Thursday, January 28, 2010

Education and State of the Union 2010

Just got off the phone with Maureen. We spoke about motivating students in the classroom. Especially those who are not motivated to do well academically, whose parents may not be supportive of the educational process.

We spoke about tonight's State of the Union Address in which President Obama states, "one of the best anti-poverty programs is a world-class education."

We spoke about the Pittsburgh Promise, and how, if students graduate from Pittsburgh Public Schools that there are all these checks written for various schools--colleges and universities---in Pennsylvania: They just need to take responsibility to ensure that their name is in the memo line of a check for four years of education.

We spoke about Charlie Batch, the Pittsburgh Steeler from Homestead, Pennsylvania, who believes so much in education that he gives back to the community in the form of the Charlie Batch Foundation. His mom is involved as well in the Toys for Tots Literacy program which provides students "access to books and educational resources that will enhance their ability to read, communicate effectively, and succeed in life."

We spoke about the movie/poem "Invictus," which ends in the couplet
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul

Which my mom invokes when we are feeling that the world is too much.

And I quoted what Grandma had said to me
Bahala ako sa sarili ko OR
"I am responsible for myself," useful for the student who will not even take on the responsibility of opening a textbook in the context of a classroom.

We bid each other good night, and will see each other Friday again.

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