Nature vs. Nurture

Can someone rise above one's circumstances (i.e. socioeconomic level, for instance) and be "more" than what the generation before had been? When children of alcoholics become alcoholics themselves, some people might say, "No surprise." Sad to say, this is true for many, many situations. Are people, then "born" into their lives? Much research has been done with twins that have been raised in two different homes, one a positive environment and one negative. Is it "NATURE" or "NURTURE" that makes a person?

Stereotyping: Poverty

What stereotypes are there about "the poor"? Do you know people who hold these stereotypes? How do these stereotypes impact our society? In what ways are the poor held back in our society? What benefits are afforded the poor (i.e. govenmental, educational, etc.)

Stereotyping: Wealthy

What stereotypes are there about "the wealthy"? Do you know people who hold stereotypes even about Mendham or MHS? What are the stereotypes? Do you find them to be true sometimes? Explain.

Wealth vs. Poverty

Does wealth lead to happiness? Explain. What DOES contribute to one's overall happiness in life? What stereotypes are there about the wealthy? What stereotypes are there about the poor?

HSPA

How do you think you did on the test today? Which part was the easiest for you? Why? Which part was the most difficult for you? Why? Tomorrow you will write the persuasive essay. . .Are you ready?

Standardized Tests

More and more states are moving toward standardized tests as a way to show that students have the skills necessary to graduate from high school. Some states, including New Jersey, have or are experimenting with having standardized assessments in other areas: science, social studies, the arts, etc. Identify the pros AND cons of having these tests as a graduation requirement.

Reading Difficulties and Strategies

What specific aspects of the READING parts of the HSPA give you the MOST trouble? (i.e. the open-ended responses and correctly answering the multiple-choice questions about the narrative story or the persuasive article) Why?

What strategies have you used successfully in order to make sure the finished product you submit is the best it can be? Share one or more of those strategies in order to help classmates improve their own READING scores on the test