May 9, 2012

More Errors Found In Questions On Standardized Tests

New York State High-Stakes Exams: More Errors Found In Questions On Standardized Tests

Posted: 05/09/2012 1:46 pm Updated: 05/09/2012 1:46 pm

 

The errors on New York's state exams just keep mounting.

As a result, districts were forced to re-score exams and costing extra in public funds to pay teachers overtime to do so. 

The Semantics of Mean

Premium article access courtesy of Edweek.org.

The volume on the subject of bullying has grown even louder in recent weeks with the conviction of Dharun Ravi in a hate crime against his college roommate, Tyler Clementi, and the release of two documentaries on the subject: “Speak Up” and the forthcoming “Bully.” While parents, legislators, and even student advocates continue to articulate the seriousness of bullying and the toll this activity takes on children and teens, the use of electronic devices and the Internet to telegraph information, as evidenced, in fact, by Ravi’s conviction, now firmly frames cyberbullying in a criminal context. I believe this is a step in the right direction. 
“Too often, teens flip off the word ‘bully’ as childish, knowing that assailants today are much more vicious than the playground bullies of the previous century.”

Obama Backs Gay Marriage

The statement constitutes an act of political bravery on the president's behalf, as well as a major victory for the gay rights community, which has been pushing him to declare his support for marriage equality for several years. With the issue back in the news this week, the pressure intensified.

Still, the symbolism of Obama's remarks is hard to ignore. In becoming the first president to publicly support marriage equality, he sets the bar for its political acceptance. He also has the ability to shape public opinion further on the matter.

Maple Hill Lacrosse


  Maple Hill Lacrosse Fund Raiser
Thursday May 10, 2012 at 7:00-9:00pm Maple Hill Lacrosse Fundraiser with Rodger Wyland’s Barstool Banter at the Recovery Sport’s Grill in Troy.

Second Masseur Files Sexual Battery And Harassment Suit

John Travolta Lawsuit: Second Masseur Files Sexual Battery And Harassment Suit Against Actor

RadarOnline reports that the second alleged victim, who is identified in the documents only as "Doe Plaintiff No. 2," claims to have "substantial documentation and numerous witnesses regarding the substance of Travolta's actions." The site notes that the second accuser -- who is said to have worked at an unspecified Atlanta-based resort -- is also being represented by the same lawyer as the first. Both are seeking $2 million in punitive damages, and in the amended complaint, they are both now suing Travolta for sexual harassment as well.

For Immediate Release


From the East Greenbush Police Blotter 

City and Town police working with the DEA, have been conducting a joint investigation into the distribution of narcotics in southern Rensselaer County resulting in several arrests made late Monday and overnight:
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Heroine Arrest 
Frank R. Ingoldsby, 45 of Drumough Road Averill Park, and Jacob R. Quickenton, 20, of 1st Street Troy, have been charged with Criminal Sale Controlled Substance 3rd Dgr. – Heroin. 

EG Blotter 4/11 - 5/8/2012

May 8, 2012

Cops: Two drug rings busted in East Greenbush



Two men, one from Troy, the other from Averill Park, were charged with selling heroin in southern portions of Rensselaer County. Three men and two women were charged with selling prescription drugs, mainly Oxycodone, in the same area. Police said the operations were not related, but were both based in town.
"Everything just unfolded at the same time," said East Greenbush Police Chief Christopher Lavin.

May 7, 2012