Five Poudre Valley Middles Schools Changing Grading System

by Logan Martinez

FORT COLLINS COLO.– School boards meetings can be long and difficult to follow, but when the board is listening intently about nutrition in the cafeteria, a bigger change in the classrooms is going unnoticed. Five Poudre Valley District middle schools are planning to change the grading system for fall of 2012.

At the Poudre Valley School Board meeting Feb. 28 the application of the standards-based grading system alongside the traditional grading system for Boltz, Cache la Poudre, Lescher, Lincoln, and Kinard middle schools was only mentioned before the meeting moved swiftly into cafeteria nutrition spiels for the remainder of the night.

Through the grading system, students receive two types of grades, Content Knowledge and Work Habits, which assess students on their demonstration of academic achievement through exams and the behaviors related to work completion and their preparedness for learning.

Blevins, Preston, Webber and Wellington middles schools all implemented the standards-based grading system back in 2009 when it was originally proposed. The remaining five middle schools were planning to follow in 2010, but Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Edie Eckle explained how there were complications.

 “Part of that was due to some staffing turn over at the principal level,” Eckle said. “Some of the schools are international baccalaureate schools and they have been trying to figure out how to fulfill international baccalaureate requirements with the Colorado standards, which was a little more difficult. But they did indicate that they are going [to implement the system].”

According to a press release on the Cache La Poudre Middle School web site, Principal Skip Caddoo explained how the standards-based grading system will be implemented along side the traditional grading system; however, The addition of the grading system may be evident on report cards because he explains, “Report Cards will reflect an A, B, C, D, and F ‘letter grade’ reported to parents and students because this is what our current Gradebook/PIV technology will allow.”

Eckle followed this up by explaining how the system coincides with the traditional system.

“Standards-based grading is really an outgrowth of teaching to a standard and it is just really reporting the student’s progress on mastering a particular academic content standard,” Eckle said. “So we think of it more as progress reporting to the parents, they still get a traditional letter grade, A, B, C, D, but then they also get a report of where they are on learning the standards.”

Kim Redd, the chair of the District Advisory Board and mother of a Kinard Middle School student, explained how the implementation will reap its benefits, but would be better suited for students in younger grades.

“I think for elementary and middle schools it is good. Our concern has been whether or not that translates up into high school, and at this time they are not looking at this going into high schools,” Redd said. “Our (the DAB's) concern with it going into high schools is whether or not that will translate in going to college. How if you don’t have letter grades and you don’t have that type of system, how do kids transfer their grade point and things like that into a college setting?”

In the standards-based grading system, Eckle explained how students have the options to retake unit tests, evaluating students progress on each subject as they go along, as many times as necessary until they show they understand the material, though the final tests do not have this option. Redd spoke to how this can be a disadvantage for preparing the students for both high school and college.

“My son is still getting grades, so he still understands, but he is still allowed to retake tests, so I have been trying as a parent to say ‘you need to study the first time and not count on retaking the test,’ and that is the major concern I have,” Redd said. “Will he get into high school and then really not do well because he is assuming that he can retake these?”

Though the implementation is firmly planned to go through in fall of 2012, Redd explained how she hasn’t seen enough communication to the parents about the change.

“I am a very involved parent, so for me not to know (about the grade system change), then I am absolutely certain that most of the parents out there with kids in middles schools are unaware in the schools that haven’t made the transition yet.”

Eckle and Redd look forward to the changes the schools will see over time from the grade systems coinciding.

“It gives them the content knowledge that they need to succeed,” Eckle said. “When they leave middle school parents should have a real clear indication of ‘have they learned the content’ so you don’t go and take a course that you aren’t ready for. Because we have separated out the work habits – yeah you used to get extra credit points for bringing in a box of Kleenex, well now we know that their grade truly is a measure of what they can do academically.”

CSU Interior Design Program Requires Entrance Exam

Students take Design Scenario after freshman year of college is complete
By Logan Martinez


Interior design students don’t pick out “paint and pillows,” which is why only 40 students get into the program each year.

Design Scenario is a four-hour-long entrance exam pre-interior design majors take to become an interior design major; it occurs once every spring for students in their second semester of freshman year.

Trade professionals evaluate the students on their ability to communicate through sketching, conceptual ideas based on a prompt, an essay over ethical performance and grade point average during their first year.

Interior design Assistant Professor Chad Gibbs explained why there is an exam for the program.

“We want to make sure that the people who are in our program are doing good work,” Gibbs said. “It is kind of like running against other fast people, we want you to be with competition and people who can help you, as opposed to having to dumb classes down and slow them down for the people who just aren’t really sure if they want to do this.” According to Gibbs, other university interior design programs may have portfolio reviews, but CSU is the only with an entrance exam.

“The whole idea about having this Design Scenario is to make it as fair as possible for everyone; we have no idea who it is that is actually being reviewed,” Gibbs explained. He continued on how students have a choice to whether they want to take the exam and continue on into the program or not.

For those who decide to take it, upon arrival on the day of the exam each are assigned a number, to guarantee anonymity when being evaluated by both professionals and staff. This ensures the exam is non-partisan to who gets into the program.

“The nice thing about experts is they don’t know you by the way you draw or the way you write; so it is totally anonymous, all they have are numbers,” Gibbs explained. “In fact, none of us knows what your name is until after we decide where the cut off is.”

The student limit allowed in is due to the lack of available seats in classes. Gibbs spoke about how hard it can be for professors to see many students that don’t get in; explaining how one year 138 students took Design Scenario, while other years it is often around 60 or 70 students.

“It is really painful, because there is always a person and we think, ‘oh, but she worked so hard, this is the third time she tried,’” Gibbs related. “We had a person who has already graduated who tried to get in three times (previous to her graduation) and finally she got in. This person turned out to be an incredible asset to our program.”

Seniors Brittney Bushman and Heidi Newlan expressed terror about taking the exam.

“I came home and cried (after the exam) because I was convinced that I didn’t get in,” confessed Bushman, 22.

Newlan, 35, came back to school to pursue her passion for interior design as a second degree.

“I was really scared, because you have to come back to school for a year and take some classes, so I had to quit my job,” Newlan said. “I didn’t know if I was going to get in, or if I quit my job for nothing. I was really scared, but it worked out.”

When students do not get into the interior design program, they are sent to Kendra Allen, coordinator of advising in the design and merchandising department, to choose another major or make plans to take the Design Scenario the next year.

“It is a pre-interior design program. So, they know they are not accepted into the program yet, and there are only two classes that are required for this, so it’s not like they are wasting a lot of money,” Gibbs explained. “Usually the people that don’t get in are the ones that don’t show that they can perform the skills.”

Pre-interior design transfer student Stephen Ross said he understands that the exam is an asset to the program.

“It is a challenge and a passion I have. It is kind of a demonstration of our ability to see if you can take it in the real world,” said Ross, 35.

Though the exam is intimidating, Bushman explained its worth.

“The education that I am getting here is probably better than what you can get at most schools,” Bushman said. “So, I think that the level of quality, what you achieve and what you learn in the three years that you are in the program is remarkable, the vast amount is like night and day.”

Design Scenario is scheduled for April 14 and Gibbs estimates 60 to 70 students to take it. Bushman emphasized that interior design can be more challenging than perceived.

“We don’t pick out paint and pillows.”

Supporters Reveal More Than Candidates

By: Chance Johnson 

This election season, the Republican Party has a variety of candidates vying to make President Barack Obama a one-term president.  In many ways, the similarities of these candidates end here. 

            Attending the political rallies of two of these contenders, a week apart from one another, gave a very intimate look into what the candidates have planned for the United States if elected.  Texas Congressman Ron Paul (R- Texas) and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney visited Northern Colorado in an attempt to woo voters. 

            Congressman Paul was present at Colorado State University on Jan. 31.  Standing in line for the event, one might say that this crowd of young people displayed a striking resemblance to those who elected Obama in 2008.  Among a sea of long hair, tattoos and piercings, the event could hardly resembled a rally for a Republican candidate. 

             “He wants a gold backed dollar, and I support that!” 

            “He understands Keynesian Economics.”

            These are a just a few opinions overheard while standing in line waiting to find a seat to listen to Ron Paul. 

.           Paul exhibits an extremely libertarian based ideology.  This is appealing for young people who are attracted to personal liberty.  These young voters often long to live their lives as they see fit without judgement, but maintaining conservative principles.

            “I have a very conservative foundation, but I believe in personal freedom without government interference,” said Jason, an enthusiastic supporter in line for the event.

            With the Lory Student Center main ballroom packed with over 1,200 bodies, the excitement was palpable for Ron Paul.  Supporters poured in like fans at a rock concert grabbing a front row view.  Once Congressman Paul finally walked out, the supporters leapt out of their seats, all eager anticipation finally relieved. 

            Paul, wasted no time bringing up his foreign policy, or lack-thereof.  “I’m constantly being told that if I took up a war mongering neo-con policy, policing the world, my numbers would grow” said Paul.  This is where Paul differs the most with his Republican counterparts.  He upholds the belief that the United States has no business having such great a presence around the world, and certainly not being involved in the current war.  “No war should be fought unless declared.  Both parties are doing this” he said. 

            Further reinforcing his agenda for a Libertarian style of government, Paul stated “the government’s role should be very minor-to protect liberty, not to undermine what’s already ours.” 

Striking a cord with the young crowd, the GOP candidate stated that the war on drugs is “unwinable” and that we “need to cancel it.”  He made the comparison to alcohol stating “we should treat the drug problem the same way we treat alcoholism…treat it clinically instead of locking people up.”

            As Paul focused on social issues, Mitt Romney would aim his speech a week later on policies differences with the president.

Governor Mitt Romney arrived in Johnstown on Feb. 7 to a conservative crowd.  Mostly middle aged to older, with a few young people dispersed throughout.         

RV America was the venue, one of the countries largest RV dealerships.  Weld County GOP leader Bradley Dangerfield paid recognition to the dealership’s immigrant owner and his display of entrepreneurial success via the American Dream and capitalism. 

When asked why Romney decided to come to Northern Colorado, Dangerfield simply stated “because I asked him to.  We literally put this together starting last Friday.”  Being more specific, he said “Northern Colorado- Loveland, Greeley, Fort Collins, are all growing so he decided to come here.  This area has a lot of Republican support.” 

Although the crowd was certainly upbeat, it was missing the rock concert feel of the Paul event.  Dangerfield seemed to have difficulty mustering a chant from the crowd. 

David and Chris both of Denver, exemplified a couple of the younger faces in the crowd.  When asked why they were at the event supporting Romney, David recalled the private sector experience that Romney has had as a CEO. 

Chris pointed out that he appreciates the character of the governor “especially in comparison to Newt Gingrich.”  Comparing David and Chris to the young supporters of Ron Paul the previous week, Chris stated that he parted ways with Paul because of “the idea of conflict and how he is so quick to back out of it.  It disturbs me.”  This is in reference to Congressman Paul’s stance on decreasing the United States’ military around the globe. 

After running about 30 minutes late for the event, Romney finally arrived.  The presidential candidate’s bus was pulled nearly right up to the stage.  Governor Romney hopped out of the bus and onto the stage. 

What was most significant about the speech that Paul gave in comparison to Romney were the attacks.  Congressman Paul, although mentioning Obama, spent the majority of his time pointing out the flaws of his GOP opponents.  Romney, on the other hand, made no mention of the other Republican candidates, and went straight to attacking the president. 

Romney cut to the chase pointing out that he felt the president was using the government to interfere with the private sector.  Regarding the government’s investment in energy via the solar plant Solyndra, he stated “The president put $500 million into Solyndra, discouraging innovation.  Investors realized they could not gain capital this way.” 

After this, Romney brought up the health care debate, equating it to the way the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Motor Vehicle are handled.  “When there were challenges in health care, the government took it over.  Day one of my presidency, I will repeal it.”

Wasting barely enough time to take a breath, Romney went through a checklist of issues, moving on to foreign policy.  This was another departure from Congressman Paul’s policies.  “Obama said that within the first year of taking office, he would meet with our enemies.  None of them met with him.  We need to stand with our values and beliefs and our friends around the world!”

Contrasting himself further from Obama’s current issues regarding the downsizing of the US military, Romney suggested expanding the military.  “We have fewer ships in the Navy since 1917 and fewer aircraft in the Air Force since World War Two.  I want the strongest military in the world because I don’t want anyone thinking they can test the U.S. military.”

Rounding the bases with religion as the next topic in the 20-minute speech, Romney used current events to describe a controversy to the Catholic faith.  He used the example of employers’ providing health insurance and that birth control must be covered, regardless of the employer’s religious stance or affiliation.  “There is a threat to religion.  Catholics, under Obama Care, have to provide birth control and emergency contraceptive.” 

“Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.  The government does not tell us how to pursue these.  The success of dreamers does not make us poorer.  We will stay an opportunity nation if I’m president.  We will not be a land of entitlement!”

The secret service flanked Romney and surrounded the stage.  Paul’s wife and aids were the only people by his side. 

Romney’s event had the same five pop country songs on a constant loop.  Paul’s had a folk singer playing solo acoustic guitar. 

Fighting a common enemy, there is little evidence that these two candidates are essentially on the same team.  Paul and Romney are only two out of a handful and Republican candidates arguing who is best equipped to take on Obama.  It is interesting to examine how demographics are broken down.  Subgroup by subgroup.  For now the voters remain divided on principle.

Making connections in the "forgotten year"

Year 2 @ CSU provides free snowshoe trip to second year students

by Natasha Leadem

 

FORT COLLINS, COLO. – Twelve second-year students are kicking back today after returning from a four-hour snowshoe hike up to Cameron Pass this weekend. The trip, offered only to second year students, was culminated though a partnership between the student group Year 2 @ CSU and the CSU outdoor program.

A transition program, similar to CSU’s orientation programs, Year 2 @ CSU focuses on providing second year students in their “forgotten year” of college the opportunity to get involved with the university.

“There’s a lot of research that shows on college campuses that second year students are under-programmed for,” said Eric DeLuca, outdoor program coordinator for the Rec center. “For freshmen there’s Ram Welcome and residential life, and junior and senior year are more geared towards internships and career building, but there aren’t very many activities offered to sophomores.

Formed last year, Year 2 @ CSU offers a wide range of resources to second year students including an alternative spring break to Boulder Creek, California, academic transition workshops through the TILT office, and a True Faculty Dinner Series where students can make valuable connections with CSU faculty members. The group recently added their partnership with the CSU outdoor program to the mix this year, and the Cameron Pass hike was one of several outdoor opportunities they plan to offer in the future.

David Ovitsky, a business marketing major and Year 2 board member, accompanied the students up to Lake Zimmerman on Cameroon pass and helped facilitate the trip. Ovitsky was one of two members responsible for coordinating the outdoor partnership with the Rec center.

“People come to Colorado to go outside and no one was providing these experiences for people to go outside so I thought I would give it a shot,” said Ovitsky. “For the snowshoe hike we wanted to bring a group of people together who probably wouldn’t hang out with each other if it wasn’t for the trip.”

Year 2 offered the hike to all second year students via email with all costs covered by the two corresponding groups. Students were selected on a first come first serve basis, and were required to sign up for the trip through a link provided in the email. Within 30 minutes of sending the invite the trip was already full with a number of students placed on the waiting list.

Meghan Kleeman, a sophomore biology and German double major, was one of the first to sign up and couldn’t have been happier with her decision to try something new.

“[The trip] drew a fun crowd,” said Kleeman. “Everybody was just really open and looking to have a good time. There’s so many cool people at CSU and it was nice to get to experience a different demographic than I’m used to.”

With the sun shining and a winter storm having dumped in between 6 and 10 inches of new snow the night before, the 12 strangers were able to enjoy one other’s company, and make connections that otherwise would not have been possible.

Big Brother registers for Facebook

FBI proposes new software to patrol social media accounts

The president may be your newest follower on Twitter, whether you like it or not.

The FBI recently developed a proposal to create a social media application aiming to “quickly vet, identify and geo-locate breaking events, incidents and emerging threats,” according to a request for information posting last week on the Federal Business Opportunities website, fedbizopps.gov.

Such an application would scrape and scour "open-source and public" accounts from venues such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to “assemble critical and open source information and intelligence,” the posting said. The goal of the application is to recognize and flag key words and phrases that could represent potential threats to homeland security.

According to an FBI spokesman on the site, words like “lock down, bomb, suspicious package, white powder and active shoot” would trip the system and alert FBI officials.

Using Google Maps and other similar programs, the application would then be able to pinpoint the geographical location of the tweet.

While the proposal resonates as a privacy precaution for the improvement of the country's and individual's security, to some university students it represents a questionable shift in online personal privacy.

“It's a little scary, to be honest,” said Hilary Hellane, senior business student and student supervisor at Ram Tech, Colorado State University's on-campus software and computer help center.

Hellane is well aware of current technologies at the university that perform similar operations, but she isn’t so sure the rest of the student body is. Working in the Ram Tech office, she has observed several student run-ins with the school’s online network policies, and although she recognizes the benefits of such an application, she is wary of seemingly similar big-brother procedures.

CSU monitors its own network in two distinct ways, according to Hellane. The first is by recognizing and quarantining computers that illegally download software and other media. The second is by not allowing any type of online chatting like Skype, iChat and Face Time on personal phones and computers while operating on the university's network.

These procedures are carried out by CSU’s Information Technology Executive Committee, which has detailed the framework of their plan to “combat illegal file sharing” on CSU’s Academic Computing and Networking Services website.

“I think monitoring the illegal downloads is a good thing because I've witnessed many lawsuits against students for it (pirating media); we're trying to protect people,” Hellane said. “But I have no idea why they (the ITEC) don't allow conference calls. It's such a pain.”

Although the school's social media monitoring operations are aimed to protect students and not of the same caliber as those proposed by the FBI, the government’s successful development of this new application could mean potentially drastic changes to students’ use of social media and online interaction.

  

Paranoia and discontentment comprised one student's reactions to the FBI’s proposal, if it were to make its way to university social media policies.

“I am required to use Facebook for my Arabic class and that idea in general seems like a breach of my privacy,” said Carlye Sayler, sophomore international studies major. “The whole blending of individual social media with large institutions like universities and the government is a scary thing to me. I would never feel totally comfortable online again if I knew there was software out there watching me, regardless of how innocent my activity was.”

Some students do not believe potentially thwarting threats on public safety validates infringement on their online privacy, but local law enforcement recognizes the value of monitoring online activity.

The Fort Collins Police Department, which frequently works with CSU on student-related incidents, has not yet made a shift toward carefully watching social media, but claimed it has used such venues to approach public safety in the past.

“We primarily use it for communication, not monitoring necessarily,” said FCPD public safety representative Rita Davis. “There have been times we were made aware of large parties occurring or being planned online and we worked with CSU to either contact students to inform them of their responsibilities as party host or take preemptive action to make sure they were aware of consequences.”

  

The department does not have staff “dedicated to sitting around and watching social media,” but, according to Davis, it is premature to decide whether or not software that allows for online threat patrolling would be adopted by the Fort Collins Police Department.

by Colleen Canty