Is a dress code appropriate for teachers?

Short answer - yes! Of course. How can educators expect students to follow reasonable rules of dress and conduct when they are unwilling to do so? Professional Educators should act the part to consistently provide good examples to our youth. Many studies have shown that dress and appearance matters. Teachers are the first to validate this when speaking of students. However, it applies to teachers, as well. Educators are generally more professional and effective when they dress and act the part. Too often, such reasonable policies are shot down by school administrators, district administrators, or union officials, because they are afraid of offending teachers. It is the position of UEC that schools and districts, such as Huntsville City Schools, are on the right track and clearly understand that education is all about doing what is right for students, which means setting a good example (see article posted at http://www.al.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/122458053118620.xml&coll=1).

Recess cutbacks overstated?

See the 9/11/08 article "School recess cutbacks overstated, report states" by Dani McClain of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (see www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=793908). This article reinforces the fact that there is no universal "one size fits all" philosophy, method, or approach that works all of the time in education. It's unfortunate that certain types of students (i.e., minority, poor, and urban students) miss out on recess more often than their counterparts throughout the nation. That trend should change. Recess plays an important part in children's development at school. Although it should be used reasonably and responsibly, this data should encourage school leaders to reevaluate their positions and approaches, based on their students and their communities.

"America"

At this time of political decision, it's important to reflect on what our country stands for - otherwise the education and future of our children may suffer ...

America means everything to me. It represents freedom throughout the world. It provides opportunity to all within its borders. The United States of America emerged as a direct result of the many struggles and great wisdom of our ancestors. We owe much to them and seek to perpetuate their sacrifices for our children.

I love the diversity of America. There are few places in the world that enjoy so much variation of beauty. There are even fewer places where such a variety of peoples and cultures are integrated into one society. America is special and unique. People love to come here, because America inspires the best in people.

America is home. It represents apple pie, baseball, and sunday school. America inspires greatness at every turn. Anyone and everyone can be successful in America. All that is required is desire and hard work.

America stands tall and will continue to be a light to the world as we, its people, remember the core foundations upon which is was established: individual worth and potential, faith, unity, liberty, and justice.