OPINION: Math 123: Failed policy masquerading as progress

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Staff Writer
in Top Stories
Wednesday, February 23. 2011
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BY JOHN KONOP

Math 123 may be a well-intended effort to prepare students for a globally competitive workplace, but it’s a proven failure that’s causing substantially more harm than good. Math 123 radically changed our high school math curriculum without properly reviewing it with teachers and parents. It replaced the traditional math sequence (Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Trigonometry) with Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3, which teaches each subject in parallel, rather than starting and completing one topic before moving on to the next.

Every Georgia child is now required to pass Math 123 to graduate from high school, which means they must complete the equivalent of Algebra II. That is too aggressive of a goal for some students. Prior to Math 123, less than one-third of students were able to complete Algebra I. Those that can’t pass Math 123 are dropping out of school in shocking numbers, which damages their self-esteem and long-term economic prospects. Many resort to taking the GED, which doesn’t require Algebra II, in an effort to salvage their futures. [Full Story »] 

OPINION: Ludlow signs off for last time

Posted by
Chris Bridges
in Opinions
Wednesday, February 16. 2011
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It was sometime in 1988 when I discovered the man known as Ludlow Porch.

An experiment of placing my radio on the AM dial (unheard of for teenagers then or now) led to my hearing his talk radio show on WSB (the 750 side). An interest in talk radio was forming and Ludlow’s unique brand of humor was a show which caught my attention more than most.

I remember Ludlow having trivia contests on his radio show and how you were encouraged to “dial in for yard eggs.” I actually thought you would receive a carton of eggs in the mail of you were the winner for the day. Ah, still so much to learn at that age. Somehow, Ludlow would have appreciated that I think. [Full Story »] 

OPINION: Enjoying the simple pleasures

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Chris Bridges
in Opinions
Wednesday, February 9. 2011
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Is it true that you enjoy the smaller things in life more the older you get? It seems that is the case.

This past Sunday I found myself enjoying the simple joy of having a blue sky above with plenty of sunshine. The previous week was filled with rain and the combination of that and the calendar still reading February, has many of us longing for warmer times. [Full Story »] 

OPINION: A little bio info goes a long way

Posted by
Chris Bridges
in Opinions
Wednesday, January 26. 2011
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One of my favorite things about vintage football media guides is that they often would give you insight into a player that regular fans would not have known otherwise. [Full Story »] 

OPINION: Trying week for all involved

Posted by
Chris Bridges
in Opinions
Wednesday, January 19. 2011
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Being a native of Middle Georgia, I’m not used to weather occurrences like the one we had last week.

It’s why I can remember when we have them for they are so rare. We still talk about the winter storm that arrived in 1993. Ironically, I was a college student home on spring break at the time. I guess I should have headed for Florida that week with so many of my fellow students.

The way I tried to prevent last week’s winter blast was to think positive. “It won’t be as bad as they say,” I tried to convince myself. “If they’ve been talking about it for this long there’s no way it can happen,” I said over and over. [Full Story »] 

OPINION: All in all, 2010 not a bad year

Posted by
Chris Bridges
in Opinions
Wednesday, January 5. 2011
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The arrival of a new year has always been something I look forward to.

It brings a sense of renewal, a sense of hope and gives us a feeling that maybe, just maybe, this will be the year when we win the lottery. [Full Story »] 

OPINION: 25 things you probably don’t want to know about me

Posted by
Angela Gary
in Opinions
Wednesday, December 29. 2010
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Twenty-five years ago, I was a very quiet, very shy teenager who had an interest in working in the newspaper field. I called my hometown newspaper and asked the editor if she had a job opening. She told me to come in and do some filing and inventory and, 25 years later, I’m still working for the company.

[Full Story »] 

OPINION: Family makes holidays special

Posted by
Chris Bridges
in Opinions
Wednesday, December 22. 2010
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Ready or not, Christmas is here.

The mad rush to buy presents, decorate the house, cook tons of food and mail Christmas cards is entering a fever pitch. In just a few days, the “Big Day” will be here. [Full Story »] 

OPINION: ‘Dandy’ Don a trendsetter in broadcast booth

Posted by
Chris Bridges
in Opinions
Monday, December 13. 2010
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The sports world lost another icon in recent days with the passing of “Dandy” Don Meredith. [Full Story »] 

Thankful for lessons learned

Posted by
Angela Gary
in Opinions
Tuesday, November 23. 2010
Comment (1)
My mother has instilled in me a strong Christian background that has helped me deal with the difficult times in life, as well as enjoy the many blessings that come my way. I know from my mother's example that prayer is important and we should always put God first in our lives. [Full Story »] 
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