Critique of Classmate's Blog

When I read the 5th blog from Texas Blogging Gal, I was appalled that Mrs. Mahaffey had to go through such tough and terrifying ordeal. I couldn’t believe that there was nothing to be done, but “let nature take its course” just because of a law. That itself seems unjust for the Mahaffey’s special case, and brings attention to certain circumstances that the law should over look. The blog flowed smoothly and in good composition, but seemed to lack an argumentative sense. Overall, it was intriguing, informative, and a real eye opener. 

Texas on Standardized Testing

It has been disputed for years now on the effectiveness of standardized testing in Texas public schools among parents, educators, and legislators. On the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website, states the following: 

Texas started state mandated tests back in 1980, which the test has changed 5 times to increase from basic knowledge of the TABS to the current rigorous STAAR which students must pass certain subjects while in a particular grade in order to proceed to the next.

I, among those that favored that standardized testing should reduced somewhat the importance of the testing of subject mastery or to excelling to the next grade. Students that are about to start testing or are in the middle of testing undergo an enormous amount of anxiety or stress, which goes along with the rest of the coursework for the school-year. It is a relief to know that Governor Abbott share similar views, as educators and parents do. Back in the 2015 legislation, Governor Abbott was able to sign a bill, Senate Bill 149, which allows students to graduate who fail the STARR exams. Of course not without steps for approval: 

However, that only helps those who fail the exams, but does not decrease the amount of stress a student must prepare mentally during the school year in order to pass. Those who fail, may lose initiative to continue with their education and perhaps drop out and give up on themselves. Those who do not give up end up wasting their vacation, what is supposed to be a break from academia and all other stressors, in attending summer school to retake exams. The TEA website gives a good breakdown of TAKS vs STARR exam results of previous years: 

Is it purposely difficult to test the knowledge of students or to see if the educators are doing their best to make sure the student understands such knowledge? That is one dilemma, that needs further research. 

On Thursday, October 15, 2015, the Burnt Orange Report published an article titled Dan Patrick Hates ISIS; Doesn’t Want to Help Refugees Fleeing ISIS. I would say that the editors’, a Mrs. Katie Singh, intended audience is for those who encourage the help and resettlement of ISIS refugees in Texas, and I sense a disapproval of Dan Patrick’s hypocritical morals as Lieutenant Governor with a hint of distaste of Donald Trump. Mrs. Singh has been involved in Texas politics since 2004. She has been a part of several campaigns, from state house races to working at President Obama's campaign headquarters in 2012. In the article, She is addressing the two dominant subjects that Dan Patrick “hates” which are immigrants and ISIS, and which he objects to one more than the other. In this case, the view is that he leans towards immigration into Texas and the services that would help with the movement. The Texas’ Health And Human Services Commission is what runs the Texas’ Refugee Resettlement Program, and by its title would help with the transition of ISIS refugees into Texas, which is why Dan Patrick is tackling his issues by the roots. She provides a snippet of his issues to the Senate Committee on Health And Human Services, “Study the impact to the state of the increasing number of refugees relocating to Texas, including the range of health and human services provided. Examine the authority of the state to reduce it’s burden under the Refugee Resettlement Program, and any state-funded services.” When it comes to agreeing or disagreeing, I cannot really decide. I think in this argument I would stay by the side lines, because I am somewhat conflicted. I would agree to helping those in need and suffering from religious persecution from terrorist, but as a person who grew up on relying on the Health and Human Services I am a little discourage. Adding another program to HHSC could possibly mean stretching out or reducing the other active programs/services, which would effect the current applicants that reside in Texas.

On Monday, September 28, 2015, the Austin American Statesman published a commentary article titled Moorhead: Texas needs to address poverty, pollution and polarization. I want to say that in this article, Mrs. Moorhead is trying to target young adults that can change their daily habits, who can influence others, and who can try to protect the environment, and political officials who can work within the legislature to do so. Mrs. Bee Moorhead is not a journalist but is the executive director of Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy/Texas Impact, so she participates effectively in public policy discussions concerning issues of broad religious social concern, through non-partisan education on policy issues and training in civic participation. During Pope Francis visit to the United States, he commented on our attempts, as a nation, of bringing together the management of wealth, natural resources, and technology to build a “’modern, inclusive, sustainable’ future.” Mrs. Moorhead explains as a State we could be part of such future but we need to address some concerning issues that may delay us from such future such as: poverty, pollution, and polarization. In the article she has some compelling evidence that, “In 2014 more than 4 million Texans - more than 16 percent – lived below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.” The regulation of methane gas has its effects on humans and the environment. “Methane is responsible for about 25 percent of global warming; reducing methane would also cut air pollution that cause cancer and asthma.” Plus, race and religious tensions still exist to a disturbing extent.  “According to recent UT/Texas Tribune poll, Texans are even polarized about the extent of our division” I do agree in how she sees that with these existing issues can falter the future to which may bring us closer as nation. I feel like any advancement towards a bigger and brighter future maybe based on injustice, because of our lack of attempts to help each other and the place which we live in.

On Wednesday, September 15, 2015, the Texas Insider published an article titled Let's Serve Our Military. I do believe this article is a worth read, because it shows how our governor is getting involved with veteran health care system and honoring how Obama kept his promise. The residents of the Rio Grande Valley have had a dispute of not having a near VA hospital. As a native, I remember watching in the news of veterans marching from Edinburg to San Antonio (228 miles) to meet with congress men and VA directors trying to gain attention, back in 2009. Reason pertaining to this march is that veterans of south Texas who were seeking care must travel roughly 5 hours to the nearest VA hospital and to be on a 2 year wait list to seek treatment. To know that one was finally built a year later is great to hear. However, still more issues are needed to be address, but with the help of Texas and federal government it is possible to resolve.

Hello Peers.