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Teachers are an easy target #edreform

April 3, 2011

I am Sorry I am a Teacher

by Alan Haskvitz

http://www.reacheverychild.com

http://www.watchknow.org/

For over 45 years I have enjoyed making a living teaching. It hasn’t been easy or lucrative, but it had its rewards, one of which was a secure retirement plan.

Now, after reading the recent California Little Hoover Commission Report that recommends that public school retirements be reduced, even for those who are already retired, and the actions of the Ohio, Idaho, Wisconsin Republicans in accusing  teachers and their pensions and bargaining rights as mainly responsible for that state’s financial situation, I am sorry I became a teacher. I honestly didn’t mean to place so many states in danger of going bankrupt.

I also realize now that I am sorry to have chosen education as a career for other reasons. I am sorry that my wife may have to work until she is well past 70 and endure the rigors of 12 hour shifts as a nurse. I am sorry that I may become a burden to my children because my retirement income won’t cover the costs of extended care. I am sorry for those students I encouraged to become teachers, telling them to ignore the glow of the better paying professions.

I am sorry that the government is punishing me for being a civil servant by taking away over 60 percent of the Social Security benefits I had paid for during years of part-time work in the private sector to help put two children through college. I am sorry that, if I outlive me wife, I won’t be eligible for her Social Security benefits because I am a public servant.

I am also very sorry that the vast conservative media has chosen teachers as a topic for loathing and hatred.

I am sorry that the right-wing politicians and conservative think tanks are at work to convince the public that education would work better if schools were private. I am sorry that the producers of Waiting for Superman didn’t travel a few miles farther to see my school and talk to the parents and students. I am sorry that the writers of the movie didn’t get a chance to see what is really happening in America’s schools. Sorry they didn’t call their work, Waiting for Funding.

The bullying of educators using misleading facts is rampant. Most recently, Wisconsin teachers, fighting merely for the right to negotiate as a union, were accused of causing over seven million dollars of damages to the state capitol building and grounds. The media spread that lie and never followed up with the fact that the damages never were properly assessed.(1) Sorry to say, but this is just one example of the media’s bullying of teachers. When is the last time the public learned that 145,100 public school teachers were physically attacked and that 276,000 were threatened with injury?(2)  And they say the press is liberal? (3)

I am also sorry that, as a teacher, I did such a poor job of teaching students to think for themselves, and let the fear mongers drug their critical thinking skills. I am sorry that I spent so much time getting my students ready for the state test that I did a poor job of teaching them to ask for proof when an organization says it offers fair and balanced news reporting.

Until today I never stopped to look at what my decision to become a teacher had cost. I wrote a letter to one of the commissioners on the Little Hoover Commission expressing how my decision to become a teacher had cost my family dearly and that their findings made me sorry I had become a teacher.

The response was hardly unexpected. The secretary of the commissioner responded by writing that teaching was a valued profession. But apparently not valued enough for the commission to advise the California legislature not to leave the teacher retirement plan alone. After all, the budget has to be balanced and God-forbid there is a tax increase. Sorry to say, their recommendations, if followed, would result in extensive court battles, legal costs, and the possibility that teachers would continue to be the scapegoats whenever the economy is troubled. By the way, sorry to say, not one member of the Little Hoover Commission is a teacher or educator, and the commission is dominated by big business members. The findings of the Little Hoover Commission are not unexpected given President Hoover’s legacy.

I left the financial world after tiring of the constant manipulation of the general public to add to the company’s bottom line. I am sorry I didn’t fight my temptation to help others and instead stay in the corporate world with a secretary, reserved parking spot, executive dinning room, paid-for college courses, free health care, my own office, and a chance to continue to hobnob with the movers and shakers of the world from Richard Nixon and king maker Asa Call, to Ronald Reagan.

At age 22 I had my own upscale apartment in Los Angeles and a racing Cobra. Life was good and the pension plan was lucrative as I had to pay nothing into it. The company was going to move to a beach community and I would have been a made man. All I had to do was ignore my desire to help others.

Sorry, but I couldn’t resist; I entered a teaching college and, now, over 45 years later, I have a lot of apologizes to hand out.

I know that my fellow teachers have spent decades teaching our students about the evils of bullying and to not tolerate it. The theme “Don’t be a Bystander” is one of our major lesson plans. And yet, I am sorry to say, we are now the ones being bullied. Perhaps it is time for us to join together and write letters, make phone calls, and express ourselves to our elected officials to let them know that there are millions of teachers who vote and we won’t want them to be sorry.(4)

National Hall of Fame Educator, Alan Haskvitz, has been selected one of the most outstanding educators in the nation and world seven times. He has earned honors for his work in social studies, history, agriculture, art, coaching, English and language arts, science, and has been featured on television, radio, in textbooks, and major periodicals. Most recently nearly 95 percent of his multicultural students finished in the top categories of California’s standardized test. He has taught at every grade level and most subject areas and most recently was chosen as one of the 50 most important educators in the world. He is a classroom teacher.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES:

1 Madison capitol damage lie

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/14/956167/-Human-Events-lies-re-Madison…

2 Teachers attacked, threatened

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/bullied-teachers-145100-public-school-te

3  Press is not liberal – research

http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=2447

4.Contact information for all state and national officals

http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Teaching and Stress – Great sites to help reduce stress.

http://www.reacheverychild.com/feature/teacher_stress.html

March 27, 2011

Cars of a Lesser God

by The Car Family

For more vehicle reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/home/most-reliable-vehicles/

Call it the WalMartization of the car industry, but the domination of Honda, Toyota, Ford and General Motors products has made it nearly impossible for another manufacture to do anything more than secure a niche in the marketplace. Too bad, because there are a lot of vehicles that just need to be given a test drive to remove the risk from risk taking for potential buyers.

To that end, here are two Mitsubishis, a Suzuki’s, and a Mazda and not one of them averaged less than 25 mpg on the highway and two, the Lancer and the Mazda easily bettered 30 mpg. But the the reason to look at these four diverse vehicles is their excellent driving dynamics and great deals.

We tested the Mitsubishi Lancer ES and the Outlander GT, the Suzuki Kizashi, and the Mazda6. Each had an exceptional characteristic. The Outlander was a skilled mountain climber, the Lancer was a fuel sipper, and Mazda and the Suzuki a canyon cutters with family touting capabilities. We aren’t providing specific MSRP for these vehicles because of the deals that are being offered on them for both new and used versions are significantly lower in almost every case.

Mazda6

The Mazda was loaded, but you can get a lesser equipped version for under $20,000 and we recommend you take your time driving both the four and six cylinder versions before deciding which model to buy. Either way, it is a handsome sedan with couple like styling.

Mazda’s 6 has top safety scores, an economical four-cylinder engine, and a passion for fun. You can also order the six cylinder or “s” model, but it really isn’t needed for family applications. We like the i Touring model with 17-inch rims wheels, a trip computer, a power driver seat, an in-dash six-CD changer, and Bluetooth phone capability and more. The upscale models offer more features and might be better deals if you need the niceties.

The 2011 Mazda 6 i has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and a slick shifting, six-speed manual transmission. You can also order a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. The six cylinder option uses a 3.7-liter V6 with a rambunctious 272 horsepower, but this engine only comes with a six-speed automatic. The four cylinder gets 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and the V6 18/27 mpg. Safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

The interior is interesting with red electroluminescent gauges and a business like cockpit, but the base stereo is weak, reception tepid, and the seats don’t hold you well. However, if you aren’t pressing your luck on corners, they are comfortable. The huge trunk is a plus and the rear seats fold down adding to the usefulness of this sleek looking sedan.

Family conference: A good car, but the competition is keen in the family sedan segment and so look for a great deal to entice you to try this athletic family mover.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer has never been a big seller, but it has always been good value if you are willing to find one at the right price. This is a sharp looking sedan that comes in several flavors from the bargain priced DE to the better equipped ES and finally the GTS and Ralliart. We recommend the ES, unless you like the styling and features of the upscale models. The base 2.0-liter engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are adequate and its 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway ratings are above average, but this model isn’t fast.

The ES has air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, upgraded upholstery, a 60/40-split rear seat , ancillary steering-wheel audio controls and a better stereo. If you have the funds, the GTS provides a turbocharged engine and a better stereo and more electronics, but the Ralliart option is even more loaded with its 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 237 horsepower and and all wheel drive.

Safety features include front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, antilock brakes and stability control. The brake feel is good and handling equal to the Mazda, but it is a bit more stiff-legged. Crash scores are good. The interior is basic, the seats could use more padding, and the trunk is smallish, but the back seats are quite good and roomy.

Family conference: With pricing well under $20,000, real life gas mileage in the mid-20 mpg range, and a roomy interior, the Lancer is good basic transportation. If you want to dance with the devil there is always the more hasty Ralliart and the Evolution model that can terrorize most any canyon or Carrera, for that matter. Shop around.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander was our biggest surprise. This is a fun SUV that provides the driver with the benefits of all wheel drive, handling and good fuel mileage. And there are options galore. If you really need a three rows of seating you should check out the Outlander’s carefully because it isn’t the best we have seen. The base ES model has a four-cylinder engine and several features, but we prefer the XLS with its 3.0-liter V6 and plenty of toys including an upscale stereo and more. All wheel drive and hill start assist are great for those who travel in hilly areas. There are more loaded versions and some of these are being offered at significant savings. Shop around.

Outlander’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 168 horsepower and the 3.0-liter V6 makes 230 horsepower. The four-cylinder version comes with a a continuously variable transmission and the larger engines transfers power with a six-speed automatic. Look for fuel mileage for the both engines to be in the 22-26 mpg range. Safety wise the Outlander has antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and whiplash-reducing front head restraints and good crash scores.

The Outlander has a handy flip-down tailgate capable of supporting around 400 pounds and ample storage space for a vehicle in this class. The interior is a bit drab, but the real fun is in driving this eager to please SUV.

Family conference: If you can get a deal on one, buy it if you like to drive and really need a SUV. It is surprisingly enjoyable and obedient.

Suzuki Kizashi

The Suzuki Kizashi is a hoot. It can be yours for under $20,000 if you choose the base model, and even the upscale sedan is priced well. We always recommend spending a lot of time shopping around because Suzuki is a brand on the upswing and dealers are willing to deal.

Don’t let the name confuse you, this is one good vehicle that combines handling, fuel mileage, and looks with an exceptional warranty. The 2.4-liter provides a standard six-speed manual transmission that is easy to shift. You can also get a CVT as an option as well as all wheel drive. The engine offers 185 horsepower, but the real joy of this rig is its handling. There are very few cars in this price range that can come close to the cornering ability of the Kizashi. If Suzuki ever plants a V6 or a turbocharger, or both, under the hood this sedan is going to be the king of hot compact sedan class. There are a couple of versions from a base S, which is simply a price leader, to a Sport GTS , which we love. You can get the whole parts bin with the Sport SLS. Look for the best deals on the loaded models. Fuel mileage hovers near the 30 mpg range in mixed driving without all wheel drive.

Safety wise the Kizashis include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and good crash-testing scores. The interior is spacious and the seats comfortable.

Family conference: This Suzuki is a winner if you like to drive and don’t mind excellent brakes, handling, an exceptional warranty, and fuel mileage. You need to be close enough to a dealer to take advantage of the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, but it should be worth it. The manual transmission is easy to live, but we recommend the CVT if you live where commuting is sluggish.

February 25, 2011

S is for Super: Suzuki Kizashi

 For more vehicle reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/home/most-reliable-vehicles/

This Suzuki would have probably been the car of the year if Suzuki had a larger advertising budget. The truth be told that the S is a sleeper. Starting at under $20,000 for a well equipped base model and $26,000 for a loaded Sport version, these sedans are comfortable, fun to drive, and we squeezed out over 32 mpg in our extended stay with the Kisashi (Kee-Zah-Shee). Why extended? Because the horrendous weather that was pelting the area was making testing difficult. Nevertheless, despite the snow and rain the Kizashi always felt sure footed and safe.

 We were hard pressed to tell we weren’t driving an Audi or Accra based on its fit, finish, and handling dynamics. Okay, we exaggerate a little, but if you like to drive, and not be driven, this Suzuki is much more enjoyable than the traditional sedans.

 Mom’s view: The exterior is nice, but it doesn’t shout Suzuki, which could be good or bad. It is enjoyable to drive and the six speed manual transmission shifts effortlessly. However, don’t skip first gear because the 185-horsepower engine bogs until the rpm reaches 2000. The clutch is mellow, the pedals a bit close together for those driving wearing thicker heels, and the ride is quiet.

 The Kizashi is really a surprise. We dearly love its smaller sister, the SX4, that is a nearly perfect cute utility vehicle with all wheel drive, great gas mileage and GPS for $15,000. But the Kizashi is more family oriented. We tested the Sport trim package with a lower grille, body side sill extensions, a trunk mounted spoiler, larger wheels and interior tidbits. It looks more sporty, but I am not sure it is worth it in daily driving.

 Safety wise there is a plethora of standard equipment including standard eight airbags; electronic stability program; an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution; and a tire pressure monitoring system among other features. Visibility to the sides and back is limited, but the mirrors are large and easy to adjust.

 Young working woman’s view: A great warranty that offers 100,000-mile/seven-year, is fully transferable, with a zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty anchors this Suzuki and soothes the fears of those afraid to leave the shelter of more popular brands. But it didn’t take me long to be won over by its features, values, and business like virtues. The headroom and legroom make the car feel much larger than it is. On the more upscale GTS and SLS models you get a sunroof as standard equipment. Nice touch. In fact, the Kizashi is full of nice touches, except for a couple it items such a driver’s computer readout that was overly optimistic about the mpg. The gauges use a small font, and why does it have to go to 140 mph? The climate control and stereo controls are a model of usability, but the iPod and USB ports were confusing. A nice car, but a turbo would make this a much more attractive bad boy.

Dad’s view: A car that loves to play best describes the Suzuki. It isn’t very powerful, but the engine is smooth. The 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine doesn’t get serious until over 5000 rpm so you don’t have to worry about leaving burnout marks on the pavement. But be warned, the highway ride is so pleasant that you seldom know how fast you are really going. We went to Palm Spring and constantly had to slow down. Going to Big Bear yielded a similar concern as the Suzuki bounding up the highway in fourth gear. The brake feel is a bit soft, but the four-wheel disc brakes offer short stops when pushed and the steering is light. An easy car to maneuver, If Suzuki can get people to drive this sedan they are going to be surprised.

Young working male’s view: The Suzuki is filled with little surprises. There is good interior lighting, a soft cloth covered glove box, a storage tray that keeps small items from sliding, and even door pull-straps. Add to that a keyless push start system, and such available goodies as a Bluetooth, a USB port and a very good Rockford Fosgate audio system with 10-speaker system. You have to ask yourself if you are brave enough to say you own a Suzuki and not have people think motorcycle.

Our test car had three-stage heated front seats; rain-sensing windshield wipers; heated mirrors; an automatic day-night mirror; voice-command hands-free calling, a standard sunroof on some versions, and available satellite radio. There is more, but suffice to say that this is the best Suzuki ever. Period.

Family conference: If you need a sedan you need to test drive this Suzuki. It uses unleaded fuel and sips it. You get exceptional safety equipment standard. The warranty is as good as it gets in this price range. The ride is compliant yet playful. If you live in the mountains you can order all wheel drive. After all, S is for super.

February 2, 2011

Audi Q5: A Luxury Gas Sipper

by The Car Family

For vehicle reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/home/most-reliable-vehicles/

For vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

If you relish the challenge of roads such as the Ortega Highway, Rim of the World Drive, Angeles Crest, and Highways 243 and 74, the Audi Q5 could be your best friend. Fun on the run whether carving canyons or battling inclines, this five-seater’s handling is going to remind you of why they came up with the term sport utility vehicle. It also is going to befriend you when you refill with excellent fuel economy combined with a 20 gallon gas tank and you have the ability to easily get to San Francisco without refueling.

The Audi is easily the class of the luxury SUV class if you like sporty handling. For those who want a soft ride stick with the Lexus RX. If you need more cargo room the domestic manufacturers have a multitude of good choices. And, if you can afford the gas try the other German entries. But you aren’t going to find a better combination of handling, safety, and energy efficiency in one, albeit, somewhat expensive, package. We were smitten, but we are pushovers for good mileage, a perky engine, and a sport suspension.

Mom’s view: This is an interesting vehicle. It looks big on the outside, but is a bit tight inside for cargo space. I liked the Q5, but for the price it should have more standard features. What it does have in abundance are safety features. It comes standard with ability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. I always recommend ordering the optional safety equipment. In the Audi’s case that includes must have items such as rear side airbags, a backup camera, a lane departure warning system, xenon headlights and even a braking system that warns the driver of a problem ahead. Crash scores are exceptional.

The Audi’s step-over is a bit high due to the nearly 8 inches of ground clearance and the rear hatch is also very difficult to reach if you are under 5’4”, but everything else from the interior lighting to the leather seats provide reassurance that those payments are worth it. Our first pit stop with the Audi was after four hours of tedium, better known as the Interstate 5. When we stepped out of the Q5 nothing. No stiffness, no fatigue, no dreading another four hours on the road. High praise indeed. Overall, a little too much car for my domestic needs. The A4 is what I crave.

Dad’s view: It cost just $43 for gas to drive from Upland to San Jose and the six hours flew by as it simply squashed the Grapevine. We listened to the free satellite radio, watched the driver’s computer mpg readouts escalate, and let the cruise control do the work. The Q5 got 32 mpg on Interstate 5 while keeping pace with the other bored drivers. The secret is a combination of a smallish, turbocharged 2.0-liter, inline-4 engine creating 211 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The transmission does hunt a bit for the right gear, but most of the time is a smooth workaholic. Visibility to the sides is quite good thanks to large mirrors, but there is clearly a need for the optional rearview camera as visibility in that direction is limited. I liked the AudiQ5 due to its just right size, ability to tow more than many other competitors, and the eight-speed transmission. This is as close as you are going to get a a continuous variable transmission and its attendant fuel saving attributes without having to sacrifice the ability to shift for yourself if you feel the need. And, I felt the need a great deal as the turbocharged engine has very little lag and was eager to please.

Young working woman’s view: The steering is interesting. It has an electric assist that adjusts to the situation. When you are parking in a tight spot it is light and when you hit the highway it is heavier. The tight turning radius makes parking in crowded mall lots less dramatic when people are watching.

I did notice that the sun washed out the monitor readings and the dash instrument fonts are quite small. It is a good thing Audi also offers a digital readout for your speed because the analog speedometer is arranged so what looks like 60 is really 80. And, since this is a fairly quiet ride, going well over the limit without noticing is the norm on highways. Like mom, I like the A4 best.

Young working male’s view: Call me practical, well no one ever has, but I think the Audi is more suited for those who need its well proven Quattro all wheel drive and clearance. Sadly, my practical sedan does not get the gas mileage this SUV does and isn’t as easy to park. That bulldog like front catches a lot of wind and our gas mileage went down nearly 30 percent when we were buffeted by a weak Santa Ana. The sound system is good and there were connections for an iPod and other electronic niceties, but you have to order some expensive options to harvest the best tunes in the Audi.

Family conference: The Q5 isn’t for everyone because it is made to be driven.

January 14, 2011

For more reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/

For vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

Mercedes revealed its all new  SLK and some interesting touches come with it such as a  panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control, which switches to light or dark at the touch of a button. There are new 4- and 6-cylinder engines that are up to 25 per cent more economical than their predecessors.The new front reduces drag tot 0.30.

The interior is updated, finally. A analogue clock sits on top of the dash with a flattened bottomed steering wheel and optional, get this,  sun-reflecting leather which reduces the degree to which the surfaces it covers heat up. That is  a must have. For the first time, according to  Mercedes-Benz, they are  offering a choice of three variants of the lightweight-construction vario-roof for the new SLK: In just a few seconds this feature transforms the roadster into a coupé with a “fixed” roof at the touch of a button – and vice versa.

There will initially be three models of the SLK available at its market launch, all of them powered by new engines with direct injection. The four-cylinder engines in the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY develop 184 hp and 204 hp respectively from a displacement of 1796 cubic centimetres. The SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY is the most economical roadster in its segment. With the enhanced, optional seven-speed automatic transmission 7G‑Tronic Plus it returns 46.3 mpg on the combined cycle. The frugal model sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 7.0 seconds, and achieves its top speed at 147 mph (150 with manual transmission).

The SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY is equipped as standard with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and returns 45.5 mpg on the combined cycle. From a standstill it reaches 62 mph in 6.6 seconds, and it has a top speed of 150 mph.

The V6 engine in the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY draws 306 hp from its 3498 cubic-centimetre displacement, using this power to accelerate in 5.6 seconds from 0 to 62 mph (top speed 155 mph). It returns 39.7 mpg on the combined cycle.

There are also also three suspension versions to choose from the conventional steel suspension comes as standard and you can order a sports suspension with harder springs and dampers ensures a systematically sporty driving experience or the  a Dynamic Handling package is available. Its merits include a suspension with continuous adjustable damping.

Also included in the Dynamic Handling package are a Direct-Steer system and the Torque Vectoring Brakes developed by Mercedes-Benz. The Direct-Steer system offers more handling and agility than the standard steering, whilst also reducing the amount of physical effort required when parking.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK has  ATTENTION ASSIST that anticipatory occupant protection system Pre-Safe® as standard; plus the optional Pre-Safe® Brake, which can apply the brakes autonomously in the event of an impending rear-end collision. Also available are andIntelligent Light System provides five lighting functions (cornering light function, country mode, motorway mode, active light function and enhanced fog lamps), which are activated depending on the driving conditions and a Speed Limit Assist is able to detect speed limit signs using a camera on the inside of the windscreen and indicate the respective detected speed limit on a display in the instrument cluster. Interesting.

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via carfamily.wordpress.com

Teachers are an easy target when discussing education reform. Just remember that when you’re pointing a finger at a teacher, you have three other fingers pointing back at you.

If we’re going to transform education it cannot be at the expense of teachers. And, give credit where credit is due. The education system is not broken. It may not be preparing kids for a world in the future that we don’t know what it looks like, but it still does a good job of preparing kids for the world as we knew it.