Thursday, December 13 Assignments

Writing: If you have written an essay, revise it based on my comments. All others please write your essays in response to the question posted last week on improving Richmond.

Math: Geometry-Right Triangles-do p.618 #5-10

Homework:

• Writing-comment on other's blog postings using holistic scoring chart, stay in touch with each other via your blogs over winter break


• Math-self directed use of math websites in the right column of this blog under Resources over winter break

Tuesday, December 11 Assignments

Writing: Answer this question that we created as a class-

• What would you do to improve Richmond? Why? How? Use your own knowledge, observations and personal experiences to support your answer. Give specific details.

Test-Taking Strategies: Class discussion of handout

Math: Geometry-Right Triangles-read p.616, do p.617 #1-4

Homework:

• Geometry-Right Triangles-p.618 #5-10


• Writing-Finish essay above, post to blog. Comment on others' writing.

What I Would Do to Improve Richmond

I would improve Richmond in several ways because this city does not live up to its potential. By honestly addressing racism, as well as public school teachers' and parents' attitudes towards children, our town could make significant progress.

First, we must deal with white racism. I realized this when I helped a neighbor kid bring his dog to the vet. Steven was black, and only nine years old, and I am white. When we walked across the parking lot of the vet's office, a white man and his young son stared at us. The father grabbed his child by the arm and the two of them seemed to look at us in disgust. I felt that they were stereotyping a kid whose life was just starting out without knowing anything about him. To solve this problem, people of different backgrounds need to get to know each other in order to break down prejudices. A more economically and racially integrated community would help to achieve this.

Second, teachers' attitudes towards kids in the City school system must improve. I have seen teachers tell middle schoolers they're stupid, and offer high schoolers coloring handouts instead of real work. Teachers with this kind of approach should be warned, then fired if they don't shape-up. Then, they can be replaced with better paid, more skilled teachers with better attitudes. This will help to turn out students who have better outlooks themselves, and who are more likely to succeed.

Lastly, parents need an attitude check too. If kids are ever to fix the mess we've made, parents can't keep threatening them with physical violence as a solution. Children who learn that only reason not to break the rules is because they'll be beaten don't necessarily understand the underlying reasons for controlling their behavior. My wife went to get a flu shot the other day, and she heard a mom say to her 2 year old kid, "If you don't shut up, I'll have them stick you with that needle!" Parents need to respect their kids and do better parenting by reading up on child development, and talking to each other about their concerns. Then, we'll raise a new generation of Richmonders with more positive views than many of the adults causing problems.

So to sum up, I would improve Richmond in three ways: deal with racism by helping people to get to know each other, hire better teachers to replace the negative ones, and encourage parents to stop using threats and start using respect as a way to raise children. I believe those points would go a long way towards fixing our problems.

Thursday, December 6 Assignments

click here to see proposed improvements for Richmond

Writing: Post comments to my essay response to this question on your blogs:

• What would you do to improve Richmond? Why? How? Use your own knowledge, observations and personal experiences to support your answer. Give specific details.

Math: Geometry - Irregular Shapes, p.615 #1,3,4

Homework:

• Geometry - Right Triangles, read p.616, do p.617 #1-4
• Writing: Repsond to essay above, comment on others' blogs

Tuesday, December 4 Assignments

Get ready for fun with right triangles on Thursday!

Writing: As a class, we will create a GED Essay formatted writing prompt to which we will all respond. The question will focus on a matter of general knowledge, and support will come from the writers' knowledge, personal experiences, and observations.

Math: Congruent Figures and Proportions in Geometry, pp.610-611, do p.612, #1-6

Homework:

1. Writing: If you finish all the assigned essays and recommended revisions, please post blog comments on others' writing using the scoring chart. Look for Felecia's and Jamisha's postings to fellow students' blogs as examples.


2. Math: If you complete all the assigned Geometry, continue on to read Irregular Figures, p.613-614 in your textbook. Then complete p.615, #1-4.

Thursday, November 29 Assignments

This Day in Black History: 11/28 Richard Wright, author of Native Son, dies,1960

Writing: Make revisions to your blog posts as noted in my comments. Post a comment to a classmate's blog about his or her writing using the holistic scoring chart as a basis for your comments.

Math: Triangle area cont'd., review textbook p.599 problems #4&6

Homework:

1. Writing- Using the holistic chart as a basis for your comments, post a comment to a fellow student's blog.


2. Math- Lines and angles, read textbook p.606. Try #1-6, p.607

Tuesday, November 27 Assignments

All in class and homework assignments same as Tuesday, November 20

Here is a real 4 (Perfect Score) Essay

Sample GED Essay Writing Prompt Topic

What is one important goal you would like to achieve in the next few years? In your essay, identify that goal. Explain how you plan to achieve it. Use your personal observations, experience, and knowledge to support your essay.

Reprinted with the permission of the GED Testing Service

Over the next few years, my main goal is to obtain a college degree from St. Johns University in Collegville. This goal will be very difficult to obtain and I will need to work hard at it. Three things that will affect the outcome of my goal are; how much money I can raise to pay for it, how much time I am willing to spend studying, and my dedication in training for football.

Before you can register at a college, you must consider how it is going to be paid for. This is especially an issue at St. Johns, because the tuition is around $22,000 a year. This is a huge sum of money. It is not made easier by the fact that my parents will be able to contribute very little towards my education. Thus I am forced to rely on scholarships, grants, and loans from the government and other agencies. I have already taken some action by applying for scholarships, but I will have to apply again next year. I received a $7,500 scholarship from St. Johns and they have also given me some grants. The rest of the money will have to come from student loans and an on
campus job.

The next area that will affect my goal is the classroom. This is important because the main point of college is to prepare meself for a successful career. In college, I will need to apply myself and take time to study every night. Sometimes, I may be forced to give up things that I would rather do, but I must if I am going to achieve my goal. I must create a relationship with my professors because they will help me obtain the information that is needed to be successful.

The third thing is my dedication in training for football. Football is my favorite sport and St. Johns has an excellent football tradition. They have150 players out for football each year. If I am going to be successful and contribute to the team, I am going to have to be dedicated to training. I must spend tireless hours in the weight room gaining strength and quickness.

I believe all of the hard work will pay off. If I can do these three things, I will successfully complete my goal of graduation from college. If this goal is achieved, I believe I will be well on
my way to a successful life

Reprinted with permission of the GED Testing Service

Tuesday, November 20 Assignments

The Indian Nation that first celebrated Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims still exists today!

Writing: See Thursday, November 15

Math: Intro to Geometry based on PA Practice Test Math questions

Homework:

1. Writing: Comment on a classmate's blog post, complete essay revisions.


2. Math: GED Steck-Vaughn textbook p.599 #1-6 or find lessons online from the linklist on this blog about triangle area & perimeter

Thursday, November 15 Assignments

For Thanksgiving Social Studies info on the image above click here

Writing: Continue with Tuesday's essay question in one of three ways

1. If you haven't done so already, begin writing a response to the prompt.


2. If you have already written a repsonse, do revisions based on my comments.


3. If you finish with your corrections and improvements, comment on others' writing directly on their blogs.


4. For homework, finish 1-3 above by Tuesday.
   

Math: Finishing up with Algebra basic concepts

1. Knowledge share: Students recommend math websites or online lessons to each other.


2. Geometry essay to introduce next week's topic


3. Equation word problems #1-6, page 572 of Steck-Vaughn GED textbook


4. For homework, finish any problems from page 572 that we do not cover in class.

Tuesday, November 13 Assignments

Writing - Revise and republish your response to Thursday's Essay question based on my comments. If you have not already published an initial response, please do so tonight in class.

homework: Answer this GED Essay question as a post on your blog:

What do you consider to be your best personal attributes and/or characteristics? Why? Give specific examples of what they are, and why you and/or others like those qualities.

Math - Review equations homework from GED-Steck Vaughn textbook:
page 566, problems 1-20 (substitution and the distributive property)
page 572, problems 1-6 (translating word problems into equations)

homework: balance of questions from the textbook not covered in class tonight.

Thursday, November 8 Assignments

Math - Equations from McGraw-Hill Top 50 Math Skills Handout
Review last few problems on page 99. Identify homework in GED Steck-Vaughn book and/or online as a class.

Writing Discussion - What's Going On?

At least 15 students have set-up blogs, but no one's really posting much writing there. Let's talk about how we can increase the level of participation in class tonight. Feel free to post your response to this question here on my blog too.

Writing - Answer This GED Essay Prompt on Your Blog by Tuesday

What one experience has significantly changed your life for the better? Why? Use specific examples from your personal knowledge, experiences and observations to support your answer. Try to respond in about 250 words and/or five paragraphs, including an introduction, body and conclusion. Use the chart from my October 30 post to this blog for structural guidelines if you find them helpful. Remember, your writing will be scored holistically, not exclusively focused on punctuation or grammar.

Tuesday, November 6 Assignments

Math - Identify Practice Test Problems
We will continue to pick out and solve problems from the PA Practice Test as a class. Reinforcement work can be done at the links on this blog, and in the Steck-Vaughn GED textbook. Together, we will note the pages in the text that cover the material we choose in class tonight. Math homework will be assigned each period by student-driven requests from focus subject areas. The most common in the past have been: Algebra, Geometry, and fractions/percents/decimals.

Starting tonight, the math homework will always be selected from the Steck-Vaughn GED textbook, or from the math links under Resources on the right hand column of this blog.

Writing - Critique & Correct My Analysis Below as a Posted Comment:
Lyrics selection-
I don't mind leavin' here to show the world we have no fear 'Cause we're a winner and everybody knows it too, we'll just keep on pushin', like your leaders tell you to, at last that blessed day has come and I don't care where you come from, we're just go move on up (movin' on up)

-Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions "We're a Winner"

My analysis:
My song lyric about doing what u feel u should do when the time is right. Sometime other people might come around and to put you down. But you believe in yourself so they can't change you. You're one and only tru love will help you find a way in life, and that's to follow your own path to success! Keep goals in mind everyday and you will overcome the problems that life throw at you.

Corrected analysis:
This selection talks about the Civil Rights Movement, and the challenge of maintaing group self-esteem against huge odds. Curtis Mayfield says in the song that the cause is even worth the cost of his own life if it will "show the world we have no fear." It must have been a time of great inspiration, with the message to keep on pushing coming from leaders like Martin Luther King and Ralph Abernathy. The spirit of the movement expressed in the song reminds me of justice movements that I've participated in, like the Free Mumia and Anti-globalization movements and marches I've worked on.

Polish Up Your Writing and Comment on a Blog

ASSIGNMENTS for TONIGHT & the REST of the WEEK:

Writing:
Tonight and during the next week you should review, correct, and improve your writing so far. If you have not yet written about your chosen set of lyrics please do so. Then relate the song to a movie, television show and/or real life occurence using specific details that link the two examples. Wrap it up with two sentences of conclusion. Also, please post a comment on at least one of your classmates' blogs regarding the writing assignments.

Math:
Use the Resources links on this blog to find math assignments you would like the class to study. You may print out work in class to bring home for the week, or work online. Just be prepared to share something you would like to study with the whole class next Thursday when we meet again.

Add a Paragraph to Your Last Post

The diagram above should help you along sentence by sentence as you works towards GED Essay level writing. Respond to my comments on your blog posts twice a week and you'll have a GED style essay soon. Remember that each line labeled support requires a specific example. The outline pictured here is a tad old school, in the style that was more commonly taught thirty years ago. However, follow this format, directly answer the question given, and use precise supporting details, and you'll achieve a great score on the essay!

Share Comments with Each Other!

Tonight:

• Please read my comments regarding your song lyrics interpretations.
• Add an additional paragraph to your original posting that supports the main idea of the lyrics with your own examples from things you've experienced or observed. Be specific and use details.
• By Thursday, add a links section to your blog and list the other blogs from the class there.
• Use the directions Richard handed out to guide you through the process of adding the blog roll.
• Read through the study agreement for the class blog writing project and return to Richard ASAP. As you will note in the information provided, no student names, not even the name of the school, will be used in the findings.

lyrics interpreted

"The Boat Dreams from the Hill" by Jawbreaker 1992

Boat on a hill, never going to sea.
Anchored to a fixer upper's dream.
This boat is beat, never going to be a boat now.
Thirsty, sees the sea from high on ice plant.

He keeps patching it and painting.
Thinking about his pension plan.
But the boat is out to pasture.
Seems it never had a chance.

I wanna be a boat. I wanna learn to swim
Then I'll learn to float. Then begin again.
Boat on a hill, never going to sea.
Anchored to a fixer upper's dream.
This boat is beat, never going to be a boat now.
Thirsty, sees the sea from high on ice plant.

He keeps patching it and painting.
Thinking about his pension plan.
But the boat is out to pasture.
Seems it never had a chance.

I wanna be a boat. I wanna learn to swim
Then I'll learn to float. Then begin again.

Boat remembers the carpenter's sure hand.
Missing fishy flutter on it's rudder.
Sold at an auction, on a dolly ever since.
Sometimes rainy days bring boyish wonder


Boat remembers the carpenter's sure hand.
Missing fishy flutter on it's rudder.
Sold at an auction, on a dolly ever since.
Sometimes rainy days bring boyish wonder

My interpretation:
I think this song is about keeping faith in times of incredible discouragement. The boat (or person) sees its dream from where it's confined, but can't do anything about it. The boat thinks back to better times and the event that sealed its fate (the auction sale). Still,though the situation seems hopeless, like the boat will never return to the ocean, its wonderful memories persist and give meaning to its existence.

Set Up a Blog Tuesday!

Tuesday, October 16:

6:30-7:50 Orientation to class & GED test

8-8:30 Writing blogs orientation:

This portion of this class serves to simultaneoulsy boost your writing and technology skills in order to add to your resume for post GED employment. And of course, you must score at least 2 on the Essay portion of the GED to recieve a diploma. Most FAST TRACKers need PRACTICE to do this.

Enjoy personalizing your blog with images, writing, and different colors and layout styles. Consider showing your blog to potential employers to demonstrate your written communication abilities and your familiarity with computers and the Web.

Each time we meet, a new assignment will be posted to this blog. You should display responses to writing prompts on your own blogs for editing purposes. So get in the habit of checking here for assignments. That way you'll never have to ask "what did I miss?"

GED Connection website

GED Connection online classroom instructions:

Go to: www.pbs.org/literacy

Click begin

Under Registration & Log-In click sign up & get started

Click Begin

Fill in boxes with red stars above them

Click submit

Write down or print your username and password and save in secure place

Click continue

Click submit

Click continue

Click Teacher’s glasses

Select Virginia from drop-down menu

Click list programs

Click bull’s eye for Richmond ACDC GED Fast Track

Click bull’s eye under choose

Click home space

Click GED Connection

Click on any GED subject in right side column to get started

If you have difficulties or questions, email me at nathansonaw@vcu.edu

Syllabus Fall 2007

Syllabus for GED Fast Track October 16-December 18, 2007
(subject to significant change)
Instructor: Adam Nathanson
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30pm, Room 106
Phone: (804) 780-8311
Email: nathansonaw@vcu.edu

Benefits of GED Fast Track:
Higher level of instruction, individualized when necessary
Option to participate in blog study to improve writing skills & employability
Access to videos, computer lab
Membership in online classroom accessible 24-7
Instruction using Official Practice Test
Test taking tips
Free Official GED Test with perfect attendance and sufficient Practice Test scores
Assistance pursuing community college enrollment after passing GED

Expectations:
Students will identify a date to take the Official GED Test within 90 days of start of classes (this can be done privately and informally, or with my consultation, it is your personal goal).
Learners will purchase Casio calculator ($10) and Steck-Vaughn GED textbook ($18).
Students will bring paper, pencil, pen, calculator and textbook to class each night.
All Fast Track students will complete an Official Practice Test before taking Official GED Test.
Students must be present for post testing (date to be announced) to be considered for a free Official GED Test. This test is exactly the same as the one taken during registration, and measures each student’s progress during the nine week period.

Schedule:

Tuesday, October 16: 6:30-7:50 Orientation to class & GED test
8-8:30 writing blogs orientation
Thursday, October 18: 6:30-7:50 Contemporary’s Algebra tips
8-8:30 writing blogs creation

Tuesday, October 23: 6:30-7:50 Practice Test Math (PA), note focus areas
8-8:30 discuss & create essay prompts, post to blogs
Thursday, October 25: 6:30-7:50 Math: Intro to Algebra & Geometry- HOMEWORK from handout on creating equations from McGraw-Hill's Top 50 Math Skills for GED Success
8-8:30 students post blog of song lyrics transcribed into EAE

Tuesday, October 30: 6:30-7:30 Review homework on equations/Algebra/Geometry
7:30-7:50 How to Add a blogroll, 8-8:30 Respond to comments on blog, post

Thursday, November 1: 6:30-7:50 pbs.org livelihood workplace math
8-8:30 writing blogs, post evaluation of own work

Tuesday, November 6: 6:30-7:50 pbs.org working world percentages
8-8:30 writing blogs
Thursday, November 8: 6:30-7:50 Social Studies Practice Tests: cartoons & maps
8-8:30 writing blogs

Tuesday, November 13: 6:30-7:50 car prices from newspaper as percents
8-8:30 writing blogs
Thursday, November 15: 6:30-7:50 Science Practice Test version PA: graphs & charts

Tuesday, November 20: 6:30-7:50 Math answer sheets: coordinate grids, etc.
8-8:30 writing blogs
Thursday, November 22: Thanksgiving NO CLASS

Tuesday, November 27: 6:30-7:50 What to know: GED Geometry
8-8:30 writing blogs
Thursday, November 29: 6:30-7:50 Working world GED Geometry
8-8:30 writing blogs

Tuesday, December 4: TABE post testing (mandatory)
Thursday, December 6: TABE post testing (mandatory)

Tuesday, December 11: 6:30-7:50 JSRCC/GED graduate guest speaker
8-8:30 writing blogs
Thursday, December 13: 6:30-7:50 Teacher evaluations. Sign up for Practice Test
8-8:30 writing blogs

Tuesday, December 18: 6:30-7:50 reserved for review
8-8:30 writing blog

YOU CAN DO THIS. GOOD LUCK!