Thomas Friedman

The World is Flat: A Brief History 
of the 21st Century

After spending time with Thomas Friedman, we all seem to agree that educational expectations in America need to increase.  In this "Flat World" of hyper-connectivity, the American community needs to decide how to adapt as we forge forward into a new age of connectivity, collaboration, creativity, and innovation.  As many competing nations forge ahead, we need to raise the bar so as not to be left behind.  For the most part, we discussed the issue very generally, looking at the collective "we."  However, in order to really put it into practice, we need to hit a little closer to home.  Our Essential Questions asked what role parents, teachers, and students should play in this educational shift.  Your job now is to look specifically at Austintown and what you see around you, both the strengths and weakness in all three groups.  If we are to make any progress, we can't pretend that we aren't the problem.  While we ARE the Mighty, Mighty Falcons, I'm sure there are issues to be addressed.  If we start small and do what we can here, it will give us perspective as we venture forth into new and uncharted territory.

Here is your job:

• Identify strengths AND weaknesses that you have personally witnessed with a minimum of ONE of the groups above.
• Explain specifics of what you have seen or what you have done.
• When identifying weakness, please keep your attack anonymous.  We all know we can do better; don't kick us when we're down.
• After you have posted your comment, respond to the student whom Mrs. C has assigned you.  You will have specific due dates for both the original post as well as the response.

Both post and response must adhere to proper sentence sophistication, considering grammar, spelling, and content.  Please remember diplomacy and responsible social media posting as well.

Original Post - 8 points

Response - 2 points