have lost several friends due to violence. Even though some of the deaths don’t effect me directly it is still devastating. There was an article discussing teen deaths due to violence in Philadelphia.The rate of teen deaths in Philadelphia is on a rise and there isn’t enough being done at the city level.

The teen violence is getting out of control in December there was an attack on Asian teens at South Philadelphia high and nothing was being done about it several stories were written about this issue.

Who is Helping?


    There are several supporters but it still seems like there isn’t enough being done. There is only so much council members who are mentioned in this article can do. There are several organizatons assisting . One organization was started and funded by a councilman Dwight Evans, the  is a organization which I was a member of which is A blue Print for A Safer Philadelphia. This anti- violence organization mission states “The Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia Initiative is a 10-year community-based violence prevention initiative with the goal of eliminating all youth homicide in Philadelphia by the year 2016. State Representative Dwight Evans created The "Blueprint" by securing $16 million in state funding and bringing a number of key partners to this historic effort.”

Violence In Philadelphia Statistics



- http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/pa/philadelphia/crime/?gclid=CNuStaSWwqQCFd9n5QodXDULjA
Pending Legislation On Violence

The state supreme court ruled on Philadelphia's gun ordinances on June 11, 2010.
These laws basically state:

• The city is allowed to force its citizens to report a lost or stolen gun within 24 hours.
• Police are allowed to seize guns from those “considered to pose a risk to themselves or others.”
• Those subject to a protection-from-abuse order may not own a firearm within the city.
• Need to purchase more than one gun a month then you can.

Lobbying post #1

Posted by Bethany Knibbe in American Government - Laufenberg on
Friday, October 8 2010
I'm lobbying for support of holistic drug and alcohol recovery programs in the city of Philadelphia. I read an article in the Inquirer about how Philly has a lot of great programs and I'd like to see that grow and help to make our city a better place. These programs treat addictions as a chronic illness, and support the people in the long-term.

Addictions are unbelievably hard, and you can't get out of them on your own. When I read about these programs, I got so excited because there is a huge number of people in our city living with addictions, and dying of them. These kind of programs really work and our city needs them. The more support the government gives to these organizations, the more successful they can be. I want to see these organizations grow and transform our city into a place where people with addictions know they can get the help they need to get rid of their addictions, and the support systems they need to leave them behind for good.


Thomas McLellan, deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is a big supporter of holistic recovery. Here’s a Philadelphia Inquirer article about him. Also, there are 6 city council members that, in 2009, passed a resolution for September to be proclaimed in Philadelphia as “National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Month”. These people may be a good starting point for lobbying because they are aware of the issue and have shown that they believe it to be important.

Now that I have an idea of the issue and some people in government that are involved, I’m ready to take the next step!

Lobbying Against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Posted by Taylor Valentine in American Government - Laufenberg on

DADT Blog Post #3

For Blog #1, click here
For Blog #2, click here
For Blog #4, click here

To say that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is a hot topic in today’s politics would be an understatement.  It seems that every time you log onto the New York Times, or CNN an article related to the policy is front page news.  Whether it’s the recent filibuster, the current injunction, or the lame-duck session push, DADT is on everyone’s mind.  According to a recent Washington Post survey, the American public’s disagreement with the policy has drastically increased over the last 17 years.  When the policy was first enacted, 44% of Americans were against it.  Now, that number has risen to 75%.  Politicians are taking notice.  In fact, earlier this year, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011 with an amendment allowing for the repeal of DADT, but in the Senate, Democrats have failed in the face of Republican opposition.  

dadt1
dadt1
Public opinion on DADT repeal (Religioustolerance.org)

While most Republicans are not necessarily against the repeal, all are waiting for the Pentagon’s release of its report on the effects that a repeal would have on the military.  The report is scheduled to come out December 1st, but parts have already been leaked.  The survey of hundreds of thousands of military personnel and families concluded that allowing homosexuals to serve openly would not hurt military readiness, a fear that many hold.  These findings have the potential to sway at least 10 senators, including moderate Maine Republicans Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe.  Both hope for a more open debate after the report is released.

The biggest hurtle, by far, is Senator John McCain, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee.  He insisted that a study was needed before he could approve of the bill.  Now that the study has been completed, he is still stalling, stating "Once we get this study, we need to have hearings. And we need to examine it. And we need to look at whether it's the kind of study that we wanted.”  It appears that McCain will do everything in his power to hold off the vote until after the lame-duck session ends.  With his position in the committee, this is not an impossible feat.

However, despite his opposition, there are major allies.  Secretary of Defense Gates recently expressed that he would like to see DADT repealed by the end of the year, which was a very bold statement, as it went against the views of many senior commanders.  Despite recent inconsistencies, President Obama still supports repeal, even calling Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) last Wednesday to reinforce his stance and demand a vote in the coming weeks.The urgency is felt by all parties involved. Currently Democrats hold 57 seats, which will fall to 53 in January.  Since cloture has already failed once with the larger majority (the September 21st vote was 56-43), it will be near impossible to convince at least 7 Republicans to change their vote after the lame-duck session.  For this reason, Sen. Carl Levin plans to hold a hearing in the Armed Services Committee in early December.  Though the date is not yet set, a rapid hearing is imperative to the success of a DADT repeal.

Two national lobbyist groups are heavily involved in this process.  The Human Rights Campaign, which works to eliminate discrimination against the LGBT community, and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an organization focused solely on DADT, are constantly pressuring the Senate.  They encourage citizens to call, write and visit their senators to demand repeal.

Screen shot 2010-11-21 at 5.56.31 PM
Screen shot 2010-11-21 at 5.56.31 PM
Advertisement on HRC.org

Locally, Equality Forum, based in Philadelphia, “undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents the largest annual national and international GLBT civil rights forum,” among other goals.  They host events throughout the area and while not currently involved with DADT, they would not be opposed to it.  Given their local and national presence, they would be a great ally in increasing public outcry for repeal.  This demand is needed to encourage Pennsylvania’s senators Specter and Casey to not only vote “aye,” but to proactively push for a vote.

Inhumane Acts Post #1

Posted by Narcissa Haskins in American Government - Laufenberg on

For my lobbying project, I will be trying to expand the seriousness of human trafficking. There are no bills that are currently passed in the united states that protect the rights of women and children who are soled as sex slaves. My ultimate goal is to help the current senator Christopher Smith  pass that bill.

My motivation for this is being surrounded by girls who have been rape victims. Just the thought that they didn’t have the opportunity to say no, then to keep it hidden so long really repulses me.  The girls I knew, some of them were tricked into their situations and some of the people they knew. Alike, these are the occurrences that happen during trafficking.

The supporter for this cause is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I will be going up against the federal government that is having issues with supporting the bill being past. Trafficking in Persons Report 2010 is being led by Hillary Clinton and she is apart of the 10th annual trafficking report. She discussed issues and things to help stop these things from occurring  

Its happening across the Globe and the U.S is aware of it. What bothers me, is that its not being stopped as fast as I would like. If we could a force, something similar to NATO to dig these people out, I believe that it would make a significant difference.

              

Inhumane Acts Post #2

Posted by Narcissa Haskins in American Government - Laufenberg on
INHUMANE ACTS

Rep. Chris Smith is the representative that produced a bill for human trafficking in different country’s. He created the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (P.L. 106-386) in his 1999 -2000 term.  According to “chrissmith.house.gov” Smith currently serves as Ranking Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Africa and Global Health Subcommittee.  He does not support abortion and that is a difference that we do not agree upon. He believes “ Abortion hurts women's health and puts future children subsequently born to women who aborted at significant risk. At least 102 studies show significant psychological harm, major depression and elevated suicide risk in women who abort.” His statement is true, but I believe that people must be concerned about the life of the mother. Her life that she was accustomed to is now altered. Teens who are in this situation will not be able to live the life as they choose and two lives gets destroyed if the mother gets no support. 

                   

Mr. Smith serves in the 4Th district of New Jersey which included county’s Mercer County Burlington County, Ocean County and Monmouth County. He has been a main supporter for stem cell research which is grand. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 which established a nationwide program for ethical research and treatment using umbilical cord blood and bone marrow cells. That landmark law was reauthorized in September 2010 for another five years - chrissmith.house.gov 

Inhumane Acts #2

Posted by Narcissa Haskins on
INHUMANE ACTS

Rep. Chris Smith is the representative that produced a bill for human trafficking in different country’s. He created the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (P.L. 106-386) in his 1999 -2000 term.  According to “chrissmith.house.gov” Smith currently serves as Ranking Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Africa and Global Health Subcommittee.  He does not support abortion and that is a difference that we do not agree upon. He believes “ Abortion hurts women's health and puts future children subsequently born to women who aborted at significant risk. At least 102 studies show significant psychological harm, major depression and elevated suicide risk in women who abort.” His statement is true, but I believe that people must be concerned about the life of the mother. Her life that she was accustomed to is now altered. Teens who are in this situation will not be able to live the life as they choose and two lives gets destroyed if the mother gets no support. 

                   

Mr. Smith serves in the 4Th district of New Jersey which included county’s Mercer County Burlington County, Ocean County and Monmouth County. He has been a main supporter for stem cell research which is grand. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 which established a nationwide program for ethical research and treatment using umbilical cord blood and bone marrow cells. That landmark law was reauthorized in September 2010 for another five years - chrissmith.house.gov 

Violence in Schools- Lobbying Assignment #3

Posted by Dominque Miller in American Government - Laufenberg on

Recently an article was published in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the increase of school violence, and the steps that need to be taken in order to solve this growing problem. Over the past year or so, the issue has received a lot of attention from media because the problem became racial. With the violent attacks towards Asian students at South Philadelphia High, the flaws of the Philadelphia School District were put on display for the entire country to see. A policy is already in place for students in order to decrease violence. Programs that will heighten children’s tolerance for different races and sexualities are hopefully going to change this problem. In an the same article (linked above) Michael Johnson, a science teacher at Germantown High School states, “The policy is wonderful… The implementation is missing." Meaning that even though the policies are there, the district, teachers, and even student fail to enforce it. This problem could possibly stem from the recent cut of the Office of Safe Schools Advocate, which was eliminated in August 18, 2009. According to the National School Safety and Security Services website, “While the State claimed the cuts were for budgetary reasons, Stollsteimer [monitor of school crimes and violence in Philadelphia Schools.] alleged the cuts were due to his advocacy and unwillingness to not document failures by the school district to report school crimes.”

Some key players in this issue are the names we hear in Philadelphia all the time. Officials such as, John Street (when in office), Chaka Fattah, Paul Vallas, and 150 community leaders were said to have pledged to increase the saftey of schools in Philadelphia back in 2004.

The Pledge:

We, the public officials and active citizens of Philadelphia, entrusted with "securing the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity," pledge to work together and with our youth leaders to combat violence in our schools and to build safe and supportive neighborhoods for young people throughout the city.

Even though Street is no longer is office, this pledge to uphold the safety in schools was taken 6, almost 7 years ago but at yet the violence in out schools has increased.

From doing this research it seems as though my main job is to get these officials back on track with their plans. It seems as though they have forgotten about the problems in school, because of the small policies they put in place but did not truly enforce. Issues such as money, health care, and the recent elections have totally taken the attention away from our schools and their lack of safety. It is time now to bring it back.

Some recent hearings on school violence were held back in January. There were 11 hearings with more than 125 testimonials from activist, city leaders, student, and parents. The topics of these hearing were of coarse about the South Philadelphia incidents. Other then those hearing there haven’t been any recent hearings about the violence, which I hope to change soon

Work Cited Page

Sachdev , Nina. "The School District Needs the Feds to Tell Them What to Do?!." Philly Now 1 Sept 2010: 1. Web. 22 Nov 2010. <http://blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/phillynow/2010/09/01/the-school-district-needs-the-feds-to-tell-them-what-to-do/>.

Trump, Ken. "School Crime Reporting and School Crime Underreporting." National School Saftey and Security Services. National School Safety and Security Services , 2009. Web. 22 Nov 2010. <http://www.schoolsecurity.org/trends/school_crime_reporting.html>.

Graham, Kristen. "City panel says hearings on school violence heard of problems and also promise Read more: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101117_City_panel_says_hearings_on_school_violence_heard_of_problems_and_also_promise.html?page=1&c=y#ixzz164fHQiCF Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else." Philadelphia Inquier 17 Nov 2010: 1. Web. 22 Nov 2010. <http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101117_City_panel_says_hearings_on_school_violence_heard_of_problems_and_also_promise.html?page=1&c=y>.

Safe Driving In Philadelphia - L.A #1

Posted by Bria Wimberly in American Government - Laufenberg on
In the city of Philadelphia, when driving in the morning always expect a traffic jam on the highway or on the busiest streets downtown. Usually the accidents that happen are not fatal but could easily been avoided. I am lobbying for safer driving within the city of Philadelphia to keep traffic moving along and to prevent other people from getting hurt in the future.

An idea came to mind when I was in the doctor’s office. In the children play room there’s a tv set that shows videos for new mom and dads on how to raise your child and things you should avoid. It’s like a tutorial video and a reminder to refresh your memory. I believe there should be a video for drivers as well. Not a tutorial about how to drive but a mental note of what you should do when you get in, slow down at yellow lights, check your windows for blind spots, etc.

My main supporters hopefully are drivers in Philadelphia who hate waiting on Chestnut or Walnut street in the morning after a car sped through a yellow light and collided with another. Another supporter can be a driver with his baby boy in the back seat. Opponents should reconsider because this is for the good of the city of a speedy yet safe drive to work to be on time, and a secure drive back home to relax.

The idea is to make recordings of different reminders of what to do when driving. Talk about which lane is the fastest, or how to properly switch lanes. Philadelphians need a wake-up call sometimes. If I can broadcast them maybe once a week on the radio, I believe it can be useful as a mind refresher. Because we all need one once in a while.

I provided a link below about the Traffic Code and Rules in the city of Philadelphia, and I believe this will help because these are the regulations for driving around in the city. These guidelines can be in my recordings as for something to refer back to if you’re unsure of what to do after an accident or if you’re breaking the law initially.

Violence in Schools- Lobby Assignment #2

Posted by Dominque Miller in American Government - Laufenberg on
                                                 New_Image 
Congressman Brady was born and raised in Philadelphia where he attended St. More High School. Then later found a job as a carpenter and soon was part of the Carpenters’ union. He continues to be apart of this union and as well as the teachers’ union. He was sworn into office to represent the people of Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District on May 21, 1998. The First Congressional District includes portions of South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, Northwest Philadelphia, Center City and parts of Delaware County.Throughout his term Brady supported the well-being of financially disadvantaged communities, as well as pushing legislation for affordable housing as well as strategies to ensure that all Americans have access to quality healthcare and life-saving prescription drugs. As a former member of the Armed Services he continues to push the right of veterans.

Shared Interest

    Screen shot 2010-11-23 at 1.41.38 PM

His Views on School Violence

Congressman Brady is an active member in trying to decrease school violence. Recently, he won $3.7 million in Federal Funding for Job Creation and Violence Prevention Funding for the First District.

“Congressman Brady also won nearly $1 million in violence prevention funding. And, on the heels of tensions at South Philadelphia High School, he was able to secure $100,000 for the Main Line Chinese Culture Center for after-school and weekend programs at the Russell Beyer’s Charter School.”

-Press Release from 12/16/09

Inhumane Acts

Posted by Narcissa Haskins on

       INHUMANE ACTS

For my lobbying project, I will be trying to expand the seriousness of human trafficking. There are no bills that are currently passed in the united states that protect the rights of women and children who are soled as sex slaves. My ultimate goal is to help the current senator Christopher Smith  pass that bill.

                               

My motivation for this is being surrounded by girls who have been rape victims. Just the thought that they didn’t have the opportunity to say no, then to keep it hidden so long really repulses me.  The girls I knew, some of them were tricked into their situations and some of the people they knew. Alike, these are the occurrences that happen during trafficking. 

The supporter for this cause is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I will be going up against the federal government that is having issues with supporting the bill being past. Trafficking in Persons Report 2010 is being led by Hillary Clinton and she is apart of the 10th annual trafficking report. She discussed issues and things to help stop these things from occurring  

                      

Its happening across the Globe and the U.S is aware of it. What bothers me, is that its not being stopped as fast as I would like. If we could a force, something similar to NATO to dig these people out, I believe that it would make a significant difference.

Violence in Schools-Lobby Assignment #1

Posted by Dominque Miller in American Government - Laufenberg on
1.     What are you lobbying for, against or to change? Explain the issue
o   I am lobbying against the increase of violence in Philadelphia Schools. Over the past years the violence in Philly schools have increased at a drastic level. This makes a lot of these schools an unsafe place for students; especially since majority of the students who commit this acts rarely get punished.

2.     Elaborate on your motivation for investigating and influencing public policy?
o   Education is the only real job of students, and if something as dumb as violence is getting in the way of that needs things need to be changed.  Philadelphia is a very diverse place to live, and the last thing we should do is commit acts of violence on our fellow Philadelphian. Another scary thing is that 5,207 5th-12th-grade students were criminal offenders.

3.     Who are the main supporters of your lobbying idea?
o   One supporter of this problem is Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak.

4.     Who are the main opponents of your lobbying idea?
o   Basically the main opponents of this problem are the schools that allow this violence to continue. The school principals and faculty who do nothing.

5.     Is there any pending legislation dealing with your lobbying idea? Explain. If there, is not, what would you like to see proposed. Elaborate.
o   There have been campaigns to “stop the violence” but no official legislations to reduce the violence in the schools. I propose that we face this problem head on, make the city turn this into a top priority. I really want to make Nutter see what’s going on in schools outside of Mastemann.  

6.     Any other information regarding the background for your topic.
o   So far I have a good amount of information, such as facts, and numbers but I don’t have much background information. So in my research I will begin to into the stem of this problem.
Where it all began? What are the main causes? Why do children feel the need to be so violence?