ASCD Welcomes DetentionSlip

This past weekend DetentionSlip had the honor of attending the annual ASCD Conference in Orlando, FL. It is known on the streets as "The Baddest Education Conference in the Country." This years theme was Learning Beyond Boundaries. Hundreds of teachers and education specialists gathered for the variety of exhibits, workshops, and presentations to learn new methods of engaging the young pupils of the future. Of all the inspiring and creative ideas that ASCD packaged for this event, there was one minor oversight. As a free handout, all attendees received a bright, neon-green tote bag. These bags made conference-goers stand out like sore thumbs walking through the busy tourist district of Orlando. But with temperatures in the 80's, can you really blame them for cutting class?

Stay tuned for interviews with some of the more interesting minds from this conference.

<div align="justify"><a href="http://ascd.org/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313982368401802418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKczN30Us8c9qNWCLrSZQBsXOTBlg66FWyk6FPctJUNP-EOJaZRgDDe1roIuOJmjgvwG0XaDfj5yaxc9LKtAKgdIOUKOhuQOHQZtNuHUFdG5fwa01550iQvcGWaF4J8g881law5EFurE-S/s400/ascd.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>This past weekend DetentionSlip had the honor of attending the annual <a href="http://ascd.org/conferences/annual_conference/2009/conference_daily.aspx">ASCD Conference</a> in Orlando, FL. It is known on the streets as "The Baddest Education Conference in the Country." This years theme was <em>Learning Beyond Boundaries</em>. Hundreds of teachers and education specialists gathered for the variety of exhibits, workshops, and presentations to learn new methods of engaging the young pupils of the future. Of all the inspiring and creative ideas that ASCD packaged for this event, there was one minor oversight. As a free handout, all attendees received a bright, neon-green tote bag. These bags made conference-goers stand out like sore thumbs walking through the busy tourist district of Orlando. But with temperatures in the 80's, can you really blame them for cutting class? </div><div align="justify"><br /><div align="justify">Stay tuned for interviews with some of the more interesting minds from this conference.</div></div>

NYC Middle Schoolers Accidentally Given Condoms

Story: NYC Middle Schoolers Accidentally Given Condoms

Students all took home goodie bags at school health fair. To the surprise of dozens of teens, they got condoms (complete with directions) included. In a completely unrelated story, teen sex increased by about 25% after that day. However, teens practicing safe sex increased by about 100%. Who would have thought? The school also apologized for passing out mini bottles of vodka, assuming the 7th graders would wait until they were 21 to drink it.

<a href="http://www.racewire.org/archives/condom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.racewire.org/archives/condom.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://wcbstv.com/local/condoms.clinton.middle.2.958729.html">NYC Middle Schoolers Accidentally Given Condoms</a></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Students all took home goodie bags at school health fair. To the surprise of dozens of teens, they got condoms (complete with directions) included. In a completely unrelated story, teen sex increased by about 25% after that day. However, teens practicing safe sex increased by about 100%. Who would have thought? The school also apologized for passing out mini bottles of vodka, assuming the 7th graders would wait until they were 21 to drink it.</></div>

Kids Smoking Smarties

Story: Candy-Maker Tries To Ignore Kids Pretending To Smoke On YouTube

Research shows that a new trend for pre-teens is posting how-to videos explaining the finer points of crushing up smarties, inhaling the dust, and then puffing out powered sugar. "Titus" featured above, is apparently one of the more popular connoisseurs.

I don't see what the big deal is here.

1. Smarties will see a boost in sales in the pre-teen market.
2. Kids will develop the skills necessary to become full fledged smokers when they turn 13, giving a much needed revenue boost to the tobacco companies.
3. Kids are learning valuable lessons in video production.

How many of their teachers could even post a youtube video, let alone blow smoke rings from pressed sucrose.

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div align="center"><br /><div class="youtube-video"><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ACDSkCeEfWs"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /> <embed wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ACDSkCeEfWs" width="425" height="355"></embed> </object></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong>Story: </strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/candy-marketer-tries-to-ignore-kids-pretending-to-smoke-on-youtube-2009-3">Candy-Maker Tries To Ignore Kids Pretending To Smoke On YouTube</a><br /><br />Research shows that a new trend for pre-teens is posting how-to videos explaining the finer points of crushing up smarties, inhaling the dust, and then puffing out powered sugar. "Titus" featured above, is apparently one of the more popular connoisseurs.<br /><br />I don't see what the big deal is here.<br /></div><div align="left"><ol><li>Smarties will see a boost in sales in the pre-teen market. </li><li>Kids will develop the skills necessary to become full fledged smokers when they turn 13, giving a much needed revenue boost to the tobacco companies. </li><li>Kids are learning valuable lessons in video production.</li></ol></div>How many of their teachers could even post a youtube video, let alone blow smoke rings from pressed sucrose.<br /></div><div class="zemanta-pixie"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=2227ca83-814c-46b5-9c2b-f95a1a111714" /></div></div>

Photographer Accused Of Touching School Girls

Story: Photographer Accused Of Touching School Girls

"Man, you fifth graders could be models!" We used to have to worry about the plastic combs they gave us having lice. Now our young boys and girls have to deal with touchy-feely photographers. I wonder where in the camera's manual it advises you to rub a girl uncomfortably?

<a href="http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/22/professional-photographers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/22/professional-photographers.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 389px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.kcra.com/news/18920801/detail.html">Photographer Accused Of Touching School Girls</a><br /><br /><div align="justify">"<em>Man, you fifth graders could be models!"</em> We used to have to worry about the plastic combs they gave us having lice. Now our young boys and girls have to deal with touchy-feely photographers. I wonder where in the camera's manual it advises you to rub a girl uncomfortably?</></div>

Appleton schools nix Civil War re-enactment battle

Story: Appleton schools nix Civil War re-enactment battle

They are still teaching the Civil War, just without one feature- the war! Even though guns and violence are rich deep in our American history, these fifth graders will now learn otherwise. It seems the Civil War was a bit too violent. Before long, all of our major wars and conflicts will be depicted as stimulating debates with the winner chosen by his excellent rhetoric.

<a href="http://www.history.com/minisites/civilwar/images/civil-war-lincoln-pinkerton.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.history.com/minisites/civilwar/images/civil-war-lincoln-pinkerton.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 377px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090312/APC0101/903120521/1003/APC01">Appleton schools nix Civil War re-enactment battle</a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">They are still teaching the Civil War, just without one feature- <em>the war</em>! Even though guns and violence are rich deep in our American history, these fifth graders will now learn otherwise. It seems the Civil War was a bit too violent. Before long, all of our major wars and conflicts will be depicted as stimulating debates with the winner chosen by his excellent rhetoric.</></div>

Man arrested waiting for 14-year old after school

Story: Wisconsin man knew sexual contact was a crime, police say

The 20-year old man was waiting for his sweetheart outside of the school with a diamond ring. He then explained to the police that this is just like a 26-year old being in love with a 20-year old. Now hopefully he will listen as the rest of the world explains to him that anything under 18 is statutory rape. Who would have thought that you can add "dates with creepy older men" to your list of extracurricular after-school activities.

<a href="http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/vanslant/chris_hanson.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/vanslant/chris_hanson.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.tribstar.com/local/local_story_070225710.html">Wisconsin man knew sexual contact was a crime, police say</a></div><br /><div></div><div align="justify">The 20-year old man was waiting for his sweetheart outside of the school with a diamond ring. He then explained to the police that this is just like a 26-year old being in love with a 20-year old. Now hopefully he will listen as the rest of the world explains to him that anything under 18 is statutory rape. Who would have thought that you can add "dates with creepy older men" to your list of extracurricular after-school activities.</></div>

Lesbian sues to wear tux to prom

Story: Lesbian sues to wear tux to prom

It seems this school has a strict policy that each couple attending prom must properly represent their respective God-given sex. Well, the ACLU feels that a teen can dress in whatever prom attire they desire. We can only assume the principal will be in the parking lot with picket signs and deflammatory comments towards anyone who supports homosexuality.

<a href="http://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/11/MPW-5834"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/11/MPW-5834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 442px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1472086,lesbian-tuxedo-prom-lebanon-031109.article">Lesbian sues to wear tux to prom</a></div><br /><div></div><div align="justify">It seems this school has a strict policy that each couple attending prom must properly represent their respective God-given sex. Well, the ACLU feels that a teen can dress in whatever prom attire they desire. We can only assume the principal will be in the parking lot with picket signs and deflammatory comments towards anyone who supports homosexuality.</></div>

Teen gives away thousands in cash he found

Story: Teen gives away thousands in cash he found

After finding the discarded bag of a drug dealer, this boy did the most noble thing he could think of- hand out 100 dollar bills to everyone he saw! As a teacher, I am sure it is hard to keep your mouth shut after a learning-disabled teen just gave you over $1000, but unfortunately now the cops get to pocket the mysterious cash. This boy gets the gold star sticker of the week!

<a href="http://www.negotiationlawblog.com/iStock_000002918402XSmall%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.negotiationlawblog.com/iStock_000002918402XSmall%5B1%5D.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 339px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29656382/">Teen gives away thousands in cash he found</a><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">After finding the discarded bag of a drug dealer, this boy did the most noble thing he could think of- hand out 100 dollar bills to everyone he saw! As a teacher, I am sure it is hard to keep your mouth shut after a learning-disabled teen just gave you over $1000, but unfortunately now the cops get to pocket the mysterious cash. This boy gets the gold star sticker of the week!</div>

School ought to back off on pierced teen

Story: School ought to back off on pierced teen

Midway through the school year the administration decided to implement a policy that forbids multiple piercings. Though the honor student has never posed a threat to anyone, it is assumed that the principal just didn't like her look. The irony is that now it has become a big deal because it's shining a huge spotlight on an unjustified policy. Who would have thought that singling someone out has side effects?

<a href="http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/st-barts/images/elaine4.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/st-barts/images/elaine4.gif" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 337px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/603935.html">School ought to back off on pierced teen</a></div><div> </div><div align="justify">Midway through the school year the administration decided to implement a policy that forbids multiple piercings. Though the honor student has never posed a threat to anyone, it is assumed that the principal just didn't like her look. The irony is that now it <em>has</em> become a big deal because it's shining a huge spotlight on an unjustified policy. Who would have thought that singling someone out has side effects?</></div>

Student stabbed with scissors at DuSable High

Story: Student stabbed with scissors at DuSable High

The incident happened during a "supervised conflict resolution session." It really makes you wonder what kind of qualifications this mediator has. I just hope they don't do marriage counseling on the side.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ17JEmuyjoYFLBV1bVq98jrOHdECruWRoWZs3ZRSFxb4PAd-Dc-KIAjxvS7yIMTp7m9YWv1_kOqS5p7KqoQdVZNOAbSgE8EKYz4QqrAOQj4W1bM3jGbSIsn9tw2OR7EHy4g6acPktDPh6/s1600-h/scissor.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312468250731125586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ17JEmuyjoYFLBV1bVq98jrOHdECruWRoWZs3ZRSFxb4PAd-Dc-KIAjxvS7yIMTp7m9YWv1_kOqS5p7KqoQdVZNOAbSgE8EKYz4QqrAOQj4W1bM3jGbSIsn9tw2OR7EHy4g6acPktDPh6/s320/scissor.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/03/1-stabbed-at-dusable-high-school.html">Student stabbed with scissors at DuSable High</a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">The incident happened during a "supervised conflict resolution session." It really makes you wonder what kind of qualifications this mediator has. I just hope they don't do marriage counseling on the side.</></div>

Preschooler carries pot in bookbag: preschool bans... bookbags?

Story: Preschooler carries pot in bookbag: preschool bans... bookbags?

Well, it's official...we are stripping students of their rights at the ripe at of four. What is more surprising, is that the solution to youngsters carrying drugs, is banning backpacks. Maybe the kid is just trying to move a couple baggies around school to help his mom through tough times.

<a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/images/outside-baby-mini-backpack2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/images/outside-baby-mini-backpack2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 342px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://blogs.trb.com/features/family/parenting/blog/2009/03/preschooler_carries_pot_in_boo.html">Preschooler carries pot in bookbag: preschool bans... bookbags?</a><br /><br /><div align="justify">Well, it's official...we are stripping students of their rights at the ripe at of four. What is more surprising, is that the solution to youngsters carrying drugs, is banning backpacks. Maybe the kid is just trying to move a couple baggies around school to help his mom through tough times.</></div>

Job Forecast for College Grads: Grimmer Than Ever

Story: Job Forecast for College Seniors: Grimmer Than Ever

From the article:

"serving lattes for minimum wage plus tips is a painful prospect to the average college student, who graduates with $21,000 in the red."

We just reported about the 700 people applying for an Ohio school janitor position. And now Time Magazine is reporting even with a college education the job prospects are slim. How are teachers handling keeping moral up in the classroom, and more importantly, how are they equipping students to succeed despite the highest unemployment rate in decades?

<div align="center" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36042123@N05/3331365701"><img height="331" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3382/3331365701_728b08e407.jpg" style="WIDTH: 272px; HEIGHT: 338px" width="319" /></a><br /></div><b><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br />Story:</b> <a href="http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1882979,00.html">Job Forecast for College Seniors: Grimmer Than Ever</a><br /></div><blockquote xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">From the article:<br /><br />"serving lattes for minimum wage plus tips is a painful prospect to the average college student, who graduates with $21,000 in the red."<br /></blockquote><div align="justify" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">We just reported about the <a href="http://www.detentionslip.org/2009/03/700-apply-for-ohio-janitor-position.html">700 people applying for an Ohio school janitor position</a>. And now Time Magazine is reporting even with a college education the job prospects are slim. How are teachers handling keeping moral up in the classroom, and more importantly, how are they equipping students to succeed despite the highest unemployment rate in decades?<br /><br /></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=cf86efb7-a2ee-4363-ba60-f20f6048be2c" /></div>