Picnic, School Ratings, and Da Vinci Code

Another great Saturday which makes me all the more excited that this is the last week of school! It was beautiful and we went for a picnic. We were able to find a Hummingbird nest which unfortunately had been knocked down. We took it with us but were disappointed that a Hummingbird would not be able to use it so we could watch it with young. We also saw an osprey hunt and catch a fish, some Blue Huron, and a huge black snake! We have decided to do a little more research on Indiana's snake population as there are two poisonous ones and by the size and rattle of its tail, this may have been one.



In today's papers, there are huge reports that indicate that half of Indiana's schools are failing. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, schools must be able to show evidence that all students are making progress and the State goal is for all children to have a basic grasp of reading by the year 2014. Much of this research is determined by the State's standardized tests called the ISTEP and graduation rates. Though the tests keep schools accountable to a degree to teach required curriculum which was not always being done, the result of such publicized results and even loss of jobs has created a situation where schools are very hesitate to accept students with learning differences. Teachers also face the pressure of getting through material and teaching students how to take the tests which results in less time to fully develop indiviualized programs and try teaching to different learning styles. If interested, the link to the article is below.

Indiana School Article:

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060520/NEWS01/605200495

And finally, we are off to see The Da Vinci Code tonight. I enjoyed the book and look forward to seeing it in movie form. We are also interested in seeing Paris in the movie as we leave in exactly two weeks today. I am intrigued by the controversies the film release has brought forward and have enjoyed discussing the contents with others. Dan Brown has got people talking about Christianity. I was sent an article that gives a slightly different perspective from a Chirstian on the issue which is sometimes lacking. And on a more personal side, I have been fortunate to meet and work with members of the Opus Dei in a past job. In my experience many people hear of how some members of the group inflict pain on themselves or see the picture of the leg band and write them off without researching or talking to any Opus Dei members. Love to hear thoughts on this if you have time. Hope the movie is worthwhile.

Article from a pastor that gives an interesting perspective on The Da Vinci Code

http://www.sojo.net/